noon
And Sir Gavan preceded his son into the guard-room on the left of the vaulted entrance , walking heavily , as one who bears an unaccustomed burden upon his shoulders . Yet when he spoke again his voice had its accustomed steadiness . `` No one has seen her since ten of the sundial . It is now noon , and the alarm-bell has been ringing this half-hour . '' Constans felt something tighten at his own throat . `` You have searched the enclosure ? '' he faltered .