Allnodded。"Well，then，Igotaproposition，boys。Youcantakeitorleaveit，butjustlistenkindlytoit。You’reinahurrytogetinbeforethefreeze-up。Halfthetimeiswastedoverthecookingbyoneofyouthathemightbeputtin’inpackin’outfit。
IfIdothecookin’foryou，youall’llgetonthatmuchfaster。
Also，thecookin’’llbebetter，andthat’llmakeyoupackbetter。
AndIcanpackquiteabitmyselfinbetweentimes，quiteabit，yes，sir，quiteabit。"
BigBillandAnsonwerejustbeginningtonodtheirheadsinagreement，whenCharlesstoppedthem。
"Whatdoyouexpectofusinreturn？"hedemandedoftheoldman。
"Oh，Ileaveituptotheboys。"
"Thatain’tbusiness，"Charlesreprimandedsharply。"Youmadetheproposition。Nowfinishit。"
"Well，it’sthisway-"
"Youexpectustofeedyouallwinter，eh？"Charlesinterrupted。
"No，siree，Idon’t。AllIreckonisapassagetoKlondikeinyourboatwouldbemightysquareofyou。"
"Youhaven’tanounceofgrub，oldman。You’llstarvetodeathwhenyougetthere。"
"I’vebeenfeedin’somelongtimeprettysuccessful，"OldTarwaterreplied，awhimsicallightinhiseyes。"I’mseventy，andain’tstarvedtodeathneveryet。"
"WillyousignapapertotheeffectthatyoushiftforyourselfassoonasyougettoDawson？"thebusinessonedemanded。
"Oh，sure，"wastheresponse。
AgainCharlescheckedhistwopartners’expressionsofsatisfactionwiththearrangement。
"Oneotherthing，oldman。We’reapartyoffour，andweallhaveavoteonquestionslikethis。YoungLiverpoolisaheadwiththemainoutfit。He’sgotasayso，andheisn’theretosayit。"
"Whatkindofapartymighthebe？"Tarwaterinquired。
"He’sarough-necksailor，andhe’sgotaquick，badtemper。"
"Someturbulent，"Ansoncontributed。
"AndthewayhecancussissimplyGod-awful，"BigBilltestified。
"Buthe’ssquare，"BigBilladded。
Ansonnoddedheartilytothisappraisal。
"Well，boys，"Tarwatersummedup，"IsetoutforCalifornyandI
gotthere。AndI’mgoingtogettoKlondike。Ain’tathingcanstopme，ain’tathing。I’mgoingtogetthreehundredthousandoutatheground，too。Ain’tathingcanstopme，ain’tathing，becauseIjustnaturallyneedthemoney。Idon’tmindabadtempersolong’stheboyissquare。I’lltakemychance，an’I’llworkalongwithyoutillwecatchupwithhim。Then，ifhesaysnototheproposition，IreckonI’lllose。ButsomehowIjustcan’tsee’msayin’no，becausethat’dmeantoocloseuptofreeze-upandtoolateformetofindanotherchancelikethis。And，asI’msuregoingtogettoKlondike，it’sjustplumbimpossibleforhimtosayno。"
OldJohnTarwaterbecameastrikingfigureonatrailunusuallyrepletewithstrikingfigures。Withthousandsofmen，eachback-
trippinghalfatonofoutfit，retracingeverymileofthetrailtwentytimes，allcametoknowhimandtohailhimas"FatherChristmas。"And，asheworked，everheraisedhischantwithhisage-falsettovoice。Noneofthethreemenhehadjoinedcouldcomplainabouthiswork。True，hisjointswerestiff-headmittedtoatrifleofrheumatism。Hemovedslowly，andseemedtocreakandcracklewhenhemoved;buthekeptonmoving。Lastintotheblanketsatnight，hewasfirstoutinthemorning，sothattheotherthreehadhotcoffeebeforetheironebefore-breakfastpack。
And，betweenbreakfastanddinnerandbetweendinnerandsupper，healwaysmanagedtoback-tripforseveralpackshimself。Sixtypoundswasthelimitofhisburden，however。Hecouldmanageseventy-five，buthecouldnotkeepitup。Once，hetriedninety，butcollapsedonthetrailandwasseriouslyshakyforacoupleofdaysafterward。
Work！Onatrailwherehard-workingmenlearnedforthefirsttimewhatworkwas，nomanworkedharderinproportiontohisstrengththanOldTarwater。Drivendesperatelyonbythenear-thrustofwinter，andluredmadlyonbythedreamofgold，theyworkedtotheirlastounceofstrengthandfellbytheway。Others，whenfailuremadecertain，blewouttheirbrains。Somewentmad，andstillothers，undertheirkoftheman-destroyingstrain，brokepartnershipsanddissolvedlife-timefriendshipswithfellowsjustasgoodasthemselvesandjustasstrainedandmad。
Work！OldTarwatercouldshamethemall，despitehiscreakingandcracklingandthenastyhackingcoughhehaddeveloped。Earlyandlate，ontrailorincampbesidethetrailhewaseverinevidence，everbusyatsomething，everresponsivetothehailof"FatherChristmas。"Wearyback-tripperswouldresttheirpacksonalogorrockalongsideofwhereherestedhis，andwouldsay："Singusthatsongofyourn，dad，aboutForty-Nine。"And，whenhehadwheezinglycomplied，theywouldariseundertheirloads，remarkthatitwasrealheartening，andhittheforwardtrailagain。
"Ifeveramanworkedhispassageandearnedit，"BigBillconfidedtohistwopartners，"thatman’souroldSkeezicks。"
"Youbet，"Ansonconfirmed。"He’savaluableadditiontotheparty，andI，forone，ain’tatalldisagreeabletothenotionofmakinghimaregularpartner-"
"Noneofthat！"CharlesCraytoncutin。"WhenwegettoDawsonwe’requitofhim-that’stheagreement。We’donlyhavetoburyhimifwelethimstayonwithus。Besides，there’sgoingtobeafamine，andeveryounceofgrub’llcount。Remember，we’refeedinghimoutofourownsupplyallthewayin。Andifwerunshortinthepinchnextyear，you’llknowthereason。Steamboatscan’tgetupgrubtoDawsontillthemiddleofJune，andthat’sninemonthsaway。"
"Well，youputasmuchmoneyandoutfitinastherestofus，"BigBillconceded，"andyou’veasayaccording。"
"AndI’mgoingtohavemysay，"Charlesassertedwithincreasingirritability。"Andit’sluckyforyouwithyourfoolsentimentsthatyou’vegotsomebodytothinkaheadforyou，elseyou’dallstarvetodeath。Itellyouthatfamine’scoming。I’vebeenstudyingthesituation。Flourwillbetwodollarsapound，orten，andnosellers。Youmarkmywords。"
