midnight
Perhaps they mistook our squeaky old carts for their cannon ; that had camped for the night unknown to them ! Next day we told some Kurds where to find the cannon , and doubtless the Kurds made trouble . We let the column alone , for it was too big for us -- about two regiments , I think . They camped at midnight , and we rode on . We gave our horses all the care we could , but that was none too much , and we had to procure new mounts very frequently . Often we picked up a dozen at a time in the towns and villages , slaying those we left behind lest they be of use to the enemy . Once we wrought a miracle , being nearly at a standstill from hard marching , and almost surrounded by regiments sent out to cut us off .