Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-12-30

shoulders and gave him foretaste of
drowning. Then he began to call for
help. After time he heard the sound
of feet sucking through the mud as
some one advanced from behind
Lend hand, friend" he said.
Throw out life line or something"
Ii was woman's voice that ans
ed. and he recognized H.
If you'll unbuckle the straps ! can
get up"
The hundred pounds rolled into the
mud with a soggy noise. and he slowly
gained his feet
"A pretty predicament" Miss Gastell
laughed at sight Of his mud covered
face.
mot at ALL" he replied airily. MY
favorite physical exercise stunt"
lie wiped his face flinging the slush
from his hand with snappy jerk.
oh" she cried In recognition. Its
Mr.-ah-Mr. Smoke Bellew."
Il thank you gravely for your timely
rescue and for that name" he answer
I'd. Il have been doubly baptized.
Henceforth shall insist always on be
ing called Smoke Bellew."
The arctic came down apace Snow
that had come 10 stay lay six inches on
the ground. and the ice was forming in
quiet ponds despite the fierce gales
that blew. IL was i'm the late after
noon during a lull in such gale that
Kit and John BeIlew helped the
cousins load the boat and watched II
disappear down til lake Ia a snow
squall
And now nights sleep and an ear
~ start in the morning said John
Rellew. III we aren't storm bound al
the summit we'll make Dyea tomorrow
night. and If we have luck in catching
"a steamer wen be in San francisco III
a week"
Their camp for that last night al
Linderman was a melancholy remnant
/ Everything OF use. including the tent
had been taken by the cousins
Only once during supper did Kit
speak "Avuncular. he said. after
this | wish YOU'D call me Smoke I've
made some smoke on this trail. have
not:"
few minutes later he wandered
away in the direction OF the village OF
tents that sheltered the gold rushers
who were still packing or building
their boats. lie was gone severa
hours and when be returned and slip
ped into his blankets John Bellew was
asleep.
IA the darkness Of gale driver
morning Kit crawled out. built a fire
in his stocking feet. by which he thaw
ed ont his frozen shoes. then boilec
coffee and fried bacon. IL was chilly
miserable meal As soon as it wa.
finished they strapped their blankets
As John Bellew turned To lead the way
toward the Chilkoot trail Kit held on
his hand.
"Goodby. avuncular," he said.
John Bellew looked at him anC
swore in his surprise.
But what are you going to dor
Kit waved his hand In a general di
rection nOrthward over the storm lash
ed lake. What's the use OF turning
back after getting this farY' be asked
Besides. I've got my taste OF meat
and | ike ii. I'm going on"
You're broke. protested John Bel
lew. You have no outfit"
I've got job Behold yonr nephew
| Christopher Smoke Bellew. He's got
job Hes a gentleman's man Hes
got a job at $50 per month and grub
He's going down to la wson with ;
couple of dudes and another gentle
mans man-camp cook. boatman anC
general all around hustler. Goodby!
But John Bellew was dazed anC
could only mutter. Il don't under
stand"
They say the bald face grizzlies ar
thick in the Yukon BASIN Kit eX
planned We'll I've got only one. sui
Of underclothes and I'm going <afte
the bear meat. that's air.