stationed myself in
the back of the sleigh and waited for the enemy to approach.

"On they came, loping swiftly along, silent now that their quarry was in
plain sight. I took careful aim at the foremost brute, and pulled the
trigger. My shot took effect, for with an unearthly scream the animal
dropped, and for a few brief seconds his comrades stopped in order to
devour him. At the sound of the rifle shot and the scream of the stricken
wolf the horses plunged forward, all thought of fatigue gone in their
overwhelming terror. The wolves were not easily to be outdistanced,
though, and were soon after us again. They gained on us as though we were
standing still, and were soon close to the back of the sleigh. I pumped
bullets into them as fast as I could work my repeater, but by this time
they were so numerous that it seemed to have little effect. The horses
were slowing down again, even their fear of death unable to force them
onward. I saw it was a case of lighten the sleigh or go under, so I
commenced throwing our precious supplies out of the sled. Bags of flour
and sides of bacon flew through the air, and the wolves were momentarily
checked while fighting over the prizes.

"I knew that presently they would be up with us again, however, and then,
with every resource gone, it looked as though my chances would be slim,
indeed. But suddenly an inspiration shot through my mind.

"I drew up the trembling horses, and with a few slashes of my hunting
knife cut the harness that held them to the sleigh. Then, with my rifle
in one hand, I swung onto the back of the larger of the two horses, and
let the other go. He was off like a streak, with my mount a close second.

"I glanced back over my shoulder, hoping that we could gain a little
ground before the wolves quit their wrangling over the supplies I had
thrown out to them, but was disappointed. They were after us again in
full cry, and my heart sank.

"I turned in the saddle and sent shot after shot into the racing pack,
and succeeded in checking them a little, but not much. The horse was
galloping at a good clip now, though, and I knew that if we could keep
ahead for a short time longer we would reach the camp.

"The wolves overtook us without seeming effort, however, and were soon
snapping about the horse's heels. My rifle was of little use now, and
I drew my revolvers and blazed away at short range. Every shot took
effect, but the wolves were nothing daunted. As I told yo