the hour of ten
Gunga Ram stopped to `` drink tobacco '' once more , whilst the little bullock driver , who would start in the morning with freight for Moradabad , said , `` That was a poor hope , O Seller of Cates , for the jungle hath ears and tongues as well as eyes . '' `` Therefore , byl-wan , '' rejoined Gunga Ram , `` I saw to it that my gun was properly loaded as we went in the byli that night to the place of meeting . `` The moon was almost in mid-heaven , in an unclouded sky , when we reached the sesame tree , and it was a time for the deeds of Kama , but Kali Mai was abroad in the jungle that night . `` The sound of the distant village bell striking the hour of ten had scarcely died away when there rose from the glade the voice of a young woman singing a Padhani song . '' ` Heart of my Heart , she cometh ! ' said the sahib . ` Oh , Gunga Ram , she is safe ! '