As the narrator and his friend walk along, nearing the end of the tale, the friend warns him to betray no sign of his knowledge of Wilson's presence; the confused and degraded man is crouching nearby behind a tree, like a hunted animal.
The narrator and his companion are nearing the conclusion of their story as they walk along, with the friend advising the narrator not to reveal any sign of knowledge about Wilson's presence. The confused and disheveled man is hidden behind a tree, resembling an animal being pursued.