Before they saw the cause, the two men saw him turn and start to run back toward them.

Then, approaching at right angles to the trail and cutting off his retreat they saw a dozen wolves, lean and grey, bounding across the snow.

On the instant, the she- wolf's coyness and playfulness disappeared.

With a snarl she sprang upon One Ear.

He thrust her off with his shoulder, and, his retreat cut off and still intent on regaining the sled, he altered his course in an attempt to circle around to it.