noon
My people saw your signal this afternoon , and I myself have been watching for your arrival , but supposed you to be fugitives , for I never dared hope there was a possibility of reinforcements so near at hand . Will you make an attempt to get in by the sally-port ? '' `` Is there any other entrance , sir ? '' `` Yes ; but the enemy have been keeping sharp watch there since noon , as if thinking something of this same kind might be attempted . '' `` We will deliver our message , sir , and then decide what to do , '' the old man said , grimly . `` The words had best be repeated now , for we may be unable to utter them half an hour later . '' Then Sergeant Corney delivered the message with which we were charged , and during a full minute after he ceased speaking the commandant remained silent .