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.
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