The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-09-07
Afer they had fired once or twice, the

Aier they had fired once or twice, the
wolves were no longer frightened by the
fire and flash; and they began to surround
the coach on every side.
There is but one thing left, said Erck;
we must cut the traces Of one OF the
leaders and turn him otT--that will divert
them for little while, and turning 10 the
fore boy, he directed him TO cut tie ira,
ces of his horse. The man obeyed. the
terrified animal started off 10 the right in
the forest, and with loud yell the whole
pack rushed after him.
Thank God Tor that exclaimed the
Baroness. Then we may be safe, after
| all .1
'Ah, madam, if pleases Him. replied
the servant, but this relief will not last
long, they will soon be bi ok again upon
u.s.
How lar 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. | never knew them SO fierce
Hark! they have got him
As he spoke there came scream, or
rather a shrek so horrible that once
heard it could never be forgotten. HeIe.
ma and her mother exclaimed, what can
it beP
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 foryourlives,' 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 little opening into a
glade, in the center of which was a
frozen pond; as the travellers 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 |, 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 here by
me- " ..... r.. -...
This was done and the pack was again
drawn off. The two remaining horses
strained their utmost, and all the travel
ers instantly listened for any sign of the
re-appearance of their enemies. The
Baron spoke twice to Erick but received
no answer, he seemed quite taken up by
thoughts. At length the carriage reach
ed the top of the hill, and at the distance
of apparently two miles, before them, a
clear steady light was to be seen.
Thank God there is Balyiso, exclaim-
cd 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 eve
ry moment, the pack gained on them and
at last surrounded them,
1T must come at last my dear MASTER
said Erick. l have served you and your
father these twenty years, but never did
you better service than l now intend to
do. If we all remain together, we shall
all be torn to pieces will get down and
with my pistols | shall l trust be able to
keep them at bay few minutes. You go
on with all possible speed and leave me
here. l 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. l could not bear to es-
cape at the price of your blood? ?
No indeed, Erck, said Helena.
The baron looked at his wife and said
nothing. -.
Besides 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, Erick, said his master
God bless you, If you perish, | will
look on your wife as sister, and bring up
your child as one of my own g
Thank you, sir, said Erick firmly
Now God be with you all. Fire, sir, two
pistols at once ! ....... .......
And while the Baron fired, Erick leaped
TO the ground. On dashed the horses
the pack terrified for moment stood still
and bayed Almost instantly they heard
the report of pistol, and in about min
ute after two close together. But they
heard no more.
And now they were within a hundred
yards of the strong log builtin IN; the pacl
was Just behind them the post boy cracks
his whip, the Baron fires, and the whole
party shout, and as the carriage dashes W
to the door, and fresh light is poured
into the road, the wolves turn and the Bar
on and his family are safe
OfErick, no trace was found. His plS
tolls were discovered the next morning
where he had been left, three were dis
charged, one still loaded it is supposed
that he had no time to fire before he wa
pulled down. ..... ....-
lneed not tell you how nobly the Baro'
fulfilled his promise to his wife and child
On the sacred spot now stands monu
ment, bearing on one side of its pedesta
the name and story of Erick, on the 9th
er,-sGreater love hath no man than this
that man lay down his life for friend
-t@=s-k<-