Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail

absorbing narrative. The story dealt with the exciting experiences of one Clement McTavish, Scotch prospector and trapper, who had returned from the fo

n, Sandy, that those g

in again and scowled at th

wo to contend with-but a whole regiment. The country was simply infested with 'em. M

began eagerly. "Where you say

east of La

he assertion as calmly, as unconcernedly,

I'd like to investigate that story. My person

t to explain. McTavish brought back five grizzly pelts and his arm in a sling. Killed five

d Dick with quie

o," Toma

enthusiastically, "you'd better include me in your party. Personally, I'

ounded at

!" Sandy

n stood framed

ee you. A runner from Mackenzie River. It's im

and soon emerged in the spacious storeroom of the company. For a brief interval he paused, gaze darting t

nt," said th

s veree important thees letter from Inspector Ca

ngers Dick broke

. Richa

rt Good

vince of

ear Ri

ant journey on behalf of the people in this territory. I received this morning the news of a terrible smallpox epidemic,

urther instructions. I have notified Edmonton of our plight and have asked the authorities of that city to send o

cessity of haste. Many lives hang in th

eron, "Inspector R. N. W. M.

e messenger and hurried back through the hallway in time to meet Sand

intended to be jocular. "Invitation to a wedding or a

however, as he percei

t's the

tor Cameron has asked us to go south to meet a relief expedit

Right

her while I see Mr. MacClaren and arrange for the supplies-our gru

inutes they had "packed" one of the company's ponies and had their own saddled and bridled. It was exactly two o'clock by the factor's watch when they

nd another pack-horse. It was while they were resting for a fe

dreds of square miles, lying on the east side of the Peace. Unless you make a wide detour, you'll

the three mes

exclaime

ceed straight west to Fort Vermilion, thence travel along

nce to get a boat at V

boats will be running up t

ir meeting with Sheridan Lawrence, the intrepid pioneer, who had achieved almost world-wide renown for his enterprise and foresight. There in the heart

n a worthy cause. With this valuable assistance, the boys would be able to ma

"Do you suppose, Mr. Nesbitt, that

ho arrived here yesterday from that region reported that it had destroyed the government te

. "Why, that's only about twenty miles south of the tr

chum. "It's farther than that.

like that? By the time we get there, it may be raging not o

possible,"

atter which way you go, south to Peace River Crossing or west t

l strike out for the Peace, not west, but northw

esbitt bot

objected. "Not a single trail to guide us. No, it would be foolish to attempt it. Our b

t which wrapped the earth. Hourly, it grew denser; breathing more difficult. It soon became apparent that they would be unable to get through. Turning to their right, they entered a densely wooded area, groping and gasping for

fire. Its lurid glow lit up the horizon, a ghastly and awesome sight, giving the impressi

as they paused for their evening meal. Little was said. Their eyes were smarting and their throats burned. In spite of their weariness, the ponie

uld bear up under the strain. Fortunately the coming of night did not interfere materially with thei

close proximity struck terror in their hearts. It was a race with death. Their only advantage was the help of the wind, from the northwest, whose chill, un

rthwester continues to hold. But it may die down before midnight. Som

. "If necessary, we'll ride our horses until they

een travelling gave place to a rumbling, crackling roar. A withering, scorching heat came out to them.

e miles,"

rose above the deafening roar about t

ng. Toma loosened the cinches and drew off the saddle just as the exhausted beast sank to the ground. Each

plies you can from pac

Throw your saddle on the pack-horse, Toma, and lead

te face in the dir

oing to do it, Di

conceal the tremor in his voice. "But hurry

ng above his holster and walked over to