eight o'clock in the morning
Why , then , should he not go to discover the truth ? It would not , perhaps , occupy him so long as the two years of traveling on the continent , which had been consented to by his grand-uncle , and , instead of traveling for his own pleasure , he might be the means of satisfying the mind and quieting the anxiety of one who had been so kind to him . Indeed , he should actually prefer a journey into the interior of Africa to a mere sojourn of some time on the continent ; the very peril and danger , the anticipation of distress and hardship , were pleasing to his high and courageous mind , and before he fell asleep Alexander had made up his mind that he would propose the expedition , and if he could obtain his uncle 's permission would proceed upon it forthwith . Having come to this resolution , he fell fast asleep and dreamed away , till eight o'clock in the morning , that he was hunting elephants and having hand-to-hand conflicts with every variety of beast with which he had peopled Africa in his fancy . When he was called up in the morning , he found his determination of the night before rather strengthened than otherwise , and accordingly , after breakfast was over , he opened the subject . `` My dear sir , '' said he to Sir Charles , `` you were kind enough to give me your permission to travel on the continent for two years . '' `` I did do so , Alexander ; it is natural at your age that you should wish to see the world , and you have my full permission .