The Grenada gazette., 1888-01-14

my mlshap ana aWkwarunesS, III
which l Joined him. our voices ring.
ing out loud and clear and echoing
back with startling distinctness. ]
was just STOPPING to pick up my fallen
branches, whom a long. low, tremu-
lous sound reached my ear ending in
prolonged howl.
"'Wolves" 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 II
now'
"At that moment we heard the SNAP
of twigs, as though some animal was
making its way through the woods.
Hastily exam ining my skate and
finding it secure, we dashed down the
river, the trees that lined its shores
seeming to fly past as they do when
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 fol
that fissure in the ice a mile ahead
here
"As good skater as l was. and
had always been proud of my skill In
that direction, Frank was better one.
He had more than once ouistripped
me in 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. | could
not help thinking. as the fierce howls
drew nearer what if strap should
give way, or ! should trip on a stick.
or some crevce in the ice.
Nearer and nearer they came, I'm.
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 fol-
our lives. as we knew we we're, yet
they gained on us until we could hear
plainly their painting breath.
81 think-I know-there 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.
"The advice did not come second
too soon. for at that instant the wolves
sprang forward. their teeth ella shing
together in way that made my heart
leap.
"'Now, quick!
II followed him. ana the wolves,
unable 10 turn on the smooth surface.
slipped and sailed far ahead.
Frank in u few words explained to
ME that wolves, by the formation Of
their feet, are unable to run on ice ex-
cep. in straight line, and that by
quickly turning aside whenever they
come too near, and then skating back .
lew yards, we could again turn and
lash directly past them. In this way
we could gain scventy.live or hum
lred yards each turning.
"Had the danger been less great, II
would have been laughable sight to
'eo the two wolves, as we glided round
and swept past them, slipping on their
launches and sailing onward, help
ess and raging. their white fangs
cleaning, as they howled with fury
md baflled rage.
"But we did not think of this then. |
We understood only too we'll the dan.
ger. If our skates failed for one in
tant,i we delayed the turn for an in
tant too long. and those cleaning
eeth closed upon our garments even.
Ill was over with us.
"At last, in the distance, glimmered
he home.light. Would the brutes
ollow us to the very shore opposite
he house? We could not stop to re-
move our skates. We dare not at.
empt the bank, even directly in front
Il the house, should they still be in
pursuit.
ii" Sing out, Bert said Frank, as we
lrew near. We must make them
lear us. Sing out with all your
trength.'
'And sing out I did, although my
'reath came quick and painting.
Fortunately, my uncle had stepped
outside the door to speak to one of his
nen. Fortunately, l say, for doubt
I I should have been left 10 tell this
tory but for that.
Hearing our shout they both came
orward, and one glance in the clear
moonlight revealed our situation.
1--WE will be with you, boys, they |
as we dashed past, and in q
minute were at the bank, armed with
wo good rifles.
We turned. The wolves slipped. |
ell and went onward. then regained
ooting and came after US. only to re-
'eive two ringing shots One fell, but
t took a second shot to stretch tn Q
,ther motionless on the ice.
':As / looked at their shaggy forms
md frothing mouths. I lelt that life in
he West, with its wild sports and
adventures was not so de-
,irable a life. after ALL" "-Eadie L.