noon
It was easier for the lad than for him . When he told the story to Pango Dooni the chief was silent for a moment ; then he said : `` Until we know whether it be death or life , whether Cumner 's Son save the city or lose his life for its sake , we will not call the people together in the Hall of the Heavenly Hours . I will send the heralds abroad , if it be thy pleasure , Cumner . '' At noon -- the hour when the people had been bidden to cry , `` Live , Prince of the Everlasting Glory ! '' -- they were moving restlessly , fearfully through the Bazaar and the highways , and watching from a distance a little white house , with blue curtains , where lay the man who was sick with the Red Plague , and where watched beside his bed Cumner 's Son and the beggar of Nangoon . No one came near . From the time the sick man had been brought into the house , the beggar had worked with him , giving him tinctures which he boiled with sweetmeat called the Flower of Bambaba , while Cumner 's Son rubbed an ointment into his body .