Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1894-04-06

quite minute, and the sun was beginning
to redden the clouds in the west when
he started for home, and by the time he
reached the road it had become quite
dark. He had about eight miles to Gov
er, but the way was so rough that he
made slow progress. Here and there
moonbeam glistened on sandy open
ing, but for the greater part Of the time
the foliage Of the trees entirely obstruct-
cd the light, so he slumped YEARLY along
musing upon the events of the previous
weeks and wondering where Hayes had
gone to spend the night.
A warm breeze swayed the tops of
the huge pines; this and the sticks
which cracked under his feet we're all
that broke the silence Of the night--all
until from the distance came suddenly
to his ears the hoarse baying of wolf.
From time to time it was repeated. until
from another direction arose an answer
ing howl, prolonged and mournful.
Mosby plodded along, giving little
heed except wishing that he could get
sight on one Of the varmints in bright
spot of moonlight The bowling Of the
wolves gradually became more frequent
and began to sound nearer and nearer,
Mosby came to halt and examined the
condition of bis gun, and then, although
feeling that the rife insured his safety,
began to hasten bis steps. BY the time
he had covered another half mile be
knew that there was danger behind, for
the weird sounds had increased into
din and an uproar. They we're evil
IDENTIFY on his trail and rapidly approach
ing, dozens of them perhaps, courageous
at last from strength Of number. lie
realized that there would be scant time
for reloading gun after once firing and
looked about for tree which he could
climb and pick them of one at time.
but where there we're trees the darkness
was so deep that tho protest had to be
abandoned as impracticable, and ho could
not endure the thought Of remaining
prisoner all night in the uncomfortable
branches of pine tree on account OF
few wolves. This decision was scarcely
reached when he would have changed
it, for moment later the wolves reached
the road behind him and we're comirg
along at long leaps. filling the air with
their mournful screams.
Mosby, still cool and confident, raised
his rife to his shoulder. A gray form
flashed 10 the light little distance
away, and he fired The bowling Of the
pack suddenly oensed ms one Of thoir
number rolled in the sand, and Mosby,
after reloading, started on i trot toward
small opening, Before he reached it
they we're in pursuit again.
Mosby fired again. but missed his
aim. For moment they hestated,
their eyes shining in the darkness, and
then gnashing their fangs rushed for
ward into the light Mosby's heavy rifle
whirled around his head and descended
on the skull of the foremost wolf, but
the beasts, crazed with hunger, had lost
all fear, and Mosby saw that he had met
his fate. A wave Of sorrow for poor
Jessie, left all alone in such country.
welled up in his heart, aud then, grit
ting his teeth in anger, he grasped his
gun stock tighter and struck again.
This blow was his last, for the next in
slant he was borne to the ground
Bang bangl bang suddenly rang
through the forest. A wolf with his
fangs buried 10 Mosby's arm released
his hold another tearing furiously at
his breast fell dead. The air resounded
with quick reports, and Mosby, weak
and almost dying, saw the suspicious
boarder rush into the fray, repeater
in each hand
When he next opened his eyes he was
at home and Jessie by his side. 'Where
is Hayes ?" he murmured.
Here, father" she answered, aud
Hayes stepped forward from the shadow
where he had been sitting.
Tho old man would have given him
his hand. but his arms were limp and
lifeless. "You saved my life," he MUIR
INJURED gratefully" and | reckon your
kind of weapons are the best, after all.
among wolves. You must stay with US
the whole season, and Jessie and will
do our best to entertain you"
Hayes smiled. ut was lucky thing
that you sent me away, Mr.. Mosby, for
otherwise | would not have been on the
quarry road and saved you. | finished
my work here yesterday, and SO whom
Dick told me that must 90 | started
for the quarry to get some things. Jes-
sic has told me what you feared was.
and | do not blame you. It did look
suspicious, and l often felt ashamed that
had to keep SO quiet, but my time has
been spent negotiating purchases Of
land. I am the junior partner in firm
which expects to establish mine 10 this
vicinity and came here enjoined to abb
solutc secrecy. The business is now
where this is no longer necessary, for
We have contracted for all the land we
want except ono corner, probably the
richest 10 ore, however, Of ALL" Hayes
then opened his papers and showed a
plan of the grounds
why" cried Mosby, "that corner
belongs to me and is the most worthless
piece Of ground on the footstool. I've
been ashamed TO claim ownership"
"Will you sell i'll" asked Hayes.
"Sell it 2" returned Mosby. ''Take il
for nothing. Bring me the paper aud |
will sign the deed"
| Hayes acted with alacrity; he found
a form, filled in some figures and held
it 10 front of the old man.
"For and in consideration of 800
0O0l" gaspsd Mosby. What does il
mean p
ut MEANS" replied Hayes, ''that
consider it a reasonable bargain for oul
firm at that price"
The old man recovered entirely dur
ing the course Of few months. Mr.
Hayes the following year was frequent
ly boarder with Jessie and her father
but one August day there was a wed
ding and Iesaie want 10 hnarh viii