four o'clock
Soon after this the colonel was called up to the brigadier , and when he returned he communicated what he had been told to his officers . The low hills being found clear of the enemy , it was intended to occupy them at once , and then if possible to advance upon the camp and the wells , and carry that position before nightfall . But this depended on what daylight they had , for rather than risk being overtaken by darkness in an unfavourable position , it was determined to form a zereba and wait for the advance till next day . `` It is just four o'clock , '' said Strachan , looking at his watch as he returned to his company ; `` and surely there must be a fair chance of carrying the wells before sunset , for I see a lot of the enemy on the hills beyond . Therefore I shall risk a drink , '' and he put his water - bottle to his lips accordingly . `` Hurrah ! So will I , '' said Green .