The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-07-09
BAREE, Son Of Kazan

He no longer played as he had played
before he went off alone into the for
est. He did not chase sticks, or run
until he was winded, for the pure joy
Of running. His puppyishness was
gone In its place was great wor-
ship and ranking bitterness, love
for the girl and a hatred for the pack
and all that it stood for.
Whenever he heard the wolf-howf,
it brought an angry snarl into his
throat, and he would bare his fangs
until even Pierrot would draw a little
away from him. But touch of the
girls hand would quiet him.
In week or two the heavier SHOWS
came, and Pierrot began making his
trips over the trap-lines. Nepeese had
entered into a thrilling bargain with
him this winter. PierrOt had taken
her into partnership. Every fifth trap,
every fifth deadfall, and every fifth
what they caught or killed was to
bring bit nearer to realization
wonderful dream that was growing in
the Willows soul. Pierrot had prom
Used. If they had great luck that win
ter, they would go down together on
the last SHOWS to Nelson House and
buy the little old organ that was for
sale there; and If the organ was sold,
they would work another winter, and
get new one.
This plan gave Nepeese an enthusi-
astic and tireless interest in the trap
line. Pierrot impressed on her that
it made comrade and co-worker OF
her on the trail. That was his scheme:
to keep her with him when he was
away from the cabin. He knew that
the Gray Loon, probably more than
once during the winter. He had swift
dogs, and it was short journey. And
when McTaggart came, Nepeese must
not be at the cabin--alone.
Pierrot's trap-line swung into the
north and west, covering in all mat
ter of fifty miles, with an average of
two traps, one deadfall and a poison
bait TO each mile. Halfway over this
line rIerrOt lad built a small log
rADin, and at the end of it another,
so that a days work meant twenty
five miles. This was easy for Pierrot,
and not hard on n speese after the
first few days.
All through October and November
they made the trips regularly, making
cix 6aU uyh
one day of rest at the cabin on the
Gray Loon and another day in the
cabin at the end of the trail. They
were splendid months. Fur was thick,
and 1t was steadily cold without bad
storm. Nepeese not only carried
that Pierrots load might be lighter,
but she trained Baree to bear tiny
shoulder-panniers which she manu-
facrured In these panniers Baree
carried the bait.
In at least third o1 the total num-
Der of traps set there was always
what Pierrot called trash-rabbits,
owls, whisky-jacks. Jays and squirrels.
These, with the skin or feathers
stripped off, made up the bulk of the
bait for the traps ahead.
One afternoon early in December,
as they were returning to the Gray
Loon, Pierrot stopped suddenly
dozen PAGES ahead of Nepeese and
stared at the snow. A strange snow
shoe trail had joined their own and
was heading toward the cabin For
half minute pierrot was silent and
scarcely moved a muscle as he stared
The trail came straight out of the
north-and off there was Lac Balm
Also they were the marks of large
snowshoes, and the stride indicated
was that of tall man. Before Pier
rot had spoken, Nepeese had guessed
what they meant.
"M'sieu the Factor from Lac Baini"
she said.
Baree was shifting suspiciously at
the strange trail. They heard the low
growl in his throat, and Pierrots
shoulders stiffened
"Yes. the M'sieu," he said.
The Willows heart beat more swift
ly as they went on. She was not
afraid of McTaggart, not physically
afraid; and yet something rose up in
her breast and choked her at thought
of his presence on the Gray Loon.
Why was he there? 1t was, not nee
essary for Pierrot to answer the ques-
ton, even had she given voice to it.
OK
had no business there-except to see
her. The blood burned red in her
cheeks as she thought again of that
minute on the edge of the chasm when
he had almost crushed her in his arms
Would he try that again?
ITO BE CONTINUED