Year: 1872

J was travelling on special business in the l interior of Russia. It was the beginning of Winter, but the frost had set in early His carriage rolled up to an inn, and he demanded 8 relay of horses to carry him on to the next station, where he intended to spend the night.

 proceed, for there was danger in travel ing so late, as the wolves were out. But the nobleman thought the man merely wished to keep him as guest he said it was too early for wolves, and ordered the horses to be put to. He then drove off with his wife and daughter inside the carriage with him.

 On the box of the carriage was a serf, who was born on the nobleman's estate, to whom he was attached, and who loved his master as he loved his own life. They rolled over the hardened snow, and there seemed no sign of danger. The moon shed her pale light, and brought out into furnished silver the road on which they were going. At length the little girl said to her father:

 "What was that strange bowling sound that I just heard ?"

 "Oh, nothing but the wind signing through the forest trees," her father re- piled.

 The child then shut her eyes and was quiet. But soon afterwards she said again:

 Listen, father it is not like the wind, I think"

 The father listened, and far, far away, in the distance behind him, through the clear, frosty air, he heard 8 noise which he too we'll knew the meaning of. He put down the window and spoke to his servant

 "The wolves, I fear, are after us make haste. Tell the man to drive faster, and get your pistols ready"

 The postillion drove faster. But the same meurnful sound which the child heard approached nearer and nearer. It was clear that pack of wolves had scent ed them out. The nobleman tried to calm the anxious fears of his wife and child.

 At last the baying of the pack was distinctly heard. So he said to his ser want

 "When they come up with us you sin gle out one, and fire, and I will single out another and while the rest are de- vouring them we shall get a start on them"

 As soon as he put down the window he saw the pack in full c1y behind, the large dog-wolf at their head. Two shots were fired, and two of the wolves fell. The others instantly set upon them and de- voured them, and the carriage gained ground.

 But the taste of blood only made them f,,, L ths carriage again. Again two shots were fired, and two moro fell and were de- voured. But the carriage was speedily overtaken, and the post-house was yet far distant

 The nobleman then ordered the postil- lion to loose one of his leaders, that they might gain little time. This done, and the poor horse plunged frantically into the forest, the wolves after him and he was soon torn to pieces. Then another horse was sent off, and shared the same fate. The carriage labored. on as fast as it could with the two remaining horses, but the post house was still distant.

 At length the servant said to his mas ter

 "I have served you ever since I was 8 child ; I love you as my own self. Moth Ing now can save you put one thlng Let me save you. Task you only to look after my wife and little ones."

 The nobleman reconstructed, but in vain. When the wolves came up, the faithful servant threw himself among them. The painting horses galloped on with the carriage, and the gates of the post-house just closed in upon it, as the fearful pack were on the point of making the last and fearful attack. But the travellers were safe.

 The next morning they went out, and saw the place where the faithful servant had been pulled down by the wolves. His bones only were there. And on that spot the nobleman erected wooden pill lar, on which is written

 Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend"