noon
`` True , my lord , and for that very reason we will not use the moments for words , but deeds . '' `` I 'll take the hint myself , Herr Van der Werf , for many friends of the king still dwell in Leyden , who must be taught not to follow you blindly to the shambles . '' At these words Van der Werff retreated from the nobleman , clenched his moustache firmly in his right hand , and raising his deep voice to a louder tone , said coldly and imperiously : `` Then , as guardian of the safety of this city , I command you to quit Leyden instantly . If you are found within these walls after noon to-morrow , I will have you taken across the frontiers by the city-guard . '' The baron withdrew without any form of leave-taking . As soon as the door had closed behind him , Van der Werff , threw himself into his arm-chair and covered his face with his hands . When he again sat erect , two large tear-drops sparkled on the paper which had lain under his fingers .