Four o'clock
He answered the loud laughter by which his appearance had been greeted with a broad grin and a profound bow of mock salutation . Each candidate for the trial had brought his gun with him , and stood prepared for the contest . Gregson and Saunders managed all the arrangements after a brief consultation with Walter . Four o'clock had now come , and Gregson , having ascertained the fact by looking at his watch , brought the competitors forward , and informed them that the shooting would be the first thing , and that six shots would be allowed to each , the winner being of course he who should place the greatest number of marks nearest the bull 's - eye . At the same time Gregson made it to be distinctly understood that the sovereign was only to be given to the man , if such should be found , who should beat Walter Huntingdon in all three things , -- namely , in shooting , leaping , and running . By his own request Walter came first . Whatever may have been his feelings of annoyance or reluctance up to this time , they were now completely swallowed up in the excitement of the moment and the desire to maintain the high reputation he had previously gained .