![]() But whatever the reason, this old man and woman took pleasure in trapping and slaying every cat which came near to their hovel and from some of the sounds heard after dark, many villagers fancied that the manner of slaying was exceedingly peculiar. ![]() Why they did this I know not save that many hate the voice of the cat in the night, and take it ill that cats should run stealthily about yards and gardens at twilight. In Ulthar, before ever the burgesses forbade the killing of cats, there dwelt an old cotter and his wife who delighted to trap and slay the cats of their neighbors. The Sphinx is his cousin, and he speaks her language but he is more ancient than the Sphinx, and remembers that which she hath forgotten. He is the kin of the jungle's lords, and heir to the secrets of hoary and sinister Africa. He is the soul of antique Aegyptus, and bearer of tales from forgotten cities in Meroe and Ophir. ![]() For the cat is cryptic, and close to strange things which men cannot see. It is said that in Ulthar, which lies beyond the river Skai, no man may kill a cat and this I can verily believe as I gaze upon him who sitteth purring before the fire. ![]() Lovecraft, Written, and first published in Vol. ![]()
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