seven o'clock
Even Cousin Benedict , for once in his life at least , partook of his food as if it were not utterly a matter of indifference to him ; but he grumbled very much at the restraint to which he considered himself subjected ; he could not see the good of coming to such a country as this , if he were to be obliged to walk about with his hands in his pockets ; and he protested that if Hercules did not leave him alone and permit him to catch fire-flies , there would be a bone to pick between them . Hercules did not look very much alarmed at the threat . Mrs. Weldon , however , took him aside , and telling him that she did not wish to deprive the enthusiast entirely of his favourite occupation , instructed him to allow her cousin as much liberty as possible , provided he did not lose sight of him . The morning meal was over , and it was only seven o'clock when the travellers were once more on their way towards the east , preserving the same marching-order as on the day before . The path was still through luxuriant forest . The vegetable kingdom reigned supreme . As the plateau was immediately adjacent to tropical latitudes , the sun 's rays during the summer months descended perpendicularly upon the virgin soil , and the vast amount of heat thus obtained combined with the abundant moisture retained in the subsoil , caused vegetation to assume a character which was truly magnificent .