The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1893-02-18
A WILD RUN FOR LIFE.
BlcyclIst In Russia Pursued by . Pack
Of Hungry Wolves.


of Hungry Wolves.
Mr.. Fred Wishaw gives an account Of
his being chased by wolves in the dis
trict Of Packoff. He had gone to Rus
STA with bicycle, and at the time he
fell in with the wolves was on his ma
chine. having covered a distance Of
some twelve miles in an endavor to
''head" some elk.
had, he says, ridden but mile or
two on the return journey, when it
struck me that l ought to alight and
refresh my machine with few drops OF
oil. But hardly was on foot than,
happening to glance back along the
road, saw something which at first
sight caused thrill of pleasurable ex-
element, but soon gave place to very
different sensations, Hardly a quar-
ter of mile behind, and coming to-
ward me at the long gallop which
covers the ground at wonder
fully-rapid pace, were five large
gray wolves. I saw the leader raise
his nose, and, catching sight OF me,
cock his ears and give tongue, just as
dog might. There was no doubt about
the fact; was being hunted. l was
speedily up and away, and as caused
the pedals to whirl in q manner to
which they were entirely unused, ]
tried to calculate coolly the probable
relative swiftness of bicycles and
wolves
/ had at least ten miles to SO before
/ should reach safety. might posi-
bly, do that in three-quarters of an
hour If the machine and my breath
held out. Could the wolves accomplish
the distance in less time? The situa-
ton was by no means one for trifiing.
When had ridden a couple of miles OF
so, ventured to glance back, the re-
suit being the instantaneous convic-
ton that wolves can travel faster than
a bicycle The brutes had gained upon
me. They had gained hundred
yards at least. At this rate I quickly
calculated they would pull me down
Just about two miles before l could
reach my destination and city OF
refuge, Lavrils; unless, indeed they
could not keep up the pace, which |
flattered myself was rather hot
Another two miles and another peep
behind me. The wolves were barely
two hundred yards away now and COM
ing along as though they enjoyed it l
could swear that the leading wolf
licked his lips as he saw me look
around. tried a squirt The roai
was as level as billiard-table, and |
strained every nerve to the utmost.
But even as did so it was borne III
upon me that squirting would not do. |
must slacken off at once, for l could
never keep up the terrific rate at which
l was now travelling.
In fact, l must economic all my
staying powers in order to last out the
distance at even my former rate OF
progression. Then, suddenly, an idea
occurred to me. / would ring my bell
loudly and continuously, and see what
effect this would produce. l pressed
the gong and turned round to observe
whether the sound would check my
pursuers The effect was instantane-
GUS. No sooner did the first clang of
the gong ring out than the wolves
every one Of them-stopped dead and
disappeared behind the trees. Igave a
yell of defiance and delight,and dashed
on, ringing away for dear life. But
my triumph was short-lived. On look
ing back a few moments after ] found
that my foes were again in full pur-
suit. However. had gained little.
On we few, my gong sounding harsh
and strident in the silence Of the for
est. 1t was magnificent; at least it
would have been if it had not been 80
horribly dangerous. There was q rut
trodden by horses running all along
the very middle of the road. Iavoided
this and rode at the side, which was
smooth, for the runners of the light
sledges do not as rule wear the snow.
1t was easy enough, of course. to avoid
the rut when riding straight ahead;
but while looking round there was the
danger of my front wheel slipping into
it, and either checking tbs way Of the
machine or even causing capsize.
l had Just turned my head to look
round upon my pursuers for the TWEEN
tieth time-alas! they were still gain
ing, and were now within fifty yards.
Heating loud CHATTER in front of me
turned back again to see what new
danger threatened me from that direc-
ton. In thus twisting back and round
again allowed my front wheel to go
out of the direct line The next in
slant l was in the rut, and, before
had time to see what was happening,
was, with my trusty bicycle, buried a
couple of feet deep in the snow at the
side of the road. gave myself up fol-
lost.
All this did not take long to happen,
and as I emerged from the snow was
in time to see two things. The first
object which met my gaze was mag
nificeut bull elk, followed by foul
smaller ones, just inze act of trottine
across the road not ten yards from me
striding through the snow at long
trot, their heads well raised and restins
back on their shoulders. The Other
object was the little pack Of wolves
Scarcely fifty yards behind me when
upset. these were upon me in Z
moment, and I had barely TIM
to seize the heavy spanner o
my machine and put my back to ,
tree, when, to my delight, the wolves
then but FIVE yard from me-pricked
up their ears, passed me like flash o
creased lightning, and darted away IL