The Osceola times., 1881-01-29

came nearer, lntp n MISS OF uhrkN lOfllls.
mixed altogether and careeringdown upon
the sledge. lie could see, even at that
distance, the CLEAN of a hundred hungry
eyes, and hear every moment more and
more distinct, the snarling and yelp-
ing,
ave are lost cried the Moujik, glanc-
ing over his shoulder. "Oh! my lord
baron, how they gain on us"
But the baron came Of long line of
knightly ancestors, many of whom had
led forlorn hopes, or fallen in hopeless
sallies, and he was not one to die without
a struggle, or even TO lose his presence OF
mind, although in face of the greatest
and most unexpected of dangers.
Courage, courage" he said. 81 have
my rifle here. ! never travel without it.
Only keep your horses up to their work"
Meantime, the wolves came on swiftly,
and it was plain that in i've minutes they
would be on him. He cooked his rifle
coolly, and waited.
"The whole forest is alive with them,"
he said to himself ain this half-light,
they look like hundreds. doubt if a
dozen rifles would turn them back. The
very momentum of those behind will im-
pei the mass onward, no matter how
many fall in front. Here goes"
He fired, as he spoke, at the foremost
of the gang, a great, gaunt giant, famished
with long winter, who was coming on,
with head erect, teeth glittering, and hairs
on end, while, at his heels, the hungry
pack followed tumultuously, n dark,
swaying mass, yelping and snarling
The mighty beast rolled over, stone
dead, so sure had been the aim, and for
second of time, the pack APP
peared checked in its career. But the
next instant the body disappeared under
the advancing mass that poured down on
the sledge like the Nistula in flood.
Faster, faster" cried the young man,
fitting another bullet into his breech-
loader.
The frightened steeds required no whip,
however; instinct made them fully aware
of their peril; and they were laundering
on now, with wildly heaving fanks and
strained outstretched necks.
"Hal he has it," the baron cried, as he
brought down another wolf the one that
had taken the place Of the dead leader,
"and you and you-great heavens, will
nothing stop them"
For though no less than six had now
fallen, others came pouring on. If it had
been score he had slain it would have
been the same. They were now within
twenty yards of the sledge. Two gaunt
wolves went down before his rifle. Now
they were within fifteen yards The
foremost was SO nigh, indeed, that the
traveller seemed actually TO feel his hot
breath.
Faster, faster" he cried.
Mad with terror the Moujik applied
his lash. The horses sprang forward
anew as if concentrating all their strength
in last effort, and, for moment, the
wolves seemed to be falling behind. But
Just AS the baron was congratulating him
self on this there came burst Of howls
from ahead; a new troop dashed out of
the forest there: the steeds recoiled on
their launches with wild snort; huge,
shaggy monster sprang ut the throat OF
the off horse; the sledge stopped with a
Jerk that nearly threw the baron from
his feet; and then the wolves, in what
seemed one dense mass, precipitated
themselves from front and rear alike upon
their prey.
Meanwhile the Countess Olga had been
suffering torments of anxiety and doubt.
Her lover had been expected long ago,
and as the posts ran with great regulari-
ty, his non-appearance began to be
alarming. As hour after hour passed,
and the darkness approached, the poor
girl, who had been walking the floor, GO
ing to the window to look out every few
minutes, could no longer maintain
silence
81 am sure something terrible has hap
pened,' she said, wringing her hands.
II am sure Of it."
Her mother tried to cheer her, though
herself torn with doubt. Perhaps" she
urged, "the sledge has broken down be-
tween two post stations; that would cause
delay in getting another
"Do you think sop cried the daughter,
eagerly ADO you really think soG But,
oh! mamma, that would compel them to
cross the forest after dark, and you know
the wolves have been so thick there this
terrible winter"
Alas, the mother for an hour past, had
been thinking of this very danger. What
could she say to comfort her child?
"Only last week" cried the girl, with
shudder, stopping in her walk again,
"they devoured a poor Mouiik, as you
know, who had been belated-"
"Yesl | know, dear. But it's not like
Nv
wouldn't let him at the post station. Try
to be quiet, my love. Bright and early,
tomorrow, he will be here"
They couldn't stop him at the station
You know that mamma, as well as do.
You tell me to be quiet" wringing her
hands, ito wait till morning. | shall die
from suspense before morning. Even
now
But she broke down, covering her face
with her hands, shuddering.
AT the worst, he will be armed" in
terposed the mother. "IIe was the best
shot at Baden-Baden, as Alexis has often
told us. Come, rest your head on me,
DEAR don't give way so; I'm sure all will
be right. All, here comes Alexis him.
self | have been wondering where he
was. He will tell you there is no dan
ger"
The brother, a tall, handsome man,
with that blonde German beauty that so
many of the Russian upper classes pos
sess, came up to his sister with quick
step, and, STOPPING down, kissed her
speaking in voice of assured confidence
that carried comfort in its very tone.
Look up, Olga, dear, look up" he said,
"and bid me God speed / don't think
there's the least cause for alarm, but as
I've seen all the afternoon how nervous
you are, I've ordered out half dozen
sledges, with score of our fellows, all
armed, and am going through the forest
as far rs the post station on the other
side. We shall be sure TO get news there;
even if we don't meet Carl half way"
The girl threw her arms about her