worth somethin' in a race." The inactivity was becoming unbearable.
"George, if you and Ben'll get the dogs into harness, I'll go an' see
what's doin' with some of the others. It'll sort o' fill in time."

Ben and George hitched the dogs to the respective sleds after Spot, in
the exuberant joy of a prospective run, had dashed madly about, barking
boisterously, a thing absolutely prohibited in that well-ordered
household. "Scotty" and Matt refrained from all criticism of George's
leader, knowing that both the boy and dog were unduly excited by the
noisy, laughing groups surrounding them. Queen, while she waited with
very scant patience for the strange situation, diverted herself by
nipping viciously at any one who went past, and Baldy stood quiet and
different save when Ben Edwards was near, or "Scotty" spoke kindly to
him.

Mego's sons, as was natural with such a parent, and with Allan's
training since they were born, behaved with perfect propriety; and there
were many compliments for Dan's team, which manifested a polite interest
in the development of affairs.

Shortly Dan returned with somewhat encouraging information about the
rival teams.

"Bob's got three dogs better matched 'n yours as t' size," he remarked
judicially, "but his leader, old Nero, 's most twelve, you remember, 'nd
wants t' stop an' wag his tail, an' give his paw t' every kid that
speaks to him. Bill's got some bully pups, but his sled's no good; it's
his mother's kitchen chair nailed onto his skiis. Jimmie's team's a
peach, an' so's his sled; but Jim drives like a--like a girl," finished
Mr. Kelly scornfully, with the tone of one who disposes of that