I'm afraid the beast is coming nearer.
Can you see anything your side ?" "Yes--no--yes, I think so," I whispered back.

"There's a shadowy something just at the edge of the light.

I think it is some kind of wild beast." "Is it the dog ?" he whispered back.
"No," I said.

"Gyp always sleeps close to his master." "Do you think you could take steady aim at it, my lad ?" he said.
"I don't know," I replied, "but I will try.

Shall I fire at it ?" "Let me think," he answered.