at all events, be an auxiliary to him, as he is an excellent swimmer. The thought inspires him with renewed hope and energy; he halloos, and beats off his enemies at every step; and, after many narrow escapes, he reaches the banks of the river. The wolves, however, appear to have a perception of the importance of the moment; and just as he is about to plunge into the stream, they make one fierce, simultaneous rush upon him.
For an instant nothing can be discerned but foam and splashes, as the water is divided both by the assailants and assailed. The hunter, diving beneath the surface, has almost placed himself beyond reach of the wolves; whilst many of their bodies float around him, drowned. He is beginning to congratulate himself on his deliverance, as he perceives his enemies yelling and gnashing their teeth together on the opposite bank, when he feels himself seized by two animals of a larger and stronger growth than the rest. Their teeth almost meet in his flesh, and, in spite of his utmost exertions to the contrary, they are gradually drawing him under water. In vain he grasps their throats with maniac energy; still they keep their hold, and the stream
