noon
`` Is Agelastes '' -- said the Varangian ; but he had not completed the sentence , when she answered him , by pointing down a shadowed walk . The Anglo-Saxon and Frank turned in that direction , when the hag rather muttered , than said distinctly , `` You are one of the initiated , Varangian ; take heed whom you take with you , when you may hardly , peradventure , be welcomed even going alone . '' Hereward made a sign that he understood her , and they were instantly out of her sight . The path winded beautifully through the shades of an Eastern garden , where clumps of flowers and labyrinths of flowering shrubs , and the tall boughs of the forest trees , rendered even the breath of noon cool and acceptable . `` Here we must use our utmost caution , '' said Hereward , speaking in a low tone of voice ; `` for here it is most likely the deer that we seek has found its refuge . Better allow me to pass before , since you are too deeply agitated to possess the coolness necessary for a scout . Keep concealed beneath yon oak , and let no vain scruples of honour deter you from creeping beneath the underwood , or beneath the earth itself , if you should hear a footfall .