approached close enough for the occupants of the sleds to
see their shining eyes looking like little balls of green fire.
A gaunt beast bolder than the others, and evidently the leader
of the pack, bounded forward until he was only a few yards
from the last sled. At every jump he opened his great jaws
and uttered a quick bark as if to embolden his followers.

Almost simultaneously with the red flame that burst from
Wetzel's rifle came a sharp yelp of agony from the leader.
He rolled over and over. Instantly followed a horrible ming-
ling of snarls and barks, and snapping of jaws as the band
fought over the body of their luckless comrade.

This short delay gave the advantage to the horses. When
the wolves again appeared they were a long way behind. The
distance to the fort was now short and the horses were urged
to their utmost. The wolves kept up the chase until they
reached the creek bridge and the mill. Then they slowed up,
the howling became desultory, and finally the dark forms dis-
appeared in the thickets.

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