midday
`` All this time I told Soobulda and Esuree much concerning the Moslem faith , and they assumed the garb and practised the ablutions , and recited the prayers of true believers . '' `` In that , by Allah , you did right , '' exclaimed the Caliph , `` and I grant you your life for so doing . '' Hunoman bowed and continued : `` At one town where we stayed , it happened that when the morning came on which we had arranged to depart , I had still some work by me which I had not finished , and I agreed therefore with Soobulda and Esuree , that they should start first and proceed leisurely , and that I would hasten after them and overtake them at their first halting-place . `` This was done , and when soon after midday I came up with them , I found , that having enjoyed a meal and two hours ' rest , they were just preparing to resume their journey . At the little serai or inn where they were , they had met with ten other travellers , and the whole party were now about to set out together . `` Hastily eating some food I had brought with me , I started with the others , and falling into conversation with our fellow-travellers , we formed a very sociable gathering . `` But during the afternoon , and when we had been some time in company , I happened to overhear one of our fellow-travellers say a few words in a low tone to another , which I instantly recognized as being of the peculiar dialect used by the Phansigars .