This is especially the case when the weather has been very severe, and food scarce, under which circumstances a wolf becomes wondrously courageous and venturesome; and if the occupant of the sledge keeps his eyes open, he will be pretty sure to be rewarded with a sight of one or two of the grey fellows for whom he has prepared a special charge of large shot.
Both Paul and Peter were of the kind who keep their eyes very wide open indeed, especially in the forest. The moon was up, and the pines, covered with rime, like silver wire-work, made a fairyland of the scene as the two drove silently along the narrow road. They were silent of a set purpose, for wolves will not so readily make their appearance if the squealing of the pig is accompanied by the voices of human beings.
"Peter," whispered Paul suddenly, "move your head cautiously and look on your left, just behind the sledge, and forty paces away among the trees."
Peter turned his head round very gradually.
"Yes," he said; "all right; that's he. Keep quite quiet and he'll come much nearer."
A few moments later Paul whispered again,—
"There's another on the right—no, two more."
"Ha!" Peter whispered back, "that's good. This looks like business. We're in luck to-night."
"If one comes within twenty-five paces, I think you might shoot," Peter added presently; "only remember how slugs scatter."
"I see five now," said Paul. "Three on the left, and two on the right."