Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1846-03-07

passing night in that house. There had been
number Of flying reports Of travellers being
made way with, in such solitary places, and this
appeared to me the place of all others for such
kind ofwork. So bidding good by TO my enter.
taners, put spurs to my horse, and was soon
out of sight.
Well, sir, logged along at middling brisk
pace, the road being tolerably good, thinking
more Of the little cabin had just left than the
road before me. I may have wronged lite in
habitan;s-trust did--in allowing myself to
indulge in such uBfavorable surmises in regard
to them. They may have been the most wor-
thy couple that ever existed for aught know,
ttl could not get the idea out Of my head
that they were lot better than they should be,
and as my memory called up the many instan-
ces Of lonely travellers being murdered at these
stopping places, imagination converted this man
and woman into those heartless wretches whose
trade is blood, and shuddered as thought of
the fate that might have overtaken me had
yielded 10 their importunate request to tarry
with them that night.
| Right glad was TO be well clear OF them.
'Wolves-,ut y said !, they only tried to excite
my apprehension to induce me to remain with
them. The story might do to frighten child.
rem with, but they should have haiched up some.
thing more plausible than that TO gull man
like me-
BY this time had got over the open road and
was entering the woods. The path was hem
med in on either side with tall trees, spruce
pine and hemlock, with no underground, leav
ing narrow passage. However, the full moon
threw its unbroken light along the path that
stretched before me, save where an overhang-
ing tree obstructed its rays II was still,
calm night, as have said, and no sound broke
the monotonous claier ofthe hoofs of my horse
as he went along on an easy trot. l was set.
tling down in very comfortable frame Of mind
indulg:ng in those fanciful reveress natural to
youth, and which the quiet and lonely scene
around me was SO calculated to inspire, when
my attention was aroused by faint, distant
cry, coming as it seemed from the depth Of the
forest listened intently for few minutes,
} and presently, a prolonged howl. still faint in
the distance, followed. The attention OF my
horse was evidently attracted by it, for he prick
/ ed up his ears and gave low snort
) Finding, after listening awhile, that the cry
was not repeated, gave no heed TO the crcum-
, stances, presuming it TO be some roaring wild
creature in the woods. Presently, however,
the came cry was repeated, and an answering
cry immediately followed in another direction,
each Of them apparently nearer than the one
, that first attracted my attention My horse
now began to show eviden, signs of uneasness,
prickng up his ears and tossing his head wild.
ly from side 10 side, snorting occasionally and
quickening his pace.
Again came that howl. still more distinct
f and this time it was repeated in different quar-
D ters principally in my rear. Turning in my
saddle, I saw, far in the road behind me. what
e appeared TO be dark speck. At first con
q. cluded it was the shadow Of branch of tree
. but presently detected two or three others
which seemed tospring directly from the woods
! Could they be wolves! Had the man then moi
deceived me in regard TO their attack on a
+. traveller! a feeling Of alarm began to Greer
}. over me, which was shortly painfully increased
y and all my doubts were removed by a fierce
b yell which rose in the rear as if the whole pacl
8 had opened npon me.
J. As those uneurthly yells swelled on the nigh
| lair nd fha E,ra ha.s
J. shook in every limb, and cold shudder passed
!. through my frame. | put spur TO my horse
4 which bounded forward at the utmos, sretcl
. of his spted. Casting hurried glance behind
b the whole road seemed to be filled with th'
e troop Of demons, whose ferocious howls swellet
e louder and fuller every moment. To my dis
may the distance bel ween US was considerably
e lessened. What would not have given a
It this moment to have been safely back in To,
= cabin again! Vanly did deplore my folly il
g not giving heed to the warnings had received
). As veil after yell pealed upon my ears. ever!
IS moment drawing nearer, horror for while over
Il powered me, and did nothing but plunge tn
If spurs into the painting sides of my horse, madl
d shouting to urge him forward. The poor animal
nearly knocked up BY long 'sjourney, dash
r. ed on al the top Of his speed, finging the frol
). from his mouth, while neck and Aanks wer
: faxed with foam and even at the uelnendou
,e rate he was going, al every fresh yell os III
:. fisnds would feel him tremble in every limb.
% 'Ah. sir, that was an agonzing moment I
me! Collecting my senses. ! calculated tn