midday
Then her quick laugh rippled out and she gave him her hand . `` Agreed , Brian -- and I hope that you can shave that yellow beard of yours by to-morrow ! '' And the great yell that went up from the men drowned all else in Brian 's ears . `` Now , the first thing is to see what force of men we have , '' said Brian , after the midday meal . They were all gathered in Cathbarr 's tower before a log fire , and were preparing the plan of campaign . `` I have my hundred and eighty men , '' said Nuala . `` When that last pigeon came from you I set out at once .