The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-09-07

One is always afraid in the dark you
know, mamma-and just listen 10 the
wind-how it bowls '
MY dear child, see the moon is just
coming out, and we shall not have TO
Journey in the dark
'The clouds passed off the wheels
rolled noiselesSly over the snow, and as
far as the eye could see was one gisten.
ing sea Of white. On passed the carri-
age.
what is Erick looking at!' asked the
baroness for the box was so low that its
occupant might be seen from the win
dow
Il cannot tell said the husband, but
he must have good eyes if he can mark
out anything
'IIark, what is thatl' cried his wife as
a long melancholy howl, different from
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
"rhere it is again it is certainly nearer
'Erick,' said his master, letting down
the front window, tell the boys to drive
on, we must keep out of the way ofthese
wolves
On with you men, shouted Erick and
then with low voice he said. Il doubt
whether we can altogether keep out Of
their way, sir
How is thatP askedthe Baron alarmed.
There is large pack Of them, sir,
and they are on the ascent Of u.s.
There they are. they cannot be more
than half a mile off,
What are we to do'' asked the Baron
Il know you are Centland man, and
more use to those things than am
why, sir said the servant if they
come up with US we will take no notice OF
them unless they attack u.s. And they
are very timd creatures, the glare Of the
lamps and the sight of US will keep them
off, and in an hour we shall be in. But |
would advise you, sir, 10 draw the bullets
from your pistols, and load them with
swan shot, it would be more 10 the pur-
pose TO wound a good many, than 10 kill
one of two
'Oh, papap cried Helena, as the Baron
took the pistol from the top of his carri.
age
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, grey-headed wolf, the leader of
the pack. They came nearer and near
er, ill at last, with feverlSh howl, the
leader sprang on one OF the wheel horses
and at the same time received bullet
through the 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 o! string' cried his master,
yes here it is, but to what purposeP
Why, sir said he, wolves, like cow
ardly creatures they are, are always sus-
pecting trap; so | will just tie stick to
this string, and let it drag behind the
carriage. twill keep them off ten min
utes more
Erick was right; the stick was dragged
along about the distance Of ten yards be-
hind, and for some time the pack kept
behind it and were evidently afraid Of ii.
At last they began to growl bolder, seem
ed to have discovered the trick, passed
the stick, and were again making up to
the carriage.
wv shall do what we can, my dear
child, and God will do the rest for U.s.
There is no danger from these wolves
except in the very depth OF winter, and ii
there were, lie who delivered Daniel from
the seven hungry lions, can deliver 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 leap
ing out into the carriage track. They
moved steadily but altogether, and evl.
dently gaining on the carriage. The post
boys Piled both whip and spur and the
horses in agony of fear, broke into can
ter despite the snow
DO YOU think there is any danger, my
dear huSbandl' asked the Baroness.
4 cannot tell said her husband, they
do not seemed disposed to attack US yet
but they are certainly savage. 1t is ioT
the horses we have 10 fear firslF
Are they gaining on us9'
a little, but they are not putting ou
their speed; they could be up with US ii
moment if they liked
Thus the carriage rolled on for abou
! 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, sirl' asked
a Erick.
.All with swan shot
Il have Two loaded with ball and twt
! with shot, so we shall do
'They will be upon US in moment
4 cried Erick. When cry now, sir, bt
ready to FIRE upon them from one side
and | will from the other
, Very well.'
Helena sat with her hand in her moth
! er's looking up into her face. Her mothe
: looked sad, but very calm, she was eVl
dently praying
! Now, sirP cried Erick.