midday
What have I done to you ? '' There was no reply . `` What are you going to do to me -- '' she began again , and was shaken by the shoulder until silent . At last the vast arch of the eastern sky sprang out ahead , where stunted spruces stood out against the sunshine and the intense heat of midday fell upon a bare table-land of rock and moss and fern . As she came out upon the level , the man behind her took both her arms and pulled them back and somebody bandaged her eyes . Then a hand closed on her left arm and , so guided , she stumbled and crept forward across the rocks for a few moments until her guide halted her and forced her into a sitting position on a smooth , flat boulder . She heard the crunching of heavy feet all around her , whispering made hoarse by breath exhausted , movement across rock and scrub , retreating steps .