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London, Jack, 1876-1916

"The God of His Fathers: Tales of the Klondyke"


Don't fail me," he said to Sitka Charley, who dropped in with the advice
that only one dog was lacking to fill the bill, and that that one would
be forthcoming in an hour or so. "Here's the sack. There's the scales.
Weigh out your own dust and don't bother me. I've got to get ready for
the ball."
Sitka Charley weighed out his pay and departed, carrying with him a
letter to Loraine Lisznayi, the contents of which he correctly imagined
to refer to a meeting at the water-hole of the hospital, at midnight,
sharp.

IV

Twice Freda sent messengers up to the Barracks, where the dance was in
full swing, and as often they came back without answers. Then she did
what only Freda could do--put on her furs, masked her face, and went up
herself to the Governor's ball. Now there happened to be a custom--not
an original one by any means--to which the official clique had long since
become addicted. It was a very wise custom, for it furnished protection
to the womankind of the officials and gave greater selectness to their
revels. Whenever a masquerade was given, a committee was chosen, the
sole function of which was to stand by the door and peep beneath each and
every mask.


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