midnight
Through this uncurtained space the moonlight streamed into the room ; by its light I saw the cat retreating into a corner farthest from the window , her tail swelled out like that of a fox , her hair bristling , and her yellow eyes glaring vindictively . She disliked strangers , and commonly resented their presence in just this manner . I wondered , as my eyes followed the cat 's movements with growing apprehension , if she would act this way because of the vicinity of any large prowling animal . I was sure now , as I crouched tremblingly under the blankets , that the increasing noise that I heard was not made by any harmless midnight prowler . If it had been , the cat , being a great hunter , would have shown an eager desire to get outside the window , instead of away from it . Accustomed to the knowledge that there were wild animals in plenty up on the mountain slopes and in the encircling forests above us , and having abundant reason to know that they often made stealthy visits to the valley settlements at night , I soon reasoned myself into quietude . Whatever the beast might be , I was in no personal danger ; the cows were safe in the high-walled corral , and the poultry-house securely locked .