eight o'clock
Practice and a knowledge of the perfect use of your weapon gives confidence , and this Emma did at last acquire . She challenged Alfred and Henry to fire at the bull 's - eye with her , and whether by their gallantry or her superior dexterity , she was declared victor . Mr and Mrs Campbell smiled when Emma came in and narrated her success , and felt glad that she had found something which afforded her amusement . It happened that one evening the hunters were very late ; it was a clear moonlight night , but at eight o'clock they had not made their appearance ; Percival had opened the door to go out for some firewood which had been piled within the palisades , and as it was later than the usual hour for locking the palisade gates , Mr Campbell had directed him so to do . Emma , attracted by the beauty of the night , was at the door of the house , when the howl of a wolf was heard close to them ; the dogs , accustomed to it , merely sprang on their feet , but did not leave the kitchen fire ; Emma went out , and looked through the palisades to see if she could perceive the animal , and little Trim , the terrier , followed her . Now Trim was so small , that he could creep between the palisades , and as soon as he was close to them , perceiving the wolf , the courageous little animal squeezed through them and flew towards it , barking as loud as he could . Emma immediately ran in , took down her rifle and went out again , as she knew that poor Trim would soon be devoured .