The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-11-02

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eyes, and another so as to envelope the
animals mouth and nostrils; then he COW
cred his face in similar manner. This
was the work of few moments-precious
moments. for the yelIs of the advancing
Indians became fearfully distinct. His
preparation being made, Ferguson re-
mounted; and facing the horse towards
the fire, spurred him on with energy Of
despair. The noble beast bounded for
ward, the fierce flames enyeloping him
and the rider; but the arm of the latter
was of iron strength: he held up his horse,
and impeled him through the fire. A
few desperate bounds and the torture was
over
/ The fresh cool air-how delicious it
was! Ferguson tore off the bandages
which covered his own head and horses
and threw himself on the ground. He is
saved; he has accomplished an unparal
lcled exploit! But above the roaring and
cracking of the flames, he heard the tri-
umphant criers Of his pursucrs, who
thought they had preciptated him into
the ocean of fire. He made an effort to
give back defying shout, but his voice
died on his lips.
Half sufficated, both horse and man
had scarcely strength to move across the
| blackened plain; yet Ferguson knew that
without water they must inevitably per-
ish, He therefore summoned his remain
ing energies, and crept on, leading his
| horse by the bride All the poor crea-
ture's hair was singed of, and large piec-
es of his hide came away at the slightest
touch
Tormented By raging thirst, Fergu-
son dragged himself towards the father
est extremity of the plain; and there he
perceived a band of wolves advancing
with savage bowls. This new peril arous-
ed both the horse and the rider. A clear,
fresh stream was flowing by; into it plung-
ed the animal, and Ferguson also dipped
his head into the delicious bath Its re-
storative effect was magical. He recol-
| lected that the wolves in the vast deserts
are accustomed to flock towards prairie
on fire in order to prey upon the animals
escaping from the flames. The Captain
examined his horse, and found with pleas
| ure that the creature was much recover
ed, and even neighed in reply to the
wolves bowling. More moved by this
plaintive neigh than he had ever been by
a human cry, Ferguson gently caressed
the head of the steed, and then mounting
urged him on to the forest. The wolves
meanwhile crossed the stream in hot pur-
suit, their hoarse yells sounding a thou
sand times more terriable than the whist
ling of bullets on the battle field.
A cold shuddering seized Ferguson. "If
my horse should fall" he thought. But
thanks to his vigilance, and the feverish
energy of the animal, they gradually
gained on their pursuers; for the speed of
a prairie wolf is much less than that of
| feet horse.
But the powers of the noble creature
were nearly spent, his breathing became
rapid, and his head dropped. Yet he
still made a wonderous effort to gain the
forest, for, with the instinct of his kind,
he seemed to know that safety would be
found among the trees.
At length the wood was gained. Fer
guson gave joyous shout, for now he
could take refuge in tree. Tying his
horse to lower branch, our hero climbed
one quickly, and loaded his carbine and
pistols, with a faint hope of defending the
poor animal from the wolves attack.
From the lofty branch on which he had
taken refuge, Ferguson watched the mon
sters approach-they were of the fercest,
species white, and glowing red eyes, and
/ he saw that all was over with his faithful
horse They rushed on their victim
Ferguson fired among them; but in
moment the animal was devoured, and the
empty bride left hanging on the branch.
The wolves with gaping throats, and
their white tusks grinning horribly, re-
maincd around the tree; for the horse
had scarcely furnished each with a mouth
full On the Captains slightest movement
they jumped up, as if to seize him before
he could reach the ground. Ferguson
enjoyed kind of feyerish pleasure in
killing a number Of them with his carbinc.
But night was closing in, and quite ex
haustcd, unable even to reload his arms,
he was seized with sudden gi3diuess,-
He was forced to close his eyes least he
should fall from the green fortress.
Then deep roaring was heard in the
neighboring prairie At the sound, the
wolves pricked up their ears, and darted
off simultaneously in pursuit of new prey.
In short time Ferguson opened his eyes,
and deserted in the plain on the border
of the wood, an enormous buffalo, sur
rounded by the ravenous wolves, who
were tearing him to pieces despite his flu
rlous efforts to escape.
The Captain, profting by this fortunate
diversion, descended from his tree; and
hastencd to kindle the dried branch csscat-
rcred on the ground. lie shortly sue,
ceodcd in surrounding himself with a
rampant of fire
Feeling then comparatively safe, he
roasted one of tho dead wolves, and ate
small portion Of the flesh, notwithstand-
ina the natural repugnance inspired by
such unolcan food Being somewhat