This time I was not quite quick enough and was knocked down and he was standing over me. I could feel his hot, fetid breath. Instinctively I thrust my elbow up as he shot his jaws down for my throat and I struck at him with the knife, bringing the blood.
Nothing could have saved me if Santa had not returned to the attack. He came in like a flash and the wolf had to turn. For a few seconds they fought over me and I was pretty well trampled. The feet of the wolf were nearly the size of a bear's.
I struggled out and now thoroughly infuriated I attacked the wolf with my knife. Again he shook Santa off and came for me. Only a minute had elapsed in all this struggle. As he sprang, I dodged low and to one side.
CHAPTER II
AFTER ANTELOPE
The wolf went over me and before he could turn, a shot rang out. The captain had arrived on the scene.
The wolf threw himself in the air and fell with a thud upon the ground.
"I hope you will go a little slower next time," said the captain, severely. "It's a wonder that you did not have your throat torn out."
It took me about a minute before I recovered so that I could say anything, and then I had nothing to say, for it was a foolish and dangerous performance.