The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-03-05

brighter than here, intermittingly flashed
up the northern horizon.
This is just the night for jolly sleigh
ride observed John as he cheered on the
spirited horses.
Yes, have just been thinking, don't
remember of seeing more beautiful night.
Jack Frost is certainly in the air, although
the wind is not near so high as it was
They had now entered the edge of the
wood where they were partially screened
from the wind which moaned among the
tall, gaunt pines, swaying and twisting
their tops, making dismal and ghostlike
sounds, and the moving shadows wrote
grotesque figures on the white carpet be-
meath. The snow crisped and cracked
under the sleigh as the horses dashed on
ward, soon leaving mile after mile be-
hind.
4 say, Joe,' said John, breaking the ST.
lence that reigned Il have been fooling
you all this while; you think l am going
on business. Well, tell you am going
to see my lady love-
Going to see your lady lover echoed
the other. We'll, now amt you silly, to
bring me along with YOU
You along? Well of course you along
it would be dry sleighing without some
lively fellow like YOU
Ere long the travellers reached the end
of their journey. Several hours had Slip
ped away and again they were gliding
over the snow soon they approached the
forest. Dark and shadowy was the wood
compared with the open prairie land, and
it seemed with its sombre shades to throw
a chill over the lively spirits of our heroes.
w IN nd
moon had risen high In the heavens to
travellers
Gould that possibly have been the wind 2
exclaimed Joseph with a start, as fierce
howl rang through the frosty air.
Good Heavens no, said the other, who
only too well knew its source; its the
wolves on our track and before the for
mer could speak, another and yet another
yell was heard as at no great distance, and
plainly told the inquirer that the prowling
pack were indeed on their scent; and they
we'll knew that ere long the herd would
overtake them.
1T will be life or death before long = ex-
claimed John.
The wolves were coming around the
hill, and the driver urged the horses to the
top OF their speed; but the wolves keenly
seeming the perspiring horses, took the
shortest cut across the hill, thus leaving the
travellers but little ahead. The horses
frightened by the yelping of the approach
ing wolves, dashed onward, carrying far
Their and farther the sleigh and frightened
occupants at every bound. On came the
bowling and yelping pack nearer and near.
er, until, at length, they were plainly visi-
BILE to the travellers. 1t was a fearful sight,
their great red tongues lolling out of their
toaming mouths, and the bones of their
lank bodies almost starting through the
skin, while their piercing eyes cast savage
glances at their intended victims. They
soon rushed up on every side of the sleigh
and only its swift motion prevented them
from jumping into it; and as it was high
backed as all of them were at that time,
the wolves could not harm the occupants
from this quarter.
Use your pistol said John.
1t was done and one Of the tercest fell
staining the snow with its blood.
The wolves confused by the death Of
their leader, stopped in their mad career.
But it was only for minute, for the hum
CRY pack, rendered still more ferocous by
this check, again pursued the resisting
travellers.
Fire again. said the drivcr-once more
another of the pack lay dead.
But this time the wolves were not to be
stayed, for they still pursued, while the
foaming horses sped onward; and the race
seemed nearly ended, the wolves being
victors when the faint glimmering of the
light in their not far distant home inspired
the travellers with fresh courage. Even
the horses received new spirit at the sight
While the wolves, if possible, more vora-
cious than ever, still pursued
Soon they reached the edge of the clear
ing when the wolves, frightened by the
glare of the light and the barking of the
watchdogs, stopped; and wheeling round
one by one disappeared in the wood. A
minute more, and the sleigh drew up be-
fore the door, whereupon one of the horses
Immediately dropped dead.
After telling of their adventure, the
youths would generally add, that, had
they had another mile to go, they would
never have lived to tell the fearful tale.
DARLINGTON A. s. H.