nearly nine o'clock
It would never do for him to face a storm so far from shelter . All that day Billy trudged on . Fortunately it was a constant , though gradual , decline and the journey was made easier . He ate occasionally , and gained courage and strength , but it was nearly nine o'clock -- though Billy was not aware of it -- before the landmarks proved his hope true -- the woodman 's hut was near at hand . The boy had all the keenness of his age and environment . He knew that others besides himself might avail themselves of the shelter , and he had reason for choosing his company ; so , before he reached the house , he took to tip-toeing , and keeping clear of the underbrush . The hut had one small window , before which hung a dilapidated shutter by a rusty hinge .