The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1944-10-09
By TOM GILL

this" Tenant broke off and
asked, "What are you up to in Lear
month anyhow? Writing another
book about trapping ?"
Blair saved Colin the need for
evasion. HE came to help Rod get
married"
married."
Nothing less. We few the lady
in yesterday. She's attractive, too.
Wait until you see her"
Incredulously Nate looked at
Colin, then suddenly he laughed.
81 never thought that old fossil
would have the spine" He checked
himself. "Sorry, Colin. l forgot
that mealy-mouthed hypocrite is a
friend of yours. But don't tell me
he's thinking of matrimony!"
at was just as big a surprise to
me-" Colin answered. "She's years
younger than Rod, and she's lovely.
Unless you've changed your spots,
you'll go off the deep end the min
ute you see her."
They both laughed together. 1t
released something, that laugh. 1t
washed away the dregs of their old
animosity, and Colin felt again the
welcome warmth of a companion
ship he had not known for years.
From just above the bank came
the long howl and, looking up, Colin
saw five timberwolves chained out
side the cabin.
Nate laughed delightedly at Col
ms surprise. They're my beauties.
Take a look at them"
Within Colin an old memory
stirred. "You always said that some
day you'd own a pure-bred wolf
team"
This Is II. The fastest and
toughest team in the north. Don't
get too close" Nate cautioned.
"They have a light-hearted way of
taking strangers apart"
Heads lowered, the animals
watched Colin come nearer-fve
gray forms with white fangs and
glowing, malignant eyes. They we're
in superb condition; each must have
weighed we'll over hundred and
twenty pounds, all muscle and bone.
Just beyond the reach Of their
chains, Colin stopped, when the
nearest wolf lunged, the chain
pulled taut, throwing the animal
headlong. But instantly he was up,
viciously jerking at his chain -
tirelessly malevolent - while the
other wolves looked on silently.
Again Nate laughed. well, now
you know where you stand with
them. Watch this" From his cabin
he brought a can Of meat and threw
il to the nearest wolf. With q snarl
the animal bounced, and quicker
than a man could open it with any
implement, the long white fangs
tore the tin apart. At single gulp
the meat was devoured, and the
wolf, licking his chops, looked up
for more.
Flows that for q pair Of jaws"
Nate turned triumphantly. They
have a memory, too. When they
we're just pups, they broke into
Jonathan Doves chicken yard. Dove
laid them out with the thick end Of
a dog whip, and they've never for
gotten It. To this day, when ! drive
them over to the school, can tell IL
Doves there by the way they stiffen
up. Dove remembers, too-he walks
around them with plenty OF room to
spare" =.
They're magnificent animals"
Collins own admiration was sincere.
How do they act in harness.
"They mind their own business,
and the people Of Learmonth have
learned TO give them the road"
Then, as Colin approached still
nearer, Tenant warned, Look
out"
But quietly, careful 10 make no
sudden move, Colin took another
step forward. He saw the nearest
VOLTS ears fatten, and the white
teeth barred, while behind him he
heard Blair's gasp Of fright. Watch
ing him, the wolf waited; only its
shoulder muscle. quivered. and very
slowly Colin sank upon one knee.
In low. persuasive voice he
spoke. "Let's look at you. old fell
low"
A growl rumbled in answer.
"Come on, boy. Let's look at you"
Edging nearer, he held out his open