noon
He had a duty to perform , and , if for nothing else , his gratitude to Naoum would not allow him to succumb to the trials of his undertaking . Belbeis and the guide rode on in stolid silence , evidently with no intention of allowing the effort of speech to increase their thirst . George , following their example , let his thoughts dwell upon the cool forests in the land of his birth , and longed ardently for a few minutes ' shelter beneath one of the great elm trees that grew in the grounds of his father 's house . The time passed on , and mile after mile was covered , until shortly after noon a watering-place was at length reached . Another short halt was called , and a rest taken before the last stage of the journey was begun . So far , only distant clouds of dust warned the travellers of the nearness of their enemies , and with the subtle intuition of Belbeis , they were skilfully avoided . Another twenty-five miles only remained before Tel-el-Kebir would be reached , and already Helmar was promising himself success .