I
seized a rope as I ran, while Cudjo took his long spear, thinking it
might be of use to us. This was the work of a moment, and the next we
were outside the house.

"What was our astonishment to see both the boys, away at the farthest
end of the lake, but skating toward us as fast as they could!

"At the same time, our eyes rested upon a terrible sight. Close behind
them upon the ice, and following at full gallop, was a pack of wolves!

"They were not the small prairie wolves, which either of the boys might
have chased with a stick, but of a species known as the 'Great Dusky
Wolf' of the Rocky Mountains.

"There were six of them in all. Each of them was twice the size of the
prairie wolf, and their long, dark bodies, gaunt with hunger, and
crested from head to tail with a high, bristling mane, gave them a most
fearful appearance.

"They ran with their ears set back and their jaws apart, so that we
could see their red tongues and white teeth.

"We did not stop a moment, but rushed toward the lake. I threw down the
rope, and seized hold of a large rail as I ran, while Cudjo hurried
forward armed with a spear. My wife, with presence of mind, turned back
into the house for my rifle.

"I saw that Harry was foremost, and that the fierce wolves were fast
closing upon Frank. This was strange, for we knew that Frank was by far
the better skater. We all called out to him, uttering loud shouts of
encouragement. Both were bearing themselves manfully, but Frank was
most in danger.

"The wolves were upon his heels! 'O they will kill him!' I cried,
expecting the next moment to see him thrown down upon the ice. What was
my joy at seeing him suddenly wheel and dart off in a new direction."

* * * * *

Directions for Reading.--This lesson should be read with spirit, and
in a full, clear tone of voice.

* * * * *

Language Lesson.--_Presence of mind_ is the power to act quickly when
sudden danger threatens.

_Upon his heels_ means very close to.

_Dead of winter_ is the middle of winter, as that is supposed to be
the quietest or most lifeless time.

Syllabify, accent, and mark sounds of letters in the following words:
_fancy, gallop, prairie, bristling, rifle_.

* * * * *

LESSON VI.

e lud'ed, _got away from; avoided_.

ex cit'ing, _causing deep interest_.

marks'man, _one who shoots well_.

re trea