250 TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 



big, and able to fend for themselves under any 

 conditions. 



I watched the parent birds for hours, as with 

 mighty sweeps they cleft the air, circling with 

 scarcely moving pinions over infinite space, magnifi- 

 cent creatures of the rugged cliffs. I never saw the 

 young ones make any attempt to fly. They simply 

 sat there, Micawber-like, and waited for something 

 to turn up. 



The second evening after the accident as we sat 

 by a small wood fire it had to be small because the 

 men grumbled so at hauling wood such a distance 

 overlooking a scene of grandeur which baffles de- 

 scription, our host suggested a game of cards. 

 Poker ! I fairly trembled. I frequently cheat at 

 cards, either to end the game, or from sheer lack of 

 interest, and almost invariably revoke. If it is 

 possible to revoke at poker I should do so, without 

 a doubt. It really was not safe. Whatever might 

 not the consequences be I 



I said very firmly but politely that unfortunately 

 I do not play cards, and as for the Leader, it was a 

 standing joke that he did not know one card from 

 another. 



" Read, then," commanded this extraordinary 

 being, " read out of that book you carry in your 

 pocket." 



I drew out my Shakespeare, and obediently set to 

 work on Julius Ccesar. My audience said that 

 Julius Caesar " fairly beat the band," whatever that 

 might mean. It was appreciative though, for 

 presently he would know if "Julius," as he called 



