The She-Wolf

Leonard Bilsiter was one of those people who found the real world dull and uninteresting. Instead of engaging with ordinary life, he preferred to speak mysteriously about unseen forces and secret powers. Like a child inventing imaginary worlds, Leonard created his own version of hidden knowledge—but unlike children, he wanted others to admire and believe him.

His supposed knowledge had its roots in a journey through Eastern Europe. During a railway strike in Russia, he had been stranded at a small station near Perm. There, to pass the time, he befriended a dealer in harness and metalware who told him fragments of folklore learned from traders in Trans-Baikal. Leonard returned home full of dramatic tales about strikes and foreign lands, but even more eager to hint at something he called “Siberian Magic.”

At first, he was secretive. But when people did not show much curiosity, he began speaking more openly about the enormous powers this magic gave to those who understood it. His aunt, Cecilia Hoops, who loved dramatic stories, eagerly supported him. She even claimed he had once turned a vegetable marrow into a wood pigeon before her eyes—though many suspected her imagination was more active than Leonard’s magic.

When Leonard arrived at Mary Hampton’s house-party, he carried a reputation. Guests were unsure whether he was a mystic or merely ridiculous, but either way, he attracted attention.

At luncheon the next day, Mrs. Hampton teasingly said, “I wish you would turn me into a wolf, Mr. Bilsiter.”

Colonel Hampton laughed. “I never knew you had such a desire.”

“A she-wolf, of course,” Mary continued playfully. “It would be too confusing to change both species and gender at once.”

Leonard stiffened. “These matters should not be treated lightly,” he said gravely. The subject dropped, but the teasing lingered.

Among the guests was Clovis Sangrail, a mischievous young man who enjoyed exposing pretension. After lunch, he privately approached Lord Pabham, who owned a collection of exotic animals.

“Have you a she-wolf?” Clovis asked casually.

“Yes,” said Lord Pabham thoughtfully. “Louisa, a fine timber wolf. Surprisingly gentle.”

“May I borrow her tomorrow night?” Clovis asked, as though requesting a tennis racket.

Lord Pabham soon understood the plan and laughed heartily. He agreed to lend Louisa for the evening.

The following night, the house-party was larger. Leonard, enjoying the audience, spoke at length after dinner about hidden forces and secret powers. His aunt encouraged him dramatically.

“Won’t you give them proof?” she urged. “Turn something into another shape!”

The guests joined in. Even skeptics were willing to be entertained.

Leonard hesitated. “Does anyone have a small object?” he began, perhaps planning a minor trick.

Clovis interrupted coolly, “Surely you can do better than making coins disappear.”

Then Mrs. Hampton, laughing, walked toward the conservatory to feed her macaws. “I dare you to turn me into a wolf!” she called playfully. “I defy you!”

Moments later, a strange chill swept the room. The macaws shrieked wildly. Suddenly, from among the plants, emerged a large grey wolf.

The room exploded in screams. Guests froze in terror as the animal stared at them calmly.

Mrs. Hoops shrieked at Leonard, “Turn it back into Mrs. Hampton at once!”

Leonard, pale and trembling, stammered, “I—I don’t know how!”

Colonel Hampton thundered, “You turned my wife into that creature and now claim you can’t reverse it?”

“I didn’t!” Leonard protested desperately.

Clovis spoke politely. “Of course, we accept that you did not turn her into a wolf. But appearances are unfortunate.”

Panic spread. Mavis Pellington demanded the beast be removed. Lord Pabham observed that it appeared to be a North American timber wolf. To calm it, he tossed a sugar cube. The wolf snapped it neatly from the air and waited for more.

Relief slowly replaced hysteria. Lord Pabham coaxed the animal out of the room with more sugar.

But Mrs. Hampton was nowhere to be found. The conservatory door was locked from the inside. All eyes turned accusingly to Leonard.

Guests murmured angrily. Some threatened to leave at once. Mrs. Hoops wept dramatically, refusing to remain in a house where the hostess had become a wolf.

Suddenly, the door opened and Mrs. Hampton entered, looking annoyed rather than transformed.

“Someone mesmerized me!” she declared. “I found myself in the game larder being fed sugar by Lord Pabham. And I hate sugar!”

The truth slowly emerged. Clovis calmly confessed that he had arranged everything. Louisa the wolf had been smuggled into the conservatory while Mrs. Hampton quietly slipped away. The locked door had been part of the trick.

“You see,” Clovis said smoothly, “I have lived in Northeastern Russia and know something of these mysterious arts. When one hears nonsense about Siberian magic, one is tempted to demonstrate real magic.”

He requested brandy, claiming the effort had exhausted him.

Leonard stood humiliated. He had loudly denied responsibility during the crisis, destroying any chance to claim glory once the trick succeeded. Now he could neither accept credit nor defend his dignity. His grand reputation collapsed completely.

If he had possessed real magical powers at that moment, he might gladly have turned Clovis into something small and crushable. But he could only endure the laughter.