noon
They were a command to leave the country without delay , and never return to his home again . The Jew 's corpse was laid on a bier formed of pine , branches , and the bearers lifted it on their shoulders . Ruth clung closely to her mother , both trembling like leaves in the wind , while he who was dearest to them on earth was borne away , but only the child could weep . The men , whom Count Frohlinger had left behind as a guard , waited patiently with the smith for his son 's return until noon , then they urged departure , and the party moved forward . Not a word was spoken , till the , travellers stopped before the charcoal - burner 's house . Jorg was in the city , but his wife said that the boy had been there , and had gone back to the forest an hour before . The tavern could accommodate a great many people , she added , and they could wait for him there .