Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1847-07-29
A WOLF STORY

ola george, WHO was the sentry, calleu 10
us. We ran to the wagon, and jumped up
on them. A dozen enormous wolves were
prowling about the outside edge Of the
bright circle thrown by our lanterns. Fear
of the light kept them off; but each moment
they were growing holder, and it was easy
to see that they would not be long without
attacking US.
looked to the printing or my carbine
and pistols. Ivan was similarly armed; but
the carriers had only their pixies, hatchets,
and knives. With these weapons, however,
they boldly awaited the attack.
Half an hour passed in this state of sus-
pense, the wolves occasionally advancing
pace or two into the circle Of light, but al
ways relreating again. At length one of
them approached so near, that asked
George if it would not be advisable to re-
ward his temerity with bullet.
Yes was the answer; eff you are GER
tain of hitting him.
why must be certain?'
Because, if you kill him, his companions
will amllse themselves with eating him. To
be s,tfe,' added he to himself, if they once
taste blood they will be mad for more.'
The mark is SO good said ], Il can hard
~ miss him.
Fire, then, in Gods name!' returned
George; 'all this must end one way or other
Before the words were out of his mouth,
fired, and the wolf writhed in agony on
the snow. In an instant half dozen wolves
darted forward, and seizing their comrade,
carried him off IN the darkness.
The bowling now increased. and it was
evident more wolves were arriving. Al
length there was moments silence.
DO you hear the horses:' said George;
'how they neigh and paw! It's signal for
us to be Prepared
Il thought the wolves were gone,' replied
]; 'they have left off howling'
NO; they have finished their repast, and
are preparing for an attack. Here they
comen
AT that moment, eight or ten wolves, that,
in the imperfect, Pickering light, looked as
big as jackasses, rushed forward, and, in
stead of endeavoring to pass under the wa
CONS, bounded boldly upon them. By some
chance, however, none of them attacked the
wagon on which was posted.
The cart on my right, defended by George,
was escaladed by three wolves, one of which
was Immediately disabled by thrust of the
vigorous old mans pike. A ball from my
carbine settled another; and seeing Georges
Ratchet raised over the head of third,
knew he wanted no further aid, and looked
to see what was going on at my left. Two
wolves had attacked the wagon which was
defended by one of Georges sons, who re-
ceived the first of his foes with lance
thrust. But apparently no vital part was
touched, and the wolf had broken the pike
with his teeth; so that for moment the
man opposed to him had nothing but a pole
wherewith 20 defend himself The second
wolf was scrambling along the cart, and was
on the point of attacking him, when sprung
from one wagon to the other, and fired one
of my pistols into the animals ear. He fell
dead by the side of his companion, who was
rolling in the snow and making violent ef-
forts to tear the broken lance from his
wound.
Meantime, Ivan was hard at work, and
heard carbine and two pistol shots, which
told me that our adversaries were as warm
ly received on the left as on the right of the
line. An instant later four wolves again
crossed the circle of light, but this time in
full retreat; and at the same moment, to
our no small astonishment, three others that
we had thought dead or MORALLY wounded
raised themselves up and followed their
companions, leaving large tracks of blood
behind them. Three carcasses remained
upon the field of battle.
Load again, and quickly cried George.
q know their ways; they will be back again
directly.' And the old man pointed with
his finger into the darkness. listened, and
heard distant howlings replying to the near
err ones. What we had as yet had was
mere skirmish; the general engagement was
to come.
Look behind you!' cried voice. turn
ed and saw two fiery eyes cleaning on the
top of the snow wall in the rear. Before
could draw trigger, the wolf gave leap,
and falling upon one of the horses, struck
his fangs into his throat. Three men left
their wagons.
There is but one WOLF cried George,
land one man is enough. Let the others re-
main at their posts.'
Two of the men resumed their places
The third crept upon his hands and knees
among the horses, who, in their terror, were
kicking and plunging violently, and throw
ing themselves against the carts by which
they were surrounded The next instant
saw the CLEAN of a knife blade, and the wolf
let 60 the horse, which reared upon his hind
legs, the blood streaming from his throat.
dark mass was rolling and struggling on
the ground it was the man and wolf.
tho opd IF af eu cecondc tho N, m oI
up. DAVID said he to one of his COM
rades, come and help me carry away this
carbon. The horses won't be quiet while