32 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



animals most similar to the reason of man ? Here each 

 wolf had his allotted work, doubtless that which was best 

 suited for his capacity. The rear assault was the most 

 dangerous ; for a kick well directed would unquestionably 

 have caused instant death to the adventurous assailant ; 

 but the most experienced and expert had selected the post 

 of danger and honour. The flashing eyes and foaming 

 mouth of the bull told plainly the result ; so I stepped 

 from my concealment. However, all were so occupied that 

 until I awakened the echoes with a loud " war-whoop " I 

 was unseen ; but man's voice always has its effect in cases 

 of this kind. The vermin, with startled scare, plainly 

 asking what the deuce right I had to interfere, sulkily 

 trotted off as I advanced ; while the persecuted in return 

 for my kindness, lowered his head, and pushed rapidly for 

 me, compelling me to seek safety in fight. Such conduct 

 in the buffalo was scarcely commendable, and very unusual. 

 I accounted for it by the harassing his temper had suffered, 

 as well as his feeling how inadequate his strength was for 

 escape by flight. Poor old creature, his days were num- 

 bered ; for as soon as my back was turned, and a safe 

 distance intervened between us, the wolves returned, and 

 as I rode homewards, occasionally turning and halting to 

 watch the gradually more indistinct belligerents, the victim 

 was still employed in battling for life. After all, was he 

 not paying the debt of nature, and dying as his ancestors 

 for generations had died before him ? Man yields his 

 spirit to the source from whence it emanates, on a luxurious 

 couch or humble straw bed, after frequently suffering from 

 protracted and painful illness. The veteran buffalo, effete 



