d in the chase--for he
had watched the entire proceeding with disapproving eyes, and was only
waiting for a little encouragement to help administer the punishment
that Oolik so richly merited.

But that proud descendant of Viking Dogs, once behind his own fence,
ostentatiously dragged the stolen one by a leg into a corner; and,
seated in front of his victim, growled defiance in the very faces of the
brave Knights who were attempting the rescue.

"George, you take the doll when I sic Baldy onto Oolik, and give it to
the kid, an' come back quick. Believe me, it's goin' t' be a scrap worth
seem' when those two dogs really get woke up to' it. I'll bet Baldy is
pretty keen in a row if he thinks he's right; an' even if Oolik is too
good lookin', you know Amundsen said his mother was the best dog he ever
had, an' that's goin' some for a man like him."

Before the plans for the combat could be completed, however, Helen
Lomen came out, overcome with regret for the tragedy, to lead Oolik into
the house in disgrace. She was anxious to make restitution for any
damage; but a close examination revealed the fact that there was no
wound that a bit of glue would not easily cure, and the only real hurt
was that given to the feelings of insulted motherhood.

The Woman was visibly relieved at the turn affairs had taken; for she
had a purely feminine dread of dog fights, and had frequently stopped
some that would have been of most thrilling interest in deciding certain
important questions.

In an undertone the boys spoke of the vagaries of the gentler sex, and
frankly admitted "they were sure hard t' understand," while the Woman
tried unsuccessfully to make Baldy carry a small package.

"Do you think she'll ever learn," asked George rather hopelessly, "that
a sled dog's got no use for little stunts like that? His mind's got t'
be on bigger things."

"Here we are," called Dan, as they stopped before a tiny cabin almost
snowed in, with a deep cut leading up to the front door.

A thin, pale-faced woman, with a pleasant manner, answered the knock.

"Mrs. Edwards, we've come to surprise Ben. May we see him?"

Ben's mother ushered them all, Baldy included, into a room plainly
furnished, but neat and home-like.

"This must be Ben's day for surprises, for this morning Mr. Jones
arrived from St. Michael."

"Here's Moose, that I've bin tellin' you about so much," and Ben, from a
couch, nodded happily toward the large man who rose from a