NIP AND TUG TAKE THE TKACK 187 



tain wolf, under great advantages, and therefore with a 

 probability of success. Should they obtain a victory without 

 getting crippled or injured, it would ever after give them 

 such confidence and courage in any future conflict with one 

 as would go far to ensure success. 



The dogs had, both together and singly, killed in the most 

 dashing manner many a coyote and timber-wolf ; but doing 

 so was child's play compared to tackling a gray mountain- 

 wolf. Had they been ordinary dogs, I would not have 

 risked the almost certainty of their being killed by such a 

 combat ; but they were extraordinary dogs ; not only most 

 powerful and savage, but in the habit of hunting and 

 attacking their game together, and had always shown great 

 judgment and sagacity in supporting and seconding each 

 other on such occasions. 



On arriving at the place, where I had left the trail, I 

 dismounted and liberated Nip and Tug, having first 

 scolded and menaced the dogs to bring them into a 

 sufficient state of subjection to be likely to mind me when 

 they should get excited by taking the track. Even after 

 such precaution I had great difficulty in keeping them from 

 galloping on the trail, which I was anxious they should 

 not do, as I wished to be well up when the wolf was 

 started, and also to save my mule as much as possible for 

 the final rush. 



In a mile we came to where the wolf had lain down to 

 rest, and I have no doubt he had but just started from his 

 lair, for the two dogs gave a sniff and whimper, and were off 

 like rockets. 



We were on the comb of a pinon ridge, along which the 



