Noon
In surly tones Truxton replied to his sharp query , saying that the candle had gone out while he slept . `` It is noon , '' said the old man irascibly . Then he came in and lighted a candle . `` Noon of the 25th , '' said Truxton bitterly . `` In twenty-four hours it will be all over , eh , Spantz ? '' `` At noon to-morrow , '' said Spantz grimly . There were half a dozen men in the outer room , conversing in low , excited tones ; the fervent gesticulations which usually marked their discussions were missing , proving the constraint that had descended upon them .