Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-06-02
PASSAGE In THE LIFE OF A MAITRE
UARMES.
From Blackwood's Magazine.


1t was about IL o'clock at night when long
howl was heard, which sounded SO close and
startling that with one accord We suspended our
work. At the same moment old George, who
was on sentry called to US. We ran 10 the
wagons and jumped upon them. A dozen enor-
nous wolves were providing about the outside
edge of the bright circle made by our lanterns.
Fear of the light kept them off: but each mo-
went they were growing holder, and it was ca
~ to sec they would not be long without attack
ing US
looked to the priming fmy carbine and pis-
tolls. Ivan was similarly aimed; but the car
-iers haa only their pixies, hatchets, and knives
With these weapons, however, they boldly ex-
Pccted the attack.
Half an hour passed in this state Of suspense,
the wolves occasionally advancing step or two
into the circle of light, but retreating again.
At length one of them approached so near that
asked Geoi &c fit would not be advisable to re-
ward his teneriiy wit bullet.
I" Yes, il you are certain of hitting him, was
the reply.
Why must be certain p
"Becausc, if you kill him, his companions
will amuse themselves with eating him to be
sure" added he to himself, elf once they get
taste Of blood they will be mad for MORE"
"The mark is so good l can hardly miss him.,
said I.
Sire, then, in Gods name all this must
end one way or the other" returned George.
Before the words were out of his mouth fl
rcd, and the wolf wrthed in agony on the snow.
In an instant half dozen wolves darted for
ward, and seizng their comrade, carried him off
in the darkness.
The bowling now increased, and it was evil
dent more wolves were arriving. At length a
mcnt's silence ensued.
"Do you hear the horses, how they neigh &
paw r said George, sit is signal for us to be
prepared"
left off bowling )" | replied.
"No, they have finished their rcpast, and are
prep ,ring for an attack. Here they come
at that moment eight or ten wolves, that in
the imperfect flckering light looked as big as
jackasses, rushed forward, land instead of endeav-
oring to pass under the wagons, bounded bold
" upon them. By some chance however, none
OF them attacked the wagon on which was
posted.
The cart on my hight, defended by George,
was escalladed by three wolves, one of which
was Immediately disabled By thrust of the
vigorous old mans pike. A ball from my car
bine settled another, and seeing Georges hatch
ct raised over the head of third, knew that he
wanted no farther aid, and looked to see what
was going on to my left. Two wolves had
attacked the wagon which was defended by one
of Georges sons, who received the first of his
foes with lance thrust. But apparently no vi
raj mart was touched and the wolf had broken
the pike with his teeth; SO that for moment,
the man opposed to him had nothing but pole
to defend himself. The second wolf
was scrambling along the cart. and was on the
poiut of attacking him, when sprang from one
wagon TO the other, and fired off my pistols into
the animals ear. He fell dead blythe side OF
hi. companion who was rolling in the snow and
making violent efforts to tear the broken lance
from his would.
Meanwhile Ivan was hard at work, and heard
. esrbins or two pistol shots, which told M