I'll trade you my share in the camp
outfit and mining-gear for the dogs. And I'll throw in my six or seven
ounces and the spare 45-90 with the ammunition. What d'ye say?"
The three men drew apart and conferred. When they returned, Sigmund
acted as spokesman. "We'll whack up fair with you, Hitchcock. In
everything you'll get your quarter-share, neither more nor less; and you
can take it or leave it. But we want the dogs as bad as you do, so you
get four, and that's all. If you don't want to take your share of the
outfit and gear, why, that's your lookout. If you want it, you can have
it; if you don't, leave it."
"The letter of the law," Hitchcock sneered. "But go ahead. I'm willing.
And hurry up. I can't get out of this camp and away from its vermin any
too quick."
The division was effected without further comment. He lashed his meagre
belongings upon one of the sleds, rounded in his four dogs, and harnessed
up. His portion of outfit and gear he did not touch, though he threw
onto the sled half a dozen dog harnesses, and challenged them with his
eyes to interfere. But they shrugged their shoulders and watched him
disappear in the forest.
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