noon
His voice was very solemn , his glance was very gentle ; all the nobility of the highest Arab nature was aroused in him at the heroism of a child , a girl , an infidel -- one , in his sight abandoned and shameful among her sex . `` Go in peace , '' he said simply ; `` it is not with such as thee that we war . '' Then , and then only , as she felt the fresh reins placed in her hand , and saw the ruthless horde around her fall back and leave her free , did she understand his meaning ; did she comprehend that he gave her back both liberty and life , and , with the surrender of the horse he loved , the noblest and most precious gift that the Arab ever bestows or ever receives . The unutterable joy seemed to blind her , and gleam upon her face like the blazing light of noon , as she turned her burning eyes full on him . `` Ah ! now I believe that thine Allah rules thee , equally with Christians ! If I live , thou shalt see me back ere another night ; if I die , France will know how to thank thee ! ''