The Woman’s suggestions were, as usual, well meant; but were almost invariably influenced by personal preferences rather than sound judgment.  And “Scotty” had to firmly repress her desire to thrust the greatness of a Trail Career upon some of those for whom he had other achievements in mind.

[Illustration:  “She had been A member of one of the mail teams”

Eric Johnson, U. S. Mail Carrier on the Nome-Unalakleet Route]

“I do wish you would take Mego,” she urged.  “The dear old thing simply loves sled work, and you never give her anything to do nowadays but bring up families.”

“And why not?” demanded “Scotty.”  “There is not another dog-mother in all Nome who can so intelligently care for a family.”  Which was true; for added to her natural fondness for those dependent upon her, she had wide experience in the ways of dogs and people, and was thoroughly familiar with the dangers that beset the path of puppy-hood.

When young she had been a member of one of the Mail Teams and had worked hard for her living.  The run of over two hundred and thirty miles between Nome and Unalakleet was covered many times during the winter; and the Mail Carrier, who has the chance to observe carefully the individual behavior of the dogs he uses, was much attracted to Mego.  Her patient industry was a happy contrast to the actions of some of the others, who were unruly and quarrelsome, or disinclined to do their share of the necessary labor; and it was with such a high recommendation that “Scotty” had bought her.

“If she only had to care for her own puppies it would not be so bad,” the Woman complained; “but every once in a while some light-minded gad-about roams around at will, or runs away, and leaves her offspring for Mego to raise.  Why, sometimes you would think she was the matron of a Puppies’ Day Home.”

To her credit it may be said that whether the puppies were hers or another’s, Mego was untiring in her gentle supervision of their minds and manners.  She taught them to be respectful and wag their tails prettily when addressed; not to jump and place muddy paws on those who came to see them, and not to wander away alone, nor associate with strangers.  And the task was often difficult, for there were many alluring temptations and many bad examples.

“But she positively enjoys it,” insisted “Scotty.”  “When her own little ones outgrow her care, she is always watching for a chance to annex at least one member of any new litter in her neighborhood.  Only last week she heard the faint squeaks and squeals of Nellie Silk’s malamute pups, and I caught her tunneling under the manger to try to get to them.  Mego’s kidnapping is the one scandal in the Kennel.”

“I suppose they were siren calls, not to be resisted.  And anyway, that is the only blot on her otherwise spotless character.  She possibly does it for the excitement; and if you will let her go in the Hot Springs team she will have something else to think about.  If you don’t give her a new interest,” was the sinister and gloomy prophecy, “stealing puppies will very likely become an obsession with her.”