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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Baldy of Nome, by Esther Birdsall Darling
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Baldy of Nome
+
+Author: Esther Birdsall Darling
+
+Release Date: March 30, 2004  [eBook #11758]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BALDY OF NOME***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo, Graeme Mackreth, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 11758-h.htm or 11758-h.zip:
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/7/5/11758/11758-h/11758-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/7/5/11758/11758-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BALDY of NOME
+
+by
+
+ESTHER BIRDSALL DARLING
+
+Decorations by Hattie Longstreet
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Baldy of Nome]
+
+
+
+
+To My Mother
+
+whose unfailing kindness to all animals is one of my earliest and
+happiest memories
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+   I. THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
+
+  II. WHERE EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY
+
+ III. THE FIRST STEP
+
+  IV. THE PLODDER
+
+   V. THE WOMAN, THE RACERS, AND OTHERS
+
+  VI. TO VISIT THOSE IN AFFLICTION
+
+ VII. THE DAWN OF A TO-MORROW
+
+VIII. A TRAGEDY WITHOUT A MORAL AND A COMEDY WITH ONE
+
+  IX. WITH THE FLIGHT OF TIME
+
+   X. THE SOLOMON DERBY
+
+  XI. ONE SUMMER
+
+ XII. THE GREAT RACE
+
+XIII. FOR THE SUPREMACY OF THE TRAIL
+
+ XIV. IMMORTALS OF THE TRAIL
+
+
+Illustrations
+
+THE RACING TEAM
+
+"SCOTTY" ALLAN AND BALDY
+
+THE ALASKA OF MEN AND DOGS
+  June 1st--The steamer "Corwin" at the edge of the ice, five miles
+  from shore
+
+THE WOMAN
+
+NOME, ALASKA--FROM BERING SEA
+
+THE START OF AN ALASKA DOG TEAM RACE
+
+A TEAM OF SIBERIANS
+
+"SHE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF ONE OF THE MAIL TEAMS"
+  Eric Johnson, U.S. mail carrier on the Nome-Unalakleet Route
+
+THE AIR WAS CRISP AND KEEN
+
+THE TRAIL HAD GROWN EXCEEDINGLY ROUGH
+
+KRUZAMAPA HOT SPRINGS
+
+THE RAMSAY SIBERIANS
+
+AN OVATION FOR THE PLUCKY LITTLE SCOTCHMAN
+
+THE CAR COASTED DOWN ALL THE HILLS
+
+"SCOTTY" ALLAN ON THE TRAIL
+
+AN ALASKAN SWEEPSTAKES TEAM
+  Fay Dalzene, driver
+
+CAPTAIN HAAS OF THE FRENCH ARMY AND HIS ALASKAN SLEDGES
+
+BALDY OF NOME
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+The Parting of the Ways
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Baldy of Nome
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
+
+
+Baldy knew that something was wrong. His most diverting efforts had
+failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of
+understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close
+beside his friend and licked his hand. Always, before, this had called
+attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the
+boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the
+cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that
+rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks. Sometimes the slight body shook
+with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is
+chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the
+emotions are not easy to control.
+
+With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy
+trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp. For there was the House of
+Judgment, where all of the unfortunate events of that most unhappy day
+would be reviewed sternly, though with a certain harsh justice, that
+could result in nothing less than a sentence of final separation from
+Baldy. And so when the dog in his most subtle and delicate manner showed
+his deep love for the boy, it only made the thought of the inevitable
+parting harder to bear.
+
+So completely was Ben lost in his own gloomy reflections that he did not
+hear the sound of bells behind him; and it was not until a cheery voice
+called out demanding the right of way that he stepped aside to let a
+rapidly approaching dog team pass. As it came closer he saw that it was
+the Allan and Darling team of Racers, and for the moment his eyes
+brightened with interest and admiration as he noticed with a true
+dog-lover's appreciation the perfect condition of the fleet-footed dogs,
+and the fine detail of sled and equipment.
+
+Then his glance fell upon Baldy--thin, rough coated, and showing
+evidences of neglect; upon Baldy to whom he could not now even offer
+food and shelter, and a wave of bitterness swept over him.
+
+"Come along, sonny, if you're going our way," and in the kindly little
+man at the handle-bars the boy recognized "Scotty" Allan, the most
+famous dog driver in Alaska. To the boy "Scotty" represented all that
+was most admirable in the whole North, and he stood speechless at the
+invitation to ride with him behind a team that had always seemed as
+wonderful as Cinderella's Fairy Coach. He hesitated, and then the Woman
+in the sled beckoned encouragingly. "Get in with me; and your dog may
+come too," she said as she rearranged the heavy fur robes to make room.
+The boy advanced with painful shyness, and awkwardly climbed into the
+place assigned him. The Woman laid her hand on Baldy's collar to draw
+him in also, but the boy exclaimed quickly, "No, ma'am, don't do that,
+please; he ain't really cross, but he won't ride in anythin' as long's
+he's got a leg to stand on; an' sometimes he growls if people he don't
+know touches him."
+
+"Dogs and boys never growl at me, because I love them; and he does not
+look as if he really had a leg to stand on," she replied smilingly. But
+the boy nervously persisted. "Please let him go--his legs is all right.
+He looks kind o' run down jest now 'cause he"--the boy felt a tightening
+at his throat, and winked hard to keep the tears from starting
+again--"'cause he ain't got much appetite. But when he's eatin' good his
+legs is jest great. Why, there ain't no other dog in Golconda that's got
+as strong legs as Baldy when he's--when he's eatin' good," he repeated
+hastily. "An' Golconda's plumb full o' fine dogs."
+
+"If that's so," said "Scotty," "I think I shall have to take a look at
+those Golconda wonders before the winter fairly sets in; and maybe you
+can give me a few pointers."
+
+For a mile or so the boy sat spellbound, drinking in the casual comments
+of "Scotty" upon the dogs in the team, as if they were pearls of wisdom
+dropping from the lips of an Oracle. He was not so much interested in
+the Woman's replies, for they displayed a lack of technical information
+that contrasted unfavorably in the boy's mind with the keen and accurate
+insight that Allan showed in every word on that most vital subject.
+
+Vaguely the boy remembered having once heard that she had become a
+partner in the racing team for mere amusement of the sport, instead of
+from a serious, high-minded interest, and that of course did not entitle
+her to the same respect you could feel for one to whom the care and
+culture of the dog assumed the dignity of a vocation. Then, too, she had
+spoken slightingly of Baldy's legs. As a human being he could not but
+respond to her friendly overtures, but as a dog fancier she held no
+place in his esteem.
+
+As they approached the divide where the trail for Golconda branched from
+the main road, an idea suddenly came to the boy. He had watched the
+harmony between Allan and his dogs; had noted their willingness, their
+affection for "Scotty," and his consideration for them. And as the pace
+became slower, and he realized that they were nearly at the end of this
+fate-given interview, he tremblingly gasped out the question that had
+been seething through his mind with such persistence. "Mr. Allan, would
+you like to buy Baldy?"
+
+"Buy Baldy!" exclaimed the man in surprise. "Why, I thought you and
+Baldy were chums--I had no idea he was for sale."
+
+"He wasn't till jest now, not till I saw how yer dogs love you; but I
+got t' git rid of him. It's been comin' fer a long time, an' I guess
+to-day's finished it."
+
+The man leaned over and looked into the tear-stained face. "Are you in
+some trouble about him? Perhaps it's not so bad as you think, and maybe
+we can help you without taking Baldy."
+
+But the boy went on determinedly. "No, sir, I want you to take him; it'd
+be the best thing fer him, an' I kin stan' it someway. A feller has ter
+stan' a lot o' things he don't like in this world, but I hope,"
+feelingly, "all of 'em ain't as hard as givin' up his best friend."
+
+As if to avoid the sympathy he felt was forthcoming, he plunged hastily
+into the details that had led to the unexpected offer. "I'm Ben Edwards.
+Maybe you knew my father; he was killed in the cave-in on the June
+Fraction. Baldy was only a little pup then, but Dad was awful fond of
+him."
+
+"I remember," said the Woman thoughtfully; "and you have been in
+difficulties since, and need the money you could get for Baldy. Is that
+it?"
+
+"It ain't only the money, but none o' the men at the Camp care much fer
+Baldy, an' they ain't kind to him. Only Moose Jones. When he was here he
+wouldn't let the men tease Baldy ner me, an' he made the cook give me
+scraps an' bones ter feed him. An' once he licked Black Mart fer
+throwin' hot water on Baldy when he went ter the door o' Mart's cabin
+lookin' fer me. I think Moose Jones is the best man in the world, an'
+about the strongest," volunteered the boy loyally.
+
+"And where's Moose Jones now?" asked "Scotty." "I used to see him
+prospecting out near the Dexter Divide last winter."
+
+"He was at Dexter first, an' then he was at Golconda fer a while; but in
+spring he went ter St. Michael, an' from there up ter the new strike at
+Marshall."
+
+"And you miss him very much?" questioned the Woman.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, I miss him a lot, an' so does Baldy. He was awful good ter
+animals an' kids. He had a pet ermine that 'ud come in ter see him every
+night in his cabin, an' he wouldn't let Mart an' some o' the fellers set
+a trap fer the red mother fox that was prowlin' round the place t' git
+somethin' fer her babies. Said he'd make trap-bait fer bears o' the
+first feller that tried t' git 'er."
+
+"Excellent idea."
+
+"Oh, he didn't really mean it serious. Why, Moose is so kind he hates
+ter kill anythin'--even fer food. Sometimes when he's been livin' on
+bacon an' beans fer months, he lets a flock o' young ptarmigan fly by
+him 'cause he says they look so soft an' pretty an' fluttery he don't
+like ter shoot 'em; an' Moose is a dead shot. He's mighty handy with his
+fists too, an' next ter Mr. Allan I guess Moose knows more about dogs
+than any man in Alaska; an' he said he'd bet some day there'd be a
+reg'lar stampede ter buy Baldy."
+
+"A prophet," exclaimed the Woman. "You see we are the forerunners. But
+who is Black Mart?"
+
+"Oh, he's a miner that's workin' the claim next ter Golconda. He's a
+friend o' the cook there, an' comes over ter eat pretty often. Him and
+Moose had some trouble once over some minin' ground, an' Mart kinda
+takes it out on all Moose's friends, even if they's only boys an' dogs,
+don't he, Baldy?" And Baldy wagged that he certainly did. "Now the cook
+says they've got work dogs enough belongin' ter the claim ter feed,
+without supportin' my mangy cur in idleness. Mr. Allan," earnestly, "he
+ain't mangy, an' he's the most willin' dog I ever seen fer any one that
+loves him. But he ain't sociable with every one, an' he don't like bein'
+handled rough."
+
+"Scotty" looked at Baldy with a practiced and critical eye. "Those are
+all points in his favor," he remarked. "You can't do much with a dog
+that gives his affection and obedience indiscriminately."
+
+"Besides, he ain't no cur--he's one o' them Bowen-Dalzene pups, an' you
+know there ain't a poor dog in the lot. They give him to me 'cause he
+wasn't like any o' the others in the litter, an' would 'a' spoiled the
+looks o' the team when they was old enough ter be hitched up," continued
+Ben breathlessly. "He was sort o' wild, too, an' he wouldn't pay
+attention t' any of 'em when I was round, an' they said I might as well
+take him fer keeps as t' have him runnin' away t' git t' me all the
+time."
+
+"And your mother does not like him, and thinks it would be best not to
+keep him now?"
+
+"She really does like him; but she does the washin' fer the Camp, an'
+helps with the dishes, an' sews when she kin git a job at it. But there
+ain't none of 'em reg'lar, an' sometimes there ain't more'n enough fer
+us two t' live on. Then she gits pretty tired an' discouraged like, an'
+says Baldy's a useless expense, an' keeps me from doin' my chores,
+'cause I like t' play with him, an'--"
+
+"Yes, yes, I see," broke in the Woman hastily, anxious to spare him any
+further revelations of a painful nature. "I know exactly how it is; but
+maybe we could make some arrangement with your mother about the dog. We
+will take a sort of an option on him; you can keep him with you, and we
+will pay a certain sum for the privilege of being permitted to buy him
+outright before the stampede actually begins."
+
+The boy looked at her suspiciously, but there was no smile on her lips,
+and she rose a notch in his estimation. She evidently did realize, in a
+slight degree, what an unusual bargain was being offered in his
+heart-breaking sacrifice.
+
+"An' it ain't 'cause his appetite's gone that makes him thin. I wasn't
+tellin' the truth about that," he stammered desperately; "he's jest
+_hungry_." The child's mouth quivered and he hesitated, yet he was
+determined to tell the whole of the sordid little tragedy now that he
+had begun. "But spendin' too much time with him when I should be workin'
+ain't the worst. To-day I done somethin' that mebbe she'll think ain't
+exac'ly square; an' my mother believes if you ain't square in this world
+you ain't much worth while."
+
+"You're not, son," agreed "Scotty" heartily. "Your mother's right."
+
+"My father was allers called Honest Ben Edwards out here on the Third
+Beach Line, an' Mother says she'd ruther have that mem'ry o' him than
+all the fortunes that's been made in Alaska by lyin' an' steal-in' an'
+jumpin' other people's claims."
+
+"Right again, Ben. Nothing can take that from her, and a name like that
+is the best thing a man can leave his son."
+
+"This mornin' she gave me some money fer a new pair o' mittens fer her,
+an' shoes fer me; an' the cook asked me t' buy a kitchen knife an' a few
+pans fer him. I walked inter town t' git 'em, an' Baldy come with me,
+though she said I was foolish t' be bothered with him. But I told her it
+was awful lonesome on the trail, an' she said I could take him this
+time." He paused for breath, visibly embarrassed.
+
+"And you forgot all about your errands," hazarded the Woman.
+
+"No, ma'am, I didn't exac'ly forgit, but when I was passin' the Court
+House an' I seen a big crowd inside, I went in, too, ter listen a
+minute.
+
+"That lawyer Fink, that got up the Kennel Club, an' has the bully dog
+team, an' Daly, the feller with the smile that makes you feel like
+there's sunshine in the room, was a-talkin' agin each other; an' their
+fightin' was so excitin' an' so smooth an' perlite too, that everybody
+was a-settin' on the edges o' their chairs a-waitin' fer what was
+a-comin' next."
+
+"So you were interested in what the lawyers had to say?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Ever since my mother told me the story about President
+Lincoln a while ago, I been wantin' t' be a lawyer when I grow up. He
+didn't have no more book-learnin' than me at first, but he wouldn't let
+nothin' stop him, an' jest see what he done."
+
+"Lincoln is to be your model, then? Well, you're right to aim high, Ben.
+You can practice his simple virtues of being honest and kind and
+industrious every day, and anywhere. And the education must be managed
+someway," added the Woman thoughtfully.
+
+"After Mother read me that speech o' Mr. Lincoln's at Gettysburg, when
+all the people was jest dumb from their feelin's bein' so solemn an'
+deep; an' some o' his other speeches that was fine, I begun t' go t'
+town whenever there was t' be any good speakin', even when I had t' walk
+both ways."
+
+"Shows your determination, as a starter," replied "Scotty"
+encouragingly. "And were you always repaid for your tramp?"
+
+"Most allers, Mr. Allan. Last Fourth o' July I heerd Judge Tucker tell
+in his pleasant voice 'at sounds like he likes talkin' t' you all that
+Virginia's done fer our country, an' I wished I was from Virginia too.
+But mebbe some day I'll make some boy wish he was from Alaska by bein'
+fine an' smart an' gentle like Judge Tucker."
+
+"Virginia or Alaska, Ben--it's all the same, so long as you're proud of
+your state, and give your state a chance to be proud of you."
+
+"Yes, ma'am; that's what Mother says. Then I heerd Tom Gaffney recitin'
+Robert Emmett's last speech, on St. Patrick's day, at Eagle Hall, an' I
+near cried at the end; an' I don't cry easy. It takes somethin' pretty
+bad t' make me cry," and he looked furtively toward Baldy.
+
+"I'm sure it does, sonny; any one can see that you're game, all right;
+but that speech always makes me cry too."
+
+The boy regarded "Scotty" appreciatively. Here was a typical Alaskan, a
+sturdy trailsman, touched by the tender, pitiful things of life, just
+like a little boy that hasn't had time to become hardened. Ben felt that
+they would be friends.
+
+[Illustration: SCOTTY AND BALDY]
+
+"I like all kinds o' speakin', too; not jest the fiery sort that makes
+you want t' fight fer your country, an' mebbe die fer it like Robert
+Emmett; but the kind that jest makes you want t' be good ter folks an'
+dogs, an' do the best you kin when things is agin you, an' you don't
+see much ahead--"
+
+The Woman nodded gravely. "Yes, I know. It's the most difficult sort of
+bravery--the sort without flags, and music, and cheers to keep you up to
+the firing line."
+
+"That's the kind, ma'am. Mebbe you know Bishop Rowe. That's what he
+preaches--jest doin' your best all the time, like you was in some big
+race. When he's in Nome I allers go t' St. Mary's. He talks plain an'
+simple, an' cheers you up--I guess kinda the way Lincoln talked--jest
+like he knew all about people's troubles an' didn't blame 'em fer
+mistakes, but wanted t' help 'em t' do better. Sometimes his talks don't
+sound smooth, an' made up beforehand, but you never forgit 'em."
+
+"Eloquence of the heart instead of the tongue," murmured the Woman.
+
+"An' last August I went every night fer near a week, when Mr. Wickersham
+was talkin' men inter sendin' him t' Washington, no matter what they
+felt an' said agin his goin' when he wasn't before 'em."
+
+"You have certainly had a variety of orators, and a wide range of
+subjects."
+
+"You kin see I ain't missed a single chanct t' hear any of 'em since I
+made up my mind t' be a great man"--and then appalled by his lengthy
+burst of eloquence the child colored violently and concluded in
+confusion--"an' this mornin' I got so interested in them speeches o'
+Daly's an' Fink's, I must 'a' lost all track o' time, fer when I come
+out it was noon, an' Baldy was gone."
+
+"You must indeed have been absorbed to forget Baldy. Where did you find
+him?"
+
+"One o' the school kids told me the pound-man had got him, so I went
+over t' the pound on the Sand Spit as fast as I could run. I explained
+t' the man that Baldy wasn't a Nome dog; that we live five miles out at
+Golconda--but he said he was gittin' pretty sick o' that excuse. That no
+boy's dog ever really lived in Nome, so fur's he could find out; that
+all of 'em was residin' in the suburbs, an' only come in t' spend a day
+now an' then."
+
+"It's a strange thing," mused the Woman, "that all pound-men are
+sarcastic and sceptical. It seems an inevitable part of their
+occupation. They never believed me when I was a little girl, either.
+Then what?"
+
+"He said the only thing that concerned him was that Baldy was in town
+when he found him, and hadn't no license. Besides, he thought the dog
+was vicious 'cause he growled when the wire was around his neck. Pretty
+near any dog 'ud do that ef he had any spirit in him; an' Baldy's jest
+full o' spirit."
+
+Both the Woman and "Scotty" looked involuntarily at Baldy who stood,
+dejected and uneasy; and then exchanged a glance in which amusement and
+pity struggled for expression.
+
+"The pound-man said ef I didn't pay the $2.50 t' git him out, an'
+another $2.50 t' git him a license, he'd sell the dog along with a lot
+o' others he'd ketched durin' the week. I tuk Mother's money, an' what
+the cook give me, an' got Baldy out, an' bought him a license so's he'd
+be safe nex' time. Now," sadly, "there ain't goin' t' be any nex' time."
+
+"There really did not seem to be any other way out of it for the
+moment," observed the Woman sympathetically.
+
+"No, ma'am, but it wasn't very honest t' use the cook's money, ner
+Mother's; it'll take a long time t' pay 'em back, an' I guess Mother
+won't have much patience with Baldy after this. I wouldn't mind gittin'
+punished myself, but I don't want him blamed. He'd be a lot better off
+with you, Mr. Allan; an' mebbe ef you'd feed him up, an' give him a
+chanct, he'd be a racer some day. He'd never lay down on you, an',"
+almost defiantly, "he's got good legs."
+
+"Scotty" felt the dog's legs, and noted the breadth of his chest. "What
+do you want for him, Ben?"
+
+"Would ten dollars be too much?" asked the boy, eagerly.
+
+"Ten dollars would be too little," quickly exclaimed the Woman. "You see
+we are getting ahead of all the others who do not know his fine points
+yet, and we should be willing to pay something extra for this
+opportunity. Do you think that twenty-five dollars would be fair,
+considering that we are in on the ground floor?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am, that's lots more'n I expected. But it ain't so much the
+money I'm gittin' as the home he's gittin' an' the trainin' an' all."
+
+"Well, that's a bargain, then; come to my husband's office--Darling and
+Dean, on Front Street, you know--the first time you are in town, and we
+will give you a check; and you can bring Baldy with you then."
+
+"I guess," slowly, "you'd better take him now. It 'ud be easier fer me
+t' let him go while I'm kinda worked up to it. Mebbe ef I thought about
+it fer a few days I wouldn't be able t' do it, an' he mightn't have
+another chanct like this in his whole life."
+
+He drew a frayed bit of rope from a torn pocket, and tied it to the old
+strap that served as Baldy's collar--handing the end to "Scotty."
+
+In the deepening shadows of the chill November dusk the boy's face was
+ashen. He stooped over as if to see that the knot in the rope was secure
+at the dog's neck--but the Woman knew in that brief instant the
+trembling blue lips had been pressed in an agony of renunciation against
+Baldy's rough coat.
+
+"Thank you both very much," he said in a tone that he tried to keep
+steady. "Thank you fer the ride and fer--fer everything."
+
+He did not trust himself to look at the dog again, but stepped quickly
+into the Golconda Trail.
+
+"You must come to see Baldy often," the Woman called to him.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, I'll be glad to--after a while," he replied gratefully.
+
+And then as "Scotty" gave the word to the impatient Racers, and the team
+swung round to return to Nome, there came to them out of the grayness a
+voice, faint and quavering like an echo--"Some day you'll be glad you've
+got Baldy."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+Where Every Dog Has His Day
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+WHERE EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY
+
+
+Baldy's entrance into the Allan and Darling Kennel had failed to attract
+the interest that the arrival of a new inmate usually created. He was an
+accident, not an acquisition, and the little comment upon his presence
+was generally unfavorable.
+
+Even Matt, who took care of the dogs, and was a sort of godfather to
+them all, shook his head dubiously over Baldy. "He don't seem to belong
+here, someway," had been his mild criticism; while the Woman complained
+to "Scotty" that he was one of the most unresponsive dogs she had ever
+known.
+
+"He's not exactly unresponsive," maintained "Scotty" justly; "but he's
+self-contained, and it's hard for him to adjust himself to these recent
+changes. It's all strange to him, and he misses the boy. You can't watch
+him with Ben and say that he's not affectionate; but he gives his
+affection slowly, and to but few people. One must earn it."
+
+The Woman regarded Baldy with amused contempt. "So one must work hard
+for his affection, eh? Well, with all of the attractive dogs here
+willing to lavish their devotion upon us, I think it would hardly be
+worth while trying to coax Baldy's reluctant tolerance into something
+warmer."
+
+"Scotty" admitted that Baldy could hardly be considered genial. "He's
+like some people whose natures are immobile--inexpressive. It's going to
+take a little while to find out if it's because there is nothing to
+express, or because he is undemonstrative, and has to show by his
+conduct rather than by his manners what there is to him."
+
+It was true that Baldy was unmistakably ill at ease in his new quarters,
+and did not feel at home; for he was accustomed neither to the luxuries
+nor to the restrictions that surrounded him. His early experiences had
+been distinctly plebeian and uninteresting, but they had been quite free
+of control.
+
+Born at one of the mining claims in the hills, of worthy hard-working
+parents, he had, with the various other members of the family, been
+raised to haul freight from town to the mine. But his attachment for Ben
+Edwards had intervened, and before he was really old enough to be
+thoroughly broken to harness, he had taken up his residence at Golconda.
+
+Here his desultory training continued, but a lesson in sled pulling was
+almost invariably turned into a romp, so that he had only acquired the
+rudiments of an education when he came under "Scotty's" supervision.
+
+His complete ignorance in matters of deportment, and possibly, too, his
+retiring disposition, made him feel an intruder in the exclusive coterie
+about him; and certainly there was a pronounced lack of cordiality on
+the part of most of the dogs toward him. This was especially true of
+Tom, Dick, and Harry, the famous Tolman brothers, who were the Veterans
+of Alaska Dog Racing, and so had a standing in the Kennel that none
+dared question. That is, none save Dubby, who recognized no standard
+other than his own; and that standard took no cognizance of Racers as
+Racers. They were all just dogs--good or bad--to Dubby.
+
+The fact that Tom, Dick, and Harry had been in every one of those unique
+dashes across the snow-swept wastes of Seward Peninsula, from Bering Sea
+to the Arctic Ocean and return, and had never been "out of the money,"
+did not count greatly in his rigid code. The same distance covered
+slowly by freighters in pursuance of their task of earning their daily
+living would seem to him far more worthy of respect and emulation. And
+so, when the Tolman brothers, who were apt to be quarrelsome with those
+"not in their class," showed a coldness toward Baldy that threatened to
+break into open hostility at the slightest excuse, Dubby promptly ranged
+himself on the side of the newcomer with a firmness that impressed even
+Tom, Dick, and Harry with a determination to be at least discreet if not
+courteous.
+
+They had learned, with all of the others in the Kennel, to treat with a
+studied politeness--even deference--the wonderful old Huskie whose
+supremacy as a leader had become a Tradition of the North; and who was
+still in fighting trim should cause for trouble arise. He did not rely
+alone on his past achievements, which were many and brilliant, but he
+maintained a reputation for ever-ready power which is apt to give
+immunity from attack.
+
+Dubby's attitude toward the Racers generally was galling in the extreme.
+Usually he ignored them completely, turning his back upon them when they
+were being harnessed, and apparently oblivious of their very existence;
+except as such times when he felt that they needed suggestions as to
+their behavior.
+
+There was, in a way, a certain injustice in Dubby's contempt for what
+might be called the sporting element of the stable; for, like college
+athletes, they were only sports incidentally, and for the greater part
+of the year they were as ready and willing to do a hard day's work in
+carrying goods to the creeks as were the more commonplace dogs who had
+never won distinction on the Trail.
+
+But Dubby was ultra-conservative; and while "Scotty" must have had some
+strange human reason for all of these silly dashes with an absolutely
+empty sled, in his opinion hauling a boiler up to Hobson Creek would be
+a far more efficacious means of exercise, and would be a practical
+accomplishment besides. Dubby was of a generation that knew not racing.
+Of noted McKenzie River parentage, he came from Dawson, where he was
+born, down the Yukon to Nome with "Scotty" Allan. He had led a team of
+his brothers and sisters, six in all, the entire distance of twelve
+hundred miles, early manifesting that definite acknowledged mastery over
+the others that is indispensable in a good leader. He had realized what
+it meant to be a Pioneer, had penetrated with daring men the waste
+places in search of fame, fortune and adventure; and had carried the
+heavy burdens of gold wrested from rock-ribbed mountain, and bouldered
+river bed. He had helped to take the United States Mail to remote and
+inaccessible districts, and had sped with the Doctor and Priest to the
+bedside of the sick or dying in distant, lonely cabins.
+
+He and his kind have ever shared the toil of the development of that
+desolate country that stretches from the ice-bound Arctic to where the
+gray and sullen waters of Bering Sea break on a bleak and wind-swept
+shore. They figure but little in the forest-crowned Alaska of the
+South, with its enchanted isles, emerald green, in the sunlit, silver
+waves; but they are an indispensable factor in the very struggle for
+mere existence up beyond the chain of rugged Aleutians whose towering
+volcanoes are ever enveloped in a sinister shroud of smoke. Up in the
+eternal snows of the Alaska of the North, the unknown Alaska--the Alaska
+of Men and Dogs.
+
+[Illustration: THE ALASKA OF MEN AND DOGS June 1--The
+steamer Corwin at the edge of the ice, five miles from shore]
+
+And so it is not strange that in such a land where the dog has ever
+played well his role of support to those who have faced its dangers and
+conquered its terrors, that his importance should be at last freely
+acknowledged, and the fact admitted that only the best possible dogs
+should be used for all arduous tasks.
+
+Toward this end the Nome Kennel Club was organized. The object was not
+alone the improvement of the breeds used so extensively, but also, since
+the first President was a Kentuckian, of equal importance was the
+furnishing of a wholesome and characteristic sport for the community.
+
+And Nome, once famed for her eager, reckless treasure-seekers in that
+great rush of 1900; famed once for being the "widest open" camp in all
+Alaska, now in her days of peace and quiet still claims recognition. Not
+only because of the millions taken out annually by her huge dredgers and
+hydraulics; not only because she is an important trading station that
+supplies whalers and explorers with all necessary equipment for their
+voyages in the Arctic; not only because of her picturesque history; but
+because she possesses the best sled dogs to be found, and originated and
+maintains the most thrilling and most difficult sport the world has ever
+known--Long Distance Dog Racing.
+
+Previous to the advent of these races any dog that could stand on four
+legs, and had strength enough to pull, was apt to be pressed into
+service; but since they have become a recognized feature of the life
+there, a certain pride has manifested itself in the dog-drivers, and
+dog-owners, who aim now to use only the dogs really fitted for the work.
+Even the Eskimos, who were notorious for their indifferent handling of
+their ill-fed, overburdened beasts, have joined in the "better dog"
+movement, which is a popular and growing one.
+
+According to Dubby's stern law, however, most of the Racers--the
+long-legged, supple-bodied Tolmans, the delicately built Irish Setters,
+Irish and Rover, and numberless others of the same type, would have been
+condemned to the ignominy of being mere pets; useless canine adjuncts to
+human beings--creatures that were allowed in the house, and were given
+strangely repulsive bits of food in return for degrading antics, such as
+sitting on one's hind legs or playing dead.
+
+Occasionally there was, for some valid reason, an exception to his
+disapproval; as in the case, for instance, of Jack McMillan. For while
+he could not but deplore Jack's headstrong ways, and his intolerance of
+authority in the past, he nevertheless felt a certain admiration for the
+big tawny dog who moved with the lithe ease of the panther, and held
+himself with the imposing dignity of the lion. An admiration for the dog
+whose reputation for wickedness extended even to the point of being
+called a "man-eater," and was the source, far and near, of a respect
+largely tempered with fear.
+
+There was always an air of repressed pride about Jack when he listened
+to the thrilling accounts of his crimes told with dramatic inspiration
+to horrified audiences; a pride which is not seemly save for great
+worth and good deeds. Yet in spite of these grave faults of character
+Dubby accorded McMillan the recognition due his wonderful strength and
+keen intelligence; for Dubby, while intolerant of mere speed, was ever
+alert to find the sterner and more rugged qualities in his associates.
+
+Perhaps it was partly because Baldy possessed no trivial graces and
+manifested no disdain for the homely virtues of the work dogs whose
+faithfulness has won for them an honorable place in the community, that
+Dubby had soon given unmistakable signs of friendliness that helped to
+make Baldy's new home endurable.