Acrosstherubble-coveredflats，upthedarkcanyontoSheepCamp，pasttheover-hangingandever-threateningglacierstotheScales，andfromtheScalesupthesteeppitchesofice-scouredrockwherepackersclimbedwithhandsandfeet，OldTarwatercamp-cookedandpackedandsang。HeblewacrossChilcootPass，abovetimberline，inthefirstswirlofautumnsnow。Thosebelow，withoutfirewood，onthebitterrimofCraterLake，heardfromthedrivingobscurityabovethemaweirdvoicechanting：
"LikeArgusoftheancienttimes，WeleavethismodernGreece，Tum-tum，tum-tum，tum，tum，tum-tum，TosheartheGoldenFleece。"
Andoutofthesnowflurriestheysawappearatall，gauntform，withwhiskersofflyingwhitethatblendedwiththestorm，bendingunderasixty-poundpackofcampdunnage。
"FatherChristmas！"wasthehail。Andthen："ThreerousingcheersforFatherChristmas！"
TwomilesbeyondCraterLakelayHappyCamp-sonamedbecauseherewasfoundtheuppermostfringeofthetimberline，wheremenmightwarmthemselvesbyfireagain。Scarcelycoulditbecalledtimber，foritwasadwarfrock-sprucethatneverraiseditsloftiestbrancheshigherthanafootabovethemoss，andthattwistedandgrovelledlikeapig-vegetableunderthemoss。Here，onthetrailleadingintoHappyCamp，inthefirstsunshineofhalfadozendays，OldTarwaterrestedhispackagainstahugeboulderandcaughthisbreath。Aroundthisboulderthetrailpassed，ladenmentoilingslowlyforwardandmenwithemptypack-strapslimpingrapidlybackforfreshloads。TwiceOldTarwateressayedtoriseandgoon，andeachtime，warnedbyhisshakiness，sankbacktorecovermorestrength。Fromaroundtheboulderheheardvoicesingreeting，recognizedCharlesCrayton’svoice，andrealizedthatatlasttheyhadmetupwithYoungLiverpool。Quickly，Charlesplungedintobusiness，andTarwaterheardwithgreatdistinctnesseverywordofCharles’unflatteringdescriptionofhimandthepropositiontogivehimpassagetoDawson。
"Adamfoolproposition，"wasLiverpool’sjudgment，whenCharleshadconcluded。"Anoldgranddadofseventy！Ifhe’sonhislastlegs，whyinhelldidyouhookupwithhim？Ifthere’sgoingtobeafamine，anditlookslikeit，weneedeveryounceofgrubforourselves。Weonlyout-fittedforfour，notfive。"
"It’sallright，"TarwaterheardCharlesassuringtheother。
"Don’tgetexcited。Theoldcodgeragreedtoleavethefinaldecisiontoyouwhenwecaughtupwithyou。Allyou’vegottodoisputyourfootdownandsayno。"
"Youmeanit’suptometoturntheoldonedown，afteryourencouraginghimandtakingadvantageofhisworkclearfromDyeahere？"
"It’sahardtrail，Liverpool，andonlythementhatarehardwillgetthrough，"Charlesstrovetopalliate。
"AndI’mtodothedirtywork？"Liverpoolcomplained，whileTarwater’sheartsank。
"That’sjustaboutthesizeofit，"Charlessaid。"You’vegotthedeciding。"
ThenoldTarwater’sheartuproseagainastheairwasrentbyacycloneofprofanity，fromthemidstofwhichcrackledsentenceslike：-"Dirtyskunks！……Seeyouinhellfirst！……Mymind’smadeup！……Hell’sfireandcorruption！……TheoldcodgergoesdowntheYukonwithus，stackonthat，myhearty！……
Hard？Youdon’tknowwhathardisunlessIshowyou！……I’llbustthewholeoutfittohellandgoneifanyofyoutrytoside-
trackhim！……Justtrytoside-trackhim，thatisall，andyou’llthinktheDayofJudgmentandallGod’sblastingnesshashitthecampinonechunk！"
SuchwastheinvigoratingnessofLiverpool’sflowofspeechthat，quitewithoutconsciousnessofeffort，theoldmanaroseeasilyunderhisloadandstrodeontowardHappyCamp。
FromHappyCamptoLongLake，fromLongLaketoDeepLake，andfromDeepLakeupovertheenormoushog-backanddowntoLinderman，theman-killingraceagainstwinterkepton。Menbroketheirheartsandbacksandweptbesidethetrailinsheerexhaustion。Butwinterneverfaltered。Thefallgalesblew，andamidbittersoakingrainsandever-increasingsnowflurries，Tarwaterandthepartytowhichhewasattachedpiledthelastoftheiroutfitonthebeach。
Therewasnorest。Acrossthelake，amileabovearoaringtorrent，theylocatedapatchofspruceandbuilttheirsaw-pit。
Here，byhand，withaninadequatewhipsaw，theysawedthespruce-
trunksintolumber。Theyworkednightandday。Thrice，onthenight-shift，underneathinthesaw-pit，OldTarwaterfainted。Bydayhecookedaswell，and，inthebetweenwhiles，helpedAnsoninthebuildingoftheboatbesidethetorrentasthegreenplankscamedown。
Thedaysgrewshorter。Thewindshiftedintothenorthandblewunendinggales。InthemorningsthewearymencrawledfromtheirblanketsandintheirsocksthawedouttheirfrozenshoesbythefireTarwateralwayshadburningforthem。EverarosetheincreasingtaleoffamineontheInside。ThelastgrubsteamboatsupfromBeringSeawerestalledbylowwateratthebeginningoftheYukonFlatshundredsofmilesnorthofDawson。Infact，theylayattheoldHudsonBayCompany’spostatFortYukoninsidetheArcticCircle。FlourinDawsonwasuptotwodollarsapound，butnoonewouldsell。BonanzaandEldoradoKings，withmoneytoburn，wereleavingfortheOutsidebecausetheycouldbuynogrub。
Miners’Committeeswereconfiscatingallgrubandputtingthepopulationonstrictrations。Amanwhoheldoutanounceofgrubwasshotlikeadog。Ascorehadbeensoexecutedalready。
And，underastrainwhichhadbrokensomanyyoungermen，OldTarwaterbegantobreak。Hiscoughhadbecometerrible，andhadnothisexhaustedcomradessleptlikethedead，hewouldhavekeptthemawakenights。Also，hebegantotakechills，sothathedresseduptogotobed。Whenhehadfinishedsodressing，notaragofgarmentremainedinhisclothesbag。Allhepossessedwasonhisbackandswathedaroundhisgauntoldform。
"Gee！"saidBigBill。"Ifheputsallhe’sgotonnow，whenitain’tlowerthantwentyabove，what’llhedolateronwhenitgoesdowntofiftyandsixtybelow？"
Theylinedtherough-madeboatdownthemountaintorrent，nearlylosingitadozentimes，androwedacrossthesouthendofLakeLindermaninthethickofafallblizzard。Nextmorningtheyplannedtoloadandstart，squarelyintotheteethofthenorth，ontheirperiloustraverseofhalfathousandmilesoflakesandrapidsandboxcanyons。Butbeforehewenttobedthatnight，YoungLiverpoolwasoutoverthecamp。Hereturnedtofindhiswholepartyasleep。RousingTarwater，hetalkedwithhiminlowtones。
