Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

 

     Three young girls were minding a flock of sheep a few weeks ago at Vergt [Doudognel], when a large wolf suddenly appeared, and, separating some of the sheep, drove them before it. The cries of the girls irritated it, and passing near one of them, Marie S., it flew at her, knocked her down, and tore her savagely. Her cheek and upper lip were badly injured. However, the dogs attached the animal, and released the girl. The cries and barking attracted the attention of a man named Moreau, aged 55, who had formerly been a soldier, and who, with his daughter, a girl of 18, was engaged in cutting wood. He came out of the thicket to see what was the matter, and found himself face to face with the wolf, which immediately sprang at his throat. He had no weapon, so he clasped the animal around the body, and they both fell together, rolling over each other. After a protracted struggle Moreau managed to get the beast beneath him and hold it firmly by the throat. He then shouted to his daughter, who came and dispatched the wolf with blows from a pickaxe. Moreau was much exhaused by the fight, but fortunately escaped with only a wound on the left hand. The animal was found to measure a metre and a half from the nose to the end of the tail.