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Malemute Kid was already breathing heavily; but the young mining engineer gazed straight up through the thick darkness, waiting for the strange orgasm which stirred his blood to die away. And when he did sleep, his brain worked on, and for the nonce he, too, wandered through the white unknown, struggled with the dogs on endless trails, and saw men live, and toil, and die like men.
And when he returned, it was in the company of Grace Bentham and Malemute Kid, the former very sorry her husband could not share with her their hospitality, for he had gone up to look at the Henderson Creek mines, and the latter still a trifle stiff from breaking trail down the Stuart River.
Every day Malemute Kid led the girl out on long walks devoted to the correction of her carriage and the shortening of her stride. There was little likelihood of her identity being discovered, for Cal Galbraith and the rest of the Old-Timers were like lost children among the many strangers who had rushed into the land.
Ever see me? 'No; your partner, him priest, Pastilik, long time ago. Him ask me if I see you, Malemute Kid. Him give me grub. I no stop long. You hear him speak 'bout me? 'Oh! you're the fellow that traded the otter skins for the dogs? The man nodded, knocked out his pipe, and signified his disinclination for conversation by rolling up in his furs.
Malemute Kid commanded, raising his voice and looking squarely at the man in question. He obeyed at once. 'Had discipline knocked into him somewhere. Prince commented in a low tone. Malemute Kid nodded, took off his socks, and picked his way among recumbent men to the stove. There he hung his damp footgear among a score or so of mates. 'When do you expect to get to Dawson? he asked tentatively.
No, that won't do. See, the next move-' 'Why advance the pawn two squares? Bound to take it in transit, and with the bishop out of the way-' 'But hold on! That leaves a hole, and-' 'No; it's protected. Go ahead! You'll see it works. It was very interesting. Somebody knocked at the door a second time before Malemute Kid said, 'Come in. The door swung open. Something staggered in.
Harrington was throwing in inconceivable flourishes, while Malemute Kid, utterly abandoned, had seized the broom and was executing mad gyrations on his own account. At this instant the door shook with a heavy rap-rap, and their quick glances noted the lifting of the latch. But they had survived similar situations before. Harrington never broke a note.
Malemute Kid blew out the slush lamp and crawled under the blankets with Prince. 'Well, what is he? 'Don't know turned me off, somehow, and then shut up like a clam. 'But he's a fellow to whet your curiosity. I've heard of him. All the coast wondered about him eight years ago. Sort of mysterious, you know.
Prince caught one square look and sprang to his feet. The horror in his eyes caused Malemute Kid to whirl about; and he, too, was startled, though he had seen bad things before. The thing tottered blindly toward them. Prince edged away till he reached the nail from which hung his Smith & Wesson. 'My God! what is it? he whispered to Malemute Kid. 'Don't know.
An' will it be fifty paces to the man, or double the quantity? 'Fifty, was the sanguinary reply, grunted out, yet sharply cut. But the new manila, not prominently displayed, but casually coiled about Malemute Kid's arm, caught the quick eye of the Irishman, and thrilled him with a suspicious fear. 'An' what are ye doin' with the rope? 'Hurry up! Malemute Kid glanced at his watch.
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