348 WHEAT AND WOMAN 



dread from which death itself seems a gateway of 

 deliverance, although it is always claimed that 

 wolves will not attack a horse as long as a spark 

 of life remains in the body. To the last he welcomed 

 his oats, with the same appreciation as in the pre- 

 ceding winter when he had been the healthiest, 

 kindest, happiest member of my bonny bunch, and 

 it almost seemed as if his intelligence grew brighter 

 as strength forsook the poor emaciated body. There 

 was no longer the smallest doubt in my heart as to 

 what ought to be done, the wail of the wolves had 

 voiced decision. Just before nine o'clock some one 

 fetched Patrick O'Hara with his gun. Pat was for 

 the better part a sportsman and an unerring shot. 

 Only those die who are forgotten. Presently the 

 report came through my open window. . . . 

 Ricky's spark of life had sped home to life's centre. 



