It'll count in the long run." Mukoki grunted his approval of the driver's words and Rod at once began gathering more fuel for the fire.

The temporary camp was soon a scene of the liveliest activity.

While the courier unpacked his provisions, Mukoki and Wabigoon assembled the teams and proceeded to select three of the best of their own animals to put in harness with those of the Hudson Bay mail.

The dogs from Wabinosh House were wildly famished and at the sight and odor of the great piece of meat which the courier began cutting up for them they set up a snarling and snapping of jaws, and began fighting indiscriminately among themselves until the voices of their human companions were almost drowned in the tumult.

A full pound of the meat was given to each dog, and other pieces of it were suspended over beds of coals drawn out from the big fire.