half-breed.

That was an experience needing the stoutest heart. Through long dreary
months they faced the sub-arctic cold and fearful blizzards that swept
the wilderness, following silent trails over wide white wastes or
through the depths of dark forests, and falling upon many a wild
adventure that tried their mettle a hundred times. It was a man's job,
but they both made good, and that is something to be proud of--to make
good at the job you tackle.

Jamie had pluck too, but pluck alone could not save his eyes. The mist
thickened more rapidly than Doctor Joe had expected it would, and
there came a time when Jamie could scarcely see at all. Then it was
that Doctor Joe announced one day before the return of David and Andy
from the trails, that the operation could be no longer delayed if
Jamie's eyesight was to be saved, and that to attempt to delay it
until the ice cleared from the coast and the mail boat came to bear
him away to New York would be fatal.

After making this announcement, Doctor Joe revealed the fact that he
had once been a great eye surgeon. With Thomas's consent he offered to
perform the operation on Jamie's eyes. Thomas had unbounded faith in
his friend. Doctor Joe operated and Jamie's sight was saved.

In curing Jamie, Doctor Joe discovered that he himself was cured, and
that he was again in possession of all his former skill. It was quite
natural, therefore, that he should wish to resume the practice of
surgery. He was an indifferent trapper, and the living that he made
following the trails amounted to a bare existence. He decided,
therefore, that it was his duty to himself to return to the work for