Grace, Jessica, Nora and Anne suddenly emerged from the forest, standing out in bold relief on the brow of the hill.
The three boys at the top of the hill all jumped to the ground at once.
"Run for the trees," cried David, for the wolves had caught the new scent and had started toward them on a dead run.
"Crack, crack," went a rifle. Instantly the first wolf staggered and fell backward.
How was it that the boys had not noticed before that the girls were not alone?
Another shot and a second wolf ran almost into their midst, gave a leap and fell dead. One more dropped; and the sole surviving wolf beat a frenzied retreat.
"We found old Jean!" cried Grace. "Wasn't it the most fortunate thing in the world? And now nobody is killed and we are all safe and I'm so happy!" She gave the old hunter's arm a squeeze.
Old Jean, enveloped in skins from top to toe, smiled good-naturedly.
"It was the Bon Dieu, mademoiselle, who have preserve you. Do not t'ank ole Jean. It was the Bon Dieu who put it in ole Jean's haid to set rabbit trap to-night."
He would accept neither money nor thanks for shooting the wolves.