for the evening hunt. Warrigal growled warningly as
the three dingoes approached, but it seemed that Black-tip had
spread abroad news of the coming of the Wolfhound in such a manner
as to disarm hostility. It was with the most exaggerated
respectfulness that the dingoes circled, sniffing, about Finn's
legs, their bushy tails carried deferentially near the ground.
Seeing the friendliness of their intentions, Finn wagged his tail
at them, whereat they all leaped from him in sudden alarm as though
he had snapped. Finn's jaws parted in amusement, and his great tail
continued to wag, while he gave friendly greeting through his
nostrils, and made it quite clear that he entertained no hostile
feeling towards his mate's kindred.

After this the dingoes took heart of grace, and there was a general
all-round sniffing which occupied fully ten minutes. Finn stood
quite still, his magnificent body erect and stretched to its full
length. Occasionally he lowered his head condescendingly to take a
sniff at one or other of the dingoes, who were employed in gravely
circling about him, as though to familiarize themselves with every
aspect of his anatomy, with eyes and noses all busy. During this
time Warrigal sat a little to one side, her face wearing an
elaborately assumed expression of aloofness, of lofty unconsciousness,
and of some disdain. Finally, the whole five of them trotted off into the
bush, and then it was noticeable that Warrigal clung closely to Finn's
near side. If any small accident of the trail caused a change in the
position of the dingoes, Finn instantly dropped back a pace or two, and a
quick look from him was sufficient to send the straying dingo back to his
place on the Wolfhound's off side. There was no talk about it; but from
the beginning it was clearly understood, first, that Finn was absolutely
master there, and, secondly, that place on his near side was strictly
reserved for his mate, and for his mate only; that no creature might
approach her except through him. The manner in which Finn's will in this
matter was recognized and respected was very striking indeed; it meant
much, for, from the point of view of the three dingoes, Warrigal appeared
at that time in the light of an exceedingly desirable mate, and one for
whose favour the three of them would assuredly have fought to the last
gasp that night but for the dominating presence of the great Wolfhound.

Finn appeared to lead the hunting party, but its real l