I can hear noises somewhere near where Mr.Hunter's bungalow was." "What sort of noises, Richards ?" "There is a sort of murmur, as if there were a good many men there." "Well, gentlemen, we had better go to our posts," the Major said.
"Doolan, please place your watch on the platforms by the wall.

I will take my party up onto the terrace.

Doctor, will you bring up some of those rockets you made the other day?
We must try and find out what they are doing." As soon as he gained the terrace with his party, the Major requested everyone to remain perfectly still, and going forward to the parapet listened intently.

In three or four minutes he returned to the others.
"There is a considerable body of men at work there," he said.

"I can hear muffled sounds like digging, and once or twice a sharp click, as if a spade struck a stone.