noon
Now when I enquired of the housekeeper what might be the end and reason for this visit , the woman hid beneath her apron a jar of honey which the old dame had given her as a sweetmeat for the children ; and she gave me to understand that the worthy lady had come forth to the forest to collect her widow 's dues of honey , and had tarried on her way for a little friendly discourse . But methought that `` little '' must have had some strange meaning , inasmuch as the housewife 's withered cheeks were of the color of a robin 's breast . Hereupon I threatened her with my finger , and enquired of her whether she had not betrayed more to the evil-tongued old woman than she ought , but she eagerly denied the charge . My ride home to the town after noon was not altogether a pleasant one , by reason that icy rain poured from heaven in streams , mingled with snow . The further we went the worse the roads were , and yet when my companions turned at the city-gate to ride homewards again , a strange , fierce confidence came upon me . Whether it were that the wet which ran off from me and my stout horse had singularly refreshed me , or whether it was the steadfast purpose I had set as I rode along , to risk my all to the end that I might redeem my brethren , I know not . But to this hour I mind me that , as I rode in through the dark streets , my heart beat high with contentment , and that had I been such another man as Herdegen I might have been ready enough to pick a quarrel with the first who should have said me nay .