about eleven o'clock in the
morning
True , without his glasses he worked at a disadvantage ; but he had had the good fortune to discover a minute bee that forms its cells in the holes of worm-eaten wood , and a `` sphex '' that practises the craft of the cuckoo , and deposits its eggs in an abode not prepared by itself . Mosquitos abounded in swarms , and the worthy naturalist was so covered by their stings as to be hardly recognizable ; but when Mrs. Weldon remonstrated with him for exposing himself so unnecessarily , he merely scratched the irritated places on his skin , and said -- `` It is their instinct , you know ; it is their instinct . '' On the 17th of June an adventure happened to him which was attended with unexpected consequences . It was about eleven o'clock in the morning . The insufferable heat had driven all the residents within the dépôt indoors , and not a native was to be seen in the streets of Kazonndé . Mrs. Weldon was dozing ; Jack was fast asleep . Benedict himself , sorely against his will , for he heard the hum of many an insect in the sunshine , had been driven to the seclusion of his cabin , and was falling into an involuntary siesta .