nearly nine o'clock
At last they reached a low , overhanging cliff , well sheltered from the rain . Here were some dry brushwood and a number of cedar trees , and they speedily built a roaring fire and began to broil the birds Giant had brought down . It was not a particularly inviting spot , but it was better than being out in the open , and they made the best of the situation . They dried their wet coats and took their time eating supper , and none of them thought of retiring until nearly nine o'clock . By that time the storm had cleared away completely and the stars were showing themselves in the blue vault of heaven . Fearful that some wild beasts might be around , the young hunters resolved to take turns at standing guard . The campfire was kept burning , for nobody wished to remain in such a locality in utter darkness .