noon
Shadows took form in the frost . The slant rays of a southern sun struck through the frost clouds in spears . Then the frost smoke rose like mist , and the white glare shone as a sea . In another hour it would be high noon of the short shadow . Every coat -- beaver and bear and otter and raccoon -- hung open , every capote flung back , every runner hot as in midsummer , though frost-rime edged the hair like snow . When the sun lay like a fiery shield half-way across the southern horizon , M. Radisson called a halt for nooning . `` Now , remember , my brave lads , '' said he , after he had outlined his plans , drawing figures of fort and ship and army of seven on the snow , `` now , remember , if you do what I 've told you , not a shot will be fired , not a drop of blood spilled , not a grain of powder used , and to every man free tobacco for the winter -- '' `` If we succeed , '' interjects Godefroy sullenly . ''