noon
Lee , white with rage , save where a broad red welt stretched from ear to chin , staggered to his feet , pulling at his sword as he rose , but his three companions united to restrain him . `` Take your satisfaction like a gentleman , sir , '' insisted one , `` and not like a tavern broiler . '' `` I shall see Major Franks within the hour , '' remarked Brereton , `` and have no doubt he will represent me . But if you wish a meeting , you must act promptly , for I shall not remain in the city later than noon to-morrow . '' It was just after dawn the next morning that five horsemen turned off from the Frankford road into a meadow , and struck across it to a piece of timber on the other side . One of them was left with the horses , and the remainder took their way to an open spot , where the trees had been felled . Here the four paired off ; and the couples held a brief consultation .