Introduction

“Wolves—And A Sword” is an unfinished and incomplete story (about 380 words) that explores the adventurous and perilous journey of a man who sets out to prove the efficacy of a sword as a weapon by hunting a notorious wolf named “El Diablo.” The tale combines elements of personal challenge, natural hazards, and the tension between modern and ancient weaponry.

Summary

The story begins with an argument between the narrator, who has a keen interest in fencing and swordplay, and his friend, a boxer. The boxer mocks the narrator’s fascination with swords, calling them obsolete and mere toys compared to modern weapons. Provoked, the narrator challenges his friend to provide a test to prove that a sword is indeed a man’s weapon.

At the time of their argument, a severe drought has driven the wolves in Texas to become more aggressive, attacking livestock due to the scarcity of smaller prey. Among these wolves is a particularly cunning and audacious one known as “El Diablo” or “The Devil.” This wolf has become infamous among the locals for his ability to evade capture and his boldness in attacking larger animals.

The boxer’s challenge is for the narrator to hunt down and kill El Diablo with his sword. Despite the apparent absurdity and danger of the proposition, the narrator accepts the challenge. They travel several miles from town and set up camp. The plan is for the narrator to venture out alone into the hills at night to hunt the wolf. If he does not return by morning, his friend will follow his marked trail to find him, mindful of the treacherous canyons and gulches that characterize the area.

Under the light of a high-riding moon, the narrator sets out on his solitary and perilous quest, determined to prove the worth of his blade against one of nature’s most cunning predators.

Characters

  • Narrator: The protagonist who has a deep interest in fencing and swordplay. He accepts the challenge to hunt down the wolf El Diablo with his sword.
  • Narrator’s Friend: A boxer who mocks the narrator’s interest in swords and challenges him to prove their efficacy by hunting a wolf.
  • El Diablo: The cunning and audacious wolf that has become infamous among the locals for his ability to evade capture and his boldness in attacking livestock.
  • Mexican Ranchers: Local ranchers who have named the wolf “El Diablo” due to his fearsome reputation.
  • Coyotes: Smaller, more cowardly wolves that have become more aggressive due to the drought but are not as significant a threat as El Diablo.

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