He carried a pack, and six
dogs trailed at his heels. It was Jan Thoreau.
"I have been down to civilization," was his explanation. "I have
returned to spend this winter at Lac Bain."
CHAPTER XXIV
THE RESCUE
On the first snow came young Dixon from Fort Churchill. Jean de
Gravois met him on the trail near Ledoq's. When the Englishman
recognized the little Frenchman he leaped from his sledge and advanced
with outstretched hand, his face lighting up with pleasure.
"Bless me, if it isn't my old friend, Jean!" he cried. "I was just
thinking of you, Gravois, and how you trimmed me to a finish two
winters ago. I've learned a lot about you people up here in the snows
since then, and I'll never do anything like that again." He laughed
into Jean's face as they shook hands, and his voice was filled with
unbounded sincerity. "How is Mrs. Gravois, and the little Gravois--and
Melisse?" he added, before Jean had spoken.
"All well, M'seur Dixon," replied Jean. "Only the little Gravois have
almost grown into a man and woman."
An hour or so later he said to Iowaka:
"I can't help liking this man Dixon, and yet I don't want to. Why is
it, do you suppose?"
"Is it because you are afraid that Melisse will like him?" asked his
wife, smiling over her shoulder.
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