Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1897-04-16

AAAS~AASs ENcu tAo udTuy hunters IelI d
tremor. What chance would they have
il these gray demons scaled the fence?
1t took three point-blank volleys to
drive them back. The wounded howled
and bi, themselves in frenzy. Although
an hours respite was given, there were
evidently new arrivals every minute.
Now and then a rush could be heard
through the brush like the tramping OF
drove Of ponies.
All the attacks had been from one
quarter, but 1t was evident that they
were being surrounded. The dog made
rush for the fence behind, and Max
yelled: Here they are on our backs"
Sure enough, half dozen were making
charge not ten yards away. Three
were shot and the rest retreated.
Men, this is serious. II they get in
side, we're goners. Our only chance
Will be to fire the hay and take to these
TWO big pines outside. II we can. tell
you. II We get out of this on our legs,
well have something to be thankful
for"
1t was new moon. The snow had
stepped falling and it was getting very
cold. The men ran around the inclos-
ure to relieve their numbed limbs. The
pack was opened and a piece Of raw
salt pork. cut into slices. was eaten
with hard tack"
My tongue is fast in my mouth, I'm
so dry" said Max.
, SWELL wo vpue+ rr;c c,d bo,r ~
Eatin' snow makes 1t worse. Hello!
here's a new pack comm"
Again a surge OF gray backs came
swapping and yelling up the road, bat
while dozen threw themselves on the
carcasses. a dozen came for the fence
on dead lope, smelling the provisions
no doubt. For half an hour it was load
and fire. Four were shot not over ten
feet away. Their red eyes and big
teeth were plainly seen. Finally. I'M
der the fire, the pack melted away.
Now, II no more new ones come, we
are safe for awhile. There must have
been fifty Of the last ones-see how
they are piled up in the road. We are
about eight miles from the Sinnemaho-
ming. and the cold will make 1t better
shedding. Let's put out" said Rodgers.
IT'S taking chances, but we can't
stay here all night without fire. Let's
hang these four carcasses up In the
pine. and that will keep 'em awhile
after they finish the Others"
A big pine stood two feet from the
fence. Mellon got over and dragged
the dead wolves in. They were very
thin. but as large as big bear hounds.
Skewering the hind legs together they
were secured to the pine limbs ten feet
up, and now the fence was let quietly
down on the further side and they
stole away. They were not mile on
when the bowling was heard. The
pack was fighting over the lead ones
All hands took hold OF the sled and
kept on a dead run. The snow had
frozen on top and made fair travelling
DO your best, men. I believe they
are after u.s." Coming down the wind
was sound that made them SILVER.
Thank God! Thar's the blasted pine
We're only short mile away. Lei
Out yer DeSt uCkS.
1t was getting dark, but Mellon knew
the road, and 1t was a great relief wher
they struck the clearing and halted al
the door Of the low cabin. The mo-
mont Mellon pulled the latch string thu
dog rushed in and evidently was fight
ing something inside. making a ire
mendous row.
"'What in thunder.s that. panther
Just then spit and squawl wer'
heard. All hands sang out: "A cat!"
"Give me your gun. Max. and holt
the door open"
Away in the far end Of the cabin, un
der the caves. shone pair of eyes
Mellon fired: loud snarl. and the dol
was tearing something on the floor
When light was struck they fount
big wildcat that had come down tn,
chimney, attracted by some food tina
had been left behind. In short tim
bear steaks and salt pork were fryinl
over the fire, and all had O heart,
meal.
built this cabin was killed by wolve
about 1850? Two years after the re
mains Of himself and dog were foun,
in the 'Slashes,' eight miles up tn
creek, and dozen wolf skulls aroun'
him. Well. we've just escaped tn
same to-day. and oughten to miss say
in our prayers tonight"
The wolves howled around the cabil
all night, but were gone in the morn
ing, and with the assistance Of bi
jug OF cider. roast turkey, bear meat
with maple sugar sauce. Christina
day. 1867, was joyfully spent in tn
wilds of Elk county.-Philadelph
Times.