three o’clock in the afternoon before
`` By right of that , '' I answered , pointing to the Union Jack which Stephen still had in his hand . `` Also we will pay you for them when we return , according as they have served us . '' `` Yes , '' he muttered , `` you will pay me for them when you return , or perhaps before that , Englishman . '' It was three o'clock in the afternoon before we were able to make a start . There was so much to be arranged that it might have been wiser to wait till the morrow , had we not determined that if we could help it nothing would induce us to spend another night in that place . Blankets were served out to each of the bearers who , poor naked creatures , seemed quite touched at the gift of them ; the loads were apportioned , having already been packed at Durban in cases such as one man could carry . The pack saddles were put upon the four donkeys which proved to be none the worse for their journey , and burdens to a weight of about 100 lbs .