WOLVES. 1C5 



savage cayotes — the name given to one species of wolf — while 

 hunting their prey. Our ears are first assailed by a few shrill, 

 currish barks at intervals, like the outpost firing of skirmish- 

 ing parties. These arc answered by similar barks from the 

 opposite direction, till the sounds gradually approximate on 

 the junction of the different bands. The horses, sensible of the 

 approach of danger, begin to paw the ground, snort, toss up 

 their heads, look wildly about them, and exhibit other 

 symptoms of fear. We prepare our guns ready for action. 

 Three or four stallions take the lead, and wait, with com- 

 parative composure, for the approach of the enemy. The 

 allies at length enter the field in a semicircular form, with 

 their flanks extended, for the evident purpose of surrounding 

 their prey. 



They are between three and four hundred strong. The 

 horses, from experience, know well their object, and, dread- 

 ing an encounter with so numerous a force, instantly turn 

 round and gallop off in a contrary direction. Their flight 

 is the signal for the wolves to advance. The brutes, utter- 

 ing a simultaneous yell, charge after the fugitives, still pre- 

 serving their crescent form. Two or three horses, much out 

 of condition, are quickly overtaken, when they commence 

 kicking at the advance-guard of the enemy ; but though 

 several of the wolves receive severe blows, they will, it is evi- 

 dent — being reinforced by others — quickly despatch the unfor- 

 tunate horses. 



It is time for us to emerge from our concealment and fire a 



volley at the enemy's centre, by which several are brought 



down. The whole battalion of cowards instantly wheel about, 



and fly towards the hills in the utmost disorder ; while the 



horses, hearing the sound, come galloping up to us for pro- 



11 u 



