The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-04-07
CHAPTER xxv-Continued.

Oh was all she replied; but l
could have sworn there was a note Of
disappointment in her voice.
But my woman, my mate" kept
ringing in my head for the rest of
the day and for many days. Yet never
did it ring more loudly than that
night, as | watched her draw back
the blanket of moss from the Goals,
blow up the fire, and cook the evening
meal. 1t must have been latent saw
agery stirring in me, for the old
words. SO bound up with the roots of
the race, to grip me and thrill me.
And grip and thrill they did, till
fell asleep, murmuring them to myself
over and over again.
1t was dark and evil-appearing
thing, that hut, not fit for aught better
than swine in a civilized land; but for
us, who had known the misery of the
open boat, it was a snug little habita-
ton. Following the housewarming,
which was accomplished by means of
seal-oil and a wick made from cotton
calking. came the hunting for our win
ters meat and the building OF the
second hut 1t was simple affair."
now, to go forth in the morning and
return by noon with boatload of
seals. And then. while / worked at
building the hut, Maud tried out the
oil from the blubber and kept a slow
fire under the frames of meat. had
heard Of Jerking beef on the plains,
and our seal meat, cut in thin strips
and hung in the smoke, cured excel
lently.
The second hut was easier to erect,
for l built it against the first, and only
three walls were required. But 1t was
work, hard work, all Of it. Maud and
/ worked from dawn till dark, to the
limit of our strength, so that when
night came we crawled stifily to bed
and slept the animal-like sleep Of ex-
haustion. And yet Maud declared that
she had never felt better or stronger
in her life. l knew this was true Of
myself, but hers was such a lily
strength that feared she would break
down. Often and often, her last re-
serve force gone, l have seen her
stretched fiat on her back on the sand
In the way she had of resting and re-
cuperating. And then she would be
up on her feet and toiling hard as
ever. Where she obtained this
strength was the marvel to me.
Think of the long rest this winter"
was her reply to my remonstrances.
why, well be clamorous for some
thing to do"
We held housewarming in my hut
the night it was rooted
It was a pleasant evening indeed,
and we voted that as social function
on Endeavor island it had not yet
been eclipsed. Our minds were at
ease. Not only had we resigned our
selves to the bitter winter, but we
were prepared for it. The seals could
depart on their, mysterious journey
into the south at any time, now, for
all we cared; and the storms held no
terror for us. Not only were we sure
OF being dry and warm and sheltered
from the wind, but we had the softcst
and most luxurious mattresses that
could be made from moss. This had
been Mauds idea, and she had herself
jealousy gathered all the moss. This
was to be my first night on the mat
tress, and l knew I should sleep the
sweeter because she had made it.
AS she rose to go she turned to
me with the whimsical way she had,
and said:
Something is going to happens
happening, for that matter. l feel 1t.
Something is coming here, to us. 1t is
coming now. / don't know what but
It is coming"
Good or bad?" asked.
She shook her head. II don't know.
but 1t is there, somewhere
She pointed in the direction Of the
sea and wind.
It's lee Shore" laughed, land
! am sure I'd rather be here than ar
irving, a night like this"
you are not frightened?" / asked
ar I stepped to open the door for her.
her eyes looked bravely into mine.
And you feel we'll? perfectly well?"
Never better" vr=s her answer.
We talked a little longer before
she went
"Gooi night. Maud" sale 4