nine o'clock
He said a few words which Dick could not understand , and the soldiers , with manifest reluctance , relaxed their hold and retired . It was evident that although Dick was not to be permitted to hold any communication with the rest of his party , orders had been given that his life was to be protected . -LSB- Illustration : The start was made . -RSB- It was now nine o'clock , and the beating of drums and the blowing of coodoo -LSB- 1 -RSB- horns gave the signal that the morning march was to be continued . Instantly chiefs , soldiers , porters , and slaves were upon their feet , and arranged themselves in their various groups with a havildar bearing a bright-coloured banner at their head . -LSB- Footnote : Coodoo , a ruminant common in Africa . -RSB- The order was given ; the start was made .