noon
There was no answer save the sound of a rifle shot from the woods in front of them . `` I do n't blame you for not answering , '' said the Colonel moodily , `` because I do n't know of anything you can say . Listen to those shots ! We may be fighting for our lives before noon , but , by all the powers , I wo n't go back . We ca n't do it ! Now in the name of all that 's wonderful what is that ? '' Every pair of eyes was turned toward the muddy surface of the Licking , where a white body floated easily .