+
+While Dubby's championship was a great comfort, there were many things
+of every-day occurrence that surprised and annoyed Baldy. Out of the
+bewilderment that had at first overwhelmed him he had finally evolved
+two Great Rules of Conduct, which he observed implicitly--to Pull as
+Hard as he Could, and to Obey his Driver. This code of ethics is perfect
+for a trail dog of Alaska, but it was in the minor things that he was
+constantly perplexed--things in which it was difficult to distinguish
+between right and wrong, or at least between folly and wisdom. To tell
+where frankness of action became tactlessness, and the renunciation of
+passing pleasures a pose. It was particularly disconcerting to see that
+virtue often remained unnoticed, and that vice just as often escaped
+retribution; and what he saw might have undermined Baldy's whole moral
+nature, but for the simple sincerity that was the key-note to his
+character. As an artless dog of nature he was accustomed, when the world
+did not seem just and right to him, to show it plainly--an attitude not
+conducive to popularity; and it often made him seem surly when as a
+matter of fact he was only puzzled or depressed. He could not feign an
+amiability to hide hatred and vindictiveness as did the Tolmans, and it
+was a constant shock to him to note how the hypocrisy of Tom and his
+brothers deluded their friends into a deep-seated belief in their
+integrity. Even after such depravity as chasing the Allan girl's pet
+cat, stealing a neighbor's dog-salmon, or attacking an inoffensive
+Cocker Spaniel, he had seen Tom so meek and pensive that no one could
+suspect him of wrong-doing who had not actually witnessed it; and he had
+seen the Woman, when she _had_ actually witnessed it, become a sort of
+accessory after the fact, and shield Tom from "Scotty's" just wrath,
+which was extraordinary and confusing.
+
+The confinement of a Kennel, too, no matter how commodious, was most
+trying. Even the vigorous daily exercise was "personally conducted" by
+Matt; and Baldy longed for the freedom that had been his when alone, or
+preferably with the boy, he had roamed through the far stretches of rank
+grass, tender willows, and sweet-smelling herbs in summer, or over the
+wide, snowy plains in winter.
+
+Then, later, the boy came to Baldy; and there were blissful periods when
+he would lie with his head on Ben's lap; when the repressed enmity of
+the haughty Tolmans, the cold indifference of the magnificent McMillan,
+and even Matt's eternal vigilance were forgotten. Periods when his
+companion's toil-hardened hands stroked the sleek sides and sinewy
+flanks that no longer hinted of insufficient nourishment; and caressing
+fingers lingered over the smooth and shining coat that had once been so
+rough and ragged.
+
+To see Baldy receiving the same care and consideration as his
+stable-mates, who had won the plaudits of the world, justified the boy's
+sacrifice; and in spite of his loneliness he always left Baldy with a
+happy heart.
+
+"We'll show 'em some day we was worth while, won't we, Baldy?" he would
+whisper confidently; and Baldy's reply was sure to be a satisfactory wag
+of his bobbed tail, signifying that he certainly intended to do his
+best.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+The First Step
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE FIRST STEP
+
+
+With the boy's more frequent visits Baldy's horizon began to widen
+almost imperceptibly. He even looked forward to those moments when, with
+George Allan and his friend Danny Kelly, Ben stood beside him discussing
+his points and possibilities.
+
+Up to the present his world had included but two friends--the boy and
+Moose Jones. Annoyed and sometimes abused at the Camp, he had felt that
+there was no real understanding between himself and most of those with
+whom he came into association, and it had made him gloomy and
+suspicious. Now he knew, with the intuition so often found in children
+and animals, that George and Danny, as well as Ben, comprehended, at
+least in part, the emotions he could not adequately express--gratitude
+for kindness and a desire to please; and in return he endeavored to show
+his appreciation of this understanding by shy overtures of friendliness.
+He even licked George's hand one day--a caress heretofore reserved
+exclusively for Ben Edwards--and he escorted Danny Kelly the full length
+of the town to his home in the East End, much as he dreaded the confines
+of the narrow city streets where he was brought into close contact with
+strange people and strange dogs.
+
+At Golconda, in his absorbing affection for the boy, he had more or less
+ignored the others of his kind--they meant nothing to him. But now the
+advantages of plenty of food and excellent care were almost offset by
+his occasional contact with the quarrelsome dogs of the street, and his
+constant companionship with the distinguished company into which he had
+come reluctantly and in which he seemed so unwelcome.
+
+In "Scotty" Baldy discerned a compelling personality to whom he rendered
+willing allegiance and respect, as well as a dawning affection. And it
+was with much gratification that he had heard occasionally after
+inspection comments in a tone that contained no trace of regret at his
+presence, even if it had as yet inspired no particular enthusiasm. To be
+sure Allan found some merit in the least promising dogs as a rule, and
+perhaps the faint praise he was beginning to bestow on Baldy had in it
+more or less of the impersonal approval he gave to all dogs who did not
+prove themselves hopelessly bad. But it seemed at least a step in the
+right direction when "Scotty" had said, replying to criticism of the
+Woman, "No, he is certainly not fierce, and by no means so morose as he
+looks. So far I must confess he's proving himself a pretty good sort."
+
+Of course even the Woman, who admitted frankly that first impressions
+counted much with her, knew that it was not always wise to judge by
+appearances, for she had seen the successful development of the most
+unlikely material. There was the case of Tom, Dick, and Harry. No one
+would ever have supposed in seeing them, so alert and with the quickness
+and grace of a cat in their movements, that in their feeble mangy
+infancy they had only been saved from drowning by their excellent family
+connections, and their appealing charm of responsiveness. A
+responsiveness that in maturity made them favorites with every one who
+knew them, and prompted the tactful ways that convinced each admirer
+that his approval was the last seal to their satisfaction in the fame
+they had won. When Tom leaned against people confidingly, and put up his
+paw in cordial greeting; and Dick and Harry, so much alike that it was
+nearly impossible to tell them apart, stood waiting eagerly for the
+inevitable words of praise, it was hard indeed to realize that their
+perfect manners were a cloak for morals that rough, uncultured Baldy
+would condemn utterly.
+
+With the departure of the last boats of the summer there is no
+connecting link with the great, unfrozen outside, except the wireless
+telegraph and the United States Government Dog Team Mail that is brought
+fifteen hundred miles, in relays, over the long white trail from Valdez.
+Then, with the early twilight of the long Arctic winter, which lasts
+until the dawn of the brilliant sunshine and pleasant warmth of May,
+there come the Dog Days of Nome. Days that are heralded by an increased
+activity in dog circles, a mysterious fascination that weaves itself
+about all prospective entries to the races, and the introduction of a
+strange dialect called "Deep Dog Dope," which is the popular means of
+communication between all people regardless of age, sex or
+nationality--from the Federal Judge on the Bench to the tiniest tots in
+Kindergarten.
+
+The town gives itself up completely to the gripping intensities and
+ardors of this period when all dog men assemble in appropriate places to
+talk over the prospects of the coming Racing Season. Accordingly George
+and Danny were in the habit of meeting in the Kennel, each afternoon, to
+consider the burning questions of the hour, with all of the certain
+knowledge and wide experience that belonged to their mature years--for
+George and Danny were seven and eight respectively.
+
+Often Ben, whose mother had obtained work in town so that he might go to
+school regularly, joined in these important discussions; and while
+somewhat older than his companions, he greatly enjoyed being with them,
+for they were manly little fellows and had picked up much valuable dog
+lore from "Scotty" and Matt.
+
+The Woman, too, for no apparent reason, was frequently at these serious
+conclaves, and was apt to voice rather trifling views on the weighty
+matters in debate. George felt that she was entitled only to the
+courteous toleration one accords the weaker sex in matters too deep for
+their inconsequent minds to grasp fully; for even if she was his
+father's racing partner, she had openly acknowledged that she considered
+dogs a pastime, and not a life study, which naturally proved her mental
+limitations.
+
+[Illustration: The Woman]
+
+One of the events already assured was a race for boys under nine years
+of age. "It's too bad you're too old for it, Ben," George had exclaimed
+sympathetically. "Father's told Danny and me we can use some of his
+dogs; and he'd 'a' been glad t' do the same for you. When I want t'
+drive fast dogs, and go t' the Moving Pictures at night, and drink
+coffee, I wish I was old too; but now I can see that gettin' old's
+pretty tough on a feller sometimes."
+
+"Mebbe there'll be a race fer the older boys later," replied Ben
+hopefully. "I dunno as I could do much myself, but I sure would like t'
+try Baldy out. He minds so quick I think he'd be a fine leader; an' it
+looks like he'd be fast from the way he chases rabbits and squirrels
+out on the tundra."
+
+"You can't allers tell about that," observed Dan pessimistically. "I got
+a dog that's a corker when he's just chasin' things; but when I put a
+harness on him he ain't fit for a High School Girl's Racin' Team, an'
+you know what girls is for gettin' speed out of a dog. 'You poor tired
+little doggie, you can stop right here an' rest if you want to; I don't
+care if they do get ahead of us,'" and Danny finished his remarks in the
+high falsetto and mincing inflection he attributed to the youthful
+members of a sex that in his opinion, as well as in George's, has no
+right to engage in the masculine occupation of Dog Mushing.
+
+"Of course," said George, looking thoughtfully at Baldy, who was lying
+contentedly at Ben's feet, and giving voice to the wisdom of "Scotty" or
+Matt in such discussions, "of course, in a dog that's goin' in for the
+Big Race, you got t' have more'n speed. You can't depend on just that
+for four hundred and eight miles. There's got t' be lots of endurance
+an' the dogs had ought t' really enjoy racin' t' do their best. But for
+this race we're goin' in, Danny, I guess speed's the whole thing.
+Speed, an' the dog's mindin' you." George glanced involuntarily toward
+Jack McMillan, who sat with his head resting against the Woman's knee.
+"You can't do anythin' at all, no matter how fast dogs is, if they don't
+mind."
+
+"I'm afraid, Mr. McMillan," commented the Woman seriously, "that these
+personalities are meant for you. Just because your first owner spoiled
+you, and the second paid the highest price ever given for a dog in the
+North, all accuse you of thinking yourself far too important to be
+classed with the common herd whose chief virtue is obedience. They say
+you lost a great race by being ungovernable. Guilty, or not guilty?" The
+brown eyes that had been wont to blaze so fiercely now looked pleadingly
+into the Woman's face, and the sable muzzle was pressed more closely
+against her. "They started you off all wrong, Jack. They let you become
+headstrong, and then tried to force you arbitrarily into their ways,
+instead of persuading you. If you had been a human being, all this would
+have been considered Temperament, but being only a dog it was Temper,
+and was dealt with as such." McMillan gravely extended his paw in
+appreciation of her championship.
+
+"Oh, I didn't only just mean Jack when I was talkin' about dogs not
+mindin'," explained George with embarrassed haste; for he knew of the
+Woman's fondness for the dog and did not wish to hurt her feelings, much
+as he condemned her judgment in selecting such a favorite.
+
+Her preference had dated from the night when she had entered the Kennel
+after a long absence, and had seen the stranger in the half light of the
+June midnight. He had changed somewhat since the imperious days when he
+had threatened the life of his trainer, and she had not recognized the
+Incorrigible in the handsome dog who had greeted her with such
+flattering cordiality.
+
+He soon manifested an abject devotion to her, and would barely listen
+even to "Scotty" when she was near--the moment he heard her footsteps
+howling insistently till she ignored all of the others and came directly
+to him. It became a matter of pride with her to take him into the
+streets where people would still look askance at the erstwhile
+"man-eater," and comment on her courage in handling the "brute." While
+she and the "brute" had the little joke between them, which she later
+confided to Ben, that Jack McMillan's misdemeanors were merely the
+result of an undisciplined nature handled unsympathetically, and that at
+heart he was the gentlest dog in Nome.
+
+"Jack minds all right now," ventured Ben. "I seen him the other day with
+Mr. Allan, an' he minded as good as any of 'em--even Kid."
+
+"Well, none of them could do better than that. 'Scotty' says that Kid
+has every admirable quality that a dog could possibly possess, and that
+without a doubt he is the most promising racing leader in Alaska. But of
+course Jack would have to mind or he would not be here. The first thing
+a new dog must realize is that 'Scotty' is the sole authority, and that
+obedience is the first law of the Kennel. Even with his first racing
+driver I believe it was more a case of misunderstanding on both sides
+than wilful disobedience. But it grew to a point where it became almost
+a matter of life or death for one or the other."
+
+"Moose Jones said they had t' break his tusks t' use him at all, an'
+that it took three men t' hold him away from his driver sometimes; an'
+that 'Scotty' was the only man in the whole North that could git the
+best of him without breakin' his spirit. An' he seems terrible fond o'
+'Scotty'--I mean Mr. Allan--now."
+
+"You may call him 'Scotty,' Ben; he doesn't mind in the least. He's
+'Scotty' to every Alaskan from Juneau to Barrow, Eskimos included--age
+no restraint. Yes, Jack is fond of 'Scotty,' but it took a battle royal
+to bring about this permanent peace."
+
+"It's a wonder he wasn't killed before you an' 'Scotty' got him, if they
+was all so scared t' handle him."
+
+"He would have been killed except that his enormous strength and unusual
+alertness made him too valuable. So in spite of their fears they kept
+him, but he was watched incessantly; and after his tusks were broken he
+became even more rebellious, and grew to distrust every one about him.
+Poor old fellow." She turned the handsome head toward the boy. "Look at
+him, Ben. Would you believe that they used to frighten naughty children
+by telling them that Jack was out looking for them?"
+
+It was a fact that his name had once carried a suggestion of grim terror
+and impending disaster in Nome. And the dark hint that McMillan of the
+Broken Tusks was in the neighborhood struck consternation to the hearts
+of infant malefactors, and had been the source of much unwilling virtue,
+and many a politic repentance on the part of those offenders hitherto
+only impressed by the threatened arrival of the Policeman.
+
+Ben regarded Jack with admiration and pity. He was sorry for even a dog
+that has been misunderstood.
+
+"No, ma'am, he don't look vicious, but he sure does look powerful. If a
+man had a whole team like Jack there'd hardly be a chanct t' beat him, I
+s'pose."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that, Ben. Of course the team counts for a great
+deal; so, too, does the skill of the driver. But there are many other
+things that enter into this contest that do not have to be considered
+usually. Given a mile of smooth track and horses in perfect condition,
+well mounted, the fastest one is apt to win. In a race that lasts for
+over three days and nights, however, through the roughest sort of
+country, in weather that may range from a thaw to a blizzard, and with
+fifteen or twenty dogs to manage, the Luck of the Trail is an enormous
+factor. One team may run into a storm, and be delayed for hours, that
+another may escape entirely; and a trivial accident may put the best
+team and driver entirely out of commission."
+
+"That's so," agreed Danny. "That's what happened the year 'Scotty' lost
+the race to Seppala, an' came in second. Don't you know, George, your
+father told us it was near the end o' the run, an' the dogs was gettin'
+pretty tired, so he put a loose leader at the head t' give 'em new
+life--sort t' ginger 'em up. I guess that dog was as tired as the rest,
+an' nervous, 'cause he missed the trail in a terrible blow an' got
+separated from 'Scotty' an' went back t' the Road House they'd left
+last, like he'd been learned t' do. O' course 'Scotty' looked for him a
+while an' then went back for him. But it lost the race, all right, an'
+the cinch he had on breakin' the record. With them four hours lost, an'
+what he done later, he'd 'a' made the best time ever known in a dog race
+in Alaska. Gee, it was awful."
+
+The Woman sighed. "Well, at least they can't blame the loss of _that_
+race on you, can they, Jack? It certainly was hard luck, but we will
+have to be good sports and try it again. Perhaps you'll develop a dog
+star of the first magnitude for us in your race, boys."
+
+George and Danny looked serious. It was a difficult problem--this
+assembling of a racing team, and the responsibility weighed heavily upon
+them. Why, it meant the possibility of making a juvenile Record, and
+winning a Cup, and naturally required a critical consideration of even
+the smallest details.
+
+"If I could only take some o' the Sweepstakes Dogs," mused George
+regretfully, "it 'ud be dead easy; but Father says it wouldn't be fair
+t' the fellers that hasn't a racin' stable t' pick from. We got t' use
+some o' the untried ones. I been thinkin' o' Spot for a leader. He seems
+sort o' awkward, 'cause he's raw-boned, an' ain't filled out yet; but
+all the other dogs like him, an' he'd ruther run than eat."
+
+"Isn't he pretty young for that position?" hazarded the Woman. "Let me
+see, he can't be much more than a year old now."
+
+She remembered when he had been a common little fellow, but a short time
+ago, sprawling in every mud-puddle, or wobbling uncertainly after the
+many strange alluring things in the streets. Matt, who seemed to have
+second sight in regard to the invisible, latent good points in all
+horses and dogs, had picked him up in the pound for a mere nothing; and
+to him there was granted the vision of a brilliant future for the
+vagrant puppy. "Mark my words," he had said decisively when Spot's fate
+hung in the balance, "you can't go wrong on him; he'll be a credit to us
+all some day." And so Spot was rescued from death, or at least from a
+life of poverty and obscurity, and given to George Allan to become his
+constant companion.
+
+"You know," she persisted, "if a leader is too young he's apt to become
+over-zealous and important the way Irish did the day we loaned him to
+Charlie Thompson in the first Moose Handicap. Don't you remember he was
+disgusted at the way they were being managed by a rank novice, so he
+took his place in front of a rival team that was being well driven, and
+led them to victory, with the whole town cheering and yelling? You don't
+want that to happen to you, because your leader is inexperienced."
+
+"It ain't the same thing at all," explained George patiently; for it is
+ever the man's part to try to be patient with the feminine ignorance of
+dogs and baseball and other essential things about which women seem to
+have no intuition. "You see, I ain't goin' to drive him loose. A dog
+shouldn't ever be a loose leader unless he's a wonder at managin' all
+the rest, an' young dogs ain't generally had the trainin' for it. After
+a dog has showed he can find the trail, an' keep it, an' set the pace,
+an' make the others mind him, bein' a loose leader's kind of an honor
+he's promoted to; like bein' a General in the army. He don't have t' be
+hitched up to the tow-line any more, an' pull; he just has t' think, an'
+keep the team out o' trouble."
+
+"It's too bad that dogs aren't driven with lines instead of spoken
+orders--then there wouldn't be all of the bother about a leader every
+time." Both George and Danny looked at her for a moment with a contempt
+they barely succeeded in concealing. Even Ben Edwards was unpleasantly
+surprised, and he was not given to regarding her vagaries with
+unfriendly criticism.
+
+Drive with lines! Bother about a leader! Why, if dogs were driven with
+lines there would be no more interest in driving a dog team than there
+is in driving a delivery wagon, or running an automobile. All of the
+fascination of having your dogs answer to your will, voluntarily and
+intelligently, would be lost in the mechanical response to the jerk and
+the pull of the reins.
+
+She was utterly hopeless. There was no use of a further waste of words
+with her on such matters.
+
+George turned to Danny and Ben. They were discerning, and capable of
+grasping a dog man's point of view. "Then there's Queen, for one
+wheeler. You know we're only allowed three dogs, an' we got t' be mighty
+careful."
+
+"I expect it's pretty near 's important t' git the right wheel dogs as
+'tis a leader, ain't it, George? Bein' next t' the sled an' so close t'
+the driver an' load, they allers seem t' kinda manage the business end
+o' things."
+
+"That's right, Ben. That's why we got t' be sure o' gettin' good
+wheelers. In racin' there's no load, but it takes some managin' just the
+same t' keep the sled right on side hills an' goin' down steep slopes.
+O' course in a short race I wouldn't get into the sled at all, an' on
+the runners at the back I can get my feet on the brake easy. But Father
+an' Matt say that you want your wheelers t' know just what their duties
+is if the brake gets out o' order, or any thin' goes wrong."
+
+"Wheelers have to be clever, and strong and tractable then--rather a
+big order," murmured the Woman somewhat meekly, as one seeking
+information.
+
+"Yes, ma'am," replied Danny politely, "all o' that, an' I was just
+wonderin' if Queen 'ud do for the place."
+
+Queen, another present of Matt's to George, was a Gordon Setter with a
+strong admixture of native blood, and was hopeless as a regular team dog
+because of her high-strung and irritable disposition. Naturally nervous,
+she had become, with the advent of her first family, so fierce that it
+was dangerous for any one to approach her except George, and for him she
+cheerfully left her puppies to be of service in sled pulling.
+
+"Oh, I think she'll do; when you know Queen an' like her she ain't so
+bad; an' besides not bein' able t' take any o' the real racers don't
+leave us much choice."
+
+"Do you--don't you think you could use Baldy?" suggested Ben eagerly.
+"He's no locomotive like McMillan, ner a flyin' machine like them Tolman
+dogs an' Irish an' Rover; but you've no idea how powerful an' willin' he
+is till you've tried him. Just give him a show, George. I'm 'most sure
+he'd make good. Moose Jones allers said he would."
+
+There was a moment of serious consideration on the part of George,
+while Danny eyed Baldy critically, and remarked with discrimination,
+"Better take him; some o' these common lookin' dogs has the right stuff
+in 'em. If looks was everythin' I guess you an' me 'ud be scrappin' over
+Oolik Lomen or Margaret Winston, that new fox-hound Russ Downing just
+got from Kentucky. But you an' me know too much t' get took in by just
+good looks, George."
+
+"All right, Ben. I'll take Baldy for the other wheel dog," said George
+as he ran his hand over Baldy's sturdy, muscular body. "He'll be able to
+show somethin' o' what's in him in this dash. Now we'd better see about
+Danny's team."
+
+The Woman's observation that she thought Jemima, being black, would make
+a more artistic wheel-mate for Queen from the standpoint of color
+harmony, than would white-faced sable Baldy, was silently ignored, as
+was merited.
+
+And so, in defiance of Art, and in spite of her evident prejudice
+against him, Baldy made one of George Allan's Racing Team.
+
+Danny, after much discussion and deep thought, selected Judge for his
+leader, and Jimmie and Pete as wheelers. They were all steady and
+reliable, and made up a more dependable team than George's uncertain
+combination of youthful Spot, fiery Queen, and untried Baldy.
+
+Ben was elated that the latter had been accepted by such experts as
+being worthy a place in the coming event. And as he left the Kennel to
+rush home to tell his mother the great news, he pictured Baldy in his
+coming role of wheeler in so distinguished a company. "I'm mighty glad I
+give him up when I did," he thought cheerfully. "Baldy is sure gettin'
+his chanct now."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+The Plodder
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE PLODDER
+
+
+The last two weeks before the Alaska Juvenile Race, as the Nome Kennel
+Club had announced it, were busy ones, not only for the boys who were to
+actually take part in it, but for all of their friends as well. For
+those who had not teams for the event had more than likely loaned a dog,
+a sled or a harness to one of the contestants, and consequently felt a
+deep personal interest in all incidents connected with the various
+entries.
+
+To Ben Edwards the time was full of diversions, for every afternoon on
+his way home from school he stopped at the Kennel to curry and brush
+Baldy or help George and Danny in the care of the other dogs whose
+condition was of such moment now.
+
+When George felt that he should give Spot special training to fit him
+for his new position as leader, or took Queen out under the strict
+discipline he knew would be necessary to prepare her for the ordeal, he
+would ask Ben to hitch Baldy to one of the small sleds and give him a
+run.
+
+Baldy's nature had always expressed itself best in action, and Ben was
+delighted with the ease with which he adjusted himself to serious sled
+work. There were no more romps, no more games, but his pace became even
+and steady, and he required no threats and no inducements to make him do
+his best.
+
+"There's one thing about Baldy," admitted George freely, "you don't have
+t' jolly him along all the time. Why, even with Spot I have to say
+'Snowbirds' an' 'Rabbits' every little while when I want him to go
+faster, an' then you should see him mush. You know that's what Father
+says t' Tom, Dick 'an' Harry, an' Rover an' Irish. It's fine with any of
+'em that's got bird-dog blood, an' you know Spot's part pointer. O'
+course they don't have t' really see snowbirds an' rabbits, but they
+just love t' hear about 'em, an' begin t' look ahead right away. An' if
+they do happen t' see 'em, they pretty nearly jump out o' their harness,
+they're so crazy for 'em."
+
+"Baldy's part bird-dog, too," said Ben, "but I been watchin' him close,
+an' it ain't anythin' outside that makes him want t' go; it's more like
+he feels a sort o' duty about doin' the very best he kin fer any one
+that's usin' him. He's allers willin' t' do more'n his share; an' he's
+lots happier when he's workin' hard than when he's just lyin' idle in
+the stable, or bein' trotted out by Matt fer a walk."
+
+"I wisht I was like that," muttered Danny gloomily. "That bein' happiest
+when you're workin' hard must be great; but I guess it's only dogs an'
+mebbe some men that's like that. I don't know o' any boys that's got
+such feelin's."
+
+[Illustration: NOME, ALASKA, FROM BERING SEA]
+
+When the day of the Boys' Race arrived, a day clear, and beautiful, and
+only a degree or two below zero, it seemed as if all of Nome had decided
+to celebrate the momentous occasion; going in crowds to the starting
+place, which was a broad, open thoroughfare on the outskirts of town.
+Those especially interested in the individual teams gathered at the
+various kennels to see the dogs harnessed and the young drivers prepared
+for their test as trailsmen in the coming struggle.
+
+It was Saturday, and a general holiday, and Ben's mother had given him
+permission to go to the Kennel early; so that when George and Dan
+arrived they found their dogs smooth and shining from the energetic
+grooming that Ben had given them.
+
+"It's awful good of you, Ben," said George appreciatively. "Danny an' me
+came in plenty o' time t' do it ourselves, an' Matt said he'd help us
+too; an' now you've got 'em lookin' finer'n silk. I'll bet even
+Father'll say they're as fine as a Sweepstakes Team, an' he's mighty
+partic'lar, I can tell you. But I don't see how you got Queen t' stand
+for it."
+
+"I talked to 'er jest the way you do, an' then walked straight up to 'er
+so's she'd see I wasn't afeared. Moose Jones says it's no use tryin' t'
+do anything with a dog that knows you're scared. He told me the reason
+your father made a good dog out o' Jack McMillan was because he wasn't
+afeared of him, an' give the dog an even break in the terrible fight
+they had."
+
+"Father always does that," responded George proudly. "He believes you
+got t' show a dog once for all that you're master of him at his very
+best. If you tie a dog o' McMillan's spirit, an' beat him t' make him
+obey, he always thinks he hadn't a fair chance. But if you can show him
+that he can't down you, no matter how good a scrap he puts up, he'll
+respect you an' like you the way Jack does Dad."
+
+"I don't believe me an' Queen'd ever have any trouble now," observed Ben
+thoughtfully. "Some way I guess we kinda understand each other better'n
+we did before."
+
+"Well, it sure shows you got courage," exclaimed Dan admiringly. "I
+wouldn't touch that snarlin' brute o' George's, not if I could win this
+race by it, an' you know what I'd do fer that." He examined Judge,
+Jimmie, and Pete, with profound satisfaction. They were compactly built,
+of an even tan color, short haired, bob-tailed, and all about the same
+size, being brothers in one litter. Their sturdy legs suggested strength
+and their intelligent faces spoke of amiability as well as alertness.
+They were indeed worthy sons of the fleet hound mother--Mego--whose
+puppies rank so high in the racing world beyond the frozen sea. "They
+just glisten, Ben. You must 'a' worked hard t' get 'em lookin' as smooth
+an' shinin' as the fur neck-pieces the girls wear."
+
+"O' course I wanted t' git Baldy ready fer his first race; an' doin'
+little things fer the other dogs is about the only way I kin pay
+everybody round here fer all they're doin' fer him."
+
+Baldy was fast learning not to despise the detail that had made the new
+life so irksome before he realized how necessary it is in a large
+Kennel; and he now stood patiently waiting for his harness, while long
+discussions took place as to the adjustment of every strap, and the
+position of every buckle.
+
+"Scotty" and Matt had come in to be ready with counsel and service, if
+necessary; then the Allan girls and many of the children from the
+neighborhood arrived, and later the Woman appeared with the Big Man whom
+Baldy some way associated invariably with her, and a yellow malamute
+whom Baldy invariably associated with him.
+
+The Big Man always spoke pleasantly to the dogs, and had won Baldy's
+approval by not interfering--as did the Woman--in Kennel affairs; and
+the malamute--the Yellow Peril, as the Woman had named him--was plainly
+antagonistic to the Racers, at whom he growled with much enthusiasm. And
+so Baldy was glad to see the Big Man and the Peril amongst the
+acquaintances and strangers who were thronging into the place.
+
+George brought out a miniature racing sled--his most prized
+possession--and a perfect reproduction of the one "Scotty" used in the
+Big Races, being built strongly, but on delicate lines. Danny pulled
+another, only a trifle less rakish, beside it. They were conversing in
+low tones. "We got pretty nearly half an hour t' wait, Dan, an' it's
+fierce t' have all these people that don't know a blame thing about
+racin' standin' round here givin' us fool advice. Why, if we was t' do
+what they're tellin', we'd be down an' out before we reached Powell's
+dredge on Bourbon Creek. Most of 'em don't know any more 'bout dogs 'n I
+do 'bout--'bout--"
+
+"'Rithmetic," suggested Danny promptly.
+
+"Well, anyway, we got t' run our own race. Dad says there ain't any cut
+an' dried rules for dog racin' beyond knowin' your dogs, an' usin'
+common sense. Each time it's different, 'cordin' t' the dogs, the
+distance, the trail an' the weather. An' you have t' know just what it's
+best t' do whatever happens, even if it never happened before."
+
+"Gee," sighed Danny heavily, "winnin' automobile races an' horse races
+is takin' candy from babies besides this here dog racin'. I hadn't any
+idea how much there was to it till we begun t' train the dogs, an' talk
+it over with your father. I was awful nervous last night, I don't
+believe I slept hardly any, worryin' about the things that can go wrong,
+no matter how careful you are."
+
+"I didn't sleep any, either. I got t' thinkin' about Queen hatin'
+Eskimos, an' chasin' 'em every time she gets a chance. It 'ud be a
+terrible thing if she saw one out on the tundra, an' left the trail t'
+try and ketch him; or if she smelled some of 'em in the crowd an' made a
+break for 'em just when she ought t' be ready t' start. An' you know
+there's bound t' be loads of Eskimos, 'cause they'd rather see a dog
+race than eat a seal-blubber banquet."
+
+"That's so; but Spot is good friends with all the natives 'round town,
+an' he's stronger'n Queen, an' wouldn't leave the trail for anything but
+snowbirds or rabbits, so he'd hold 'er down. An' I guess Baldy'd be
+kinda neutral, 'cause he don't pay attention t' Eskimos or anything when
+he's workin'. I never saw a dog mind his own business like Baldy. That's
+worth somethin' in a race." The inactivity was becoming unbearable.
+"George, if you and Ben'll get the dogs into harness, I'll go an' see
+what's doin' with some of the others. It'll sort o' fill in time."
