r above the timber-
line, reared his storm-swept head between. But Passuk spoke to me, low,
with my ear against her lips that I might hear. And now, because she
need not fear my anger, she spoke her heart, and told me of her love, and
of many things which I did not understand.

"And she said: 'You are my man, Charley, and I have been a good woman to
you. And in all the days I have made your fire, and cooked your food,
and fed your dogs, and lifted paddle or broken trail, I have not
complained. Nor did I say that there was more warmth in the lodge of my
father, or that there was more grub on the Chilcat. When you have
spoken, I have listened. When you have ordered, I have obeyed. Is it
not so, Charley?'

"And I said: 'Ay, it is so.'

"And she said: 'When first you came to the Chilcat, nor looked upon me,
but bought me as a man buys a dog, and took me away, my heart was hard
against you and filled with bitterness and fear. But that was long ago.
For you were kind to me, Charley, as a good man is kind to his dog. Your
heart was cold, and there was no room for me; yet you dealt me fair and
your ways were just. And I was with you when you did bold deeds and led
great ventures, and I measured you against the men of other breeds, and I
saw you stood among them full of honor, and your word was wise, your
tongue true. And I grew proud of you, till it came that you filled all
my heart, and all my thought was of you. You were as the midsummer sun,
when its golden trail runs in a circle and never leaves the sky. And
whatever way I cast my eyes I beheld the sun. But your heart was ever
cold, Charley, and there was no room.'

"And I said: 'It is so. It was cold, and there was no room. But that is
past. Now my heart is like the snowfall in the spring, when the sun has
come back. There is a great thaw and a bending, a sound of running
waters, and a budding and sprouting of green things. And there is
drumming of partridges, and songs of robins, and great music, for the
winter is broken, Passuk, and I have learned the love of woman.'

"She smiled and moved for me to draw her closer. And she said, 'I am
glad.' After that she lay quiet for a long time, breathing softly, her
head upon my breast. Then she whispered: 'The trail ends here, and I am
tired. But first I would speak of other things. In the long ago, when I
was a girl on the Chilcat, I played alone among the skin bales of my
father's lodge; for the men