seven in the morning
None of the injuries were severe , being merely flesh wounds , of which they were hardly conscious during the fighting , and which would not be likely to keep them long from the saddle . None of them applied for medical assistance , as the surgeons were so fully occupied with serious cases . Their comrades bound up the wounds and placed them in the most sheltered position they could find , five of their comrades remaining in charge of them and the horses , there being no possibility of finding the two Kaffirs and the spare animals in the confusion and darkness . `` We have had one lesson , '' Chris said , as at seven in the morning the party assembled , worn out by the long night 's work , `` and that is , that blankets are well enough against a passing shower , but that when there is any probability of wet we must carry our waterproof sheets with us . Of course they would have been no good last night , but on occasions when there is no need for us to be using our hands they will be an immense comfort . '' `` But we should have been wet through before we lay down , Chris . '' `` Yes , they would not have kept us dry , but they would have gone a long way towards keeping us warm .