+
+Ben and George hitched the dogs to the respective sleds after Spot, in
+the exuberant joy of a prospective run, had dashed madly about, barking
+boisterously, a thing absolutely prohibited in that well-ordered
+household. "Scotty" and Matt refrained from all criticism of George's
+leader, knowing that both the boy and dog were unduly excited by the
+noisy, laughing groups surrounding them. Queen, while she waited with
+very scant patience for the strange situation, diverted herself by
+nipping viciously at any one who went past, and Baldy stood quiet and
+different save when Ben Edwards was near, or "Scotty" spoke kindly to
+him.
+
+Mego's sons, as was natural with such a parent, and with Allan's
+training since they were born, behaved with perfect propriety; and there
+were many compliments for Dan's team, which manifested a polite interest
+in the development of affairs.
+
+Shortly Dan returned with somewhat encouraging information about the
+rival teams.
+
+"Bob's got three dogs better matched 'n yours as t' size," he remarked
+judicially, "but his leader, old Nero, 's most twelve, you remember, 'nd
+wants t' stop an' wag his tail, an' give his paw t' every kid that
+speaks to him. Bill's got some bully pups, but his sled's no good; it's
+his mother's kitchen chair nailed onto his skiis. Jimmie's team's a
+peach, an' so's his sled; but Jim drives like a--like a girl," finished
+Mr. Kelly scornfully, with the tone of one who disposes of that
+contestant effectively and finally. "For looks an' style, I can tell
+you, George, there ain't any of 'em that's a patch on my team. Some
+Pupmobile!"
+
+He glanced proudly at the wide-awake dogs who showed their breeding and
+education at every turn, and then toward George's ill-assorted
+collection: Spot, rangy, raw-boned, and awkward, Queen fretful and
+mutinous, and Baldy so stolid that it was evident he was receiving no
+inspiration from the enthusiasm about him.
+
+"Of course you can beat me drivin' without half tryin', George, an' if
+Spot's feet wasn't so big, an' Queen didn't have such a rotten
+disposition, an' Baldy knew he was alive, it 'ud be a regular cinch for
+you. But the way things is, believe me, I'm goin' t' give you a run for
+your money, with good old Mego's 'houn' dogs.'"
+
+Both George and Dan had, of course, like all small boys in Nome, at one
+time or another, made swift and hazardous dashes of a few hundred yards,
+in huge chopping bowls purloined from their mothers' pantries; and drawn
+by any one dog that was available for the instant, and would tamely
+submit to the degradation. An infantile amusement, they felt now, in the
+face of this real Sporting Event that was engaging the attention of the
+entire town. And to complete the feeling that this was indeed no mere
+child's play, the Woman came to them with two cups of hot tea to warm
+them up, and steady their nerves on the trail. This they graciously
+accepted and drank, in spite of its very unpleasant taste; for "Scotty"
+always drank tea while giving Matt the last few necessary directions
+before a race.
+
+"All ready, boys, time to leave," called the Big Man cheerily. "Peril
+and I will go ahead, and charge the multitudes so that you can get
+through."
+
+The Allan girls pressed forward hurriedly to give George two treasured
+emblems of Good Luck--a four-leaf clover in a crumpled bit of silver
+paper, and a tiny Billiken in ivory, the cherished work of Happy Jack,
+the Eskimo Carver.
+
+Equally potent charms in the form of a rabbit's foot, and a rusty
+horseshoe were tendered Danny by his staunch supporters.
+
+At the big door of the Kennel the boys stopped for a final word. "We
+won't make a sound if we should have to pass on the trail," said George.
+"We'll be as silent as the dead," an expression recently acquired, and
+one which seemed in keeping with these solemn moments. "All the dogs
+know our voices, an' if we should speak they might stop just like they
+have when we've been exercisin' 'em, an' wanted t' talk things over.
+We'll pull the hoods of our parkas over our heads, an' turn our faces
+away so's not to attract 'em. Dan, I do want t' win this race awful bad,
+'cause o' my father mostly, but you bet I hope you'll come in a close
+second."
+
+"Same to you, George," and they made their way to the middle of the
+street, where they fell in behind the Big Man and the Peril, and were
+flanked by the Woman and "Scotty," Matt and Ben, with most of the others
+who had waited for this imposing departure.
+
+The other entries had already arrived at the starting point, where there
+was much confusion and zeal in keeping the bewildered dogs in order. It
+was a new game, and they did not quite comprehend what was expected of
+them.
+
+At last, however, the Timekeeper, and Starter, assisted by various
+members of the Kennel Club, had cleared a space into which the first
+entry was led with great ceremony. It was Bob, with the cordial, if
+ancient, Nero in the lead.
+
+They were to leave three minutes apart; the time of each team being
+computed from the moment of its departure till its return, as is always
+done in the Great Races.
+
+The Timekeeper stood with his watch in his hand, and the Starter beside
+him. Bob, eager for the word, spoke soothingly to the dogs to keep them
+quiet. He was devoutly hoping that Nero would not discover any intimate
+friend in the crowd and insist upon a formal greeting; for Nero's
+affability was a distinct disadvantage on such an occasion.
+
+At last the moment came, and the Starter's "Go" was almost simultaneous
+with Bob's orders to his leader, whose usual dignified and leisurely
+movements were considerably hastened by the thunderous applause of the
+spectators.
+
+It was a "bully get-away," George and Dan agreed, and only hoped that
+theirs would be as satisfactory.
+
+Bill followed with equal ease, and equal approbation.
+
+Jim, justifying Dan's earlier unfavorable report, lost over a minute by
+letting his dogs become tangled up in their harness, and then coaxing
+them to leave instead of commanding.
+
+"Wouldn't that jar you?" whispered Dan disgustedly. "Why, your sister
+Helen does better'n that in those girly-girly races, even if she does
+say she'd rather get a beatin' herself than give one to a dog."
+
+But the general public looked with more lenient eyes upon such
+mistakes, and Jim left amidst the same enthusiasm that had sped the
+others on their way.
+
+When Dan and his dogs lined up there was much admiration openly
+expressed.
+
+"Looks like a Sweepstakes team through the wrong end of the opry
+glasses, don't it?" exclaimed Matt with justifiable pride to Black Mart
+Barclay, who happened to be next him.
+
+Mart scrutinized the entry closely. "Not so bad. Them Mego pups is
+allers fair lookers an' fair go-ers, so fur's I ever heered t' the
+contrary," he admitted grudgingly.
+
+There was an air of repressed but pleasurable expectation about the
+little "houn' dogs," as they patiently waited for their signal to go.
+Their racing manners were absolutely above reproach. Unlike Nero, they
+quite properly ignored the merely social side of the event, and were
+evidently intent upon the serious struggle before them; and equally
+unlike Queen and Baldy, they showed neither the peevishness of the one,
+nor the apathy of the other.
+
+By most people the race was practically conceded to Dan before the
+start.
+
+It seemed an endless time to George before it was his turn; but when he
+finally stepped into place, the nervousness that had made the wait
+almost unbearable disappeared completely. The hood of his fur parka had
+dropped back, and his yellow hair, closely cropped that it should not
+curl and "make a sissy" of him, gleamed golden in the sunlight above a
+face that, usually rosy and smiling, was now pale and determined.
+
+In that far world "outside," George Allan would have been at an age when
+ringlets and a nurse-maid are just beginning to chafe a proud man's
+spirit; but here in the North he was already "Some Musher,"[1] and was
+eager to win the honors that would prove him a worthy son of the
+Greatest Dog Man in Alaska.
+
+[Footnote 1: "Musher"--driver, trailsman.]
+
+True to their several characteristics, Spot manifested an amiable and
+wide-awake interest in all about him, Queen repelled all advances with
+snaps and snarls, and Baldy quivered with a dread of the unknown, and
+was only reassured when he felt Ben Edwards' hand on his collar, and
+listened to the low, encouraging tones of the boy's voice.
+
+[Illustration: THE START OF AN ALASKAN DOG TEAM RACE]
+
+"Too bad, Matt," drawled Black Mart, "that the little Allan kid's usin'
+Baldy. He was allers an ornery beast, an' combin' his hair an' puttin'
+tassels an' fancy harness on him ain't goin' t' make a racer outen a
+cur."
+
+Ben's face flushed hotly. "It ain't just beauty that counts, Baldy; it's
+what you got clear down in your heart that folks can't see," he thought,
+and clung the more lovingly to the trembling dog.
+
+Matt carefully shook the ashes from his pipe. "It's a mighty good thing,
+Mart, that people an' dogs ain't judged entirely by looks. If they was,
+there's some dogs that's racin' that would be in the pound, an' some men
+that's criticizin' that would be in jail."
+
+"Ready."
+
+George, poised lightly on the runners at the back of the trim sled,
+firmly grasped the curved top, and repeated the word to Spot, who held
+himself motionless but in perfect readiness for the final signal.
+
+"Go."
+
+With unexpected buoyancy and ease, Spot darted ahead, and for once
+Queen forgot her grievances, and Baldy his fears; as in absolute harmony
+of action, the incongruous team sped quickly down the length of the
+street, and over the edge of the Dry Creek hill; to reappear shortly on
+the trail that led straight out to the Bessie Bench.
+
+The Road House there was the turning point, where the teams would pass
+round a pole at which was stationed a guard; and the collection of
+buildings which marked the end of half of the course looked distant
+indeed to the five young mushers who with their teams had now become, to
+the watchers in Nome, merely small moving black specks against the
+whiteness of the snow.
+
+George and Dan had discussed the matter fully in the preceding days, and
+had decided that, like "Scotty," they would do all of the real driving
+on the way home. So it was not at all disconcerting, some time before
+they reached the turn, to meet two of the teams coming back. The third,
+Jim's, had been diverted at the Road House by a large family of small
+pigs in an enclosure surrounded by wire netting; and Jim's most alluring
+promises and his direst threats were both unavailing against the charms
+of the squealing, grunting creatures, the like of which his spellbound
+chargers had never seen before.
+
+Dan was several hundred feet ahead of George, and the latter could but
+look with some misgivings at the even pace of Judge, Jimmie and Pete; a
+pace that as yet showed no sign of weakening. Of course should Mego's
+pups prove faster than his own team, he would loyally give all credit
+due the driver and dogs; but it would be a bitter disappointment indeed
+if Spot did not manifest the wonderful speed that Matt had always
+predicted for him, and if there was no evidence in superior ability, of
+the long hours of careful attention that George had devoted to his
+education as a leader.
+
+When Dan's team finally rounded the pole, and was headed toward him,
+George realized that the work of Mego's sons evinced not only mechanical
+precision, but the intelligence of their breeding, and the advantages of
+their early training by "Scotty." Dan would indeed, as he had boasted,
+"give them a run for their money."
+
+"_Mush_, Spot, Queen, Baldy," and there was a slight increase in
+briskness, which was checked again as they swung by the guard.
+
+"Now then, Spot," and George gave a peculiar shrill whistle that to the
+dog meant "Full Speed Ahead."
+
+He watched the distance between himself and Dan decrease slowly at
+first; then more rapidly until they were abreast of one another. True to
+their compact they did not speak, and the inclination of Spot to stop
+for the usual visit beside his stable mates received no encouragement.
+Instead he got a stern command to "Hike, and hike _quick_!"
+
+Beyond were the other teams, almost together, and to George it seemed as
+if he barely crept toward Bob and Bill; though there was a steady gain
+to the point where he could call out for the right of way to pass--a
+privilege the driver of the faster team can demand.
+
+But just behind him came Dan, whose dogs now felt the inspiration of the
+stiff gait set them by their friends; and both boys knew that from now
+on the race was between them alone.
+
+George was more experienced in handling dogs, but Dan's dogs were easier
+to handle. It was narrowing down to a question of the skill of the
+driver on one side, pitted against the excellence of the dogs on the
+other. Unless, indeed, Spot, Queen or Baldy should rise to the occasion
+in some unexpected manner; or the Luck of the Trail, that the Woman
+believed was so potent a factor, should enter into the contest.
+
+They were approaching the last quarter of the course, where the road
+from Monroeville crossed the trail diagonally. George glanced back and
+saw that he would have to travel faster still to shake off Dan's
+tireless "Pupmobile."
+
+For a moment he wondered despairingly why he had been so short-sighted
+as to choose three unknown quantities in such an important event,
+leaving to Dan those whose worth was a foregone conclusion. Then his
+sporting blood rose. If no one ever attempted anything new, it would be
+a pretty slow old world. And if he had not the courage to try Spot out,
+his pet might remain an ordinary, commonplace dog to the end of his
+days; a condition that would be intolerable to George. Then, too, it
+would have been a disappointment to Ben if Baldy could not have entered;
+and Ben's feelings were now of much consequence to George and Danny, as
+they had admitted him, a third member, to their exclusive secret
+society, "The Ancient and Honorable Order of Bow-Wow Wonder Workers."
+Better defeat than a fair chance not taken; and so, at such thoughts he
+was cheered and again whistled to Spot to "Speed Up."
+
+But just at that instant there came, down the Monroeville Road, and
+around the base of a small rise of ground, a Native hunter over whose
+shoulder was hung a dozen or more ptarmigan, the grouse of the North.
+Spot paused instantly, and seemed petrified in an attitude which his
+distant grandsires, old in field work, might have envied for its perfect
+immobility. The fact that the birds were dead and on a string meant
+nothing to his untutored mind. They were birds, and as such were worthy
+of a close and careful inspection.
+
+Simultaneously Queen's hatred of Eskimos received an impetus; and joined
+by the now aroused Spot, she started off the trail toward the
+unconscious cause of her deep-seated antipathy.
+
+"A double-ender," groaned George; "dead birds, and an Eskimo. Spot and
+Queen won't show up till everything's over but the shoutin'. I'll just
+about tie for fourth place if Jim gets his pups away from the pigs
+about the time Queen finishes with the hunter."
+
+But tug as desperately as they might, neither Spot nor Queen succeeded
+in pulling the sled more than a few feet; for added to George's weight
+on the brake, Baldy, calm and immovable, was braced against the efforts
+of the other two.
+
+Spot's ungainly feet pawed the snow impatiently, as he strained in his
+collar stretching the tow-line so taut that George feared it might snap.
+Equally unavailing were Queen's sudden leaps and frantic plunges. The
+more they struggled, the more firmly Baldy held to the trail.
+
+At last George's stern reproofs, and a certain reasonableness in Spot
+that prompted him to accept the inevitable gracefully, combined to end
+the disturbance. Besides, the birds did not run nor fly, so they were
+not much fun anyway.
+
+Not for Queen, however, was any such placid acceptance of defeat. Balked
+of her expected prey, she turned fiercely against her wheel-mate, whom
+she rightly considered responsible for her inability to bolt; and after
+one or two efforts, she fastened her teeth in his ear, leaving a small
+wound from which the blood trickled, staining his collar and shoulder.
+George expected Baldy to retaliate, but instead the dog ignored the
+attack and still held his ground with a determination that even Queen
+recognized, and to which she finally submitted unwillingly.
+
+But in the time it took to adjust their difficulties, Dan caught up with
+them, and together the two teams dashed down the trail, neck and neck.
+
+Dan longed to shout some facetious criticisms of the behavior he had
+just witnessed, but a certain sympathy for his rival, who was also his
+friend, restrained him; as well as the desire to conserve every atom of
+energy he possessed, even to saving his breath.
+
+For a few hundred yards there was no perceptible difference in their
+positions; then gradually the Mego Pups pulled away and took the lead by
+a small margin.
+
+Nose to the back of Dan's sled came Spot, and so they sped on and on
+till the bridge and high bank of Dry Creek came into view, as well as
+the moving dark objects that the boys knew to be the crowds awaiting
+their return.
+
+George, desperately anxious to try the signal that would urge his
+leader to his utmost, waited till they reached the top of a slight
+incline. Then the whistle sounded low, but clear. Spot leaped forward,
+and Queen and Baldy were no laggards in his wake.
+
+Once more they were abreast of the "houn' dogs," and once more the tried
+and untried of the same Kennel raced side by side, with even chances of
+victory.
+
+Then again came the Luck of the Trail; and Fate that had sent dead birds
+as a temptation now sent a live cat as an inspiration. It was black and
+sleek and swift, and fairly flew from a clump of willows by the wayside,
+up the trail toward a cabin on the edge of town; and after it flew Spot,
+all eagerness for the chase.
+
+Dan's team, as indifferent to the fascination of swift, sleek cats as
+only dogs of "Scotty's" training could be, were pursuing the even tenor
+of their way in no wise excited by the episode.
+
+When the cat darted out of sight to safety George's dogs were almost at
+the starting point and the crowds had hurried to meet them; keeping free
+only a narrow passage down which they dashed with unabated speed. For
+while they were tired, and home and rest were near, the cheers and
+applause of the people egged them on till they crossed the line, where
+George was greeted as Winner of the First Annual, Juvenile Race of Nome.
+
+He had covered the course of seven miles in thirty minutes and six
+seconds, while two minutes behind came Dan, just in time to offer loyal
+homage on the altar of friendship and success. There was a warm clasp of
+the hand, and a sincere if brief tribute. "You are some swell racer,
+George," and, as one making a vow, "you can bet I'll never throw rocks
+at another black cat so long as I live."
+
+Shortly Bob and Bill arrived, well pleased that they were so close to
+the Victor--but there was no sign of Jim; whereupon Mr. Kelly delivered
+himself of a scathing comment. "I guess next time Jim 'd better enter
+the High School Girls' Handicap; these real races ain't any place for
+him."
+
+The presentation of the tiny Trophy Cup was a formal function. George,
+held up in the Judge's arms that he might be seen as he received it, was
+filled not only with present pride, but also with an inward
+determination to devote the rest of his existence to the high calling of
+dog racing; with perhaps an occasional descent into the lower realms of
+school affairs and business, as a concession to the wishes of his
+parents and in deference to their age and old-fashioned ideas.
+
+His happiness in the accomplishment of his dogs was complete. His hard
+work in their training had been fully repaid; for Spot had not only
+proved his cleverness as a leader, but Queen had been no worse than he
+had anticipated, and Baldy had faithfully performed his duty as a
+wheeler in keeping the trail when it was most necessary.
+
+It was a triumph worth while for the boy and the team.
+
+That night at a full meeting of the "Bow-Wow Wonder Workers," the
+exciting affairs of the day were discussed at length.
+
+Dan announced that he could recommend the Mego Pups to "Scotty" without
+a single unfavorable criticism. If there had been any weakness, it was,
+he admitted freely, in his driving. "I don't seem to put the ginger into
+'em the way George does at the finish. But I guess he takes it from his
+father; and my dad," regretfully, "never drove anything better 'n horses
+in his whole life. Then there was that black cat, too."
+
+Ben Edwards, with his arm around Baldy's neck, listened with delight as
+the minute details of the race were given by those who knew whereof they
+spoke. He was proud indeed when George told how Baldy had steadfastly
+held out against the efforts of Spot and Queen to bolt; and of the dog's
+stoical indifference to the bitten ear, which was, fortunately, only
+slightly torn.
+
+"I guess, Ben, that Baldy'll be somethin' like old Dubby. You can count
+on him doin' the right thing every time. He'll pull 'most as strong as
+McMillan, and he sure was good not to chew Queen up, the way she tackled
+him. But I don't know," judicially, "that we can make a real racer of
+him. He don't seem to have just the racin' spirit. He ain't keen for it,
+like Spot. But he's a bully all 'round dog, just the same."
+
+"Mebbe it's cause he don't understand the game," answered Ben loyally.
+"Moose Jones allers said that Baldy had plenty o' spirit; an' I kinda
+think he's like the ship she was tellin' us about the other day. He
+ain't really found himself yet."
+
+The Woman, perfectly unconscious that she was penetrating into a serious
+and secret Conclave of an Ancient and Honorable Order, came into the
+Kennel with the evening paper.
+
+It contained an article complimenting George upon his skill in managing
+a difficult team, and upon introducing Spot, an infant prodigy, to the
+racing world of the North. Then it announced, in a delicate vein of
+sarcasm, that one of the wheel dogs had been the most recent notable
+addition to the Allan and Darling Kennel--Baldy, late of Golconda, now
+of Nome, "a likely Sweepstakes Winner." At which the Woman had sniffed
+audibly, and "Scotty" had chuckled amiably. But Ben Edwards crept that
+night into his hard cot with the paper tightly clasped in his grimy
+hand, to dream of Baldy's future triumphs.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+The Woman, The Racers, and Others
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE WOMAN, THE RACERS, AND OTHERS
+
+
+Even after the boys' race, when George and Dan often singled him out for
+special use, and the joy of a run with Ben Edwards was almost an
+inevitable part of the day's program, there were still a number of
+matters that were distinctly trying to Baldy.
+
+He could not, for one thing, quite figure out the Woman, nor reconcile
+himself to her constant presence and aimless wanderings about the place.
+
+When "Scotty" and Matt, or even Danny and George came in, it was for
+some evident purpose; when the boy appeared, it was to see him
+exclusively, but it was different with her.
+
+She apparently loved all of the dogs, but she had no idea of discipline,
+and casually suggested all sorts of foolish and revolutionary privileges
+for them that would have meant ruin in no time.
+
+She held the tiniest puppies in her lap when she should have known it
+was not good for them, spent hours playing with the young dogs with no
+attempt at training; and he could not forget that she had tried, the
+first day he had ever met her, to drag him ignominiously into her sled.
+
+Even Ben's evident friendliness toward her did not overcome Baldy's
+disapproval, though he frequently went with them for long walks which
+would have been far more agreeable could he have been with the boy
+alone. She quite monopolized his chum, talking so earnestly that the dog
+was almost ignored, and could only trot along with the consolation that
+Ben shared was better than Ben absent.
+
+Then, too, she was not in the least discriminating, and told Tom, who
+perhaps had as many faults as any member of the team, that he had an
+"angel face"; spoke of Dick and Harry, clever imitators of their
+brother's misdeeds, as "The Heavenly Twins"; and alluded to Irish and
+Rover, gentle Irish Setters, as "Red Devils," which was so rankly unjust
+that Baldy, who knew not automobiles, was amazed at her stupidity. To
+Baldy the word "Devil" had an evil sound, for when he had heard it at
+Golconda it was generally associated with a kick or a blow. She even
+ostentatiously walked past the chained dogs sometimes, carrying fluffy
+Jimmie Gibson, the baby blue fox from the Kobuk, which was tantalizing
+to a degree. But when she let Jack McMillan put his paws on her
+shoulders, and lay his big head against her cheek, calling him a
+"perfect lamb" or a "poor dear martyr," in a tone that betrayed
+affectionate sympathy, Baldy turned away in disgust.
+
+As a matter of fact these attentions and endearments were exceedingly
+unwise, for they were invariably directed toward the very dogs who were
+most apt to over-value physical charm and ingratiating tricks of manner.
+
+But there was one thing more objectionable still that could be laid at
+her door--she was constantly lowering the general tone of the Kennel.
+
+The stables where the Racers were kept gave shelter, also, to a few
+others whose merits warranted their sharing in the special care bestowed
+upon the fleet-footed Sweepstakes Winners. The latter all carried
+themselves with a conscious dignity that befitted their fame and
+aspirations; but gradually Baldy noticed that through the Woman there
+were being introduced a number of ordinary strangers who made use of the
+place, and were housed and fed, till it began to look like a transient
+dog hotel.
+
+She brought them because they were tired and hungry, lame, halt or
+blind; or worse still, just because they "seemed to like her." No reason
+was too trivial, no dog too worthless. Matt shamelessly upheld her,
+"Scotty" submitted, while Baldy sulkily glowered at these encumbrances
+who were more fit for the pound than the Allan and Darling Racing
+Stables. For Baldy had but one criterion; that of efficiency as the
+result of honest endeavor. And it was indeed a trial for a conscientious
+plodder to see the ease with which idle canines possessed themselves of
+the comforts and privileges that by right belong alone to those whose
+industry has earned them.
+
+Had Baldy been a French Poodle, with little tufts of hair cut in
+circles round his ankles, and a kinky lock tied with a splashing bow
+over his eyes, he would probably, with delicate disdain, have thought of
+her as lacking in "esprit de corps." As it was, being but a blunt
+Alaskan, he growled rather sullenly when she came too near, and
+considered that she had no more dog-pride than an Eskimo; and Baldy's
+contempt for her could suggest no more scathing comparison.
+
+There was no jealousy in his objections, for he now fairly gloried in
+the sensation that Kid, Irish or McMillan created when they were in the
+lead; and as the two latter at least were dogs that were coldly
+indifferent to him, this was surely a test of his unselfishness.
+
+He was perfectly willing, also, to welcome "classy" dogs, as George and
+Dan called them, like Stefansson, Lipton, or dainty Margaret Winston,
+from Kentucky. He even understood there were dogs, neither Workers nor
+Racers, who had gained a kind of popular distinction that was recognized
+by both the human and canine population of the City; and while it was
+impossible for him to comprehend the _reason_, he accepted the _fact_
+philosophically.
+
+There was, for instance, Oolik Lomen, who was born on Amundsen's ship
+the "Gjoa" when on the voyage that resulted in the discovery of the
+Northwest Passage. Possibly on account of his celebrated birthplace, or
+because of his unusual appearance, Oolik was haughty to the verge of
+insolence; and to Baldy he represented the culmination of all the
+charming but useless graces of the idle rich. He did nothing but lie on
+the Lomen porch on a soft rug, or wander about with a doll in his mouth,
+much as a certain type of woman lolls through life carrying a lap dog.
+
+Then there was the tramp Nomie, the pet of the Miners' Union, and the
+Fire Department. This fox terrier was a constant attendant at all
+important affairs of the town--social or political--at parades,
+christenings, weddings, and even funerals. At concerts or at the theatre
+he walked out upon the stage, and waited quietly near the wings till the
+program was finished. He went to church quite regularly, but was
+non-sectarian, and was just as apt to appear at the Eskimo Mission
+Chapel as at St. Mary's when the Bishop preached.
+
+Rarely did he fail to be at all Council Meetings, informal receptions,
+and formal balls. At these he was untiring, and would select a couple
+for each dance and follow them through the mazes of the waltz and
+one-step with great dexterity; visiting between times with his many
+acquaintances.
+
+The knowledge that Nomie assisted at every fire, and at all of the
+drills of the Life Saving Crew on the beach made Baldy feel that these
+social diversions were only an outlet for abundant vitality, since there
+were not fires and wrecks enough to keep him busy; and a poor little fox
+terrier, no matter _how_ ambitious, is debarred by his size from the
+noble sport of racing, or the more prosaic business career of
+freighting.
+
+So it really seemed, on the whole, that Baldy was exceedingly liberal in
+his estimate of dogs in general. And it was only his desire for a high
+standard in his own Kennel that prompted his aversion to those waifs and
+strays that she collected; who, of no possible use, were neither
+professional beauties like Oolik, nor society favorites like Nomie, and
+so really had no claim to any sort of recognition.
+
+Neither did Baldy, because of his new associations and ambitions, gauge
+his opinions of all dogs by racing tests alone. He still believed
+implicitly in the dignity of labor; and his early residence amongst
+freighters had enabled him to recognize the fact that endurance and good
+common dog-sense are often of more value, even in a racing team, than
+speed and mere pride of carriage.
+
+In the occasional intervals when no feminine presence upset the calm and
+system of his surroundings, there were periods when Baldy watched
+intently the habits and characteristics of the other dogs, and tried to
+fit himself to become a candidate for the Racing Team.
+
+In this he was assisted by the boy, who was just as carefully studying
+Allan's methods with his dogs, and putting them in practice every time
+he took Baldy out for exercise. One was as eager for improvement as the
+other, and "Scotty" and the Woman often remarked the unflagging energy
+both displayed toward that end.
+
+"Too bad that Ben's efforts are wasted on a dog that will never be much
+to boast of, at best. He has strength and patience, but that is about
+all. I believe, like George, that he lacks spirit."
+
+Of course there had been no dramatic incidents in his life like those
+of Jack McMillan's; he was no paragon like Kid; nor had he manifested
+the marvelous intelligence of old Dubby. But on the other hand, there
+was really nothing tangible so far in his career to make her feel that
+he was incapable of development.
+
+"You're wrong about Baldy," said "Scotty" thoughtfully. "I have been
+watching him ever since the Juvenile Race; and he has certain latent
+qualities that will make a good general utility dog of him for even a
+racing team. He may not prove a leader, but he's dependable, not apt to
+lose his head and stampede, as do some of the more spirited ones. He'll
+do his modest part yet, in a big event."
+
+"Well, you'll have to show me," exclaimed the Woman, whose speech was
+now and then tinged unconsciously by her close fellowship with the
+Wonder Workers.
+
+Even Dubby's favorable notice was now frequently attracted toward Baldy;
+and the fact that he was aspiring to belong to the Racing Team was
+mitigated to a certain extent in the venerable huskie's sight by a
+puppy-hood spent amongst the working classes. He was not born to an
+exalted position, a natural aristocrat, like Tom, Dick or Harry; and
+would not, as did they, glory in it ostentatiously. But if it came, he
+would accept it with a solemn sense of obligation to do his best
+anywhere it pleased his master to place him.
+
+Unlike the Tolman brothers, McMillan, Irish and Rover, he did not curry
+favor by the happy accident of birth, beauty, or personal magnetism; and
+so Dubby began to bestow upon Baldy, for his modesty and industry, an
+approbation not accorded by him to many of the others in the Kennel. And
+Dubby's opinion of a new dog was worth much, for "Scotty" Allan himself
+respected the experience and sagacity that governed it.
+
+Possessed of the colorings and markings of his wolf forbears, as well as
+their keen instinct in trail emergencies, Dubby combined with this the
+faithful, loving nature of the dog branch of the family.
+
+In his merest infancy he had given promise of unusual ability--a promise
+more than fulfilled.
+
+When hardly more than three months old he had learned the orders "Gee,"
+"Haw," "Mush" and "Whoa" perfectly. And he was beginning to think a
+little for himself when the rest of the litter were still undecided
+whether "Gee" meant to turn to the right paw side, or the left paw side;
+and were hardly convinced that "Mush" was "Go on" and not a terse
+invitation to breakfast.
+
+His later accomplishments were many. He could pick up an uncertain trail
+when concealed by three feet of soft, freshly fallen snow; he could tell
+if ice was thick enough to carry the weight of a loaded sled, when the
+most seasoned trailsman was deceived, and he could scent a camp for four
+or five miles with the wind in the right direction. Never but once in
+his life had he been known to take the wrong route to a given point.
+Then he mistook the faint glimmer of Venus, as she dimly showed above
+the dark horizon, for the lantern on the ridge-pole of a road house;
+which was poetic, but misleading, and proves that even dogs can come to
+grief through too much star gazing.
+
+He was always driven "loose" on the rare and gala occasions when, at his
+own plainly expressed desire, he was placed again in temporary service.
+With that liberty he made it his business to see that no dog was
+shirking. A glance at a slack strap was enough to betray the idler; and
+an admonishing nip on the culprit's ear or flank was the cause of a
+reformation that was sudden and abject for a while at least.
