Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-09-07

rOlleQ nOlselcSSly over the snow, and as
far as the eye could see was one glisten-
ing sea of white. On passed the car
riage.
what is Erick looking at?' asked the
baroness, for the box was so low that its
occupant might be seen from the win
dow
i cannot tell said the husband, but
he must have good eyes if he can mark
out anything
'Hark, what is that?' cried his wife
as a long melancholy howl. different
fir m the wind. and yet like it, was
heard for a moment, and then died
away.
1t is wolves replied the Baron, this
cold weather makes them restless
There it is again, it is certainly near
err
'Erick,' said his master, letting down
the front window, tell the boys to drive
on, we must keep out of the way of
these wolves
'On with you men, shouted Erick,
and then with low voice he said: 1
doubt whether we can altogether keep
out of their way. SIR
How is that?' asked the Baron
alarmed.
There is large pack of them. sir,
and they are on the scent of u.s.
There they are, they cannot be more
than half mile off,
What are we 10 do?' asked the Baron.
4 know you are centland man, and
more used to those things than 1 am
why, SIR said the servant, 'if they
come up with us we will take no notice
of them unless they attack us. And
they are very timid creatures, the glare
of the lamps and the sight Of us will
keep them off, and in an hour we shall
be in. But l would advise you, sir, to
draw the bullets from your pistols, and
load them with swan shot, it would be
more to the purpose to wound good
many, than to kill one or two
'Oh, papal' cried Helena, as the
Baron took the pistol from the top of
his carriage
The pack was not more than ten
yards from the carriage; there might
be two hundred in it. At the head was
an old, strong, greyheaded wolf, the
leader of the pack. They came nearer
and still nearer, till at last, with fever
ish howl, the leader sprang on one OF
the wheel horses and at the same time
received bullet 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 purpose|
why, SIR said he, wolves, like cow
ardly creatures they are. are always
suspecting trap; so l will just tie a
stick to this string, and let it drag be-
hind the carriage. 1t will keep them
off ten minutes more
Erick was right; the stick was drag
ged along about the distance of ten
yards behind, and for some time the
pack kept behind it and were evidently
afraid of it. At last they began to
grow bolder, seemed to have discover
ed. the trick, passed the stick, and were
again making up to the carriage.
we shall do what we can, my dear
child, and God will do the rest for us.
There is no danger from these wolves
except in the very depth of winter, and
if there were, He who delivered Daniel
from the seven hungry lions, can de-
liver us also.'
They are coming, said Erick.
The Baron looked, and about hun
dred yards back, to the right in the
woods, he could just make out grey
mass moving through the trees, and
leaping out into the carriage track
They did not howl but bayed fearfully.
They moved steadily but altogether, /
and evidently gaining on the carriage.
The post boys piled both whip and
spur, and the horses in agony of fear,
broke into canter despite the snow.
DO you think there is any danger,
my dear husband? asked the Baroness.
L cannot tell said her 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
off the pack, and the Baron thrusting
himself out from the left hand window,
watched them carefully. ~
Are your pistols loaded, sir?' asked
Erick.
All with swan shot
Il have two loaded with ball and two
with shot, SO we shall do
They will be upon US in moment,
cried Erick. When 1 cry now, sir, be
ready to fire upon them from one side,
and l will from the other
Very well.'
Helena sat with her hand in her
mothers looking up into her face. Her
mother looked sad, but very calm, she
was evidently praying.
Now. sirP cried Erick.
Master and servant both fred at the
same time, there was savage yell from
the foremost Of the fierce pack, and
three or four fell.