Its notes could travel, through still air, for a half mile or more.

Their faintest echoes always brought the dog in eager response.

But tonight, a dozen wait-punctuated blasts brought no other response than to set the distant village dogs to barking.
The Mistress went back into the house, genuinely worried.

Acting on a sudden idea, she called up the Place's superintendent, at the gatelodge.
"You were down here when the truck came to the house this afternoon, weren't you ?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," said the man.

"I was waiting for it.