"Listen，dad，"hesaid-"You’vegotapassageinourboat，andifeveramanearnedapassageyouhave。Butyouknowyourselfyou’reprettywellalonginyears，andyourhealthrightnowain’texciting。Ifyougoonwithusyou’llcroaksurer’nhell-NowwaittillIfinish，dad。Thepriceforapassagehasjumpedtofivehundreddollars。I’vebeenthrowingmyfeetandI’vehustledapassenger。He’sanofficialoftheAlaskaCommercialandjusthastogetin。He’sbiduptosixhundredtogowithmeinourboat。Nowthepassageisyours。Yousellittohim，pokethesixhundredintoyourjeans，andpullSouthforCaliforniawhilethegoin’sgood。YoucanbeinDyeaintwodays，andinCaliforniainaweekmore。Whatd’yesay？"
Tarwatercoughedandshiveredforaspace，erehecouldgetfreedomofbreathforspeech。
"Son，"hesaid，"Ijustwanttotellyouonething。IdrovemyfouryokeofoxenacrossthePlainsinForty-nineandlostnaryaone。IdrovethemplumbtoCaliforny，andIfreightedwiththemafterwardoutofSutter’sForttoAmericanBar。NowI’mgoingtoKlondike。Ain’tnothingcanstopme，ain’tnothingatall。I’mgoingtoridethatboat，withyouatthesteeringsweep，cleantoKlondike，andI’mgoingtoshakethreehundredthousandoutofthemoss-roots。Thatbeingso，it’scontrarytoreasonandcommonsenseformetoselloutmypassage。ButIthankyoukindly，son，Ithankyoukindly。"
Theyoungsailorshotouthishandimpulsivelyandgrippedtheoldman’s。
"ByGod，dad！"hecried。"You’resuregoingtogothen。You’retherealstuff。"HelookedwithundisguisedcontemptacrossthesleeperstowhereCharlesCraytonsnoredinhisredbeard。"Theydon’tseemtomakeyourkindanymore，dad。"
Intothenorththeyfoughttheirway，althoughold-timers，comingout，shooktheirheadsandprophesiedtheywouldbefrozeninonthelakes。Thatthefreeze-upmightcomeanydaywaspatent，anddelaysofsafetywerenolongerconsidered。Forthisreason，LiverpooldecidedtoshoottherapidstreamconnectingLindermantoLakeBennettwiththefullyloadedboat。Itwasthecustomtolinetheemptyboatsdownandtoportagethecargoesacross。Eventhenmanyemptyboatshadbeenwrecked。Butthetimewaspastforsuchprecaution。
"Climbout，dad，"Liverpoolcommandedashepreparedtoswingfromthebankandentertherapids。
OldTarwatershookhiswhitehead。
"I’mstickingtotheoutfit，"hedeclared。"It’stheonlywaytogetthrough。Yousee，son，I’mgoingtoKlondike。IfIstickbytheboat，thentheboatjustnaturallygoestoKlondike，too。IfI
getout，thenmostlikelyyou’lllosetheboat。"
"Well，there’snouseinoverloading，"Charlesannounced，springingabruptlyoutonthebankastheboatcastoff。
"Nexttimeyouwaitformyorders！"Liverpoolshoutedashoreasthecurrentgrippedtheboat。"Andtherewon’tbeanymorewalkingaroundrapidsandlosingtimewaitingtopickyouup！"
Whattookthemtenminutesbyriver，tookCharleshalfanhourbyland，andwhiletheywaitedforhimattheheadofLakeBennetttheypassedthetimeofdaywithseveraldilapidatedold-timersontheirwayout。Thefaminenewswasgraverthanever。TheNorth-
westMountedPolice，stationedatthefootofLakeMarshwherethegold-rushersenteredCanadianterritory，wererefusingtoletamanpastwhodidnotcarrywithhimsevenhundredpoundsofgrub。InDawsonCityathousandmen，withdog-teams，werewaitingthefreeze-uptocomeoutovertheice。Thetradingcompaniescouldnotfilltheirgrub-contracts，andpartnerswerecuttingthecardstoseewhichshouldgoandwhichshouldstayandworktheclaims。
"Thatsettlesit，"Charlesannounced，whenhelearnedoftheactionofthemountedpoliceontheboundary。"OldMan，youmightaswellstartbacknow。"
"Climbaboard！"Liverpoolcommanded。"We’regoingtoKlondike，andolddadisgoingalong。"
AshiftofgaletothesouthgavethemafairwinddownLakeBennett，beforewhichtheyranunderahugesailmadebyLiverpool。
Theheavyweightofoutfitgavesuchballastthathecrackedonasadaringsailorshouldwhenmomentscounted。Ashiftoffourpointsintothesouth-west，comingjustattherighttimeastheyentereduponCaribouCrossing，drovethemdownthatconnectinglinktolakesTagishandMarsh。Instormysunsetandtwilight-theymadethedangerouscrossingofGreatWindyArm，whereintheybeheldtwootherboat-loadsofgold-rusherscapsizeanddrown。
Charleswasforbeachingforthenight，butLiverpoolheldon，steeringdownTagishbythesoundofthesurfontheshoalsandbytheoccasionalshore-firesthatadvertisedwreckedortimidargonauts。Atfourinthemorning，hearousedCharles。OldTarwater，shiveringlyawake，heardLiverpoolorderCraytonaftbesidehimatthesteering-sweep，andalsoheardtheone-sidedconversation。
"Justlisten，friendCharles，andkeepyourownmouthshut，"
Liverpoolbegan。"Iwantyoutogetonethingintoyourheadandkeepitthere：OLDDAD’SGOINGBYTHEPOLICE。UNDERSTAND？HE’S
GOINGBY。Whentheyexamineouroutfit，olddad’sgotafifthshareinit，savvee？That’llputusall’wayunderwhatweoughttohave，butwecanbluffitthrough。Nowgetthis，andgetithard：THEREAIN’TGOINGTOBEANYFALL-DOWNONTHISBLUFF-"
"IfyouthinkI’dgiveawayontheoldcodger-"Charlesbeganindignantly。
"Youthoughtthat，"Liverpoolcheckedhim，"becauseInevermentionedanysuchthing。Now-getmeandgetmehard：Idon’tcarewhatyou’vebeenthinking。It’swhatyou’regoingtothink。
We’llmakethepolicepostsometimethisafternoon，andwe’vegottogetreadytopullthebluffwithoutahitch，andawordtothewiseisplenty。"
"IfyouthinkI’vegotitinmymind-"Charlesbeganagain。
"Lookhere，"Liverpoolshuthimoff。"Idon’tknowwhat’sinyourmind。Idon’twanttoknow。Iwantyoutoknowwhat’sinmymind。
Ifthere’sanyslip-up，ifolddadgetsturnedbackbythepolice，I’mgoingtopickoutthefirstquietbitoflandscapeandtakeyouashoreonit。AndthenI’mgoingtobeatyouuptotheQueen’staste。Getme，andgetmehard。Itain’tgoingtobeanyhalf-waybeating，butareal，two-legged，two-fisted，he-manbeating。I
