about eleven
o'clock
`` I would keep out of his way , and shout and shriek at the top of my voice , you may depend upon that , '' he answered . Percy was at last induced , though not very willingly , to consent to Lionel 's making the attempt he proposed . They all three sat down on the ground to talk over the matter , and agreed that it would not be wise to commence operations until later on in the night . Fortunately Percy had a match-box , for the Zulus had not rifled their pockets , and striking a light , he ascertained that it was about eleven o'clock . `` We can not have a better time , '' said Denis , `` so we 'll set to work immediately ; but I say , we must keep talking , lest that black guard of ours should open his ears and suspect something . '' They accordingly all three began talking as if holding some exciting discussion , Denis every now and then giving way to a hearty laugh . Percy tried to imitate him , but did not succeed very well , for he was exceedingly anxious about Lionel 's undertaking , which he thought more dangerous than it really was .