about midday
Shots were fired on every side , and the flying deer broke through the thicket and across the clearing , while the whole hunting park resounded with the din of the sport . The whole corps of foresters had been summoned by the head forester , who saw to it that no arrangements were lacking to make the day a success . He felt that this was peculiarly his affair , and that no mishaps of any sort should occur . They arrived about midday at Bucheneck , a small hunting lodge belonging to the duke , which lay in the center of the forest , and which could offer shelter in case of any unfavorable change in the weather . To-day no such precaution seemed necessary , as the weather was glorious , only somewhat too warm for the season . The sun beat down almost too fiercely , as they took their breakfast in the open air . With that exception , everything was a success , and the crowd which moved hither and thither over the broad , green meadow , near which Bucheneck lay , were in high spirits .