about nine o'clock
This fellow charged Nobs , whose Capronian experiences had taught him that discretion is the better part of valor -- with the result that he dived head foremost into the stream beside me after giving vent to a series of ferocious growls which had no more effect upon Hyaena spelaeus than might a sweet smile upon an enraged tusker . Afterward I shot the beast , and Nobs had a feast while I dressed , for he had become quite a raw-meat eater during our numerous hunting expeditions , upon which we always gave him a portion of the kill . Whitely and Olson were up and dressed when we returned , and we all sat down to a good breakfast . I could not but wonder at Lys ' absence from the table , for she had always been one of the earliest risers in camp ; so about nine o'clock , becoming apprehensive lest she might be indisposed , I went to the door of her room and knocked . I received no response , though I finally pounded with all my strength ; then I turned the knob and entered , only to find that she was not there . Her bed had been occupied , and her clothing lay where she had placed it the previous night upon retiring ; but Lys was gone . To say that I was distracted with terror would be to put it mildly .