Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1882-11-09

cape. BY turning into Il rude, log
path, we could reach correr of it
within thirty or forty rods from where
We were, 1t was the nearest point
though to reach it we would have to
cross deep, rocky gully, through
which ran a small, turbulent stream
Of water
1--WE did not stop to argue, but
dashed down the steep declivitv, re,
gardless Of hurts and bruises, and
soon reche,l the creek. | know
would not have dared to rush down
that precipitous bank in the way
did if it had been in the daytime and
| could have seen where | was going"
"As we scrambled up the opposite
bank, we heard three or four Of the
savage beasts crossing the creek be
hind US, and by tie time We had
reached the top they We're upon ua.'
James hurledly drew of his coat
and threw it down into the gulch."
"My sonI What fearful noise en.
sued, as they leaped upon the latter:
ed garment and tore it into ahreds. Il
seemed as though al the fends in
pandemoniam were 1T loose. But it
occupied their attention only for a
moment, and then they come on
again.'
"We threw our hata behind us, but
they did not stop for them. A huge
gray wolf, uttering an angry s,iarI,
ieaped out over my shoulder, his sharp
teeth swapping close to my ear as he
dashed past. The next moment he
Ieaped to one side, swapping savagely
at my legs; and, fastening upon my
coat, he tore off the skirt in an in.
slant"
James screamed with pain as an,
other leaped past him, biting his hand
as he went, and at the same instant
received sharp bite on tdy leg. We
were completely surrounded by the
snaring pack, now emboldened tc
desperation. and eager to leap upon
our shoulders and bury their teeth in
our heads and aecks."
"Sudlenly there came a binding
fash. almost directly in our faces, and
then the stunning report Of the old
Continental muSket awoke the echoes
Of the gloomy forest.
Father had come 10 the rescue
The sound Of the musket at that mo.
ment was more oyful to our ears than
tue sweetest strains o. music. The
wolves vanished from before us, as il
by magic, and their loud unearthly
yeIls an "diateI " ceased"
Run boys-rur for your livea +
father crled out, in clear tone OF
voice. They viii certainly kill you if
they overtake You 7 -
Aye, we knew it and bounded for
ward with aacrity. rs We entered
the clearing our courage rose, and we
atted paat the blackened stumps with
the speed enlightened tswns.'
"We could hear the furious animals
collecting again on the edge of the
clearing, and we'knew we could not
trust then. Dashing up to the house
we excitedly called out, between our
painting breath
"'Open the door Tor the love Of
heaven !! "
The door swung back on its wood
en- hinges, and we staggered in and
sunk down upon the floor, before the
hearth, bleeding and exhausted.'
Father followed close behind us;
and, raising us 20 our feet, kindly in
quired if we were badly hurt. If |
should live to be hundred years old
| shall never forget the looks of my
dear mother, as with streaming eyes,
she claspel us alternately in her arms,
and the angels must have been moved
to tears as herfervent prayer Of thanks.
giving ascended to heaven"
Father did not say a word to US
aboat our disobedience then; but IT, 9
wolves had taught us q bitter lesson,
and one long to be remembered. We
had tasted the retributive fruits Of d lis |
obedience, and from that hour we
were more careful to obey a kind
father commands.
- ~--
ArcN NON n Man?