He never ate any creature he attacked, never staid to kill it, but just came up with a rush, bit it, and was out of sight in a moment.

It was generally in the twilight he came.

He appeared--nobody ever saw from where--made his gnash, and was gone.

There was great terror and dismay wherever the story was heard, so that people would hardly venture across their thresholds after sun-down, for terror lest the beast should dash out of the borders of the dark upon them, and leave his madness in them.

Some'said it was a sheep-dog, but some who thought they had seen it, said it was too large for any collie, and was, they believed, a mad wolf; for though there are no wolves in Scotland now, my lady, there were at one time, and this is a very old story." Lady Joan gaped audibly.
"I am wearying you, my lady!" said Cosmo, penitently.
"No, no! dear boy," answered Lady Joan, sorry, and a little ashamed.