"Another month and I'd be dead.

Isn't this a hell of a country ?" "I'm falling more in love with it at every breath, Gregson.

What's the matter?
Have you been sick ?" Gregson laughed as they turned toward the lighted building.

It was a short, nervous laugh, and with it he gave a curious sidewise glance at his companion's face.
"Sick ?--yes, sick of the job! If the old man hadn't sent us relief Thorne and I would have thrown up the whole thing in another four weeks.
I'll warrant you'll get your everlasting fill of log shanties and half-breeds and moose meat and this infernal snow and ice before spring comes.

But I don't want to discourage you." "Can't discourage me!" laughed Howland cheerfully.