ten o'clock at
night
`` Thanks to you , I have escaped without hurt , Yossouf ; and had it not been for your aid , they would assuredly have made an end of me . My pistol had fallen from my hand as they knocked me down and , on the ground , I could not have defended myself with my sword , for an instant . Once more , Yossouf , I owe my life to you . '' So many attempts , similar to that made upon the house occupied by Will Gale , took place that sentries were posted , at ten o'clock at night , at the entrances to the various streets in which the houses left deserted by the native traders were situated ; and orders were given that no natives should be out of their houses , after that hour , unless provided with a pass signed by the commandant of the city . Several messengers were from time to time sent out , to endeavor to get through the enemy 's , lines and to carry to General Phayre the news of what was going on in the city . A few of these succeeded in getting through , but none returned ; so that , until the signal lights were seen flashing from the distant hills , in the direction of Khelat-I-Ghilzai , the garrison were unaware of the steps which were being taken for their rescue . Even had unforeseen obstacles prevented the advent of either of the relieving columns , it is probable that the garrison of Candahar would finally have freed itself .