minutes before noon
This might be alleged in any case , and any delay of travel might be brought forward to account for non-appearance as plausibly as this trumped-up accident in which nobody was hurt . He did his best , which was also his worst , and the judge once more addressed the Squire , who stood waiting for Bartley 's counsel to close . `` I was about to adjourn the Court , '' said the judge , in that accent which is the gift of the South to some parts of the West ; it is curiously soft and gentle , and expressive , when the speaker will , of a caressing deference . `` But we have still some minutes before noon in which we can hear you in support of your motion , if you are ready . '' `` I am m-ready , your honor ! '' The old man 's nasals cut across the judge 's rounded tones , almost before they had ceased . His lips compressed themselves to a waving line , and his high hawk-beak came down over them ; the fierce light burned in his cavernous eyes , and his grizzled hair erected itself like a crest .