pecies. Had we possessed our rifles, we should not have been afraid of
a hundred of them, but, unarmed as we were, it would be difficult to
defend ourselves against them, should they follow us. To retreat to the
hollow tree would be useless, for although we might keep them at bay,
should they besiege us, we might starve before we could regain our
liberty. We therefore continued our course, hoping that they would not
scent us out. The sounds of barking and yelping increased. It made me
fear that Boxer had fallen into their power; if so, he would long ere
this have been torn to pieces, and there would be no use in going to his
rescue. We were close to the stream, when, on looking round, I saw an
animal coming out of the wood on the opposite side. At first I thought
it was my faithful dog, but a second glance showed me that it was a
wolf--a savage looking brute it was too. The sight of one wolf however,
did not give us the slightest alarm, and even if I had had my rifle in
my hand, I would not have shot it. When we stopped, the wolf stopped
and looked at us, but as soon as we went on again, I saw that it was
following, though at a respectful distance.

"Nebber fear; if he come near, I gib him poke with my spear," said Dio;
so on again we went.

The howls which we had before heard, again broke out, and the brutes
appeared to be coming nearer.

"We must keep ahead of them at all events, Dio," I observed; "if we
cross the river, they are less likely to follow. Let us push on!"

We reached the ice, which appearing firm, we ventured on it. As it bore
our weight better than we expected, we could now run on at a quick pace.
I led, Dio following close behind me.

"Go on, massa! go on!" I heard him sing out continually.

I kept verging towards the opposite side of the stream, where the ground
was more open, and I hoped that we should make better progress.
Presently I heard Dio utter an exclamation, and looking round, I saw a
wolf close at his heels, while several more were following at a short
distance. Should the brute once attack us, it would be the signal for
the others to set on us.

On the impulse of the moment, not thinking of what he was about, Dio
took off his cap and threw it at the brute, which stopped, and quickly
tearing it to pieces, came rushing on faster than before. Dio, now
again turning round, pole in hand, stood ready for the attack, the next
instant he plunged it into the wolf's side, pinnin