about noon
They had not lain long in ambush beside it when a troop of elephants came rushing into it , and began to drink with great avidity , spirting the water over each other and shrieking with delight . For some hours the hunters remained on the watch there , and saw animals of all kinds come down to drink -- antelopes , zebras , buffaloes , etcetera , in great numbers . Thus they passed through the country , enjoying themselves , and adding considerably to Hicks 's stock of ivory , when an incident occurred which threw a deep gloom over the party for some time . One day they went out after some elephants which were reported to be near to their encampment , and about noon rested a little to refresh themselves . They had set out as a united party on this occasion accompanied by a large band of natives armed with spears . Just after leaving the spot where they rested , the major discovered that he had left his knife behind him , and went back to look for it , in company with Tom Brown . As it was only quarter of a mile off , or less , they foolishly left their guns behind them .