Let me pick out the largest of these sneaking wolves; I'll put one of them at least from keeping anybody awake hereafter, I guess." Basil, as he reflected thus, raised himself upon his knees, and looked around to select a victim.

Strange to say, the wolves, as if they had guessed his intention, had scattered away from the neighbourhood of the fire, though several could still be seen stealing along the edge of the willows.

Basil chose one of these which appeared in the dim light to be a large grey one; and, levelling his piece, fired at it.

As he was not very anxious whether he killed the animal or not, he fired carelessly.
Following the shot there was heard a loud scream, that was answered by fifty others, from all sides of the valley.

It awoke the sleeping hunters; who, along with Basil, sprang to their feet.