Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-11-03

49,
feet. a u5I sme4 @
For few moments there was not a
word nor movement on our part
for each one seemed completely over
whelmed-almost paralyzed by the
awful scene, and a sense of still exist
ing danger My special fear was that
10 their maddened jumps, the brutes
would reach the skirts of the girls
clothing, and draw them from their
position; or that they might fall from
faintness, occasioned by excessive fear,
into the horrid den. But these girls
had nerves to endure that surprised
me. There was really little danger
of their falling.
After the first emotions had subsid.
ed, and the heroic boys had a little
recovered, they devised plan to rem
der their situation more comfortable.
Some ofthe largest boards were knock
ed from the studding of the gable of
the house, and thrown upon the cross
timbers, forming a secure platform,
whereOn to sit or stand. This ar
rdngement not only relieved the girls
of their uncomfortable condition, but
admitted the light of the moon, which
'cheered, if that term is not too strong,
this most dismal scene.
The fury of the beasts continued; !;
and in their headlong rushes over each
other, some Of them were probably
wounded, and the smell of blood ad-
ded to their madness. and led to a
conflict among themselves; and [ des.
pair of giving even a glimmering idea
of the scene which ensued. Be sure of
this, that there is not a note in the in
fernal scale which was not given, and
reiterated a thousand times in all its
force There were shrieks and cries,
and deep gutteral notes, hoarse gurg
lings, and howlings Of mad despair,
which millions of devils could never
hope to initiate, let the necessity be
ever so great.
Ali night this scene continued, or if
it partially ahated, it was from ex-
haustion on the part of the brute ira
gedianS, who woI for themselves the
undisputed reputation of star actors.
But when the sun arose, the lean and
hungry troop, struck as if by a sense
of shame, at their unwonted revel,
sneaked away, leaving four of their
comrades dead behind them.
Day came, and with it exhaustion
to the female portion of this strangely
convened party Their nerves, the
iron in their nature had yielded to
the prOtracted excitement, and the
sudden excitement. But aid and com
fort were at hand The country had
been aroused, and had poured forth
its rnoIn r,nnnlotinn to seek the unfor-
tunate company, for the hOwingS OF
the wolves had awakened the keenest
solicitude for their safety. They were
tenderly conveyed to their homes, but
some of them suffered severe illness
from this exciting encounter.
The reader may feel curious to
know how it happened that this little
party were thus exposed in a wild re
gion at such a late hour to such dan
ger, | will explain the cause. A
new settler had lately moved into the
place, with family of agreeable young
people. This company consisted of
the sons and daughters of the neigh
bors, who had been paying them a
friendly visit and were. imprudently
it must be allowed, returning home
through the woods, when the wolves
set upon their tracks. These forests
are now cleared away, and their ten.
ants have been routed; but there is
not living participant in this excit
ing scene, who will not tell you that
the experience of that fearful night, is
burned so indelibly upon the tablet
of memory that all its features will
remain until obliterated by the potent
power of death.