The Call of the North

by Stewart Edward White

"Hullo," he returned, and seated himself by the man's side, lazily stretching himself in enjoyment of the reflected heat.

"You is come off Kettle Portage, eh," said Achille, "I t'ink so.
You is come trade dose fur? Eet is bad beez-ness, dis Conjur'
House. Ole' man he no lak' dat you trade dose fur. He's very hard,
dat ole man."

"Yes," replied the stranger, "he has got to be, I suppose. This is the country of la Longue Traverse."

"I beleef you," responded Achille, cheerfully; "w'at you call heem your nam'?"

"Ned Trent."

"Me Achille—Achille Picard. I capitaine of dose dogs on dat winter brigade."

"It is a hard post. The winter travel is pretty tough."

"I beleef you."

"Better to take la Longue Traverse in summer, eh?"

"La Longue Traverse—hees not mattaire w'en yo tak heem."