About noon
He therefore nodded and patted the gun handed him , showing that he knew well how to use it . The chiefs marched forward in high spirits , congratulating each other beforehand on the victory they expected to achieve . Ned kept by Mohammed 's side , carrying the chief 's gun as well as his own , an honour he would gladly have dispensed with . About noon the force halted to dine , and two hours afterwards they came in sight , from the top of slightly elevated ground , of a stockaded enclosure , the interior filled with huts on the side of a gentle slope . The chiefs pointed towards it and addressed their followers , who replied with loud shouts . Ned guessed that it was the place about to be attacked . No other enemies had been seen , and the village did not appear capable of holding out against so formidable a force .