noon
`` I may be shot down if I try to escape in the dark . '' `` You must take the risk . '' Bevoir came closer . `` They mean to burn you at the stake , to-morrow at noon , -- I heard the talk an hour ago , '' he went on , in a low tone . `` I 'll escape if I can , '' said Dave ; and a moment later Jean Bevoir left him . The young pioneer 's thoughts were in a tumult . He did not believe in Bevoir , yet what the man said might possibly be true .