Having seen his freight safely ashore, Kirby left Royal in charge of it, first impressing upon him certain comprehensive and explicit instructions; then he and Rouletta and Agnes went up the trail and over the Chilkoot.  Somehow, between the three of them, they intended to have a scow built and ready when Danny landed the last pound of merchandise at Linderman.

Mr. Royal was an energetic little person.  He began an immediate hunt for packers, only to discover that another outfit was ahead of his and that no men were immediately available.  He was resourceful, he was in the habit of meeting and overcoming obstacles, hence this one did not greatly trouble him, once he became acquainted with the situation.

Two days and nights enabled the Countess Courteau to strip the Northern Hotel, to assemble the movable appurtenances thereto, and to pack them into boxes, bales, and bundles, none of which weighed more than one hundred pounds.  This lapse of time likewise enabled the Indians whom Pierce had hired to finish their contracts and return to the coast.  In spite of the appalling amount of freight, Pierce believed he had enough men to move it in two trips, and when the hour came to start the Countess complimented him upon his thorough preparations.  As swiftly as might be he formed his packers in line, weighed their burdens, and sent them on their journey.  These preparations occasioned much confusion and a considerable crowd assembled.  Among the onlookers was a bright-eyed, weazened little man who attached himself to the chief and engaged him in conversation.

When the last burden-bearer had departed the Countess directed Lucky Broad and Kid Bridges to stay in the hotel and stand guard over the remainder of her goods.

“Take six-hour shifts,” she told them.  “I’ll hold you responsible for what’s here.”

“It’s as safe as wheat,” Broad assured her.

“I’ll camp at the Scales with the stuff that has gone forward, and Pierce will bring the Indians back.”

“D’you think you can ride herd on it?” Bridges inquired.  “I understand there’s a lawless element at large.”

The Countess smiled.  “I’m sort of a lawless element myself when I start,” she said.  Her eyes twinkled as she measured Mr. Bridges’ burly proportions.  “You’re going to miss your alfalfa bed before I get you to Linderman.”

The Kid nodded seriously.  “I know,” said he.  “Serves me right for quittin’ a profession for a trade, but I got to look over this Dawson place.  They say it’s soft pickin’.  Lucky is taking his stock in trade along, all three of ’em, so maybe we’ll tear off a penny or two on the way.”

Pierce’s pack consisted of a tent for the Countess, some bedding, and food; with this on his back he and his employer set out to overtake their train.  This they accomplished a short distance below the first crossing of the river.  Already the white packers, of whom there were perhaps a score, had drawn together; the Indians were following them in a long file.  Having seen his companion safely across the stream, Pierce asked her, somewhat doubtfully: