noon
Yet after all he soon caught a glimpse through the trees of the little town 's first cluster of houses , and then of all the roofs that crowded about a conical steeple , whose slates were secured to the angles of the wooden framework by sheets of tin that glittered in the sun . This sort of roof , which has a peculiar appearance , denotes the nearness of the borders of Savoy , where it is very common . The valley is wide at this particular point , and a fair number of houses pleasantly situated , either in the little plain or along the side of the mountain stream , lend human interest to the well-tilled spot , a stronghold with no apparent outlet among the mountains that surround it . It was noon when Genestas reined in his horse beneath an avenue of elm-trees half-way up the hillside , and only a few paces from the town , to ask the group of children who stood before him for M. Benassis ' house . At first the children looked at each other , then they scrutinized the stranger with the expression that they usually wear when they set eyes upon anything for the first time ; a different curiosity and a different thought in every little face . Then the boldest and the merriest of the band , a little bright-eyed urchin , with bare , muddy feet , repeated his words over again , in child fashion . `` M. Benassis ' house , sir ? ''