+
+The only punishment that had ever been meted out to Dubby for some
+indiscretion, or an act of insubordination, was to hitch him up with the
+rest of the team. There were no depths of humiliation greater, no shame
+more poignant, and for days after such an ordeal he would show a
+brooding melancholy that almost made the Woman weep in sympathy.
+
+Now, pensioned and retired, with a record of over thirty thousand miles
+in harness to his credit, he lived a delightful and exclusive existence
+in his own apartments over the barn.
+
+As he had taken Baldy into his favor, so too he included Ben in his
+rather limited list of favorites; and the boy never wearied of hearing
+from "Scotty" and the Woman their many tales of the huskie's remarkable
+achievements.
+
+"Even if he ain't a Racer," was the child's admiring assertion,
+"everybody in the whole North knows Dub, and what he's done. I hope,"
+wistfully, "that some day people'll speak o' Baldy jest like that."
+
+"You can hardly expect that, Ben! Think of the hundreds and hundreds of
+good dogs that are never known outside of their own kennels. Baldy is
+obedient and willing, but it takes something extraordinary, really
+brilliant, or dramatic, to give a dog more than a local reputation. Of
+course there are a few, but very few, who have won such distinction.
+John Johnson's Blue Eyed Kolma was a wonder for his docile disposition
+and staying qualities. You can't match our Kid for all round good work,
+nor Irish for speed. And Jack McMillan--"
+
+"I don't believe I'd specify McMillan's claims to fame, or shall we say
+notoriety," observed "Scotty," with a twinkle in his eye. "Then," he
+resumed, "there were Morte Atkinson's Blue Leaders, that Percy
+Blatchford drove in the second big race. When we met at Last Chance on
+the way back, Blatchford nearly cried when he told me how those setters
+had saved his hands from freezing. He had turned them loose to rest and
+run behind at will, knowing they would catch up at the next stop. In
+some way he had dropped the fur gloves he wore over his mittens, when he
+took them off to adjust a sled pack, and did not miss them for some
+time, until he ran into a fierce blizzard. Of course he could not go
+back for them, and he feared his hands would become useless from the
+cold. He was in a pretty bad fix, when up came the Blue Leaders, almost
+exhausted, but each with a glove in his mouth."
+
+"Oh, that was fine," murmured Ben.
+
+"Give me bird-dog stock every time," continued Allan, "with a native
+strain for strength and trail instincts. It's a combination that makes
+our Alaskans just about right, to my idea."
+
+"Naturally I feel that our half-breeds are best, too. But I do wish,"
+regretfully, "that they could all be the same sort of half-breeds--to
+make them more uniform as to size and style. With Kid and Spot part
+pointer, Irish and Rover part setter, Jack McMillan verging on the
+mastiff, and all the rest of them part something else, don't you think
+it looks the least little bit as if we had picked them up at a remnant
+sale?"
+
+She caught sight of "Scotty's" face, full of shocked surprise.
+
+"Don't say it," she exclaimed quickly; "both Ben and I know perfectly
+well that 'handsome is as handsome does.' I learned it in my copy-book,
+ages and ages ago. And it's true that they are the greatest dogs in all
+the world, but they don't quite look it. Of course the year you won with
+Berger's 'Brutes,' with that awkward, high-shouldered native, Mukluk, in
+the lead, I learned that looks do not go very far in Arctic racing. But
+certainly Fink's 'Prides' in their gay trappings of scarlet and gold did
+seem more to suit the role of Winners when Hegness came in victorious
+with them in the first race."
+
+"At that, the 'Brutes' were the best dogs, and if it had not been for
+our delay of eighteen hours at Brown's Road House, where all of the
+teams had to lay up because of a howling gale, I am not at all sure that
+the 'Prides' would not have lost out to the 'Brutes' in that race too."
+
+"That must have been a strange night. I know after that every one called
+Brown's 'The House of a Thousand Bow Wows.' How many were there?"
+
+"Let me see; there were fifty-four racing dogs, thirty-five freighters,
+twenty-six belonging to the mail carriers, ten or twelve to casual
+mushers, and I think about the same number to Eskimo trappers. And
+all--men and dogs--in the one room, which, fortunately, was of pretty
+good size."
+
+"Scotty" laughed heartily at the remembrance. "We, who were driving the
+Racing Teams, had put our leaders to bed in the few bunks there were;
+for we could not afford to take any chances of our leaders scrapping in
+such close quarters, and possibly being put out of commission. But an
+Outsider, a government official, I think, who was on his way to Nome as
+a passenger with the Mail Team, was pretty sore about it. Said 'it was a
+deuce of a country where the dogs slept in beds and the men on the
+floor.'"
+
+"How perfectly ridiculous," said the Woman indignantly. "You might know
+he was not an Alaskan. He was as bad as that squaw who wouldn't give you
+her mukluks."
+
+"What was that, Mr. Allan?" questioned the boy, eagerly.
+
+"I'm afraid, Ben, that some of these incidents look a little
+high-handed, as though everything was allowable in a race, regardless of
+other people's rights; but they really don't happen often. This time I
+tore one of my water boots on a stump going through the trees by
+Council. At a near-by cabin I tried to buy a pair of mukluks a native
+woman had on, as I saw they were about the size I needed. She refused to
+sell, though I offered her three times their value. There was no time to
+argue, nor persuade, so finally in desperation her Eskimo husband and I
+took them off her feet, though she kicked vigorously. It saved the day
+for me, but it seemed a bit ungallant."
+
+"It served her right for not being as good a sport as most of the
+Eskimos. And anyway, every one on Seward Peninsula, of any nationality,
+is supposed to know that whatever a driver or his dogs need, in the All
+Alaska Sweepstakes, should be his without a dissenting voice or a
+rebellious foot."
+
+"Moose Jones used to say," quoted Ben rather timidly, "that most
+Malamutes are stubborn. Was the leader you spoke of, Mukluk, stubborn
+too, in the race you won with him?"
+
+"Yes, he was stubborn, all right. Do you recall," turning to the Woman,
+"the night I made him go 'round one corner for half an hour because he
+refused to take the order the first time, and I was afraid of that
+trait in him. It did not take long, however, to show him that I could
+spend just as much time making him obey as he could spend defying me.
+There's no use in whipping a dog like that. And with all his obstinacy,
+he was, next to old Dubby, more capable of keeping a trail in a storm
+than any dog I've ever handled. He had pads[2] of leather, and sinews of
+steel. He was surely shy on beauty, though."
+
+[Footnote 2: Feet.]
+
+"Of course," her voice dropping to almost a whisper, "I would not admit
+this anywhere but right here, in the privacy of the Kennel, and I
+wouldn't say it here if the dogs could understand; but when it comes to
+actual good looks, 'Scotty,'" the Woman confessed, "we are really not in
+it with Bobby Brown's big, imposing Loping Malamutes, or Captain
+Crimin's cunning little Siberians, with their pointed noses, prick ears,
+and fluffy tails curled up over their backs like plumes."
+
+"Yes, they do make a most attractive team," admitted Allan justly; "and
+they're mighty good dogs too. But somehow they seem to lack the pride
+and responsiveness that I find in those with bird-dog ancestry. Of
+course each man prefers his own type, the one he has deliberately
+chosen; and Fox Ramsay, and John or Charlie Johnson are convinced that
+the tireless gait of their 'Russian Rats' in racing more than offsets
+the sudden bursts of great speed of our 'Daddy Long Legs.'"
+
+[Illustration: A TEAM OF SIBERIANS]
+
+The Woman shrugged her shoulders. "Let us hope for the sake of the sport
+that the matter will not be definitely decided for some time to come.
+If, as Mark Twain says, 'it is a difference of opinion that makes horse
+racing,' it seems to me it's about the widest possible difference of
+opinion that makes dog racing; and each year's races have made the
+difference more hopelessly pronounced."
+
+"Well, there'll always be disagreements as to the merits of the various
+racing dogs; but for a good all around intelligent and faithful worker,
+I have never found a dog that could outdo Dubby here," and "Scotty"
+affectionately caressed the old huskie who had come into the Kennel with
+his friend Texas Allan, the cat, to find out what was interfering with
+an expected walk.
+
+"Sometimes Dub and I used to have disputes about a choice of roads, the
+thickness of ice, or other details of traveling; but I will say that he
+always listened tolerantly to all I had to offer in the way of
+suggestions, and wagged his tail courteously to show there was no ill
+feeling, even if he did get his way in the end. And, frankly, he was
+generally right."
+
+Which was, of course, only natural; for "Scotty" was, after all, only
+human, while Dubby had the eyes, ears, and nose of his wolf forbears.
+
+Dubby was a licensed character indeed, but Baldy realized, as did the
+others, that his freedom was a reward of merit.
+
+That he might not feel that his days of usefulness were over, he had
+been given the honorary position of Keeper of the Kennel Meat; and much
+of his life was now spent dozing peacefully before the meat-room door,
+though he was ever ready to resent a covetous glance from unduly curious
+dogs.
+
+To be sure, there were besides the dignity and responsibility of his
+high office certain perquisites that he thoroughly enjoyed--one of which
+was the hospitality that was his to dispense.
+
+He often invited old team-mates, or pitifully hungry puppies into his
+quarters, where he would treat them to dog biscuit, dried fish, or a
+drink of fresh water; but he never abused his privileges, and it was
+only the worthy or helpless that appealed successfully to his charity.
+
+His ample leisure now permitted also the cultivation of certain refined
+tastes which had been dormant in his busy youth. He taught Fritz, the
+house dog, whose only method of expression heretofore had been an
+ear-piercing bark, to howl in a clear, high tenor, with wonderfully
+sustained notes; so that together they would sit on the stable runway
+and wail duets happily for hours at a time.
+
+For his many virtues and great ability, as well as for these lighter
+accomplishments, Baldy conceived an admiration for Dubby that would have
+been boundless but for one weakness that was absolutely
+incomprehensible--the huskie's devotion to the cat, Texas.
+
+It was a strange friendship in a place where a cat's right to live at
+all is contested every hour of the day, and where nine times nine lives
+would not cover a span of more than a few months at the most, as a rule.
+It had begun when Texas was little more than a kitten, and had wandered
+away one day from the warm kitchen fire, out into the shed, and from
+there into the street.
+
+Delighted with her unaccustomed freedom, she chased a bit of whirling,
+eddying paper across a strip of snow, into the angle of a cabin; then
+turning, gazed into the face of a big, ferocious dog who was already
+licking his chops suggestively.
+
+Since the prey was safely cornered, he generously decided to share the
+anticipated excitement with some boon companions. And so, giving three
+short, sharp cries and repeating the call several times, he was joined
+by two other malamutes who, eager for the fun of killing a cat, drew in
+close beside him.
+
+It had all happened in a moment; but in that moment Dubby, out for
+exercise, came upon the scene. He was no lover of cats, be it
+understood; and he had often been guilty of making short work of one if
+it chanced to cross his path when he was in quest of adventure. But this
+was the Allan cat. He had often seen the girls carry it about in their
+arms; and while it seemed a strange perversion to caress a kitten when
+there were puppies about, or even babies, still the peculiarities of
+your Master's Family must be respected. Even, if necessary, to the
+extreme limit of defending their pet cats.
+
+Then, too, there was something that had appealed to him in the plucky
+stand of the terrified little creature. Eyes dilated with fear, every
+hair on end, sputtering and spitting, she had unsheathed her tiny claws
+and was prepared to make a brave fight for her life. The chances were
+hopelessly against her--the dogs did not intend to let her run--and
+Dubby felt that it was butchery, not sport.
+
+Also, if Texas was hurt, the girls would be sad, and cry, and not play
+for a long time. He knew, because that happened when their terrier Tige
+was run over. And so, with one bound, he jumped upon the instigator of
+the trouble, and caught him by the shoulder with his still strong, sharp
+teeth. The other dogs wheeled in surprise; and in an instant there was a
+battle as bloody as it was short and decisive. Dubby was a marvelous
+tactician--the others only novices, and in a very brief period there
+were three well-minced malamutes who limped disconsolately in different
+directions; leaving a conquering hero on the field, with the spoils of
+war--a ruffled gray kitten in a shivering state of uncertainty as to
+her ultimate fate, but too weak to make any further defense.
+
+Dubby picked her up in his mouth, and carried her back to the house,
+where he carefully deposited her inside the shed, and waited until some
+one answered his scratches on the door.
+
+It marked the beginning of a companionship that lasted for years. Every
+fine afternoon Dubby would take Texas out for a stroll; and even after
+she was a huge seventeen pound cat, well able to hold her own, it was a
+reckless dog indeed that showed any hostility toward Texas when Dub was
+her body-guard.
+
+One readily comprehends that he might graciously accept her gratitude;
+but, as the French Poodle's People say, "Noblesse Oblige," and it
+certainly seemed unnecessary that a dog of his achievement should flaunt
+his affection for a mere cat in the eyes of the whole world.
+
+While this caused strong disapproval in all canine circles, strangely
+enough it apparently made no difference in his standing with men and
+women. Mr. Fink, in his exalted position as President of the Nome Kennel
+Club, and one of the most brilliant lawyers in Alaska besides, always
+raised his hat to Dubby when they met, as a greeting from one keen mind
+to another; for the man had watched the skill of the dog on the trail,
+and knew that it was unsurpassed in the whole North. "Scotty" Allan
+never failed to give every evidence of his sincere regard, and the Woman
+had even perpetuated the undesirable association by having Dubby's
+picture taken with Texas when they were out on one of their daily
+promenades.
+
+And so, admired by men and feared by dogs, the faithful huskie was
+singularly exempt from the tragedies of a neglected, forlorn old age.
+
+Ben regarded Dubby with admiring interest; and pondering for a while on
+all that he had heard said, finally, "Do you think, Mr. Allan, you'll
+ever find any one dog that kin race like Kid and be as smart on the
+trail as Dub?" In his eagerness he did not wait for the reply. "Don't
+you s'pose if a dog's really good t' begin with, an' some one that loves
+him lots learns him all the things a' racin' dog's got t' know, that
+he'd turn out so wonderful that everybody in Alaska 'ud know how great
+he was--mebbe everybody in the world?"
+
+The Woman smiled. "Have you any one in mind, Ben?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am, no, ma'am; I was only thinkin'," he stammered as he
+earnestly listened for "Scotty's" answer.
+
+"I would not be surprised if such a thing _could_ happen, Sonny. You
+know pretty nearly all good things are possible to good dogs--and good
+boys."
+
+And deep in his heart the boy vowed that he and Baldy would begin the
+very next day to show what can be accomplished by those who, loving
+much, serve faithfully. [Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+To Visit Those in Affliction
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+TO VISIT THOSE IN AFFLICTION
+
+
+"We got t' change these rules someway, George. There ain't a thing in
+'em 'bout visitin' the sick an' dyin'. There's somethin' 'bout not usin'
+sick dogs, I remember, but that's all there is 'bout sickness; and that
+won't hardly do."
+
+George considered the matter carefully as he read over the "Rules and
+Regerlations of the Anshent and Honroble Order of Bow-Wow Wonder
+Workers" in his hand. They were rather blotted, and decidedly grimy; but
+it was perfectly clear, as Dan had announced, there was nothing in them
+that suggested the duty of ministering to those in distress.
+
+The Order had met that afternoon to decide upon the proper thing to be
+done in the case of Ben Edwards, who had been ill for two days with a
+severe cold, and absent from school.
+
+With a sincere desire to emulate other Orders more Ancient than theirs,
+if not more Honorable, they felt that a fraternal call upon their
+suffering member was necessary.
+
+"We ought t' take him somethin' to eat an' read," remarked George; "like
+Dad always does when he goes t' the Hospital t' see Masons, or Elks, or
+any of 'em that's broke their legs or arms in shafts, or fallin' off
+dredges an' things."
+
+"It's all right t' take him eatables; but don't let's take him any stuff
+to read. It might make him worse. It's bad enough bein' sick, without
+havin' some readin' shoved onto you, too."
+
+Dan, who was the Treasurer of the Wonder Workers, as well as holding
+other important offices, brought forth a can from under the hay in the
+corner of Spot's stall.
+
+"We better see how much money we got before we talk 'bout what we'll
+take him."
+
+"If there's enough, Dan, don't you think an ice-cream cone 'ud be fine;
+or do you think he'd ruther have some peanuts an' pop-corn?"
+
+"Peanuts an' pop-corn's all right, or maybe some candy an' gum. You see
+if he can't eat the ice-cream it 'ud melt right away an' wouldn't be any
+good t' anybody. But the other stuff 'ud last, an' if he's too bad t'
+eat it, he could always give it to his mother, or some of his friends."
+
+They carefully counted the thirty-five cents in the Treasury, and were
+deep in a financial debate when the Woman's voice broke in upon their
+important discussion.
+
+"Hello, boys, where are you?"
+
+"We never seem to be able to get any place that some one don't butt in
+on us," groaned Dan. "I'll bet if we went out on an ice hummock on
+Bering Sea that some Eskimo tom-cod fisher 'ud show up beside us t' fish
+through a hole in the ice. What do you s'pose she wants now?"
+
+"I don't know, Dan. But let's tell her about Ben, and maybe she'll want
+t' take him the things t' eat, an' we can keep the thirty-five cents
+till he's well an' can help spend it some way he'd like better. P'raps
+on somethin' for the dogs."
+
+"I was just coming to ask for him," she said when informed of Ben's
+illness. "I have missed him the last day or so, and wondered what was
+the matter."
+
+Then, "Let's give him a party," she exclaimed quickly. "A cold isn't
+serious, and a party would cheer him up. Besides, I have been wanting to
+see Mrs. Edwards for a long time, and this is a good chance for a chat
+about the boy. And we'll invite Baldy too." She took some money out of
+her purse, and handed it to George. "You can both run downtown and get
+whatever boys like, and I'll go for a cake I have at home, and meet you
+here in fifteen minutes."
+
+When they at last started for the Edwards house the boys felt that their
+modest mission of mercy had developed into quite a festive occasion.
+Their purchases ranged from dill pickles through ginger snaps to
+chocolate creams; while the Woman carried jellies and preserves and all
+sorts of dainties that inspired Dan with a sudden belief, confided to
+George, that invalidism, unmixed with literature, was not so much to be
+dreaded as he had always fancied.
+
+"Depends on whether you get castor-oil or cake," was the pessimistic
+reply of one who had gone through bitter experiences along those lines.
+"This just shows what belongin' t' orders does for you, Dan. If Ben
+wasn't a member o' the Bow Wows, I'll bet he could 'a' died an' hardly
+any one would 'a' known it but his mother. An' now he's havin' a party
+give to him 'cause our Society kinda hinted to her what we was plannin'
+when she showed up." And for once an approving glance was cast toward
+the Woman.
+
+"When I'm old enough," decided Dan, "I'm goin' t' belong t' everything.
+You can wear feathers an' gold braid in processions, an' have stuff like
+this when you're sick, an' bully funerals with brass bands when you're
+dead."
+
+"Me too," agreed George heartily.
+
+As they turned the corner into Second Avenue, a short distance from the
+Edwards cabin, an adventure befell them which was fully covered by Rule
+Seven of the "Rules and Regerlations" of their Order: "To help thoes in
+Trubble." It came at the very end, just next the important one which
+forbade any hint of sharp practice in dog trading; and had been added
+after they had listened to the Woman's story about King Arthur and his
+Knights.
+
+"Just 'cause it's a dog man's order we needn't stop tryin' t' do things
+for people," George had announced when Rule Seven was being considered.
+And the others had felt, too, that their association with good dogs
+should make them more tolerant of human weakness and imperfection.
+
+Down the street came a tiny Mother with a cherished doll-baby in its
+go-cart, out for an airing; and down the street, too, came Oolik Lomen,
+who had wandered away from his rug on the porch in search of diversion.
+He had mislaid his rubber doll, there was nothing to play with, and he
+was decidedly bored; when his covetous eyes fell upon the golden-haired
+infant, whose waxen beauty was most tempting.
+
+The piratical instinct that was, perhaps, an inheritance, took
+possession of him completely; and with a rush he overturned the
+carriage, grabbing its occupant, and dashing away full speed toward the
+Lomen home.
+
+The shocked parent, seeing her child snatched from her loving care so
+ruthlessly, broke into cries of distress. And the Wonder Workers, who
+were so solemnly pledged "To help thoes in Trubble," unceremoniously
+bestowed their various bundles upon the Woman, and started in pursuit.
+
+Baldy, who had been quietly following, also joined in the chase--for he
+had watched the entire proceeding with disapproving eyes, and was only
+waiting for a little encouragement to help administer the punishment
+that Oolik so richly merited.
+
+But that proud descendant of Viking Dogs, once behind his own fence,
+ostentatiously dragged the stolen one by a leg into a corner; and,
+seated in front of his victim, growled defiance in the very faces of the
+brave Knights who were attempting the rescue.
+
+"George, you take the doll when I sic Baldy onto Oolik, and give it to
+the kid, an' come back quick. Believe me, it's goin' t' be a scrap worth
+seem' when those two dogs really get woke up to' it. I'll bet Baldy is
+pretty keen in a row if he thinks he's right; an' even if Oolik is too
+good lookin', you know Amundsen said his mother was the best dog he ever
+had, an' that's goin' some for a man like him."
+
+Before the plans for the combat could be completed, however, Helen
+Lomen came out, overcome with regret for the tragedy, to lead Oolik into
+the house in disgrace. She was anxious to make restitution for any
+damage; but a close examination revealed the fact that there was no
+wound that a bit of glue would not easily cure, and the only real hurt
+was that given to the feelings of insulted motherhood.
+
+The Woman was visibly relieved at the turn affairs had taken; for she
+had a purely feminine dread of dog fights, and had frequently stopped
+some that would have been of most thrilling interest in deciding certain
+important questions.
+
+In an undertone the boys spoke of the vagaries of the gentler sex, and
+frankly admitted "they were sure hard t' understand," while the Woman
+tried unsuccessfully to make Baldy carry a small package.
+
+"Do you think she'll ever learn," asked George rather hopelessly, "that
+a sled dog's got no use for little stunts like that? His mind's got t'
+be on bigger things."
+
+"Here we are," called Dan, as they stopped before a tiny cabin almost
+snowed in, with a deep cut leading up to the front door.
+
+A thin, pale-faced woman, with a pleasant manner, answered the knock.
+
+"Mrs. Edwards, we've come to surprise Ben. May we see him?"
+
+Ben's mother ushered them all, Baldy included, into a room plainly
+furnished, but neat and home-like.
+
+"This must be Ben's day for surprises, for this morning Mr. Jones
+arrived from St. Michael."
+
+"Here's Moose, that I've bin tellin' you about so much," and Ben, from a
+couch, nodded happily toward the large man who rose from a chair beside
+the boy, and shook hands cordially with them all.
+
+"Yes, I come over by dog team. I leased my ground up at Marshall, an'
+thought I'd drop into Nome t' see if my friend Ben here was still aimin'
+t' be a lawyer, an' the very first thing I hear is that he's gone inter
+dog racin' with you an' 'Scotty' Allan. That is, that Baldy's in the
+racin' stable, which is pretty near the same thing."
+
+"Oh, I haven't give up the idea of bein' a lawyer, Moose. She," nodding
+toward the Woman, "talks to me about it all the time; and 'Scotty's'
+goin' t' speak t' Mr. Fink the very next time they meet. 'Scotty' says
+he thinks Mr. Fink'll listen, 'cause he was so interested in Baldy after
+the boys' race, an' asked all about him. He said," in a tone in which
+triumph was plainly noticeable, "that he didn't know _when_ he'd seen a
+dog with legs an' a chest like Baldy."
+
+"I know a good dog is about the best introduction you can have to Mr.
+Fink; but if for any reason that fails, I'll have a talk with Mr. Daly
+and tell him that you want to be another Lincoln, as nearly as possible,
+and that will appeal to him," confidently remarked the Woman.
+
+"You got the right system in this here case," chuckled Moose Jones. "Ef
+you was t' tell one o' them lawyers that you jest couldn't git the other
+one interested in the boy, it's a dead cinch he'd git inter one office
+or t'other; an' it don't make much difference which. They're both mighty
+smart men, even ef they don't go at things the same way. Well, anyway,
+Ben, I'm glad I kin depend on retainin' you when my claims begin t' show
+up rich, as I kinda think some of 'em's bound t' do, one place or
+another. On my way back t' Nome, I stopped at them new diggin's at Dime
+Creek, an' staked some ground; an' it's a likely lookin' country, I kin
+tell you."
+
+From the first instant he had heard the sound of the man's voice, Baldy
+had remained motionless, but intent, trying to recall their past
+association; then with a bark he rushed up to Moose Jones, showing every
+possible sign of recognition and joy.
+
+"Well, well," exclaimed Moose, "ef this ain't Baldy o' Golconda! Why, I
+didn't know him right away, he's so sorta perky an' high-toned; all
+along of gettin' in with a speedy bunch, I expect," and the man stroked
+the dog affectionately.
+
+"Isn't he fine?" cried Ben eagerly. "I just wish you could 'a' seen him
+the day o' the race; but George'll tell you all about it--how he
+wouldn't let Spot an' Queen bolt, an' how willin' he was an' all."
+
+"Yes, indeed, the boys must tell you all about that famous event, Mr.
+Jones, while I talk to Mrs. Edwards about something else."
+
+Before going into the details of the race, which never palled upon Ben,
+they described with much gusto the defeat of Oolik Lomen in the first
+Great Adventure the Wonder Workers had undertaken; and Ben bitterly
+regretted that he could not also have been one of the brave knights who
+had so valorously risen in defense of the weak and distressed against
+the strong and unprincipled.
+
+But Dan consoled him somewhat by the information that the incident had
+been almost spoiled by interference; and that the next time they
+performed deeds of chivalry he hoped it would be when no female was
+about, unless, indeed, it might be a victim to be rescued from a
+terrible plight.
+
+In the brief chat the Woman had with Mrs. Edwards she learned a little
+of the hardships that had fallen to the lot of the boy and his mother,
+and realized in spite of their courage and reticence that they had
+endured a hard struggle for almost a mere existence.
+
+"Don't you think it would be easier for you outside, where there are not
+so many physical discomforts to be considered?"
+
+"Perhaps. But my husband left a little mining ground that may, in time,
+prove worth while if developed; and I have remained where I could look
+after it, and see that the assessment work was properly done. As it is,
+a man named Barclay--Black Mart Barclay, they call him--jumped the claim
+next to his, and if it had not been for Mr. Jones I should have lost it.
+He loaned me the money to take the matter into the courts, where I won
+out."
+
+"And the boy?"
+
+"He is my one thought," responded Mrs. Edwards. "As a young child he was
+rather delicate, and we could not send him to school because of the
+distance. Since then his association with the men at Golconda has done
+much to offset what I have tried to do for him. Before my marriage I
+taught school in a village in New Hampshire, though you would hardly
+suspect it to hear Ben speak. I wanted to get a position in the school
+here; but nowadays there is so much special training required that I
+found I was not fitted for the work; and I have just had to take what I
+could get from time to time. At any rate," with a cheerful smile, "we
+are still alive and have kept our property."
+
+"It was brave," murmured the Woman, whose eyes were misty; "very brave."
+
+"Now that Ben is going to school regularly," the other continued, "he
+will, I think, soon lose this roughness of speech; and you can see that
+he is anxious to learn, and is ambitious."
+
+"Yes, indeed; I have found him really unusual."
+
+"Mr. Jones told us this morning that if his mining ventures turn out
+well, and they certainly look as if they might, that he will send Ben to
+college. He was my husband's partner at one time, and has always taken a
+great interest in the boy."
+
+"I am so glad," was the response. "I have felt all along that some way
+should be found to make such a thing possible. The child deserves it.
+Some day soon, if you will let me come again, we will make some
+wonderful plans for his future. But I came to-day to ask you if you will
+let Ben go on a trip to the Hot Springs with us next week? I am sure it
+would do him a lot of good to be in the open air, and perhaps he would
+enjoy the outing."
+
+"I should be glad to have him go; as to his enjoyment--just see what he
+says."
+
+Ben listened breathlessly while the Woman told of the prospective
+outing. "I am to go with 'Scotty' and nine or ten of the racing dogs,
+and Pete Bernard, with twelve big huskies, is to take my husband. As
+Pete will have a sled load of freight for Shelton and the Springs, we
+thought you had better go with 'Scotty' and me; that is, of course, if
+you would like to make the trip. I believe that 'Scotty' intends driving
+Baldy, if that is any inducement."
+
+Ben could hardly reply for excitement and happiness.
+
+"Well then," and the Woman rose, "it is quite decided that you are to
+go. I dare say George and Dan--and Baldy--will want to remain a while.
+We have talked so much and so fast that I had really forgotten the
+'party' we came to give you, and it is time for me to leave if I keep
+another engagement. If you are able to get out to-morrow, Ben, bring
+your mother and Mr. Jones over to the Kennel, and we will introduce them
+to some of our distinguished dog friends."
+
+Mrs. Edwards and Moose Jones followed her to the door. The former, with
+a warm hand-clasp, faltered a few words of thanks; and Moose, with some
+embarrassment, said in an undertone, "I'm much obliged, ma'am, fer what
+you and 'Scotty''s done fer the kid an' the dog. Ben used t' come t' my
+cabin when I was kinda lonely an' discouraged at Golconda; an' havin'
+him 'round learnt me that you got t' have some one that you love, t'
+work fer, if you want t' git the best out o' things an' people. Now Mrs.
+Edwards says I kin give Ben his eddication, which'll pay back somethin'
+o' what his father done fer me once when I was considerable down on my
+luck. And," with enthusiasm, "believe me, you kin bet it'll be some
+eddication, ef I have my way, an' them claims pan out the way they look
+now."
+
+So potent a cure was the delight of the coming excursion that Ben was
+over not only the next day with Moose Jones, but every day after, until
+the time for the departure arrived; for there were many interesting
+matters to be settled. The most absorbing was, naturally, the selection
+of dogs for the journey; and there were long discussions by all
+concerned before the team was finally chosen.
+
+The Woman's suggestions were, as usual, well meant; but were almost
+invariably influenced by personal preferences rather than sound
+judgment. And "Scotty" had to firmly repress her desire to thrust the
+greatness of a Trail Career upon some of those for whom he had other
+achievements in mind.
+
+[Illustration: "SHE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF ONE OF
+THE MAIL TEAMS"
+
+Eric Johnson, U. S. Mail Carrier on the Nome-Unalakleet Route]
+
+"I do wish you would take Mego," she urged. "The dear old thing simply
+loves sled work, and you never give her anything to do nowadays but
+bring up families."
+
+"And why not?" demanded "Scotty." "There is not another dog-mother in
+all Nome who can so intelligently care for a family." Which was true;
+for added to her natural fondness for those dependent upon her, she had
+wide experience in the ways of dogs and people, and was thoroughly
+familiar with the dangers that beset the path of puppy-hood.
