Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-03-11
I'm THE BLIZZARD.
BY Paul vilIiers.

It was in November, 1912, that
was sent off with dispatches from the
colonel of my regiment, then stationed
at Sulmona, to the general in com.
mand of the fortress Of Sangro. I die
not like the trip, 1t was bitterly colo
and a blizzard might break out at any
moment. Besides this, the great plair
had to cross was full Of wolves, made
/ desperate by hunger and what was
perhaps the worst Of all, the country
was infested by bandits belonging tc
the notorious Guacomo Danieri's gang
But the dispatches were important and
was a courier, so had to go,
In the evening I had halted to give
my tired horse much needed rest
about six miles ahead Of me was the
village Of Rocca Rosa, where hoped
to find shelter for the night, looked
around, and quite close to me I discov-
cred horseman, whom I had not no
ticed before, but who was coming
straight towards me. 1t was a very
disagreeable surprise, would much
rather have been alone, though the
man was we'll dressed and looked like
q traveller.
"Comrade," he said to me In frank
and open tone, II have once been q
soldier myself. If you permit should
like to travel in your company to the
fortress Of Sangro."
How do you know am going to
Sangro," growled.
II only said that was going there, "
he replied with smile. II saw you
riding up the hill, missed company,
and, though I am probably as distrust-
full as you are yourself, decided to
suggest that we travel together. Is
this explanation satisfactory or do you
want to go ahead alone?"
II think may trust you," said and
we rode on very soon chatting like old
acquaintances. Still I did not feel
quite at ease. To tell the truth, was
just a little afraid Of the stranger in
spite Of his frank and easy manners
and pleasant face. Suddenly, without
any warning, violent gust of wind
nearly blew US out Of the saddle.
"Merciful Lord" the stranger ex-
claimed, I'VE are going to have a
blizzard"
And indeed, few moments later we
were in the midst Of the fiercest snow
storm I have ever seen. The wind was
bowling, shrieking, roaring, the air
was dark and heavy and the snow
come down in masses, soon wiping out
the road entirely, and gathering in
enormous drifts in every hollow place.
It grew pitch dark and we had to
dismount and lead our horses, not
knowing whether we were progressing
towards the village or walking in a
circle.
Listen the wolves are near, we shall
never escape alive!" my companion
cried suddenly.
And above the roar Of the storm I
could hear the terrible long drawn
howls of the wolves. which almost froze
the blood in my veins. The howls
came from everywhere, evidently the
beasts had quite surrounded US.
Closer, ever closer, they came and
soon we could make out their glowing
eyes through the darkness and I whis-
pered to my companion: Don't you
think that our only salvation lies In
sacrificing our horses?"
II do" he replied, 'but I value my
horse, so highly that will try q shot,
1t may scare them away for a while"
He fired his pistol in the direction of
the pack which howled and fled. In
moment however, they came back
closer than ever.
There was no other way, we must
sacrifice our horses to save our own
lives. We shook hands and swore to
stick together to the last. Then we
turned the horses loose and walked on
through the drifting snow.
A few moments later we heard the
fierce struggle between our poor horses
and the greedy pack. For a while we
were left alone but soon We heard the
pack once more up on the trail.
There Is a small chapel near the
road here somewhere" said my COM
panion. IF we can reach that we are
safe for tonight. Let US make last
effort"
We struggled on for a quarter Of an
hour perhaps, then my strength failed,
felt that I could walk no further.
stumbled and was unable to rise.
heard a howl quite near my face, saw
the glowing eyes and glistening teeth
Of the beast, then my companion fired
his last shot, the wolf fell and was
Immediately torn to pieces by its fero-
cious fellows.
My companion took hold Of my arm
dragged me inside the chapel and
slammed the heavy door behind u.s. We
were safe, but it was a dreadful night
that followed.
| Though we were dead tired we had
to walk up and down the cold chapel to
escape freezing to death and all night
| SlOIIl TOdI Gu liiO "oANCo ho"A
ed and clawed at the door.
| We did not exchange many words
neither Of US felt like talking and
when dawn came we both prayed fer
ventiy, thanking God for our escape
from a terrible death.
| 1 suggested that we walk to the VII
lage to get the food and sleep we both
needed 80 much.
NO" my companion said, II must
go back"
But not now, surely, exhausted and
starving as you are"
YES" he replied and bit his lips, y
have no friends in the village"
But there is an inn there, which Is
open to any traveller who has money
to pay for food and lodging, and ifyou
have none, have enough for both OF
US. Come along"