The sledge and the two horses protected one of the faces of the position, and the driver, at his master's orders, took his position on the front seat again, so as to shoot down any wolf that might try to attack the flank of the outside horse.
The wolves looked doubtful at the appearance of the dense smoke rising up, but, after a little hesitation, they rushed to the attack.

Four were rolled over by bullets from the rifles, and, as they came within a few yards, the pistols cracked out in rapid succession.

As soon as these were all emptied, the six men caught up the blazing brands, and struck full in the faces of the wolves, shouting loudly as they did so.
Seized with a momentary panic, the animals turned and fled, and then a fierce fight took place between the injured wolves and their companions.

There was but just time to recharge the rifles and pistols, when they came on again.

Although the fire of the defenders was as deadly as before, the wolves seemed this time determined to get at their victims.