The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1899-04-12

| an be man again.
He tried to catch q glance from
Minnie's eyes as he concluded, but she
was gazing far away over the moon-lit
hills.
"How thick the coyotes are to-
night, said she, presently. "Wasn't
that the bowling of a gray wolf, Mr..
Harris?"
"Yes," replied Bill, gloomily.
"Have the wolves killed many cat
tie this winter?"
''Yes, a whole lot; they pulled down
a three-year-old Flying V steer, up at
the forks, day a-fore yesterday"
SIS it possible? They must go in
large packs to do SO much mischief. y
''That's what they do, from fifteen
to twenty in a bunch-" "Whoap
One of the horses had stepped into O
prairie-dog hole, and was sprawlina
upon the ground with his mate stand,
ing over him.
Bill sprang from the vehicle, dex-
terously disentangled the team, and
soon had them in proper position
again.
"That nigh hoss has got a bad cut
on his right shoulder" said he, as he
resumed his seat. ''But I got 'em
sharp shod few days ago, and l
reckon they'll make the ranch all
right"
For some time they dashed along
in silence, then Bill glanced retro
spectively over his shoulder and gave
e sharp exclamation: "I'll be blessed
if there amt bunch of wolves a-fol-
lerin' us. They've got taste of fresh
blood from the hoss's shoulder, an
now the onery brutes are after the
boss and US, too, 1 reckon. Here,
Minnie, take the lines, an throw the
whip into the hosses, while 1 pump
lead into them wolves"
A moment later the sharp crack,
crack, crack of o pistol rang out on
the frosty air, as Bill emptied his six
shooter into the hungry pack. Three
of the wolves went rolling over in the
snow, but the others, after moments
hesitation, dashed forward, howling
ferociously as they came. Bill fumbled
in his belt for more cartridges and
then turned pale in spite of his bronze.
I've only got three cartridges left, I"
said he; 81 must have been plumb
locoed to have left town without filling
my belt"
He glanced furtively at the young
girl at his side as he spoke. With
pallid cheeks and set teeth she was
skillfully guiding the team over the
rough and dangerous trail, plying the
whip with q dexterity that betrayed
long practice as well as great mental
excitement. But the horses were fast
becoming exhausted, especially the
one whose wounded shoulder had first
attracted the attention of their blood
thirsty pursuers, and the wolves were
rapidly shortening the distance that
intervened between them and their
intended victims. There were still
sixteen of the big, gaunt brutes, their
eyes glowing like Goals of fire, and
their teeth cleaning ominously in the
moonlight. Bill glared at them for a
space in impotent rage, then laying
his revolver on the seat began to pull
off his overcoat.
'Tve got to do it," said he; ''if
them wolves ever get near enough to
hamstring the HOSES, we're done fer,
but if l make a rush and give 'em
three shots right quick, they may
break an run if they don't
Yoa can get to the ranch all
right alone; it amt far from here"
"Stop, listen"
Bill paused and tlrned his head.
AS he did SO a loud "Hallop and the
sound of horses hoofs crunching on
the snow came to his ear.
"Thank God, we're saved! that's
your dad an the boys a-comin'," cried
Bill.
Almost as he spoke four horsemen
swept past, and yolley from Win
chester and six-shooters sent the
wolves scurrying away in all direc-
tions. The horsemen turned their
animals heads, and with the stoical
taciturnity of frontiersmen rode sill
emily along behind the stage.
"Have you got my kid aboard to-
night, Bill?" finally inquired Jack
Crawley.
"That's what 1 have" responded
the driver.
Not another word was spoken until
the blackboard paused before the
Crawley residence, when soft, white
hand pressed Bills big brown paw,
and Minnie's voice murmured in his
ear: TRY and be a man for my sake,
WILL" Then she sprang to the ground.
caught the pale, tired-looking woman
that had just appeared at the door in
in her arms and covered her face with
kisses.
Bill sat like one dazed, staring at
the open floor, until the ranchman
remarked: "Well, it looks like you'd
fall out of that wagin and come in
side."
Some twelve months later small
party of Riverside "Aaneurs" were
gathered at their usual rendezvous,
when the Sheriff entered with a pris-
oner, a short, heavy set French Can
adian, who had been accused of SELL
ing intoxicating beverages to the
noble Sioux. The Sheriff seated him
self in one Of the well-worn chairs,
I Il. r L /