The Delta independent., 1888-01-03
A Remarkable Escape.

settled. especially that portion lying
east OF the St. Francis river and border
ing on Maine. The animal commonly
known as the Canadian gray wolf was
then the scourge of the country. They
often gathered in large numbers.
apparently under the guidance of an
acknowledged leader. and attacked
whataver came in their way. Not
only sheep and small animals were
slaughtered, but horned cattle, horses,
and even human beings fell prey to
these bloodthirsty scourges. The wolf
is scarcely. If ever. known to attack
any creature except some of the small
or species. singly. as he has ever been
noted for his cowardice, but when
pressed by hunger and an available
opportunity for securing good round
meal is discovered by the leader of the
pack. he at once begins to howl. This
is understood and answered by others.
until. in an incredibly short time, they
are all assembled, when, under the
guidance and at well known signal
from the leader. the frightful and
ominous war cry, known as that of the
chase. is sounded. Then whatever
happens to be the object of pursuit is
generally doomed to destruction. The
leader when he becomes feeble by
reason of old ago or other disabilities.
is generally vanqulshed in an encounter
with some younger. and more vigorous
male and then set upon by the entire
pack and driven out to die alone. The
wolves sometimes seen singly or in
pairs In northern Maine are said to be
refugees from northern Canada and
perfectly harmless, rs their defeat and
exile has rendered them so cowardly
that no danger need be feared. as they
will never attack anything larger than
partridge or rabbit.
In the autumn of the year 1882, near
the close of bright. sunny day, a
traveller alighted at little wayside inn
situated on the borders of one of those
extensive Canadian forests. known as
the Grown lands. and called for feed
for his horse and q lunch. He was a
powerfully built man. of fine personal
appearance. in the prime of life. and
evidently one who had seen much of
the world. The horse he rode. whose
symmetrical form. linely-shaped head
and lofty mien plainly indicated his
careful breeding. was nnsaddled, neat
ly groomed and placed in the stable.
A frugal meal of deer-steak, potatoes.
buckwheat grddle cakes and maple
honey was soon placed on the table. to
which the hungry traveller Immediately
proceeded to do ample justice. To this
was added tumbler and small decan-
ter of whisky. as ut that day drink of
some kind of liquor, especially among
gentry and travellers at least. before
each meal, was not only considered re-
spectacle. but almost indispensable.
OF the latter, however. the guest de-
clined to partake. remarking that he
had never yet tasted liquor of any kind.
and hadn't the least desire to commence
now. In reply to interrogatories. he
stated that he was agent of large pub
fishing house in Philadelphia, and
bound to Quebec; that he must hasten,
us he wished to pass the long woods
that night.
Pass the woods tonight p'' exclaim-
cd the landlord in surprise. "Indeed you
must do no such thing. The woods are
filed with wolves, and they are uncom-
monty fierce. II you encounter pack.
rs no doubt you will. your life must pay
he forfeit; SO please stay where you are
welcome, but beg you will not
rxard your life In this reckless man
traveller. thinking his host over
!, and MS he carried large sum
,ey, began to mistrust danger
mother source. The more he
ed. the firmer became his con-
that mischief was meant. and
ktory of the wolves one of their in
l6htion to suit the occasion and their
own wicked purpose. Furthermore.
knowing the moon to be near the full
and . smooth road before him. besides
being we'll mounted, he. anticipated
nothing but a pleasant ride.
Bidding his host hasty goodby, lie
mounted his horse and was soon lost to
sight in the distant forest Nothing of
interest occurred to disturb the monot-
ony Of his journey until several miles or
perhaps more than half the distance had
been passed, when he deserted dark
object at short distance ahead, which
he at first took for some stray dog.
Tho creature trotted along for some
distance in a leisurely manner. OCCASION
ally casting backward glance at the
horse and rider. then with sudden
bound disappeared In the forest But
few moments interviewed when short
distance to his right he heard the. pro-
longed howls of wolf. This was inn
mediately answered by another at his
left, and then another an another in
different directions. till the whole sur
rounding forest seemed alive with
them.
The horse. as though apprehending
danger, pricked up his ears and quick
ened his pace, the howls still continu-
inc and apparentlv COMING nearer each