A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny

Perhaps it were best to take it day by day. Jack needed lots of ingredients for his work, as there was a big bit of business due soon. Do you think you might leave a large bone somewhere nearby?Īre you the ones who were by here last month? I don’t think he’s supposed to be doing that.

There are some things down there that he needs. One night when we were in a graveyard recently an old watchdog came by, though, and we talked for a time. Sometimes I like to talk and compare notes on watchdogging and masters, but I do tend to intimidate them. So we walk, Jack and I, and other dogs are often afraid of me. I like being a watchdog better than what I was before he summoned me and gave me this job. I always know just when he needs them because it is my job to watch and to know. I fetch things for Jack on occasion-his wand, his big knife with the old writing on the sides. It is good exercise, though, and I snarl a lot. I do not know what I would do if they all tried to get out at the same time. When they try to get out I raise particular hell with them. I have to keep watch on the Thing in the Circle, the Thing in the Wardrobe, and the Thing in the Steamer Trunk-not to mention the Things in the Mirror. We are the keepers of several curses and our work is very important. Jack is under a curse from long ago and must do much of his work at night to keep worse things from happening. It is silent then and we go for long walks. I like Soho very much at night with its smelly fogs and dark streets. I live with my master Jack outside of London now.

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny