In 1867, “A cattle train on the Luxemburg Railway was stopped,” says the
_Nord_, “two nights back, between Libramont and Poix by the snow. The
brakesman was sent forward for aid to clear the line, and while the
guard, fireman, engine-driver, and a customs officer were engaged in
getting the snow from under the engine they were alarmed by wolves, of
which there were five, and which were attracted, no doubt, by the scent
of the oxen and sheep cooped up in railed-in carriages. The men had no
weapons save the fire utensils belonging to the engine. The wolves
remained in a semicircle a few yards distant, looking keenly on. The
engine-driver let off the steam and blew the whistle, and lanterns were
waved to and fro, but the savage brutes did not move. The men then made
their way, followed by the wolves, to the guard’s carriage. Three got in
safe; whilst the fourth was on the step one of the animals sprang on him,
but succeeded only in tearing his coat. They all then made an attack,
but were beaten off, one being killed by a blow on the head. Two hours
elapsed before assistance arrived, and during that time the wolves made
several attacks upon the sheep trucks, but failed to get in. None of the
cattle were injured.”