noon
`` If you would n't mind his remaining a little longer , it certainly would be safer , '' said Herbert , with wondering gratitude . `` I certainly should n't consent to his leaving my house now , '' said Mrs. Brooks with dignity ; `` and if you would n't mind calling Cherry here , Mr. Bly -- she 's in the dining-room -- and then showing yourself for a moment in the street and finding out what they wanted , it would be the best thing to do . '' Herbert flew downstairs ; in a few hurried words he gave the same explanation to the astounded Cherry that he had given to her mother , with the mischievous addition that Mrs. Brooks 's unjust suspicions had precipitated her into becoming an amicable accomplice , and then ran out into the street . Here he ascertained from one of the Vigilantes , whom he knew , that they were really seeking Dornton ; but that , concluding that the fugitive had already escaped to the wharves , they expected to withdraw their surveillance at noon . Somewhat relieved , he hastened back , to find the stranger calmly seated on the sofa in the parlor with the same air of frank indifference , lazily relating the incidents of his flight to the two women , who were listening with every expression of sympathy and interest . `` Poor fellow ! '' said Cherry , taking the astonished Bly aside into the hall , `` I do n't believe he 's half as bad as THEY said he is -- or as even HE makes himself out to be .