noon
It seemed to be the policy of the principal to maintain a `` masterly inactivity '' in regard to them . Perhaps Colonel Brockridge was not so indifferent as he appeared to be . He had stationed men on both sides of the lake to prevent any communication between the mutineers and persons on the shore . At noon it was reported that a boy by the name of Leslie , who lived in Tunbrook , and who had been expelled from the Institute , had attempted to visit the island . Richard was curious to know who Leslie was , for he had heard the name mentioned by the Regulators . The first day of November was very mild and pleasant . It was one of the sweet days of the Indian summer , and the rebels on Green Island were highly favored by this circumstance .