midday
Every kind of vegetable known to the island , and which now grew in a wild , but scattered , state , was sought for , and distributed in small patches over the plowed area . Fruit trees were set out , and these latter , with a view to make them the home sites which were to be the next lines to be developed . It will thus be seen that there was enough to tax the energies of Blakely and the Professor , to keep the laborers employed , and prevent any drones from getting into the hive . When the captive Illyas which John had sent with the ultimatum did not return , nor did the enemy show any symptoms of complying when the sun neared midday , it was concluded that the only plan to pursue would be a quick and a sharp assault . The moment the sun reached its height , John ordered Muro to take one hundred of the men by a detour to the right , and Uraso with a like number to the left . `` Cross the stream and close up behind them in the woods . I will make the attack , and you remain at a distance .