noon
Constans climbed to his observatory on the roof of the `` Flat-iron '' as usual that next morning . It was a fine , bright day and so clear that he could see for miles without the use of his glass . And there was something to see -- far away to the north he discovered a thin thread of smoke that must mark the spot of a newly extinguished camp-fire . At last the raiders were back from the Southland ; they would be within the city boundaries by this time and should arrive at the Citadel Square by noon at the latest . Glancing down into the fortress he saw that already tidings of the return must have been received . Torch signals had probably been sent during the night from the High Bridge announcing the fact of the arrival , and now all was bustle and excitement . It was a colorful and inspiriting scene -- soldiers engaged in polishing their accoutrements or clouting up hitherto neglected rents in cloak or tunic ; musicians tuning their simple instruments ; negro slaves grooming horses ; women busy over saucepans that bubbled upon extemporized furnaces of piled-up bricks ; children and dogs on all sides , chattering , squealing , under everybody 's feet , alternately and impartially cuffed and caressed .