noon
There was now a little friendly altercation as to who should have the honour of entertaining the strangers . At last , a tall old gentleman , by name Marharvai , with a bald head and white beard , took us each by the hand , and led us into his dwelling . Once inside , Marharvai , pointing about with his staff , was so obsequious in assuring us that his house was ours that Long Ghost suggested he might as well hand over the deed . It was drawing near noon ; so after a light lunch of roasted breadfruit , a few whiffs of a pipe , and some lively chatting , our host admonished the company to lie down , and take the everlasting siesta . We complied ; and had a social nap all round . IT WAS just in the middle of the merry , mellow afternoon that they ushered us to dinner , underneath a green shelter of palm boughs ; open all round , and so low at the eaves that we stooped to enter . Within , the ground was strewn over with aromatic ferns -- called `` nahee '' -- freshly gathered ; which , stirred underfoot , diffused the sweetest odour .