Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

 

From the Princeton, Illinois Republican, May 6.

     A large grey wolf has frequently been seen in the northern part of the county. It has killed seversl sheep from the farmers and a cow has come up missing. While in Dixon a few days ago we heard the following account:

     A man named Jenkins, who lives near the county line, on the Lee County side, has of late missed several sheep, and could find no clue to the thieves. A few nights since he heard one bray, and on going to his barn found three dead and one dreadfully mangled. He saw a dark form pass rapidly past his barn-yard fence, and at once ran after it but it eluded him and got away. The next day he went to the house of a neighbor who was suspected for his stealing qualities. A few tufts of wool were scattered about the front door, which was accounted for by a boy pulling the wool from a sheep’s back.

     The farmer went into the house and chatted for some time with the hostess, and finally took his hat and left. That night he resolved to watch for the thief who had stolen his sheep. Accordingly, about dark, he repaired to his barn, hidding himself behind a lot of boxes. About 11 o’clock he heard a light footstep, and peering from his retreat saw a large grey wolf walk on his hind legs coolly up to one of his horses, which he proceeded to untie. The man felt satisfied that the object was rather human, and was about to raise from his feet, when the object trotted on all fours out of the stable.

     The moon was shining brightly and the wolf took its course toward the house, which it entered by a window. The farmer saw at a glance the state of affairs and crept into the house by a side door, and found the wolf sitting in a chair by his fireplace. He had no weapon, but being a brave man he rushed for the wolf, when a violent struggle ensued. This lasted for several minutes, when he felt the hold he gained give way and held in his hands a large robe, the occupant, who was no other than his wife, standing laughing at him. She had been walking in her sleep, and had adopted the curious garb unconsciously. The robe folded about her resembled a wolf.