An hour before noon
The town itself was surrounded by a wall , of sufficient strength to withstand the attacks of any parties of marauders ; and the custom of keeping a man on a watch tower was still maintained . At the foot of the tower stood a heavy gun , whose discharge would at once warn the peasants for miles round of an enemy , calling those near to hasten to the shelter of the town , while the men of the villages at a distance could hurry , with their wives and families , to hiding places among the hills . Dick and Surajah had no need of a path , for they were well acquainted with the ground , and had often wandered up , nearly to the crest of the hills , in pursuit of game . An hour before noon , they took their seats under a rock that shaded them from the sun 's rays and , sitting down , partook of a hearty meal . There was no occasion for haste , and they prepared for rest until the heat of the day was passed . `` We are fairly off now , Surajah , '' Dick said , as he stretched himself out comfortably . `` I have been thinking of this almost as long as I can remember , and can hardly believe that it has come to pass . ''