seven o'clock
They had drawn their tulwars , and slashed fiercely at him ; but he kept them off with his bayonet until a Ghoorka , running up , cut down one of them with his kookerie -- a heavy , sword-like knife which the Ghoorkas carry , and which they always employ in preference to the bayonet , in fighting at close quarters . The remaining Afghan at once took to flight . The 29th Punjaubees had now come into action ; and the Afghans , disheartened at the loss of their position , fell back and withdrew into the woods which cover the plateau . At half-past seven o'clock the whole force -- except the elephant guns -- had reached the plateau ; and General Roberts was able to flash the news , of the successful capture of the enemy 's first position , to Brigadier General Cobbe , who was in command of the force which was to operate direct against the Peiwar-Khotal . A rest was given the troops after their long march and , at half-past nine , they again fell in for the attack upon the pine-covered slopes in the direction of the Peiwar-Khotal . How strong were the enemy who might be lurking there , they knew not . But it was certain that he would fight obstinately and , in so dense a forest , much of the advantage gained by drill and discipline is lost .