About midday
She now ascended to the second story and peered long and frequently in the same direction , in the hope of catching sight of her brother . Meanwhile Capt. Asbury disposed of the members of his party as best he could . They needed no instructions from him to avoid in every way possible annoying the ladies , who were considerate and kind . About midday , excitement was caused among the besieged by the appearance of a flag of truce . A man rode over the ridge , down which the cattlemen had come in such haste , holding a white handkerchief fluttering over his head . His horse walked slowly and the rider kept his gaze on the front of the house , as though in doubt of the reception awaiting him . A hundred feet away he came to a halt , still flourishing the peace signal above his hat .