AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 97 



"Lt' bonne sainte Vicrgc tells true! Le bonne sainte 'I'/V/'ot' tells true!" 

 rang out clear and joyous on the morning air. The act of dis-embowelling 

 was soon performed, and cutting some small beech saplings Sabattis re- 

 turned to his camp-fire where he passed and re-passed them over the coals 

 and finally twisted them into an endless rope withe of sufficient length to 

 encircle the antlers and pass over his shoulders, and so harnessed to his 

 quarry he turned his steps homeward. 



Strengthened with the strength born of success and cheered by the wel- 

 come which he knev/ awaited him from the anxious ones at home, his bur- 

 den slipped lightly over the snow and scarcely impeded his footsteps. 



He journeyed on until he had crossed the last ridge of land which divides 

 the Wabaquasset River from the Sabasticook, the shore of which he reach- 

 ed soon after mid-day. Here he made his camp-fire, broiled tid-bits of 

 venison, impaled upon a green forked sapling, over the burning coals, and 

 ate his noon-day meal. 



He tested the ice upon the river, and on the flat water at least it was 

 safe and his heart was glad. He could now more easily and quickly make 

 two miles than he could one through the woods, and the log cabin and the 

 loved ones were already several miles nearer. 



He was now hurrying along upon the ice which was slightly covered 

 with snow and his burden was much lighter. 



Ah! But what sound is that.^ A tremor shook his sturdy frame. A 

 deathly pallor spread over his bronzed face. He stood as if paralyzed. 

 Again.? Ah, yes! and nearer! The dreaded wolves are in full pursuit! 

 It required but a moment to think, decide, and act! 



He would leave the forequarters to satisfy the ravenous wolves while 

 he escaped with the saddle. They were soon cut asunder and shoulder- 

 ing his burden Sabattis ran as Sabattis never ran before. Fear accelerat- 

 ed his steps and hope spurred him on. 



Louder and more fierce grew the howling of the pack, and as he cast a 

 backward look at a bend of the river, a mile away, he saw the angry 

 wolves fighting and tearing each other in their attempts to secure a morsel 

 of the meat. 



Lucky escape for which Sabattis was duly grateful and he forgot not to 

 offer a prayer to the holy Virgin in thanksgiving for her good offices in his 

 behalf. 



But would the wolves be content with their portion and slink back into 

 the depth of the forest when they had devoured it.? Or would they again 

 take up the trail and follow in pursuit.? 



He well knew their cowardly nature when alone, but what would they 

 not do when gathered in a large pack and spurred on by hunger and the 

 taste of blood.? 



