Part 17 (1/2)

The Indians very quickly aroused Mr Ross, who at once realised the danger that encies, had already begun their preparations tofoes They had seized their axes, and were already hard at work cutting down ht be an additional supply of hich the fire could be kept brilliantly burning Souns and ae battle

To Mr Ross the Indians left the work of calling up the boys and inforreat was their surprise when informed of the fact that in all probability they were in for a fierce battle with an unknown nus the wolves were still a long distance fro of the Indians is very acute, and when the temperature is down so low that the mercury is frozen, sounds are heard very reater distance, than under ordinary atmospheric conditions Thus there was fortunately a little time for preparation ere they would have to ed to quickly put the harness on their own dogs and bring thes, that had a wholesoh to look after themselves Before even Mr Ross and the boys had heard the wolves, the old dogs had detected falling on their ears theinto the camp, and to the feet of their different drivers

Trees were fallen all around, under the vigorous blows of the choppers, and were being cut into lengths that could be carried in Three or four s and speedily bring them into the position which they well kneould be to the best advantage

The sleds were rearranged, and so placed that logs could be piled on the made as secure as possible Wolves are afraid of fire, and so noas that on this fire the Indians were going mainly to depend Already the s on the fire, as well as extended it out in crescent shape to the right and left Behind the ca them that they made a natural barricade as they crashed into each other It was not at all wolf-proof, but it would prevent a rush attack, and those bold enough to try to venture through could be easily seen and shot

About five hundred yards from the camp the trail made quite an ascent ere the camp was reached Up to the moment when the wolves reached the top of this ascent they had travelled altogether by the strong scent of the castoreum which is found in the body of the beaver, and which had s, men, and outfit As the brilliant fire now for the first s suddenly ceased, and it was evident that they were very much perplexed

”Bothered are you?” chuckled Meun

”Wanted beaver, did you, and prepared to take it raw, and now it looks as though, if you get it, you will have to take it hot? come on for it, if you dare”

These sarcastic words were helpful to the boys, who had worked splendidly under Mr Ross's guidance There was no doubt about it that the boys were excited Alec, whose fearful race against such itated, yet he bravely did everything desired of hin of cowardice to be conscious of the danger to be faced The bravest of the brave are those who realise the greatness of the task before thely face it, to conquer or to die

Unfortunately, on this trip the boys had not brought with the Mr Ross had seen that one apiece for each of hisMemotas, with abundance of ammunition, was placed upon the sleds The hunters fortunately had an extra gun with them, and this was handed to Mr Ross

”I wonder what conspiracy they are hatching now,” said Meely silent

”Nothing that bodes any good to us,” replied Mr Ross He had been in critical positions like this before, and now as the scent of battle once un with pleasure and rejoiced in the excitelad if the boys had been safe at Sagasta-weekee, for as yet it was utterly impossible to form any estie of the fierceness of the attack which they would shortly e, unnatural stillness continued, and then there broke upon their ears a horrid din that seemed to coh the sound was so was it that the boys were startled, and Alec pulled his fur cap down over his ears in a vain endeavour to shut out the horrid sounds The dogs seee, but soon their courage sadly oozed out, and they treether in the camp, or close to their masters'

feet

To the boys' auns, and taking up their pipes began to s to the boys, Mr Ross said:

”You had all better lie down and sleep, for we are not going to be troubled with the wolves for a good while”

”Why, dare we do that,” said Frank, ”when the wolves are now all around us?”

”Yes,” said Mr Ross, ”that last cry we heard was froe of immediate attack, but a call sent out for reinforcements Every ithin tenin this direction”

”That means,” said Sam, ”that every ithin four hundred ht?”

”Precisely,” said Alec, ”if you square the circle”

It was rather trying for the boys to be asked to lie down and go to sleep under such circumstances, yet they proive thee as it may appear to some, our brave boys were soon sound asleep, and when, about an hour after they were called up again, they found the conflict

The subdued howlings of the wolves were again distinctly heard, and it was the opinion of the Indians that they were holding a big council to decide on the plan of their attack Knowing so well their methods, it was the opinion of them all that the heaviest assault would be on the leeward side, as there the wind carried the strong scent from the castoreum and the meat To impede them in their rush if they should try that method of attack, a couple of Indians with their axes ventured out in that direction and cut down a number of trees, which they caused to fall in such a way that the wolves, when approaching, would be delayed by them, and thus render it easier for the, in that advanced position of danger, others with loaded guns stood not far behind as their defenders However, they were not disturbed except by one skulking fellow, that was doubtless acting as a scout When he saw that he was discovered, he quickly retreated back in the gloo din and thein the forest, had become familiar with the various sounds and calls of the wild beasts, that reinforce in, and that the attack would soon be uns Six of these were doubled-barrelled, but they were all muzzle-loaders When the boys were aroused the second tiiven small-sized axes as their weapons of defence, in case the battle should reach the camp, which, however, was not anticipated In addition they were expected to keep the dogs together, and soothe and quiet the some peculiar rolls of birch bark well back fro a careful eye, Sam inquired what they were, and was interested to learn that they were a kind of irenade, made by Memotas, to be used if the wolves should strive to come too close They each contained two or more pounds of powder, and if they did but little execution they would at least add to the noise and excitement

At the request of all the men Mr Ross was appointed as captain, whose as to be obeyed by all That he ht be able to wisely direct the men to the points where the attack sees was hurriedly erected on the ard side of the camp