Baldy felt that now, if ever, had come his Day; the Day of which he haddreamed inside his despised puppy-hood; the Day in which he could prove thatthe great dog man's confidence was not misplaced, and that the kid'sbelief was well founded.

At last they stood, every detail of equipment perfect, while "Scotty"glanced once more over his teeny kit in the sled; green veils for thedog's eyes should the glare of the sun prove too troublesome, littleblankets, canton flannel moccasins for their feet in case of sharp ice,and extra bits of harness--all stowed safely away, including his own furparka and water-tight boots.

Matt regarded the team critically, and while filled with a sobersatisfaction, was much relieved to hear that it had the unqualifiedapproval of the experts, David and Dan. "0f course Spot 'ud make aclassier leader, Dan, but I'm the only one that can really handle himyet, so I guess Baldy's best for Dad."

The Woman waited to give each dog a parting caress and a word ofencouragement. "Tom, Dick and Harry, remember you're the Veterans, andhave an honorable record to maintain; Irish and Rover, never forget thatyou _are_ Irish, and live up to all that it means; McMillan, it's yourchance to wipe out the past; and Baldy--well, Baldy, 'Scotty,' we all,trust you." And then she turned and pinned the last knot of purple andgold on Allan's breast, and her voice trembled as she exclaimed, "Success toour colors."

Through the narrow streets, gay with the fluttering streamers of theKennel Club platinum and green, they went. Banners and pennants shoneresplendent under the cloudless yellow of the April sky; and the crowds inhigh spirits and gala attire, eager and laughing, closed in upon themtill Baldy longed to howl in sheer fright, though howling in harness isstrictly forbidden by "Scotty," and would have been very out of keepingwith the august dignity of his position. He was appalled by such a solidmass of human beings--for of course the courts, schools, and businesshouses were all closed in honor of this important occasion; and probablythe only people in all of Nome not bending their steps toward thestarting place were those unavoidably detained in the hospital or jail.