“’Tis the measure of a man’s worth,” remarked Doctor Joe.  “The worth-while man never has an hour to kill.  The day hasn’t hours enough for him.  It’s the other kind that kill time—­the sort that are not, and never will be, of much account in the world.”

They walked a little in silence, each busy with his own thoughts, when Thomas remarked: 

“The Lord has been wonderful good to me, Doctor Joe, givin’ me three as fine lads and as fine a lass as He ever gave a man.  Then He saves the little lad’s eyes, when they were goin’ blind, by sendin’ you to cure un.  And when I were breakin’ my leg and couldn’t work He sends along Indian Jake to go to the trails to hunt with David and Andy, and they makes a fine hunt and keeps us out o’ debt.  And this summer we has as fine a catch of salmon as ever we has, and we’re through with un a fortnight ahead of ever before, with all the barrels filled and the gear stowed, and the salt salmon traded in at the Post, and plenty o’ flour and pork and molasses and tea t’ see us through the winter, whatever.”

“Last year at this time things looked pretty blue for us,” said Doctor Joe, “but everything worked out well in the end, Thomas.”

“Aye,” agreed Thomas, “wonderful well.  I’m thinkin’ that if we does our best t’ help ourselves when troubles come the Lord is like t’ step in and give us a hand.  He wants us to do the best we can t’ help ourselves and when He sees we’re doin’ it He lifts the troubles.”

“That’s true,” agreed Doctor Joe, “and if a man takes advantage of every opportunity that comes to him, and don’t waste his time, he’s pretty sure to succeed.”

“Aye, that he is,” said Thomas.  “Now I were thinkin’ that the lads worked so wonderful hard at the salmon th’ summer, I’d let un go with you to Fort Pelican t’ manage the boat, and I’ll be staying home to make ready for the trail.  There’s a-plenty to be done yet to make ready without hurry, and a trip to Fort Pelican will be a rare treat for the lads.  But I’ll go if you wants.  I were just askin’ if ’twould be suitin’ you if I stays home and lets they go?”

“Why, of course!  That’s great!  Simply great!” exclaimed Doctor Joe.  “The boys will make a fine crew!  Will Jamie go too?”

“Aye, Jamie’s been workin’ like a man, and he’ll be keen for the trip,” said Thomas.  “And last night I were thinkin’ after I goes to bed how fine ’tis that you’re to be doctor to the coast.  Indian Jake’s to be my trappin’ pardner th’ winter, and the lads’ll ’bide home.  You’ll be needin’ dogs and komatik (sledge) to take you about.  There’ll be little enough for the dogs to do, and you’ll be welcome to un.  The lads can do the drivin’ for you and whatever you wants un to do.  Use un all you needs.  I wants to do my share to help you do the doctorin’.”

“Thank you!  Thank you, Thomas!” Doctor Joe accepted gratefully.  “This will make it possible for me to see a good many people that I otherwise would not be able to see, and make it easier for me also.”