A COLLIE IN THE DESERT 143 



do not perspire. This is a saving, for many per- 

 spiring animals throw off one or more gallons of 

 water each day. 



Jack had the ability to adjust himself to con- 

 ditions as they were and with these to succeed. 

 The extreme trial for him must have been to 

 stand the dust and the scarcity of water. He may 

 have found it trying, too, to sustain himself on 

 the desert, for the food of a desert coyote consists 

 of birds, snakes, horned toads, an occasional 

 taste of antelope or mountain sheep, the choice 

 cuts of cactus, and all desert plants. 



After Jack's troubled puppyhood the life of a 

 desert coyote may have been pleasant for him. 

 Coyotes commonly mate for life and generally 

 they ramble about in pairs. But occasionally 

 either for fun or from necessity they collect 

 and move about in numbers, and usually under 

 the command of a leader. At any rate, Jack 

 met the exacting requirements of the desert 

 and won the highest distinction of a coyote 

 pack that of leadership. Of course he won 

 this through sheer force of character. 



Either not quite content in his wild life, or else 

 having a vague idea that he might find a master 

 and a flock, Jack returned to the village. But 

 he was restless and lingered only a few days. 

 Then he wandered off again and cast his lot 

 with the coyotes. 



