"We're in for it now," said Bob. "Look lively, and don't waste a shot."
A few minutes passed. Then, like a flash, one of the wolves darted toward them.
Bob Somers, with arms that trembled for an instant, raised his gun. He saw the wide-open, savage mouth, the glaring eyes—then he pulled the trigger.
A howl of agony followed the report. The animal rose on its hind legs and pitched forward in the snow.
"Hurrah! and with only one charge!" cried Bob, his eyes bright with excitement.
The loud report and flash of fire from the gun sent the other wolves back a few paces, but it was only for a moment.
"There's but one thing to be done, and that mighty quickly!" exclaimed Bob. "Wonder we didn't think of it before."
"What's that?"
"Climb the cliff. Once out of their reach, it will be easy to pick them off."
"Guess you are right. But they won't give us much chance to get up. If a fellow should slip—" Hackett shuddered.