midnight
I called back to him , and then set to work and soon collected a number of dry logs , which I carried in to the hut and threw down on the hard earthen floor made of pulverised ant heaps , just as the welcome thunder muttered away off in the distance . I brought a burning brand from the fire , threw it inside , and then called to my horse . Taking off his hobbles , I slipped the bridle over his head , and brought him in under shelter of the verandah , where he stood quietly , with a full stomach and contented mind , watching the coming storm . Half an hour later the iron roof of the house was singing a sweet , delightful tune to the heavy down-pouring rain , which , till long past midnight , fell in generous volume , the dry , thirsty soil drinking it in with gladness as it closed up the gaping fissures , and gave hope and vigour and promise of life to the parched and perishing vegetation of the wide plains around . With supreme satisfaction I sat at the open door , and smoked and watched , with my fire blazing merrily away ; then , before it was too late , I stripped off , and went out and let the rain wash off the dust and dirt of a day 's journey under a fierce , baking sun . How cool , delightful , and invigorating it felt ! I dried myself with a spare shirt , and then lay down on my blanket beside the fire to listen contentedly to the clamour of the rain upon the roof .