I lay awake for a long time, tingling all over with
nervousness. Then I began to grow calmer, and was getting
drowsy almost in spite of myself when I was aroused by the
unmistakable sound of Bock's tail thumping on the floor--a
sure sign of pleasure. This puzzled me quite as much as his
growls. I did not dare strike a light, but could hear him
sniffing at the door of the van and whining with eagerness.
This seemed very uncanny, and again I crept stealthily out of
the bunk and pounded on the floor lustily, this time with the
frying pan, which made an unearthly din. Peg neighed and
snorted, and Bock began to bark. Even in my anxiety I almost
laughed. "It sounds like an insane asylum," I thought, and
reflected that probably the disturbance was only caused by
some small animal. Perhaps a rabbit or a skunk which Bock had
winded and wanted to chase. I patted him, and crawled into my
bunk once more.
But my real excitement was still to come. About half an hour
later I heard unmistakable footsteps alongside the van. Bock
growled furiously, and I lay in a panic. Something jarred one
of the wheels. Then broke out a most extraordinary racket.
I heard quick steps, Peg whinneyed, and something fell heavily
against the back of the wagon.
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