about four o'clock
Blame was due somewhere in connection with that expedition . Wherever it lay , we have a strong conviction -- founded on the opinion of one who was present -- that it did not rest with the commander of the force . It is not , however , our part to comment , but to describe those events which bore upon the fortunes of our hero and his immediate friends and comrades . It was about four o'clock on an uncommonly hot morning that the bugle sounded in Suakim , and soon the place was alive with men of all arms , devouring a hasty breakfast and mustering eagerly , for they were elated at the near prospect of having `` another slap at Osman ! '' Strange , the unaccountably exultant joy which so many men experience at the prospect of killing each other ! No doubt the Briton maintains that it is all in defence of Queen and country , hearth and home . An excellent reason , of course !