noon
`` There is yet spirit in him , '' said Malvoisin apart to Mont-Fitchet , `` were it well directed -- but , like the Greek fire , it burns whatever approaches it . '' The Judges had now been two hours in the lists , awaiting in vain the appearance of a champion . `` And reason good , '' said Friar Tuck , `` seeing she is a Jewess -- and yet , by mine Order , it is hard that so young and beautiful a creature should perish without one blow being struck in her behalf ! Were she ten times a witch , provided she were but the least bit of a Christian , my quarter-staff should ring noon on the steel cap of yonder fierce Templar , ere he carried the matter off thus . '' It was , however , the general belief that no one could or would appear for a Jewess , accused of sorcery ; and the knights , instigated by Malvoisin , whispered to each other , that it was time to declare the pledge of Rebecca forfeited . At this instant a knight , urging his horse to speed , appeared on the plain advancing towards the lists . A hundred voices exclaimed , `` A champion !