CHAPTER XIV
IMMORTALS OF THE TRAIL
The brief summer was over. The flowers that had blossomed so freely and so brightly under fair skies and in ceaseless sunshine were gone; and in the air was the chill of the early Arctic winter.
The Woman shivered slightly in spite of her furs. There was excitement in the air.
Beside her, erect and soldierly, walked Captain Rene' Haas of the French Army, with a firm elastic tread that spoke of many marches.
He was talking earnestly with an enthusiasm that lighted up his keen dark eyes as with an inner fire.
"You see, there were many places last winter on the battle-front where horses, mules or motors could not be used; for the snow was too soft and deep, and the crust too thin. Many places where they needed just such a method of transportation as we of the North know so well,—dogs. I tried," modestly, "to show them a little of all that could be done, with a few that I trained casually. But I spoke much of the marvelous dogs of Alaska that I have learned to know and love so well in the past few years; of their intelligence, their endurance, and their almost incredible speed in the big races. My Government listened; and so I was sent to take back with me the pick of the whole North, though there will be many more from parts of Canada and Labrador."
"But not like ours of Nome," proudly replied the Woman.
"No, not like yours of Nome. That is why I am here. A hundred or more trained by Allan and other racing men will be worth a thousand ordinary recruits. Since he received my cable message telling my plans, 'Scotty' has assembled a splendid lot of team dogs for me, with a full equipment of sleds and harness; and even the dog salmon for the 'Commissary Department.'
"There is indeed but little left for me to do, as the outfit will be perfect now, with a few more experienced leaders."