+
+When young she had been a member of one of the Mail Teams and had worked
+hard for her living. The run of over two hundred and thirty miles
+between Nome and Unalakleet was covered many times during the winter;
+and the Mail Carrier, who has the chance to observe carefully the
+individual behavior of the dogs he uses, was much attracted to Mego. Her
+patient industry was a happy contrast to the actions of some of the
+others, who were unruly and quarrelsome, or disinclined to do their
+share of the necessary labor; and it was with such a high
+recommendation that "Scotty" had bought her.
+
+"If she only had to care for her own puppies it would not be so bad,"
+the Woman complained; "but every once in a while some light-minded
+gad-about roams around at will, or runs away, and leaves her offspring
+for Mego to raise. Why, sometimes you would think she was the matron of
+a Puppies' Day Home."
+
+To her credit it may be said that whether the puppies were hers or
+another's, Mego was untiring in her gentle supervision of their minds
+and manners. She taught them to be respectful and wag their tails
+prettily when addressed; not to jump and place muddy paws on those who
+came to see them, and not to wander away alone, nor associate with
+strangers. And the task was often difficult, for there were many
+alluring temptations and many bad examples.
+
+"But she positively enjoys it," insisted "Scotty." "When her own little
+ones outgrow her care, she is always watching for a chance to annex at
+least one member of any new litter in her neighborhood. Only last week
+she heard the faint squeaks and squeals of Nellie Silk's malamute pups,
+and I caught her tunneling under the manger to try to get to them.
+Mego's kidnapping is the one scandal in the Kennel."
+
+"I suppose they were siren calls, not to be resisted. And anyway, that
+is the only blot on her otherwise spotless character. She possibly does
+it for the excitement; and if you will let her go in the Hot Springs
+team she will have something else to think about. If you don't give her
+a new interest," was the sinister and gloomy prophecy, "stealing puppies
+will very likely become an obsession with her."
+
+But Allan was not to be persuaded. "She gets all of the exercise and
+pleasure that she needs here about the place. If she went away only
+think of the things that might happen to her youngest family. You know
+how careless Birdie is with them."
+
+"That's so," with a sigh. "I had quite forgotten Birdie," and she
+recalled with regret the habit of that half grown stag-hound of dropping
+bits of food into the corral, between the wires, to make friends of the
+little ones; and then after working at the fastening of the gate till it
+could be opened, enticing them out for a frolic.
+
+Mego knew, as well as did the Woman and "Scotty," that Birdie meant no
+harm. On the contrary, she had excellent qualities, and deserved much
+credit for the valuable assistance she rendered as a self-constituted
+Secret Service Agent, and an ardent Advocate of Universal Peace.
+
+When there was a quarrel in the Nursery, and the puppies became violent,
+she gently separated them and gave the defeated one a cherished if
+somewhat ancient bone that she had buried for such occasions; occasions
+when material consolation is needed to forget material ills.
+
+In case of serious trouble she would rush for help, whining anxiously,
+and frequently her prompt action in bringing Matt prevented fatal
+terminations to neighborhood feuds, race riots, or affairs of honor
+between dogs with irreconcilable differences of opinion on important
+subjects.
+
+But when Birdie was not doing detective work, or holding Peace
+Conferences, she was lonely and craved the companionship of the frisky
+pups. And while Mego was certain that her character was above reproach,
+as well as her motives, she realized also that the stag-hound was
+heedless. And the wise mother had always in mind the perils that lurk
+in the hoofs of horses, the wheels of wagons, and the hovering
+Pound-man; and never relaxed her vigilance in guarding her family
+against such dangers.
+
+"Well then, leaving out Mego, what dogs shall you use besides Kid, Tom,
+Dick, Harry, Spot, and McMillan? I told Ben that you would take Baldy."
+
+"Yes, Baldy, and probably Rex. I have been considering Fisher and Wolf,
+too. Fisher has been rather indolent and indifferent, and I have never
+given Wolf a good run since I bought him of that native boy, Illayuk."
+
+"Why not Jemima? You have never given her a really good run either, and
+she is no more inexperienced for the trip than is Wolf. As a matter of
+fact, I have been training her quite a bit myself lately, and I find
+that she is enthusiastic and good-tempered."
+
+"Scotty" repressed a smile with difficulty. "Of course if you've been
+training her that's different."
+
+He had seen her several times trying to make Jemima jump over a stick,
+beg for a bone, and stand on her hind legs--quite useless
+accomplishments, as George and Dan had agreed, for a sled dog. And he
+had also heard her words of advice to the progressive little dog, who
+did indeed seem to be anxious to create a place for herself amongst the
+best in the Kennel.
+
+"Jemima," the Woman would warn her solemnly, "there are lots of things
+the Females of the Species have to learn early, if they would avoid
+trouble in this world. The very first of all is to let yourself be well
+groomed, make the most of the gay pompoms on your harness, and cultivate
+tact above all things. Never make a public nuisance of yourself. Be
+steadfast, but not militant; and do not snarl and snap, tear children's
+clothing, nor upset the puppies' food dish, even though you are
+dissatisfied with existing conditions. But instead, never forget there
+are wonderful opportunities even in a dog's life, and be ever ready and
+waiting to use them when they come. Now shake hands."
+
+As a concession to the Woman's fondness for Jemima, rather than to her
+training, "Scotty" decided to let her go with them; and to her great
+delight, and to Baldy's unbarkable dismay, for Baldy had but little
+regard for ambitious females, she was placed in the wheel with him.
+
+And so, with Kid in the lead, Baldy and Jemima in the wheel, Tom, Dick,
+Harry and the others arranged to the best advantage; with the Woman
+covered to the eyes in furs, and surrounded by bags, rugs, and carriage
+heaters, and Ben comfortably tucked away in the midst; and with "Scotty"
+Allan at the handle-bars, they were finally ready for the start to the
+Springs.
+
+Mrs. Edwards and Moose Jones had joined the Allan girls, George, Dan and
+Matt at the Kennel, to wish the travelers a pleasant journey; and as he
+waved a last farewell to them before the team dropped over the brow of
+the hill, Ben observed gaily, "Well, I guess Ben Hur and all o' them old
+chariot racers didn't have nothing much on Alaska racin' dog teams when
+it comes t' style an' speed an' excitement."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+The Dawn of a To-morrow
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE DAWN OF A TO-MORROW
+
+
+Once out of the streets where there is danger of upsetting the unwary or
+absent-minded pedestrian, the Allan and Darling Team headed down the
+trail with real pleasure in the prospect of a long run.
+
+They almost seemed to feel that this jaunt might be in the nature of a
+"try-out" for racing material; or at the very least it might offer
+something worth while in the way of adventure.
+
+As a matter of fact it did, in the end, prove an eventful trip.
+Particularly for Baldy, who gained recognition in an unexpected manner;
+for the Woman, whose experiences nearly quenched her ardor for
+exploration; and for Jemima, who learned that masculine human nature
+respects feminine ambition up to a certain point only, and then
+considers it a form of mania to be restrained.
+
+Just behind was Pete Bernard, a sturdy French Canadian, trying to hold
+his uncontrollable, half-wild huskies, who were jumping and making
+sudden lunges toward any stranger--man or dog--that wandered near; and
+especially toward the Yellow Peril, who was a free lance in the
+expedition, and as such was particularly irritating to those in harness.
+They were a perfect contrast to "Scotty's" dogs, who had been taught to
+step into place, each as his name was called, standing quietly until all
+were in position, and the traces were snapped to the tow-line; and then,
+as the signal was given, to dart ahead with the ease and precision of
+machinery started by electricity. Pete's sled was piled high with
+freight and luggage, and astride of this was the Big Man, also in furs.
+
+It was a cloudless day in January--a marvelous combination of white and
+blue. Snowy plains rose almost imperceptibly into softly curved hills,
+and ended in rugged mountains that were outlined in sharp, silvery
+peaks against the dazzling sky.
+
+The air was crisp and keen, the jingle of the sled-bells merry, and
+Baldy even forgot, in the very joy of living, and in the nearness of
+Ben, that Jemima was his team-mate.
+
+[Illustration: THE AIR WAS CRISP AND
+KEEN]
+
+They could faintly hear Pete's voice giving strange directions to his
+dogs; for Pete was Captain of a coasting schooner in summer, and
+freighted with a dog team in winter, and used the same terms in both
+occupations. He steered his ship "Gee" and "Haw," admonished his dogs
+"not to get tangled up in their riggin'," and cautioned them against
+"runnin' afoul of other craft." Of course no well raised dog could be
+expected to know that his harness was "riggin'," nor that a sled could
+possibly come under the head of "craft "; and he would be quite at a
+loss to grasp Pete's meaning generally. But as Pete's team never obeyed
+anyway, except by the exercise of sheer bodily force, it made but small
+difference how he spoke to them.
+
+On they came, "passenger" and "cargo" safely aboard, some distance
+behind the Racers, who passed before long the famous Paystreak Diggings,
+which had yielded their many millions, and were soon beyond the groups
+of miners' cabins on the Third Beach Line.
+
+It was a very different Baldy--this Baldy of Nome--from the one who had
+so often in the days gone by traveled the Golconda Trail with his
+friend, the boy. The days when he was hungry and foot-sore and
+heart-sick, and now--Baldy straightened up proudly, and nearly pulled
+Jemima off her feet in his desire to render good service for favors
+received. While Ben's eyes sparkled as he glanced at the dog in his
+responsible position of right wheeler in the Allan and Darling Team of
+Racers.
+
+There the way led up a gentle slope, then down to the bed of Nome River,
+where they kept on the ice for several miles. It was here that Jemima's
+unfitness for work with experts began to manifest itself; as well as the
+unusual tenacity of purpose that seemed either perseverance or
+perversity--depending upon whether you looked at the matter from Baldy's
+standpoint or from hers.
+
+"Scotty" watched with some amusement her efforts to keep up with the
+others on the slippery ice, and when he thought she was becoming tired
+he stopped her, and let her run free. When she realized that she was
+out of the team her amazement and chagrin were plainly manifest. She sat
+down in the snow while she figured out a plan of campaign for the
+restoration of her rights; and then was off immediately in pursuit.
+"Scotty" had brought Fisher back into the wheel with Baldy; and Jemima,
+without pausing, jumped over Fisher's back between him and Baldy, to the
+growling disgust of the latter. Of course all three became "tangled in
+the riggin'," and the sled slipped up and over them.
+
+The Woman, thinking the dogs were hurt, gave a frightened scream, Ben
+was nearly thrown out by the sudden jolt, and "Scotty "--yes, "Scotty"
+said something short and forceful, which was most rare; though swearing
+much or little seems almost as invariable a part of dog mushing as it is
+of mule driving. Jemima was lifted out, the tow-line straightened, and
+another start was made; but after trotting along steadily for a time she
+gave a second sudden leap, and was between the two dogs just in front of
+the wheelers. Once more things were badly mixed, and the untangling
+process had to be repeated. "Scotty" was annoyed, but interested; for
+the usual rebukes had no effect on Jemima who was still agreeably but
+firmly bent upon being an active member of the team.
+
+Again and again she tried the same move till she had been ousted from
+every position she had endeavored to fill. And then, more in sorrow than
+in anger, she abandoned the unsuccessful tactics, stepped up beside Kid,
+and, keeping pace with him, ran at the head of the team until they drew
+up before the door of the Nugget Road House, where they were to spend
+the night. Jemima believed in preserving appearances.
+
+When they were settled, the Woman with "Scotty" and Ben went into the
+barn to see the dogs fed, and said if Jemima showed any inclination,
+because of her frustrated plans, to destroy Road House property, or
+refuse food, her name should be changed to Emmeline. But Jemima, at
+least to her own satisfaction, had demonstrated her ability, as well as
+her unswerving determination, so she ate dried salmon and corn meal
+porridge with zest, and slept soundly, content to leave the rest to
+Allan's sense of justice. Baldy looked distrustfully at the sleeping
+Jemima, and thought approvingly of the absent Mego--for Baldy was
+somewhat primitive in his ideas of the hitherto gentle sex.
+
+Shortly afterward the other team came--and then followed the excitement
+and confusion that was the inevitable accompaniment of the arrival of
+Pete Bernard and his howling huskies.
+
+What an untrained lot they were--fierce and unapproachable--for no one
+ever handled them but Pete, and he had no time to give to their higher
+education. If they had the strength to pull, he would see that they did
+it; he never used a dog physically unfit, and was perfectly willing to
+go through with them any of the severe hardships they were forced to
+endure. Did he not, without hesitation, drive them mercilessly through
+black night and raging blizzard to bring a freezing stranger to the
+hospital--a man whose one chance lay in skilled care?
+
+It was no great thing in Pete's sight--a simple episode of the North.
+The man was in dire need, he himself was strong, and his dogs would go
+through anything with Pete "at the steerin' gear"--and so a life was
+saved.
+
+When the Bernard team was also stabled, Baldy was overcome with that
+delicious drowsiness that follows a busy day in the open. From the house
+came those strange noises that people seem to so much enjoy--else why do
+they remain within reach of them instead of running far away, as did
+Baldy at first? But he, like the rest of the Allan and Darling family,
+had eventually become used to the phonograph; and their perfect
+self-control now enabled them to lie quietly through the "Sextette from
+Lucia" or the latest rag time at least with composure, if not with
+pleasure.
+
+Not so, however, Pete's uncultured brutes; such strains were melancholy
+and painful to them in the extreme; and they did not hesitate to let it
+be known. One by one they began to howl, till all twelve were wailing
+dolefully and continuously. The Nugget dogs joined them, and Baldy
+noticed with stern condemnation that Fisher and Wolf, who had not yet
+acquired the repose of manner that comes of rigid discipline, were also
+guilty of this breach of Road House decorum. Allan and Pete rushed out
+to quell the disturbance, but the Big Man said not to interfere; that
+many a dollar he had paid for an evening of Strauss or Debussy when the
+clamor was just as loud, and to him no more melodious--and he was for
+letting them finish their "number" in peace.
+
+At last the music-machine ceased from troubling, the rival canine
+concert was ended, and laughter and song were hushed. The stillness of
+the Arctic night fell upon the Nugget Road House, lying in the somber
+shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains. And to Baldy and all the others came
+rest and forgetfulness of such trials as nerve-racking sounds that
+destroy well-earned sleep, and the enforced companionship of advanced
+females that insist upon having a paw in the management of affairs that
+should not concern them.
+
+The next morning both teams were ready to continue the journey. The Big
+Man with Pete Bernard and his huskies were to take the long route
+through the Lowlands; while "Scotty" decided upon the short cut by the
+Golden Gate Pass, because the Woman wanted to go the most picturesque
+way.
+
+It had been cold but clear when they left Nugget, and was still fair,
+though somewhat colder, when they stopped for lunch at Slisco's; but
+later, as they went up through the steep divide, the chill wind became
+almost unbearable.
+
+The trail had grown exceedingly rough, and for many miles there were,
+at close intervals, a succession of jagged windrows rising like the
+crests of huge waves frozen as they curled to break. Once when the sled
+hit a crag, in spite of every effort to steer clear of it, "Scotty"
+heard an ominous crack. He was obliged to stop, and with Ben's aid wound
+the broken place with a stout cord. Then they tied the Woman in with
+ropes, for there was constant fear that she might be hurled out when the
+sled swerved unavoidably.
+
+[Illustration: THE TRAIL HAD GROWN EXCEEDINGLY ROUGH]
+
+It did not take them ten minutes to do it all, but Allan was obliged to
+remove his gloves, and one of his hands became frost-bitten, and almost
+useless for a time. He put Jemima, who had gone slightly lame, into the
+sled with her friend, and tucked the warm rugs about them both; while
+the boy insisted upon perching lightly on the side that he might be
+ready to give instant assistance if necessary. The dog was resentful
+against the enforced ease, however, for she was not at all ready, in
+spite of pain, to give up her work.
+
+In answer to the solicitous questions as to how she was standing it all,
+there came from the numb and bleeding lips of the Woman, through an ice
+encrusted veil, a reply that was something between a groan and a sob.
+In faltering tones she declared herself "perfectly comfortable; found
+the scenery glorious, and simply loved traveling by dog team." Had Baldy
+understood this assurance of a "delightful ride," and had he seen
+Jemima's strenuous resistance against what was necessary for her
+well-being, it might have seemed to him proof positive of the existence
+of certain traits characteristically feminine.
+
+Kid, who was no respecter of the elements, much less of people, and
+whose one rule of life appeared to be "Get There, and Get There First,"
+dashed up those slippery barriers to find a sheer drop of five feet or
+more on the other side, down which he would take team and sled.
+
+The cold had become still more intense, and the thermometer they carried
+registered thirty degrees below zero, with the summit far beyond. The
+situation was serious, and "Scotty" felt that their best chance for
+safety lay in the speed with which they could cross the Divide, and
+reach the open country; for there the trail led over the flats, and
+there were not the menacing precipices, that could not now be seen
+through a dense fall of eddying snow.
+
+The way had been completely obliterated, and even Kid had paused,
+confused, and for once uncertain of the next move. "Scotty" called the
+boy to the handle-bars. "Stand on the brake, Ben, and shout to Kid if he
+should start after me. He may hear you even above the storm. I'll have
+to go on to see if I cannot locate some sort of a trail." He lowered his
+voice. "This is the worst place in the Sawtooth Range to be caught, and
+I'll have to depend upon you to do a man's work. Losing the way now
+would be a desperate matter, but of course we must not let her know how
+desperate," with a gesture toward the sled.
+
+When Allan forged ahead into the thickness of the whirling snow, and
+disappeared completely, the boy felt a strange dread of the unknown.
+There was something appalling in the mighty force of the Arctic blizzard
+that had fallen full upon them. Something ghostly in the silent,
+motionless figure of the Woman, covered as with a pall, by the drifting
+snow, and in the shadowy string of dogs faintly seen, from time to time,
+when a rare lull cleared the air to a dim and misty grayness. Something
+terrifying in the cruel sting of the bitter wind that cut into the flesh
+like whip-lashes, and shrieked and howled in its unspent rage over that
+lonely and desolate mountain fastness.
+
+It seemed ages before "Scotty" returned to report that there was no sign
+of a trail. "I used to know this country fairly well, and I think I'd
+better go on before the team for a while to try to keep at least in the
+right direction. But I'll have to put another dog in the lead with Kid.
+It's almost impossible to make any headway, and two of the strongest
+dogs will barely be able to hold up against this blow."
+
+He thought deeply for a moment. Life or death might hinge upon his
+selection of dogs that would follow him through danger and disaster
+unfalteringly, unflinchingly. And, too, he must decide at once.
+
+As in a flash there came to him the memory of Baldy's steadfast strength
+in the boys' race, his calm determination; and after an instant's
+hesitation he hooked Baldy up beside Kid. With a few words of direction
+to Ben, "Scotty" turned once more into the teeth of the gale; and at his
+heels, patient and obedient, came his stanch team with Kid and Baldy in
+the lead.
+
+Ben felt, even in the midst of the distress and danger, a thrill of joy;
+while Baldy was filled with pride. He had supposed that Tom, Dick,
+Harry or McMillan would share that honor and responsibility with Kid,
+and now, unexpectedly, it had come to him. "Scotty" was trusting him;
+safety for them all might rest on his strength and faithfulness, and he
+was grateful indeed for this opportunity to prove that he was both
+strong and faithful.
+
+He did not care though the glittering frost whitened his short hair, and
+pierced his sinewy flanks like a knife thrust; he hardly realized that
+the driving snow froze his eyelids together, and caked between his toes,
+making his feet so tender that they bled. Straining and breathless he
+plunged forward, knowing only that behind him was his friend the boy,
+with a helpless human being; and that somewhere beyond was his master,
+calling to them from out the cold and the dark. So, blindly, willingly,
+they followed the intrepid man who staggered on, and on, till at last
+the fury of the storm was over. Then the chill mist seemed to rise, as a
+curtain, and the peaceful Valley of the Kruzgamapa lay before them,
+bathed in the glow of the early winter sunset.
+
+Far across the white plains, surrounded by willows and alders, leafless
+and outlined skeleton-like against the rosy sky, lay the Hot Springs
+Road House. Its shining windows and smoking chimney brought hopeful
+interest and renewed courage, even to those already "perfectly
+comfortable"; and gave to the dogs that zest and eagerness that marks
+the sighted end of a hard day's run.
+
+In another half hour they had arrived at their destination, and were all
+warmly housed. Jemima, stiff, and a bit inclined to be sulky, had been
+lifted out of the sled and was now resting cozily on some furs in the
+corner. The Woman, almost rigid, had also been lifted out, and after
+thawing a little, was busily engaged in applying soothing remedies to a
+badly scarred cheek and chin; for the Big Man was due at any moment, and
+his facetious comments on the unpleasant results of her "pleasure trips"
+had become time-honored, if unwelcome, family jokes.
+
+Ben was vastly contented in the knowledge that he had been of real
+service, and accepted the appreciation that was warmly expressed with
+modest joy.
+
+As for Baldy, there was the dawn of a glorious future in that day's
+work. When, in his turn, Allan came to him and rubbed cooling ointment
+into his swollen and bleeding feet, there was much more than just the
+customary kindly stroke. Something Baldy could not fathom, that made his
+heart beat happily. There was born, of a touch and tone, the wonderful
+ambition to be classed with Dubby and Kid in his master's affections; as
+with his hand still resting gently on Baldy, "Scotty" turned to the boy.
+"Ben, we're glad _now_ that we have Baldy."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+A Tragedy without a Moral--and a Comedy with One
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A TRAGEDY WITHOUT A MORAL--AND A COMEDY WITH ONE
+
+
+Life at the Kruzgamapa Hot Springs offered a pleasant relaxation from
+the business cares and social duties of Nome. There was very little
+driving for the dogs, but they were allowed to chase every big beautiful
+white hare they could find, pursue a red fox if they were so lucky as to
+start one, and watch the flocks of ptarmigan that fluttered near enough
+to be a constant lure.
+
+They were out by day with the Big Man and Ben to look for game, and once
+nearly went wild with excitement when they saw an Eskimo take a large
+gray lynx from his trap. That was the sort of a cat that would be worth
+while as a friend or foe; and Baldy remembered Texas Allan with added
+disdain.
+
+Occasionally natives with their sleds drawn by reindeer would pass that
+way. And if they could elude "Scotty's" vigilance it was great fun to
+dash after the awkward, stubborn beasts who so disliked them; and who
+somewhat threatened, in the more remote interior, to break up the
+monopoly of the Northern Dog Transportation Company, Unlimited.
+
+At night they were taken for long walks by the Woman and Ben. Out over
+the snow that crackled sharply in the clear, crisp air; out where the
+stars seemed strangely close, the moon strangely bright--and where
+across the heavens waved the luminous, ghostly banners of the Northern
+Lights.
+
+Time now meant nothing. It was the Land of Day After To-morrow, where
+the obligation of definite hours for definite duties did not exist.
+
+And because there was a vacation freedom in the very atmosphere,
+sometimes they stole into the big living-room of the Road House, two or
+three at a time; and lying in the shadowy twilight they would listen,
+in drowsy content, to the cheery snap of the wood in the huge ruddy
+stove, and to the voices of their friends as they talked of the North,
+its hardships, its happiness, its hopes.
+
+[Illustration: KRUZAMAPA HOT SPRINGS]
+
+The great world "Outside," and its troubles, seemed far away.
+
+International difficulties, the Fall of a Monarchy? Interesting of
+course, but on the last Holiday, Charles Johnson, with his marvelous
+Siberians, supplemented the previous Siberian triumph of John Johnson by
+winning the Solomon Derby of that year; making the course of sixty-five
+miles in but little more than five hours. That was something to worry
+one.
+
+Suffrage? Desirable for many places, naturally. Though in Nome a woman
+could be a member of the Kennel Club, enter a racing team, and vote on
+school matters, long before the franchise was given her by the
+Legislature in Juneau. And surely that, all agreed, had been as liberal
+a policy as any reasonable female should have demanded from any
+community.
+
+The Tariff, Panama Canal news, and graft prosecutions? Well, of course,
+one discussed such affairs casually; but after all, the Dog Question in
+all its phases was of far more immediate importance to Alaskans. And so
+they spent many an hour in reminiscences and prophecies; and were
+thrilled over and over again with the excitement of the great contests
+they had witnessed--lost and won; basing predictions for the future on
+the achievements of the past.
+
+Then the dogs would be roused by the entrance of the Eskimo hunters, who
+stopped in the dusk of the evening on the way back to their settlement
+at Mary's Igloo, to barter for their day's bag. And later they sniffed
+with keen pleasure the wonderful smells from the adjoining kitchen;
+smells of broiled trout, reindeer steaks, and Arctic grouse--and
+fainter, but more delicious still, the odor of their own meal being
+cooked in the tent beside the cabin door.
+
+They remained at the Springs a couple of weeks; and delightful weeks
+they were, too, but for one unfortunate incident, which was precipitated
+because of Tom's aristocratic race prejudice.
+
+He had always hated Eskimo dogs; choosing either to ignore his own
+huskie blood, or feeling that it was superior to the native strain in
+the malamutes of the coast--just as some people boast of being
+descended from Pocahontas, but would shudder at the mere idea of a
+Siwash Squaw ancestress.
+
+At all events, Tom had resented the entrance of the Eskimo, Wolf, into
+the Kennel; and never failed, when "Scotty" was not about, to manifest
+an enmity that would have told a civilized dog not to attempt any
+liberties with him. But Wolf was only an ignorant puppy, taken from a
+native igloo, where all of the dogs and all of the family lived in happy
+harmony; and so, one day when he was particularly joyous, he nipped, in
+a spirit of mischief, the end of Tom's wagging stump of a tail. Tom
+wheeled instantly, his hair bristling and his jaws apart, but the timely
+arrival of Matt made further demonstration impossible; and Tom's
+instinctive dislike for Wolf grew into an obsession after that direct
+and personal insult.
+
+In their well-appointed quarters in Nome, with each dog in his own
+stall, revenge was out of the question; and when in harness, or out with
+Matt for exercise, there was as little chance for settling a grievance
+as there would be with soldiers on parade. But at the Springs Tom's
+opportunity came.
+
+The small stables were overcrowded, there being seventy dogs in camp
+belonging to storm-bound travelers. It was necessary to chain them
+closer together than "Scotty" felt was wise, though he was not prepared
+for the tragedy that greeted him when he went out one morning to see
+that all was well with the team.
+
+Every dog rose to greet him, as he came in with the Woman and Ben,
+except Wolf, who lay dead, strangled with his own collar.
+
+The muscular body, so supple and vigorous but a short time before, was
+stiffening fast; and there were signs of a struggle desperate but
+ineffectual.
+
+"Oh, 'Scotty,' can't you do something for poor Wolf?" and the tears came
+to the Woman's eyes as she laid a pitying hand on the handsome head of
+the tawny malamute.
+
+"It's too late," said Allan regretfully. "He was a good dog, too; and
+would have made a strong addition to the team, properly handled."
+
+A careful examination showed that on the left hind foot were traces of
+blood and marks of teeth; and there were but two dogs who could have
+reached Wolf to stretch him till he choked--Baldy and Tom.
+
+The Woman looked accusingly toward Baldy. "I suppose he did it. He
+probably does not realize how wicked it was, he has had so little
+discipline as yet."
+
+Anxious to defend the dog, Ben answered impulsively, "I'm quite sure
+Baldy wouldn't do a thing like that. He's been friends with Wolf; I saw
+them playing together only yesterday. And it really ain't a bit like
+Baldy t' be cruel an' sneakin'--t' lay fer a dog that didn't have a
+chance agin him."
+
+"But surely Tom, after all of his years of training, would not have
+attacked one of his own stable-mates. Such a thing has never occurred
+before in our Kennel. I fear, Ben, it must have been Baldy."
+
+But "Scotty" was not so confident. "I agree with Ben; it's not like
+Baldy. I have never found him quarrelsome, nor vindictive. And I hate,
+too, to believe Tom guilty. You know I never punish a dog on
+circumstantial evidence; so I am afraid this cold-blooded murder will
+have to be passed over, unless we can be certain of the criminal. There
+is always the possibility that a stray dog may have been responsible."
+
+"Well, don't saddle it onto the Yellow Peril," exclaimed the Big Man,
+who came in to see what was the matter. "He is popularly supposed to
+start every dog fight in Nome; but this time he can prove a clear
+alibi, for he slept at the foot of my bed all night." Thus exonerated,
+the Peril passed by the line of chained dogs, bumping into them in a
+perfectly unnecessary manner, and emitting supercilious growls that in
+themselves would have been sufficient grounds for instant death if Pete
+Bernard's huskies could have acted upon their unanimous opinion.
+
+"It's a terrible thing," sighed the Woman, "to have a murderer in our
+midst and not know who it is. It makes me feel positively creepy." And
+again, almost unconsciously, her glance fell upon Baldy.
+
+And so the affair was ended officially. But Baldy could not forget the
+sickening suspicion that had rested upon him. In her heart the Woman
+felt that he was the culprit; and even "Scotty" had not been absolutely
+certain of his innocence. There was only Ben who _knew_.
+
+Forlornly the boy and the dog wandered about throughout that dismal day,
+which seemed interminable. Nothing interested them, even the very things
+that had made the other days pass so quickly and so happily. Nothing
+except gloomily watching Tom, whose actions would have plainly proved
+his guilt to "Scotty" had the man not been too absorbed in an
+improvement for his sled to take much notice of anything else.
+
+For a brief period the wily criminal had shown a humility as deep as it
+was unusual; he had sat on a pile of wood alone, not even romping with
+Dick and Harry till he felt the Hour of Judgment had passed. And then,
+deciding that there was no punishment forthcoming, he had leaped and
+frisked, and seemed so guileless that Baldy's contempt for his own kind
+made life hardly worth while.
+
+One might look for such actions from inferior animals--from a cat that
+has killed a bird for instance; for cats are only soft-footed, purring
+bundles of deceit, with no standard of trail morals. But for a dog, a
+racing dog, and one belonging to the Allan and Darling Team, it was
+almost incredible. One would expect him at least to have the courage of
+his convictions, and be willing to take the consequences of what he
+regarded as a legitimate feud.
+
+Tom's escape from all blame in this deplorable matter rankled. It made
+Baldy realize the indifference or casual injustice of a world that
+seldom delves below the surface of things; and while at times it plunged
+him into periods of depression, more often it spurred him on in his
+dogged determination to attain the goal of his recently aroused
+ambitions.
+
+Fortunately he had a forgiving nature, and realized they could not know
+how deeply he had been wounded by their lack of faith. Also he was too
+busy to brood very much, for when they exercised at all, the new dogs
+were being tried out, and the older ones were in demand as "trainers."
+Most recruits are as eager for the honor of making the team as a
+freshman is to get into college football; but occasionally it was thrust
+upon an unwilling candidate.
+
+"I should not be at all surprised if I have some trouble with Fisher,"
+remarked "Scotty," as he turned the dogs out one day for their usual
+run. "He has a certain malamute stubbornness that might cause me a lot
+of annoyance just when I could least afford the time to correct him."
+
+"Well, after your famous victory over Jack McMillan I do not anticipate
+seeing any real difficulty with Fisher," was the Big Man's confident
+reply. "I think you would be eligible to the position of wild beast
+tamer in a menagerie as the result of your tussle with Jack; for his
+strong wolf strain and his enormous strength certainly made him a
+formidable opponent. Yet you never tied nor whipped him."
