nine o'clock
The enemy were seen in position , covering the point of passage through the hills , and also upon the hills flanking the road by which the division would advance . `` When within a mile and a half of the enemy , two batteries moved out and took up positions to shell them in front ; while the infantry deployed , the line on the left facing the enemy on the hills . The 2nd Punjab Cavalry were on the right of the guns , whose escort consisted of a squadron of 19th Bengal Lancers , and a company of Punjab Infantry . `` It was the general 's intention to advance to the attack but , at nine o'clock , before his dispositions were completed , the whole crest of the hills held by the enemy seemed to be swarming with men . Scarcely had the guns opened fire , when the enemy swept down from the hills , in successive lines of swordsmen , stretching out far beyond either flank of our force . At the same time a large body of horse rode along the hills , threatening the left flank . `` As the swordsmen swept down on the infantry and guns , the Afghan horse came out of two ravines , and charged the Bengal Lancers before they could acquire sufficient speed to meet them fairly .