Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-07-31
door. ..Unhook the dogs; wen " over

door. Unlock the dogs; wen " over
till tomorrow"
Where ye fEomr questioned Buck
hurst, a. the newcomer stAmps4 ths
snow from his beaded ''muklukSs and
wriggled out from his parka.
Just down from Dawson" the stran-
ger replied, land bound for the new
strike at Faro mountain. It's a long
trip. but wanted to get in before the
rush next spring"
That's where we're goin'," said
Thomas, as he gathered up tho dishes.
"We're from st. Michaels."
AS Captain thawed his stinened IN
gers at the puny stove while they Ques-
toned him. he tried to recall an In
stance when hearty invitation to cat
had not followed the first rough greet
ing between white men on the trail
He had not tasted food for two days,
and his greedy eyes sought the grub
box with it's wealth Of food.
There was q half emptied pail Of
, brown beans lazily steaming beside
the stove, and In the frying pan were
strips OF crisp bacon ahoat In hot
grease. There was & long Loaf os
bread, real bread, too. made with yeast
and free from dyspeptlc baking pow
der. The ample coffeepot was nearly
full, and there was can of golden
butter!
The young mans stomach had re-
belIed at It's greasy fare Of seal oil and
-four two days before, and now this
lavish sight nearly dragged him from
his stand beside the FIRE. But as II in
mockery the dishes We're rapidly dis
appearing into the box as Thomas pur.
sued his work.
Captain heard the surly tones of
Ruckhurst. This thievin' bunch Of
savages think they're starvin'. I
caught one brat stealin' our grub Jest
now. Guess she'll nurse them knuckles
for SPELL"
Captain followed his gesture to be-
hold sobbing bundle of furs caressing
a tiny swollen fist.
"Yes, and l come up with EN- too!
chuckled Thomas. "See them fox
skins? Only cost me four new pen
MES"
Matka entered Mt this moment from
his care Of the dogs and, with native
words Of greeting to his kindred, squat
ted on his launches by the fire, then
with famished face stared curiously
at the vanishing food.
Captain cleared his throat. He had
never asked for favors, and he was
loath to begin. Evidently these thought
less men had overlooked the fact that
he might be hungry.
1--WE had an accident down the
| coast" he began. "Matka upset my
sled in an ice crevice and lost all the
outfit. Fortunately we saved a little
-four and some seal oil that l brought
along for dog feed. We've Travelled
200 miles on that diet. Ugh! EveR try
seal oil fapjacks? The Indians can 60
1t all right, but it's past me. went
the limit day before yesterday when !
tried three times to keep it down.
Then l had to quit-elevator service
too prompt" He laughed pleasantly.
Thomas. as dishwasher, clattered
noisily. and Buckhurst, propped up
against the wall, pulled silently at his
pipe.
what did ye do to the savageT" the
latter finally said.
"Humph, I know what I'd a done,
shifted his partner. I'D a thrown his
carcass in after the grub"
| Captain paused for moment
III it isn't asking too much" he said,
I'D likeN to buy enough grub to last
me and my boy to Faro mountain. I'm
simply famishing."
There was no laughter In his voice
now
Thomas went to the door and flung
the dishwasher viciously over SILVER
bubbling Of nicotine in Buckhurst's
pipe sounded plainly in the silent
cabin.
Finally the former closed the door.
coughed uneasily and glancing ut bis
companion for support said. 1--WE amt
got any more grub than we want"
Yes" echoed Buckhurst. We've
hauled this food clear from st.
Michaels, and we need all Of 1t our
selves. Seems to me II you made II
this far you can last through to Faro"
A strangely gentle mood seemed to
settle over the hungry newcomer. He
smiled frank, ingenious smile. while
his voice took on tone as soft as that
Of the mother who still quieted her
weeping child in the corner behind
him.
Matka rose from behind the stove
and spoke to the natives in their own
tongue.
Listen! He makes talk like wo'
man. Soon you will see strange
things"
Gentlemen said Captain, you
don't seem to realize what 1t is to hit
the trail on an empty stomach.
haven't eaten for two days, and this
cold bites hard. Name your price. You
can get more grub at Faro, and