The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-05-04

the scene, its reflected rays on the snow
almost equaling the light Of day.
The kid was thrown out and the sledge
was started. No sooner did the animal
feel himself drawn away in spite Of him
self, than he commenced his complaint.
A few wolves soon appeared, but
seemed fearful, remaining at a distance
from the sledge. But their numbers
gradually grew near 10 the hunters, pro
ceeding at no ordinary speed, as impa-
tient rs were their steeds. When the
number of wolves had increased to twenty,
they were near enough to the sledge for
the work OF destruction to commence.
A single shot, wolf fell, somewhat
disturbing the equanimity of the surviv-
ors, many Of whom discontinued the
chase. But il must be remarked that the
greater part of them, Notwithstanding the
proverb, that "Wolf won't eat wolf, "
threw themselves upon their unfortunate
relative and tore him TO pieces.
The backsliders, however, were soon
replaced. Howlings responded to howl
ings on all sides and sharp noses were
seen sticking out from behind every bush,
while cleaning eyes were as thick below
the horizon rs the stars were above, if
not half so pleasant. Enough Of them
were constantly within reach Of the rifles,
and the hunters kept loading and firing
with all possible dispatch.
But, although every shot told, the
wolves, Instead of diminishing, continued
to increase. Their progress was so rapid
that they did not create the slightest
noise-their advancing wave, like a silent
tide, drawing every moment nearer to
the sledgc, and never retreating, rapidly
as the hunters loaded and fired.
They formed behind the prince and his
comrades an immense demi-circle, the two
points of which commenced TO bend
around the troka, as far in front as the
heads of the horses, while their numbers
increased with such rapidity it seemed ms
if they had arisen out OF the earth.
There was something fantastical, too
in their appearance and it was almost i'm
possible for Dumas and his friends TO re-
alize the presence Of two or three thou
sand wolves in desert plain where you
could not meet more than one or two in
whole days journey.
"Enough of thisw cried the Prince at
last, ms he drew in the kid, whose cries
served TO augment the pursuing host be-
sides increasing the number Of those al
ready close behind them.
I'VE cannot say we are wolf hunting"
said Dumas attempting smile; the
wolves are hunting us ~
The party still kept up their fire but
their ammunition was more than half
gone. Perhaps there were two hundred
charges remaining in their pouches, but
they were surrounded by at least two
thousand wolves.
The two corners Of the demi-circle ad-
vanced more aud more, and commenced
to close in, making circle Of which the
hunters, the horses and the sledge would
soon become the center.
Ii one of the horses should happen 20
stumble, all would be finished! and the
affrighted animals already seemed to emit
fire from their nostrils, as they plunged
madly onward sweeping over the steppe
like the storm kirg OF winter.
"What do you think Of il" asked the
prince of the driver.
Il think it is not good 10 be here
The Furies have no binders, and those adj
vancing corners make them Wild"
(" Do YOU fear the result!n
"Those devils have tasted blood, and
the more you fire the more their numbers
will increase" returned the driver eva
sively.
"What is your adviceW
The driver reined in the heads Of the
Furies with sharp jerk, and cheered
them ON. They had been looking at the
wolves, and were snorting in the greatest
alarm.
"If you give me permission, l shall cut
the traces of the Furies, and let them
sheer around facing the wolves, one going
to the right and the other 10 the left,
leaving the Snow Eater to dash on be-
tween them"
Z" Can you do itF
81 can try and nothing else will save
US. In moment longer, when those
corners get little more in front, the Fu-
ries will dash out sidewise, and stop us, or
crowd in upon the Snow-Eater, and bring
us all in pile. There you sec-hepl
there - cannot" 'tfs, es
"For Gods sake let them 90 TO the
wolves, since they will!' cried the prince,
and suiting the action 10 the word, he cut
the traces.
aHep! awayp cried the driver to the
SDow-Eater, as with skillful hand, no
jerked the free horses in different direc-
tions. 81"
The noble steed did not fail to respond.
His rapid pace became yet swifter, the
driver causing him to describe curve
which sooner or later, cut of one corner
of that fearful demi-circle.
"on your lives do not FIRE any more" I"
/ ha orsa1