Eastern times., 1854-09-07
Wartttp.
The Power of Music.
OR HOW TO BRIGHTEN WOLVES.

OR HOW To WOLVES.
We were seated in the cabin of the steamer
Ocean. There was large number of passen-
gers who seemed desirous of beguiling the
tedium of the trip by contributing somewhat
10 the general amusement.
Among the passengers, was one long, lank
specimen, whom any one would recognize as
a Yankee. He sat somewhat apart from the
.est, notwithstanding, while the singularity
ofhis appearance did not fail to draw many
curious eyes towards him.
At length, when all the resources of the
company seemed exhausted, one of them turned
obviously to our Yankee, and politely invited
him to favor the company with song.
"A song!' echoed he, looking up.
Yes, sir, you sing, do you not!'
i did once, replied he, 'and may add
that it saved my life
Saved your life =
All were eager TO hear how this could be,
and after some little urging the stranger con-
sented to crafty it.
You must know said he, i was one of
the first to go to California when the report
first reached US at home of stores of gold. 1t
was nothing then TO what it is nova perfect
waste in fact, with hardly mark Of civiliza-
tion, where now you see flourishing towns
numbering their thousand inhabitants
Being fond of adventure, separated from
my company, and determined to find the way
to the dggins myself. One night found N.Y.
self lying upon the grass with my pack for a
pillow, just on the edge Of large forest 1t
did not enter my head to be afraid till it be-
came somewhat dark, and heard with fearful
distinctness the cry of the prairie wolf
listened again, and was alarmed to find the
cry coming nearer. Evidently they scented
me.
At length whole pack of the blood-thirsty
rascals came bounding on till they came with
in hundred yards Of me- and then they stood
stock still, and then began to draw nearer.
My hair rose on end. / was terribly
alarmed. ! endeavored to think of some pos
sible way Of soaring them. Having heart
that they were terrified by the sight of fire,
lighted match. They drew off little, bu
Immediately retraced their steps. This move
ment was repeated on both sides. | fount
this would never do; must think of some
thing more decisive. But what.
recollected having in my youth attended
singing school for the space of two evenings
during which received some indistinct no
tions of the manner of singing sold Hun
dred." That recollection saved me.
Without more ado, began, and did as wei
as l could. By the time l had got through
the first line, observed that the wolves be-
gan to look little wild, uneasy, and, viii
you believe it, gentlemen, before finished
every individual wolf, putting his fore paro
up to his cars, scampered away as if the ole
Jack was after him.
A shout of laughter, both long and loud
followed this narrative, at the end of which
the speaker, who had not stirred muscle
gravely continued
You see, gentlemen, | have been frank
with you. did not wish TO take undue ad
vantage of your very kind and complimentary
invitation, without forewarning you of the
consequences. If, after what have told you
you are still desirous of hearing me, will en-
deavor to give you Old Hundred, which is tht
only song know, and to which. for reason.
already given, | feel uncommonly attached
Is needless to say that he was unanimous
ly excused.