The scream was repeated, and as he came in sight again he saw that a great wolf had attacked the horse.

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.