The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-01-10
AN ALASKAN new YEAR.
written for the "Record- Union" b,
BeSelpnal

written for the Record Union" by
Beselena.)
outside a clustering wind hurled it
sell around the four unprotected cor
nerS OF the rude log cabin; mingled with
Ut came the dismal bowling of the Eskl-
mo dogs in the distant corral; they were
engaged in a free fight among them
selves, and the air around was resonant
with their banks and cries. Into their
midst suddenly appeared a white haired
old man.
BE stiIi" Lie down." he command
ed. Instantly the conflict ceased. The
Eskimo dog has many peculiarities; he
viii not respond to kindness because he
does not even know the meaning of the
word but no matter how fiercely the
battle may be raging among themselves
even a child can with perfect safety go
into their midst and with a word stop
the quarrel. When peace, If not har-
mony, was once more restored the priest
left the corral and slowly made his way
against the wind to the house. At the
threshold he paused, arrested by the
sound of a voice which came to him
from out the darkness. Looking up
quickly he saw through the gathering
darkness a young man approaching;
not recognizing him, he waited with his
hand on the door knob, for the newcom-
er to speak.
you don't mean to tell me that you
have forgotten me, Father PAUL" AT
the sound of the well-known voice the
priest turned quickly.
ALFRED Campbell!'' he cried, cordial
1xr all 1InaynnOfQ6 r.
prise, though none the less pleasurable
You must blame my old eyes, my boy;
they are not as young as they We're
formerly. But come into the house; it's
cold out here and have much to say
to you
So saying, Father Paul opened the
door and stood aside for his guest to
enter. They first entered a narrow
low ceilinged vestibule, whence opened
doors to either side Opening one to the
right they came upon the general sitting
room. A pleasant warmth pervaded the
place from the air-tight stove in the
corner; the curtains had been drawn
shutting out the snow-covered land
scape. Close beside the stove, before
which a low-browed, soft-eyed native
boy knelt, feeding the fire with huge
chunks of coal which he carried from
the coal bod with his hands, was drawn
up a table upon which stood a soft
shaded lamp, a hand-painted picture OF
the Christ child, and several religious
books; on another table tea set was
spread beside steaming samover from
which the hot water was conveyed tt
the tea pot
''Sit down." said the priest, land joir
me in my tea" The soft-eyed native
boy moved about clumsily, as is their
wont, and waited on them. When the
meal was finished their chairs were
moved close beside the glowing stove
their pipes We're lit and they fell into
converse ton. In answer to the priest
query as to his future plans Campbe1
replied that he had no definite ones
MY time with the company, as you
know" he explained, expired some time
since. ! had thought some of pushing
in farther toward Circle or Dawson City
but
''The very thing" interrupted the
priest with some show Of excitement
Il have had what L believe to be au-
thentic insformation from natives who
have lust returned from there that there
are rich gold diggings up there. %
course. YOU know" he continued, lean
ing forward to knock the ashes from
his pipe against the side of the ash
receiver. that neither my people nol
myself are up here for the purpose OF
lettering our pecuniary position, but
tell you what Campbell, were | stu
ated differently l should not hesitate
an instant about going in. l should not
however, advocate any one making the
attempt until later in the season. The
middle of November is no time to make
such a desperate trip. Stay with me
until spring. get lonely very often ano
feel the need of a companion. This Is
not the Bulshoi Donia (big house of st
Michaels that you have been used TO
but such as it is I offer you"
II thank you, Father Paul, and vii
accent your generous offer, but not un-
til spring. I feel that 1 can not wait
so long. Tt shall only be until l car
get nv things together and start out
You see.' said Campbell simply. Il an
going to be married as soon as | strike
il and naturally I feel as though The
sooner Dame Fortune smiled upon me
the better. OF course / think she is
the dearest girl in the world" saying
which he brought from his pocket 8
leather picture case and opening il
handed ii to the priest.
There she is he said proudly, THAI
is Faith
THE name seems to suit her we'll, >
replied the priest. He gaZed long al
the picture before him. and as he hand
ed it back said he hoped they would be
very happy. After that a long silence
fell between them which was broken by
the entrance of the native boy. II,
showed not trace of agitation, though
his message was an ominous one.
'Inakenta dying" he said briefly il
his gutteral tones.
Instantly Father Paul was on hi:
feet. Il have been expecting this" HI
said in explanation to Campbell, as hi
quickly Invested himself Of his cassocl
and baretta and put on the parky
(overcoat) and fur tipped mazinkc
boots and pulled over his head the fui
cap with ear muffs which the DO!
brought from the nail behind the door
''Tnakenta is one of my oldest parish.