noon
His men rode through our town but few days agone . '' `` And me they left behind on the way , '' I answered , `` so evil is my luck in horse-flesh . But for this blessed wind out of the east that hinders them , my honour were undone . '' My tale was not too hard of belief , and before noon I was on my way to Winchelsea , a stout nag enough between my legs . The first man-at-arms whom I met I hailed , bidding him lead me straight to Sir Thomas Grey of Falloden . `` What , you would take service ? '' he asked , in a Cumberland burr that I knew well , for indeed it came ready enough on my own tongue .