Dick Kent with the Malemute Mail

the banks of the mighty Mackenzie River. He was still very weak and shaky as a result of his long confinement at barracks hospital, yet the crisp, still a

on be at an end. Accustomed to a life of ceaseless activity, he yearned to be on the trail again. The old restlessness was in his blood. Before starting out he had paid a visit to Inspector Cameron. Wi

re you feeli

l brisk, nervous manner, the man's steel-gray eye

r duty, sir," he made t

u dare to come here with your deceptions. Back to the barracks

alf-turned to leave the roo

g a stroll, sir? Think the

hen turned to his work, only to raise his eyes agai

d the latest news, c

one hand on the

r, I ha

. "Most astonishing too. The relief expedition left Peace Rive

t. There was a faint trace of incre

Richardson made the trip in a little less th

," answere

d was smilin

prouted a pair

ly. They're comi

unexpected bit of information. Amazem

plan

ke it, it will be the first time in history. T

or Dick and Sandy,"

the hundreds of poor devils up north, whose lives wi

ce against death, isn't it? By the way, in

disease is about four out of every six. The epidemic has spread out over a very wide area. It has a

cient medicine and men for the

two friends get through safely, I'm sending them up to the barrens wi

* *

nze of autumn's foliage. Though the season was getting late, the weather was glorious. Not a breath of

e would see the inspector again and repeat his request. Perhaps he might be ordered out for duty. Perhaps he might be permitted to do his part

however, he was disappointed, although he scanned the southern skies until long after twilight. He returned to the barracks troubled by a strange premonition. He tried to rea

no doubt, was caused by his recent illness and the nervous tension of being confined to the barracks. Shortly after midnight, when

ings?" he inquire

worrying about that expedition. Says

admitted. "Do you suppose anyt

ble wagged

ally, I think they'll

make a landing in t

now abou

Beastly dark night. Like the inside of a pocket. You don't suppo

himself. Everything will be all right, I'm sure. My advice to

ken. Through his dreams ran a thread of horror. He woke repeatedly. Finally, he threw back the covers, rose and lit the oil lamp which stood on a table near the head of his bed, and o

t. He pulled on his short fur coat and walked outside, wandering listlessly away in the direction of the stables and dog compound. To his surprise, he perceived that another person was already abroad. Approaching cl

el

s,

u doing here

n't slee

en luck! What do you s

the plan

tain

o be in this morni

have been i

rding the other intently. Finally the corporal

ons, inspector, I'd l

glared

ight," Rand haste

rowing away his cigar and staring fier

There is much that I can do to help out at this critical time

I may possibly be compelled to go out myself

t out in the vicinity of the post to hunt geese. When he returned, it was well past t

t half-breeds stood in front of Cameron's desk, and the orderly directly behind them. The room

ies and go out and see what you can do. Search the country carefully a

seeing his chance, walked up in front of the inspector's desk. Camer

oceed at once to Keechewan with your horse and

. "Just south of the barren land

been sent among them by the gods of the white man. The missionaries have warded off two attacks by the infuriated inhabitants of the Indian village, just south of Keechewa

ar that was in his heart, it was not noticeabl

er instruc

his desk, and, to the corporal's surpris

g to your death-I'll be perfectly frank with you. I wish there was some other way. I've thought long and carefully over this matter

right, sir

nce. There was no thought now of the inequality of rank. Man to man, brothers in

, "for letting me go, permi

rt beating exultantly. His hand still tingled from Cameron's steel-like yet affectionate clasp. Dazedly, he groome

nd come back to the office

d, and followed the orderly back to barra

sh to s

mind. I've decided not

gul

mind on my account.

ay. I want you to take charge during my absence.

" Rand asked tremblingly, a

ect. I'm going to Kee

weakness overcame the corporal.

the room was as quiet as death. Then,

me. I hate to disobey you, sir, but I'm leaving at once. When I return from the Barr

ameron was still gaping when the door closed so