The men had expected some sort of a layover in which to rest up; besides, this Klondike was a new section of the Northland, and they had wished to see a little something of the Golden City where dust flowed like water and dance halls rang with never-ending revelry.  But they dried their socks and smoked their evening pipes with much the same gusto as on their former visit, though one or two bold spirits speculated on desertion and the possibility of crossing the unexplored Rockies to the east, and thence, by the Mackenzie Valley, of gaining their old stamping grounds in the Chippewyan country.

Two or three even decided to return to their homes by that route when their terms of service had expired, and they began to lay plans forthwith, looking forward to the hazardous undertaking in much the same way a city-bred man would to a day’s holiday in the woods.

He of the Otter Skins seemed very restless, though he took little interest in the discussion, and at last he drew Malemute Kid to one side and talked for some time in low tones.

Prince cast curious eyes in their direction, and the mystery deepened when they put on caps and mittens and went outside.  When they returned, Malemute Kid placed his gold scales on the table, weighed out the matter of sixty ounces, and transferred them to the Strange One’s sack.  Then the chief of the dog drivers joined the conclave, and certain business was transacted with him.

The next day the gang went on upriver, but He of the Otter Skins took several pounds of grub and turned his steps back toward Dawson.

‘Didn’t know what to make of it,’ said Malemute Kid in response to Prince’s queries; ’but the poor beggar wanted to be quit of the service for some reason or other—­at least it seemed a most important one to him, though he wouldn’t let on what.  You see, it’s just like the army:  he signed for two years, and the only way to get free was to buy himself out.  He couldn’t desert and then stay here, and he was just wild to remain in the country.

’Made up his mind when he got to Dawson, he said; but no one knew him, hadn’t a cent, and I was the only one he’d spoken two words with.  So he talked it over with the lieutenant-governor, and made arrangements in case he could get the money from me—­loan, you know.  Said he’d pay back in the year, and, if I wanted, would put me onto something rich.  Never’d seen it, but he knew it was rich.

’And talk! why, when he got me outside he was ready to weep.  Begged and pleaded; got down in the snow to me till I hauled him out of it.  Palavered around like a crazy man.

’Swore he’s worked to this very end for years and years, and couldn’t bear to be disappointed now.  Asked him what end, but he wouldn’t say.