The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1877-05-25

seemed 10 Jump right ont Of his harness,
and has carried away the shafts with
him."
~ See" said Mr.. Lester, coming
closer, and examining the overturned
sleigh, which, having been made for
Minnie's own special use, was very
small and light, and proved, upon cx-
animation, to be almost uninjured, with
the exception the broken shafts, which
had snapped of close TO the body Of the
sleigh.
.sWell. Miss Dale" he continued,
restoring the sleigh 20 an upright po-
sition. and pushing il before him, over
the hard snow, towards the frozen lake
ssthe best plan can think of will be for
YOU 10 get into the sleigh, and let me
push You along before me over the ice
| Wnl YOU Gomez" he added, holding out
hand to guide her down the bank.
"TharS YOU. But will il not be very
hard work for youp" asked Minnie, rs
she took his offered hand.
Not mt ALL was the brief. earnest
spoken reply; and very carefully Robert
Lester handed the dainty little fur-clad
figure into the tiny sleigh. and. wrapping
the warm rugs around her. he started
of at an easy, swinging pace over the
smooth frozen surface Of the lake, on
the seven-m;le journey which lay before
them.
II was nearly shutdown when they
started. but neither Of them felt any I'M
casiness 1T the approach Of evening, MS
the moon was nearly full: and they
were gliding mcrrily along. Minnie's
clear, pure voice keeping time 10 the
ring Of the skates with the Canadian
boatman's hymn, when. suddenly, sharp
and distinct, sound, something be-
tween bark and cry. echoed through
the stiffness Of the woods behind them.
Wolves," exclaimed Minnie. turn
ing half round in the sleigh, and looking
up into her companions face; and even
as she spoke the cry was repeated, and
taken up and re-cchocd from the oppo-
site shore Of the lake. which was here
not more than half mile wide.
Yes. 4 pack Of them, am afraid,
replied Robert. "You can shoot, Min
ME. he added, after moments silence,
during which the cries were heard on
both sides, louder and more numerous
than before.
=. Yes she whispered, flushing Grim
son, even then, at the sound Of her
Christian name from his lips.
take this, then,r and he drew
small fiye-shooter from his pocket, and
handed il to her. .sBut don't use il I'M
til tell you. may distance them yet, =
and, striking out vigorously. the she'll
like sleigh was soon skimming over the
smooth ice AZ racing speed.
Stillfrom the forest on either side came
the shrill barking cries-never forgotten
by those who have heard them under
like circumstances-of the hungry
wolves. And though the tiny sleigh
skins faster and faster over the ice, yet
nearer, clearer and more distinct than
ever the savage yells echo in the ears Of
those two, who know now that they are
racing for dear life, until louder, fuller
chorus than ever bursts upon the frosty
air, and, turning his head. Robert sees
that their pursuers are clear of the woods,
and following them with increased swift
ness over the ice.
Faster and faster speeds the sleigh,
until it scarcely seems 10 touch the ice,
but yet not fast enough to keep long
ahead Of the feet feet that follow IL.
Even now an angry growl Is heard close
behind, and, rising carefullyin the sleigh,
Minnie perceives the leader If the pack, \
= gaunt, hungry-looking wolf, with
fierce, cleaning eyes and long red
tongue hanging out Of his open jaws,
not a dozen yards behind.
II was no time for words. "A quick
glance into her companions face,
sharp, spiteful report from the pistol,
and the foremost Of the band rolls OVER
on the ice, and Robert, redoubling his
exertions. makes the most Of the brief
respite caused by the momentary delay
Of the pack around the dead body Of
their companion. 1t was but for mo-
mcnt. however. Then fiercer and more \
than ever, the four-footed \
demons start again in pursuit. Again,
and yet again, the brave girl fires, each \
time bringing down one Of the pack, un-
til, a. the empty pistol falls from her
hand, and she sinks back on the seat in
utter despair, the last bend Of the shore
is doubled, and there. a mile below, the
roof Of her fathers house
is in sight, while halfway between sew
cral figures are seen on the ice skating
them.
Courage, darling." cried Robert,
pointing ahead.
.Toolate, Robert" she whispered. as
a growl was heard almost abreast Of the \
sleigh, and a dozen pairs Of fierce,
blood-shot eyes cleaned redly close
behind.
" Not for you, Minnie. Heaven bless
you. my own love!" and, impellcd by the
wild, almost supcrhuman strength 81
that last desperate push, the sleigh shot
like an arrow forward over the Ice, and
then, before Minnie could look up, or re-
gain her breath, before the sound Of that