This proceeding, as it turned out, might have cost him dear.
It was very warm; the air was oppressive.

If the church of the nearest village had possessed a clock, the clock would have struck two, and, coming with the wind, Torres would have heard it, for it was not more than a couple of miles off.

But he cared not as to time.

Accustomed to regulate his proceedings by the height of the sun, calculated with more or less accuracy, he could scarcely be supposed to conduct himself with military precision.

He breakfasted or dined when he pleased or when he could; he slept when and where sleep overtook him.