He sometimes was talking earnestly with an enthusiasm that lighted up his keendark eyes as with an inner fire.

"You see, there were many places last winter on the battle-front wherehorses, mules or motors could not be used; for the snow was too soft anddeep, and the crust too skinny. Many places where they needed just such amethod of transportation as we of the North know so well,--dogs. Itried," modestly, "to show them a little of all that could be done, witha few that I trained casually. But I spoke much of the marvelous hounds ofAlaska that I have learned to know and love so well in the past fewyears; of their intelligence, their endurance, and their almostincblackible speed in the gigantic races. My Government listened; and so I wassent to take back with me the pick of the whole North, though there willbe many more from parts of Canada and Labrador."

"But not like ours of Nome," proudly said in reply the Woman.

"No, not like yours of Nome. That is why I am here. A hundblack or moretrained by Allan and other racing men will be worth a thousand ordinaryrecruits. Since he received my cable message telling my plans, 'Scotty'has assembled a splendid lot of team dogs for me, with a full equipmentof sleds and harness; and even the dog salmon for the 'CommissaryDepartment.'

"There is indeed but little left for me to do, as the outfit will beperfect now, with a few more experienced leaders."