tentive. At present, it was only
inflicting pain on the boy without any advantage being gained. But John
did not always sit by the kitchen fire. The wolves were much more
numerous than in the preceding winter, having been attracted by the
sheep which were within the palisade, and every night the howling was
incessant. The howl of a wolf was sufficient to make John seize his
rifle and leave the house, and he would remain in the snow for hours
till one came sufficiently near for him to fire at, and he had already
killed several when a circumstance occurred which was the cause of great
uneasiness.

John was out one evening as usual, crouched down within the palisades,
and watching for the wolves. It was a bright starry night, but there
was no moon, when he perceived one of the animals crawling along almost
on its belly, close to the door of the palisade which surrounded the
house. This surprised him, as, generally speaking, the animals prowled
round the palisade which encircled the sheep-fold, or else close to the
pigsties which were at the opposite side from the entrance door. John
levelled his rifle and fired, when, to his astonishment, the wolf
appeared to spring up on his hind legs, then fall down and roll away.
The key of the palisade door was always kept within, and John determined
to go in and fetch it, that he might ascertain whether he had killed the
animal or not. When he entered Malachi said, "Did you kill, my boy?"

"Don't know," replied John; "come for the key to see."

"I don't like the gate being opened at night, John," said Mr Campbell;
"why don't you leave it, as you usually do, till to-morrow morning; that
will be time enough?"

"I don't know if it was a wolf," replied John.

"What, then, boy? tell me," said Malachi.

"Well, I think it was an Indian," replied John; who then explained what
had passed.

"Well, I shouldn't wonder," replied Malachi; "at all events the gate
must not be opened to-night, for if it was an Indian you fired at, there
is more than one of them; we'll keep all fast, John, and see what it was
to-morrow."

Mrs Campbell and the girls were much alarmed at this event, and it was
with difficulty that they were persuaded to retire to rest.

"We will keep watch to-night at all events," said Malachi, as soon as
Mrs Campbell and her nieces had left the room.

"The boy is right, I have no doubt. It is the Angry Snake and his party
who are prowling about, but if the boy has h