+
+"That had been tried constantly, with no success, and some danger. You
+see, with McMillan's disposition, such treatment only made him more
+defiant, without in the least breaking his spirit. I knew of course that
+he would have to be conquered, and conquered completely, or become an
+outlaw against whom every one would turn; but the punishment would have
+to be more vital and less humiliating than a beating. It won't do to
+embitter an animal any more than it will a person. You have to leave a
+certain self-respect and give him a fair chance."
+
+And more than a fair chance Jack had received in that thrilling moment
+when the wiry little Scotchman, cool and determined, had faced the huge
+brute whose nature, harking back to the wild, threw off the shackles of
+generations of suppression and training, and rose to meet his hereditary
+enemy--opposing fierce resentment to all efforts of control.
+
+For an instant the man and dog had paused, each seeming to gauge the
+strength of the other--then the instinct to kill, that heritage from the
+past, when the timber wolf gave no quarter, rose supreme; and the dog
+sprang forward, the wide open jaws revealing his sharp, white teeth and
+cruelly broken tusks. Suddenly the weight of Allan's body was hurled
+against him; strong supple fingers closed upon his neck, and with an
+unexpected wrench Jack McMillan's head was buried in a drift of soft,
+deep snow. He struggled violently to wrest himself from the iron grasp;
+madly he fought for freedom; but always there was that slow, deadly
+tightening at the throat. Panting and choking, he had made one last
+desperate attempt to break the grip that pinned him down; and then lay
+spent and inert except for an occasional hoarse gasp, or convulsive
+movement of his massive frame.
+
+At length the man had risen, and the dog, feeling himself loosed, and
+able to get his breath, staggered uncertainly to his feet, turned, and
+stood bravely facing his foe. There was, for a brief period, the
+suggestion of a renewed conflict in the dog's attitude. With the foam
+dripping from his mouth, quivering in every muscle; but still erect,
+exhausted but not cowed, he waited for the next move--and when it came
+McMillan had met his master. Not because of the force in the vise-like
+fingers, not because of the dominating mind that controlled them, but
+because of the generous spirit that treats a conquered enemy--even a
+dog--as an honorable antagonist, not an abject slave.
+
+There had seemed to be a sudden comprehension on the part of the dog,
+like the clearing of a distorting mist. He realized in the tone of the
+man's voice the recognition and appreciation of qualities which stand
+not alone for unquenchable hatred, but for undying fidelity as well; and
+when "Scotty's" hand fell upon his head, and gently stroked the soft
+sable muzzle, Jack McMillan had not only met a master, but he had made a
+friend.
+
+"But Fisher is quite different from Jack. There was never anything petty
+about him. Even his hatred had something impressive about it, for he
+fought to kill, and was never snarling and underhanded. You always knew
+where you stood with him. While Fisher is not at all dangerous, he has
+many undesirable traits that are difficult to overcome. He shirked all
+the way up from town. That may have been the fault of his training, or
+possibly he is naturally lazy; that is what I want to find out. At any
+rate nagging does not seem to worry him in the least."
+
+The Woman came out of the house pulling on her fur gloves. "What do you
+say," she asked Allan, "to a spin over to Mary's Igloo? Father Bernard
+has all sorts of native curios there that I should like to see, and the
+day is right for a drive."
+
+"Fine idea," agreed the Big Man. "And Ben and I will follow with as many
+of Pete's huskies as we think we can manage without being slated for the
+hospital. We might try the Yellow Peril in the lead."
+
+"In that case," the Woman responded rather grimly, "you will probably be
+slated for the cemetery instead. Why don't you get a couple of reindeer
+from the camp just below? They may not be so fast, but they are surely
+safe, and one feels so picturesque behind them, with all their gay felt
+collars and trappings."
+
+"Scotty" whistled for the dogs, but Fisher was not to be seen. He had
+gone back into the stable to doze on the hay, his favorite pastime.
+Again and again the whistle failed to gain any response. The other dogs
+had all stepped into place before the sled; when at last Fisher,
+reluctant in coming, meditated a moment, and then, in open rebellion,
+darted down the steep banks into the overflow of the Springs. The water,
+a strange freak of nature in the Arctic, was very warm, and deep enough
+so that he had to swim; and he felt that he had selected an ideal place
+for his Declaration of Independence.
+
+But "Scotty," shouting directions to have the other dogs unhitched,
+immediately started in pursuit of the rebel.
+
+Fisher left the hard, well-beaten track, and struck out for some small
+willows and alders where the snow had drifted in feathery masses. He
+broke through the crust frequently, but knew that a man would have more
+difficulty still in making any headway. Finally Allan turned back to the
+house, and Fisher sat down to think over his little victory. He was
+tired and panting, but he felt he had scored a point; when to his
+amazement he saw the man coming toward him, and now on snow-shoes. He
+plunged forward, and relentlessly "Scotty" followed. Hour after hour
+the chase continued, until Fisher realized, at length, the futility of
+it all; and thoroughly exhausted, crouched shivering in the snow,
+waiting for the punishment that lay in the coils of the long black whip
+in the man's hand.
+
+When some little distance from him, Allan paused and called to Fisher.
+
+The dog listened. There was something compelling in the tone, something
+he could not resist; and so in spite of the temptation to make one more
+wild dash for liberty, the dog crawled to "Scotty's" feet in fear and
+trembling. And instead of the sting of the lash he had expected, a
+kindly touch fell upon him, and a friendly voice said, "It's a good
+thing, old fellow, you decided to come to me of your own free will.
+
+"It means a bone instead of a beating--remember that always," and a
+delicious greasy bone was taken from a capacious pocket and given him.
+
+So Fisher went back to the stable with "Scotty "; where Jack McMillan
+and other ex-rebels, but now loyal subjects, ignored, with a politeness
+born of similar experiences, the little episode that taught Fisher once
+for all that respect for authority eliminates the necessity for a
+whipping. Which is, perhaps, the canine version of Virtue being its own
+Reward.
+
+The drive back to town was pleasant but uneventful. Ben, perfectly well
+again, was eager to begin his school work and lay a foundation for the
+wonderful education that Moose Jones had in mind for him, while Baldy
+was glad to be at home once more where he could settle down to his
+regular duties. It was with a contentment quite new to him, for in
+"Scotty" Allan there was evident a growing recognition of his earnest
+desire to be of real use. And with that certainty he ceased to worry
+over the short-sightedness of a world which, till now, had appeared to
+him unable to grasp the idea that while beauty is only fur deep, ability
+goes to the bone.
+
+Tom, Dick and Harry might attract the notice of strangers by their
+persuasive ways; Jack McMillan compel admiration by his magnificence;
+Irish and Rover win caresses by their affectionate demonstrations. But
+after all, in storm and stress, with perhaps a life at stake, it was to
+him, to Baldy the obscure, to Baldy "formerly of Golconda, now of
+Nome," that his master had turned in his hour of greatest need.
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+With the Flight of Time
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+WITH THE FLIGHT OF TIME
+
+
+The town of Nome, extending along the shore of Bering Sea for nearly two
+miles, is not built back to any extent on the tundra, which stretches
+away, a bog in summer, to the low-lying hills in the distance. In winter
+this is, however, a wide sweep of spotless snow crossed by well-defined
+trails--and it was here that the dogs were given their exercise.
+
+There were many pleasant diversions in this daily training; visits to
+the outlying camps, where they were lauded and petted by the miners, and
+surreptitiously banqueted by the camp cooks.
+
+Then there were impromptu races into town if by chance they encountered
+other teams coming back after the day's work; when the leaders, eying
+one another critically, even scornfully, would, without so much as a
+bark by way of discussion, start headlong for Nome, which was visible in
+the shadowy gray twilight only by its curling smoke and twinkling
+lights.
+
+On they would come, over the Bridge, and up the steep banks of Dry
+Creek, turning into Front Street, and dashing down that main
+thoroughfare at a pace that took little heed of city speed limits.
+
+It was an hour when baby-sleds and small children were not in evidence;
+and so they were always urged on to a spirited finish by the eager
+voices of bystanders, to whom sport is more important than home and
+dinner.
+
+The unmarked days have slipped into the fast-flying weeks, and they into
+the months; till, suddenly, as from a lethargy, the North arouses itself
+to greet the first unfailing herald of spring--the Dog Races of Nome.
+And about the second week in February the serious work that is the
+forerunner of these spring races is begun; and Baldy found his time full
+to overflowing with the duties that had long since become joys.
+
+Many luxuries were added to their usual comforts, and all sorts of
+improvements made in equipment. There were beautiful patent leather
+collars stuffed with caribou hair and faced with rattan, so there should
+be no chafing of the neck; they were as "fine and becoming," the Woman
+said, "as feather boas." All extra weight was eliminated. The harness
+was of thin linen webbing; snaps and buckles gave place to ivory
+toggles; wooden whiffletrees were replaced by those made of aluminum,
+and the tow-line, light and flexible, and of incredible strength, was of
+walrus hide.
+
+Most wonderful of all, it seemed to Ben, George and Dan, was the racing
+sled, built on delicate lines, but of tough, almost unbreakable hickory,
+and lashed with reindeer sinew. It weighed but little more than thirty
+pounds--"as trim a bark as ever sailed the uncharted trails," according
+to Pete Bernard; and surely a sight to gladden the eyes of a Dog Musher
+of the North.
+
+To the front of this was attached a delicately adjusted combination of
+scales and springs, by which Allan could tell when the draft of the team
+equaled a pound to the dog; and if more was indicated he was always
+behind pushing and adding all of the strength he possessed to that of
+those steel-muscled animals each of whom can start, on runners, several
+hundred pounds on level snow.
+
+The Kennel was at all times delightful and spotless from its frequent
+coats of whitewash. It was airy in summer, and protected in winter; and
+the mangers used for beds and stuffed with clean, dry straw, were far
+enough off the floor so that there could be no dampness. Electric lights
+in the long dark months made it possible to keep the place easily in
+perfect order; but with increased activity came increased conveniences
+such as hooks in the stalls to hold each dog's harness, which was marked
+with the wearer's name, and many other trouble-saving devices that would
+prevent confusion when they were preparing for their frequent runs.
+
+Of course the Allan and Darling dogs were all docked. That it was
+correct, and gave them a trim appearance, would not have impressed Baldy
+in the least; but that it kept their tails from freezing when going
+through overflows in icy streams, which causes much personal agony, and
+injury to the eyes of the dog in the rear, was a matter of signal
+importance.
+
+Always well-groomed, the care of the Kennel inmates now became the sole
+task of Matt, who examined them thoroughly twice a day; cutting and
+filing their nails when necessary, that they might not split, and
+currying and brushing their hair till the Big Man observed that these
+elaborate preparations suggested a beauty contest rather than a dog
+race.
+
+Ben Edwards was about constantly, when not in school, to assist Matt;
+and under his unremitting attention Baldy was fast becoming, if not
+handsome, at least far from unsightly.
+
+Then, too, Ben would often help "Scotty" by taking Baldy and several of
+the steady dogs out, to give the former as much experience in the wheel
+as possible; for Baldy was being seriously considered as a permanent
+wheeler in the Racing Team. His qualifications were not brilliant, but
+he had proved in the Juvenile Race that he possessed the power to
+enforce his authority on flighty and reckless dogs; and on the trip to
+the Hot Springs that his courage was equal to his energy.
+
+Many of the dogs had been in several of the Sweepstakes teams and they
+realized that these short, snappy spins were for speed and not
+endurance, which is the main feature of the great race.
+
+Baldy watched with much anxiety the lack of intelligent interest on the
+part of a few of the recruits, and tried to infuse the proper zest into
+them by the force of a good example. That not proving entirely
+satisfactory, he had been known, when really necessary, to use the
+prerogative of a loose leader, and bite the dog in front of him when he
+wished to suggest more readiness, or a closer attention to business. But
+that was contrary to Baldy's peace policy, and was always a last resort.
+
+The old guard were naturally the mentors, and it was a pleasure to watch
+the skill with which they performed their tasks. It was a stupid or
+unwilling dog indeed who could not learn much from the agile Tolmans, or
+the gentle Irish Setters, in whom the fierce strong blood of some huskie
+grandparent would never be suspected except for a certain toughness that
+manifested itself in trail work alone.
+
+As for Kid, capable from the first, he was fast developing a justifiable
+confidence in himself, and a perfect control over the rest of the team,
+and "Scotty" was jubilant over such a leader.
+
+"We have a good team," he said to the Woman as they stood watching the
+dogs at play out in the corral with Ben, George and Dan. "And we need
+it. Matt tells me that Seward Peninsula has been scoured quietly, from
+one end to the other, to add finer dogs to last year's seasoned entries.
+And all of the drivers will be men who know the game." Which meant a
+severe struggle; for strength and speed in the dogs, and real
+generalship and a masterly comprehension of all phases of the trail, in
+the driver, are the chief requisites in this wonderful contest.
+
+"They're in great form," observed the Woman with pride and admiration.
+"I don't think I have ever seen them looking better."
+
+"True," agreed "Scotty." "But don't count too much on that, for the year
+we had that strange epidemic in the Kennel, something like distemper,
+they seemed perfectly well till almost the day of the race. And that was
+the race," grimly, "when the dear little Fuzzy-wuzzy Lap Dogs, as you
+call them, made the record time, and we came in third."
+
+"Well," ruefully, "they had a true Siberian trail all the way; it was
+clear and cold, and there was not a single blizzard. And the whole North
+knows that our rangy half-breeds are at their best when there are
+storms, and the route is rough and broken. The luck of the trail,"
+sighing, "but at that, they were marvels."
+
+Without cavil, and with due praise from friend and antagonist alike, the
+success of the Siberians that year had been phenomenal and well
+deserved. And so, when the "Iron Man" John Johnson, driving a team
+entered by Colonel Charles Ramsay of London, and Fox Ramsay driving his
+own team of the same type, were first and second, the Ramsay Tartan
+fluttered beside the flag of Finland in triumph. It made no difference
+that one driver was the son of a Scotch Earl and one of a Scandinavian
+Peasant--they were both men in the eyes of all Alaska; and they were
+both, with their sturdy dogs, saluted as victors in this classic of the
+snows. And John Johnson's record of four hundred and eight miles in
+seventy-four hours, fourteen minutes, and twenty-two seconds had made
+history in the North.
+
+[Illustration: The Ramsay Siberians]
+
+"I did not feel half so bad, did you, 'Scotty,' when Fay Dalzene beat us
+with that great team of his and Russ Bowen's? For after all they were
+our type of dog, and justified our faith in the Alaskans."
+
+
+But no one year's result, nor the accumulated result of several years,
+could settle the question of supremacy between the two breeds; and so
+the smouldering rivalry continued and was fanned into a hot flame each
+season just before the Solomon Derby.
+
+"You'll have a lot of able rivals, if the immense number of speedy teams
+I see in the streets means anything," was the Big Man's comment one
+evening when the Woman, after a fast drive, was boasting of the marked
+improvement in the team work of their entry.
+
+"'Scotty' says he's glad of it; the more teams that go into racing the
+higher the standard in Nome. There has never been a time since the camp
+started when there have been so many efficient dogs as now; and it's
+just because the people are learning that the only way you can have good
+dogs is to give them good care. When an Eskimo gets together a racing
+team, and an excellent one at that, it begins to look like a general
+reform. Don't you remember when practically all of the natives used to
+force puppies, who were far too young to be driven at all, to draw the
+entire family in a sled that was already overflowing with household
+goods?"
+
+"Yes, at one time you could certainly tell an Eskimo team as far as you
+could see it by the gait of the wretched, mangy beasts, that always
+appeared to be in the last stages of exhaustion."
+
+"And there's really a vast improvement in the freighting teams as well;
+for so many dogs that do not quite make the racing teams become
+freighters and show the results of their breeding and training there. In
+fact," enthusiastically, "I am sure that dog racing has been an enormous
+benefit to Nome in every way. Stefansson told me himself that never in
+his experience, and it has been wide, had he found such dogs as those
+'Scotty' bought for their Canadian Arctic Expedition. And I believe,"
+with conviction, "it is because Nome dogs, through the races, are
+acknowledged to be the best in all the North--for both sport and work."
+
+The Big Man smiled, and suggested, banteringly, that she embody those
+views into form for the benefit of Congress.
+
+The Woman looked rather puzzled. "Congress?" she demanded; "and why
+Congress?"
+
+"Because," he continued with some amusement, "there are people who
+venture to differ with you materially in your view-point. I understand
+that very recently the Kennel Club has received communications from
+various high officials of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
+Animals, threatening to place the matter of dog racing in Nome before
+Congress, with the hope of having these cruel racing contests stopped.
+
+"That is, of course, if those concerned cannot be made to see the error
+of their ways by some less drastic method."
+
+For a moment the Woman was quite speechless with surprise and dismay.
+
+"Well," she finally exclaimed, "if that isn't human nature for
+you--beams and motes and all that sort of thing.
+
+"Good people with the very best intentions in the world, trying to
+interfere in affairs about which they know nothing, thousands of miles
+away; when probably around the very next corner are things about which
+they should know everything, needing their attention constantly."
+
+"They say, in one letter, that there are many Alaskans, as well as
+Outsiders, who have made these complaints."
+
+"Oh, I dare say," scornfully, "even in Alaska there are persons whose
+only idea of a dog is that of a fat, wheezy house-dog who crunches bones
+under the dining table, and sleeps on a crocheted shawl in a Morris
+chair. But _real_ Alaskans know that pity for the dogs of the North
+should be felt, not for the Racers, but for the poor work dogs who haul
+their burdens of lumber and machinery and all kinds of supplies out to
+the distant mines.
+
+"And that, too, over rough and splintered ties in the glare of the
+fierce summer sun that shines for nearly twenty-four hours at a stretch.
+I'll wager," defiantly, "that if Alaska dogs have one supreme ambition,
+like that of every loyal small American boy to become President of the
+United States, it is to become a member of a racing team."
+
+"Undoubtedly," agreed the Big Man soothingly. "But Congress, I believe,
+is ignorant of such ambitions as yet."
+
+"Congress is ignorant of a good many things concerning Alaska and the
+Alaskans," contemptuously.
+
+"It was because for years Congress imposed a prohibitive tax on
+railways through this wilderness, a tax only just now removed, that
+innumerable freighters, day after day, have crawled into town unnoticed,
+with feet cut and bruised and bleeding, and with no one to herald their
+suffering to a sympathetic world. It's because their labors were not
+spectacular, and the dogs were too obscure to attract more than a
+passing pity--never national interest, or interference."
+
+"But they assert, if I may go on," ventured the Big Man with an
+assumption of fear, "that the condition of the dogs, at the finish of
+these four hundred and eight mile races, is deplorable."
+
+"They're tired; naturally very tired; though the necessity of fairly
+forcing their steps through the crushing, cheering, frantic mob often
+gives them an effect of utter exhaustion that belies their actual
+condition.
+
+"You know how often we have gone down to the Kennel within an hour or so
+after their arrival, and have found them comfortably resting and showing
+little, if any, signs of the ordeal. Many and many a prospector's team
+is in far worse condition after a severe winter's trip, made just for
+ordinary business purposes, while all of the Kennel Club's rules for
+racing are aimed against cruelty.
+
+"Why, you know that the very first one says you must bring back every
+dog with which you started, dead or alive, and--"
+
+The Big Man laughed heartily. "Dare I mention that the 'Dead or Alive'
+rule is the one that seems to have caused the most unfavorable comment
+Outside.
+
+"They seem to think it has rather a desperate 'win at any hazard' sound
+that needs toning down a bit."
+
+"It means," remarked the Woman severely, "that even if a dog becomes
+lame or useless, and a detriment to the rest, he must not be abandoned,
+but brought back just the same. And as a team is only as strong as its
+weakest member, surely they can realize that it is a matter of policy,
+even if not prompted by his love for them, for every driver to keep his
+dogs in the best possible condition--that he may not be forced to carry
+one that is disabled upon his sled. That would seriously handicap any
+team."
+
+"Of course, my dear, all will admit, even Congress, that this is no
+country for weaklings--men or dogs--and that is no contest for those who
+cannot brave the elements and survive the dangers of a desperately hard
+trail.
+
+"And I will maintain, freely, that no athletes in the Olympic Games of
+Greece, nor college men in training for the field, are more carefully
+and considerately treated than are the dogs in the All Alaska
+Sweepstakes. But, you see, these Outsiders don't know that."
+
+"I only wish," said the Woman earnestly, "that the Officers of the
+Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Congress, and
+everybody, might hear the way Dalzene, Holmsen, Hegness, Fred Ayers, and
+the Johnsons speak of their dogs, just as one speaks of cherished
+friends, not dumb brutes. If they had seen the 'Iron Man' with the tears
+rolling down his furrowed cheeks as he tenderly caressed the dead body
+of one of his little Siberians; or had watched 'Scotty' Allan breast the
+icy waters of a surging flood the night of the great storm, to save an
+injured dog not even his own, I am sure there would be no further talk
+of cruelty amongst dog racers. And to think," she concluded
+indignantly, "that these protests come from congested centers in
+civilized communities, where pampered poodles die from lack of exercise
+and over-feeding, and little children from overwork and starvation!"
+
+"There is no occasion for immediate worry," was the Big Man's
+consolation. "I rather think Congress has troubles enough of its own
+just at present, without mixing up in dog racing in Nome. There won't be
+much excitement about it in Washington this session."
+
+Early in the day before the coming event, the Woman sauntered down
+toward the Kennel slowly, her mind filled with agreeable memories and
+happy anticipations.
+
+At this last try-out the team had shown more speed than ever, and a
+certain delight in their work that spoke well for the final selection
+that had been made; while Kid, as a leader, had been manifesting such
+extraordinary talent that even Allan had been loud in his praise. Which
+was rare, for his approval of his dogs was more often expressed in deeds
+than in words.
+
+At the door of the Kennel she paused--struck instantly by an
+unmistakable air of depression that pervaded the place. Even McMillan
+did not howl his usual noisy welcome.
+
+"Any one here?" and out into the semi-dusk of the Arctic morning came
+Ben, his face plainly showing grief and consternation.
+
+"Oh, Ben, what is it, what is the matter?" exclaimed the Woman
+tremulously. "Has something dreadful happened to 'Scotty'--the dogs;
+what is wrong--do tell me!"
+
+"It's poor Kid," sobbed the boy. "We found him dead a little while ago,
+when 'Scotty' and Matt and me come in t' fix the harness an' sled fer
+to-morrer. I went back t' see Baldy, an' you know Kid was next to him,
+an' after I'd spoke t' Baldy, Kid 'ud allers put his paw out t' shake
+hands and kinda whimper soft an' joyful, like he was sayin' nice things
+t' you. But this time there wasn't a sound from him; an' when I looked,
+there he was, dead, a-hangin' by a strap that was caught up high someway
+so's he couldn't pull it loose. 'Scotty' said he must 'a' been tryin'
+fer some reason t' git over the boards that divided him from the next
+stall.
+
+"But it was somethin' he'd never done before--one o' them accidents you
+can't count on, unless you tie 'em so short they ain't comfortable.
+Anyway, he was stiff an' cold when we got to him. The poor feller never
+had a chance after he was caught."
+
+The boy wiped away the fast-flowing tears. "There wasn't," he said
+regretfully, "another dog in the Kennel I liked so much as him--after
+Baldy. And 'Scotty' feels awful bad, too. He can't hardly talk about it.
+He's gone into the house now, but he says he'll be back pretty soon."
+
+When Allan reappeared there was a look of sadness in his eyes, and a
+husky tone to his voice. It was plain to see that he mourned not only a
+wonderful leader, but a loving companion as well; and when he moved
+silently and sorrowfully amongst the other dogs, they knew that
+something was very wrong and gave him as little trouble as they could.
+
+And so the entire Kennel was plunged into gloom by this unhappy
+occurrence, for Kid had been a genial stable-mate and a general
+favorite. All the dogs seemed to share in the grief of their masters.
+
+"Will you withdraw the entry?" asked the Woman, who realized perfectly
+that Kid had been the mainstay and inspiration, as a great leader must
+be, of the whole Derby Team.
+
+"No," was "Scotty's" prompt reply. "We'll run just the same.
+
+"There has never been a race in Nome yet in which I have not driven a
+team; and leader or no leader, I'll not back out now. Don't be
+discouraged. We'll win this race yet!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+The Solomon Derby
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE SOLOMON DERBY
+
+
+The morning of the Solomon Derby dawned clear and cold. It was twenty
+degrees below zero, but was ideal racing weather, as there was no wind;
+and the course was reported in excellent condition.
+
+"This is the first time I ever prepared for a race," remarked Allan as
+he examined the different dogs carefully, "that I have not been looking
+forward to it with the keenest pleasure. I was mighty fond of Kid, and
+had trained him with more care than any other dog I have handled except
+old Dubby. And Kid was perfectly adapted to lead this particular team,
+for the dogs were so willing to defer to him without any ill-feeling.
+His loss is a severe handicap now, I can tell you. Somehow he was so
+young and vigorous that the possibility of anything serious happening to
+him did not occur to me; he had never been ailing a day in his life.
+Generally I have at least one other dog fairly well prepared to lead if
+necessary; but I was so determined to make a marvel of Kid that I did
+not take that precaution, and at present there is not a single one that
+I consider up to the mark for such a race as this."
+
+"Why not try Tom?" suggested the Woman. "The Tolman dogs are all
+intelligent, and these have never known anything but racing all their
+lives, and must have absorbed a lot of knowledge about it, even if they
+have not been leaders. Besides, you have had Tom in the lead a few
+times, have you not?"
+
+"Yes, once or twice lately to rest Kid, and," ruefully, "the result was
+not one that fills me with any confidence in him for a really important
+event like this. The Tolmans, you know, never fall below the necessary
+standard in anything, neither do they ever rise above it. They are all
+right in the rank and file where their thinking is done for them; but
+as for leading--" the man shrugged his shoulders expressively.
+
+"Well, if Tom wouldn't do, there's no use talkin' 'bout Dick and Harry;
+fer Tom is the smartest o' that bunch. But he ain't popular with the
+rest o' the team, like Kid was. Them Tolmans has a high-handed way to
+'em that some won't stand fer," remarked Matt as he began to remove the
+racing harness from the hooks and place it on the floor beside the
+tow-line, which was stretched out in the middle of the Kennel.
+
+Dan, Ben and George had been considering the predicament gravely as
+George bestowed even more than his usual attention upon Spot's
+appearance.
+
+"Spot," he observed with repressed pride, "ain't had much 'sperience,
+but he won a great race just the same. Don't forget that, Dad."
+
+"He's a trifle young," replied "Scotty," "and besides," slyly, "we might
+meet an Eskimo hunter somewhere on the way."
+
+Dan claimed recognition for the Mego "houn'" pups, especially Judge, and
+the Woman, with some hesitation, spoke of McMillan; but Allan gave
+valid reasons why they were not eligible.
+
+"Not much time left," announced the Big Man as he, with the Peril, paced
+restlessly up and down in front of the Kennel.
+
+"Scotty" pondered anxiously, for his decision must be made immediately.
+He walked over to Rex, regarding him intently.
+
+"Do you believe," said a low, faltering voice beside him, "that--that
+Baldy could lead? Him and Kid took us safe over the Golden Gate Divide
+in that terrible blizzard, an' mebbe he learnt somethin' about leadin'
+from Kid that night. He's mighty willin' an' strong, an'--"
+
+"True, Ben; that idea had just come to me, too. I am absolutely sure I
+can depend upon him to do his level best. Whether he is fast enough is
+the question." With a sigh he added, "Well, fast or slow, there's not
+much choice. I'll have to fall back upon Baldy to-day. Matt," he called,
+"you may put Baldy in the lead."
+
+"Baldy in the lead!" exclaimed Matt in astonishment. "Why, except fer a
+time or so that we've drove him that way t'kinda fill out, he's never
+been in the lead since we got him. If we're as shy on leaders as all
+that, I'd hook up Mego; she's still good, if she is old. But Baldy!"
+
+"Surely, surely, 'Scotty,'" pleaded the Woman, "you'll not use an
+untried dog to-day of all days. Baldy has never shown anything more than
+just ordinary speed, and you know a leader has to set the pace for them
+all. If he hasn't the pride in his work, the spirit, he's a failure; and
+Baldy," desperately, "is just a plodder."
+
+But "Scotty" was firm. "He's more than that; you couldn't see what he
+did in the storm on the Hot Springs Trail. He's our best chance." Then,
+"Baldy in the lead, Matt, and be quick; we're almost due now at the
+post." And so it was Baldy who led the Allan and Darling entry in the
+Solomon Derby.
+
+It took the strongest self-control and the keenest desire not to shake
+"Scotty's" faith in him, to keep Baldy from bolting when he moved
+through those throngs whose nearness roused in him such unaccountable
+fear.
+
+Most of the dogs, now more or less accustomed to these gatherings,
+stood quietly indifferent to the clamor and confusion.
+
+Jack McMillan was distinctly annoyed by it all; he did not wish to have
+strangers pushing against him, stroking his back, and even taking
+liberties with his velvety ears. What was the use of a Black Past, if it
+did not protect one from such unwelcome familiarities?
+
+Tom, Dick and Harry, as usual, were charmed with the situation; for they
+dearly loved any sort of a demonstration in which they could figure
+conspicuously. Tom, ever anxious to be in the public eye, glanced about
+and, seeing the United States Marshal, who was known to be an ardent
+admirer of the Allan and Darling team, jumped upon him, demanding
+recognition, which was cordially granted.
+
+Baldy, to whom the whole episode was trying in the extreme, did not even
+resent this little play for favor in official circles, so anxious was he
+to be over the ordeal, and out in the open speeding away toward the dark
+and frowning cliffs of Cape Nome, in the dim distance.
+
+Two teams at intervals of ten minutes had started before them, and there
+were three others to follow.
+
+As it was only sixty-five miles to Solomon and back, Allan decided to
+try to pass the teams in front, even if he acted as trail-breaker and
+pace-maker; for there was no necessity in so short a race for
+generalship in the matter of feeding and resting.
+
+Shortly after they left Fort Davis, four miles down the coast, they
+could see John Johnson ahead, and still beyond him a rapidly moving dot
+which Allan knew to be Fred Ayer with his "Ayeroplanes," as the Woman
+had dubbed them; facetiously, but with a certain trepidation. For that
+splendid team had been successful in many of the shorter races, and bade
+fair to develop into dangerous antagonists in the longer ones.
+
+But the Allan and Darling dogs, urged on constantly by "Scotty," went
+forward at an even gait that soon lessened the space between themselves
+and the Siberians; when, having passed them, they gained perceptibly
+upon the others.
+
+The "Ayeroplanes" seemed almost to float along the surface of the snow,
+so light and smooth was their pace, so harmonious their team action.
+
+But as if impelled by a hidden force he had never felt before, Baldy
+sturdily forged on and on, till they, too, were left behind. A new
+fervor thrilled him as he determined to show that he was more than "just
+dog." No understudy on the stage, given an unexpected opportunity, ever
+desired more ardently to eclipse the star than did Baldy to fill poor
+Kid's place.
