. I remembered that near at hand was a tree, with
branches at a height from the ground to which I could reach. I searched
about for it, and found it was close at hand. Slinging my rifle over my
shoulder--for I felt the importance of not abandoning it--I caught hold
of the lowest branch, and, hauling myself up, got my feet upon it. I
was thus able to climb up to another, out of the reach of the wolves,
which could, I knew, leap up to a considerable height, and might have
attacked my feet had I remained on the lower branch.

Unless the brutes should go off in search of other prey when they had
finished the deer, I should have to remain in the tree all night. It
was a far from comfortable position; still it was better than being torn
to pieces by the brutes. I was afraid of moving about when once I had
fixed myself on the branch, lest I should fall, as my rifle and load of
venison greatly impeded my movements. I managed, however, to unsling my
rifle, and seat myself in a position whence I might fire at the wolves.

Scarcely was I secure in the tree, than on they came, rushing at the
deer, which must quickly have been torn to pieces. I could see only
their backs and tails in a thick mass surging about in the gloom. I
fired and killed one, which its companions quickly devoured. I was
about to fire again, when I reflected that by so doing I should only
detain the horrid brutes close to me, and that they were much more
likely to take their departure should they find nothing on which to
feast. They must, however, have scented the venison I had, for they
came round the tree, howling, and snapping, and snarling, trying to get
at me. It was like a hideous dream. I shouted again and again, in the
hope of driving them away; but they seemed resolved on my destruction.
I may say that I never passed a more unpleasant night in my life. The
only hope I had was that my friends would come to search for me in the
morning, and that they might be attracted to the spot by the howling of
the animals. I had no fear of going to sleep while the wolves kept up
their hideous chorus.

Towards morning a drowsiness crept over me, and I had the greatest
difficulty in maintaining my perilous position. I kept myself awake,
however, by uttering every now and then a loud shout. At last I became
conscious that the light was increasing, although I could nowhere see
the bright streaks which usually usher in the dawn. Looking up, I saw
that