don’texpectI’llkillyou，butI’llcomedamnneartohalf-killingyou。"
"ButwhatcanIdo？"Charlesalmostwhimpered。
"Justonething，"wasLiverpool’sfinalword。"Youjustpray。Youpraysohardthatolddadgetsbythepolicethathedoesgetby。
That’sall。Gobacktoyourblankets。"
BeforetheygainedLakeLeBarge，thelandwassheetedwithsnowthatwouldnotmeltforhalfayear。Norcouldtheylaytheirboatatwillagainstthebank，fortherim-icewasalreadyforming。
Insidethemouthoftheriver，justereitenteredLakeLeBarge，theyfoundahundredstorm-boundboatsoftheargonauts。Outofthenorth，acrossthefullsweepofthegreatlake，blewanunendingsnowgale。Threemorningstheyputoutandfoughtitandthecrestingseasitdrovethatturnedtoiceastheyfellin-
board。Whiletheothersbroketheirheartsattheoars，OldTarwatermanagedtokeepupjustsufficientcirculationtosurvivebychoppingiceandthrowingitoverboard。
Eachdayforthreedays，beatentohelplessness，theyturnedtailonthebattleandranbackintotheshelteringriver。Bythefourthday，thehundredboatshadincreasedtothreehundred，andthetwothousandargonautsonboardknewthatthegreatgaleheraldedthefreeze-upofLeBarge。Beyond，therapidriverswouldcontinuetorunfordays，butunlesstheygotbeyond，andimmediately，theyweredoomedtobefrozeninforsixmonthstocome。
"Thisdaywegothrough，"Liverpoolannounced。"Weturnbackfornothing。Andthoseofusthatdiesattheoarswillliveagainandgoonpulling。"
Andtheywentthrough，winninghalfthelengthofthelakebynightfallandpullingonthroughallthenighthoursasthewindwentdown，fallingasleepattheoarsandbeingrappedawakebyLiverpool，toilingonthroughanage-longnightmarewhilethestarscameoutandthesurfaceofthelaketurnedtotheunrufflednessofasheetofpaperandfrozeskin-icethattinkledlikebrokenglassastheiroar-bladesshatteredit。
Asdaybrokeclearandcold，theyenteredtheriver，withbehindthemaseaofice。Liverpoolexaminedhisagedpassengerandfoundhimhelplessandalmostgone。Whenheroundedtheboattoagainsttherim-icetobuildafireandwarmupTarwaterinsideandout，Charlesprotestedagainstsuchlossoftime。
"Thisain’tbusiness，sodon’tyoucomehorningin，"Liverpoolinformedhim。"I’mrunningtheboattrip。Soyoujustclimboutandchopfirewood，andplentyofit。I’lltakecareofdad。You，Anson，makeafireonthebank。Andyou，Bill，setuptheYukonstoveintheboat。Olddadain’tasyoungastherestofus，andfortherestofthisvoyagehe’sgoingtohaveafireonboardtositby。"
Allofwhichcametopass;andtheboat，inthegripofthecurrent，likeariversteamerwithsmokerisingfromthetwojointsofstove-pipe，groundedonshoals，hunguponsplitcurrents，andchargedrapidsandcanyons，asitdrovedeeperintotheNorthlandwinter。TheBigandLittleSalmonriverswerethrowingmush-iceintothemainriverastheypassed，and，belowtheriffles，anchor-
icearosefromtheriverbottomandcoatedthesurfacewithcrystalscum。Nightanddaytherim-icegrew，till，inquietplaces，itextendedoutahundredyardsfromshore。AndOldTarwater，withallhisclotheson，satbythestoveandkeptthefiregoing。
Nightandday，notdaringtostopforfearoftheimminentfreeze-
up，theydaredtorun，anincreasingmushinessoficerunningwiththem。
"Whatho，oldhearty？"Liverpoolwouldcalloutattimes。
"CheerO，"OldTarwaterhadlearnedtorespond。
"WhatcanIeverdoforyou，son，inpayment？"Tarwater，stokingthefire，wouldsometimesaskLiverpool，beatingnowonereleasedhandandnowtheotherashefoughtforcirculationwherehesteeredinthefreezingstern-sheets。
"Justbreakoutthatregularsongofyours，oldForty-Niner，"wastheinvariablereply。
AndTarwaterwouldlifthisvoiceinthecacklingchant，ashelifteditattheend，whentheboatswunginthroughdrivingcake-
iceandmooredtotheDawsonCitybank，andallwaterfrontDawsonprickeditsearstohearthetriumphantpaean：
LikeArgusoftheancienttimes，WeleavethismodernGreece，Tum-tum，tum-tum，tum，tum，tum-tum，TosheartheGoldenFleece，Charlesdidit，buthediditsodiscreetlythatnoneofhisparty，leastofallthesailor，everlearnedofit。Hesawtwogreatopenbargesbeingfilledupwithmen，and，oninquiry，learnedthattheseweregrublessonesbeingroundedupandsentdowntheYukonbytheCommitteeofSafety。ThebargesweretobetowedbythelastlittlesteamboatinDawson，andthehopewasthatFortYukon，wherelaythestrandedsteamboats，wouldbegainedbeforetheriverfroze。Atanyrate，nomatterwhathappenedtothem，Dawsonwouldberelievedoftheirgrub-consumingpresence。SototheCommitteeofSafetyCharleswent，privilytodropafleainitsearconcerningTarwater’sgrubless，moneyless，andagedcondition。
Tarwaterwasoneofthelastgatheredin，andwhenYoungLiverpoolreturnedtotheboat，fromthebankhesawthebargesinarunofcake-ice，disappearingaroundthebendbelowMoose-hideMountain。
Runningincake-icealltheway，andseveraltimesescapingjamsintheYukonFlats，thebargesmadetheirhundredsofmilesofprogressfartherintothenorthandfrozeupcheekbyjowlwiththegrub-fleet。Here，insidetheArcticCircle，OldTarwatersettleddowntopassthelongwinter。Severalhours’workaday，choppingfirewoodforthesteamboatcompanies，sufficedtokeephiminfood。
Fortherestofthetimetherewasnothingtodobuthibernateinhislogcabin。
Warmth，rest，andplentytoeat，curedhishackingcoughandputhiminasgoodphysicalconditionaswaspossibleforhisadvancedyears。But，evenbeforeChristmas，thelackoffreshvegetablescausedscurvytobreakout，anddisappointedadventurerafterdisappointedadventurertooktohisbunkinabjectsurrendertothisculminatingmisfortune。NotsoTarwater。Evenbeforethefirstsymptomsappearedonhim，hewasputtingintopracticehisoneprescription，namely，exercise。Fromthejunkoftheoldtradingpostheresurrectedanumberofrustytraps，andfromoneofthesteamboatcaptainsheborrowedarifle。
