noon
All night he had paced the cell wondering if he ought -- if he could . As he knelt in that hour , he resolved that , though it would save his life , no human ear should ever hear that sacred secret . That hour on Glacier Point should be unveiled to no human eye , but remain locked in the chambers of his soul , known only to God and her who waited yonder for his coming . It was near noon when the judge ascended the bench . The hubbub of voices ceased , the case was called , the rear door opened , and , led in by the sheriff , handcuffed and guarded , with calm , white face , yet never faltering in step or look , Job Malden walked across the floor to the prisoner 's seat , while the crowd gazed in curiosity , that soon changed to awe and reverence , at that grave face , so deeply marked with scars of grief . It was a strange scene that met Job 's gaze . All the familiar faces were there -- Aunty Perkins and Tim 's father ; Dean and O'Donnell glaring at him ; poor old Andrew Malden leaning on his cane ; Tony and Hans and Tom Reed and -- oh , no !