noon
asked Rachel , dreamily , for she had not seen the murder of the slave , and thought that Eddo had only scratched himself . `` Because they fear the sight of blood , Zoola , '' answered Noie , `` which is a very evil omen to them . Death they do not fear who are already among ghosts , but if it is a red death , their souls are spilt with their life , or so they believe . '' Towards noon that day the sky banked up with lurid-coloured clouds ; the sun which should have shone so hotly , went out , and a hush that was almost fearful in its heat and intensity , fell upon the desert . The Umkulu bearers became disturbed , and gathered together into knots , talking in low tones . Eddo and his brother priests who , either because of the adventure of the morning or the oppressive air , could not sleep , as was usual with them , were also disturbed . They crept from beneath their umbrellas which , as the sun had vanished , were of no use to them , and stood together staring at the salty plain , which under that leaden and lowering sky looked white as snow , and at the brooding clouds above .