But aspecial tumult warned him that something odd
was following.
I funkthat interview more than anything I remember.
The windows acrossthe street were shuttered, so he could work without fear
ofdetection. He recognised Meleager, the clown of theCirque Doré.
Also he could now abate the stuffiness ofhis
prison-house. Jaikie had now forgotten both his thirst and hunger.
But all thought of immediate escape was prevented
by the state ofhis body.
Never had he felt so small and feeble and
insignificant, but neverso determined.
He has an awful job before him,for he is as shy as
an antelope really, though he does brazenthings.
I thought I might find an inn where I could tidy up
and get myclothes dried. Bybending low Jaikie could see upwards to a thin streak of
light.
He praised our food at CastleGay and he gave me a
very good breakfast at Knockraw.
Good enough for a day with the bitch pack on the
hills, was thedrowsy answer. At the first rifle-shot the game will get out of
hand.
Jaikie was very angry,and with him wrath always
blanketed fear. He woke to a dusty twilight, but there was a hum out-of-doors
whichsuggested that it was full day.
Jaikie shut the window and resolutely stretched
himself on the bed.
Youd both be the better of a hotbath and a
dressing-down, for youve been pretty well soaked allday.
It could not be more than ten yards, and he was as
lighton his feet as a cat.
Hes too old, and though hes a brave oldboy, I dont
see him exactly leading forlorn hopes.
The ejaculation was wrung from Jaikie by a
suddenrealisation of the state of his garments. You and Mr McCunn get into my car
and Peter will drive you.
The windows acrossthe street were shuttered, so he
could work without fear ofdetection.
It proved an easier task than he had feared. The
best hiding-place was under the light. But the job isnt finished, for there are
three other people leftin that beastly house. He walked to the window and examined
thefastenings.
He foundhimself looking up at the stars from the
back of the elephantAurunculeia. We met in a hut in themountains at Unnutz. He spat
out the last words with extraordinary venom. He praised our food at CastleGay and he
gave me a very good breakfast at Knockraw.