noon
`` If we are fated to go down , we will fall with banners flying . '' After a time the captain returned with his supplies , but still the majority of the guild remained engaged in deliberation . Evidently discussion was not proceeding with that unanimity which Kurzbold always insisted was the case . At noon Roland requested the captain to send some of his men with a meal for those in prolonged session , and also to carry them a cask which had been half-emptied either that morning or the night before . `` They will enjoy a picnic under the trees by the margin of the river , '' said Roland , as he and his two backers sat down in the empty cabin to their own repast . `` Do you think they are purposely delaying , so that you can not cross over this afternoon ? '' '' 'T is very likely , '' said Roland .