four o'clock
the men shouted . `` That is the best news we have had since we landed . '' In a short time most of the men were at work giving a final polish to their arms . By four o'clock the tents were levelled and rolled up , the baggage was packed and sent forward on camels , and the regiment was formed up awaiting the orders to march . The heat of the day had somewhat abated , but the march , short as it was , was a trying one , from the clouds of light sand that rose from beneath the feet of the column , and the men were heartily glad when they embarked , two troops on board the steamer and the rest on large flats which she was to tow up the stream . Kits and belts were taken off , and the men made themselves as comfortable as the crowded state of the flats would permit . The officers were on board the steamer .