308 THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
every tone he was fast learning to watch. ? Truly, it was 
a wonderful evening altogether. 
Well, the blockade was raised, and the long railroad 
trip finished at last. But two of its passengers, at least, 
have agreed to enter upon a still longer journey. 
She says it all began when he came staggering in with 
his armful of wood and his blue mittens ; and he ? he 
doesn't care at all when it began. He only realizes the 
joy that has come to him, and believes that after a certain 
day next May it will be Christmas for him all the year 
round. 
The story was voted a success, and with many " good- 
nights " the company broke up to lie down and dream of 
the dear old Christmas Day of old, — and of home. 
At about midnight, Mrs. Button was aroused by a hand 
placed on her shoulder. 
" Lor, Mis' Button ! " chattered Chloe, who had awakened 
her, " I's mos' scaret to death, I am ! " 
" Why, what's the matter, Chloe ? " 
" Jes' you hark, ma'am ! — Dar — hear dat ? " 
Mrs. Button did hear it, and it made her flesh creep. 
It was a long, mournful howl, as sad and penetrating in 
its drawn-out notes as the wail of a lost soul. Another, 
and another, nearer than before. 
Carlo, who was spending the night in their hut, now 
began to growl. Looking out. they found him standing 
in the firelight, his hair bristling, and his teeth showing. 
