nine o'clock
`` The cazique has sent off a messenger for a party of his people to meet you . A boat will be in readiness to take you across the lake , at sunset . You will be carried in litters from the landing place to his palace . '' This programme was carried out and , by nine o'clock that evening , Roger and Amenche were both settled in luxurious apartments in the cazique 's palace . Cortez , now recovered from his wounds , prepared for a fresh advance ; which was this time to be conducted in a different manner . Against so stubborn and active a foe the advance must be irresistible , steady , and continued . In future , no step backward was to be taken .