noon
I shall say nothing about it to the sheik or Sidi ; it is better that they should not be looking forward to it . If she did not come they might be fearing that some misadventure had happened on the journey . In any case , you understand that you are not to propose it to her , but are to remain altogether silent on the subject unless she herself insists on coming . '' Hassan returned with the horse carrying the four water-skins and some provisions , including a supply of coffee , just as darkness set in ; he reported that Ali had started before noon . The next six days passed quietly . Hassan went down twice with the horse for water , fresh meat , fowls , and other provisions , and a supply of grain for the horse , which was stabled in the next tomb to that they occupied . The sheik gained strength , slowly indeed but steadily .