Thusequipped，heceasedfromwood-chopping，andbegantomakemorethanamereliving。Norwashedownheartedwhenthescurvybrokeoutonhisownbody。Everheranhistrap-linesandsanghisancientchant。NorcouldthepessimistshakehissuretyofthethreehundredthousandofAlaskangoldheasgoingtoshakeoutofthemoss-roots。
"Butthisain’tgold-country，"theytoldhim。
"Goldiswhereyoufindit，son，asIshouldknowwhowasminingbeforeyouwasborn，’waybackinForty-Nine，"washisreply。
"WhatwasBonanzaCreekbutamoose-pasture？Nominer’dlookatit;yettheywashedfive-hundred-dollarpansandtookoutfiftymilliondollars。Eldoradowasjustasbad。Forallyouknow，rightunderthisherecabin，orrightoverthenexthill，ismillionsjustwaitingforaluckyonelikemetocomeandshakeitout。"
AttheendofJanuarycamehisdisaster。Somepowerfulanimalthathedecidedwasabob-cat，managingtogetcaughtinoneofhissmallertraps，draggeditaway。Aheavysnow-fallputastopmidwaytohispursuit，losingthetrailforhimandlosinghimself。
Therewerebutseveralhoursofdaylighteachdaybetweenthetwentyhoursofinterveningdarkness，andhiseffortsinthegreylightandcontinuallyfallingsnowsucceededonlyinlosinghimmorethoroughly。Fortunately，whenwintersnowfallsintheNorthlandthethermometerinvariablyrises;so，insteadofthecustomaryfortyandfiftyandevensixtydegreesbelowzero，thetemperatureremainedfifteenbelow。Also，hewaswarmlycladandhadafullmatchbox。Furthertomitigatehispredicament，onthefifthdayhekilledawoundedmoosethatweighedoverhalfaton。
Makinghiscampbesideitonaspruce-bottom，hewaspreparedtolastoutthewinter，unlessasearchingpartyfoundhimorhisscurvygrewworse。
Butattheendoftwoweekstherehadbeennosignofsearch，whilehisscurvyhadundeniablygrownworse。Againsthisfire，bankedfromoutercoldbyashelter-wallofspruce-boughs，hecrouchedlonghoursinsleepandlonghoursinwaking。Butthewakinghoursgrewless，becomingsemi-wakingorhalf-dreaminghoursastheprocessofhibernationworkedtheirwaywithhim。SlowlythesparklepointofconsciousnessandidentitythatwasJohnTarwatersank，deeperanddeeper，intotheprofoundsofhisbeingthathadbeencompoundederemanwasman，andwhilehewasbecomingman，whenhe，firstofallanimals，regardedhimselfwithanintrospectiveeyeandlaidthebeginningsofmoralityinfoundationsofnightmarepeopledbythemonstersofhisownethic-
thwarteddesires。
Likeamaninfever，wakingtointervalsofconsciousness，soOldTarwaterawoke，cookedhismoose-meat，andfedthefire;butmoreandmoretimehespentinhistorpor，unawareofwhatwasday-dreamandwhatwassleep-dreaminthecontentofhisunconsciousness。
Andhere，intheunforgetablecryptsofman’sunwrittenhistory，unthinkableandunrealizable，likepassagesofnightmareorimpossibleadventuresoflunacy，heencounteredthemonsterscreatedofman’sfirstmoralitythateversincehavevexedhimintothespinningoffantasiestoeludethemordobattlewiththem。
Inshort，weightedbyhisseventyyears，inthevastandsilentlonelinessoftheNorth，OldTarwater，asinthedeliriumofdrugoranaesthetic，recoveredwithinhimself，theinfantilemindofthechild-manoftheearlyworld。ItwasintheduskofDeath’sflutterywingsthatTarwaterthuscrouched，and，likehisremoteforebear，thechild-man，wenttomyth-making，andsun-heroizing，himselfhero-makerandtheheroinquestoftheimmemorabletreasuredifficultofattainment。
Eithermustheattainthetreasure-forsorantheinexorablelogicoftheshadow-landoftheunconscious-orelsesinkintotheall-devouringsea，theblacknesseaterofthelightthatswallowedtoextinctionthesuneachnight……thesunthataroseeverinrebirthnextmorningintheeast，andthathadbecometomanman’sfirstsymbolofimmortalitythroughrebirth。Allthis，inthedeepsofhisunconsciousness（theshadowywesternlandofdescendinglight），wasthenearduskofDeathdownintowhichheslowlyebbed。
Buthowtoescapethismonsterofthedarkthatfromwithinhimslowlyswallowedhim？Toodeep-sunkwashetodreamofescapeorfeeltheprodofdesiretoescape。Forhimrealityhadceased。
Norfromwithinthedarkenedchamberofhimselfcouldrealityrecrudesce。Hisyearsweretooheavyuponhim，thedebilityofdiseaseandthelethargyandtorporofthesilenceandthecoldweretooprofound。Onlyfromwithoutcouldrealityimpactuponhimandreawakewithinhimanawarenessofreality。Otherwisehewouldoozedownthroughtheshadow-realmoftheunconsciousintotheall-
darknessofextinction。
Butitcame，thesmashofrealityfromwithout，crashinguponhiseardrumsinaloud，explosivesnort。Fortwentydays，inatemperaturethathadneverrisenabovefiftybelow，nobreathofwindhadblownmovement，noslightestsoundhadbrokenthesilence。
Likethesmokerontheopiumcouchrefocusinghiseyesfromthespaciouswallsofdreamtothenarrowconfinesofthemeanlittleroom，soOldTarwaterstaredvague-eyedbeforehimacrosshisdyingfire，atahugemoosethatstaredathiminstartlement，draggingawoundedleg，manifestingallsignsofextremeexhaustion;it，too，hadbeenstrayingblindlyintheshadow-land，andhadwakenedtorealityonlyjustereitsteppedintoTarwater’sfire。
Hefeeblyslippedthelargefurmittenlinedwiththicknessofwoolfromhisrighthand。Upontrialhefoundthetriggerfingertoonumbformovement。Carefully，slowly，throughlongminutes，heworkedthebarehandinsidehisblankets，upunderhisfurPARKA，throughthechestopeningsofhisshirts，andintotheslightlywarmhollowofhisleftarm-pit。Longminutespassederethefingercouldmove，when，withequalslownessofcaution，hegatheredhisrifletohisshoulderanddrewbeaduponthegreatanimalacrossthefire。
