midday
`` Oh , we are like two thieves . '' After another period of thought O'Reilly said , `` Take me to him , and remember I 'm your brother Juan . '' The Matanzas market did not present a scene of great activity when the two friends slunk into it . It was midday , and what food had earlier been offered for sale had for the most part long since disappeared . All but a few of the stalls were empty , and a number of emaciated reconcentrados were searching listlessly among them for neglected scraps , or imploring aid from such marketmen as still lingered about . Like most Spanish markets , the building was far from clean and housed odors unpleasant even to starving people . In the smelliest section , at one of the fish-stalls , Jacket accosted a villainous old brigand in a rough Gallego cap , baggy blouse and trousers , and straw sandals .