noon
Directly , however , the latter made off , and the little party approached the tree . `` Another placard , eh ? '' muttered Stephan , as he drew near . The other three also approached and read : `` The time for surrender has been extended till to-morrow at noon ! '' Angrily , Stephan snatched the placard from the tree . Turning , he saw several other trees also bearing placards . These he also tore down .