midday
The wet season is from November to March , during which period foggy weather and cold south-west winds prevail . During the remaining months of the year , arid scorching north-east winds blow so frequently and so long that everything green becomes parched and shrivelled up . Of course this state of things is modified in different localities by the proximity or absence of mountains , rivers , and sandy plains , and there are various periods throughout the year during which the climate is delightful ; but on the whole it is considered bad -- especially during the rains , when water comes down in such continuous deluges that gold-digging and all other work is much interfered with -- sometimes stopped altogether . At midday in this season there is frequently July heat , while in the morning and evening there is January cold . Anxious to escape before the weather became worse , Frank went at once to Jeffson 's store to obtain supplies , settle up accounts , and inquire for his friend Meyer . He found Jeffson looking very ill -- he having recently had a severe attack of the prevailing complaint , but `` Company '' had recovered completely , and was very busy with the duties of his store , which -LRB- `` Company '' being a warm-hearted man -RRB- included gratuitous attendance on , and sympathy with , the sick . `` It 'll ruin us intirely , '' he was wont to say , `` for we ca n't stand by and see them die o ' sickness an ' intarvation mixed , an ' the poor critters has nothin ' wotever to pay .