about noon
The day following Coryndon 's vigil outside the lonely house by the river was dull and grey , with a woolly sky and a tepid stillness that hung like a tangible weight in the air . Its drowsiness affected even the native quarter , but it in no way lessened the bustle of preparations for departure on the part of Coryndon , who ordered Shiraz to pack enough clothes for a short journey , and to hold himself in readiness to leave with his master shortly after sunrise the following day . His master also gave him leave to go to the Bazaar and return at his own discretion , as he was going out with Hartley Sahib . It was about noon , when the sun had struggled clear of the heavy clouds , that Shiraz found himself in the dark colonnade locking an empty house behind him with his own key , and , being a stately , red-bearded follower of the Prophet , with a general appearance of wealth and dignity , he walked slowly until he came to the doorway of Leh Shin 's shop . His step caused the Chinaman to look up from the string bed where he lay , gaunt , yellow and unsavoury , his dark clothes contrasting with the flowing white garments of the venerable man who regarded him through his spectacles . `` The hand of Allah has led me to this place , '' said Shiraz in his low , reflective tones . `` I seek for a little prayer-mat and a few bowls of brass for my food ; likewise , a bed for myself , and a bed of lesser value for my companion .