Buck covered with wounds. He drew him to the fire and by its light
pointed them out.
Dat Spitz fight lak hell, said Perrault, as he surveyed the gaping
rips and cuts.
An dat Buck fight lak two hells, was Francois s answer. An now we
make good time. No more Spitz, no more trouble, sure.
While Perrault packed the camp outfit and loaded the sled, the
dog-driver proceeded to harness the dogs. Buck trotted up to the place
Spitz would have occupied as leader; but Francois, not noticing him,
brought Sol-leks to the coveted position. In his judgment, Sol-leks was
the best lead-dog left. Buck sprang upon Sol-leks in a fury, driving
him back and standing in his place.
Eh? eh? Francois cried, slapping his thighs gleefully. Look at dat
Buck. Heem keel dat Spitz, heem t ink to take de job.
Go way, Chook! he cried, but Buck refused to budge.
He took Buck by the scruff of the neck, and though the dog growled
threateningly, dragged him to one side and replaced Sol-leks. The old
dog did not like it, and showed plainly that he was afraid of Buck.
Francois was obdurate, but when he turned his back Buck again displaced
Sol-leks, who was not at all unwilling to go.
Francois was angry. Now, by Gar, I feex you! he cried, coming back
with a heavy club in his hand.
Buck remembered the man in the red sweater, and retreated slowly; nor
did he attempt to charge in when Sol-leks was once more brought
forward. But he circled just beyond the range of the club, snarling
with bitterness and rage; and while he circled he watched the club so
as to dodge it if thrown by Francois, for he was become wise in the way
of clubs. The driver went about his work, and he called to Buck when he
was ready to put him in his old place in front of Dave. Buck retreated
two or three steps. Francois followed him up, whereupon he again
retreated. After some time of this, Francois threw down the club,
thinking that Buck feared a thrashing. But Buck was in open revolt. He
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