The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-11-04

than that TO gull man like me-
By this time had got over the open road
and was entering the woods. The path was
lhemmed in on every side by tall trees. spruce,
pine and hemlock, with no underground, eav-
ing narrow passage. However full moon
threw its unbroken light along the path thai
stretched before me save where an overhang-
ing tree obsrructed its rays. 1t wasa still,
calm night, as have said, and no sound broke
the silence save the monotonous clatter oil
hoofs Of my horse as he went along on an
easy trot. was settling down IN very
comfortable frame of mind, INDUCING in those
fanciful reveries natural TO youth, and which
the quiet and lonely scene around me was
so calculated 10 inspire, when my attention
was aroused by faint distant cry, coming, as
it seemed, from the depths Of the forest.
listened intently for few minutes, and pres
emily prolonged howl, still faint in the dis
lance followed. The attention ofmy horse
was evidently attracted by it, for lie pricked
up his ears and gave low Snort.
Finding, after listening awhile, that the
cry was not repeated, gave no heed to the
circumstance, presuming it to be some rowing
wild creature in the woods. Presently, how
ever, the cry was repeated, and an answer
ing cry appeared in another direction, each OF
them apparently nearer than the one that at
tracted my attention first. My horse row be-
gan to show evident signs Of uneasness,
pricking up his ears and tossing his head
wildly from side to side, snorting occasion
ally and quickening his pace. Again came
that howl, still more distinct, and this time il
was repeated in different quarters, principally
IN my rear. Turning in my saddle, saw in
the road behind me. what appeared TO be a
dark speck. At first concluded iI WAS the
shadow OF the branch Of a tree but present.
ly detected two or three others, which
seemed to spring directly from the woods.
Could they be wolvesl Had not the man
then deceived me in regardto their attack on
traveller IA feeling Of alarm began TO
creep overme. which was soon painfully in
creased and all my, doubts were dissolved by a
fierce yell which rose in my rear, as if the
whole pack had opened upon me.
AsIhose unearthly yells swelled on the
night air and echoed through the forest. my
poor beast shook in every limb, and a cold
shudder ran through my frame, put spur to
my horse, which bounded forward at the u
most stretch of his speed.
Casting hurried glance behind, the w hole
road seemed filled with the troop of demons
/
fuller every moment. To my dismay the dis
lance between us was considerably lessened.
| What would not have given at that moment
to have been safely back in The cabin again
Vainly did deplore my folly in giving no
heed to the warning | had received. AS yell
alter yell pealed upon my ears every moment
drawing nearer,and nearer, horror for " bile
overpowered me, and | did nothing but
plunge The spurs into the painting sides of my
horse, madly shouting to urge him forward
The poor animal nearly knocked up by u
| long days journey, dashed on at the top of
his speed, finging the froth from his mouth
while his neck and flanks were covered with
foam; and even at the tremendous rate be
was going, at every fresh yell fihe fends
could feel him lremble in every limb All.
sir, that was an agonzing moment TO me
Collecting my senses, calc ulated the dis
lance before me and the possibility of outri-
ding my pursuers. There were some four
miles before me, and if my faded horse could
nut hold OUTPUT that felt W oud be impos-
sible. His violent painting and dropping
head too plainly told that he was nearly used
up.
| j conlJ now hear the rush of the ferocious
troop behind LIE, and at times imagined
could feel their foul breath around me. Whal
narrowing thoughts flushed through my brain
| recalled the many instances | had read OF
travellers similarly situated, and of the vain
efforts they had made TO avert their terrible
fate. Tired to disengage my saddle bags, in
The hope that they might for moment
check pursuit by diverting the attention of the
wolves, but was unable to do SOL threw nv
cap in the road for the same purpose, but an
angry groWl almost at the heels of my horse
told that it had availed nothing.
| now belhought myself Of my pistols
Hastily cooking one, l turned and deliberate
ly fired at large black wolf which was with
in aiew feet of me. kept my eyes in the
direction after the discharge. Thank God,
the shot took effect, and the nearest animal
dropped in the road. In moment the whole
pack was upon him-the entire path behind
me was piled up with stack of wolves, each
one striving 10 gorge himself on the fallen
wolf. A moment more and thew were in
full pursuit, their appettes whetted with
blood, and each one seemingly striving with
more eageTness TO out do the other.
had prepared my other pistol, and wait
ed to be sure of my shot. With calmness
that can now hardly account for, selected
the foremost pursuer and gave him the con-
| tunately, was not so successful; | only
wounded him, and saw the animal limping
of into the woods, beset with three or four
Of the troop, but the remainder came in hot
haste after me.
Thought then my moments were number
ed, for although we were nearly out of the
woods, could feel the poor beast reel and
stagger under me. and every moment was
dreading his fall in which case knew my
fate would be sealed. A cold clammy sweat
stole over me. and prayer Involuntary rose
to my lips-for Omnipotence alone l felt
could save me.
In the hour of danger, witha dreadful
death staring me in the face, man instructive
y turns to his maker for relief. He even
who denies the existencs of God, when
brought 10 the fearful verge oflife involun-
tarily acknowledges his error-the last suug.
gle brings cry for mercy from his lips
prayed sir-not for rescue from devouring
beasts-that did not look for-but in the
near prospect of death asked for forgive
ness. With lishtning-like rapidity my thoughts
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