noon
Nothing could be more pleasant than the whole conduct of Mahmoud al Ackbar , and I determined to take full advantage of it , not caring overmuch what might be the nature of those previous favours to which he had alluded . That was his look-out , and if he was satisfied , why should not I be so also ? On the following morning I was dressed at six , and , looking out of my bed-room , I saw the boat in which we were to be wafted into Asia being brought up to the quay close under my window . It had been arranged that we should start early , so as to avoid the mid-day sun , breakfast in the boat , -- Mahmoud in this way engaged to provide me with two refections , -- take our rest at noon in a pavilion which had been built close upon the well of the patriarch , and then eat our dinner , and return riding upon camels in the cool of the evening . Nothing could sound more pleasant than such a plan ; and knowing as I did that the hampers of provisions had already been sent over , I did not doubt that the table arrangements would be excellent . Even now , standing at my window , I could see a basket laden with long-necked bottles going into the boat , and became aware that we should not depend altogether for our morning repast on that gritty coffee which my friend Mahmoud 's followers prepared . I had promised to be ready at six , and having carefully completed my toilet , and put a clean collar and comb into my pocket ready for dinner , I descended to the great gateway and walked slowly round to the quay .