The Arizona sentinel. [volume] (Arizona City [Yuma], Yuma County, A.T. [Ariz.]) 1872-1911, 1888-01-14

| NHlcn JOlneu MIN, our voices rlnT-
ing out loud and clear, and echoing
back with startling distinctness.
was just STOPPING to pick up my fall en-
branches, when a long. low. tremu-
lous sound reached my ear, ending in
a prolonged howl.
"'Wolvesr said Frank, at my side,
in an instant Quick. look at your
skate, the one you struck; see if it is
all right We've got to skate for it
now.'
cat that moment we heard the snap
of twigs, as though some animal was
making its way through the woods
Hastily examining my skate and
finding it secure. we dashed down the
river. the trees that lined its shores
seeming to fly past as they do VIII en-
riding on fast express
"'They are after us, said Frank.
1 can't tell how many yet; l don't
dare to turn my head. Look out for
that fissure in the ice a mile ahead
here
LAS good skater as 1 was, and L
had always been proud of my skill in
| that direction, Frank was n better one
He had more than once outstripped
me in a friendly trial at speed. yet he
did not skate foot ahead of me now,
keeping close to my side. A brave,
generous, cool, clear-headed boy in
the hour of danger.
'On we went, every nerve and
muscle strained to its utmost. 1 could
not help thinking, as the fierce howls
drew nearer, what if a strap sh hould
give way, or should trip on stick,
or some crevice in the ice
Nearer and nearer they came, un-
til we could hear the pattering of their
feet on the ice, and every half-minute
yelp told us they were in eager, hot
pursuit
Doing our uttermost skating for
they gained on us until we could hear
plainly their painting breath.
81 think-I know-Chere are but
two,' said Frank. who still kept by my
side. when they get too close, skate
after me to the right; and then turn
back-they can't turn on the smooth
ice.
1.-The advice did not come a second
too soon, for at that instant the wolves
sprang forward, their teeth clashing
together in way that made my heart
leap.
Now, quickr
81 followed him, and the wolves,
unable TO turn on the smooth surface.
slipped and sailed far ahead.
Frank in Il few words explained to
me that wolves, by the formation of
their feet, are unable to run on ice ex-
cept in a straight line, and that by
quickly turning aside whenever they
come too near, and then skating back
few yards. we could again turn and
dash directly past them. In this way
we could gain seventy-five or hun
dred yards each turning.
''Had the danger been less great, 1T
would have been laughable sight to
see the two wolves, as we glided round
and swept past them, slipping on their
launches and sailing onward, help
less and raging. their white fangs
cleaning, as they howled with fury
and baffied rage.
But we did not think of this then.
We understood only too well the dan
ger. If our skates failed for one in
stant, if we delayed the turn for an in
slant too long. and those cleaning
teeth closed upon our garments even,
all was over with us.
cat last, in the distance, glimmered
the home-light. Would the brutes
follow us to the very shore opposite
the houseP We could not stop to re-
move our skates. We dare not at
tempt the bank, even directly in front
of the house, should they still be in
pursuit
"'Sing out, Bert said Frank, as we
drew near. We must make them
hear us. Sing out with all your
strength
".And sing out 1 did, although my
breath came quick and painting.
fortunately, my uncle had stepped |
outside the door to speak to one of his
men. Fortunately, 1 say, for 1 doubt
if 1 should have been left to tell this
story but for that
Hearing our shout. they both came
forward, and one glance in the clear
revealed our situation.
"'We will be with you, boys they
shouted, as we dashed past, and in a
minute were at the bank, armed with |
two good rifles.
1--WE turned. The wolves slipped, |
fell and went onward. then regained
footing and came after us, only to re-
ceive two ringing shots. Ole fell, but
it took a second shot to stretch tn
other motionless on the ice.
LAS Hooked at their shaggy forms
and frothing mouths, lelt that life in
the West, with its wild sports and
dangerous adventures, was not so de-
sirable a life, after all. Sadie L.
P'cEard, IN Golden Days.
Striving to Please.