noon
Argument , she felt , would be useless , nor was she at that moment disposed to lessen the dignity and high principle that were so striking in the intentions of the hunter , by any attempt to turn him from his purpose . That something might yet occur to supersede the necessity for this self immolation she tried to hope , and then she proceeded to ascertain the facts in order that her own conduct might be regulated by her knowledge of circumstances . `` When is your furlough out , Deerslayer , '' she asked , after both canoes were heading towards the Ark , and moving , with scarcely a perceptible effort of the paddles , through the water . `` To-morrow noon ; not a minute afore ; and you may depend on it , Judith , I sha n't quit what I call Christian company , to go and give myself up to them vagabonds , an instant sooner than is downright necessary . They begin to fear a visit from the garrisons , and would n't lengthen the time a moment , and it 's pretty well understood atween us that , should I fail in my ar 'n' d , the torments are to take place when the sun begins to fall , that they may strike upon their home trail as soon as it is dark . '' This was said solemnly , as if the thought of what was believed to be in reserve duly weighed on the prisoner 's mind , and yet so simply , and without a parade of suffering , as rather to repel than to invite any open manifestations of sympathy . `` Are they bent on revenging their losses ? ''