The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-02-10

the afternoon exploring the timber
abutting the highlands. His observa-
tions were quito 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 cover, but the way was
so rough that he made slow progress
Here and there moonbeam glistened
or sar''' opening, but for the greater
part of ime the foliage Of the trees
entirely tructed tho light, so he
slumped YEARLY along, musing upon
tho events of the previous weeks and
wondering where Hayes had gone to
spend the night.
warm breeze swayed the tops of
the huge pines; this and the sticks
which cracked under his feet were all
that broke tho 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, I'M
til from another direction arose an an
swering howl, prolonged and mournful.
Mosby plodded along, giving little
heed except wishing that he could get n
~'oNAN va Niio VI tLO III a DIiRIt
spot Of moonlight. The bowling of the
wolves gradually became moro frequent
and began to sound nearer and nearer
Mosby came to halt and examined
the condition Of his gun, and then, al
though feeling that the rifle insured his
safety, began to hasten his steps. BY
tho time he had covered another half
milo he knew that there was danger be-
hind, for the weird sounds had in
creased into din and an uproar. They
were evidently ON his trail and rapidly
approaching, dozens of them perhaps,
courageous at last from strength of
number. He realized that there would
DO scnnt time for reloading a gun after
once firing and looked about for tree
which he could climb and pick them off
one at a time, but where there were
trees the darkness was so deep that the
project had to be abandoned as imprac-
ticable, and he could not endure the
thought of remaining prisoner all
nlg' i'll tho uncomfortable branches of
pi. tree on account of few wolves.
This decision was scarcely reached when
he would gladly have changed it, for
moment later tho wolves reached the
road behind him and were coming along
ut long leaps, filling tho air with their
mOurniul screams.
Mostly, still cool and confident, raised
his rifle to his shoulder. a gray form
flashed in the light little distance
away, and he fired. The bowling of the
pack suddenly ceased us one of their
number rolled in the sand and Mosby,
after rcloading, started on trot to-
ward II small opening. Before he
reached it they were i'll pursuit again.
Mosby fired again, but missed his
aim. For IL moment they hcsitatcd,
their eyes shining III the darkness. and
then gnashing their fangs rushed for
ward into the light Mosby's heavy
rifle whirled around his head and de-
seconded on the skull of the foremost
wolf, but the beasts, crazed with hun
ger, had lost all fear, and Mostly 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.
and then, gritting his teeth III anger, he
Sraspcd his gun stock tighter and strucl.
again. This blow was his last, for the
next instant he was horne to the ground.
Bang! bang! bang. suddenly rang
through the forest. a wolf with his
fangs buried in Mosby's arm released
his hold; another tearing furiously at
his breast fell dead. Tho air resoundcd
with quick reports, and Mostly, weak
and almost dying, saw the suspicious
boardcr rush into the fray, repeater
in each hand
When he next opened his eyes, he was
at home ana Jessie by his side. ''Whcro
is Haycs:' he murmurcd.
Here, father she answered. and
Hayes stepped forward from tho shadow
where he had been sitting.
Tho old man would have given him
his hand, but his arms wero limp and
lfelcss. You saved my life, " he muir
INJURED gratefully, land l reckon your
KIND OF weapons are the best, after all,
among wolves. You must stay with us
tho whole season, and Jessie and | will
10 our best to entertain YOU
Hayes smiled. 1T was Il 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 hero yesterday, and SO when
Dick told me that | must go started
Tor the quarry to get some things. Jes-
sic has told mo what You feared | was,
and Go not blame you. 1t did look
suspicious, and | often felt ashamed
that had to keep so quiet, but my
time has been spent negotiating pur-
chases of land. am the junior part
ncr in firm which expects to establish
mlno i'll this vicinity and came here
enJoined to absolute secrecy. The bust
ness is now where this is no longer nee
essary, for we have contracted for all the
land we want except ono corner, prob