There seemed an equal danger in pressing and in neglecting the
accustomed marks of familiarity. The one extreme looked like
impudence, and might annoy, the other was a practical confession of
guilt. Altogether, it was a good hour for me when the dusk began
to fall in earnest on the streets of Edinburgh, and the voice of an
early watchman bade me set forth.
I reached the neighbourhood of the cottage before seven; and as I
breasted the steep ascent which leads to the garden wall, I was
struck with surprise to hear a dog. Dogs I had heard before, but
only from the hamlet on the hillside above. Now, this dog was in
the garden itself, where it roared aloud in paroxysms of fury, and
I could hear it leaping and straining on the chain. I waited some
while, until the brute's fit of passion had roared itself out.
Then, with the utmost precaution, I drew near again; and finally
approached the garden wall. So soon as I had clapped my head above
the level, however, the barking broke forth again with redoubled
energy. Almost at the same time, the door of the cottage opened,
and Ronald and the Major appeared upon the threshold with a
lantern. As they so stood, they were almost immediately below me,
strongly illuminated, and within easy earshot. The Major pacified
the dog, who took instead to low, uneasy growling intermingled with
occasional yelps.
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