THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 107 



sceptre that rarely quits his hand, and without which 

 it would be difficult for him to retain his riotous sub- 

 jects in anything like proper order. Next comes 

 his sling, which he uses like the South American lasso, 

 and with which he rarely misses the neck of the horse 

 whose course he is desirous of arresting. The wolf 

 club is another indispensable part of his equipment. 

 This club, which mostly hangs at the saddle ready for 

 immediate use, is three or four feet long, with a thick 

 iron knob at the end. The tabunshicks acquire such 

 astonishing dexterity in the use of this formidable 

 weapon, that, at full gallop, they will hurl it at a wolf, 

 and rarely fail to strike the iron end in the prowling 

 bandit's head. The club, skilfully wielded, carries 

 almost as sudden death with it as the rifle of an 

 American back-woodsman. A cask of water must 

 also accompany the tabunshick on every ride, for he 

 can never know whether he may not be for days with- 

 out coming to a well. A bag of bread, and a bottle of 

 brandy, are likewise his constant companions, besides 

 a multitude of other little conveniences and necessa- 

 ries, which are fastened either to himself, or his horse. 

 Thus accoutred, the tabunshick sallies forth on a mis- 

 sion that keeps his dexterity and his power of endur- 

 ance in constant exercise. His thousand untamed 

 steeds have to be kept in order with no other weapon 

 than his harabnick ; and this, it may easily be supposed, 

 is no easy task. His greatest trouble is with the 



