noon
Glad I was , indeed , when the orders to start the next morning were given out . I found that a horse was appointed for me , and , having made up my valise , not forgetting my tattered Bible , I went to my bed thanking God that this was to be the last night that I was to pass in the accursed Sierra de Espinhaco . At daylight the superior took his leave , mounted his mule , and we set forth , passing the guard-house in the narrow road , which I never expected to pass again . Before noon we were clear of the Sierra , and once more in the open country . The attendants , with a portion of the sumpter mules , went in advance , to prepare for the superior 's arrival at the spot where we were to halt . The weather was excessively sultry , and the glare of the sun was very distressing . At noon we stopped to take our dinner , and the usual siesta after it .