noon
In spite of the representations made to him by the guide and the older men of the place , he started upon the formidable journey . Summoning up courage , already highly strung by the prospect of dreadful difficulties , he set out in the morning . The loose sand shifted under his feet at every step ; and when , at the end of a long day 's march , he lay down to sleep on the ground , he had never been so tired in his life . He knew , however , that he must be up and on his way before dawn next day , and his guide assured him that they should reach the end of their journey towards noon . That promise kept up his courage and gave him new strength . In spite of his sufferings , he continued his march , with some blasphemings against science ; he was ashamed to complain to his guide , and kept his pain to himself . After marching for a third of the day , he felt his strength failing , his feet were bleeding , he asked if they should reach the place soon .