Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1875-03-18
CHASED BY WOLVES.

1t is scarcely one year since the
evening which we relate occurred upon
the northern steppes of Russia. An
Englisbman named Hurburt had ac-
cepted an invitation from a young
nobleman to visit him at his frigid
northern home, where he had promised
him among other inducements some
excellent winter hunting, the game
being bears and wolves. The Russian
was of noble family and enjoyed al
immense estate covering thousands Of
acres among the wilds Of the steppes.
| Within the spacious mansion all was
luxury and comfort, but outside the
long weary winters of the north were
gloomy enough.
1t was midwinter when the young
Englishman joined the Russian friend
at his home. The rigor of the season
was extreme and for the first time in
his life he realized what the word
winter really signifed. However
| when there is an abundance of pecu-
mary means, comfort can be realized
nearly anywhere, and young Hurburt
was never more agreeably entertained
than here in this frigid spot. Every
modern luxury and means of amusement
were at band, and his friend the Count
Sparinski, was the best of companions,
and good billiard player, a capital
spot with pistol or rife, and in short a
highly accomplished man in all games
and sports Of the day.
On clear, cold January day the two
gentlemen made their preparations for
hunting excursion, and young Hur-
burt was somewhat surprised to observe
the very elaborate arrangement which
was entered into as it regarded the
supply Of arms and ammunition
Considering that there were but three
persons, himself and friend, and the
driver Of the sleigh, he thought that
the number of double-barrelled guns
and revolvers, with the stuff to put into
them, was singular.
There were six double,barrelled
guns and as many revolvers, all loaded
and placed handily in the bottom of
the vehicle, besides each of the gentle.
men carried revolver in leather case
at his waist, and long hunting knife.
The driver also had pair of revolvers
in his leather belt, as well as hunt
ing knife.
1--WE are amoving arsenal, remarked
the Englishman, pleasantly, as he re-
garded these preparations.
eyes; in hunting in Russia we some,
times come to such close quarters that
there is little time for loading"
"Ah! / did not think of that"
at is the quick and sure had only
that is safe where wild animals some-
times come in large numbers.
"What will probably be our game
to day." -
ave will try for bears"
care they plenty'"
''It is not SO easy to find them now
as it will be in the spring. They keep
slowed away mostly all winter.
Two large, handsome horses were
harnessed to the sleigh, both so full of
life and spirits as to require the entire
attention of their experienced driver,
who remarked that they would get
some of this fire worked out of them
before the close of the day. At the
suggestion of the Count, third horse,
or lead, making what is Familiarity
termed spike team, was added to the
sleigh, as he remarked that they might
have long pull of it. Thus equipped,
with some luncheon in basket, and
well covered with furs to exclude the
biting cold, the Count and his English
friend started off on the hunt.
They sought a somewhat famous
locality in we'll wooded neighborhood
as their first point of search, but finding
no signs of game here, they started for
one still further away, but with like
want of success. Indeed, it became
pretty clear that bears were not abroad
and that there was not much chance OF
their getting sight of any. In the
meantime they had come a lond dis
lance, the day was already drawing to
a close, and the Count gave the word
to turn the horses heads toward home.
The party paused, however, to give the
horses each four quarts of cracked corn
and also to partake Of their own lunch
Half an hour sufficed for this, and, men
and beasts ereshed, then commenced
the homeward trip.