The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-29

is supposed to have driven them down. Some hunters out on bear-chase a few days back had narrow escape they re- port the wolves as going to the soufh.s
 hope not" said Hugo; " they had heard nothing about it at Ravensdale, no more had ], but then came from the contrary direction. hope not, though should like it above everything if we could muster strong party and have good hunt but wolves are fearful foes to meet unprepared."
 Undehned apprehensions he could not shake oil, filled the young mans mind, and after trying to talk of other things, he came back to the wolves. and to speculations as to their position and movements So time sped on, and he paced up and down with a growing un- easiness he in vain told himself was un- grounded and absurd, and he longed for the return of the sleigh to terminate these secret fears. Eric had been listen- ing intently tor some minutes, and all at once exclaimed, There, now, I hear howl"
 Hugo threw himself on the floor to hear better, and ere long heard the same sound.
 fear-l fear it is so it is far of. but oh, in the same direction they have taken"
 i After some moments of intense atten- ton both men satisfied themselves that It was not the howl of solitary wolf, ard that il was steadily advancing i "Oh, tell me what can we do.' cried Hugo 2" it IS on :he track which leads from the town, just the time when they would be on the road. My poor Ella. what can do:"
 harmed as we are, it is only by re- maining here we can be of any service, and this is position we can easily de- fend. With that amount of firewood at our back would defy an army of wolves. Look the chalet stands in a recess of rock; from point to point we can make rampant of fire" So saying he began to arrange faggots in a line from one rock to the other, leaving an open space Tn the centre. '' think with you, young man, that your friends are on their road and that the wolves are pursuing them, else we should not hear that continuous bowling nearer and nearer. am leaving this space for the sledge to pass: the wolves would never dare to attemp, to follow through such wall of flame as we can raise'
 Hist, hear the gallop of horses" said Hugo, kneeling on the snow.
 Then set fire to our barrier, it may be beacon to them. and show them where we are.'
 This was soon done. and the bright pine wood flame was ere long streaming into the sky.
 Now" said Eric. get more faggots ready, for you and must be prepared to close up the passage immediately the sleigh is safe
 But the horses said Hugo. will they pass between two such fires as we have here!
 No fear; they are terrified enough to leap over preCipice if 1t came in their way anything, everything-to escape those that are after them"
 \ few minutes passed in breathless sus- penSe, during which the noise of horses and wolves became louder and louder.
 An. there they are" cried Hugo, and the whole pack close behind. They see us; Andreas IS fogging the horses Oh. God. there IS great wolf close upon them-Oh, would give ten years ot my lite for a rife for one instant An dreas dares not leave the reins. Ella is standing up she has the ritle Good heavens, the wolf will spring al her No, she has fired-shot him down-my brave Ella. my own dear girl .''
 Another second and the sledge was in the haven of refuge provided by the fore thought of the peddler, safe from the ruthless wolves, behind the barrier of flame. The exhausted hoI ses had stopped of themselves the Jansens were beneath the shelter of the chalet. half-fain,ing. scarcely credi,ing their preservation. As soon as he could speak. the farmer said, in tremulou. tone, Wife. children, le, us thank God; and kneeling, with the tears rolling down his hardy cheeks. in a few words of hearwarm thankfulness he returned thanks for their deliverance from bloody death
 IL was some time before sufiicien, com posture returned to relate all that had passed, and when that had been done. Andreas said. Our pastor migh, we'll say, IL shall ln no wise lose it's reward hyou." turning to the peddler-" had not required assistance, if Hugo had not remained. we must ali have perished :"
 The lansens had to stay in the chalet that night. bu, when the next morning dawned the wolves had all dispersed. and they reached home with ease and safety. \ few days later Andreas and Hugo had | the satisfaction of exhibiting some wolf skins as trophies of their vanquished | enemies.
 The story of the memorable sleigh drive 10 church was ever preserved al Ravensdal. and often told in after years ! with pious gratitude to awe-struck child 1. ren and grand children.