+
+How they flew over the ground; how exhilarating the air; how light the
+sled. And then it suddenly dawned upon Baldy that the sled was too
+light. When Allan was not running behind with a tight grasp on the
+handle-bars, he was usually perched at the back on the projecting
+runners; and for some time the dog had not noticed this additional
+weight. Then, too, he was beginning to miss his master's voice--"Hi,
+there, Tom, Dick, Harry, snowbirds in sight; rabbits, Spot; road house,
+Barney." Of course all of the dogs knew perfectly well that it was only
+a joke; that snowbirds, rabbits and road houses are things that do not
+concern you at all when you are being driven in a race. But they enjoyed
+the little pleasantry, nevertheless, and it gave them delightful
+subjects to think about that might become possibilities when they were
+not in harness.
+
+If "Scotty" was not addressing them personally, he was often singing
+bits of Scotch ballads, or whistling scraps of rag-time, which was
+wonderfully cheering, and gave them a sense of companionship with him.
+
+At last the instinct that all was not right was too strong for Baldy.
+Stopping suddenly, he looked back and discovered that they were
+driverless.
+
+He realized that such halts were most unwise; but the team without Allan
+was as a ship without a Captain and to Baldy there was but one thing to
+do--to find "Scotty" at all hazards.
+
+For an instant there was danger of a mutiny amongst the dogs. Tom, Dick
+and Harry tacitly agreed that it was a marvelous chance to make that
+snowbird joke a charming reality; there was a stirring of McMillan's
+fiery blood, for he still admitted but one source of control; a plump
+fluffy hare, scurrying by within range of Spot's young eyes inspired him
+with a desire to give chase, as once again he quite forgot the grave
+importance of filling a position in a racing team.
+
+But Baldy, knowing that the time for action had come, that his supremacy
+as a leader must be acknowledged, and at once, firmly held his ground.
+Turning, he faced them fearlessly. There was a low ominous growl, a
+smouldering light in his strange, somber eyes, a baring of his sharp
+white fangs. Yet it was something else, a something in the very nature
+of the dog, in his steadfast spirit, his indomitable will, that made the
+others feel in some subtle, final way that they must obey him. So when
+he swung round they followed him as unswervingly as they would have
+followed Kid.
+
+Far away in the whiteness, Baldy saw a black spot toward which he sped
+with mad impatience. It grew more and more distinct, till, beside it, he
+saw that it was his master, lying pale, motionless and blood-stained in
+the trail. From a deep gash on his head a crimson stream oozed and
+froze, matting his hair and the fur on his parka.
+
+Baldy stopped short, quivering with an unknown dread. There was
+something terrifying in the tense body, so still, so mute. He licked the
+pallid face, the cold hands, and placed a gentle paw upon the man's
+breast, scratching softly to see if he could not gain some response.
+There was no answer to his loving appeal; and throwing back his head,
+there broke from him the weird, wild wail of the Malamute, his
+inheritance from some wolf ancestor. The other dogs joined the mournful
+chorus, and then, as it died away, he tried again and again to rouse his
+silent master.
+
+Moment after moment passed, the time seemed endless; but finally the
+warm tongue and the insistent paw did their work; for there was a slight
+movement, a flicker of the eyelids, and then "Scotty" lifted himself
+upon his elbow and spoke to them.
+
+He was hopelessly confused. What was he doing in the snow, in the bitter
+cold, soaked in blood, and with his team beside him? Where was Kid?
+
+Then it all came back to him; he remembered he was in a race--the
+Solomon Derby, and Kid was dead. That with Baldy in the lead they had
+gone ahead of the other teams at a terrific speed, when he heard
+something snap. Thinking it might be a runner, he had leaned over the
+side of the sled to look; there was a crushing blow, and he recalled no
+more until he felt Baldy's hot breath, and an agonizing pain in his
+temple.
+
+Gazing about, he saw the cause of the mishap--an iron trail stake half
+concealed by a drift, now red with his blood. All around, as far as the
+eye could reach, stretched the vast snowy plains that merged into the
+purple shadows of the distant mountains, outlined in dazzling beauty
+against the azure sky. There was no sign of the other teams. He could
+not tell how long he had been unconscious--whether minutes or hours; he
+only realized that he had never entered Solomon.
+
+Weakly he stumbled to his feet and fell helplessly into the sled. At a
+word Baldy darted ahead, and Allan, wiping the blood from his eyes, saw
+they were traveling in the wrong direction, toward the wireless tower at
+Port Safety. In some way he dimly realized that the dogs had turned on
+the trail. Given the order, Baldy wheeled instantly, and dashed forward
+with no slackening of his former speed, though "Scotty" was lying inert
+and useless, an unusual and unexpected burden.
+
+But, wounded and shaken, "Scotty's" spirit was still undaunted; and
+uncertain of anything save that you are never beaten till the race is
+over, Allan inspired Baldy to do his willing best.
+
+The bitter disappointment of Kid's death was fast yielding to amazement
+at Baldy's unsuspected fleetness. Trustworthy he had always been, and
+obedient and faithful--but his pace now was a revelation. There was yet
+a chance.
+
+"On, Baldy; on boys." And away they flew till the roofs of Solomon
+loomed on the horizon, directly ahead.
+
+Solomon at last. At the end of the one short street was a group of
+Kennel Club officials, and the entire population of the place, ready to
+welcome the coming and speed the parting racers.
+
+To his intense surprise Allan learned that his was the first team in,
+his delay having evidently been but a brief one. He resisted all
+entreaties that he should have medical attention. "There's no trouble at
+all," he maintained stoutly, "so long as my cap is frozen to the wound.
+Of course I am a little faint, and dizzy, but that will pass in the
+fresh air. Just water the dogs and see that they're all right, will
+you?" And resting only the five minutes that are obligatory for the
+signing of papers, he was again on his way, as Fred Ayer came into view,
+closely followed by Johnson.
+
+Returning, it seemed as if Kid himself could not have excelled Baldy in
+the management of the team--all of his latent powers developing to meet
+the great demands made upon him. He was proving himself indeed a leader.
+
+The news of the mishap had been telephoned to Nome; and the usual
+enthusiasm over the first arrival was turned into an ovation for the
+plucky and popular little Scotchman.
+
+With the loss of the best dog in the Kennel, on the eve of the race, and
+an obscure, untried dog in the lead; with a stunning blow that had left
+him alone and senseless on the trail he was still victorious, to the
+admiration of all Nome.
+
+The excitement was intense as the cheering throngs closed in upon the
+dogs and their driver, ready and eager to give their hearty greetings
+and unstinted applause.
+
+[Illustration: AN OVATION FOR THE PLUCKY LITTLE SCOTCHMAN]
+
+Moose Jones and Ben hurried toward the winners, both overjoyed at the
+success of Allan and their favorite, Baldy.
+
+"Some dog, Baldy o' Golconda, ain't he, Mart?" was Jones's exultant
+comment as they passed Barclay, who stood regarding the heroes with
+ill-concealed contempt.
+
+"Some accident!" retorted Mart. "There'll be a fine day,"
+belligerently, "when 'Scotty' Allan'll find out that there dog's a fake,
+a reg'lar quitter. Jest now he's bluffed you all inter thinkin' him a
+wonder; but you wait an' he'll give himself away yet. He was ornery as a
+pup, an' he's ornery as a dog. You can't make a silk purse outen a sow's
+ear, an' I tell you straight you can't make a Sweepstakes Winner out o'
+Baldy o' Golconda, no matter what he done in this here measly Solomon
+hike."
+
+"Well, we'll see, Mart."
+
+"You've won a great race," exclaimed the Woman as she came forward with
+the Big Man, and grasped "Scotty's" hand warmly; "a great race, and
+against heavy odds."
+
+But "Scotty," looking down on Baldy with gratitude and pride, replied
+simply:
+
+"No, the credit all belongs to good old Baldy here; it is his race, not
+mine."
+
+Then the Woman, kneeling in the snow beside the leader, with her arms
+about him, said softly, "It was wonderful, Baldy, simply wonderful, the
+way you saved the day."
+
+And so the Solomon Derby was over, and Baldy had made good.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+One Summer
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ONE SUMMER
+
+
+The winning of the Solomon Derby marked a new era in Baldy's life. His
+home-coming had been made both joyous and miserable by the various
+attentions he had received. With his sensitive, shrinking nature, it was
+a sore trial to be the center of attraction, and the object of constant
+discussion. "Scotty" had warmly commended his record to Ben Edwards,
+which was compensation even for the Woman's newly awakened and frankly
+expressed admiration. She had almost wept on his neck, which was
+embarrassing for an undemonstrative dog, and said he deserved a Carnegie
+Medal--whatever that was--though she suggested, practically, a large
+juicy beefsteak as an immediate compromise.
+
+The neighbors conceded generously that it was more than they had
+expected of an "old grouch." George Allan and Danny Kelly, from out
+their superior wisdom in dog affairs, agreed that while improbable, it
+had never been impossible for a freighter to develop into a racer under
+favorable conditions. While most gratifying of all, Dubby came in to
+express, with strenuous waggings of his stubby but eloquent tail, his
+surprise and satisfaction that a member of a purely sporting fraternity
+had distinguished himself so highly; had acted, in fact, in a manner
+worthy of a dependable huskie. And Baldy, knowing that Dubby had himself
+and his unblemished career in mind, felt that this was indeed the climax
+of approval.
+
+Gradually he was coming to realize that through his unremitting efforts
+to be of service, and because of real worth, there was an attitude of
+kindly interest manifested toward him that had taken the place of the
+covert criticism and careless indifference that had once caused him so
+much sorrow.
+
+"Now that he's led once," confided Ben to George and Dan, "I don't
+believe Baldy'll ever be satisfied again t' stay in the wheel. It seems
+t' me that every minute he's awake he's tryin' t' do better in his work.
+That race kinda roused him in every way."
+
+"He'll never have to stay in the wheel," observed "Scotty." "The Derby
+was a revelation to me in regard to Baldy. I confess frankly I didn't
+think he was capable of the ability he showed that day and," with a
+smiling glance toward the Woman, "there were those of less faith than
+mine who were completely won over."
+
+"If you mean me," she rejoined, "you are quite right. I've apologized to
+Ben and Baldy every day since the Derby. I have even admitted that
+Baldy's legs are as good as Jack McMillan's, if not better. Could
+humility go further in making amends?"
+
+And Baldy, who now saw the world through different and more friendly
+eyes, learned that even the Woman was not wholly lacking in a certain
+sense of discrimination as she had proved when she had felt the muscles
+of his sturdy body and spanned the width of his broad chest with
+unqualified approval.
+
+After a complete rest of a week or more, the training began again; for
+there was yet to be held the most important event of the year--the All
+Alaska Sweepstakes, which takes place early in April.
+
+The runs were much longer and harder than the preliminary dashes for the
+Solomon Race; and sometimes they went back even to the Mountains which
+rose, rugged and majestic, from the endless white wastes to a sky
+brilliantly blue in the dazzling Arctic sunshine, or sodden and gray in
+a storm.
+
+Totally different in temperament and methods from Kid and Dubby, Baldy
+manifested, nevertheless, many of the fundamental qualities that had so
+distinguished those wonderful leaders. And in communion with "Scotty" in
+their long hours of exercise, he not only began to understand the speech
+and the touch of his hand, but also his unexpressed moods. He knew when
+Allan was care-free, and satisfied with the team, or was discouraged by
+some unexpected act of stupidity or disobedience, though no syllable was
+spoken.
+
+Not long before the Big Race, several unfortunate things happened in
+the Kennel to make Allan believe it was, as the "Wonder Workers"
+solemnly declared it, a "Hoodoo" year for the dogs. Rover wrenched his
+shoulder in a friendly tussle with one of the Mego pups, Tom cut his
+foot badly on a bit of broken glass, and Baldy developed a severe cold
+that made him feverish and short of breath.
+
+It seemed at first as if they might not be able to enter a team at all,
+so many accidents combined against them; but the lure of the contest was
+too much for "Scotty." "We'll do our best. Lots of teams go in that are
+no stronger than ours at its weakest, and every entry that drops out
+makes it less interesting. Then don't forget the luck of the trail, in
+which you believe so thoroughly. Remember the Solomon Derby."
+
+"I don't believe in working luck over time," she answered. "However, if
+you really think it would make any difference in the sport, of course
+we'll go in. I know you can do better," confidently, "with a poor team
+than most men with a good one."
+
+But "Scotty" shook his head decidedly. "Don't think it. Our antagonists
+are all that they should be--men and dogs--and the most careful
+driving will not always overcome the weakness of the team."
+
+Since the driver may use his own discretion as to the length and
+frequency of the stops to be made, he must have the ability to realize
+exactly how much rest he may take himself and give his dogs without the
+unnecessary loss of a moment. He must know what the other teams have
+done, and are capable of doing; he must drive his own race, and he must
+know how the other men are driving theirs. He must decide wisely how
+many dogs it is well to use--that matter also being optional with him.
+For it is an important point to select enough dogs to keep up to the
+required standard, yet not too many for good team work, in which
+individual peculiarities have been merged in general harmony of action.
+
+No precaution is neglected to insure the comfort of the contestants.
+Commissary teams sent out by the Kennel Club leave supplies at all of
+the Road Houses and camps that are to be used as rest stations--drugs
+for emergencies, and all sorts of luxuries that would be too bulky to be
+carried in the racing sleds, but which are shared impartially at the
+different stops.
+
+Each man must be certain of the best food for his dogs, and the length
+of time it takes to digest it. The usual diet of the Allan and Darling
+Racers, rolled oats, dried salmon, and the oily nutritious flesh of the
+white whale, with a proper amount of bone, now was changed to chopped
+beef and mutton, cooked with eggs. This was put up in hermetically
+sealed tins, with enough in each for a feeding; and every dog's
+allowance wrapped separately in muslin so that there might be no loss of
+time in dividing it into portions.
+
+And in all of these things "Scotty" Allan was a past master. Yet in
+spite of his efforts and skill, they came in not first, but second;
+which was, according to George and Dan, "not so worse for a scrub team,"
+and according to Ben, "mighty good considerin' they didn't have Baldy."
+
+These days of ceaseless striving and untiring patience had been of great
+benefit to Baldy. He no longer experienced despair over such a Kennel
+misfortune; but cheerfully resolved that each failure must be a
+stepping-stone, not a stumbling-block, in the march toward success.
+
+There was one real sorrow that came to him that spring--a sorrow shared
+by many--which swept away the passing regret for the lost race. Dubby,
+full of years and honors, was dead, mourned by all. His obituary in the
+newspapers not only testified that he was generally beloved, but was one
+that many a man might be proud to deserve. "Alaska's Most Famous Leader
+Passes Away." What untold stories of marvelous intelligence, of
+unfaltering allegiance, of loving service lay in those simple words.
+
+Baldy missed Dubby sorely, for there had grown a firm bond of sympathy
+between them. The old huskie had learned that a character may dignify a
+calling, and that a true heart often beats beneath a racing harness;
+while Baldy had long since discovered that Dubby's aloofness was but the
+inevitable loneliness of a Dog that has had his Day.
+
+To divert his mind from sad memories, Baldy would go to look at Mego's
+twelve, beautiful, fat new puppies, and then would dream of a
+comfortable serene old age when he would be given the tutoring of such
+promising youngsters, and help to make them winners of future All Alaska
+Sweepstakes.
+
+Then came the summer, and with it the play-time for the Kennel; a
+summer filled with ever changing interests and pleasures.
+
+"I'll be glad, 'Scotty,'" said Moose Jones, "t' keep till fall as many
+dogs as you don't want in Nome. It's kinda hard t' have 'em tied up in
+the fine weather, an' dogs like yours can't run 'round the streets
+loose. Ben an' me's goin' t' be out t' Golconda, where I've got a crew
+o' men at work. You may 'a' heerd I bought Golconda a few weeks ago, an'
+I'm goin' t' mine there this season. Sold my ground over t' Marshall t'
+a New York Syndicate that was nosin' round pretty sharp before I left;
+and it's give me money enough t' take up this here property. Then I
+leased my Dime Creek holdin's on royalties, an' that'll put me on my
+feet even ef this Golconda claim ain't all I think. But I done a lot o'
+prospectin' there once, an' it sure looks promisin'; an' besides it's
+right next t' the Midas, an' fer the last couple years or more Barclay
+has been takin' out wonderful pay there."
+
+"I'd be glad to have you keep Baldy, Irish and Rover for us if you
+will," replied Allan cordially. "George and Spot are inseparable in
+vacation times, and McMillan," with a nod toward the Woman's house,
+"seems to be under the impression, now that he is not in training, that
+he is a lap dog, and rarely comes to the Kennel at all. Matt will take
+the rest of them up to his cabin on Penny River, where they will have
+all the exercise they want, and great fun hunting. You know I never have
+a moment for them in summer, as it is our busy season in the office,"
+and Allan, who was Secretary in the Big Man's Company, gave a sigh as he
+realized that not until autumn would come again the happy Dog Days.
+
+To Baldy it was a period of perfect joy--to be with Ben Edwards and
+Moose Jones in the glorious freedom of the open country in the far
+hills. Here the dogs did what their fancies dictated. They swam,
+unmolested, in the ditch; ran for miles with their chum, the dappled
+gray horse; gave chase to saucy, chattering squirrels, and even fished
+so successfully that they were the admiration of all the camps about.
+
+Irish and Baldy would stand in the riffles of a stream, and Rover,
+leaping into the pools and quiet waters, would drive the fish up into
+the shallows, where they were seized by his two companions, taken ashore
+and dropped on the bank. Then they returned for more, keeping up the
+sport till a bird in flight or some other fascinating moving creature
+lured them away in a spirited pursuit through thick willows and across
+green marsh-lands.
+
+At night they slept, if they chose, in the Bunk House; and ate without
+restriction such mysterious delicacies as cake and pastries.
+
+No longer was Baldy ignored by the men, nor did it now take the threats
+of Moose Jones to prevent the petty annoyances to which he had been
+subjected formerly; for in winning the Solomon Derby he had proved his
+worth and they were glad to give him well-earned praise.
+
+Occasionally there would be a dissenter from the general admiration of
+the dog. Black Mart, who sometimes came over from the Midas, never
+failed to belittle the record he had made. "It's no test, that short
+mush t' Solomon, an' it don't prove nothin'. Why, I've seen teams that
+could do wonders in that there run that couldn't git as fur as Council
+in the Big Race without goin' t' pieces. It takes somethin' more'n a
+slinkin' half-breed like him t' lead a winnin' team in the Sweepstakes."
+
+And Moose would retort sarcastically, "Mart, ef you was as good a judge
+o' dogs as dogs is o' you--stop growlin' at him, Baldy--you'd have a
+winnin' team in yourself, instead o' just jawin' about it."
+
+One man's enmity mattered but little, however, in the general
+friendliness Baldy experienced; and there were so many glorious things
+to offset those infrequent encounters with the one person he
+instinctively regarded with aversion.
+
+Encouraging news had come from Dime Creek, and Golconda was proving rich
+beyond the highest expectations of Jones; and many happy hours did he
+and Ben spend in plans for the boy's future; a future that now seemed
+near and bright.
+
+"Even without Golconda, Ben," Moose would exclaim confidently, "I've got
+enough salted away from them other deals to put you through all the book
+learnin' you'll need t' make a reg'lar spell-bindin' lawyer o' you like
+Fink, er a way up Judge, mebbe in Washington. An' with Golconda,--well,
+Sonny, that there Arabian Nights chap that she was tellin' you about
+wouldn't have nothin' on us fer adventure, an' doin' good turns to folks
+unbeknownst, an' all that kind o' stuff," and Moose Jones would pat
+the boy's shoulder affectionately.
+
+Every week or so Baldy, with Irish and Rover and some of the Wild Goose
+dogs from the Grand Central Ditch House near, would be hitched to a flat
+car belonging to the place, and would have a trip into town with Moose
+to take the gold dust from the "clean-ups" to the bank.
+
+The car coasted down all the hills, for there was a strong brake to keep
+it safe. And the dogs were either invited to ride with Jones, or were
+permitted to get to the bottom as best pleased them with Ben, which
+meant a scamper through fields of blue forget-me-nots and purple lupine,
+over damp and mossy dells, and along the slopes where tiny birds were
+hidden in cozy nests about which the frightened parents fluttered
+divertingly.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAR COASTED DOWN ALL THE HILLS]
+
+It was indeed a treat; for always at the end of the jaunt there was an
+interview with "Scotty" Allan, who was sure to look Baldy over carefully
+and say fondly, "Well, how's my Derby hero to-day?" and give the
+expected hearty greetings to Irish and Rover. Or possibly there would be
+a brief visit to the Woman, who, whatever her faults, never failed to
+produce a tid-bit of some sort for her canine callers.
+
+She and Ben would dwell with keen delight upon his prospects of
+attaining his ambitions. "And besides all Moose will do for you," she
+announced one day, "Mr. Daly tells me he will be only too glad to be of
+any assistance possible. He thinks a boy with your ideal--Lincoln--should
+have all the help it is in his power to give."
+
+Of course, surfeited at last with luxury and idleness, the dogs would
+finally be eager to return to the duties of the winter; glad of the
+season that brings the cheery sound of bells, the joyous barks of
+recognition from passing friends, the snarl of challenge from passing
+enemies, and all of the wholesome pleasures that belong to a busy,
+useful life. But now they were quite care-free, and content, and the
+responsibilities of the winter seemed far away indeed.
+
+But the most treasured moments of all to Baldy were those spent with Ben
+when, waiting for Moose to finish his evening's tasks, he and the boy
+wandered along the winding banks of the ditch. Far away across the sedgy
+tundra lay the sea, a line of molten gold in the last rays of the
+belated June sunset. Behind them rose the snow-crested peaks of the
+Sawtooth Mountains, like frosted spires against an amber sky. Soon the
+amber would change to amethyst and deepen to purple--fading at last to a
+shadowy gray; and all the world seemed steeped in the mystic calm of
+those twilight hours before the early Northern dawn.
+
+And in those hours the brooding stillness of nature was broken only by
+the voice of man; for it was then, in that vast solitude, that from the
+lips of Ben Edwards came ringing words, sonorous sentences, impassioned
+appeals.
+
+Baldy did not know it, but he was at such times a learned Judge moved
+strangely by unexpected eloquence; a jury melted to tears by a touching
+plea for clemency; a Populace swayed to great deeds by a silver-tongued
+Orator. Even, on rare occasions, he was the Loyal Throng that stood,
+silent and uncovered, before the White House steps, thrilled by the
+fiery patriotism of Mr. Edwards, the President of the United States of
+America.
+
+Then, he was just Baldy, a faithful loving dog that trotted happily at
+the heels of the ragged little boy whose unselfishness had given him
+the great chance of his life.
+
+There was no faltering in the devotion of boy or dog. They believed in
+each other.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+The Great Race
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE GREAT RACE
+
+
+Another winter had come and gone, and again it was the day of the Great
+Race.
+
+Never had the time passed so quickly to Baldy, for he had now become a
+distinguished member of The Team, for whom every one, even the Woman,
+entertained a real respect, and to whom all of the dogs turned readily
+as to their acknowledged leader.
+
+The Allan and Darling Racers were ready for the event.
+
+There was an early stir in the Kennel, and all was hurry and bustle. The
+Woman came in with the Big Man, the Allan girls, and Ben Edwards, who
+helped her tie knots of white and gold on the front of the sled, on the
+collars of the racing dogs, and on other members of the family, about
+forty in all, who were old enough to appreciate the attention. Even the
+Yellow Peril apparently considered it an honor, for which he waited with
+unaccustomed patience.
+
+The preparations were almost complete; and "Scotty" was everywhere,
+superintending the minute details, upon the completeness of which so
+much might depend.
+
+Birdie was, in the confusion, about to borrow Mego's puppies and take
+them out for an airing. Fisher, delighted that he was not of the elect,
+basked in a warm and secluded corner; while Jemima, frantic to be a part
+of the team, was restrained forcibly by Matt, and placed in solitary
+confinement.
+
+Even Texas, for whom the Kennel had lost its charm--and safety--since
+the death of old Dubby, followed the Allan girls, and was treated to a
+becoming bow of the racing colors.
+
+Matt brought out the long tow-line, and placed it carefully on the
+floor.
+
+"Rex and McMillan in the wheel, like we've been usin' 'em, I suppose?"
+and at a nod he released them.
+
+"Wheel, Jack; wheel, Rex," and they took their accustomed places next
+the sled, and remained motionless, yet keenly alert. "Tom and Dick,
+Harry and Tracy, Irish and Rover"--name after name was called, and each
+dog stepped into position with joyful alacrity. They were, one and all,
+sturdy, intelligent, and spirited; with the stamina of their wild
+forebears, and the devoted nature of those dogs who have for generations
+been trained to willing service and have been faithful friends to their
+masters.
+
+"Scotty's" eyes rested upon them with justifiable pride. "I think," he
+announced happily, "that in all my years of racing I have never had so
+fine a team; so many dogs I can count upon in every way." And then came
+the expected order, "Baldy in the lead, Matt."
+
+There was an imperceptible pause--- just long enough for him to brush
+softly against Ben Edwards, and look up lovingly into a beaming
+face--and then Baldy stood at the head of the Allan and Darling Racing
+Team, a "likely Sweepstakes Winner," as the Daily Dog News had once
+ironically predicted.
+
+Baldy felt that now, if ever, had come his Day; the Day of which he had
+dreamed in his despised puppy-hood; the Day in which he could prove that
+the great dog man's confidence was not misplaced, and that the boy's
+belief was well founded.
+
+At last they stood, every detail of equipment perfect, while "Scotty"
+glanced once more over his small kit in the sled; green veils for the
+dog's eyes should the glare of the sun prove too troublesome, little
+blankets, canton flannel moccasins for their feet in case of sharp ice,
+and extra bits of harness--all stowed safely away, including his own fur
+parka and water-tight boots.
+
+Matt regarded the team critically, and while filled with a sober
+satisfaction, was much relieved to hear that it had the unqualified
+approval of the experts, George and Dan. "Of course Spot 'ud make a
+classier leader, Dan, but I'm the only one that can really handle him
+yet, so I guess Baldy's best for Dad."
+
+The Woman waited to give each dog a parting caress and a word of
+encouragement. "Tom, Dick and Harry, remember you're the Veterans, and
+have an honorable record to maintain; Irish and Rover, never forget that
+you _are_ Irish, and live up to all that it means; McMillan, it's your
+chance to wipe out the past; and Baldy--well, Baldy, 'Scotty,' we all,
+trust you." And then she turned and pinned the last knot of white and
+gold on Allan's breast, and her voice trembled as she said, "Success to
+our colors."
+
+Through the narrow streets, gay with the fluttering streamers of the
+Kennel Club gold and green, they went. Banners and pennants shone
+resplendent under the cloudless blue of the April sky; and the crowds in
+high spirits and gala attire, eager and laughing, closed in upon them
+till Baldy longed to howl in sheer fright, though howling in harness is
+strictly forbidden by "Scotty," and would have been quite out of keeping
+with the august dignity of his position. He was appalled by such a solid
+mass of human beings--for of course the courts, schools, and business
+houses were all closed in honor of this important occasion; and probably
+the only people in all of Nome not bending their steps toward the
+starting place were those unavoidably detained in the hospital or jail.
+
+Women who would not have been out of place on Fifth Avenue or Bond
+Street, women to whom even the French Poodle would have given his
+approval; men of the West in flannel shirts and cowboy hats; miners
+from the Creeks, gathered from all corners of the Earth; Eskimos in
+their furs with tiny babies strapped on their backs; rosy-cheeked
+children--all hurried to the point where the long journey was to begin.
+
+Nomie was everywhere, barking delightedly, and giving each team an
+impartial greeting.
+
+Oolik Lomen with his latest doll, acquired that very morning from some
+careless mother more intent upon sporting affairs than domestic duties,
+paraded superciliously up and down, plainly bored by the proceedings;
+but attending because it was the correct thing to do.
+
+What a relief it was to reach the open space on the ice of Bering Sea,
+in front of the town, where the fast gathering multitudes were being
+held back by ropes, and kept in line by Marshals in trappings of the
+club colors.
+
+Presently the merry jingle of bells, and loud shouts, announced the
+approach of the Royal Sled. Covered with magnificent wolf robes, and
+drawn by twelve young men, fur-clad from head to foot--her "human
+huskies"--the Queen of the North dashed up to the Royal Box, where,
+surrounded by her ten pretty maids of honor, like her clad in rare furs
+of Arctic design and fashioning, she was given an imposing reception by
+the judges and directors of the Kennel Club.
+
+In one hand the Queen carried a quaintly carved scepter of ivory, made
+from a huge walrus tusk, and in the other the American Flag at whose dip
+would begin once more the struggle for the supremacy of the trail. A
+supremacy which is not merely the winning of the purse and cup, but is
+the conquering of the obstacles and terrors that beset the trackless
+wastes--a defiance of the elements, a triumph of human nature over
+nature.
+
+There was the sound of many voices; small boys, scarcely out of
+pinafores, discussed with a surprising amount of knowledge the merits of
+the individual dogs and the capabilities of their drivers; little girls
+donned ribbons with a sportsman-like disregard of their "becomingness"
+to show a preference which might be based either on a personal fondness
+for a driver or owner, or a loving interest in some particular dog.
+While men and women, who on the Outside would be regarded as far beyond
+an age when such an event would have an intense interest for them, here
+manifest an allegiance so loyal that at times it threatens to disrupt
+friendships, if not families.
+
+The babble increased in volume, for the first team had drawn up between
+the stands to wait for the final moment, and Charles Johnson stood
+ready, with his noted Siberians, to begin the contest. They made a
+charming appearance, and their admirers were many and enthusiastic.
+
+"Ten seconds," was called; unconsciously all voices were hushed. "Five
+seconds!" The silence was broken only by the restless moving of the
+people and the barking of the excited dogs.
+
+Then the clock struck ten, and simultaneously the stirring strains of
+the trumpet ended the spell that held the crowd in breathless attention.
+The men released the dogs, the flag in the hand of the Queen fluttered,
+then fell, and the first team in the greatest race in the world had "hit
+the Trail for Candle," while cheer after cheer followed its swift flight
+between the long lines of eager faces and waving colors.
+
+In the pause that ensued an impatient voice rose in insistent demand.
+"What are you waiting for? Bring on your Fidos," and then as "Scotty"
+Allan appeared and stood with difficulty holding the spirited Allan
+and Darling dogs, the same voice asked in tones of utter disdain, "Whose
+mangy Fidos are these?" He was evidently a stranger, and in favor of the
+trim Siberians, scorning the rangy "Lop-ears," as they are sometimes
+called in derision.
+
+[Illustration: SCOTTY ALLAN ON THE TRAIL]
+
+But whatever type may please their fancy, the faithfulness of all, and
+the skill of each driver appeals to these Northerners, most of whom know
+well the hardships of this ultimate frontier. So that their wild
+enthusiasm seems not so much a question of personality as a spontaneous
+tribute to the energy and courage of the men, and the patient
+willingness of the dogs.
