University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1915-08-13

his wife, Isabel. hazah WHO mas suheie
no man to touch him with naked handi
surprises Thorpe by displaying a grea
affection and loyalty for Isabel.
After some time. when great preparation
have been made. KaZan is enticed by lisa
/ bel into box-car and crOuches ther
during a long journey back to the Mort
When released. he readily recognizes lisa
bel as his mistress.
He's yours, Issy," he adde'
/ quickly, but you must let ME car'
for him until-we know. Give me tn,
chain. | won't trust him even now
He's a wolf. I've seen him take al
Indians hand off at a single snap
I've seen him tear out another dog:
/ jugular in one leap. He's an OUTLAW
"a bad dog-in spite of the fact thai
he hung to me like hero anc
brought me out alive. | can't trust
him. Give me the chain"
He did not finish. With the snarl
of wild beast Kazan had leaped to
his feet His lips drew up and barred
his long fangs. His spine stiffened
and with a sudden cry of warning
Thorpe dropped hand to the revol-
yer at his belt.
Kazan paid no attention to him
Another form had approached out of
the night, and stood now in the cir
Gle of illumination made by the Ian
terms. 1t was McCready, who was to
accompany Thorpe and his young wife
back to the Red River camp. where
Thorpe was in charge of the building
of the new Trans-continental. The
man was straight. powerfully built
and clean shaven. His jaw was so
square that it was brutal. and there
was glow in his eyes that was almost
like the passion in Kazan's as he look
ed at Isobel.
Her red and white stocking-cap had
slipped free of her head and was
hanging over her shoulder. The dull
blaze of the lanterns shone in the
warm glow of her hair. Her cheeks
were flushed. and her eyes. suddenly
turned to him. were as blue as the
bluest bakneesh flower and glowed
like diamonds. McCready shifted his
gaze. and instantly her hand fell on
Kazan's head. For the first time the
dog did not seem to feel her touch.
He still snarled at McCready, the
rumbling menace in his throat grow
ing deeper. Thorpe's wife tugged at
the chain
Down, Kazan-down,"' she COM
manded.
At the sound of her voice he relaxed.
Down." she repeated, and her free
hand fell on his head again. He skunk
to her feet. But his lips were still
drawn back. Thorpe was watching
him. He wondered at the deadly We
nom that shot from the wolfish eyes.
and looked at McCready. The big
guide had uncoiled his long dog
whip. A strange look had come into
his face. He was staring hard at Ka-
zan. Suddenly he leaned forward,
with both hands on his knees, and for
a tense moment or two he seemed to
forget that Isobel Thorpe's wonder
full blue eyes were looking at him.
"Hoo-kOosh. Pedro-charge,"
That one word-charge-was taught
only to the dogs in the service of the
Northwest Mounted Police. Kazan
did not move. McCready Strengthened,
and quick as a shot sent the long lash
Of his whip curling out into the nigh:
with a crack like pistol report.
Charge, Pedro-charge!"
The rumble in Kazan's throat deep
ened to a snarling growl. but not a
muscle of his body moved McCready
urned to Thorpe.
Il could have sworn that / knew |
hat dog" he said. IF it's Pedro, he's
,adi"
Thorpe was taking the chain. Only |
he girl saw the look that came for an
instant into McCready's face. 1t made |
Ter shiver. A few minutes before, |
when the train had first stopped at
les Pas, she had offered her hand to |
his man and she had seen the same
hing then. But even as she shud- |
lered she recalled the many things
Ter husband had told her of the for
st people. She had grown to love
hem. to admire their big rough man
loOd and loyal hearts, before he had
her among them; and sud-
lenly she smiled at McCready, strug-
fling to overcome that thrill of fear
md dislike
He doesn't like you," she laughed
L him softly. Wont you make
riends with him?"
She drew Kazan toward him, with
thorpe holding the end of the chain.
dcCready came to her side as she
'ent over the dog. His back was to
'horpe as he hunched down. Isobel's
Il