And she prayed much in the manner of the Sisters of the
Holy Cross. The fall came, and with it there was mush-ice on the
Yukon, and Circle City kings returning to the winter's work at
their mines, but no Cal Galbraith. Tom Dixon received a letter,
however, for his men sledded up her winter's supply of dry pine.
The Company received a letter for its dogteams filled her cache
with their best provisions, and she was told that her credit was
limitless.
Through all the ages man has been held the chief instigator of
the woes of woman; but in this case the men held their tongues
and swore harshly at one of their number who was away, while the
women failed utterly to emulate them. So, without needless delay,
Madeline heard strange tales of Cal Galbraith's doings; also, of
a certain Greek dancer who played with men as children did with
bubbles. Now Madeline was an Indian woman, and further, she had
no woman friend to whom to go for wise counsel. She prayed and
planned by turns, and that night, being quick of resolve and
action, she harnessed the dogs, and with Young Cal securely
lashed to the sled, stole away.
Though the Yukon still ran free, the eddy-ice was growing, and
each day saw the river dwindling to a slushy thread.
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