National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1869-02-19
that a large pack Of them have been
seen near the Dawson woods, about
twenty miles south of here

seen near the Dawson woods, about
twenty miles south of here
'Never sear,' l replied, laughing
lightly. BILLY is fleet and we can
Outwit them any time; ; and bidding
him goodnight rode away.
1t had ceased showing, ard the
stars shOne out here and there be-
tween the patches of cloud, like
occasional CLEANS of sunshine in IA
dark forest. The wind was blowing
fiercely from the northwest, almost
directly in my face, and the light
snow was scudding before it like
dry leaves in an autum gale, and
filled my face ever and anon, with
it's cold touch that sent IL shiyer all
over me. 1t had grown cold very
fast since dark, but | was in fine
health and spirits, dressed warmly
and was well prepared to endure
the blast of Il winter night. Soon
after passing the habitation of the
Gordon Brothers, the only house
on the whole route. | assembled a
bluff or higher ground and as |
rose to the summit the piercing &
blast swept against me with double
force and was obliged to exert all
my energies to keep from freezing.
After gaining the height, the
trail extended along for nearly a
mile besides a heavy forest which
swept miles away to the south east
beyond the river. urged my horse,
when he lowered his head, as if look
ing for the trail, then artially halted
and extended his nostrils as if in
fear, when suddenly two forms
sprang up from the snow close be
side me, and Scizing the animal on
either side by the bit, held him fast
and sternly demanded my money in
Il voice which instantly recognized
rs belonging to Thomas Gordon.-
Being half frozen and knowing that
resistance would he useless, pro
cccded 20 procure the envelope
which | had that evening received,
when suddenly, striking upon our
quickcned ear came a sharp howl
proceeding from the contiguous
wood, which need be heard but once
to be remembered Il lifetime.
In less time than it takes me to
record this. the cry OF the Wolf had
been answered and rc answered till
other terrorS were lost for the mo-
ment, and night was made hideous
by their fearful cries. Terrified, the
aSSaSSinS stood for moment as it
spell bound but soon recovering, the
elder Gordon exclaimed in feai i'ul
tone My God, Jasper we must kill
Watson to save our lives, for the
cursed wolves will be here in mia
ute longer.' Drawing II murderous
looking knife the demoniat a 9 villain
Sprang forward to execute his avoW-
ed purpose, when with IA terrible
struggle my horse freed himself from
his antagonists and plunged madly
forward.
The howliugS sounded nearer and
nearer, when suddenly the horse,
over which had no control, losing
the trail, plunged into dry gulch
or rlvivr aud lay laundering III the
snow. Several miAutcs elapsed ere
we regainrd our feet and the higher
ground, when looking away to the
east / could see sharply defined
against the sky, the figures of my
would be aSSaSSins fly ing for life,
and close upon them, utterins their
mulderuus yells the savage brutcs
thirs,ing for blood.
The accident saved my life, for
the wolves probably emerged from
the forest Just after the horse fell,
and seeing their victims turned after
them en- maSsr at a speed which rem
dcrcd human efforts mnaNailing.
| rcgaiurd the saddle and rode
home as fast as the willing animal
could carry me.
Many an offering of praise and
gratitude assembled from our lips to
the Great Ruler of all when mad
told my wife the thrilling story oI
my escape from the double danger
which threatened me.
Two days after rode over to til,
village and relating my advcntnr,
soon mustered II goodly company o.
the villagers who returned with mt
to search for the victims. We sue
cecdcd in finding II few bones ant
some of the clothes of the wretches
also the murderous looking knit,
Which came So near ending my eXis
tcncc, covered with gore In the strug
Gle of its owcer to free himself from
the terrible embrace of the wolves
My Express Envelope was ioun'
with all its contents safe, near TIL
spot where | had been required t
deliver it to the asSasslns whose lei
riblc fate was II just rctribution 10
their mcditatcd villainics.