Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1917-11-09
CHAPTER II.-continued.


Kazan paid no attention to him. An
other form had approached out of the
night, and stood now in the circle Of
illumination made by the lanterns. 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
Transcontinental. The man was
straight, powerfully built and clean
shaver. His jaw was so square that
1T was brutal, and there was glow in
his eyes that was almost like the pas
sion in Kazans as he looked at Isobel.
McCready shifted his gaze, and in
stantly her hand fell on Kazans 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 growing deeper. Thorpe's
wife tugged at the chain.
''DOwn. Kazan-downp' she COM
manded.
At the sound of her voice he relaxed.
'Downv 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 ven
ON 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 Kazan. Sud-
denly he leaned forward, with both
hands on his knees, and for a tense
moment or two he seemed to forget
that Isobel Thorpe's wonderful 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 shot, sent the long lash
OF his whip curling out into the night
with a crack like pistol report.
"Charge, PedrO-charge"
The rumble in Kazan's throat deep
ened to snarling growl, but not q
muscle Of his body moved. McCready
turned to Thorpe.
II could have sworn that knew that
dog" he said. IF it's Pedro, he's
bad"
Thorpe was taking the chain. Only
the girl saw the look that came for ar
instant into McCready's face. 1t made
her SILVER. A few minutes before
when the train first stopped at Les
Pas, she had offered her hand to this
man, and she had seen the same thinl
then. But even as she shuddered SHE
recalled the many things her husband
had told her of the forest people. Sh'
had grown to love them, to admire
their big, rough manhood and loya
hearts, before he had brought he
among them; and suddenly she smilet
at McCready, struggling to overcome
that thrill of fear and dislike.
'sHe doesn't like you," she laughe'
at him softly. wont you make friend
with him?"
She drew Kazan toward him, wit
Thorpe holding the end of the chair
McCready came to her side as she ben
over the dog. His back was t
Thorpe as he hunched down. Isobel'
bowed head was within foot of hi
face. He could see the glow in he
cheek and the pouting curve of he
mouth as she quieted the low rumblin
In Kazan'S throat. Thorpe stood read
to pull back on the chain, but for
moment McCready was between hir
and his wife, and he could not Sc
McCready's face. The mans eye
were not ON Kazan. He was starin
at the girl.
you're brave" he said. II don
dare do that. He would take Off N
hand!'
He took the lantern from Thorp
and led the way to narrow snow
path branching off from the tracl
Hidden back in the thick spruce wa
the camp that Thorpe had left for
night before. There were two tent
there now in place of the one that b
and his guide had used. A big I'll
was burning in front of them. Clos
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