THE COYOTE OF PELICAN POINT 31 



only edged and backed, more apparently to get a 

 sight of the dogs behind us than through any fear. 



Suddenly Harris stepped from before the dogs, 

 pointed them toward the coyote, and slipped their 

 leashes. The hounds were trained to the work. There 

 was just an instant's pause, a quick yelp, then two 

 doubling, reaching forms ahead of us, with a little 

 line of dust between. 



The coyote saw them coming, and started to run, 

 not hurriedly, however, for he had had many a run 

 before. He was not afraid, and kept looking behind 

 to see what manner of dog was after him this time. 



But he was not long in making up his mind that 

 this was an entirely new kind, for in less than three 

 minutes the hounds had halved the distance that 

 separated him from them. At first, the big wolf- 

 hound was in the lead. Then, as if it had taken him 

 till this time to find all four of his long legs, the grey- 

 hound pulled himself together, and in a burst of speed 

 that was astonishing, passed his heavier companion. 



We raced along the ridge to see the finish. But 

 the coyote ahead of the dogs was no novice. He 

 knew the game perfectly. He saw the gap closing 

 behind him. Had he been young, he would have 

 been seized by fear; would have darted right and 

 left, mouthing and snapping in abject terror. In- 

 stead of that, he dug his nails into the shore, and 

 with all his wits about him, sped for the desert. The 

 greyhound was close behind him. 



