120 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 



discomfiture of the wolves, though not, perhaps, till 

 more than one stallion has had a leg permanently dis- 

 abled, or has had his side marked for life with the im- 

 press of his enemy's teeth. 



These grand battles happen but seldom, and when 

 they do occur, it is probably always against the wolf's 

 wish. His system of warfare is a predatory one, and 

 his policy is rather to surprise outposts, than to 

 meditate a general attack. He trusts more to his 

 cunning than his strength. He will creep cautiously 

 through the grass, taking special care to keep to 

 leeward of the taboon, and will remain concealed in 

 ambush, till he perceive a mare and her foal grazing 

 a little apart from the rest. Even then he makes no 

 attempt to spring upon his prey, but keeps creeping 

 nearer and nearer, with his head leaning on his fore 

 feet, and wagging his tail in a friendly manner, to 

 imitate, as much as possible, the movements and 

 gestures of a watchdog. If the mare, deceived by 

 the treacherous pantomime, venture near enough to 

 the enemy, he will spring at her throat, and despatch 

 her before she have time to raise an alarm ; then, 

 seizing on the foal, he will make off with his booty, 

 and be out of sight perhaps before either herd or 

 herdsman suspect his presence. It is not often, 

 however, that the wolf succeeds in obtaining so easy 

 a victory. If the mare detect him, an instant alarm 

 is raised, and should the tabunshick be near, the wolf 



