noon
`` Why , the heat of the sun on the rock was so overpowering , that the man was in great agony ; his naked feet were so burnt , that he was compelled to keep moving them , by placing one upon the other and changing them every minute . The day passed , and the night also ; the lion never moved from the spot . The sun rose again , and the heat became so intense that the poor man 's feet were past all feeling . At noon , on that day , the lion rose and walked to the pool , which was only a few yards distant , looking behind him every moment to see if the man moved ; the man once more attempted to reach his gun , and the lion , perceiving it , turned in a rage , and was on the point of springing upon him ; the man withdrew his hand , and the beast was pacified . '' `` How very strange ! '' The animal went to the water and drank ; it then returned and lay down at the same place as before , about a yard from the man 's feet . Another night passed away , and the lion kept at his post .