? ? ? ? Then he espied Father Roubeau, who could not lie. 'A quarter of an hour ago,' the priest answered; 'but he had four hours' rest for himself and dogs.'
? ? ? ? 'Fifteen minutes' start, and he's fresh! My God!' The poor fellow staggered back, half fainting from exhaustion and disappointment, murmuring something about the run from Dawson in ten hours and the dogs being played out.
? ? ? ? Malemute Kid forced a mug of punch upon him; then he turned for the door, ordering the dog drivers to follow. But the warmth and promise of rest were too tempting, and they objected strenuously. The Kid was conversant with their French patois, and followed it anxiously.
? ? ? ? They swore that the dogs were gone up; that Siwash and Babette would have to be shot before the first mile was covered; that the rest were almost as bad; and that it would be better for all hands to rest up.
? ? ? ? 'Lend me five dogs?' he asked, turning to Malemute Kid.
? ? ? ? But the Kid shook his head.
? ? ? ? 'I'll sign a check on Captain Constantine for five thousand- here's my papers- I'm authorized to draw at my own discretion.'
? ? ? ? Again the silent refusal.
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