CHAPTER XII.
A Visit--Figure of a Man--The Dog of Peace--The Raw Wound--The Guard-room--Boy Soldier--Person in Authority--Never Solitary--Clergyman and Family--Still-Hunting--Fairy Man--Near Sunset--Bagg--Left-Handed Hitter--Irish and Supernatural--At Swanton Morley.
One morning I set out, designing to pay a visit to my brother, at the place where he was detached; the distance was rather considerable, yet I hoped to be back by evening fall, for I was now a shrewd walker, thanks to constant practice.

I set out early, and, directing my course towards the north, I had in less than two hours accomplished considerably more than half of the journey.

The weather had been propitious; a slight frost had rendered the ground firm to the tread, and the skies were clear; but now a change came over the scene, the skies darkened and a heavy snow-storm came on; the road then lay straight through a bog, and was bounded by a deep trench on both sides; I was making the best of my way, keeping as nearly as I could in the middle of the road, lest, blinded by the snow which was frequently borne into my eyes by the wind, I might fall into the dyke, when all at once I heard a shout to windward, and turning my eyes I saw the figure of a man, and what appeared to be an animal of some kind, coming across the bog with great speed, in the direction of myself; the nature of the ground seemed to offer but little impediment to these beings, both clearing the holes and abysses which lay in their way with surprising agility; the animal was, however, some slight way in advance, and, bounding over the dyke, appeared on the road just before me.

It was a dog, of what species I cannot tell, never having seen the like before or since; the head was large and round; the ears so tiny as scarcely to be discernible; the eyes of a fiery red: in size it was rather small than large; and the coat, which was remarkably smooth, as white as the falling flakes.

It placed itself directly in my path, and showing its teeth, and bristling its coat, appeared determined to prevent my progress.