The unexpected and encouraging whistle of the latter on
this occasion, which had been given in pure unconsciousness,
caused him to prick his ears, and uttering a sharp cry,
he sprang over the gate, bounding rapidly towards the
eminence on which his master stood. About half-way between
its base and the summit, there was a beautiful rose-bush
which had been planted by Ronayne, and from which he had
plucked two flowers, for the mother and daughter, during
the ascent, and presented with a hand that was observed
by Maria Heywood to tremble, and a cheek unwontedly pale.
On arriving opposite the rose-tree, the animal suddenly
stopped, and putting his nose to the ground close under
it, and sniffing almost furiously, uttered a prolonged
and melancholy howl, while, with his fore-paws he began
to scratch up the loose earth around, regardless of the
voice of his master, who renewed his whistling, and called
upon him almost angrily to desist.
Alarmed at this perseverance of action, the ensign
descended to the spot--laid hands on Loup Garou, and
sought to remove him, but the animal, strong of neck--
full in the chest--and on the present occasion, under
the influence of furious impulse, was not to be restrained.
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