seven in the morning
`` The latter column met with no opposition and , after accomplishing their work , retired . The first column came across the enemy at Jeluk , five miles short of Lingtu . Here the Thibetans had erected a strong stockade , at the top of a very steep ascent ; and had barricaded the road with stone breastworks . `` The position was attacked , at seven in the morning , by a hundred men of the 32nd Pioneers ; supported by seventy-eight men of my regiment . The guns had had to be left behind . The advance was slow and , owing to the dense bamboo jungle through which we had to pass , and the steepness of the road , great caution was necessary . `` When we had reached a spot within a few hundred yards of the stockade , fire was suddenly opened on the Pioneers .