nine o'clock
answered Dick . `` We go now ; but to - morrow we will come again , bearing with us the gifts that we have brought for thee from England . Until then , farewell ! '' ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shortly after nine o'clock that night , while the two friends , having dined , were sitting under the raised front flap of their tent , enjoying the wonderful view of the ruins , rising gaunt and black in the midst of the landscape , flooded by the rays of the newly risen moon , and chatting in desultory fashion over the events of the day , as Grosvenor pulled contemplatively at his well-charred brier pipe , Mafuta appeared before them and , giving the usual salute , said : `` There is one from the village yonder who would speak with my lords , if they be willing . '' `` Who is it , Mafuta -- a man , or a woman ? '' demanded Dick . `` It is a man , _ ` mlungu _ '' answered Mafuta .