Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-06-16
VOL. VII.

then, in lower voice, he said-'I doub
whether we can altogether keep out of thei
way, SIR
How is thats' asked the baron, somewhat
alarmed.
There is large pack of them, sir, and they
are on the scent of us, fear at least they arr
much nearer than when first heard them Ter
minutes ago. There they are again. They
cannot be more than half mile off,
'What are we to do.' asked the baron. 8
know you are Courtland man, and more uset
to these things than I am
'Why. sir, said the servant, 'if they come
up, we will take no notice of them, unless they
attack us-may be, as they are timid creatures
the glare of the lamps and the sight of us viii
keep them off, and in an hour we shall be in
But would advise you, sir to draw the bul.
lets from your large pistols, and load them
with swan shot, as it would be more to the
purpose to wound good many than to kill one
or two.
'Oh, papa!' cried Helena, as the baron took
his pistols from the top of the carriage, 'what
shall we do!'
we shall do what we can, my dear child,
and God will do the rest for US. There is nc
great danger from the wolves, except in the
dead of winter; ard if there were, He who de-
livered David from the paw of the lion, and the
paw of the bear, and Beniah from lion, as this
is, 10 time of snow, and Daniel from the seven
hungry lions, can deliver rs also.' af
They are coming, sir saidtErick.
The baron looked, and about hundred yards
back, to the right, and in the woods he could
just make out grey mass moving thsoGgh the
trees, and leaping out into the carriage track.
They did not howl but bayed fearfully and as
they trOtted swiftly along, you might hear the
shutting and rustling of the snow under their
feet. They moved steadily, but all together,
and were evidently gaining on the carriage
The post-boys piled both with whip and spur,
and the horses, themselves, with an agony OF
fear, broke out into canter, despite of the
heavy snow.
'Do you think there is any danger, my dear
husband 2 asked the baroness.
Il cannot tell said the husband 'they do
not seem disposed to attack US yet, but they are
certainly savage. 1t is for the horses we have
to fear first
Are they gaining on us!'
"A little, but they are not putting out their
speed; they could be up with us in a moment,
if they liked
Thus the carriage rolled on for about five
minutes Erick never took his eyes from the
pack, and the baron thrusting himself out from
the left hand window, watched them care
fully.
Are your pistols loaded, sir!' said Erick.
'All, with swan-shOt.'
Il have two loaded with ball, and two with
shot; SO we shall do
The pack was now not more than ten yards
from the carriage; there might be about two
hundred in it. At their. head, was an old,
strong, grey wolf, the leader of the pack
They all came nearer, nearer, till at last, with
feverish howl, the leader sprang on one Of
the wheel horses, and at the same time re-
ceived bullet through his head from Erick,
who was prepared for him.
'Now, sir, said he, if You will let me have
piece of string, we may be able to make
something of it,
"A piece of string = cried his master, yes.
here it is but to what end!'
why, sir, said he, 'w5lves, like cowardly
creatures, as they are, are. always suspecting
trap; so will just tie ! stick to this string,
and let it drag behind the carriage. 1t will
keep them off, dare sayk ten minutes.
Erick was right; the stick was dragged
along at about the distance of ten yards, and
for some time the pack kept behind it, and
were plainly afraid Of its' At last they began
to grow bolder, seemedAo have discovered the
trick, passed the stick, and were again making
up to the carriage.
They will be upon as in moment,' cried
Erick. when | cry, Nov sir, be ready tc
fire upon them from one side, and SO will
from the other
Very well,' replied the baron. Helena
sat with her hand in her mothers, looking uE
to her face, and seemed to derive comfort from
that. Her mothers face was sad, but very
calm; she was evideptly praying-and think
ing more of her child than herself-and ye,
still more than eithers Of the mercy and power
of God.
'Now, SIR cried Erick.
Master and servaht fired at the same mo-
ment; there was savage yell from the fore.
most of the pack, and three or four fell.
LOAD again. sirs cried Erick; if this
lasts, you will want.your pistols soon.' .a,s
After they had fired once or twice, the
wolves were no longer frightened BY the fire
and flash, and they Began to surround the coach
on all sides.
There is but one thing leh,' said Erick
I'VE must cut the traces of one Of the leaders,
and turn him off, that will divert them for a
little while : and turning to the foremost post
boy, he directed him to cut the traces of his
off horse. The nanobeyed; the terrified ami
NAL started off to thefight, into the forest and
with loud yell the whole pack rushed after
him. M al's 5 sT.
Thank God for that = cried the baroness. -
fI'hen we NAV he safe after aU3 .Flt