THE WOLF OF MUSKOKA 139 



but beyond indistinct shadows that appeared and 

 disappeared I could see nothing. As I hesitated, 

 the huge wolf that had been shaking my barricade 

 fell into the cave with a thud. I expected his 

 example to be quickly followed, and that I should 

 be torn to pieces and devoured. 



" The wolf soon recovered from his fall, but 

 finding himself cut off from the rest his courage 

 began to wane, and instead of rushing upon me 

 he slunk back, showing his ugly teeth, and 

 uttering hideous snarls. He walked slowly up 

 and down as far away from me as possible, 

 grazing his 'sides against the sharp rock as he 

 dashed himself round. His appearance in this 

 attitude of mad terror was loathsome and revolt- 

 ing. Whenever I moved he stopped, and dis- 

 played his white glittering teeth. This afforded 

 me a mark, and without delay I fired a bullet 

 from the rifle aimed directly between the gaping 

 jaws. For an instant there was silence, and I 

 believed the shot had proved fatal. Then the 

 noises from within and without surpass descrip- 

 tion. The wounded wolf reared upon his hind 

 legs and leaped into the air, twisting his body 

 as he fell rolling over and over upon the ground, 

 and uttering savage moans. 



