3 io TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 



balancing bits of fowl on the tips, and throwing the 

 food into the waiting caverns in an abandon of relish. 

 A leaky lamp swung over the table, lighting up the 

 unwashed cloth and table cutlery of serviceable 

 design. 



The English shikari had allowed himself, in an un- 

 guarded moment, to be dragged into politics, and 

 was giving his opinion forcibly on the question of 

 American rule in the Philippines. 



" I advocate freedom of speech and action," he 

 said, upsetting a carafe of water over his immediate 

 part of the table in his excitement. " The country 

 is going to the dogs, to the dogs ! The policy of the 

 American Government is dFsastrous ! Presently a 

 blow will fall, a blow will fall " Here the rop- 

 ing of a tin box hanging on a nail behind the sports- 

 man gave way, and fell with a resounding crash to 

 the floor. 



It was a meal ! I did enjoy it. 



The professional gambler's wife greeted us as we 

 reached the deck. The clouds were banking up, and 

 little spurts of wind sped ominously through the 

 rigging. 



" I fancy it is going to rain," said Cecily politely, 

 as our cabin mate took a seat in our midst. 



"Got a bad pain? I don't wonder. Guess that 

 there chicken came to Alaska with the first pro- 

 spector." 



A crowded, uncomfortable trip enough, but the 

 elements were on the whole good to us, and we made 

 Seattle in excellent time. 



