noon
There was quite a dispute at that place as to who should stand first guard while the rest of us slept , but Grim settled it by casting lots with date-stones in a way that was new , but that seemed to satisfy every one -- especially as the first watch fell to Narayan Singh and me . `` That is because the rest of us said our prayers , '' explained Ali Baba piously . But I think it was really because Grim knew how to play tricks with the date-stones . The Sikh and I kept making the circuit of the palm-trees and talking to keep each other from getting too sleepy , for there is no time when desire to sleep so loads you down as in the noon heat after a long march . You very often ca n't sleep then because of the very heat that makes you drowsy ; but the glare has been so trying to your eyes that you yearn to shut them , and inertia sits on your spine and shoulders like a load of lead . `` Thou and I must watch that woman , sahib , '' said Narayan Singh . `` Our Jimgrim will make use of her ; but how shall he do that if her heart changes ?