until the dawn of the brilliant sunshine and pleasant warmth of May,
there come the Dog Days of Nome. Days that are heralded by an increased
activity in dog circles, a mysterious fascination that weaves itself
about all prospective entries to the races, and the introduction of a
strange dialect called "Deep Dog Dope," which is the popular means of
communication between all people regardless of age, sex or
nationality--from the Federal Judge on the Bench to the tiniest tots in
Kindergarten.

The town gives itself up completely to the gripping intensities and
ardors of this period when all dog men assemble in appropriate places to
talk over the prospects of the coming Racing Season. Accordingly George
and Danny were in the habit of meeting in the Kennel, each afternoon, to
consider the burning questions of the hour, with all of the certain
knowledge and wide experience that belonged to their mature years--for
George and Danny were seven and eight respectively.

Often Ben, whose mother had obtained work in town so that he might go to
school regularly, joined in these important discussions; and while
somewhat older than his companions, he greatly enjoyed being with them,
for they were manly little fellows and had picked up much valuable dog
lore from "Scotty" and Matt.

The Woman, too, for no apparent reason, was frequently at these serious
conclaves, and was apt to voice rather trifling views on the weighty
matters in debate. George felt that she was entitled only to the
courteous toleration one accords the weaker sex in matters too deep for
their inconsequent minds to grasp fully; for even if she was his
father's racing partner, she had openly acknowledged that she considered
dogs a pastime, and not a life study, which naturally proved her mental