Part 46 (1/2)

”Hardly enough for fourteen wolves Yes, wecloser!”

”Let us fire off one pistol at a time!” cried Dave ”Then we'll always have one ready for use”

Mr Porter did not answer, for he was aie of the pistol the wolf leaped high in the air, turned and caan to kick the snow in its death agony

”A good shot!” exclaimed Dave

”You can try your luck,” said Mr Porter ”I will take out that empty shell and reload”

The other wolves had surrounded the one that was dying, and taking aim at the center of the pack Dave let drive One as hit in the nose and the bullet glanced off and hit another in the jaw Wild yelps of pain followed, and the tolves turned and ran for cover with all possible speed

”We have gotten rid of three of them,” said Dave, with et rid of the rest”

”It is snowing again,” announced Mr Porter

He was right, and soon the downfall beca beyond the circle of light made by the camp-fire But that the wolves were still near they knew by the yelps and snarls which occasionally reached their ears

A quarter of an hour went by, and the snow ca up, and this sent the flakes directly into the hollow under the cliff Mr Porter heaved a sigh

”More bad luck,” he observed ”By , if this keeps on, we'll be snowed in”

”Look,” said Dave ”I believe the wolves are getting ready to rush us!”

Both strained their eyes and soon saw seven or eight of the beasts sneaking softly up through the snow The light fros They were growing desperate, and hoped by sheer force of numbers to lay their human prey low

”Fire three shots, Dave, and I will do the same,” said Mr Porter, in a low tone ”Aim as carefully as you can,out in rapid succession How h they saolves go down and lie still

The others retreated, so, and the entire pack went back to the shelter of the brushwood

They had now only a few cartridges left, and these they divided between them Then Dave stirred up the fire a little and placed the burning sticks so they would last as long as possible Father and son looked at each other and suddenly stepped closer and erant, noe have found each other, that we get from this spot in safety,” et away!” added Dave, iht to the last, Dave”

”Yes”

Both knew only too hat to expect should the wolves get the better of the contest ”As cruel as a wolf” is a true saying They would be torn limb from limb and only their bones would be left to tell to some later traveler the story of their fate They decided, with set faces and shut teeth, to fight to the very last

Another quarter of an hour went by, and soon they heard the wolves co back Neither said a word, but both looked at each other

”Take those on the left,--I will take those on the right,” whispered Mr

Porter ”But be careful--every shot means so much!”

”I'll shoot my very best,” answered Dave