The poor animal had been bitten terribly in its
haunches and was cowering upon them, while the wolf stood and looked at
it a few paces off. In a moment or two the horse partially recovered and
made a desperate bound forward, starting at full gallop. Immediately the
wolf was after it, overhauled it in three or four jumps, and then seized
it by the hock, while its legs were extended, with such violence as to
bring it completely back on its haunches. It again screamed piteously;
and this time with a few savage snaps the wolf hamstrung and partially
disembowelled it, and it fell over, having made no attempt to defend
itself. I have heard of more than once incident of this kind. If a horse
is a good fighter, however, as occasionally, though not often, happens,
it is a more difficult prey for any wild beast, and some veteran horses
have no fear of wolves whatsoever, well knowing that they can either
strike them down with their forefeet or repulse them by lashing out
behind.
Wolves are cunning beasts and will often try to lull their prey into
unsuspicion by playing round and cutting capers.
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