"I share your fears," the constable said to Eve.  "The only reassurance I have to offer is that it has only attacked at night.  It seems we are safe during the day.  I wouldn't ask..."

"It's here!" shrieked one of the woman who had been sitting very near the wall, cradling a baby.  Now she moved toward the center of the room and pointed toward the wall where she had just been. "I heard it!  Growling!"

As the occupants quieted to listen, what sounded like the growl of a rabid dog could be heard.  A few moment later something heavy slammed against the front door of the hall, shaking them.