midday
He explained that , a few hours before his capture , he had met a man who had recognized him as the agent for Mr. Merriman . The man said that he was a servant of Surendra Nath Chuckerbutti and was on his way to meet Clive Sahib , carrying a letter to him from his master . But he was worn out , having come on foot a day and a night without rest . Coja Solomon unblushingly confessed that , while the man slept at midday , he had taken the letter from him and read it . `` Why did you do that ? '' `` I thought it would be safer with me , for every one knows -- '' `` Yes , that 'll do , Khwaja ; go on with your story . '' `` The letter was written at Malda , a village on the other side of the river , and the writer , Surendra Nath , informed Mr. Clive that the wife and daughter of Mr. Merriman were in his house there , and asked him to send a party to bring them away .