Page:Hunting and trapping stories; a book for boys (IA huntingtrappings00pric).pdf/235

 sleigh left the woods and came out into the open. If the horses struck a soft spot in the snow and floundered an instant it would be fatal and none knew that better than the driver. However this Russian sat fast, with his nerves in his arms and prayed to all the powers he could think of. The lights of the fort were looming brighter every moment, but the pack was close behind. The wolves knew that if their prey gained the courtyard they would be safe, so yelling with rage, they increased their speed. The driver now did a splendid action; instead of making straight to the gate, he kept some yards to one side. One wolf got ahead of the sleigh and bit at the horses flanks but missed. It rolled under the sleigh and the jolt nearly upset it. Two others flew at the bear skin rug at the back and tore it away. Just as the courtyard gates were reached the driver turned at a sharp angle. This movement brought the pack broadside with the fort and they were met with a shower of lead from fifty soldiers. The sleigh swerved again and this time safely between the courtyard gates. The speed of the horses was so great that they crashed into a veranda on the far side, smashing it, and the heavy sleigh, to kindling wood. The gates were quickly shut and the pack took to its heels, baulked of their prey and leaving a dozen of their fellows dead or kicking in the snow. Alas all travellers do not have as much luck as the Russian officer. On one occasion a party in a sleigh were run so hard that the horses actually gave out and the people were torn to pieces. Then again another story is told of a Russian nobleman who was travelling with his children and an old servant, and were pursued by a pack of wolves. The servant knew that the pace could not last long, so he deliberately jumped out of the sleigh and walked towards the wolves. He was soon torn to pieces but the time gained served to save his master's and his children's lives. This was a case of true heroism.

A Russian courier on horseback, while carrying his despatches, was one day overtaken by a pack of wolves. He shot several of the leaders, but he knew that as the pack were so close his chances of escape were very slim. His horse was a fine creature, and fit to try speed against such an enemy.

The killings had served to give the courier a good start but while passing through a wood his horse suddenly stumbled and threw him, and then galloped away. Hastily scrambling to his feet, the courier climbed into the nearest tree. He had a close call for his life as the wolves nearly had him by the heels. The wet snow on his uniform caused him great discomfort, and while he was safe from one set of enemies he had a deadlier one to deal with – cold. He felt that he was slowly freezing to death, for already the