The Klondiker's face took on a contemptuous expression as he said
finally, "I reckon there's nothin' in sight to prevent me takin'
the dog right here an' now."

Walt's face reddened, and the striking-muscles of his arms and
shoulders seemed to stiffen and grow tense. His wife fluttered
apprehensively into the breach.

"Maybe Mr. Miller is right", she said. "I am afraid that he is.
Wolf does seem to know him, and certainly he answers to the name of
'Brown.' He made friends with him instantly, and you know that's
something he never did with anybody before. Besides, look at the
way he barked. He was just bursting with joy Joy over what?
Without doubt at finding Mr. Miller."

Walt's striking-muscles relaxed, and his shoulders seemed to droop
with hopelessness.

"I guess you're right, Madge," he said. "Wolf isn't Wolf, but
Brown, and he must belong to Mr. Miller."

"Perhaps Mr. Miller will sell him," she suggested. "We can buy
him."

Skiff Miller shook his head, no longer belligerent, but kindly,
quick to be generous in response to generousness.

"I had five dogs," he said, casting about for the easiest way to
temper his refusal. "He was the leader. They was the crack team