When Adam got back to Lesser Hill, he went to the coach-house where the
box with the mongoose was kept, and took it with him, intending to finish
at the Mound of Stone what he had begun the previous morning with regard
to the extermination. He found that the snakes were even more easily
attacked than on the previous day; no less than six were killed in the
first half-hour. As no more appeared, he took it for granted that the
morning's work was over, and went towards home. The mongoose had by this
time become accustomed to him, and was willing to let himself be handled
freely. Adam lifted him up and put him on his shoulder and walked on.
Presently he saw a lady advancing towards him, and recognised Lady
Arabella.

Hitherto the mongoose had been quiet, like a playful affectionate kitten;
but when the two got close, Adam was horrified to see the mongoose, in a
state of the wildest fury, with every hair standing on end, jump from his
shoulder and run towards Lady Arabella. It looked so furious and so
intent on attack that he called a warning.

"Look out--look out! The animal is furious and means to attack."

Lady Arabella looked more than ever disdainful and was passing on; the
mongoose jumped at her in a furious attack. Adam rushed forward with his
stick, the only weapon he had. But just as he got within striking
distance, the lady drew out a revolver and shot the animal, breaking his
backbone. Not satisfied with this, she poured shot after shot into him
till the magazine was exhausted. There was no coolness or hauteur about
her now; she seemed more furious even than the animal, her face
transformed with hate, and as determined to kill as he had appeared to
be. Adam, not knowing exactly what to do, lifted his hat in apology and
hurried on to Lesser Hill.