Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/141

Rh wounded and the rest retreat to a little distance in alarm.

It is not for long, however; they perceive that nothing follows and very soon return. They approach him and close him round again: his position is critical. They come nearer still. But a slight diversion in his favour occurs from their summarily falling upon their comrades who have just been shot and devouring them with savage eagerness. This second course produces almost as much confusion as did the first; under cover of which the watchful hunter attempts to retreat slowly and carefully from their immediate neighbourhood.

Soon they follow him once more; and every barrier between him and a dreadful death seems removed. Still he retreats slowly and half unconsciously: they are very near him now. Now one has leaped upon him; and the remaining barrel of his rifle has exploded in the struggle. Fortunately it has shot the wolf in question; the rest fall back in affright and devour their dead companion as before.

If he can only gain the deep stream which he sees shining on his right hand the hunter will have a chance of safety: the water will;