"I know how to use them," exclaimed Tom. "I learned it in Canada a few winters ago, but I will admit I couldn't beat the wolves in a race. However, the shoes may come in handy yet."
Just then one of the wolves threw his body against the door and the small cabin shook with the force of the blow.
"By Jove!" exclaimed David, "I thought they had us then. Another blow like that and the old latch might give way."
They looked about them for something to place against the door, but there was not a stick of furniture in the room. Even the bed, in one corner, was made of pine boughs and skins.
"I wonder how there happens to be only five wolves," said Anne. "I thought they went about in large packs."
"They are probably mama and papa and the whole family," replied Hippy. "The smallest, friskiest ones, I think, are young ladies, by the way they switched along behind the others and hung back kind of shy-like."
"Now, Hippy Wingate, don't tell us such a romance as that," warned Grace, "when you were so winded you could hardly look in front of you, much less behind you."
At that moment there was another crash against the door while two gray paws and the tip of a pointed muzzle could be seen on one of the window sills.
"It's almost three o'clock," said Tom Gray, looking at his watch. "I think we'll have to do something, or we shall be penned here all night. Now, what shall it be? Suppose we have a friendly council and consider."
"All right," said David; "the meeting is open for suggestions. What do you advise, Anne?"