The native American., 1838-03-10

and when the boy brought him saddled to the
door, he called my attention to the howlings OF
the wolves, which could be distinctly heard in
the exact direction of the road | had TO travel,
although the noise seemed to proceed from a
swamp at couple of miles distance. Being
prepared with stout cudgel in lieu Of riding.
whip, | mounted my horse, and set forward,
already beginning to repent Of having delayed
my journey until so late an hour. BY the time
had passed the scene of carnage of the pre-
ceding day and was about to enter the dark and
almost trackess woods, daylight had totally dis
appeared, and nothing remained for me but to
pursue my way, and make the best of it.
| had not proceeded far ere | came to steep
descent. where the water, from an adjoining
spring, had overfowed the snow, which was
consequently formed into continued sheet oil
ice, all the way down the decliyity. My horse
being smooihshod, | deemed it safer to walk
therefore dismounting and taking the bride in
my hand, endeayored to lead the way down
the slippery path. Before, however, had got
half way TO the bottom away slid both my feet,
ana down | came. My horse was so startled a,
the suddenness of my fall that he made spring
to one side Of the track lost his footing, and
came down close beside me. But in the spring
he made when fell, from my hand being fast
in the bride, was jerked back some distance
i
covered little from the shock, felt fully
persuaded that my shoulder was dislocated
We both, however, gathered ourselves up as
we'll as we were able; and there we stood, in
no condition to protect ourselves from the wolves,
should they see fit to attack us for from the
way in which my horse stood, | was afraid that
he had suffered still more damage than myself.
When the pain Of my shoulder had somewhat
subsidized, examined it more minutely, and con-
vinced myself that it was not dislocated but
the severe wrench had injured it SO much that
had no hope Of making use Of that arm
during the remainder of my ride. And as
regarded my horse, was pleased to find that
he still possessed the use of his four legs, al
though one Of them moved with less ease than
it had done before. Having contrived to get tc
the bottom Of the descent, again mounted
with extreme dificulty-for could only use
my left hand,-in which had to grasp both
the bride and my war-club. Had the wolves
attacked us, we should have beenIin considerabl.
danger; for found, on proceeding, that one 0
my horses fore-legs was severely sprained: bu
either they were not aware of our condition, o.
they were in no need Of supper; for on getting
beyond the confines of the swamp, l aroused
several of them from their quiet hiding places
and instead Of stopping to scrutinize me and my
horse, away they through the thick un
derwood, while hallooed with all my might
giving every tree within the reach Of my club
a good left-handed blow or two. In this name
continued along the dim and unbroken track
feignng to be very hero, although candidly
confess that only recollect one or two in
stances in my whole life when fel, so thorough,
intimidated. Afterwards, | could not hell
thinking that bad only received the reward o
my folly,-for had sprained my own shoulder
severely, injured my horses disappointed
myself of the pleasant society Of my friends fol
a few hours, and all this for the credit Of being
able TO boast of having dared to ride past the
olf-swamp" after n;ghtfal, when it wa
habiting it.