noon
`` Your excellency 's word is law , '' answered the head gaoler , bowing . The lieutenant turned his horse , and , followed by his bodyguard , rode home in a very ill temper . An hour or two 's rest , however , and the soothing effects of pipe and coffee , had somewhat restored his equanimity by the time he re-entered the divan . Punctually at noon , the prisoners were brought before him by the head gaoler . `` Let me see , '' said the lieutenant , referring to the document , and checking off the captives as they were identified ; `` horse-stealing , highway robbery , drunkenness , assault -- yes , I have resolved what to do . As these offences seem comparatively light , and as our prison is for the present inefficient , I shall order all these men to be punished with the bastinado . '' `` There is one more , '' said the lieutenant .