Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-09-18
carefully enveloped.

accompanied the Parisian's question, utter
ed in strange jargon in which Russian,
French, and the Yakoute language were
mingled
She gently and materially drew aside the
reindeer skin which covered her shoulder,
and displayed three little blue foxes.
The stupefaction was general NJ. Laf-
leur, however, soon explained to everybody
that it is the prevailing custom among the
fur-hunters to carry off the young foxes to
raise with the intention of selling the fur
when the animals have attained their full
development. And, while talking of the fun
of the blue foxes, the Partisan laughed
heartily at the credulity with which the
ladies Of the west, especially the English
ladies, array themselves in what purports
to be the genuine article. He informed
Nadege that the four feet of the animal
alone are utilized by the furriers, which
makes pelisse cost in Russia seven or
eight thousand dollars. The feet only are
sold by the hunters. The rest of the fur is
thrown in, as having 10 value.
Ladislas questioned and, while the native
was voraciously finishing her repast, NJ
Lafleur gave the curious child some details
concerning the habits of the blue foxes.
He told him that, exceedingly suspicious
aid employing a thousand artful tricks
against the hunters, they leave their hnr
rows only aJ night
VOracious ana given to theft, they steal
everything from the hunters and even gar
ments from sleeping men; they devour the
corpses and attack the sick. When travel
ers bury food, placing numerous heavy
stones over the earth which covers it, the
foxes rob the hiding-place by gliding be-
meath the stones, aiding each other in the
work with harmony and rare intelligence.
If the provisions be elevated in the air on a
pole, the foxes dig with their paws until
the pole falls, or even with wonderful dex
terity make short ladder to reach the Gov
eted prey.
''The blue fox" continued NJ Lafleur lis
found on all the shores Of the Arctic Ocean
and on the banks of the rivers which flow
into it. It is smaller than the common fox.
which it greatly resembles, but its head is
more like that Of a dog, Its hair is very
long, very thick and very soft to the touch
it is grayish blue or white. The tip Of its
muzzle is black and it's ears are nearly
round. It's voice is at once like the bark of
dog and the yelp of d fox. These animals
are always net in considerable bands; thew
prefer open and cold places.
ct is curious fact" added he, that the
blue fox, far from fearing the water as dc
the other foxes easily crosses the arms of
rivers or lakes to reach islands tuat it may
ravage the nests Of aquatic birds When
game vanishes from a region, the blue foxes
enigrate in d body. which is a habit very
rare among carnivorous animals
81 had. - M .aHpDr nurSua6 ..fc7, INV
Chateau-Thierry collection. superb speci
mems of the skins Of al the Siberian foxes,
but, alas! my collection is to be made over
again. can mover return to Yakoutsk,'
added he, sadly.
After having eaten. the Ya1oute woman
asked permission to sleep beside the bivouac
fire, which was granted by Nadege. She
stretched herself out upon the snow and,
drawing over her face and shoulders her
sayanak Of reindeer skin, began to snore.
The little blue foxes, closely pressed to her
bosom, paid her in warmth for the maternal
care she bestowed upon them.
CHAPTER XIII,-TEEEL'S RETURN.
That night was not quiet one There re.
manned more than three-quarters of the ram
killed by M Lafleur The odor of the raw
flesh attracted the wolves. They roamed
around the encampment despite Wab's
growls and barkings, which were sometimes
furious.
M. Laf1eur, always serviceable, accom-
panied by the dog Of the Himalay9s, went
to the nearest thicket and brought back
a number of branches with which to feed
the fire.
The flames intimidated the wolves, the
g l..
distance. While Wab kept off some of
them, others more daring bore away the
remains of the ram and made but a mouth
full of them.
Soon the number of animals increased SO
greatly as to cause much uneasiness. At a
signal from Yegor a general discharge of
firearms was made in every direction.
Yegor and NJ Lafeur fired several times
and the little Pole blazed away with his
two revolvers. The chief of police disabled
by his wound, alone remained inactive.
The wolves hit by the shot uttered lu-
gubrious bowls, and the fugitives heard
them roll and twist upon the ground in the
commissions of death. The others retired
short distance, but returned to the charge,
and it became necessary to repulse them
anew with balls.
At last, they were again driven back. But
at daybreak they presented themselves in
greater force than ever, ready to renew
their attack Wrangling with each other,
they threw themselves upon the bodies OF
their companions lying in the snow and de-.
voured them. This was but slight nourish.
ment for so many famished animals.
Yegor and the others loaded their weap.
ons, thinking that the wolves, their appetite
stimulated by the raw flesh, would soor
leap upon them. Ladslas passed his re.
volvers to Nadege and CHARGED the carabine
belonging to the chief of police. The latter
grasped in his free hand an enormous spear.
Thus they waited ready for whatever might
take place.
Suddenly, on the summit of the rock
against which Nadege's tent was erected
appeared huge gray bear. 1t descended
heavily and went straight towards the
wolves.
The latter, disturbed at their feast, boldly
wheeled about. Then, the bear, retreatine
a few steps, placed its back against the
rock, squatted upon its launches, thrust
forward wide-open, frightful mouth and
crossed its fore paws over its breast. Al
this defensive attitude, the wolves formed
a semi-circle about their adversary, pru.
IDENTIFY keeping several yards away.
Yegor and his companions We're filled
with amazement After rapidly consulting.
they decided to let these animals come to
blows before interfering; besides, it was
necessary to economic the supply of pow.
der
The gray bear ana the wolves continued
to observe each other, but the thing was be-
coming monotonous; the wolves seemed to
be inviting the bear to begin the combat