noon
`` Remember , '' said he , `` that your Haschem has most probably found a night 's lodging , and slept better than you . If he had set out on his way at daybreak , he could not be here now ; and if you send these messengers after him , he may perhaps come home by a shorter path , while they will be searching for him in vain . Wait , at least , till noon . '' Naima yielded : he appointed the messengers to be ready at noon , and in the meanwhile walked through the gardens and in the country round about the city , where they had been on the preceding day . His friend accompanied him , although he pointed out that Haschem might , in the interval , have reached home while they were walking , and that he was thus perhaps giving himself more grief than was necessary . `` I have given up to you in the rest , '' replied Naima ; `` let me at least in this instance have my own will , that I may walk here . '' They went together to the fountain in the rock near the palms ; they climbed the neighbouring heights ; they called the name of the lost one in all directions ; but no sound was heard in reply .