noon
Men talked of the cave as a secret receptacle of guilt ; and , as the rumor of ores and metals found its way into the confused medley of conjectures , counterfeiting , and everything else that was wicked and dangerous to the peace of society , suggested themselves to the busy fancies of the populace . While the public mind was in this feverish state , it was hinted that the wood had been set on fire by Edwards and the Leather-Stocking , and that , consequently , they alone were responsible for the damages . This opinion soon gained ground , being most circulated by those who , by their own heedlessness , had caused the evil ; and there was one irresistible burst of the common sentiment that an attempt should be made to punish the offenders . Richard was by no means deaf to this appeal , and by noon he set about in earnest to see the laws executed . Several stout young men were selected , and taken apart with an appearance of secrecy , where they received some important charge from the sheriff , immediately under the eyes , but far removed from the ears , of all in the village . Possessed of a knowledge of their duty , these youths hurried into the hills , with a bustling manner , as if the fate of the world depended on their diligence , and , at the same time , with an air of mystery as great as if they were engaged on secret matters of the state . At twelve precisely a drum beat the `` long roll '' before the `` Bold Dragoon , '' and Richard appeared , accompanied by Captain Hollister , who was clad in Investments as commander of the `` Templeton Light Infantry , '' when the former demanded of the latter the aid of the posse comitatus in enforcing the laws of the country .