about ten in the morning
Not a single elevated point was visible on the whole circle of the horizon , and on such level plains water would sweep along with fearful rapidity . The horses were spurred on to the utmost , and Thaouka led the way , bounding over the water as if it had been his natural element . Certainly he might justly have been called a sea-horse -- better than many of the amphibious animals who bear that name . All of a sudden , about ten in the morning , Thaouka betrayed symptoms of violent agitation . He kept turning round toward the south , neighing continually , and snorting with wide open nostrils . He reared violently , and Thalcave had some difficulty in keeping his seat . The foam from his mouth was tinged with blood from the action of the bit , pulled tightly by his master 's strong hand , and yet the fiery animal would not be still .