THE WOLF OF MUSKOKA 161 



One feels an almost irresistible inclination to fall 

 into their midst. The cold of night is difficult 

 to combat. Furs may be warm and plentiful 

 but the icy atmosphere penetrates everything, 

 and soon we feel a numbness in the hands and 

 feet. Jack's prosposal appeared to me only a 

 feeble substitute for the dangers of warding off 

 the wolves by means of fires and guns. 



" It was a beautiful night, and the stars shone 

 brightly, lighting up the path where the tree- 

 tops permitted. Every hour was important in 

 diminishing the sufferings that appeared im- 

 minent, so we nerved ourselves to prolong our 

 flight to the utmost extremity. 



" The casual, swinging gait we assumed at the 

 start was soon changed to a rapid speed. Men 

 who have run for their lives know what this 

 means. Although it was very dark, we managed 

 to keep together until we reached the border- 

 land of an extensive lake. 



" Pausing here before entrusting myself to the 

 frozen surface, I was aroused by the voice of 

 Jack shouting : < Come on ! don't stop a second. 

 Our only chance is to cross the lake and look 

 out for a large oak-tree ! ' You may have seen 

 the mesmerised mouse, trembling in every limb 



ii 



