three o'clock
The cavalry , with two Maxims , moved in advance ; and the camel corps on the flanks . The ground was thickly wooded . In many places , a way had to be cut for the guns . At three o'clock news was received , from the cavalry , that the enemy 's camp was but three miles distant from the point which the infantry had reached ; and that they and the Maxims had halted two miles ahead , at the foot of some slightly rising ground ; beyond which the scouts had , on the previous day , discovered the main force of the enemy to be stationed . The infantry continued to advance , slowly and cautiously , making as little noise as possible . It was soon evident , however , that in spite of their caution , the enemy were aware of their approach , as there was an outburst of the beating of drums , and the blowing of war horns . This did not last long , but it was enough to show that the Dervishes were not to be taken by surprise .