noon
Having made up his mind to accept the facts , he stretched out on his bed and went to sleep . Danton took the news that he was to be a member of the party with enthusiasm . Menard had hardly finished telling him when he swept the tiresome plans and specifications into a heap at the end of the table , and rushed out to get a musket -LRB- for a sword would have no place in the work before them -RRB- . The start was to be made at noon , but Danton was on the ground so early as almost to lower his dignity in the eyes of the bronzed canoemen . He wore his bravest uniform , with polished belt and buttons and new lace at the neck . His broad hat had a long curling feather . He wore the new musket slung rakishly over his shoulder .