midday
`` Well , you can begin to-morrow . I believe there are some blasting-tools in the store . Take the gunner with you ; this work comes within his province . '' On the following morning the raft went off again , and at midday a number of sharp explosions told that the work was begun . In the evening another series of shots were fired , and the party returned with the news that the ground had been broken up to the depth of two feet and of ample size to give the men cover . The next morning the rocks were cleared out , and a seven-pounder and carriage , with tackle for hoisting it up , were sent over . In the afternoon the captain went in the dug-out and inspected the work , and expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied with it .