ir ambush among the willows.

The antelopes had all turned in the track of their leader, and were
following him in the new direction, like soldiers marching in single
file. They went slowly, with outstretched necks and eyes protruded,
gazing steadfastly on the strange objects before them. When within a
hundred yards or so of the wolves, the leader stopped, and sniffed the
air. The others imitated him in every movement. The wind was blowing
towards the wolves, therefore the antelopes, who possess the keenest
scent, could benefit nothing from this. They moved forward again
several paces, and again halted, and uttered their snorts as before, and
then once more moved on. These manoeuvres lasted for some minutes; and
it was evident that the spirits of fear and curiosity were struggling
within the breasts of these creatures. At times the former seemed to
have the mastery, for they would tremble, and start as if about to break
off in flight. Curiosity would again prevail, and a fresh movement
forward was the consequence.

In this way they advanced, until the headmost had got within a few paces
of the wolves, who lay all the while as still as mice or as cats waiting
for mice. Not any part of them was seen to move, except the long hair
of their tails that waved slightly in the breeze; but this only excited
the curiosity of the antelopes to a greater degree.

The leader of the herd seemed all at once to grow bolder. He was a
stout old buck--what had _he_ to fear? Why should _he_ dread such
creatures as these, without heads, or teeth, or claws, and evidently
incapable of moving themselves? No doubt they were inanimate objects.
He would soon decide that question, by simply stepping up and laying his
nose upon one of them.

He was instigated, moreover, by a species of pride or vanity. He wanted
to show off his courage before his followers, who were mostly does; many
of them his wives too--for the old antelopes are shocking polygamists.
It would never do to appear timid in the eyes of the fair does; and he
was determined to cut a swagger. Under this impulse, he walked boldly
up, until his sharp snout touched the hair of one of the wolves.

The latter, who had been all the time peeping from under his tail,
waiting for just such an opportunity, now sprang to his feet, and
launched himself upon the throat of the antelope. His comrades,
uncoiling themselves at the same instant, followed his example; and the
next momen