I called that I was coming, but he didn't halt. By the time I got down to the little square hall he was gone, and the outside door was shut. I opened it and stepped out and yelled, “Hey, Leeds!

His voice came from somewhere in the darkness. “I said wait!

Even if he had decided not to bother with me there was no use trying to dash after him, with my handicap, so I settled for making my way around the corner of the house and across the gravelled rectangle to where my car was parked. Getting the door unlocked, I climbed in and got the flashlight from the dash compartment. That put me, if not even with Leeds for a night outdoors in the country, at least a lot closer to him. Relocking the car door, I sent the beam of the flash around and then switched it off and went back to the side door of the house.

I could hear steps, faint, then louder, and soon Leeds appeared within the area of light from the hall's window. He wasn't alone. With him was a dog, a length ahead of him, on a leash. As they approached I courteously stepped aside, but the dog ignored me completely. Leeds opened the door and they entered the hall, and I joined them.

“Get in front of her, Leeds said, “a yard off, and stand still.

I obeyed, circling.

“See, Hebe.

For the first time the beast admitted I was there. She lifted her head at me, then stepped forward and smelled my trousers legs, not in haste. When she had finished Leeds crossed to where the dead dog lay on the bench, made a sign, and

Hebe went to him.

Leeds passed his fingertips along the dead dog's belly, touching lightly the smooth short hair. “Take it, Hebe.