midnight
They saw many walled villages , where dwelt the proprietors of the barley-fields , but hurried past them without stopping either for water or food , although their slaves were sadly in need of both . In vain the latter complained of thirst and begged for water . The only reply to their entreaties was a harsh command to move on faster frequently followed by a blow . Towards midnight , when the hopes and strength of all were nearly exhausted , the kafila arrived at a walled village where a gate was opened to admit them . The old sheik then informed his slaves that they should have plenty of food and drink , and would be allowed to rest for two or three days in the village . A quantity of water was then thickened with barley meal , and of this diet they were permitted to have as much as they could consume . It was after night when they entered the gate of the village , and nothing could be seen .