294 HUNTING SPORTS OP 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 J;hat 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. 



