midday sun
He examined his extra pair of khaki trousers , and discovering a considerable surplus of cloth at each inside seam , he took needle and thread and managed to sew the gun in so that it hung close against the inside of his right leg when he donned the garment . It felt queer and uncomfortable , but it did not appear to be noticeable so long as he stood upright . With some pride in his stratagem , he laid off his winter suit and changed into lighter clothing . Neuvitas was scorching under a midday sun when he came on deck . Its low , square houses were glaring white ; here and there a splotch of vivid Cuban blue stood out ; the rickety , worm-eaten piling of its water-front resembled rows of rotten , snaggly teeth smiling out of a chalky face mottled with unhealthy , artificial spots of color . Gusts of wind from the shore brought feverish odors , as if the city were sick and exhaled a tainted breath . But beyond , the hills were clean and green , the fields were rich and ripe .