noon
The excitement of Elias grew with every day . He never tired of asking whether all was ready , of reminding Iskender of the need of this or that small comfort , and urging him to fix a date for their departure . Indeed his eagerness became a visible disorder , and , seeing him mingle freely with the other dragomans , Iskender went in hourly fear of indiscretions . One noon when , after a spell of work in the hot kitchen , he had rushed to the outer door to breath the air , he fell upon a group of persons splendidly arrayed , who welcomed his appearance with unfriendly glee . Yuhanna Mahbûb , the bully , seized his arm , and threatened him with his whip not altogether playfully . `` Confess the truth ! '' he commanded , with his cruel grin .