ild had been lifted from the sledge, and
these crouched down at the angle by the fire. The sledge and the
two horses protected one of the faces of the position, and the
driver, at his master's orders, took his position on the front seat
again, so as to shoot down any wolf that might try to attack the
flank of the outside horse.

The wolves looked doubtful at the appearance of the dense smoke
rising up, but, after a little hesitation, they rushed to the
attack. Four were rolled over by bullets from the rifles, and, as
they came within a few yards, the pistols cracked out in rapid
succession. As soon as these were all emptied, the six men caught
up the blazing brands, and struck full in the faces of the wolves,
shouting loudly as they did so.

Seized with a momentary panic, the animals turned and fled, and
then a fierce fight took place between the injured wolves and their
companions. There was but just time to recharge the rifles and
pistols, when they came on again. Although the fire of the
defenders was as deadly as before, the wolves seemed this time
determined to get at their victims. In vain were blows showered on
their heads, while those who first sprang on the tree were stabbed
with the knives the defenders held in their left hands.

The contest could have had but one termination, when suddenly two
shots were heard, and then, with loud shouts, a party of men burst
through the forest, and with pistol and axe fell on the wolves.
This unexpected onslaught had a decisive effect, and, with loud
howls and yelps, the wolves turned and fled.

Up to this time, not a word had been exchanged by the defenders,
beyond Charlie's first shout of "Lay this branch across those two,"
and the order of one of the gentlemen to the coachman to take his
place in the sledge--where he had done his work well, for four
wolves lay dead by the flank of the outside horse. Several of those
that had sprung at the heads of the horses had been shot or cut
down by the master, who had placed himself close to them, and the
horses' thick mufflings had saved them from any serious injury.

As soon as the wolves fled, the gentleman turned to Charlie, and,
flinging down his weapons, threw his arms round his neck.

"You have preserved us from death, sir. You have saved my wife and
child from being torn to pieces. How can I express my thanks to
you?"

"It was fortunate that we happened to be here," Charlie said, "and
that we had this fire handy."