Attheshot，ofthetwoshadow-wanderers，theonereeleddownwardtothedarkandtheotherreeledupwardtothelight，swayingdrunkenlyonhisscurvy-ravagedlegs，shiveringwithnervousnessandcold，rubbingswimmingeyeswithshakingfingers，andstaringattherealworldallabouthimthathadreturnedtohimwithsuchsickeningsuddenness。Heshookhimselftogether，andrealizedthatforlong，howlonghedidnotknow，hehadbeddedinthearmsofDeath。Hespat，withdefiniteintention，heardthespittlecrackleinthefrost，andjudgeditmustbebelowandfarbelowsixtybelow。Intruth，thatdayatFortYukon，thespiritthermometerregisteredseventy-fivedegreesbelowzero，which，sincefreezing-
pointisthirty-twoabove，wasequivalenttoonehundredandsevendegreesoffrost。
SlowlyTarwater’sbrainreasonedtoaction。Here，inthevastalone，dweltDeath。Herehadcometwowoundedmoose。Withtheclearingoftheskyafterthegreatcoldcameon，hehadlocatedhisbearings，andheknewthatbothwoundedmoosehadtrailedtohimfromtheeast。Therefore，intheeast，weremen-whitesorIndianshecouldnottell，butatanyratemenwhomightstandbyhiminhisneedandhelpmoorhimtorealityabovetheseaofdark。
Hemovedslowly，buthemovedinreality，girdinghimselfwithrifle，ammunition，matches，andapackoftwentypoundsofmoose-
meat。Then，anArgusrejuvenated，albeitlameofbothlegsandtottery，heturnedhisbackontheperilouswestandlimpedintothesun-arising，re-birthingeast……
Dayslater-howmanydayslaterhewasnevertoknow-dreamingdreamsandseeingvisions，cacklinghisoldgold-chantofForty-
Nine，likeonedrowningandswimmingfeeblytokeephisconsciousnessabovetheengulfingdark，hecameoutuponthesnow-
slopetoacanyonandsawbelowsmokerisingandmenwhoceasedfromworktogazeathim。Hetottereddownthehilltothem，stillsinging;andwhenheceasedfromlackofbreaththeycalledhimvariously：SantaClaus，OldChristmas，Whiskers，theLastoftheMohicans，andFatherChristmas。Andwhenhestoodamongthemhestoodverystill，withoutspeech，whilegreattearswelledoutofhiseyes。Hecriedsilently，alongtime，till，asifsuddenlybethinkinghimself，hesatdowninthesnowwithmuchcreakingandcracklingofhisjoints，andfromthislowvantagepointtoppledsidewiseandfaintedcalmlyandeasilyaway。
InlessthanaweekOldTarwaterwasupandlimpingaboutthehouseworkofthecabin，cookinganddish-washingforthefivemenofthecreek。Genuinesourdoughs（pioneers）theywere，toughandhard-bitten，whohadbeenburiedsodeeplyinsidetheCirclethattheydidnotknowtherewasaKlondikeStrike。Thenewshebroughtthemwastheirfirstwordofit。Theylivedonanalmoststraight-
meatdietofmoose，caribou，andsmokedsalmon，ekedoutwithwildberriesandsomewhatsucculentwildrootstheyhadstockedupwithinthesummer。Theyhadforgottenthetasteofcoffee，madefirewithaburningglass，carriedlivefire-stickswiththemwherevertheytravelled，andintheirpipessmokeddryleavesthatbitthetongueandwerepungenttothenostrils。
Threeyearsbefore，theyhadprospectedfromthehead-reachesoftheKoyokuknorthwardandclearacrosstothemouthoftheMackenzieontheArcticOcean。Here，onthewhaleships，theyhadbeheldtheirlastwhitemenandequippedthemselveswiththelastwhiteman’sgrub，consistingprincipallyofsaltandsmokingtobacco。StrikingsouthandwestonthelongtraversetothejunctionoftheYukonandPorcupineatFortYukon，theyhadfoundgoldonthiscreekandremainedovertoworktheground。
TheyhailedtheadventofTarwaterwithjoy，nevertiredoflisteningtohistalesofForty-Nine，andrechristenedhimOldHero。Also，withteamadefromspruceneedles，withconcoctionsbrewedfromtheinnerwillowbark，andwithsourandbitterrootsandbulbsfromtheground，theydosedhisscurvyoutofhim，sothatheceasedlimpingandbegantolayonfleshoverhisbonyframework。Further，theysawnoreasonatallwhyheshouldnotgatherarichtreasureofgoldfromtheground。
"Don’tknowaboutallofthreehundredthousand，"theytoldhimonemorning，atbreakfast，eretheydepartedtotheirwork，"buthow’dahundredthousanddo，OldHero？That’swhatwefigureaclaimisworth，thegroundbeingbadlyspotted，andwe’vealreadystakedyourlocationnotices。"
"Well，boys，"OldTarwateranswered，"andthankingyoukindly，allIcansayisthatahundredthousandwilldonicely，andverynicely，forastarter。Ofcourse，Iain’tgoin’tostoptillIgetthefullthreehundredthousand。That’swhatIcomeintothecountryfor。"
Theylaughedandapplaudedhisambitionandreckonedthey’dhavetohuntarichercreekforhim。AndOldHeroreckonedthatasthespringcameonandhegrewspryer，he’dhavetogetoutanddoalittlesnoopingaroundhimself。
"Forallanybodyknows，"hesaid，pointingtoahillsideacrossthecreekbottom，"themossunderthesnowtheremaybeplumbrootedinnuggetgold。"
Hesaidnomore，butasthesunrosehigherandthedaysgrewlongerandwarmer，hegazedoftenacrossthecreekatthedefinitebench-formationhalfwayupthehill。And，oneday，whenthethawwasinfullswing，hecrossedthestreamandclimbedtothebench。
Exposedpatchesofgroundhadalreadythawedaninchdeep。Ononesuchpatchhestopped，gatheredabunchofmossinhisbiggnarledhands，andrippeditoutbytheroots。Thesunsmoulderedondullyglisteningyellow。Heshookthehandfulofmoss，andcoarsenuggets，likegravel，felltotheground。ItwastheGoldenFleecereadyfortheshearing。
NotentirelyunrememberedinAlaskanannalsisthesummerstampedeof1898fromFortYukontothebenchdiggingsofTarwaterHill。
AndwhenTarwatersoldhisholdingstotheBowdieinterestsforasheerhalf-millionandfacedforCalifornia，herodeamuleoveranew-cuttrail，withconvenientroadhousesalongtheway，cleartothesteamboatlandingatFortYukon。
Atthefirstmealontheocean-goingsteamshipoutofSt。Michaels，awaiter，greyish-haired，pain-ravagedofface，scurvy-twistedofbody，servedhim。OldTarwaterwascompelledtolookhimovertwiceinordertomakecertainhewasCharlesCrayton。
"Gotitbad，eh，son？"Tarwaterqueried。
