about midnight
Now in spring-time the foxes and bears of the north , that have slept or starved for months , become bold and dangerous through hunger . Bears are always to be feared , but more so at this time of the year than any other . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- One day the prisoners of Fairy Island had been gayer than usual , but at last , tired and happy , they had lain down to rest . It might have been about midnight when they were awakened by a warning growl from Briton . Then , with Veevee , he sprang up and rushed to the gate barking furiously . Tom sprang to his feet , and snatched up his rifle . He was not left long in doubt as to who the enemy was .