about two hours
before noon
Then said Ralph : `` As to Bull Shockhead , I will speak to him anon ; but I will not take him with me ; for indeed I fear lest his mountain-pride grow up over greenly at whiles and entangle me in some thicket of peril hard to win out of . '' `` Well , '' said Clement , `` and when wilt thou depart ? '' `` To-morrow , '' said Ralph , `` if my faring-fellow be ready for me by then . '' `` I am all ready , '' said the man : `` if thou wilt ride out by the east gate about two hours before noon to-morrow , I will abide thee on a good horse with all that we may need for the journey : and now I ask leave . '' `` Thou hast it , '' said Clement . So the man departed , and those two being left alone , Master Clement said : `` Well , I deemed that nothing else would come of it : and I fear that thy gossip will be ill-content with me ; for great is the peril . '' `` Yea , '' said Ralph , `` and great the reward . ''