Page 232 - A Jacobite Exile

Chapter 13

: A Rescued Party.

After a considerable pause, a gun was again fired, this time much nearer to
them. Charlie drew out his pistol and was about to reply, when his

companion touched his arm.

"Look!" he said.

Charlie turned in time to see several gray forms flit rapidly between the

bushes. He stepped to the edge of the road, and saw some wolves spring out
through the bushes, and go straight along the road.

"What can have scared them?" he asked, in surprise. "The gun was not near
enough for that."

"No, besides they would have fled deeper into the forest, instead of taking

to the road. Perhaps they hear something coming."

Almost at the same moment, two shots were heard in the direction towards

which the wolves were making.

"That is it!" Charlie excitedly exclaimed. "Another body of wolves have
attacked a passing traveller. Heap the wood on, Stanislas. If we make a
great fire, and they get as far as this, possibly they could spring off and take

refuge here. At any rate, the brands will be better weapons even than our
axes."

The ends of such branches as they were able to move were brought
together, and a few blows with their axes speedily broke off several of the

outer ends of charred wood. These were thrown on, and the fire soon blazed
up high again.

Two more shots were heard, this time close at hand.