noon
`` He does not understand planting , '' said his neighbors ; `` neither does his overseer . Maybe , too , it is true as he says , that he is voudoued . '' One day at high noon the master was taken sick with fever . The third noon after -- the sad wife sitting by the bedside -- suddenly , right in the centre of the room , with the door open behind him , stood the magnificent , half-nude form of Bras-Coupé . He did not fall down as the mistress 's eyes met his , though all his flesh quivered . The master was lying with his eyes closed . The fever had done a fearful three days ' work . ''