In my hurry and fear and passion they spoke of the old calm dignities of man.

I felt less alone when I turned my face to the lights which were slanting alike on this uncanny bush and on the homely streets of Kirkcaple.
The silence did not last long.

First came the howl of a wolf, to be answered by others from every quarter of the compass.

This serenade went on for a bit, till the jackals chimed in with their harsh bark.

I had been caught by darkness before this when hunting on the Berg, but I was not afraid of wild beasts.