At length the tall shadows of the
walnut tree came suddenly upon the sight of the corporal,
but so completely absorbing was the darkness in the
heavier gloom, that, without being aware of it's proximity,
he stumbled against the low and slight enclosure, which,
yielding to the impetus of his motion, feeble even as
that was, caused him to fall forward on his face, his
musket dropping from his grasp without, however, going off.
A low growl from a dog succeeded, and before the Virginian
could even make the attempt to rise, the animal had sprang
upon, and fastened his teeth into his shoulder, shaking
him so violently, that it was not until Weston, who had
now crossed the enclosure, came up to his assistance,
guided by the sound of the struggle, that the dog could
be made to relinquish his hold.
"Loup Garou--Loup Garou, old fellow, what's the matter
with you," said the latter coaxingly, as he caressed the
neck of the dog, which he had identified, and now sought
to appease.
Evidently recognising a friend in the utterer of his
name, the animal turned suddenly around, licked the hand
of Weston, and then sent forth a long and piteous howl.
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