"Justmyluck，"theothercomplained，afterrecognitionandgreeting。"Onlyoneofthepartythatthescurvyattacked。I’vebeenthroughhell。Theotherthreeareallatworkandhealthy，gettinggrub-staketoprospectupWhiteRiverthiswinter。Anson’searningtwenty-fiveadayatcarpentering，Liverpoolgettingtwentyloggingforthesaw-mill，andBigBill’sgettingfortyadayaschiefsawyer。Itriedmybest，andifithadn’tbeenforscurvy……"
"Sure，son，youdoneyourbest，whichain’tmuch，youbeingnaturallyirritableandhardfromtoomuchbusiness。NowI’lltellyouwhat。Youain’tfittoworkcrippledupthisway。I’llpayyourpassagewiththecaptaininkindremembranceofthevoyageyougaveme，andyoucanlayupandtakeiteasytherestofthetrip。
AndwhatareyourcircumstanceswhenyoulandatSanFrancisco？"
CharlesCraytonshruggedhisshoulders。
"Tellyouwhat，"Tarwatercontinued。"There’sworkontheranchforyoutillyoucanstartbusinessagain。"
"Icouldmanageyourbusinessforyou-"Charlesbeganeagerly。
"No，siree，"Tarwaterdeclaredemphatically。"Butthere’salwayspost-holestodig，andcordwoodtochop，andtheclimate’sfine……"
Tarwaterarrivedhomeatrueprodigalgrandfatherforwhomthefattedcalfwaskilledandready。Butfirst，erehesatdownattable，hemuststrolloutandaround。Andsonsanddaughtersofhisfleshandofthelawneedsmustgowithhimfulsomelyeatingoutofthegnarledoldhandthathadhalfamilliontodisburse。
Heledtheway，andnoopinionheslylyutteredwaspreposterousorimpossibleenoughtodrawdissentfromhisfollowing。Pausingbytheruinedwaterwheelwhichhehadbuiltfromthestandingtimber，hisfacebeamedashegazedacrossthestretchesofTarwaterValley，andonandupthefarheightstothesummitofTarwaterMountain-nowallhisagain。
Athoughtcametohimthatmadehimaverthisfaceandblowhisnoseinordertohidethetwinkleinhiseyes。Stillattendedbytheentirefamily，hestrolledontothedilapidatedbarn。Hepickedupanage-weatheredsingle-treefromtheground。
"William，"hesaid。"RememberthatlittleconversationwehadjustbeforeIstartedtoKlondike？Sure，William，youremember。YoutoldmeIwascrazy。AndIsaidmyfather’dhavewallopedthetaroutofmewithasingle-treeifI’dspoketohimthatway。"
"Aw，butthatwasonlyfoolin’，"Williamtemporized。
Williamwasagrizzledmanofforty-five，andhiswifeandgrownsonsstoodinthegroup，curiouslywatchingGrandfatherTarwatertakeoffhiscoatandhandittoMarytohold。
"William-comehere，"hecommandedimperatively。
Nomatterhowreluctantly，Williamcame。
"Justataste，William，son，ofwhatmyfathergivemeoftenenough，"OldTarwatercrooned，ashelaidonhisson’sbackandshoulderswiththesingle-tree。"Observe，Iain’thittingyouonthehead。Myfatherhadagosh-wollickin’temperandneverdrewthelineatheadswhenhewentaftertar-Don’tjerkyourelbowsbackthatway！You’relikelytogetacrackononebyaccident。
Andjusttellmeonething，William，son：istherenarynotioninyourheadthatI’mcrazy？"
"No！"Williamyelpedoutinpain，ashedancedabout。"Youain’tcrazy，fatherofcourseyouain’tcrazy！"
"Yousaidit，"OldTarwaterremarkedsententiously，tossingthesingle-treeasideandstartingtostruggleintohiscoat。
"Nowlet’sallgoinandeat。"
GlenEllen，California，SEPTEMBER14，1916。
STORY：THEPRINCESS
AFIREburnedcheerfullyinthejunglecamp，andbesidethefirelolledacheerful-seemingthoughhorrible-appearingman。Thiswasahobojungle，pitchedinathinstripofwoodsthatlaybetweenarailroadembankmentandthebankofariver。Butnohobowastheman。Sodeep-sunkwasheinthesocialabyssthataproperhobowouldnotsitbythesamefirewithhim。Agay-cat，whoisanignorantnew-comeronthe"Road，"mightsitwithsuchashe，butonlylongenoughtolearnbetter。Evenlowdownbindle-stiffsandstew-bums，afteraonce-over，wouldhavepassedthismanby。A
genuinehobo，acoupleofpunks，orabunchoftender-yearedroad-
kidsmighthavegonethroughhisragsforanystraypenniesornickelsandkickedhimoutintothedarkness。Evenanalki-stiffwouldhavereckonedhimselfimmeasurablysuperior。
Forthismanwasthathybridoftramp-land，analki-stiffthathasdegeneratedintoastew-bum，withsolittleself-respectthathewillnever"boil-up，"andwithsolittlepridethathewilleatoutofagarbagecan。Hewastrulyhorrible-appearing。Hemighthavebeensixtyyearsofage;hemighthavebeenninety。Hisgarmentsmighthavebeendiscardedbyarag-picker。Besidehim，anunrolledbundleshoweditselfasconsistingofaraggedovercoatandcontaininganemptyandsmoke-blackenedtomatocan，anemptyandbatteredcondensedmilkcan，somedog-meatpartlywrappedinbrownpaperandevidentlybeggedfromsomebutcher-shop，acarrotthathadbeenrunoverinthestreetbyawagon-wheel，threegreenish-
cankeredanddecayedpotatoes，andasugar-bunwithamouthfulbittenfromitandrescuedfromthegutter，aswasmadepatentbythegutter-filththatstillencrustedit。
Aprodigiousgrowthofwhiskers，greyish-dirtyanduntrimmedforyears，sproutedfromhisface。Thishirsutegrowthshouldhavebeenwhite，buttheseasonwassummerandithadnotbeenexposedtoarain-showerforsometime。Whatwasvisibleofthefacelookedasifatsomeperiodithadstoppedahand-grenade。Thenosewassovariouslymalformedinitshealedbrokennessthattherewasnobridge，whileonenostril，thesizeofapea，openeddownward，andtheother，thesizeofarobin’segg，tiltedupwardtothesky。Oneeye，ofnormalsize，dim-brownandmisty，bulgedtothevergeofpoppingout，andasiffromsenilityweptcopiouslyandcontinuously。Theothereye，scarcelylargerthanasquirrel’sandasuncannilybright，twistedupobliquelyintothehairyscarofabone-crushedeyebrow。Andhehadbutonearm。
Yetwashecheerful。Onhisface，inmilddegree，wasdepictedsensuouspleasureashelethargicallyscratchedhisribswithhisonehand。Hepawedoverhisfood-scraps，debated，thendrewatwelve-ouncedruggistbottlefromhisinsidecoat-pocket。Thebottlewasfullofacolourlessliquid，thecontemplationofwhichmadehislittleeyeburnbrighterandquickenedhismovements。
