Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-05-24
A Mining
Camp Verdict
tCopyrlghl, 800, By Joseph E. Bowies.,
By REX z. BEACH

tNe DNAoit AHc uOoI VI lOS CdDlH.
Howling ours swarmed from the vii
lage roofs, while out from the low tun-
nels crawled tattered, fur-clad Eskimo
children and silent women. From the
cabin a wrinkled old man tottered,
speaking cultural words of welcome to
the newcomers.
Here's a go, pail" said Buckhurst,
as he unlashed the bullying sled. tits
all squaws and kids. wonder where
the bucks are"
Dunno, and what's more, / don't
eare!" replied Thomas. what | want
is something TO eat, and mighty quick,
too"
In hating words and eloquent ges-
lures the old chief explained that the
men had gone hunting and would not
return for many days.
He says the grub is gone and
they're all starving"
Serves EN- right" grumbled the
other. as he strained at the heavy
grub-box They'd ought to work sum
mers and lay up a grub-stake. Spose
now, they want TO eat ours, that We've
hauled 300 miles. Well, well fool
em!"
AS Buckhurst prepared the welcome
meal within, willing hands brought
wooden bowls of water from the dis
tant hole, while old women, weak with
hunger, mutely laid offerings of dried
chips, grass and driftwood for the fire.
Weeks before hunger had stilled the
childish laughter Of the village, and
teething babes sucked at rawhide
thongs, while the elders gnawed on
bits of bone and salmon fms which
promised nourishment.
Thomas, knife in hand, sliced thin
strips Of bacon for the pan, while Chief
Joe eagerly gathered the moldy rinds
and apportioned them among the
mothers, who muttered TO the skin
clad infants in their arms.
] Soon a fragrant steam OF cooking
1 food. OF boiling coffee and frying meat,
hlled the low room. Children cried
softly, while the squaws stirred I'M
easily and moistened their lips.
Unmindful OF the hungry sounds,
Buckhurst and Thomas voraciously fell
to and noisily cleaned up dish after
dish
The low door swung back to admit
STOPPING figure, which Strengthened
up showing the tall form and clean
shayen features of white man.
How are you. gentlemen? ] judged
from your sled outside that there we're
strangers stopping here,
IAN right, Matka!" be called through
The door. "Unhook the dogs; well lie
over here till tomorrow.
Eyes. captain" came back from out
side.
where ye from7" questioned Buck
hurst.
Just down from Dawson and bound
for the new strike at Faro mountain.
That's where we're goin', said
Thomas. Were from ST. Miehaels.
Matka entered at this moment from
his care of the dogs. and with famished
face stared euriously at the vanishing
food.
Captain cleared his throat uneasily.
1--WE had an accident down the
cast" he began: "Matka upset my
slea In an ice crevice and lost all the
outAt Fortunately we saved little
eour and some seal oil that brought
along for dog feed We've Travelled
POO miles on that diet, and II II ism I
asking too much, gentlemen, ID Ike 70
buv enough of your grub TO last me
and NV boy here to Faro mountain.
I'm simply furnishing for something 70
eat"
we amt got any more grub than
we want. said Thomas
yves" echoed Buekhurst we We
hauled this grub clear from 81.
Michaels. and we want what there Is
Of il ourselves
The hungry newcomer smiled a
frank. ingenious smile, while ms voice
took on a gentle tone.
gentlemen, you don't seem TO real
he what it is to hit the trail on an
pmpty stomach. l haven't eaten TOT
1 fnn nAXS. anu TINS WV
Name your price. You can get more
grub at Faro, and
mol I don't know what u is 10 90
bpnery and don't intend 10 learn
eitheri' roughly interjeeted Buckhurst
smboldened by the others apparent
timidity.
Then he paused abruptly
A big black slx-shoo,er had ieapeu
10 the strangers hand and lay care
lessly therein. ,,..
with a sharp gasp Of inereduiity
Thomas instinctively showed his hsnus
roofwards till his heels left the MOOT
Buckhurst pipe in hand, with gap
ing Jaws, rose stifiy, back 70 .he M wa.
Fortunately l am not Quick-'em-
nsred man. purred be Of the aulce nee.
tones. @or I'd injure you ours! Don't, on.
NV anv quick movements. This gun
sos The easiest trigger ] ever saw and
, la n.s horn with the gift Of marksman-