of Clematis was at this moment cautiously extended from behind the
fence-post at the corner whither he had fled. Viewing with growing
assurance the scene before him, he permitted himself to emerge wholly,
and sat down, with his head tilted to one side in thought. Almost at the
next corner the clothes-boiler with legs, and the wash-tubs, and
Genesis were marching on; and just behind them went three figures not
so familiar to Clematis, and connected in his mind with a vague, mild
apprehension. But all backs were safely toward him, and behind them
pattered that small live thing which had so profoundly interested him.

He rose and came on apace, silently.

When he reached the side of Flopit, some eight or nine seconds later,
Clematis found himself even more fascinated and perplexed than during
their former interview, though again Flopit seemed utterly to disregard
him. Clematis was not at all sure that Flopit WAS a dog, but he felt
that it was his business to find out. Heaven knows, so far, Clematis had
not a particle of animosity in his heart, but he considered it his duty
to himself--in case Flopit turned out not to be a dog--to learn just
what he was. The thing might be edible.

Therefore, again pacing obliquely beside Flopit (while the human beings
ahead went on, unconscious of the approaching climax behind them)
Clematis sought to detect, by senses keener than sight, some evidence of
Flopit's standing in the zoological kingdom; and, sniffing at the top
of Flopit's head--though Clematis was uncertain about its indeed being a
head--he found himself baffled and mentally much disturbed.

Flopit did not smell like a dog; he smelled of violets.