WOLF AGAINST MAN. 
331 
" Let me have half your load, and give Jim the other 
half," said Solomon to the foremost Indian, shaking his 
head as he saw the stubborn stand taken by the enemy. 
Naow, Joe, you let drive right into 'em, and see if you 
can't scare 'em a bit." 
Joe fired and rushed at the pack with hideous whoops 
and frantic gestures. One of the wolves fell, mortally 
wounded, and the rest leaped up to the top of the bank, 
where they paused and eyed the men hungrily, as they 
staggered along under their increased burdens. 
" Impudent critters! " growled Solomon. " I'd like to 
wring their necks, every one of 'em ! " 
The moment the travellers were past, the pack fell 
upon their wounded brother, and speedily ate him up. 
Then they closed in upon the men, as before, except that 
they were behind instead of in front. 
The same manoeuvre was repeated by Joe, with less 
satisfactory result than at first. They hardly gained a 
dozen steps before the pack were close at their heels. At 
any moment a rush might be made, and all the precious 
supplies lost, if not human life. 
Just as the situation was beginning to assume a de- 
cidedly serious aspect, a rattling volley of musketry was 
heard, followed by joyous shouts from the front. Three 
wolves fell in their tracks, and, while the cannibal pack 
were making a meal of them, the relief party, consisting 
of Mr. Button, Eichard, Eobert, and Peeschee, came 
rushing down the trail to meet them. 
