looked down my poor steed's neck and
shoulders, I saw that the hair had been completely singed off. A plunge
in cold water, therefore, could alone restore him. A dreadful thirst,
besides, had seized me. I knew by the course the fire had taken, that
away to the eastward I should find a broad stream or marsh. I therefore
rode towards it, and the instinct of my steed showed him that I was
proceeding to where he could obtain relief from his sufferings.

After galloping along for some distance, having to hold him up with all
the strength I could muster, I saw before me the bright water shining
between the scorched trees. As I neared it, nothing could restrain the
suffering animal. Springing down the bank, he plunged in, carrying me
with him. I had not time to stop him; but after a minute I got him into
shallow water, and was able to leap off his back on to the shore.

Scarcely had I dismounted, when a chorus of howls saluted my ears; and
looking up, I saw a score or more of wolves, which had observed me as
they were following in the rear of the fire, according to their custom,
to feed on the carcasses of the animals which had fallen victims to the
flames. Some had sprung into the water, and were swimming towards me;
others came along the bank. I fired at the nearest and knocked him
over--the others I attacked with my gun barrel, keeping the cowardly
creatures at bay; but their sentinels, who remained on the upper part of
the bank, were all the time uttering the fearful howls they make to
summon their companions to attack a living animal, or to feed on the
carcass they have discovered. I knew that in a few minutes I should be
surrounded by a whole army of the savage creatures, and though I might
keep a few at bay, I should be unable to resist the numbers which would
ere long surround me.

My horse seemed aware of his danger. Driving back the wolves, I
reloaded my rifle, and then shouting and firing at the most daring,
while the howling pack retreated I mounted and dashed forward. The
wolves sprang up round my horse's legs, trying to seize his neck, but I
beat them off; and, maddened with terror, he galloped on, sending those
his heels reached right and left. Scorched and suffering from the
flames though he was, he strained every muscle to keep ahead of the
yelping pack, and soon completely distanced them; still, their horrid
yelps told me that they were continuing the pursuit. As I looked over
my shoulder I c