"Here they come.

Keep a sharp look-out on both sides.

We can leave those fellows behind standing still.

The only danger is from a fresh pack coming from ahead." The peasant leaped into the car, and in an instant the horses dashed off at a speed which would have taken them far away from the wolves had not their driver reined them in and quieted them with his voice.
They soon steadied down into a long sweeping gallop, the coachman at times looking back and regulating their speed so as to keep the bait gliding along just ahead of the wolves.
The peasant now gave the signal to the midshipmen, who with their guns cocked were standing up with one knee on the seat to steady themselves, ready to fire, and the two barrels at once rang out.
One of the leading wolves, who was but a few yards from the bait, dropped and rolled over, while a sharp whimpering cry told that another was wounded.
The boys had an idea that the wolves would stop to devour their fallen comrade, but the smell of the meat was, it appeared, more tempting, for without a pause they still came on.

Again and again the lads fired, the woodmen handing them spare guns and loading as fast as they discharged them.
Suddenly the driver gave an exclamation, and far ahead on the white road, the boys, looking round, could see a dark mass.