eight o'clock
Dismissing his servant the subaltern `` tubbed '' and dressed . They start the day early on the Coast , getting through most of the routine before nine , since the intense heat of the tropical sun makes strenuous exertion not only unpleasant but highly dangerous . But to-day was of a different order . The regiment was to embark at eight o'clock on board the transport _ Zungeru _ for active service in the vast stretch of country known as `` German East , '' where the Huns with their well-trained Askaris , or native levies , were putting up a stiff resistance against the Imperial and Colonial troops of the British Empire . On his way to the mess Wilmshurst ran up against Barkley , the P.M.O. of the garrison . `` Hullo there ! '' exclaimed the doctor .