midday
And now she dismounted to see if his tracks were as fresh as she had believed . He had left the little village camp about sunrise . Someone had seen him riding away and had told Joan . Then he had tarried on the way , for it was now midday . Joan pondered . She had become used to his idle threats and disgusted with his vacillations . That had been the trouble -- Jim was amiable , lovable , but since meeting Joan he had not exhibited any strength of character .