noon
The murder was almost the sole topic of conversation . A steady stream of curious observers visited the house of mourning , and gazed upon the rugged face of the old veteran , now stiff and cold in death ; and more than one eye dropped a tear at the remembrance of the cheery smile , and the joke -- sometimes superannuated , generally feeble , but always good-natured -- with which the captain had been wont to greet his acquaintances . There was a growing sentiment of anger among these stern men , toward the murderer who had thus cut down their friend , and a strong feeling that ordinary justice was too slight a punishment for such a crime . Toward noon there was an informal gathering of citizens in Dan Tyson 's store . `` I hear it ` lowed that Square Kyahtah 's too sick ter hol ' co ` te this evenin ' , '' said one , `` an ' that the purlim ` nary hearin ' 'll haf ter go over ` tel nex ' week . '' A look of disappointment went round the crowd . `` Hit 's the durndes ' , meanes ' murder ever committed in this caounty , '' said another , with moody emphasis .