noon
Take care of them , Mahmoud , and see that they are well fed ; the willing servant should be well cared for . '' The work went steadily on until the wall was raised , the ground dug , and the shrubs planted . It was some months before all this was done , and the two slaves continued to attract the observation and goodwill of the bey by their steady and cheerful labour . Their work began soon after sunrise , and continued until noon . Then they had three hours to themselves to eat their midday meal and doze in the shed , and then worked again until sunset . The bey often strolled down to the edge of the trees to watch them , and sometimes even took guests to admire the way in which these two Englishmen , although ignorant that any eyes were upon them , performed their work . His satisfaction was evinced by the abundance of food supplied them , their meal being frequently supplemented by fruit and other little luxuries .