Now I could see forms grey and black slinking near my path, sniffing at the air as they went, and now I came to a little open place, and, behold! all the wolves in the world were gathered together there.
My heart melted, my legs trembled beneath me.

On every side were the brutes, great and hungry.

And I stood still, with club aloft, and slowly they crept up, muttering and growling as they came, till they formed a deep circle round me.

Yet they did not spring on me, only drew nearer and ever nearer.

Presently one sprang, indeed, but not at me; he sprang at that which sat upon my shoulders.