about three o'clock in the afternoon
The runner returned , bearing no letter . It was consistent with native etiquette that he should pay a visit to the _ omdeh _ of the subterranean village , which he wished to pass through . Abdul had a slight acquaintance with him and , being more than a little anxious about his master 's health , he thought that Michael 's visit to him might prove of value should any serious illness overtake him . It was about three o'clock in the afternoon when they arrived at the entrance of the village , an uninviting underground labyrinth , where the sun never penetrated and where men , women and children lived in homes cut out of the virgin rock . It was , of course , necessary to leave their camels and go through the village on foot . Abdul told the servants that he alone would go with his master ; they were to meet them in the desert at the other entrance to the village . As Michael followed the tall figure of Abdul through the narrow streets , which were as dark as railway tunnels , he felt horribly sick .