"You've been to sleep, and the fire's gone out."
Capi had run to the opening, but had not ventured outside. He stood on the threshold barking.
"What has happened?" I asked in my turn.
In answer to Capi's barks came two or three mournful howls. I recognized Dulcie's voice. These howls came from behind our hut and at a very short distance.
I was going out. But Vitalis put his hand on my shoulder and stopped me.
"First," he said, in a tone of command, "put some wood on the fire."
While I obeyed, he took a sprig from the fire and blew it out until only the point remained burning. He held the torch in his hand.
"Come and see what is the matter," he said; "you walk behind me. Go ahead, Capi."
As we went out there was a frightful howl. Capi drew back, cowering behind us in terror.
"Wolves! Where are Zerbino and Dulcie?"