Page 234 - A Jacobite Exile

the angle by the fire. The sledge and the two horses protected one of the
faces of the position, and the driver, at his master's orders, took his position

on the front seat again, so as to shoot down any wolf that might try to attack
the flank of the outside horse.

The wolves looked doubtful at the appearance of the dense smoke rising up,
but, after a little hesitation, they rushed to the attack. Four were rolled over

by bullets from the rifles, and, as they came within a few yards, the pistols
cracked out in rapid succession. As soon as these were all emptied, the six

men caught up the blazing brands, and struck full in the faces of the
wolves, shouting loudly as they did so.

Seized with a momentary panic, the animals turned and fled, and then a
fierce fight took place between the injured wolves and their companions.

There was but just time to recharge the rifles and pistols, when they came
on again. Although the fire of the defenders was as deadly as before, the
wolves seemed this time determined to get at their victims. In vain were

blows showered on their heads, while those who first sprang on the tree
were stabbed with the knives the defenders held in their left hands.

The contest could have had but one termination, when suddenly two shots
were heard, and then, with loud shouts, a party of men burst through the

forest, and with pistol and axe fell on the wolves. This unexpected
onslaught had a decisive effect, and, with loud howls and yelps, the wolves

turned and fled.

Up to this time, not a word had been exchanged by the defenders, beyond

Charlie's first shout of "Lay this branch across those two," and the order of
one of the gentlemen to the coachman to take his place in the sledge--where

he had done his work well, for four wolves lay dead by the flank of the
outside horse. Several of those that had sprung at the heads of the horses
had been shot or cut down by the master, who had placed himself close to

them, and the horses' thick mufflings had saved them from any serious
injury.