eleven o'clock
He demurred at first , saying that we could not tell when we might have to put to sea ; but on my reminding him that the work of refitting and cleaning after the voyage would take some time , and promising to return within a week , he yielded . I set off early next morning , being provided by my merchant friend , Mr. Gurney , with a trusty companion and guide in the person of a smiling negro . At first I had purposed to ride alone , but my friend said that , while I had only to follow the direct road for about half my journey , which could take me through the well-settled parish of St. John , afterwards I should run great risk of losing my way in the cockpit country , maybe stumbling upon a settlement of wild maroons , or stepping into one of the impassable sink holes whose grass-grown surface gives no warning of the treacherous chasm below . We rode till eleven o'clock , when the air became too hot for comfortable traveling , and entered a rest house kept by a black friend of my companion . He met us at the door , his face shining with heat and good temper . `` Good mornin ' , Massa ; hope I see you well , '' says he . `` Hi , Jacob , where you bin dis long time ? ''