noon
So they rode alongside the hedge for hour after hour ; yet it did not end , nor could they espy any way to get through the thickly matted briers . By and by night fell , and they tethered their horses to some shrubs , where there were a few scanty blades of grass for them to crop , and then laid themselves down upon the ground , with bare rocks for pillows , where they managed to sleep soundly until morning . They had brought a supply of food in their pouches , and on this they breakfasted , afterward continuing their journey beside the hedge . At noon Prince Marvel uttered an exclamation of surprise and stopped his horse . `` What is it ? '' asked Nerle . `` I have found the handkerchief with which you wiped the blood from your hands yesterday morning , and then carelessly dropped , '' replied the prince .