noon
`` Yes , sir , '' said Mr. S. , folding up the letter , `` a missionary 's wife , who follows him into such scenes and such perils and privations , does , indeed , ` cleave to her husband . ' '' `` Indeed she does , '' replied Mr. Swinton ; `` but we will tax you no longer , my dear sir . Good-night . '' On the following day , a little before noon , loud shouts and men dancing and calling out the titles of the king of the Caffres announced his approach . These men were a sort of heralds , who invariably preceded him on a visit of ceremony . A band of warriors armed with their assaguays and shields , next made their appearance , and then Hinza , accompanied by fifty of his chief councilors : with the exception of their long krosses of beast-skins thrown over their shoulders , they were all naked , and each daubed with grease and red ocher . As soon as they arrived in front of the Mission-house , they sat down in a circle on each side of the Caffre king , who was treated with marked respect by all , and by the common people in particular , who assembled on his presence .