+
+Allan's selection of dogs had caused much adverse criticism, but Matt
+warmly defended his choice. "You can't tell me that Tom, Dick and
+Harry's stale from too much trainin' an' bein' in too many races. I know
+better; an' you can be certain that 'Scotty' wouldn't have taken 'em if
+they was goin' t' be a drag on such wonders as Irish, Rover and Spot.
+Take my word for it, them old Pioneers is goin' t' be the back-bone o'
+the hull team when the youngsters has wore themselves out."
+
+A few who did not believe in the sincerity or stability of Jack
+McMillan's reformation predicted trouble because of his presence. As a
+leader he had twice utterly demoralized teams in previous races, and it
+was "not unlikely," declared the prophets of evil, "that he would blow
+up on the Trail out of pure cussedness."
+
+"Well, it ain't McMillan, ner Tom, Dick ner Harry that's goin' t' lose
+this here race fer the Allan an' Darling team," exclaimed Mart Barclay
+with vicious conviction. "It's that there cur leader they got--Baldy.
+There's enough Scotch stubbornness in Allan t' try to make a leader
+outen a cur jest becus folks said he couldn't. Up in Dawson I heered
+once he trained a timber wolf t' lead a team o' McKenzie huskies; but
+he'd find that a heap easier 'n puttin' the racin' sperit inter that
+low-down Golconda hound; an' I'll bet he'll git all that's comin' t' him
+this time fer his pains."
+
+"Ef you're bettin' on that, Mart," quickly interposed Moose Jones, "I've
+got some dust from my Golconda claim that's lyin' round loose at the
+Miners and Merchants Bank, an' five hundred of it says that
+you're--well, seem' as there's ladies present, it says you're _mistaken_
+about Baldy's sperit. You see my friend, Ben Edwards here, is kinda
+figgerin' on college some day after a while, an' a little loose change
+wouldn't hurt none. It might come in right handy fer all the extry
+things boys wants, like fancy clothes an' flat-faced bulldogs. I guess
+Ben wouldn't want one o' them, though, after he's owned a dog like
+Baldy. But he could use a thousand in lots o' ways easy--my money an'
+yourn."
+
+"Double it," sneered Mart.
+
+"Done," and those surrounding them witnessed the wager with much
+applause; while the boy, clinging to the rough hand of his companion,
+whispered tremulously, "Oh, Moose, I won't want any extras when I go to
+college. It's enough to just go. But I do want Baldy t' win, though."
+
+"Ten seconds; five seconds." The dogs were mad to be off, but Allan's
+warning command, "Steady, boys, steady," kept them quiet, though they
+were quivering with eagerness; all except Baldy, who again seemed
+plainly panic-stricken, and wildly glanced from side to side as if
+searching for some loophole of escape.
+
+Five minutes past ten. Once more the flag dipped, the signal for them to
+start was given, and "Scotty's"
+
+"All right, boys, go," was music to their listening ears; as leaping
+forward with one accord, amidst renewed cries of encouragement and
+admiration, the defenders of the White and Gold sped far out over the
+frozen sea, where they, too, were headed for the Arctic.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+For the Supremacy of the Trail
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+FOR THE SUPREMACY OF THE TRAIL
+
+
+Slowly the people returned to town after every team had received an
+ovation; for none was too partisan to give a hearty "God Speed" to all
+of the men and all of the dogs in the race--and favorites were, for the
+moment, forgotten.
+
+Each day had brought word from the Outside that the Great Race was not
+forgotten by the Alaskans in sunnier lands; and because of this the
+excitement, as well as the purse, had grown apace.
+
+No one, of course, settled down to anything serious, for business is
+practically suspended during the entire progress of the event, and a
+spirit of revelry is abroad. Formal and informal gatherings serve to
+pass the hours, while telephone reports from each village and road house
+are announced in all public places, and bulletins are posted at
+convenient points for men, women and children, who await the news with
+keen expectation. The messages come continuously, keeping up the intense
+excitement from start to finish.
+
+Soon on the Official Bulletin Board at the corner of Lane's way appeared
+the first, telling that all of the teams had arrived in Solomon,
+practically together, and had left shortly in the bitter wind that blows
+in fierce gusts across the icy lagoons and sleet-swept beach.
+
+Then in the low foot-hills had come milder weather; and the route was
+fairly good, though it lay buried under freshly fallen snow through
+which Baldy led, picking his way with unerring precision across the
+trackless tundra. Now that he was in the open, away from noise and
+people, he had settled down to a steady gait that promised much for his
+endurance.
+
+Sometimes in the glory of the April sunshine they passed other teams, or
+other teams passed them; and sometimes there were hours when two teams
+and possibly more met at the same relay camp.
+
+There was never a hint here that the men were pitted against one another
+in the fiercest rivalry of the North; for they were ever ready to help
+their opponents to patch a broken harness, mend a sled, or care for the
+dogs--just as, on the way, they give fair warning of overflows or other
+obstacles. It is no race for those of weak bodies, mean minds or small
+souls.
+
+The dogs, however, carried the idea of rivalry to the point of personal
+enmity, and watched ceaselessly for the opportunity to engage in a
+diverting row. A row in which they might leave as many wounded on the
+scene as would be caninely possible before human intervention. But this
+was a vain aspiration; for every precaution was taken to guard against
+fighting, and every leader slept with his driver to insure safety. Dogs,
+like Death, love a shining mark, and the leaders are usually the real
+victims of the fray.
+
+Then came Candle, the end of the first half of the race, where the dogs,
+after being cordially welcomed by the whole town, were checked off by
+the appointed Judges, and their identification papers signed.
+
+"Open those tins of dog feed, will you, Rydeen? This is to be their
+first big banquet, where they get as much as they can eat," said
+"Scotty" to one of the friends in the group about him. "Then if Humber
+and some of the rest will help me, we'll give them a fine alcohol rub in
+no time."
+
+"You'd better do some resting yourself, 'Scotty,'" they urged, but he
+would not consider that till he had thoroughly examined the team.
+
+Then, "McMillan's feet are bruised," he exclaimed ruefully. There were
+many offers of assistance in caring for the dog, which, however, Allan
+gratefully declined. "He doesn't like having strangers work over him;
+and when he's nervous he becomes headstrong; so I'd better attend to him
+myself."
+
+From Candle came the news--"All teams have left on return trip except
+Allan and Darling." And as hour after hour passed and "Scotty" had not
+yet started, there was exasperation in the hearts of his backers in
+Nome. Exasperation, but not despair; for all remembered when Allan had
+driven Berger's Brutes to success after a wait so long that all of Nome
+was in a ferment over the fact that "Scotty" had "slept the race away."
+But he had planned that campaign well; he had figured the possibilities
+of his rivals, and knew that they had exhausted their strength too early
+in the game. And so he had come in first with every other team at least
+six hours behind; and the cry "'Scotty's' sleeping the race away at
+Candle" became the derisive slogan of the Allan clan.
+
+"Jack McMillan's feet are giving trouble," was the response of "Central"
+to the frantic inquiries over the long distance telephone as to the
+delay, "and 'Scotty's' massaging them with menthalatum."
+
+To the repeated request, and then the demand, that McMillan be put back
+into the wheel to get along as best he could, there was a moment's
+hesitation and a sweet, but firm, feminine voice replied, "'Scotty'
+says"--a gasp and a pause--"he says he'll not ruin a faithful dog if
+every man, woman and child in all Alaska has bet on him. And I think
+he's just right, too; Jack is a perfect dear," and the receiver was hung
+up with a click that admitted of no further argument.
+
+At last they were off again, five hours behind the others; but when they
+did leave, the North knew that the sport was on in earnest--for Allan's
+policy had ever been to do his real driving on the "home stretch."
+
+Soon the languor from the rest, and the heaviness from the food were
+forgotten; and there existed but one dominating, resistless impulse in
+dog and man--the impulse to win.
+
+Even the least responsive dog must then have felt the thrill of the
+famous race, for never a whip--hardly a word--was necessary to spur them
+on.
+
+Frequently the trails were sodden, and often obliterated; soft snow
+piling up like drifts of feathers into fleecy barriers through which the
+dogs, with the aid and encouragement of their Master, fought their way,
+inch by inch. Beyond them lay Death Valley, a dread waste where the dead
+silence is broken only by the wailing and shrieking of the wind as it
+sweeps down in sudden fury from the sentinel peaks that guard it. Across
+this Baldy led unswervingly, never hesitating, and hardly relaxing his
+steady pace, though the sudden gusts from the mountainside often curved
+the team into a half circle; and he was forced to keep his nose well
+into the air and brace himself firmly to keep from being carried off his
+feet.
+
+Further on came the Glacier Grade, on either side of which rose
+overhanging cliffs. Here the bitter wind of Death Valley became a
+veritable hurricane. Time and again the dogs tried to climb the icy
+slopes and time and again they were hurled back by the fearful buffeting
+of the elements.
+
+"Scotty" finally halted them, and with the greatest difficulty succeeded
+in fastening spiked "creepers" to his mukluks. Then he tied Baldy to the
+back of his belt by a strong leash. "Baldy, it's up to us now to get
+this team through safely--and quickly--" and bowing his head to the
+storm he toiled step by step, slipping and sliding, up the perilous
+heights, ten miles to the summit of the range, with the dogs following
+and aiding where they could.
+
+Then came the descent, fraught with more danger still; for the gale bore
+down upon them so relentlessly that all resistance was useless, and the
+dogs lay flat and were swept along with the sled; while "Scotty" stood
+clinging to the brake, and dragging one spiked foot behind in the
+desperate attempt to act as a human anchor.
+
+And at the bottom, quite without warning, they found themselves
+breaking through the snow into an overflow of a stream, where the water
+had just come through cracks in the ice to the surface. As they landed
+on it with great force it sprayed over them like a fountain; and almost
+instantly was frozen by the chill of the air.
+
+Allan unhooked them. "Now, boys, roll and get rid of that ice you've
+been making. You're racing dogs, not ice plants." They pawed the ice
+from their eyes, and thawed it out from between their toes with their
+warm tongues. And "Scotty," too, was obliged to remove the ice from his
+lashes before he could be sure of his bearings.
+
+"Now then," as they had divested themselves of their glistening coats,
+"the worst is over, and off we go."
+
+At times the hard smooth trail wound like a silver ribbon under the pale
+glow of the Aurora. Then, with flying feet, they sped along the edge of
+deep gorges, up steep slopes, and over the glare ice of rivers and
+lakes.
+
+But the distance between them and the other teams was now gradually
+lessening, and at Timber Road House they had made up half of the time
+lost in Candle. Here they had the next "big sleep," lying on clean straw
+on the floor beside Allan, whose closeness calmed their nerves. It was a
+great comfort to be able to place a paw on him, or sociably lick his
+hand--for they felt that all was well if they were but within reach of
+their master's touch.
+
+They awoke full of renewed energy. "Scotty" was harnessing them for the
+last long run, with the help of his brother Bill, and Paul Kegsted, who
+had charge of that relay station for the Kennel Club.
+
+"Boys," he gasped in amazement, "Baldy's gone lame. He's so stiff he can
+scarcely move. I can't understand it, for he was all right when I turned
+in." At the slightest touch the dog winced, and Allan was appalled at
+the situation.
+
+He had trained nearly all of the dogs so that they could lead under most
+circumstances; but this final struggle would require far more than
+ordinary ability.
+
+Wise old Tom, Dick and Harry, reluctant in the start, had saved
+themselves until they were most needed; and were now steady and
+reliable, as had been predicted--but they were not leaders for such a
+trial as this. Irish and Rover were too inexperienced for so much
+responsibility, Spot was too young, and McMillan too headstrong.
+
+"Scotty" was without a leader.
+
+Allan's consternation was echoed in Nome when the report of the mishap
+was given out--"Allan practically no hope. Baldy down and out; no other
+leader available. All other teams well ahead in good condition."
+
+There was much diverse, and some heated, comment on the situation. But
+above the general clamor rose the strident tones of Black Mart, alluding
+with manifest satisfaction to the fact that Baldy was certainly proving
+himself a "quitter" now.
+
+"Baldy may be lame, but he is not a quitter," denied the Woman
+wrathfully. "Besides, this race is never won--nor lost--till the first
+team is in," and she turned to comfort Ben Edwards.
+
+He had been suddenly roused from happy thoughts by this disconcerting
+news. From his eyes there faded the glorious vision of the great
+University beside the Golden Gate; of the rose-covered cottage where his
+mother would have only pleasant things to do; of Moose Jones in a shiny
+hat and tailed coat receiving the plaudits of a whole State for his
+princely gifts to its chosen seat of learning--the vision of his own
+success laid upon the altar of love and gratitude. And instead he saw
+only the distant cabin at Timber, with poor Baldy crippled and
+suffering, bringing bitter disappointment to his friends; and his heart
+was filled with grief and longing for the dog.
+
+Black Mart edged through the throng toward Jones. "I told you how it 'ud
+be, Moose; that pet o' yourn ain't comin' through as good as you thought
+he would when you was so willin' an' anxious t' bet your hard-earned
+dust on him. An' I reckon 'Scotty' Allan ain't so pleased with himself
+fer goin' agin what most ev'rybody said about his usin' that cur fer a
+leader."
+
+"Speakin' o' bets, _an' curs_, Mart, ef you want t' do any more bettin',
+I'm willin't' accommodate you. I'm ready t' back my opinion that
+'Scotty' kin come in first, without a leader, ef you think any ways
+diffr'ent."
+
+Black Mart glanced again at the Bulletin and read slowly--"Rubbing tried
+without success. Baldy on sled. Irish and Rover probably in lead.
+McMillan's feet still tender. Another storm coming up. Outlook bad."
+
+"Seems kinda onsportsman like, like bettin' on a sure thing; but ef you
+really insist, Moose, in the face o' this yere message, why you kin go
+as fur's you like. Mebbe a dollar 'ud suit you better, the way things is
+goin' now, than a thousand;" and the people laughed at the covert
+allusion to their previous wager. Moose Jones whitened visibly under his
+thick coat of tan at the insulting manner of his enemy. All of his
+hatred culminated in his desire to show his contempt for Mart and his
+predictions.
+
+"Well then, let's make it somethin' worth while this time. Let's say
+your claim agin mine--the Midas agin the Golconda--that the Allan an'
+Darlin' dogs win the race."
+
+A thrill of wild excitement ran through the crowd--two of the richest
+claims in the whole of Alaska staked on the success or failure of one
+dog team, and the leader of that "down and out" at Timber.
+
+"Oh, Moose, if our team don't come in you'll lose a terrible lot, an'
+you've worked so hard t' git it."
+
+"Even losin' Golconda won't break me now, Sonny; not by a long shot.
+An' even ef it did, I got what I allers did have left; two hands t' work
+with, the hull country t' work in, an' a kid that likes me," with an
+affectionate glance at the boy, "t' work fer. With all that, an' a good
+dog er two, I wouldn't call a Queen my aunt. An' ef we should win,
+Ben,--well, it's porterhouse fer Baldy the rest of his life at Mart
+Barclay's expense."
+
+At Timber the time was passing with discouraging rapidity. Nothing they
+could do seemed to have any beneficial effect on Baldy's legs--the legs
+that had been such a matter of pride to the boy in the old Golconda
+days.
+
+In the races it is the custom to carry, at intervals, any dogs who need
+to recuperate, but Baldy had always manifested a certain scorn of these
+"passengers"; and "Scotty" knew that it would only be by force that he
+could be kept off his feet.
+
+"Bill, you hold the dog; and Paul, if you'll keep the mouth of the
+sleeping bag open, I'll try to get Baldy into it."
+
+Poor Baldy resisted, but he was in the hands of his friends, so that
+his resistance was of necessity less violent than he could have wished;
+and in spite of his opposition he was tied in the bag, and gently lifted
+upon the sled.
+
+After thoughtful consideration, "Scotty" placed Irish and Rover at the
+head of the team. "They're good dogs; mighty good dogs, but they're not
+used to the grind like Baldy."
+
+He took his place at the handle-bars. "I'll try my hardest, boys, but
+every chance is against me now."
+
+Before he could give the word to the new leaders, there was the sound of
+gnawing, and the quick rending of cloth. He turned to see Baldy's head
+emerge from the bag, his eyes blazing with determination and his sharp
+fangs tearing the fastenings apart, and the hide to shreds.
+
+"Baldy," he called; but Baldy threw himself from the sled with evident
+pain, but in a frenzy of haste.
+
+With intense amazement they watched him drag himself, with the utmost
+difficulty, out of the sled, and up to the front of the team.
+
+He paused a moment, and then by a supreme effort started off, expecting
+the others to follow. There was no response to his desperate
+appeal--for they were not used to Baldy as a loose leader. Again he came
+back, and again endeavored to induce his team-mates to go with him down
+the trail, but in vain; they waited a word from their master.
+
+The men stood speechless; and the dog, whimpering pitifully, crept close
+to Allan and looking up into his face reproachfully seemed to beg to be
+restored to his rightful place, and tried to show him that just so long
+as there was life in Baldy's body, "Scotty" would have a leader.
+
+Paul Kegsted and Bill Allan hastily disappeared around opposite corners
+of the building to meet on the other side with eyes suspiciously wet.
+
+"Bill, did you ever see anything like that," demanded Kegsted
+tremulously, "for grit and spirit and--"
+
+"And brave and loving service," added Bill, swallowing hard.
+
+While "Scotty's" voice broke as, leaning down to stroke the dog
+tenderly, he said, "I know you're game, Baldy, game to the end; but it
+can't be done, and I'll hook you up to prove it."
+
+To his astonishment Baldy moved forward; very, very slowly at first,
+then slightly faster and with less and less stiffness, until in an hour
+or so of moderate speed he was himself once more.
+
+The exercise had done more than the liniment, and finally he was
+swinging along at a rate that showed no sign of his recent incapacity.
+They were off again in their usual form, and Nome waited impatiently for
+word of the belated team.
+
+In the next few hours the messages that reached the expectant city were
+full of thrills--of hopes and fears. Groups of excited people met to
+discuss again all phases of the contest; the freshness of the dogs, the
+stamina of the men, the possibility of accidents; for a broken harness,
+a refractory leader, an error in judgment, may mean overwhelming defeat
+at the eleventh hour.
+
+Never in the annals of the Sweepstakes had the result been so doubtful,
+the chances so even. The two Johnsons, Holmsen, Dalzene, Allan--all men
+noted for their ability and fortitude--men who would be picked out of
+the whole North to represent the best type of trailsmen, were nearly
+neck and neck, less than fifty miles from Nome, ready for the final
+dash. And what a dash it was!
+
+[Illustration: AN ALAKAN SWEEPSTAKES TEAM
+
+Fay Dalzene, Driver]
+
+Like phantom teams they silently sped far out over the frozen waters of
+Bering Sea, threading their way between huge ice hummocks that rose,
+grotesque and ghostly, in the misty grayness of the Arctic twilight.
+Through the chill dusk they toiled up the steep slopes of Topkok Hill,
+through treacherous defiles, over perilous hidden glaciers, toward
+Solomon and safety.
+
+It was any one's race.
+
+The telephone brought news that varied from moment to moment. John
+Johnson was steady as to pace, and slightly in the lead; later Holmsen
+had passed him, then Dalzene. Allan had dropped behind. The excitement
+grew more intense each instant. Side by side drove Dalzene and Charlie
+Johnson, with Holmsen at their heels--dogs and men on their mettle,
+magnificent in endurance and spirit; but closing in upon them was "Finn
+John" with his Blue Eyed Leader, and Nome well knew what they could do,
+and had done twice.
+
+Then, too, there was always "Scotty" to be feared; always his marvelous
+generalship to be reckoned with; his perfect mastery of the dogs, and
+their devotion to him to be considered.
+
+"Seals on the ice ahead, Spot," had been a suggestion that had fired not
+only Spot, but Tom, Dick and Harry also with a new interest that almost
+banished fatigue.
+
+Then at intervals there were broken bars, alternately whistled and sung,
+of Home Sweet Home; and the dogs knew, someway, that this strange noise
+always signified that their journey was nearly at an end. And once, in
+readjusting his harness, "Scotty" had caressed Baldy so affectionately
+that the dog forgot the struggle he had passed through, remembering the
+happy fact that he had not failed in his trust.
+
+All of this encouragement resulted in an increased activity that began
+to tell in the fast decreasing distance between their team and the
+others.
+
+"On, Baldy; on, boys," and on they came out of the long reaches of utter
+desolation, of dreary monotony, of lifeless calm, with a rush that soon
+brought Johnson in view. "Gee"--they whirled to the right and by him
+with unexpected ease; then on and on still, till they could see the
+others. Baldy, spurred by that to yet stronger efforts, plunged forward
+with renewed vigor until he seemed, with his team-mates, to touch the
+drifted snows as lightly as a gull skims the crested waves.
+
+When nearly abreast of those who had been setting so fast a pace, Allan,
+in a low voice, tense with the excitement of the moment, called again to
+the dogs. "Speed up, Baldy; speed up, boys. Don't let the Siberian
+Fuzzy-Wuzzies beat you again. Show them what your long legs are good
+for--Alaskans to the front," and Baldy, with an almost incredible burst
+of speed, shot past them, and was at last in the lead in that mad,
+headlong drive for Nome.
+
+There was no hint of the laggard now in Tom, Dick and Harry--no
+suspicion of "staleness" in their keen pride in their work; Irish and
+Rover, ever fleet and responsive, needed no urging; Jack McMillan gave
+his stupendous energy, his superb intelligence with loyal abandon; and
+Baldy, as well as "Scotty," felt that each dog in the entire team had
+proved the wisdom of his choice by a willing service now to the driver
+he loved.
+
+Fort Davis! The thunderous boom of the guns heralded the approach of
+the first team. Nome, up the coast, was in a furor. Once more the people
+gathered quickly in the streets, and hurried toward the gaily
+illuminated stands to witness the finish of the great event.
+
+Though it was ten o'clock at night, the full moon and the radiance of
+the snow made everything shimmer and glitter with wonderful brilliancy.
+High above the lights of the little town, which seemed but a
+continuation of the stars, flamed the Way-Farer's Cross on the spire of
+St. Joseph's; huge bonfires cast a flickering crimson glow upon the
+frosted pinnacles of ice, and rockets rose and fell like sparkling
+jewels in the clear sky.
+
+Overhead fluttered a silken purse and the Trophy Cup, suspended by the
+Kennel Club colors from a wire that marked the end of the longest and
+most picturesque course in the racing world.
+
+The wild wailing of many wolf dogs, shrill whistles, the merry peal of
+bells, added to the deafening clamor--as far away over the frozen sea a
+dim black shadow came--a swiftly moving shadow that soon was engulfed in
+the swaying mob that surged to meet it.
+
+The Woman leaned from out the Judges' Stand, waving streamers of White
+and Gold in joyous welcome.
+
+Ben Edwards, thrilling with pride and happiness, slipped through the
+jostling crowd, and saw coming to him, down the Silver Trail, an ugly,
+rough-coated, faithful dog--bringing in his triumph, a justification of
+the boy's unshaken faith, a reward for his unfaltering affection.
+
+Again and again there were the stirring notes of the bugle, shouts of
+good will and praise, wild, incessant cheers, as the Allan and Darling
+Team, with every dog in harness, and "Scotty" Allan at the handle-bars,
+swept over the line--winners of the most hotly contested race the North
+has ever known, and led to victory by Baldy of Nome.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+Immortals of the Trail
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+IMMORTALS OF THE TRAIL
+
+
+The brief summer was over. The flowers that had blossomed so freely and
+so brightly under fair skies and in ceaseless sunshine were gone; and in
+the air was the chill of the early Arctic winter.
+
+The Woman shivered slightly in spite of her furs. There was excitement
+in the air.
+
+Beside her, erect and soldierly, walked Captain Rene' Haas of the French
+Army, with a firm elastic tread that spoke of many marches.
+
+He was talking earnestly with an enthusiasm that lighted up his keen
+dark eyes as with an inner fire.
+
+"You see, there were many places last winter on the battle-front where
+horses, mules or motors could not be used; for the snow was too soft and
+deep, and the crust too thin. Many places where they needed just such a
+method of transportation as we of the North know so well,--dogs. I
+tried," modestly, "to show them a little of all that could be done, with
+a few that I trained casually. But I spoke much of the marvelous dogs of
+Alaska that I have learned to know and love so well in the past few
+years; of their intelligence, their endurance, and their almost
+incredible speed in the big races. My Government listened; and so I was
+sent to take back with me the pick of the whole North, though there will
+be many more from parts of Canada and Labrador."
+
+"But not like ours of Nome," proudly replied the Woman.
+
+"No, not like yours of Nome. That is why I am here. A hundred or more
+trained by Allan and other racing men will be worth a thousand ordinary
+recruits. Since he received my cable message telling my plans, 'Scotty'
+has assembled a splendid lot of team dogs for me, with a full equipment
+of sleds and harness; and even the dog salmon for the 'Commissary
+Department.'
+
+"There is indeed but little left for me to do, as the outfit will be
+perfect now, with a few more experienced leaders."
+
+"And you think," questioned the Woman with lips that quivered and eyes
+that were dim, "that they will be treated well, that--" Her voice was
+unsteady and she hesitated.
+
+The young Captain seemed to divine all the unspoken fears.
+
+"There is very little danger in the work," he assured her readily. "They
+will probably be used entirely in courier and carrier service in the
+passes of the French Alps.
+
+"I belong to an Alpine Corps myself, and they will be under my direct
+supervision, so far as possible. Really," with honest conviction, "they
+will be far better off than if you sold them to freighters or
+prospectors for a life of toil, possibly of neglect even. All soldiers,
+irrespective of nationality, are good to the animals in their charge."
+
+"I suppose it's true," sighed the Woman, "that we cannot go on
+accumulating dogs indefinitely; that some of them must be sold from time
+to time. And I, too, would rather see them go like this than to feel
+they might suffer worse hardships and abuses on the Trail."
+
+"Scotty" met them at the door of the Kennel. "Come in, and we'll all go
+over the place together. It will not take long now to make up the rest
+of the required number," and he skimmed quickly over the paper in his
+hand.
+
+Matt, hovering near, doing unnecessary things for the dogs, was plainly
+much disturbed. George and Dan, full of a war atmosphere produced by the
+French officer, and a kennel and corral guarded night and day, conversed
+eagerly of the important affairs that were happening about them; while
+Ben, listening apparently to their serious discussions of the European
+situation, as likely to be affected by this purchase, was in reality
+beset with a dread that drove all else from his mind.
+
+"It's going to be a hard choice," the Woman mused as she glanced down
+the long line of stalls on either side, and one end, of the roomy
+stable.
+
+"Scotty" paused before the Mego dogs that had fought so valiantly for
+first honors in the Juvenile Race.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN HAAS OF THE FRENCH ARMY, AND HIS ALASKAN SLEDGES]
+
+"Excellent," observed Captain Haas, as he looked them over carefully.
+"Strong, intelligent, fleet," and "Scotty" wrote the names of Judge,
+Jimmie and Pete.
+
+"I knew I was a pretty good judge o' dogs," announced Dan with pleased
+conviction; "but there's some class t' bein' a judge backed up by the
+French Government," and he regarded his former team with mingled
+feelings of regret and satisfaction.
+
+On they went, adding name after name to the fast growing list.
+
+"Not Tom, Dick and Harry," the Woman exclaimed as they came to the
+Tolmans. "These Veterans have served us too long and too loyally." And
+"Scotty" nodded silently.
+
+"Irish and Rover?"
+
+But before the question could be answered, the gentle Irish Setters
+gazed into her eyes beseechingly, and nosed her sleeve, confident of a
+caress.
+
+"Impossible," she murmured hastily; "they are our dear comrades. And
+Spot," with an emphatic shake of the head, "belongs to George."
+
+Finally they paused at the last two stalls and looked from Jack
+McMillan to Baldy. McMillan tugged violently at his chain, striving to
+reach the Woman; while Baldy, as though he understood it all, crept
+close to "Scotty's" side.
+
+Captain Haas knew both of the dogs well. He had seen Jack turned from a
+career of rebellion and unrest to one of willing patient service; and
+Baldy, plodding, obscure, hard working Baldy, become the boast of the
+whole North.
+
+"Here are the two," admiringly, "that please me most of all. McMillan's
+strength is superb--Baldy's endurance unparalleled. What War Dogs they
+would make! One I must have; it matters little which. The price--" he
+gave an eloquent gesture of complete indifference.
+
+The Woman stroked Jack's sable muzzle gently. She thought of the old
+days when his name was once a symbol of all that was fierce and
+wolf-like and wicked in the annals of Nome; and then of his unbroken
+spirit and steadfast allegiance to her. "McMillan of the Broken Tusks,"
+she said softly, "has no price."
+
+Then, eagerly, "Baldy?"
+
+"I cannot give Baldy up," was the firm reply. "He has led the team in
+three great victories; and he did not desert me when I lay freezing and
+helpless, alone in the snow." "Scotty's" hand rested lovingly on the
+ugly dark head pressed so tightly, so trustfully against him. "He's a
+wonderful leader and my faithful friend."
+
+"I understand," the Captain said, and turned away. "The list is now
+complete."
+
+And in the dusk of the Kennel, as once on the Golconda Trail, the boy's
+wet cheek was laid tenderly against the dog's rough coat; but the tears
+that fell now were tears of joy. "Oh, Baldy," he whispered happily,
+"some day you'll be with me Outside. We'll do things there some day."
+
+[Illustration: BALDY OF NOME]
+
+Then came the day, filled with excitement and thrills, when on a
+tow-line three hundred and fifty feet long, one hundred and six famous
+dogs passed through the streets of the far-away Arctic town, on their
+way to the battle-fields of France.
+
+At their head was Spot, with George Allan trudging proudly by his side.
+
+"I'll lend you Spot to get them down to the dock," was his offer to
+Captain Haas. "You know he is fine in a crowd," and the officer
+smilingly accepted the services of Spot.
+
+And crowds there were, too, to go through; for as on the Sweepstakes
+Days all of Nome had gathered to bid a final God Speed to the greatest
+dogs of Alaska--a Foreign Legion indeed--bound for the front.
+
+With no confusion, under the direction of Captain Haas and "Scotty"
+Allan, who was to go with them as far as Quebec, they had been placed on
+board the "Senator" lying out in the roadstead.
+
+A silent little group stood on the dreary beach watching the twinkling
+lights of the distant ship as she sailed, phantom-like, out into the
+misty grayness of Bering Sea.
+
+Only the dull pounding of the surf and the weird cry of the wolf dogs
+broke the stillness.
+
+At last the Woman turned from the Big Man at her side toward the boy and
+Moose Jones.
+
+"Some time, perhaps," she said half sadly, yet with pride, "the Captain
+may have great tales for us of the War Dogs of the North. But never,
+never, Ben, will there be greater tales than we can tell of the Old
+Guard, Baldy of Nome and the others--our Immortals of the Trail."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BALDY OF NOME***
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