about three in the
morning
He left his new domestic , or guest , in quiet , to indulge his sorrows , and having commanded all the necessary preparations for their departure on the morning , sat down upon the carpet of the tent , and indulged himself in a moderate repast . After he had thus refreshed himself , similar viands were offered to the Scottish knight ; but though the slaves let him understand that the next day would be far advanced ere they would halt for the purpose of refreshment , Sir Kenneth could not overcome the disgust which he felt against swallowing any nourishment , and could be prevailed upon to taste nothing , saving a draught of cold water . He was awake long after his Arab host had performed his usual devotions and betaken himself to his repose ; nor had sleep visited him at the hour of midnight , when a movement took place among the domestics , which , though attended with no speech , and very little noise , made him aware they were loading the camels and preparing for departure . In the course of these preparations , the last person who was disturbed , excepting the physician himself , was the knight of Scotland , whom , about three in the morning , a sort of major-domo , or master of the household , acquainted that he must arise . He did so , without further answer , and followed him into the moonlight , where stood the camels , most of which were already loaded , and one only remained kneeling until its burden should be completed . A little apart from the camels stood a number of horses ready bridled and saddled , and the Hakim himself , coming forth , mounted on one of them with as much agility as the grave decorum of his character permitted , and directed another , which he pointed out , to be led towards Sir Kenneth . An English officer was in attendance , to escort them through the camp of the Crusaders , and to ensure their leaving it in safety ; and all was ready for their departure .