midday
`` Good morning to you , White Man , '' she said ; `` here is that which shall cure you of your sickness as I promised to do ; '' and she lifted the gourd from the fire . Leonard took it and sniffed at the liquor , which smelt abominably . `` It is more likely to poison me , mother , '' he said . `` No , no , '' she answered with a smile ; `` drink half of it now and half at midday , and the fever shall trouble you no more . '' So soon as the stuff was cool enough Leonard obeyed , though with a doubting heart . `` Well , mother , '' he said , setting the gourd down with a gasp , `` if nastiness is any proof of virtue your medicine should be good . '' `` It is good , '' she answered gravely ; `` many have been dragged from the edge of death by it . ''