noon
The colonel sat in wretched silence a few moments ; then he arose : `` If it were not for _ her _ danger , -- her heart , -- I would never drop the matter here , -- never ! I would see it through to the bitter end . But you are probably right as to the prudent course to take . I 'll get them away on the noon train : he thinks they do not start until later . Now I must go and face it . My God , Chester ! could you look at that child and realize it ?