294 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



horse, I was pleased to find that he still possessed the 

 use of his four legs, although one of them moved with less 

 ease than it had done before. Having contrived to get 

 to the bottom of the descent, I again mounted, with 

 extreme difficulty for I could only use my left hand 

 in which I had to grasp both the bridle and my war-club. 

 Had the wolves attacked us we should have been in con- 

 siderable danger ; for I found, on proceeding, that one 

 of my horse's fore-legs was severely sprained : but either 

 they were not aware of our condition, or they were in no 

 need of a supper; for on getting beyond the confines of 

 the swamp, I aroused several of them from their quiet 

 hiding-places ; and instead of stopping to scrutinise me 

 and my horse, away they ran through the thick under- 

 wood, while I hallooed with all my might, giving every 

 tree within the reach of my club, a good left-handed blow 

 or two. In this manner, I continued along the dim and 

 unbroken track, feigning to be a very hero, although I 

 candidly confess that I only recollect one or two instances 

 in my whole life when I felt so thoroughly intimidated. 

 Afterwards, I could not help thinking that I had only 

 received the reward of my folly, for I had sprained my 

 own shoulder severely, injured my horse's leg, disap- 

 pointed myself of the pleasant society of my friends for 

 a few hours, and all this for the credit of being able to 

 boast of having dared to ride past the "wolf swamp" 

 after night-fall, when it was known that thirteen ravenous 

 wolves were inhabiting it. 



