The pack came forward with a rush. Great, long, gaunt figures, they covered the ground with remarkable speed. Each bound brought them closer to the swift-flying sleigh in spite of the best efforts the tired horses could put forth; and they were putting forth their best, for they were in even greater fear than the human load they bore. Now the first wolf reached the back of the sleigh and launched itself in a desperate leap. His forefeet found their mark, but he had not gauged the distance accurately and he slipped back; but he tried again. The second time the leap was more true and he clung to the back of the sleigh and attempted to pull himself up. It was that moment that Boris fired. The ball sped true and the first wolf went tumbling back into the road. Immediately the others of the pack set upon him and tore him to pieces with their sharp teeth; then they dashed forward again. But the second attack seemed to have been carefully thought out. While several of the larger wolves leaped for the back of the sleigh, others of the pack darted by the sleigh on either side and sprang upon the horses. Jack turned his whip from the backs of the horses and lashed out at the wolves. Some he hit and some he missed; but he swung the long whip with great violence and for the moment the attack was beaten off. In the rear, Boris had also been successful a second time. Thus they gained a breathing space and Boris called out: "I have only two shots left!" "Then it looks as though we were done for," said Jack quietly, as he continued to ply the whip and the horses sped on. A hundred yards ahead, the road turned sharply and the panic-stricken horses dashed madly around it. The wolf-pack was now some distance back, for they had stopped over another fallen comrade. Suddenly Jack let out a cry of joy. Not a hundred yards ahead was a small building of some kind--in the darkness the lad could not make out just what--but it was a refuge. Quickly he imparted the good news to Boris and cried: "Drop off and run for the door as we go by." The lad threw the reins upon the horses' backs and climbed to the back of the sleigh, as did Boris. Then, just as the sleigh went flying past the low building, they dropped to the ground. Both went sprawling, but they were up quickly and dashing toward the door of the little hut, as it now appeared to be. From behind, the wolf-pack, seeing their prey so near, leaped forward with renewed energy. "Open the door quick!" shouted Jack. Boris laid hold of the knob, turned it and pushed vigorously. The door opened and Boris stepped back to let Jack pass in first. The lad hesitated a brief moment and then sprang inside. Boris would have followed, but at that moment three gray figures launched themselves through the air. Boris' revolver spoke twice--his two last cartridges were now gone--and two of the enemy fell to the ground; but the leap of the third wolf--the largest of the pack--carried him to Boris' shoulder.