These became incensed at their more
phlegmatic brothers, urging them on with numerous sly nips on
their hinder quarters. Those, thus chidden, also contracted and
helped spread the contagion. At last the leader of the foremost
sled uttered a sharp whine of satisfaction, crouching lower in
the snow and throwing himself against the collar. The rest
followed suit.
There was an ingathering of back hands, a tightening of traces;
the sleds leaped forward, and the men clung to the gee poles,
violently accelerating the uplift of their feet that they might
escape going under the runners. The weariness of the day fell
from them, and they whooped encouragement to the dogs. The
animals responded with joyous yelps. They were swinging through
the gathering darkness at a rattling gallop.
'Gee! Gee!' the men cried, each in turn, as their sleds abruptly
left the main trail, heeling over on single runners like luggers
on the wind.
Then came a hundred yards' dash to the lighted parchment window,
which told its own story of the home cabin, the roaring Yukon
stove, and the steaming pots of tea. But the home cabin had been
invaded. Threescore huskies chorused defiance, and as many furry
forms precipitated themselves upon the dogs which drew the first
sled.
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