noon
His friend accompanied him , although he pointed out that Haschem might , in the interval , have reached home while they were walking , and that he was thus perhaps giving himself more grief than was necessary . `` I have given up to you in the rest , '' replied Naima ; `` let me at least in this instance have my own will , that I may walk here . '' They went together to the fountain in the rock near the palms ; they climbed the neighbouring heights ; they called the name of the lost one in all directions ; but no sound was heard in reply . At noon they went home , and asked all they met if they had not seen a young man , whom they accurately described . Nobody could give them any information about him . Naima now sent out his messengers in all directions ; to each he promised a rich reward , but tenfold to that one who should lead the lost one back to his arms . They set out joyfully , each one hoping to gain the tenfold sum , and they all intended to return home in the evening ; but these hopes were disappointed .