The hour of eleven
Their infantry , in many cases , mounting in rear of the cavalry . The artillery limbered up and followed them to the outskirts of the town , where , as they crossed the deep Nulla leading to the Islempoora road , the gallant Huntingdon again blazed away at them , reducing their numbers to a considerable extent ; but it was not considered advisable to follow them any farther . The troop was then divided and the guns sent in different directions through the station , while the lately improvised cavalry scoured the Bazaars and other parts , in order to capture any small parties who might be engaged in the work of plunder or other destruction . The hour of eleven was ringing from the gurries or gongs at the different guard rooms , as Arthur Carlton left the quarters of the Brigadier commanding the station , for unlike most A.D.C. 's he did not reside with his chief , but occupied snug little quarters in the staff lines near the Suddur Bazaar . He was both annoyed and excited as he mounted his horse to return home ; but he soon became calm and thoughtful , and his noble charger , as if knowing the mood of his master , slackened its speed to a walk . `` General D -- is an obstinate and self-willed man , and his policy anything but what it should be at so critical a time , '' muttered Arthur half aloud ; `` but was I wise to cross him , and in the heat of the moment to throw up my appointment on his staff ; I who have nothing but my pay to depend on and no interest at the Horse Guards to push me on in the service ? '' and his thoughts flew back to Vellenaux , Sir Jasper Coleman and Edith Effingham .