The Saint Paul globe., 1905-01-08
Copyright by
S. S. MCCLURE co.

The scaler turned away; his heel caught
a root; he stumbled; instantly the pack
was on him. for the power of his eyes was
broken.
Mad with rage they kicked and beat and
tore at Fitz Patrick's huddled form long
after consciousness had left it. Then an
owl hooted from the shadow of the wood
or puff of wind swept by, or fox bark
ed or some other little thing happened, so
that In blind unreasoning panic they fled
The place was deserted. save for the dark
figure against the red and white snow.
Fltz Patrick regained his wits in PAIN
and so knew he was still on earth Every
movement cost him moan and some
agency outside himself inflicted added tor
ture. After long time he knew it was
the cook, who was firmly but kindly
kneading> his limbs and knuckling his
hair. The man proved to be in a maze of
wonderment over his patients tenacity of
life
II watched ye," he murmured soothing
y. I did not dare interfere. But 1 KEN
to yo s soon as could See, here's a
hre that | built for We, and some tea.
rake little. And no bones brokel True
Tor ye, ye're hearty man, and strong
with tn big muscles on ye to fight th
Rough Red man to man. Get tn use Of
yere legs, darlint, an I'll tax We to camp.
for it's fair drunk they are by now. Sure
y
But they didn't muttered Fitz Pat
rick with CLEAN of humor.
Sure twas not their fault, nor yere
ownl''
Hours later, as it seemed, they moved
slowly in the direction of camp. The cold
mad stiffened Fitz Patrick's cuts and
bruises. Every step shot red wave of
torture through his arteries to: his brain.
Ihey came in sight of camp. 1t was ST.
lent. Both knew that the men had drunk
themselves into a stupor
I'd like t kill tn whole layout as she
sleeps, snarled the cook, shaking his
fist.
$50 would t. replied Fitz Patrick.
Then as they looked, thin wreath of
smoke curled from under the open door
way and spread lazily in the frosty air.
Another followed, another, still another.
The cabin was a-fire.
They've kicked over th stove again.
said Fitz Patrick, seating himself on a
stump. His eyes blazed with wrath and
bitterness.
What yo goin' to do?" asked the cook.
Sit here" replied Fitz Patrick grimly.
The cook started forward.
Stop!' shouted the scaler fiercely. ssIf
you move STEP I'll break your back.''
The cook stared at him through saucer
eyes.
But they'd be burnt aliveI' he objected
wildly
They ought to be-" snarled the scaler.
IT amt their fault I'm here to help them.
Tts their own deed that I'm not lying be-
yant there in th' forest, unable to help
myself. Do you understand? I'm yet out
there in tn woods!''
All. wirra, wirra!'' walled the cook,
wringing his hands. 9Th, poor lads!' He
began to weep.
Fitz Patrick stared straight in front of
him for a moment. Then he Struck his
forehead. and with wonderful agility, con-
sidering the injuries he had just received,
tore down the hill in the direction Of the
smoldering cabin. The cook followed him
joyfully. Together they put out the fire.
The men snored like beasts, undisturbed
by all the tumult
Tis tn soft heart We have; after all,
Fitz," said the cook, delightedIy, as the
two washed their hands in preparation for
lunch. Eye could not'bear t. see tn lads
burn"
ss Fftz Patrick glowered at him for an In
stant from beneath his square jaws.
They can go to hell for all Of me,'' he
answered finally, "but my people want
these logs put in this winter, an there's
nobody else to put them in"