ADVENTURES WITH WOLVES. 271 



drove for the house with the utmost speed. The savage 

 beasts pursued, occasionally jumping upon the sleigh, and 

 snapping their greedy jaws as they ran by the side of the 

 horses. The party reached the house. The gate of the yard 

 happened to be closed ; but the almost maddened horses 

 dashed it open, and the party entered the yard. Nine wolves 

 entered with them. Fortunately the gate swung shut, and 

 the wolves were caught in a trap. From being the most 

 ferocious of beasts, the nature of the animals, now that they 

 found an escape impossible, completely changed. So far, in- 

 deed, from attempting to molest any one, they allowed them- 

 selves to be slaughtered without resistance. The escape of 

 the party was miraculous. 



The wolf shares with the vulture in feasting upon the 

 bodies of those who are slain in battle, and left unburied on 

 the field. Sometimes they will scratch away the earth, and 

 tear the bodies from their rude graves. It is an awful sight 

 to see these fierce animals making a meal at midnight upon 

 human flesh and bones. 



