midday
He felt some curiosity to see this warlike Pathan , named Asadullah , whose arrival had so soon been followed by a broil . When he reached the serai , he learnt that the chief had not yet returned from the palace ; and knowing that Minghal had also gone thither to put his side of the story before the king , Ahmed guessed that the poor old monarch would have an uncomfortable morning . He spent the rest of the forenoon in wandering about the city , picking up what news he could . Then he returned to his own serai for his midday meal and a sleep ; he foresaw that he might have little opportunity for rest during the night . On awaking , he went out to the bazar and bought a stout hook , like those by which carcases are hung in butchers ' shops . As he left the bazar , he overtook Minghal Khan 's khansaman , who was returning with a load of provisions he had bought for his master 's supper . Ahmed had wished more than once for an opportunity of conversing with the khansaman , and the present moment seemed favourable .