eleven o'clock
Pencroft kept the compresser always wet . Spilett , seeing there was nothing he could do at that moment , busied himself in preparing some nourishment , whilst attentively watching that part of the enclosure against the hill , at which an attack might be expected . The settlers awaited Top 's return with much anxiety . A little before eleven o'clock , Cyrus Harding and the reporter , rifle in hand , were behind the gate , ready to open it at the first bark of their dog . They did not doubt that if Top had arrived safely at Granite House , Neb would have sent him back immediately . They had both been there for about ten minutes , when a report was heard , followed by repeated barks . The engineer opened the gate , and seeing smoke a hundred feet off in the wood , he fired in that direction .