half to one
I was just thinking that I had nothing to do but quietly walk away at any time I chose , when I suddenly came upon a white-robed figure , bearing shield and naked sword . The sentry was standing directly in my way , but he moved instantly to let me pass , and , so as not to excite suspicion by showing any alarm , I walked on by him ; but the next minute there was another armed sentry just ahead , and on glancing back , there , dimly seen , was the first sentry , and with him another man , who I fancied was Salaman . `` Hopeless , '' I thought to myself ; and after walking as far as the second sentry , I quietly turned and began to walk slowly back , coming directly upon Salaman , who , I now saw , was armed with curved sword and shield like the others . He drew half to one side of the path , the first sentry to the other , for me to pass between them . `` A fine night , Salaman , '' I said . He salaamed at my condescension , and I went on . `` There 's no occasion to attend upon me so closely . ''