about
four o’clock
Even while General Vincente , that unrivalled strategist , detailed his plans , she kept harking back to the question that puzzled her , and but half listened to his instructions . Those desirous of travelling without attracting attention in Spain are wise to time their arrival and departure for the afternoon . At this time , while the sun is yet hot , all shutters are closed , and the business of life , the haggling in the market-place , the bustle of the barrack yard , the leisurely labour of the fields , are suspended . It was about four o'clock -- indeed , the city clocks were striking that hour -- when the two carriages in the inn yard at Ciudad Real were made ready for the road . Father Concha , who never took an active part in passing incidents while his old friend and comrade was near , sat in a shady corner of the patio and smoked a cigarette . An affable ostler had in vain endeavoured to engage him in conversation . Two small children had begged of him , and now he was left in meditative solitude .