The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-07-18
FIGHTING WOLVES IN CANADA.
A Desperate Battle Once Waged by
Three Lumbermen,

- desperate DdAIl0 OuCe MaESQ DY
Three Lumbermen,
Not many years ago the center Of the
lumber region every winter saw large
camps established. Among the employees
at one station were three brothers, as tine
specimens of humanity as could be seen
i'll days march. Soon after the SHOWS
fell, as related by the London Graphic,
they had grievance, some difference Of
opinion with the boss, or head man. so
they resolved to leave and make their
way to the nearest settlement, "a distance
of about three days Journey. The snow
was not yet in good order tor travelling,
being exceedingly loose and powdery,
the result OF the lOWneSS OF the thermom-
eter, no thaw having occurred since it
fell. However, our adventures were
lusty of body and stout of heart; so sun
rise one brilliant morning saw them start
carrying but a light pack and only
armed with their axes. AS they slowly
progressed through the painless forest
they became aware that it was becoming
sensibly colder, but this was not a mat
ter OF great import to them, for there
were sheltered hooks to be found and fuel
in abundance existed on every side.
The pine forests at this season of the
year are very silent, for nearly all the
birds have emlgrated to warmer chimes;
even the wild quadrupeds seem to be
affected by this silence and, with the ex-
ali have lost their voices. On the third
day, as the woodmen were passing along
the margin Sof a cedar swamp, they be-
came conscious Of the vicinity of wolves
by hearing an occasional yelp. The ami
mails are so little dreaded bV mature
human beings in this country that the
travellers scarcely paid attention TO the
circumstance, but when they had gained
a well-timbered ridge cry was heard in
the distance as If a pack of foxhounds
was in full chase OF game. The lumber
men at once concluded that the pursuit
was AMER a moose or caribou and, with
natural curiosity, halted with the hope of
witnessing part of the hunt. This they
did sooner than expected and in more
disagreeable way than anticipated, for,
coming up the slope which they had al
ready traversed were distinctly to be
seen several large wolves, followed by a
numerous retinue, and without doubt,
they were running upon the mems trail.
No time was to be lost, immediate action
had at once to be taken, so the three
brothers placed their backs to giant
tree, and, with their trusty axes, re-
solved to sell their lives as dearly as pos
sible.
The first onset was led by four most
powerful beasts. Two of the lumber
men, with adroit skill, disposed OF their
respective foes; not SO with the third
man. His leading assailant fell, but be-
fore he could raise his AK he was pulled
down by the other brute, and but for his
prompt presence of mind he must have
been severely torn. if not killed. Find
ing that his ak could not be further used,
the brave fellow dropped il, threw himself
on his knees and buried his sheath-knife
in the ribs of his assailant This thrust
was so Immediately successful in it's re-
suits that in a moment after he had re-
covered his former weapon and his posi-
ton against the tree.
In the meantime his brothers had been
busy; their GOODNESS and dexterity had
done fearful execution, well attested by
the dead and manned brutes that sur
rounded them. The lesson that had been
taught the leaders began to tell upon their
followers, for they now hesitated to
charge home, but retained respectful dis ,
lance, which was followed by all retiring
into the forest retreats, doubtless con-
scious that lumbermen could not be mo-
Tested with impunity. The truth of this
story cannot be doubted, for next spring
the heads of the slain were presented to
the proper authorities, to enable the
brothers to claim the royalty on wolves
SIX ulls.