human
Did I get him, Thad?
gpt
You hit him, that's certain, because I saw him flop over, replied the other;
human
Oh! that's too bad, because his chums'll chew him all up, and I'll never have my nice wolf-skin to get a coat made out of for winter, exclaimed Step Hen; and then, as he was seized by a new thought, he went on:
gpt
But Thad, suppose I took a torch and went out there, d'ye think I'd be apt to find him lying on his back? I'd like the worst kind to get hold of him before the rest of the bunch muster up courage enough to come back.
human
Well, since you haven't even a load in your gun, that would be too risky a game for you to play, Step Hen, and just for an old wolf-skin at that. Perhaps we've given 'em such a bad scare now that the rest of the pack may skip out, and leave us in peace. Then in the morning you'd find your chap, all right.
gpt
Listen! there's something crashing through the bushes right back of us, Thad! exclaimed Step Hen, a minute later, though his companion knew it before he spoke.
human
Sounds like an elephant might be coming down on us; but they don't have such animals up here in the Maine woods, do they? Just hear the racket he keeps making Thad; whatever do you suppose we're up against now?
gpt
That's a two-legged elephant, then, Step Hen, he remarked.
human
Fact is, we're going to have company, for that's a man pushing through the brush, and making all the noise he can, so as to scare the wolves away, and at the same time keep us from firing on him. Then raising his voice, Thad called out:
gpt
Hello, there!
human
Thet you, Thad?
gpt
Hurrah! it's Old Eli! exclaimed Step Hen, readily recognizing the voice of the guide.
human
This way, Eli; we're having a healthy old time knocking over some of your Canada wolves. Each got one so far, but I reckon the rest of the pack must a lit out when they heard you coming. I see you now, Eli; and mighty glad you dropped in on us. Where did you spring from anyway; don't tell me we're as near the camp as that.
gpt
Oh! camp about mile and a half down lake, he remarked, as he gravely shook hands with each hunter in turn.
human
We saw light of fire over point, and think it might be you boys; so I paddled canoe across here. It ain't jest five minits walk 'cross this strip ter the lake. So ye got sum o' the critters, did ye?
gpt
Thad, can't we look up that one I shot now; I'd just hate to lose him, you know?
human
Why, I suppose it would be safe for all of us to go out, returned the patrol leader.
gpt
Here, pick up something that will burn, and come along.