to do. He sat up
for some time, warming his hands and watching the blazing logs. Then he
thought that he would sit down rather more inside the tent for a little
time. He did nod his head now and then, but that was nothing, he
thought. He was sure that he had his eyes wide open. After some time
he heard a howl--then another, and another. A number of animals howled
together--wild beasts--wolves. He thought, "I hope that they are a long
way off." They were not loud enough as yet to awake his sleeping
companions, but they were coming slowly nearer and nearer. Tony rubbed
his eyes. Was he awake? He looked up. The fire was almost out. There
was no doubt about the howl of the wolves. They were much nearer than
he had fancied. The flame on a sudden burst out of the embers, and out
of the darkness several pairs of fierce eyes glared at him.

"Rob! Rob! Tommy! wolves!" he shouted out, at the same time seizing a
stick from the fire, and waving it about.

Rob and Tommy were on their feet in a moment, and each taking up a
burning stick they made a rush towards the wolves. They were not an
instant too soon, for the fierce beasts having scented the venison, were
just going to rush at them. The fire-sticks kept them off, but they did
not go far. There they stood in a circle howling away at the three
young travellers. While Tony and Tommy threw more wood on the fire, Rob
stepped back and loaded his gun, which he had forgot to reload after the
second shot at the deer. The wolves seeing that the fire-sticks did
them no harm, and being very hungry, were coming on, when the boys once
more shouting at the top of their voices, and stirring up the fire, Rob
fired at the biggest of the pack, who seemed to be the leader. Over the
creature rolled, and his companions taking flight with fearful yells
drew back into the forest. Tony said he was sure they stopped and
looked round, every now and then yelling together, and asking each other
to turn back and renew the attack.

The lads at last lay down, but all night long the wolves kept up their
bowlings close to them with snarls and other noises.

"I dare say now that those fellows have got some carcase or other, and
are making merry over it," said Rob.

The watchmen did not fall asleep again during the night. When daylight
came back the snow had ceased falling, but it lay an inch thick on the
ground.

"We must find the blaze before breakfast," said Rob, as they strapped