noon
and perhaps he wo n't come at all ! '' This last idea was not muttered ; it was only thought , but the thought banished the smile of satisfaction from Ian 's face . In a meditative mood he took up his gun , refreshed the priming and slightly chipped the flint , so as to sharpen its edge and make sure of its striking fire . By that time it was long past noon , and the hunter was meditating the propriety of going to a neighbouring height to view the surrounding country , when a slight noise attracted his attention . He started , cocked his gun , glared round in all directions , and held his breath . The noise was not repeated . Gradually the frown of his brows melted , the glare of his eyes abated , the tension of his muscles was relaxed , and his highly-wrought feelings escaped in a long-drawn sigh .