Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1910-08-18
CHAPTER XLiiI.
The Gift of Aisome.

uC Slih VI FioOIIlCs
Not more than ten minutes in all
could have elapsed since the appear
ance of the first wolf, and they had
already gathered in terrifying num-
bers.
How far is it yet to Petrovska?"
asked Hardy.
About 20 versts." replied the man.
1--WE can make 1t in an hour if the
horses hold out"
But this is the same answer that
he gave before!" said Hardy.
HE means that it is a long way"
explained the princess. Twenty
versts-about 20 versts! I fear the
horses not run so far!"
But he wolves?" asked Hardy;
will ey not also tire?"
They are very hungry" replied the
princess; they could run for ever!"
At this moment the entire pack
wheeled as if at word of command,
and drifted obliquely down on the ice.
Some ran beside the sledge, a couple
of rods away, while those in the rear
came up closer Though the mad
uCHGu uOl oGo "tlS 6Ollleo dJ Lhtll ul-
most speed, their hoofs making a con-
fused and incredibly rapid clatter on
the ice, the fierce, wild dogs simply
drifted, drifted along, without the
least seeming effort The pack was
evidently nearly complete now, though
an occasional gray form would fit out
from among the trees. stand and look
nd inf ha
chase with a long, easy lope.
The little maid. crouched in the bot.
tom of the sledge and bundled in furs
still remained motionless, speechless.
as though paralyZed with terror. The
princess sat erect, looking straight
ahead, the seal of a sublime courage
set on her pale, noble brow. The
blood of the Romanoff did not fear to
die. She turned to the man at her
side and smiled sweetly-more sweet
ly than he had ever seen woman
smile before.
Forgive me, my friend" she said,
for bringing you into this fearful
danger"
Il thank God" cried Hardy, that
| am here and nowhere else,"
His voice rang out with sudden fer
vor, with a sob of joy.
Thank you, my friend said the
princess simply,
May shoot now?" asked Hardy.
Several of the wolves were close
10 one of the horses, and were look
ing up at the animals throat This
was the horse that was running free;
he was crowded against the other two
OF the team in his terror.
"Not yet not quite yet" replied the
princess. they become maddcnod
when they smell blood
a moment later u wolf darted sud
denly IN and lcapcd al the throat OF
the horse. which reared, suorted with
terror. and then bounded ahead with
sudden burst Of incredible speed.
Hardy arose. and leaning against
the drivers seat took quick aim and
fred az this particular wolf, the one
that had begun the attack Ia earn.
est tie fen kicking and writhius
ON the ice and instantly the entire
pack huddlgd above and about him
suarling. suapping seramblius tear.
ing AN iudiscrimIHate mass ol ur
and fury teeth aud hunger
There are N shots la the maBa
zine. and hye ia the revolver" said
Hardy, uba saw "a ray of hope iu thls
action uE lhf wolves "Wth care,
they should lHat pos % pgtroFaha How
tar ia it yvt 90 retrayaha. lfaus' De-
shouted
About 60 yersts replied Ivan, Eve
should reach 10 in
Hardy glanced heaInd Ihr atruE
/ Cling. ana4iInF maaa Waa afll tbgrr
ga tho lee but already several m.m.
hera of the pack had left BE- au1 ayrs