The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-11-12
(Continued.)
Good" cried Rowland.

la, la, M'seur-not SO good as
you think. 1t means that as surely
as the dogs carry us there you will
never come back. Mon Dieu, your
death is certain!"
Rowland eurned briskly to the
stove.
Hungry, Jean?" he asked more
companionably. Lets not quarrel,
man. You've had your fun, and
now I'm going to have mine. Have
you had breakfast"
81 was anticipating that pleasure
with you, M'seur," replied Jean
with grim humor.
And THEREAFTER | had fed YOU
you were going to kill me, my dear
JEAN" laughed Rowland, Hopping a
huge caribou steak on the naked
top of the sheet-lron stove. Real
nice fellow you are, eh?"
you ought to be killed, M'seur.'
$50 you've said before. When I
see Meleese I'm going to know the
reason why, Or"
Cor what, M'seur?"
kill you, Jean. I've just about
made up my mind that you ought
to be killed. If any one dies up
where we're going. Croisset, it will
be you first of all"
Jean remained silent. A few
minutes later Rowland brought the
caribou steak, a dish of flour cakes
and a big pot of coffee to the table.
Then he went behind Jean and I'M
tied his hands. When he sat down
at his own side of the table he
cooked his revolver and placed it
beside his tin plate. Jean grim
aced and shrugged his shoulders.
ut means business" said his
captor warningly. 'If at any time
I think you deserve it shall shoot
you in your tracks, Croisset, so
don't arouse my suspicious"
81 took your word of honor"
said Jean sarcastically.
And I will take yours to an ex.
tent" replied Rowland, pouring the
coffee. Suddenly he picked up the
revolver. you never saw me
shoot, did you? See that cup over
there?" he pointed to a small tn
pack-cup hanging to nail on the
wall dozen PAGES from them.
Three times without missing he
drove bullets through it, and
smiled across at Croisset.
81 am going to give you the use
of your arms and legs, except at
night" he said.
Mon Dieu, it is safe" grunted
Jean. II give you my word that |
will be good, M'seur."
The sun was up when Crofsset
led the way outside. His dogs and
sledge were hundred yards from
the building. and Howland's first
move was to take possession of the
Frenchman's rifle and eject the
cartridges while Jean tossed
chunks of caribou flesh to the
huskies. When they were ready to
start Jean slowly turned and half
reached out mittened hand to the
engineer.
"Mseur," he said softly, II can
not help liking you, though l know
that ! should have killed you long
ago. l tell you again that if you
go into the North there is only one
chance in a hundred that you will
come back alive. Great God,
Mseur, up where you wish to go
the very trees will fall on you and
the carrion ravens pick out your
eyes! And that chance-that one
chance in hundred, M'seur-
81 will take" interrupted How
land decisively.
81 was going to say. M'scur," fin
ished Jean quietly. that unless &C
cident has befallen those who left
Wekusko yesterday that one
chance is gone. If you go South
you are safe. If you go into the
North you are no better than a
dead man."
There will at least be a little
fun at the finish" laughed the
young engineer. Come, Jean, hit
up the dogs!"
Mon Dieu. ! say you are a fool
An da brave man" said Croisset,
and his whip twisted sinuously in
mid-air and cracked In sharp COM
mand over the yellow backs of the
huskies-