166 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



always on its track looking out for the feeble or unfor- 

 tunate. Skulking scoundrels are these members of 

 the canine fraternity, and cunning withal ; keen and 

 successful hunters if necessary, but addicted to idle- 

 ness; for if they can obtain their dinner at others* 

 expense, they are always ready to sacrifice their prin- 

 ciple and sponge upon the first acquaintance. If you 

 go out .for pleasure, or with the desire of replenishing 

 your larder, you are certain to be attended ; you cannot 

 get away from camp without their watchful eyes de- 

 tecting you. As you rise one knoll you may observe 

 the escort topping the last, and intently keeping all 

 your movements under their observation. Full well clo 

 they know that if buffalo or deer fall before your rifle, 

 on the refuse that you reject they will find a bounteous 

 repast ; or if your hands and eyes forget their cunning, 

 and a wounded unfortunate goes off, then the chances 

 are that the whole carcass will fall to their share, and 

 a gorgeous feast on tidbits ensue, for master Lupus has 

 wonderful scenting powers, and with the trail spiced 

 with blood he grudges no amount of exertion. 



Again, the wolf is generally in disgrace ; for he steals 

 your game if deserted by you for a few hours to pro- 

 cure assistance to transport it to camp ; he eats your 

 lariat ropes, untying your animals, nibbles the flaps of 

 your saddles, and keeps up an unearthly serenade 

 through those hours that the tired sportsman is most 

 disposed to rest. Is it any wonder that he is unpopular, 

 that he has few friends, and that he is considered a 

 vermin of the first magnitude ? In all shooting excur- 

 sions you will have idle days, a lay off for the more 

 serious duties of the morrow, when guns are cleaned, 

 bullets cast, powder flasks replenished, and wet and 



