about noon
`` That can be obtained easily ; there are plenty for sale in the city , and I will send a trusty fellow to buy one which will fit you . '' He left the room , hinting it would be better that I should not show myself , and leaving me in a high state of excitement to ponder over the coming venture . It was a risky one , but I was young and hot-headed , and did not fully realise the danger . The old soldier returned about noon , bringing my fresh clothes with him , and I put them on . Then he browned my face and hands with some colouring matter , and I was transformed into a very fair specimen of a coachman . '' _ Parbleu ! _ '' cried he , rubbing his hands , `` you will do famously .