noon
` Speak on , sir . ' ` You have balked me once and again , ' he rejoined , in a voice which shook a little , as did the fingers with which he stroked his waxed moustache . ` There is no need of words between us . I , with one sword besides , will to-morrow at noon keep the bridge at Chaverny , a league from here . It is an open country . Possibly your pleasure may lead you to ride that way with a friend ? ' ` You may depend upon me , sir , ' I answered , bowing low , and feeling thankful that the matter was at length to be brought to a fair and open arbitration .