midday
He sat down and began writing ; perhaps he was writing a novel . I think no one could think of a more secluded place for writing a novel . Perhaps he was doing something scientific . He continued writing till past midday . When he felt hungry , he went into the dining-room , took a biscuit or two , and a glass of vermuth . Then , because it was now the hour for repose , and because the air outside was hot , and the sea-breeze had dropped to a dead calm , and the sun was like a red-hot glaring furnace overhead , the doctor kicked off his boots , threw off his coat , lay down on a grass mat under the mosquito-curtain , and instantly fell fast asleep . About five o'clock he awoke and got up ; the heat of the day was over .