four o'clock
I did not wait for the lighted one to burn out , but passed the other one out , putting the end of my poncho round my hand and arm , so that they could hardly be noticed even by anyone within ten yards , and certainly could not be seen from up there . As I pushed it through I lighted it at the stump of the old torch and then withdrew my hand like a shot . I did the same thing again an hour ago with equal success , so it is evident that they are not keeping a very sharp look-out above , and have no fear of our making a sortie , hampered as we are by our animals . '' The torch was changed again at four o'clock , and a little later Bertie heard a slight noise . `` I think they are coming , Harry , '' he said quietly . Harry was at once on his feet . `` Use your rifle first , Bertie , and sling it over your shoulder before you give them the two barrels of buck-shot , so that you can start to run at once if we do n't stop them . ''