noon
It was low ground , with the earth yet soaked from the heavy rain of the night before , and the heat grew heavy and intense . The insects began to drone again , and once more mosquitoes made life miserable . But the soldiers did not complain . It was noon now , and they ate food from their knapsacks . Two springs of clear water were found a little distance from the river and all drank there . Then they went back to their weary waiting . On the other side of the river they could see the dismounted troopers , playing cards , sleeping or currying their horses .