noon
Ferraud put forward the supposition that they had been watched . As for hiding it in Corsica at all , every one understood that it was a matter of sentiment . Fitzgerald keenly inspected the drivers , but found them of the ordinary breed , in velveteens , red-sashes , and soft felt hats . As they made the noon stop , one thing struck him as peculiar . The driver of the provision carriage had little or nothing to do with his companions . `` That is because _ he _ is mine , '' explained M. Ferraud in a whisper . They were all capable horsemen , and on this journey spared their horses only when absolutely necessary .