Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-02-25
CHASED BIZ WOLVES.

our attention, we were 6trOIllng ABOUT
one of the smaller towns in Germany, in
search Of adventure or amusement, we
did not care which.
Our guide, or rather handY-fellow, as
the Germans say, was the keeper OF the
inn-which, to tell the plain truth, was
not much larger than himself-a good
natured, genial old man, and very fond
of relating stories. He had already dur
ing our two days stay in the place told
number of these stories; and we, his
listeners, had about arrived at the con-
clusion that he had wholly exhausted his
stock in trade. In this opinion, how
ever, we were quite mistaken, as you,
the reader, shall presently know.
We had come to the town hall and
were lettering in quest of drink of
water, when Herr Gabel, or Mr.. Gabel,
If you choose, nudging my elbow, said:
Do you see that man walking up the
street yonders"
"Yesn
"He is Russian, and for many years
lived in Livonia, province which once
belonged to Poland. You will find it
laid down on recent map in the prov
ince of Riga"
Never mind-tell us the story"
peat the story Just as I've heard him tell
1t to us hundred times"
MY friend shook out the ashes from his
long porcelain pipe, placed it away in
his pocket, and began very nearly as
follows:
One evening Sholto was returning
from market, whittier he went over a
distance Of twelve miles twice a.week
with his horse and sledge. The road
which led to the house was long, wind
ing one, and on either side the snow lay
fresh and deep. The road itself was, of
course, snow covered, but the wind
sweeping down from the valley had car
ried much of the snow away, SO that it
had the appearance of path channeled
through heavy drift.
Night was coming on, and Sholto
knew full well that his homeward jour
ney was not wholly safe one. AL
though much fatigued he did not allow
himself to sleep, but rather kept a close
watch on all sides. His sole weapon of
defense in case of danger was hatchet,
which he always carried with him width
ersoever he went.
The horse was making good speed,
and the sledge was fast leaving distance
behind it, when Sholto, looking back,
saw two dark, hideous animals swiftly
pursuing him. And soon one of them
almost touched the sledge, and its hot,
steaming breath rose up into Sholto's
face. Although the effort to Stay the
animal might have been successful he
chose not to attempt it. He knew that
it was the horse that was wanted, and
that everything depended on the latter's
courage and swIftness. If he could only
keep the horse in the track and prevent
it from bounding off into the snow-drift
he was sure that he could ward off all
danger. SO, In order to preserve the
courage of his steed, Sholto leaned for
ward and caressed him with word and
hand.
1t was a terrible moment as Sholto
kept his hand on the horse and his eye
on the ferocious wolves who were men
acing his fight. The number of the lat
ter had increased, and one of them,
younger, larger and Congratulated than
the others, managed to keep pace with
the sledge. Sholto raised his Ratchet to
strike, but the wolf, lodging the blow,
turned aside, maintained its footing, and
ran alongside of the horse. The latter,
spying his bloodthirsty pursuer groaned,
in despair, and, as If impelled by sudden
terror, gave leap forward and outdis.
tanced the wolf. By degrees the wolf
fell back to the sledge. SholtO raised his
Ratchet again, but the animal lodged,
stumbled, and was left some yards be-
hind.
Meanwhile the other wolves were CIV
ing hot chase. Sholto realized for the
first time the awful predicament that he
was in and prepared TO defend himself
with life struggle If need be. He began
to think of home and of the dear young
wife who was there awaiting his return.
A thousand thoughts crept into his mind
and poured over his brain with the
scorching heat of a stream of lava. He
could not say die! He could not surren-
der without contest his hopes, his life,
his all. Something cheered him on and
babe him be bold.
While thus meditating an unlooked-for
occurrence brought him to his senses.
His horse, frightened by the sharp claws
of one of the wolves, dashed forward in
such manner that the sledge became
| which doomed above the surface of the
snow. A collapse was the result; the
horse went tearing off at furious speed
| uhA ohOisS was WV w thS hhSASy Va bhC
wolves
In less than second of time one of
them was upon him. He felt heavy
claw tearing the front of his sheep skin
| coat; he felt the blood slowly oozing
down from fresh wound. Made DIES.
perate, but not In despair, he grappled
with his assailant. During the encounter
his weapon was jerked from him and he
had now only pair of strong and stur.
| dy hands as means of defense. Whilst
wrestling with the wolf his eye wandered
off in the distance and in the thickening
shadows of the night he deserted the
| Pickering flame of candle which shone
through his cottage window. He imag
ined, also, that he saw his wife peering
out at him and calling in sad voice,
| "Sholto, where are your"
As to himself it was sorrowful mo.
ment. His strong hands played their
| part well and as soon as he had wrestled
with and strangled one of his assailants
| he was forced to face another in SINH
| lar manner He did not know how
many wolves there were, and in truth he
had not the time to count them. Only,
whilst defending himself against his
foes he thought of his poor horse and