The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-04-20

came all at oEce sfrom wiDdward, wailing I,
like a deathcry-a prolonged bowling, and
then it died away.
The horses halted, trembling; only, tho
shivering tinkle sof,the bells broke the
death silence that fell like an eclipse over
| all. a. A.
'What is thata' asked Lots, in shudder-
ing whisper, as she clutched my arm.
I listened.
1T is the wind sigbing and dying away
in the pine forest,'I answered.
And we do not 60 near the Forest she
'aid. 'Harkl there it is again. Oh, what
--sohat can itbea
Again the @indescribably hideous and
lugubrious sound broke, clearer nearer. 1t
increased, st multiplied. The horrible cres
te,'do bowling, shrieking, and raving was
fnot that ofethe wind this time.
y .MeercifulsGod + gasped Lota, the VOL
yesl'F ast~~
/ 4 never und erstood till that moment what
the concentrated essence Of literal, deadly
horro might mean. I never experienced the
shock before or since; and have, in my
hunting excursions faced my danger and
played out the game mautully. To have
lost tue way was terrible enough; but the
wolves! and Lota An Instant I was numb
and dumb. ~
twas true, however. The severity of
the weather, the migration or scarcity of the
animals on which these .uncIean creatures
preyed, had made their hunger raging
devouring madness. They were cucroach-
ing on civilized territory, and losing their
usual Characteristic and craven cowardice
where approaching the habitations of men,
haunting village and settlement. Wo to
those in their path. AS the Internal howl
rose lingeringly again, the horses darted
away with shrill neigh of fear, and l
guided them beginning to recover myself
in an opposite direction, while Terror my
noble hound, stood up, with every fang,
ba'ed' and every hair on end, waiting for the
enemy he had already scented.
1t my good horses had gone on so admira.
oily at first, they sped off now like arrows
from the bow, for the madness of fear adj
ded wings to their speed, as that of hunger
did our painting pursuers. 1 was growing
cold Lota was pale, but calm. felt proud
Of her, though it was certain that if we e.
capped not speedily, the brutes world run US
down, and then, horror of horrors what
a fate for her! .a,,,.p
had two rifles, a revolver, ammunition,
spear, and wood hatchetsin the sleigh
l conveyed my intention to Lota. Can
you load these weapons with these cartrid-
ges l asked.
Yes was the answer; and size loaded
Fuller and 'Manton' with true hunters
skill. took onesrri1e-look back-the
pack was increasing. fred, and Lota
loaded; and one after another fell, to be
deVoured by their ravenous comrades, and
still the horses sped on.
The accused things were for nll this gain
ing ground. Doubts, fears, hopes, tremb.
ling, were at my heart as I turned to the
sweet girl whose life or death were all in
all to me ,and said:
Lota! If we die together, remember that
loved you-nono but you! tell you now
if Imay never again.
Kill me first she whispered. 4 hear
your words; echo them. You have my
heart. Richard-'
4 Oh, Lota best beloved what moment
to confess And know not if fol. pain
or gladness'most. as
There are now no secrets. between u.s.
said Lota, smiling; take tbis rife; give me
the pistol; one kiss-7so. They come.asave
me from then, at any cost.
thought my ears would have split at
their dreadful yells, forfbey were now upon
us.Rpening out out to surround us; and
though the horses held bfavsly on, / dreaded
every instant that sheer terror would para
lyzsrt.'em. 1t is in possible to conceive the
unutterable horror that was circIing us both I;
Esoung lovers viii, bessiDg =bearts forever
from that hour, inteteLanged with each
other.'
Withholding tongues, eyes Of fianie, hoarse
deep growls, they bad eeased TO bay aud
howl-they werssIoSfBg in npon u. re-
marked one hug hoasteF 30 advance Of
the resi- :; bis object, ssidsatly 81 being 10 lean
in: the sleigh from bsissid. Z f3ta,,. s..Si,a
missed him! The nsst sbt bis bagsJ
bulk cams scrambling over the. back rLiss
psws.gere on me; bis Rery bissth, 81 81 N.Y. by
cheeks, and + expected, asJ j msrhsnssd 4
,Eshost prayer " Bttesl IL. fsd o btssi
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