“Alas!” said the Wolf, “many of ours will fall in the attack, but it will be in our country’s cause. There are only six men, a few horses, and some provisions. Too few! too few! They won’t serve for a meal to the right wing of our army. Bird, believe me, we are nearly famished!”
He turned and showed his fangs so hungrily that I almost fainted with fright. “We have had nothing to eat.”
“Nothing,” I said, “not even a Russian?”
“No; not even a Tartar. Those rogues of Tartars scent us two miles off.”
“Well, then, how do you manage?”
“The young and strong among us are bound to fight on an empty stomach. She-wolves, cubs, and veterans must feed first.”
“That is a fine point in the character of your Republic.”
“Fine!” he said; “why, it is only fair. We know no distinction other than that of age and sex; all are equal.”
“Why,” said I, “how can that be?”
“Because we are all of us the same in the sight of God.”