Pickingupthetomatocan，hearose，wentdowntheshortpathtotheriver，andreturnedwiththecanfilledwithnot-niceriverwater。Inthecondensedmilkcanhemixedonepartofwaterwithtwopartsoffluidfromthebottle。Thiscolourlessfluidwasdruggist’salcohol，andassuchisknownintramp-landas"alki。"
Slowfootsteps，comingdownthesideoftherailroadembankment，alarmedhimerehecoulddrink。Placingthecancarefullyuponthegroundbetweenhislegs，hecovereditwithhishatandwaitedanxiouslywhateverimpended。
Outofthedarknessemergedamanasfilthyraggedashe。Thenew-
comer，whomighthavebeenfifty，andmighthavebeensixty，wasgrotesquelyfat。Hebulgedeverywhere。Hewascomposedofbulges。
Hisbulbousnosewasthesizeandshapeofaturnip。Hiseyelidsbulgedandhisblueeyesbulgedincompetitionwiththem。Inmanyplacestheseamsofhisgarmentshadpartedacrossthebulgesofbody。Hiscalvesgrewintohisfeet，forthebrokenelasticsidesofhisCongressgaiterswereswelledfullwiththefatofhim。Onearmonlyhesported，fromtheshoulderofwhichwassuspendedasmallandtatteredbundlewiththemudcakeddryontheoutercoveringfromthelastplacehehadpitchedhisdoss。Headvancedwithtentativecaution，madesureoftheharmlessnessofthemanbesidethefire，andjoinedhim。
"Hello，grandpa，"thenew-comergreeted，thenpausedtostareattheother’sflaring，sky-opennostril。"Say，Whiskers，how’dyekeepthenightdewoutofthatnoseo’yourn？"
Whiskersgrowledanincoherencedeepinhisthroatandspatintothefireintokenthathewasnotpleasedbythequestion。
"FortheloveofMike，"thefatmanchuckled，"ifyougotcaughtoutinarainstormwithoutanumbrellayou’dsuredrown，wouldn’tyou？"
"Canit，Fatty，canit，"Whiskersmutteredwearily。"Theyain’tnothin’newinthatlineofchatter。Eventhebullshanditouttome。"
"Butyoucanstilldrink，Ihope";Fattyatthesametimemollifiedandinvited，withhisonehanddeftlypullingtheslip-knotsthatfastenedhisbundle。
Fromwithinthebundlehebroughttolightatwelve-ouncebottleofalki。Footstepscomingdowntheembankmentalarmedhim，andhehidthebottleunderhishatonthegroundbetweenhislegs。
Butthenextcomerprovedtobenotmerelyoneoftheirownilk，butlikewisetohaveonlyonearm。Soforbiddingofaspectwashethatgreetingsconsistedofnomorethangrunts。Huge-boned，tall，gaunttocadaverousness，hisfaceadirtydeath’shead，hewasasrepellentanightmareofoldageaseverDoreimagined。Histoothless，thin-lippedmouthwasacruelandbitterslashunderagreatcurvednosethatalmostmetthechinandthatwaslikeabuzzard’sbeak。Hisonehand，leanandcrooked，wasatalon。Thebeadygreyeyes，unblinkingandunwavering，werebitterasdeath，asbleakasabsolutezeroandasmerciless。Hispresencewasachill，andWhiskersandFattyinstinctivelydrewtogetherforprotectionagainsttheunguessedthreatofhim。Watchinghischance，privily，Whiskerssnuggledachunkofrockseveralpoundsinweighclosetohishandifneedforactionshouldarise。Fattyduplicatedtheperformance。
Thenbothsatlickingtheirlips，guiltilyembarrassed，whiletheunblinkingeyesoftheterribleoneboredintothem，nowintoone，nowintoanother，andthendownattherock-chunksoftheirpreparedness。
"Huh！"sneeredtheterribleone，withsuchdreadfulnessofmenaceastocauseWhiskersandFattyinvoluntarilytoclosetheirhandsdownontheircave-man’sweapons。
"Huh！"theotherrepeated，reachinghisonetalonintohissidecoatpocketwithswiftdefiniteness。"Ahellofachanceyoutwocheapbums’dhavewithme。"
Thetalonemerged，clutchingreadyforactionasix-poundironquoit。
"Weain’tlookin’fortrouble，Slim，"Fattyquavered。
"Whoinhellareyoutocallme’Slim’？"camethesnarlinganswer。
"Me？I’mjustFatty，an’seein’’sIneverseenyoubefore-"
"An’Isupposethat’sWhiskers，there，withthegayan’festivelamptan-goingintohiseyebrowan’theGod-forgive-usnosejoy-
ridingalloverhismug？"
"It’lldo，it’lldo，"Whiskersmuttereduncomfortably。"Onemonica’sasgoodasanother，Ifind，atmytimeoflife。Andeverybodyhandsitouttomeanyway。AndIneedanumbrellawhenitrainstokeepfromgettingdrowned，an’alltherestofit。"
"Iain’tusedtocompany-don’tlikeit，"Slimgrowled。"Soifyouguyswanttostickaround，mindyourstep，that’sall，mindyourstep。"
Hefishedfromhispocketacigarstump，self-evidentlyshotfromthegutter，andpreparedtoputitinhismouthtochew。Thenhechangedhismind，glaredathiscompanionssavagely，andunrolledhisbundle。Appearedinhishandadruggist’sbottleofalki。
"Well，"hesnarled，"IsupposeIgottagiveyoucheapskatesadrinkwhenIain’tgotmore’nenoughforagoodpetrificationformyself。"
Almostasofteningflickeroflightwasimminentinhiswitheredfaceashebeheldtheothersproudlylifttheirhatsandexhibittheirownsupplies。
"Here’ssomewaterforthemixin’s，"Whiskerssaid，profferinghistomato-canofriverslush。"Stockyardsjustabove，"headdedapologetically。"Buttheysay-"
"Huh！"Slimsnappedshort，mixingthedrink。"I’vedrunkworse’nstockyardsinmytime。"
Yetwhenallwasready，cansofalkiintheirsolitaryhands，thethreethingsthathadoncebeenmenhesitated，asifofoldhabit，andnextbetrayedshameasifatself-exposure。
Whiskerswasthefirsttobrazenit。
"I’vesatinatmanyafinerdrinking，"hebragged。
"Withthepewter，"Slimsneered。
"Withthesilver，"Whiskerscorrected。
Slimturnedascorchingeye-interrogationonFatty。
Fattynodded。
"Beneaththesalt，"saidSlim。
"Aboveit，"cameFatty’scorrection。"Iwasbornaboveit，andI’venevertravelledsecondclass。Firstorsteerage，butnointermediateinmine。"
"Yourself？"WhiskersqueriedofSlim。
"InbrokenglasstotheQueen，Godblessher，"Slimanswered，solemnly，withoutsnarlorsneer。
"Inthepantry？"Fattyinsinuated。
SimultaneouslySlimreachedforhisquoit，andWhiskersandFattyfortheirrocks。
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