Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-28
SHE VANOUlSHEO THE WOLF.
strategy Helps n Maine Woman Out OF
Perilous Prcdicament.
IT auiatnn JnurnaI1


One dav Uncle Jonas's two cows disap-
peared from the opening in the woods about
his lonely home, and no traces o. them
could be gained. Aunt Molly, as his wife
was called. started to hunt them up next
morning, as the men of the family were
away. Leaving the children and going in
a westerly direction she wandered through
out the day in the dark. unbroken forest
without a mouthful to eat except lew
spruce-buds and dried berries, with an
occasional handful of ground-nuts, which
grew in great abundance on the lowiands.
The sun was fast sinking when to her
great 10y she discovered the lost cows
quietly grazing on small grass plat near
Crooked river, some four miles from home.
With all possible haste she drove them
along. hoping to reach home before dark.
and as she had no guide, not even spotted
trees, she had to trust wholly to theinstinct
of the beasts.
Their course often seemed toher exactly
the opposite to right, still her practical
knowledge taught her it was best to let
them have their own way. When near
WHAT is now known as the Pine House, on
a ridge covered by growth of gigantic
pine. both cows gave a loud below "a IL
from fright and broke into furious gallop
in the direction of home, now half mile
distant. Pausing to ascertain the cause
of their fright she was confronted by
wolf.
The wolf at once made spring for her
face. no doubt intending to grab her
throat. With the skill and fury of an ex-
pert boxer, Aunt Molly dealt him a stun
ming blow with her brawny and hardened
fist. which sent him back upon his
launches. Again and again the starving
brute leaped for her throat, but each time
was met by both fists and feet with suf-
ficient force to send him back several feet.
knowing 1t was now life or death. the he
roio woman found herself fast growing
weaker, while the attacks of her savage ad-
versary grew more ferce:
Spatching her tattered shawl from her
head. with desperate leap she threw 1t
over the head of the wolf with dexterity
which was not only surprising to the wolf.
but herself also.
This piece of strategy had the effect to
bewilder the wolf. He leaped wildly about.
vainlv endeavoring to rid himself of
his Involvement head-gear. while Molly
lost no time in climbing TO the
10 ss6 branches Seseb When the % spd 6sd
rid himself of his temporary blindfold and
sufficiently recovered his equilibrium. see
| ing his intended victim beyond his reach.
| he at once set up the most demoniac bowls
of rage and disappointment occasionally
venting his spleen by furious attacks upon
the trunk of the tree and tearing the rough
bark with his long. crooked fangs.
| Here she remained until the return of
| day, when the wolf skunk away in the di-
| rection of the river. As soon as she
thought him at a safe distance Molly,
| nearly furnishing and benumbed 10y cold.
fastened down and sped for home as fast
as the condition of her cramped limbs and
| chilled frame would permit.
She found the children half frightened
out of their wits. as the arrival of the cows
in so great agitation had given them the
idea that their mother had been devoured.