noon
So far as I could see , his attention appeared to have been taken , chiefly , with scratching and sniffing among the grass at the edge of the Pit . At times , he would leave the edge , and run along toward the house , as though following invisible tracks ; but , in all cases , returning after a few minutes . I had little doubt but that he was really tracing out the footsteps of the Swine-things ; and the very fact that each one seemed to lead him back to the Pit , appeared to me , a proof that the brutes had all returned whence they came . At noon , I went home , for dinner . During the afternoon , I made a partial search of the gardens , accompanied by Pepper ; but , without coming upon anything to indicate the presence of the creatures . Once , as we made our way through the shrubberies , Pepper rushed in among some bushes , with a fierce yelp . At that , I jumped back , in sudden fright , and threw my gun forward , in readiness ; only to laugh , nervously , as Pepper reappeared , chasing an unfortunate cat .