“Had I made the effort with a gun, the wolf might have rushed at me, but she crouched and sidled back before the fire.
“The entrance was slippery, but my will forced me on.
“I could rise up at last. The cave was silent; the darkness might be felt. I doubt that any human being had ever entered the place before.
“I walked slowly, then turning aside my torch, peered into the thick darkness.
“Two fierce eyes, like balls of fire, confronted me. The she-wolf was there, waiting for some advantage, but cowed by the torch.
“Presently I heard a growl and a gnashing of teeth.
“I had drawn into the cave a rope tied around my body, so that I might be drawn out by my neighbors if I should need help. I gave the signal to pull me out. I understood the situation.
“I was drawn up in such a way that my upper clothing was pulled over my body, and my flesh was torn. I grasped my gun and crawled back again.—Put more cedar wood on the fire.
“I saw the eyes of the wolf again. I heard her snap and growl. I leveled my gun.