they possessed were the four that remained in the revolver. As a
matter of fact this discovery did not disturb him greatly. At
close quarters he would prefer a good club to the pop-gun. Such a
club, in the event of a rush attack by the Eskimos, was an
important necessity, and he began looking about the cabin to see
what he could lay his hands on. He thought of the sapling cross-
pieces in Bram's bunk against the wall and tore one out. It was
four feet in length and as big around as his fist at one end while
at the other it tapered down so that he could grip it easily with
his hands.

"Now we're ready for them," he said, testing the poise and swing
of the club as he stood in the center of the room. "Unless they
burn us out they'll never get through that door. I'm promising you
that--s'elp me God I am, Celie!"

As she looked at him a flush burned in her cheeks. He was eager to
fight--it seemed to her that he was almost hoping for the attack
at the door. It made her splendidly unafraid, and suddenly she
laughed softly--a nervous, unexpected little laugh which she could
not hold back, and he turned quickly to catch the warm glow in her
eyes. Something went up into his throat as she stood there looking
at him like that. He had never seen any one quite so beautiful. He
dropped his club, and held out his hand.

"Let's shake, Celie," he said. "I'm mighty glad you understand--
we're pals."

Unhesitatingly she gave him her hand, and in spite of the fact
that death lurked outside they smiled into each other's eyes.