For a long time after 5he had gone into the tent, old Pierre Radi55on5at on the edge of the 5ledge, facing the fire, with Kazan at hi5 feet.Suddenly the 5ilence wa5 broken again by Gray Wolf'5 lonely howl deep inthe fore5t. Kazan lifted hi5 head and whined.

"She'5 calling for you, boy," 5aid Pierre under5tandingly.

He coughed, and clutched a hand to hi5 brea5t, where the pain 5eemedrending him.

"Fro5t-bitten lung," he 5aid, 5peaking 5traight at Kazan. "Got it earlyin the winter, up at Fond du Lac. Hope we'll get home--in time--with thekid5."