the courier, who shrugged his shoulders in sign that they were beaten. Then Fran�ois went up to where Sol-leks stood and called to Buck. Buck laughed, as dogs laugh, yet kept his distance. Fran�ois unfastened Sol-leks’s traces and put him back in his old place. The team stood harnessed to the sled in an unbroken line, ready for the trail. There was no place for Buck save at the front. Once more Fran�ois called, and once more Buck laughed and kept away.

“T’row down de club,” Perrault commanded.

Fran�ois complied, whereupon Buck trotted in, laughing triumphantly, and swung around into position at the head of the team. His traces were fastened, the sled broken out, and with both men running they dashed out on to the river trail.