The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1910-08-05
CHAPTER XIII.
The Gift of Aisome.

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,
I'VE can make it 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 long way,
explained the princess. Twenty
versts-about 20 versts! I fear the
horses can not run so fart"
But the wolves?" asked Hardy;
will they 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 a 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
dened horses were going at their ut
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
with lifted head, and then join the
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 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"
81 thank Cod" cried Hardy, that
I am here and nowhere else!"
His voice rang out with sudden fer
vor, with sob of joy.
Thank you, my friend said the
princess simply.
May shoot now?" asked Hardy.
Several of the wolves were close
to 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 maddened
when they smell blood"
moment later a wolf darted sud
denly In and leaped at the throat of
the horse, which reared, snorted with
terror, and then bounded ahead with
a sudden burst of incredible speed.
Hardy arose, and leaning against
the drivers seat, took quick aim and
fired at this particular wolf, the one
that had begun the attack in earn
est. He fell kicking and writhing
on the ice and instantly the entire
pack huddled above and about him
snarling, swapping, scrambling, tear
ing-an indiscriminate mass of fur
and fury, teeth and hunger.
There are II shots in the maya
zine, and FIVE in the revolver" said
Hardy, who saw a ray of hope in this
action of the wolves. with care,
they should last us to Petrovska. How
far is it yet to Petrovska, Ivan?" he
shouted.
About 20 versts." replied Ivan. I'VE
should reach II in"
Hardy glanced behind. The strug-
CLING. snarling mass was still there
on the ice, but already several men,
bers Of the pack had left II and were