THE WOLF OF MUSKOKA 131 



banks of the Ohio, in the lower part of the state 

 of Kentucky, about thirty years ago, had sweet- 

 hearts living in another plantation, four miles 

 distant. After the labours of the day were over, 

 they frequently visited the fair ladies of their 

 choice, the nearest way to whose dwelling lay 

 directly across a large cane-brake. As to the 

 lover every moment is precious, they usually 

 took this route to save time. Winter had set in 

 cold, dark, and gloomy, and after sunset scarcely 

 a glimpse of light or glow of warmth were to be 

 found in that dreary swamp, except in the eyes 

 and bosoms of the ardent youths who traversed 

 these gloomy solitudes. 



" One night they set forth over a thin crust of 

 snow. Prudent, to a certain degree, the lovers 

 carried their axes on their shoulders, and walked 

 as briskly as the narrow path would allow. Some 

 transient glimpses of light now and then met 

 their eyes in the more open spaces between the 

 trees, or when the heavy drifting clouds parting 

 at times allowed a star to peep forth on the 

 desolate scene. Fearfully, a long and frightful 

 howl burst upon them, and they were instantly 

 aware that it proceeded from a troop of hungry 

 and perhaps desperate wolves. They paused for 



