The answer to this question is "the time of execution of the king's palace". In the given passage, part of their custom, when somebody commits an unforgivable crime, he will be punished with death. Although, the King does not like this kind of scene on his palace he needs to follow what is needed. He then commanded his men to clean the floor and spread the powder which will be caused to the person after licking it in 24 hours. This kind of death is gentle.
Swineherd's house??? Not quite sure where you are at in the story....
"In vague ways he remembered back to the youth of the breed."
This statement is an example of D. THE RACIAL UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
Buck was a pampered domesticated dog before he was taken and sold to strangers. In his current life, he became the dog that he actually is. Adapting to his environment and striving to survive.
Racial unconsciousness refer to the actions or words of an individual that manifests his or her stereotypical views.
