394 The Wilderness Httntei^. 



therein ; it had been turned loose by another packing out- 

 fit, because it became exhausted. He lost sight of it as 

 the trail went down a zigrzaQ;, and while it was thus out of 

 sight he suddenly heard it utter the appalling scream, unlike 

 and more dreadful than any other sound, which a horse 

 only utters in extreme fright or agony. The scream was 

 repeated, and as he came in sight again he saw that a 

 great wolf had attacked the horse. The poor animal had 

 been bitten terribly in its haunches and was cowering upon 

 them, while the wolf stood and looked at it a few paces 

 off. In a moment or two the horse partially recovered 

 and made a desperate bound forward, starting at full gal- 

 lop. Immediately the wolf was after it, overhauled it in 

 three or four jumps, and then seized it by the hock, while 

 its legs were extended, with such violence as to bring it 

 completely back on its haunches. It again screamed pit- 

 eously ; and this time with a few savage snaps the wolf 

 hamstrung and partially disembowelled it, and it fell over, 

 having made no attempt to defend itself. I have heard of 

 more than one incident of this kind. If a horse is a Sfood 

 fighter, however, as occasionally, though not often, hap- 

 pens, it is a most difficult prey for any wild beast, and 

 some veteran horses have no fear of wolves whatsoever, 

 well knowing that they can either strike them down 

 with their fore-feet or repulse them by lashing out 

 behind. 



Wolves are cunning beasts and will often try to lull 

 their prey into unsuspicion by playing round and cutting 

 capers. I once saw a young deer and a wolf-cub together 

 near the hut of the settler who had captured both. The 



