The Purple Flame

sition and spread apart like the pole of an Indian's tepee. Canvas was spread over this circle of poles. That there might be more room in the tent, curved willow branches were lashed to the poles. T

as surrounded on all four sides and above by a second lining of deerskin. This platform formed the floor and t

wind howling about the igloo, this room was warm as toast. With the sleeping bag for a bed, and

about her cousin's neck, Marian lay that night

cousin's neck in an affectionate hug, "would you be terri

ong?" Pats

one never knows. Things happen. There are blizzards; rivers can no

wly, "with Attatak here I

. He'd be more help; but at a time like this he can't leave the herd. He's absolutely faithful-would give his life f

tsy suddenly. "Is-is the purple f

may be killing our deer, but we haven't caught them at i

you-where ar

ber the radio message we picked up three days ago-the on

ours listening in on the compact but powerful radio

said, "I

say he was

e 5

h. And Siman's is the spot on the Nome-Fairbanks trail that is neare

uld you?" pe

they were facing, the almost certain loss of thei

a single chance. We might as well-as well-" there was a catch in her voice-"as well make Scarberry a present of our herd and go on our way back to Nome. We'd be flat broke; not a penny in the world! And father-father wou

n was beginning to think that Patsy had gone to sleep. Then

can to keep that thief and his deer off our range

lood was up. At such a time

Marian gave her a rousing hug, then whis

w. I must be aw