four o'clock
Cleary expressed his sympathy , and Sam bade him and his host good-night . On his way back through a path in the jungle he thought he heard a light step behind him , but when he looked back he could see nothing . When he arrived at the headquarters ' tent he found all the higher officers of the army there , and Stroud whispered to him that they had heard that Gomaldo would take the offensive the next morning , and that consequently a general advance was ordered for daybreak in order that they might forestall him . The general was rather taken by surprise and his final plans were not ready , but it was arranged that at four o'clock each regiment should advance , and that orders containing further details would be sent to them by six o'clock at the latest . Burton remained in the general 's tent to perfect the orders , and Sam went to the tent which he occupied with Major Stroud to enjoy a few hours ' sleep . `` I 'm afraid we 're not quite ready , '' said Sam . `` No army ever is , '' replied Stroud laconically .