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.
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