Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-03
a balt--arsin il advauced-another halt

From bis hiding-place Ben could distinctly
hear all that was passing, but he could not see
the approach Of the foe, aud therefore durst not
move lest he should reveal his ambush There
was nothing for it but to lie still and wait pa
tiently for the moment when the creature should
emerge into the moonlight
just then the pack gave tongue again lit
lie TO the right, and smile of triumph already
,layed across Ben's features; but this quickly
gave place to an expression Of painful anxiety,
as be saw the wolf apparently decided by the
last note Of call, step iuto the open space, CIR
cled only by few tall, solitary trees he
csrefsily raised bis piece, aud endeaVored to
take aim by one of tho glitterlng stars; aud
then, laying himself on line with his rlHe
with the face of the creature as 1t stood look
ing down the valley, in full range, he pressed
the trigger Tie shot rang echoing through
tho forest, and Ben followed it with the speed
oi lightning. There lay the black carcase, still
end lifelcss in the moonshine.
Ben, with hunter-lks caution, reloaded his
rife, slung it over his shoulder, and made with
hasty strides for the spot where lay the fallen
enemy 1t was large, powerful coa[black
wolf, with just the usual heart shaped white
spot on the breast The ball must have went
straight through his head-he never moved or
raised himself.
g lie has not even ouce stirred" said the
hunter softly, as he bent over hiS prey to feel
for the hole Of his ball. He stroked the hair
Of tue head backwards aud forwards without
Euding any mark whatever, neither was there
the usual relaxation OF the muscles; aud his
hand when held in the moonlight was white
aud clean. 1t was wonderful shot that y
nluttcred the hunter but etter oil, what mat
tera it where the ball went in, as long as it bit
the mark, and since I have settled tho villain s
business Halo" he exclaimed hurriedly, . is
the rascal coming 10 lfe again 2 he stood
watching with breathlea5 eagcrness every move
nlent of the animal. which now began TO give
still stronger signs of Life, raising its bead, aud
Gaally springing forward on It's tore-leg.
But Ben was too we'll versed in the hunter s
craft to be taken by surprise By this movement.
His first and almost unconscious impulse was
to put the muzzle Of his rifle to the VOLTS jowl,
but instantly withdrawing and throwing 1t
from him. he threw himself with dauntless cour-
age upon the now vigorous and wildly strug-
cling animal.
Ho, ho my ulanw cried the hunter, laugh
irg in proud exultation, as he delt his blows lus
tuy and with all the might of his iron fist, up
on the PROSTATE writhing body Of the wolf
" Ho, no! what, caught at lsst!-ha, ha, ha,
struggle away-struggle hard my hearty! you
won't escape this time unless you manage to
clip out of your skin"
The creature, now restored to perfect consci-
ousness, seemed fully aware of the dangerous
predicament in which he was placed, and strove
with all his might to turn upon his captor and
bite him, and by struggling and scratching to
regain his freedom. But Ben,s grasp was an
iron bride upon him, and, pressed by the great
weight of his tall and atheletic person, the as
tonished beast, fairly exhausted by the contest
lay at last perfectly still and attempted no fur
ther resistance
But what was now to be done! Must the
wolf be killed? That would indeed be the
work of moment, for Ben's hunting knife was
ready in his belt-but that were to slay his
best hopes Ben had not SO much as a leath-
or strap about him, nothing but his belt. The
only alternative was to carry the heavy beast
on his shoulders to the hamlet. 1t was half
an-hour's walk without such burden; he paus-
cd for consideration.
$50 on" murmured Ben. 1t is just thou
or I, rascal thy luck or mine, that this night
must decide. But hang it, I've carried many
o stout buck that weighed full as heavy, and
that for nothing but his flesh; my limbs will
not fail me now that thev are strung by high
er hope to say nothing Of the pleasure of tri
umph over the crafty and miscLieyous beast.
His resolution taken, he renewed his grasp
of the still struggling beast, brought his right
foot under the auimal and supporting himself
against an overshadowiUg elm-tree, rose slowly
from the ground. He had the creatures back
towards him, his right arm was passed between
the forelegs, and with the left he compressed
the tanks as with vice, 80 as to hinder the
auimal from biting him His rifle he was in
deed obliged to leave behiud, and his cap had
also fallen from his head in the struggle; but
this mattered not. and with teeth compressed
and with loftest determination, he strobe along
the path that led to Woodville, the wolf every
instant renewing its efforts to escape.
The sounds of the revelry were still issuing
from the old courthouse. Bowl after bowl oi
strong negus was emptied, and the heat o
wax-lights, drink and dancing became so in
tolerable that movement was made to admit
q current Of fresh air by throwing back little
window that opened on the wood. The notes Of
the old fiddler rang quicker and shriller, as jig:
aud horn-pipes followed in quick success;on.-
The feet of the dancers beat time more firmly
to the inspirting tunes. Metcalf was beside
himself with exulting hopes; he would only
speak of Mabel (although she persisted in hel
refusal to dance with him or with any of the
guests as his " sweet little bride" Twice he
had embraced old Sutton as his father-in-law
and in short his rapture seemed beyond his
control. And now Lord Howes hornpipe was
just at an end, and then came an interval, dur
ing which refreshments was served round. Ma
bel, who by he fathers desire presided, was
seated near the entrance over against the table
snd Metcalf, who kept by her side, was whis
pering insipid compliments in her ear, which
brought the deep flush of anger to her cheek
when on sudden something smote heavil,
against the door. +" Ha" cried the bridegroom
shrinking hack, q somewhat uncivil approach