Monday 21st January 1808

Dear Diary,
This morning I ventured into Cobbler's Bottom and all seemed calm after the recent panic about the Parson's phantom wolf. Is it strange that there have been no further sightings and no further evidence of it's existence? Life in the village was back to it's usual dullness. There was no sign of Sam in the Smithy though giggling from somewhere in his house implied he was occupied with other matters. It had been raining since I had set off and now it began to rain quite heavily and so I sought shelter in the local hostelry and enjoyed a hot toddy or three. Some time later a local entered and announced the road out of the village to the north, and indeed my route home, was now flooded. " Never mind ,Mr Austen," said a voice " you are welcome to stay with me." It was Sam's 'bellow fellow' and as he looked down upon me, winking and smiling a toothy grin, he looked more equine than usual and I am afraid to say, of a similar odour. I graciously smiled, for I am a gentleman, and bid him good day. I was determined to return home and spurred Python on. The flood water was not that testing and I returned home in relative ease. As I entered the Grange, Father's Willie leapt up to greet me and dribbled all down my frock coat. My, how he has grown.