"I wisht I was like that," muttered Danny gloomily. "That bein' happiest
when you're workin' hard must be great; but I guess it's only dogs an'
mebbe some men that's like that. I don't know o' any boys that's got
such feelin's."

[Illustration: NOME, ALASKA, FROM BERING SEA]

When the day of the Boys' Race arrived, a day clear, and beautiful, and
only a degree or two below zero, it seemed as if all of Nome had decided
to celebrate the momentous occasion; going in crowds to the starting
place, which was a broad, open thoroughfare on the outskirts of town.
Those especially interested in the individual teams gathered at the
various kennels to see the dogs harnessed and the young drivers prepared
for their test as trailsmen in the coming struggle.

It was Saturday, and a general holiday, and Ben's mother had given him
permission to go to the Kennel early; so that when George and Dan
arrived they found their dogs smooth and shining from the energetic
grooming that Ben had given them.

"It's awful good of you, Ben," said George appreciatively. "Danny an' me
came in plenty o' time t' do it ourselves, an' Matt said he'd help us
too; an' now you've got 'em lookin' finer'n silk. I'll bet even
Father'll say they're as fine as a Sweepstakes Team, an' he's mighty
partic'lar, I can tell you. But I don't see how you got Queen t' stand
for it."

"I talked to 'er jest the way you do, an' then walked straight up to 'er
so's she'd see I wasn't afeared. Moose Jones says it's no use tryin' t'