noon
Unfasten one of his arms -- his right arm . '' Pike 's right arm was then released , and , in obedience to Toro 's command , a small table was placed close to him . On this table were pens , ink and paper . `` Now write to your friend Harkaway , and tell him that unless Tomaso is released by noon , as I have told you , death is your doom . '' So Pike wrote -- `` I am in the hands of the brigands , and unless Tomaso is released by noon , I shall be killed . But I am not afraid to die ; hold your captive fast . '' Having signed it , he held it out to Toro , who read it , and then called a messenger , to whom he entrusted it for delivery .