IT was wonderful how quickly the Spaniel took in the story Missis poured out to him, for he had not heard any news by way of the Twilight Barking.

Haven’t listened to it for years,€ he said. Indeed, I doubt if I could get it now. There isn’t another dog for miles. Anyway, Sir Charles needs me at twilight he needs me almost all the time. I’m only off duty now because he’s in his bath.€

They were now in a large stone-floored kitchen, where the Spaniel had led Missis after inviting her to jump in through the window. He went on. Breakfast before you tell me any more, young lady,€ and led her to a large plate of meat.

But it’s your breakfast,€ said Missis, trying not to look as hungry as she felt.

No, it isn’t. It’s my supper, if you really want to know. I’d no appetite and I shan’t have any for breakfast, which will be served to me any minute. Tea’s my meal. Hurry up, my dear. It will be thrown away if you don’t eat it.€

Missis took one delicious gulp. Then she stopped. My husband!

The Spaniel interrupted her. We’ll see about his breakfast later, Finish it all, my child.€

So Missis ate and ate and then had a long drink from a white pottery bowl. She had never seen a bowl like it.

That’s an eighteenth century dog’s drinking bowl,€ said the Spaniel, handed down from dog to dog in this family. And now, before you get too sleepy, you’d better bring your husband here.

Oh, yes€ said Missis eagerly. Please tell me how to get back to the haystack.

Just go to the end of the drive and turn left.€

I’m not very good at right and left,€ said Missis, especially left.€

The Spaniel smiled, then looked at her paws. This will help you,€ he said. That paw with the pretty spot that is your right paw.

Then which is my left paw?€

Why, the other paw, of course.

Back or front?€ asked Missis.

Just forget your back paws.€

Missis was puzzled. Could she forget her back paws? And if she could, would it be safe?

The Spaniel went on. Look at your front paws and remember: Right paw, spot. Left paw, no spot.

Missis stared hard at her paws. I will practise, she said earnestly. But please tell me how to turn left.€

Turn on the side of the paw which does not have a spot.

Whichever way I am going?

Certainly,€ said the Spaniel. The paw with the spot will always be your right paw. You can depend on that.€

If I turned towards you now, would I be turning left?€ asked Missis, after thinking very hard.

Yes, yes. Splendid!€ said the Spaniel.