These abrupt tactics make the thing a certainty.
Though he were winged and swift of flight, the unwary one who approaches the ambush is lost.
This presumes, it is true, an exemplary patience on the Lycosa's part; for the burrow has naught that can serve to entice victims.

At best, the ledge provided by the turret may, at rare intervals, tempt some weary wayfarer to use it as a resting-place.

But, if the quarry do not come to-day, it is sure to come to-morrow, the next day, or later, for the Locusts hop innumerable in the waste-land, nor are they always able to regulate their leaps.

Some day or other, chance is bound to bring one of them within the purlieus of the burrow.

This is the moment to spring upon the pilgrim from the ramparts.