ten o'clock at night
For a long march there could be no doubt that these bandages -- wound round the foot instead of stockings -- are very preferable , as they obviate the liability to foot sores . Even with well-made boots all pedestrians may , at times , suffer from sore feet ; but the liability is immensely increased when -- as in the case of the British soldier -- the boots are coarse , roughly sewn , and frequently ill fitted . Chapter 10 : The Peiwar-Khotal . At ten o'clock at night , on the 1st of December , the troops detailed for the attack mustered in the camp . The assembly took place without sound of bugle , and even the necessary words of command were given in a low tone . Through the still night air the Afghans on the hills , little more than two miles away , would have heard the stir . It was a very dark night , although the stars shone clear .