seven in the morning
`` And I will prove to you , '' he said , `` that the good German rule is impartial . All aliens awaiting trial and confined within the township limits shall march with the band if they are able ! '' As an afterthought he added magnanimously : `` Those in the jail , too , provided they have not been sentenced for serious crimes ! '' So Coutlass , his Greek friend , the Goanese , Fred , Will , and Brown of Lumbwa marched about the town twice daily , at seven in the morning and three in the afternoon , a journey of five miles , Fred and Will making no objection because it gave them a chance to talk with Brown . There were strict orders against talking , and four askaris armed with rifles marched behind to enforce the rule as well as keep guard over Brown . But the drums were so thunderous and the shrill fifes so lusty that the askaris could not hear conversation pitched in low tones . `` Brown says , '' said Fred , returning from the first march , `` that he sleeps with only a sheet of corrugated iron between him and the ward where the chain-gang lies .