midday
Uncle John was greatly interested in the adventure . It was such a sharp contrast to the hum-drum , unromantic American life he had latterly known that he derived a certain enjoyment from the novel experience . If the girls did not worry over his absence he would not much regret his visit to Il Duca 's secluded valley . It was already midday , and his nieces would be expecting him to luncheon . When he did not appear they would make enquiries , and try to find him . It occurred to him how futile all such attempts must prove . Even to one acquainted with the mountain paths the entrance to the duke 's domain was doubtless a secret , and the brigand had plainly hinted that the native Sicilians were too cautious to spy upon him or molest him in any way .