noon
`` There be many trees in this forest , and behind any one of them he holds his court . When he needs us there is his clear horn . But when men need him who knows which shadow is his of all that lie in the forest ? '' Whether or not there was anything interesting in the mystery , to Rodriguez it was merely annoying ; and finding it grew no clearer he turned his attention to shelter for the night , to which all travellers give a thought at least once , between noon and sunset . `` Is there any house on this road , señor , '' he said , `` in which we could rest the night ? '' `` Ten miles from here , '' said he , `` and not far from the road you take is the best house we have in the forest . It is yours , master , for as long as you honour it . ''