The Kid had just returned from his Bonanza properties and was
resting up preparatory to a long moose hunt.
Prince, too, had been on creek and trail nearly all winter, and
had grown hungry for a blissful week of cabin life.
'Interpose the black knight, and force the king. No, that won't
do. See, the next move-'
'Why advance the pawn two squares? Bound to take it in transit,
and with the bishop out of the way-' 'But hold on! That leaves a
hole, and-' 'No; it's protected. Go ahead! You'll see it works.'
It was very interesting. Somebody knocked at the door a second
time before Malemute Kid said, 'Come in.' The door swung open.
Something staggered in.
Prince caught one square look and sprang to his feet. The horror
in his eyes caused Malemute Kid to whirl about; and he, too, was
startled, though he had seen bad things before. The thing
tottered blindly toward them. Prince edged away till he reached
the nail from which hung his Smith & Wesson.
'My God! what is it?' he whispered to Malemute Kid.
'Don't know. Looks like a case of freezing and no grub,' replied
the Kid, sliding away in the opposite direction. 'Watch out! It
may be mad,' he warned, coming back from closing the door.
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