"The hyaena hailed our approach with unmistakable relief and
demonstrations of friendliness. It had probably been accustomed
to uniform kindness from humans, while its first experience of a
pack of hounds had left a bad impression. The hounds looked more
than ever embarrassed as their quarry paraded its sudden intimacy
with us, and the faint toot of a horn in the distance was seized
on as a welcome signal for unobtrusive departure. Constance and I
and the hyaena were left alone in the gathering twilight
"'What are we to do?' asked Constance.
"'What a person you are for questions,' I said.
"'Well, we can't stay here all night with a hyaena,' she retorted.
"'I don't know what your ideas of comfort are,' I said; 'but I
shouldn't think of staying here all night even without a hyaena.
My home may be an unhappy one, but at least it has hot and cold
water laid on, and domestic service, and other conveniences which
we shouldn't find here. We had better make for that ridge of
trees to the right; I imagine the Crowley road is just beyond.'
"We trotted off slowly along a faintly marked cart-track, with the
beast following cheerfully at our heels.
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