noon
They had two attendants with them , Hassim 's own men , men of Wajo ; and so the lady Immada , when she had a mind to , could be carried , after the manner of the great ladies of Wajo who need not put foot to the ground unless they like . The lady Immada , accustomed to the hardships that are the lot of exiles , preferred to walk , but from time to time she let herself be carried for a short distance out of regard for the feelings of her attendants . The party made good time during the early hours , and Hassim expected confidently to reach before evening the shore of the lagoon at a spot very near the stranded Emma . At noon they rested in the shade near a dark pool within the edge of the forest ; and it was there that Jaffir met them , much to his and their surprise . It was the occasion of a long talk . Jaffir , squatting on his heels , discoursed in measured tones . He had entranced listeners .