nine o'clock
All the day the clouds continued to gather , and the lightning to gleam . Night closed in , but the rain had not yet fallen ; the wind rose up , and in less than an hour all the clouds had passed away , the stars shone out brightly , and they were left in a state of suffering and disappointment . As our travelers were sitting together , each occupied with his own melancholy thoughts , after the dispersion of the clouds and the anticipated relief , the Major said -- `` It is useless our remaining here ; we must all perish if we do not proceed , and it would be better for us to yoke and travel by night ; the animals will bear the journey better , and the people will not be so inclined to brood over their misfortunes when on the march as when thus huddled together here , and communicating their lamentations to dishearten each other . It is now nine o'clock ; let us yoke and push on as far as we can . '' `` I agree with you , Major , '' said Alexander ; `` what do you say , Swinton ? '' `` I am convinced that it will be the best plan , so let us rouse up the people at once . There is the roar of a lion at some distance , and we have no fires to scare them off . ''