s right in to set
up for himself. And I guess more than half of 'em couldn't set two
bricks right. It seems to me if you're going to make life a reasonable
proposition you need to start in from the beginning of things, and act
the way you see clearest. It's no use groping around in a fog just
because folks reckon it's up to you to act that way. If you can't set
two bricks right, then set one. Anyway, do the things you can do, and
don't kick because you can't do more. The trail I know. Gold I know.
The Yukon I know. Then what's the use in quittin' it fer something I
don't know, and don't care a cuss for anyway?"

This was the man, simple, direct. Wealth meant nothing to him. It was
there. It sometimes seemed like snowing him under. He couldn't help
it. Life was all he wanted. The life he loved, the life which gave
him room in which to stretch his great body. The life which demanded
the play of his muscles of steel. The life which absorbed every mental
faculty in its simple preservation. He was, as Bill once said: "A
primitive, an elemental creature, a man destined for the altar of the
gods of the wilderness when the sands of his time ran out."

What wonder then that Jessie Mowbray's eyes should shine with a light
such as only one man can inspire.

Her delight was unrestrained as the flotilla drew near, and she
descried the familiar figure of its leader. Then came the ringing
greeting across the water. Nor could the manner of her response be
mistaken. Murray saw, he heard and understood. And so the fixity of
his smiling greeting which completely masked his feelings.

John Kars' manner owed nothing to convention. But it was governed by a
sureness of touch, a perfect tact, and a great understanding of those
with whom he came into contact. To him man was simply man. Woman was
just woman. The latter claimed the last atom of his chivalrous regard
at all times. The former possessed only the distinction which his
qualities entitled him to.

He grasped the warm, soft hand outheld to him as he leaped out of his
canoe. The girl's shining eyes looked up into his bronzed, clean-cut
features with the confidence of one who understands the big spirit
stirring behind them. She listened responsively to the simple greeting
which fell so naturally from his firm lips.

"Say, it's good to see you all again. Home?" He glanced swiftly round
at the scene about them. "This is home, I guess." Then he laughed.