"Wake up," he whispered in his ear, "there's something after the horses!"
Lige woke with a start, and grabbed his rifle as he sprang to his feet.
"Where?" he whispered. At the same moment the howling was repeated, and the horses back of the wagons began to rear and snort with fear. Suddenly the cow sent forth a terrified bellow.
With musket over his shoulder Joe dashed between the wagons, followed by Lige.
The moon was at its full, and the flat surface of the prairies was dimly visible all about them. Outlined against the horizon they saw a number of gaunt, shadowy forms flitting silently. At no great distance from them a creature, larger than a big dog, sat up on its haunches and with head raised to the moon uttered a long, wailing howl.
From far away across the prairie it was answered, and while they stood listening the night grew hideous by the calling and answering of the deep-chested howl of grey wolves.
"Wolves—grey wolves!" whispered Joe, "they are after the horses!"
Presently as they stood with suspended breath dim grey shapes came gliding across the prairies toward them.
Almost as he spoke they heard the cow give a terrified bellow, and heard her tugging wildly at her rope.
"The cow, the cow!" shouted Lige, and together the boys leaped forward.