The newcomer was armed with a rifle. Johnny would stand little show with
him in a duel, good as his automatic was.

But the man came on with a jaunty swing that somehow was reassuring. Who
could he be? As he came close, he dropped his rifle on his sled and
approached with empty hands.

"I am Iyok-ok," he said in good English, at the same time thrusting out
his hand. "I was an American soldier, an Eskimo. Now I am going back to
my home at Cape Prince of Wales."

"You got your discharge easily," smiled Johnny.

"Not so easy, but I got it."

"Well, anyway, stranger," said Johnny gripping the other's hand, "I can
give you welcome, comrade. We are traveling the same way."

The Eskimo looked at Johnny's regulation army shoes as he said the word
comrade, but made no comment.

"Know anything about travel in such a country?" asked Johnny.

"Most things you need to know."

"Then you sure are welcome," Johnny declared. Then, as he looked at the
Eskimo closely there came to him a feeling that they had met before but
where and when he could not recall. He did not mention the fact, but
merely motioned the stranger to a seat on the sled while he dug into his
pack for a morsel of good cheer.