Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-25

fatigue, i'll supplied the place of four fresf
ones. On the right hand the road thinnec
little, opening into glade, in the centre
of which was frozen pond as the travel
lers passed it, the pack Of wolves appeared
dashing up the valley, and the jaws ane
heads of many were STEPPED IN blood.
'We must let another horse 60, cried Err
ick, cor they will be too much for us; bu
we must take care what we are about
Ycu and |, sir, will fire at once, and then
do you, Peter,' he added, addressing the
foremost post-boy,' cut the traces Of your
horse, jump down, and leap up mere by me-.
This was done, and the pack we're again
drawn off. The remaining two horses
strained their utmost, and all the travellers
Instantly listened for any sign of the reap
pearance Of their enemies. The baron
spoke once or twice to Erick, but received
no answer he seemed quite taken up with
his own thoughts. At length the carriage
reached the top Of hill, and at the distance
of apparently two miles before it, clear
steady light was to be seen.
Thank God there is Bolisvo,' exclaimed
Erick. Now then, sir, | believe that you
are safe As he spoke, the wolves were
again heard in the distance, and though
the post light grew larger and brighter ev-
cry moment, the pack gained on them, and
at last surrounded them.
1T must come at last, my dear master,
said Erick. Il have served you and your
father these twenty-three years, but new
er did you better service than | now intend
10 do. five all remain together we shall
all be torn to pieces. | will get down, and
with my pistols, | SHALL trust, be able TO
keep them at bay few minutes. You 60
on with all speed-leave me here. Iknow
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
all perish together. | could not bear TO es-
cape at the price of your blood =
No, indeed, Erck ! said Helena.
The baron looked at his wife and child,
and said nothing.
Beside, will try to climb tree, SAID
Erick, may be they will give me time
But if delay moment longer, we shall
all be lost together
"God bless you. Ericll,' said his master
God bless you, and he 'oiH bless you.-
If you perish, | will look on your wife as a
sister,and bring up your child as one ofmy
own
Thank YOU sir, SAID Erick, firmly
Nov. God be with you all. Fire, sir, two
pistols at once'
And while the baron fired. Erlck leaped
TO the ground On dashed the horses the
pack terrified for moment, stood still anc
bayed. Almost instantly they heard the
report OF pistol, and in minute after, o.
two close together. But they heard no more
And now they are within a hundred
yards Of the strong log-bullt inn, the pacl
t are close behind them the post-boy cracks
his whip; the baron fires the whole party
shout as The carriage dashes up tothe door
and fresh blaze of light is poured into the
road, the wolves turn, and the baron ano
his family are safe.
OF Erick no trace was found. His pls
tolls were discovered next morning wh,r
he had been left, three discharged, one still
loaded; it is supposed he had not time te
fire it before he was pulled down. neeo
not tell you how nobly the baron fulfilled
his promise to his wife and child.
On the sacred spot now stands rnond
ment, bearing on one side of ITS pedesta
the name and story of Erick; on the 9th
er:-' Greater love hath no man than this
| that man lay down his life for his friend.