Here the animal was quite clearly outlined in the light cast by the fire.
It was a small bear, but it looked very large to Elfreda Briggs, who had never experienced meeting a bear at such close range.

He began clawing at the pack of provisions and tearing with his teeth at the tough canvas covering, and had it open before Elfreda realized what he was up to.
"He is eating up our food!" she exclaimed under her breath.

Miss Briggs raised her rifle to fire.

She lowered it ever so little as a new thought occurred to her.
"I'll do it!" she declared, laying the rifle on the ground beside her.
"I probably shall make an awful mess of the attempt, but I am going to try to rope that beast.

I don't believe he will attack me if I miss.