noon
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 . The attendants in advance had raised a sort of palanquin for the superior , and every thing was ready . The superior alighted , and sat down under the palanquin , which protected him from the rays of the sun ; we all sat round at a respectful distance . The heat was so intense , that to relieve himself , the superior had , when he sat down , thrown off his long black robe , such as is worn by the priests of his order .