noon
forgive me , for I have been nearly mad with misery ! '' was Mrs. Rayner 's answer , as she burst into a fresh paroxysm of tears . `` That -- that woman has -- has told me fearful lies . '' There was a strange scene that day at Warrener when , towards noon , two carriages drove out from town and , entering the east gate , rolled over towards the guard-house . The soldiers clustered about the barrack porches and stared at the occupants . In the first -- a livery hack from town -- were two sheriff 's officers , while cowering on the back seat , his hat pulled down over his eyes , was poor old Clancy , to whom clung faithful little Kate . In the rear carriage -- Major Waldron 's -- were Mr. Hayne , the major , and a civilian whom some of the men had no difficulty in recognizing as the official charged with the administration of justice towards offenders against the peace .