midnight
Certainly , so far , they have shown themselves contemptible in attack ; and have never made a successful stand , even for a minute , when we once entered their stockades , though they defend them pluckily enough until we have once got a footing inside . `` Still , these fellows ought to fight well tonight for , if they are beaten , it will be a death blow to their reputation among their countrymen . Besides , many of them do believe in the power they claim and , as we have found before now , in India , fanatics are always formidable . '' After taking a look round with the colonel , the general accompanied him to his quarters ; while the two aides-de-camp remained on the terrace , chatting with the officers ; and then , after a time , went with some of them to the mess tent , where they sat smoking and talking until midnight , when all went out . The troops were formed up under arms , and all listened impatiently for something that would show that the long-delayed assault would take place that night . At half-past twelve there was the sound of a shot , which sent an electrical thrill through the troops . It was followed almost immediately by others .