about three o’clock
The doctor , equipped with his travelling medicine-chest , descended to the ground , preceded by Joe , who kept a straight countenance and looked as grave and knowing as the circumstances of the case required . He then seated himself at the foot of the ladder in the Arab fashion , with his legs crossed under him , and a portion of the crowd collected around him in a circle , at respectful distances . In the meanwhile the doctor , escorted to the sound of savage instruments , and with wild religious dances , slowly proceeded toward the royal `` tembe , '' situated a considerable distance outside of the town . It was about three o'clock , and the sun was shining brilliantly . In fact , what less could it do upon so grand an occasion ! The doctor stepped along with great dignity , the waganga surrounding him and keeping off the crowd . He was soon joined by the natural son of the sultan , a handsomely-built young fellow , who , according to the custom of the country , was the sole heir of the paternal goods , to the exclusion of the old man 's legitimate children .