The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1927-07-08
CHAPTER II-Continued

C1AOC VI Tie pEoDlG WHOSe DOdI WAS
slowly approaching the landing. Why
had they been sent him at this time
these strangers? This bearded ass of
q geologist would spread himself all
over the place, demanding attention /;
would doubtless ask him TO go to Aki-
miski and save the stuff salvaged on
the beach. Well, he would pack them
of TO Albany at once. But the sister
seemed different sort-nice eyes she
had, straight, direct, but something
sad about them; sense of humOr, too,
Tor she laughed fat in Quarters face
at the Mcdonald story. So the free
trader was in the bay still? Strange,
that! Did he mean to winter there?
II he did, IL would cut into the Christ
mas trade in foxes-would be bad for
Elkwan. Daring chap, this Melon
aid Who was he, anyhow?
The arrival of the boat cut short his
rumination.
Il see you brought plenty of food"
commented the factor with a smile, as
the sailors, under the direction of
Etienne, began unloading boxes from
the heavily freighted craft.
NYes, We didn't want to run short
before reaching Fort Albany" replied
Quarter.
But the excess weight will bother
you on these tide-f1ats" Then he con-
tinued, Doctor, l regret that L shall
have to put you in the trade-house
with your men. 1 have a spare bed
room for Miss Quarrie. You will eat
at my quarters, of course"
"OE, we don't expect much at
small trading post, Mr.. Guthrie" re-
piled Quarter, magnanimously. IF
you can make my sister comfortable,
it's perfectly satisfactory"
The girl laughed. As sister has put
up for three months with most I'M
comfortable two-by-fiye berth on
wobbly schooner, Mr.. Guthrie" she
said, II know I shall revel In your
hospitality"
She had shed her coat and sou'west-
er and Guthrie's eyes measured her
with a quick glance. Taller, he
thought, than she seemed In the boat,
and cleanly made. The eyes which
had seemed black, he saw were brown.
Young, too, she was; much younger
than her brother, and what hair!
As he led the way across the clear
ing he wondered how the presence of
this white woman would affect the girl
with the dark skin who was slowly
coughing her life away. He found
himself embarraSsed-at loss for an
explanation Of the situation to his
guest.
Miss Quarter" he forced himself
to begin, I'VE have very sick girl in
the house-it is unfortunate we are
SO crowded, but I have no other room.
I'm giving you mine"
He had stopped as he spoke, and
stared down at his moccasins; then
continued, while her questioning eyes
studied his face.
"She came here at the spring trade
very sick-would have fiickered out
in weeks without proper food. Old
Anne and l have done our best, but
canned milk and broth are all we had
for her. And now it may be any day
Il was terribly anxious about her
to get home. You noticed it-when
we met your
Eyes, | noticed it, replied the girl.
'I knew you were worried about
something I'm so sorry, Mr.. Guthrie
We shall be a great burden at such a
time"
'.No, it's not that. I have room for
you, and the others don't matter. But
IT will be unpleasant for Sou-in the
house"
Miss Quarter Strengthened, threw
back her head and held his embar-
raised glance as she quietly said:
Would it help you TO know that 1
was a nurse overseas through the last
three years of the WARP"
He went red under the deep tan.
She would not mind Ninda, then-she.
TO whom agony and death had been
commonplace.
IT am glad-you will understand.
You see-she, somehow, wants me
with her at the end-fears I'll not be
there I've promised her."
AS q spoke, the quiZzical look OF
the girl softened to one Of pity.
Il know. will hep you"
Under sky flushed with the rose Of
the northern twilight, Joan Quarter
and her brother stood on the high
shore of the Elkwan. whose fiat sur
face caught and held the warm tones
of the heavens. On guard before the
factors house. inside the stockade, lay
the great airedale, satisfied, since his
introduction, that these people were
at Elkwan with the consent of his
master, but nursing, nevertheless, a
deep dislike Of the man with hairy
face, who had dared attempt to rub
the ears of the former mascot Of the
First battalion, Royal Montreals.
$50 there's a dying Indian woman
at the house?' Quarter was saying.
"Yes. He asked me to see her. She
has frightful pulse and temperature
It's a matter of days-hours, 1 should
think
Matter of squaw-man, Also"
shifted Quarter.
The girls straight brows contracted
with Irritation. mo, | don't think so.
It's matter of big heart Old Anne,
the Cree cook, found her sick in tipi
when the Indians were here in June
for the trade. Out of sheer human
fly, they took care of her."