nine o'clock
The troops were set to work to erect a zareba with the saddles , biscuit-boxes , and other stores , while parties of skirmishers endeavoured to keep down the fire of the enemy . This , however , was a difficult task , as the natives were entirely concealed , and the men could only fire at the puffs of smoke arising from the grass and bushes . To the Arabs , however , the camp presented a clear mark , and the sharp rap of the musketballs as they struck the wall , or the thud with which they buried themselves among the crowd of kneeling camels , was very frequent . Several men were hit , and soon after nine o'clock the report spread through the camp that Sir Herbert Stewart had received a very dangerous if not mortal wound . The news caused deep sorrow throughout the troops . The general was most popular both with officers and men , and there was not one but felt that his loss would be a personal one . It was , moreover , most unfortunate for the expedition itself at such a moment to be deprived of its leader .