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

the fire and flash; and they began to
surround the coach on every side.
There is but one thing left,' said
Erick; we must cut the traces of one
of the leaders and turn him of-that
will divert them for a little while, and
turning to the fore boy, he directed him
to cut the traces of his horse. The
man obeyed, the terrified animal started
off to the right in the forest, and with a
loud yell the whole pack rushed after
him.
Thank God for that exclaimed the
Baroness. Then we may be safe, after
ALL
'Ah, madam, if it pleases Him. re-
piled the servant, 'butthis relief will not
last long, they will soon be back again
upon u.s.
How far do you think we are from
the post house now?' eagerly inquired
the Baron.
Some half an hour answered Erick,
but they will chase us up to the very
doors. l never knew them so fierce.
Hark! they have got him.
! As he spoke there came scream, or
rather Shrek so horrible that once
heard it could never be forgotted. He
lena and her mother exclaimed, what
can it be?'
1t is the poor horse exclaimed the
Baron, they are tearing him to pieces.
A horse Shrek is the most horrible Of
all things.
Drive on for your lives shouted
Erick, they will be back presently
But the snow became deeper and the
road grew worse, and three horses.
worn out with fatigue, poorly supplied
the place of four fresh ones On the
right hand the road thinned a little,
opening into glade, in the center of
which was a frozen pond; as the travel
ers passed it the wolves came dashing
up the valley, and the jaws and heads
of many were stepped in blood.
we must let another horse CO. cried
Erick, 'or they will be too much for US.
but we must take care what we are
about You and l, sir, will FIRE at once,
and then do you, Peter he added, ad-
dressing the foremost post boy, cut the
traces of your horse, jump down and
leap up here by me-
This was done and the pack was
again drawn on. The two remaining
horses strained their utmost, and all the
travellers instantly listened for the sign
of the temperance of their enemies.
The Baron spoke twice 10 Erick but re-
ceived no answer he seemed quite taken
up by thoughts. At length the car
riage reached the top of the hill, and at
the distance of apparently two miles,
before them, clear steady light was to
be seen.
Thank God! there is Bolviso, ex-
claimed Erick. Now then, sir, l be-
lieve that you are safe'
AS he spoke. the wolves were again
heard in the distance, and though the
post light grew larger and brighter
every moment, the pack gained on them
and at last surrounded them.
1t must come at last my dear mas
ter SAID Erick Il have served you
and your father these twenty years. but
| never did you better service than /
now intend to do. If we all remain
together, we shall all be torn to pieces.
l will get down, and with my pistols l
shall 1 trust be able to keep them at bay
few minutes. You go on with all pos
sible speed and leave me here. know
you will take care Of my wife and
child
No, Erick,' said the Baroness, I'VE
will not allow this. We will all be
saved or perish together. I could not
bear to escape at the price of your
bloodl'
No, indeed, Erick,' said Helena.
The Baron looked at his wife and said
nothing.
Besides 1 will try to climb tree
said Erick. may be they will give me
time. But if l delay a moment longer
we shall all be lost together
God bless you, Erick, said his mas
ter, God bless you. If you perish. L
will look on your wife as sister, and
bring up your child as one of my own
Thank you, sir, said Erick firmly
Now God be with you all. Fire, sir,
two pistols at onceP -r-l
And while the Baron fired, Erick
leaped to the ground. On dashed the
horses; the pack terrified for a moment
stood still and beyed. Almost instant
ly they heard the report of pistol, and
in about a minute after two close to-
gether. But they heard no more.
And now they were within hundred
yards of the strong log. built inn; the
pack was Just behind them; the post
boy cracks his whip. the Baron fires, and
the whole party shout, and as the car
riage dashes up to the door, and fresh
light is poured into the road, the wolves
turn and the Baron and his family are
safe.
Of Erick no trace was fonnd. His
pistols were discovered the next morn
ing where he had been left, three were
discharged, one still loaded; it is sup
posed that he had no time to fire before
he was pulled down.
l need not tell you how nobly the
Baron fulfilled his promise to his wife
and child.
On the sacred spot now stands a