A © WOLF SCRAPE.’ 223 
I have never known these animals, rapa- 
cious as they are, extend their attacks to man, 
though they probably would, if very hungry 
and a favorable opportunity ‘presented itself. 
I shall not soon forget an adventure with one 
of ses many years ago, on the frontier of 
Misso Riding near the prairie border, I 
meer one of the largest and fiercest of 
the gray species, which had just descended 
m the west, and seemed famished to des- 
peration. I at once prepared for a chase; and, 
being without arms, I caught up a cudgel, 
when I betook me valiantly to the charge, 
much stronger, as I soon discovered, in my 
cause than in my equipment. The wolf was 
in no humor to flee, however, but boldly met 
me full half-way. Iwas soon disarmed, for 
my club broke upon the animal’s head. He 
then ‘laid to’ my horse’s legs, which, not re- 
lishing the conflict, gave a plunge and sent 
me whirling over his head, and made his es- 
cape, leaving me and the wolf at close quar- 
ters. Iwas no sooner upon my feet than my 
antagonist renewed the charge; but, being 
without weapon, or any means of awakening 
- an emotion of terror, save through his imagi- 
nation, I took off my large black hat, and 
using it for a shield, began to thrust it towards 
his gaping jaws. My ruse had the desired 
effect ; for, after springing at me a few times, 
he wheeled about and trotted off several paces, 
and stopped to gaze at me. Being apprehen- 
sive that he might change his mind and return 
- to the attack, and conscious that, under the 
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