312 
THE RED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
He was interrupted by a renewed howling and snarling 
outside, accompanied by a scratching and ripping sound. 
Then came a rifle shot, close by, a sharp yelp, and a 
tremendous scampering of feet. The door opened, admit- 
ting the welcome form of Solomon, rifle in hand. 
" The pesky critters have got into our stores," said he, 
hastily. " Come out here quick, an' bring your rifle to 
keep 'em off, while I see haow much mischief they've 
done." 
Mr. Button turned pale, but did as he was bid. Al- 
ready the fierce creatures were gathering for another 
onslaught. A well aimed ball scattered them again, and 
a hasty examination was made of the storage tent. 
When the hunter and Mr. Button reentered the hut 
they were silent. Each bore in his arms a few pieces of 
meat and fish. As they laid these fragments on the table 
at which they had so recently sat with shouts of merri- 
ment, Mr. Button turned his face away from his wife's 
inquiring look. 
" Is — is — that all that is left, John ? " 
"All!" 
The. wolves had made an almost clean sweep of the 
larder. Not four days' provisions were left. There was 
no game to be found within fifty miles, so far as the 
besieged party knew, and the fierce pack constituted a 
new peril to hunters. Four long months of cold weather 
to come before they could think of resuming their journey. 
Was Peeschee's map right, then, after all? Was a new 
