noon
5 . That they were men of great strength but little alertness ; the stray glimpses I had had of them , revealing a breadth of back that was truly formidable , if it had not been joined to a heaviness of motion that proclaimed a certain stolidity of mind that was eminently in our favor . How best to use these facts in the building up of a matured plan of action , was , then , the problem . By noon of a certain day I believed it to have been solved , and reluctant as I was to leave the spot of my espionage even for the hour or two necessary to a visit to headquarters , I found myself compelled to do so . Packing up in a small basket I had for the purpose , the little articles I had been engaged during the last few days in making , I gave way to a final fit of coughing so hollow and sepulchral in its tone , that it awoke a curse from the next room deep as the growl of a wild beast , and still continuing , finally brought Luttra to the door with that look of compassion on her face that always called up a flush to my cheek whether I wished it or no . `` Ah , Monsieur , I am afraid your cough is very bad to-day . O I see ; you have been getting ready to go out -- '' `` Come back here , '' broke in a heavy voice from the room she had left .