, and--everything," cried the other.

"I know, but I've had a touch before; it's in my blood I reckon. Too
much salt grub; too many winters on the coast. She never took me so
sudden an' vicious though. Guess the stuff's off."

"Don't talk that way," said Captain, sharply. "You're not going to
die--I won't let you."

"Vat's the mattaire?" came a leering voice and, turning they beheld
Klusky, the renegade. He had entered silently, as usual, and now
darted shrewd inquiring glances at them.

"George has the scurvy."

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Vat a peety." He seemed about to say more but
refrained, coming forward rubbing his hands nervously.

"It ain't possible that a 'sour dough' shall have the scoivy."

"Well, he has it--has it bad but I'll cure him. Yes, and I'll save
this whole ---- camp, whether they want it or not." Captain spoke
strongly, his jaws set with determination. Klusky regarded him
narrowly through close shrunk eyes, while speculation wrinkled his
low forehead.

"Of course! Yes! But how shall it be, eh? Tell me that." His
eagerness was pronounced.

"I'll go to St. Michaels and bring back fresh grub."

"You can't do it, boy," said George. "It's too far an' there ain't a
dog in camp. You couldn't haul your outfit alone, an' long before
you'd sledded grub back I'd be wearin' one of them gleamin' orioles,
I believe that's what they call it, on my head, like the pictures of
them little fat angelettes. I ain't got no ear for music, so I'll
have to cut out the harp solos."

"Quit that talk, will you?" said Captain irritably. "Of course, one
man can't haul an outfit that far, but two can, so I'm going to take
Klusky with me." He spoke with finality, and the Jew started, gazing
queerly. "We'll go light, and drive back a herd of reindeer."

"By thunder! I'd clean forgot the reindeer. The government was
aimin' to start a post there last fall, wasn't it? Say! Mebbe you
can make it after all, Kid." His features brightened hopefully.
"What d' ye say, Klusky?"

The one addressed answered nervously, almost with excitement.

"It can't be done! It ain't possible, and I ain't strong enough to
pull the sled. V'y don't you and George go together. I'll stay--"

Captain laid a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"That'll do. What are you talking about? George wouldn't last two
days, and you know it. Now listen. You don't have to go, you
infernal greasy dog, there are others in camp, and one of the