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 peared a dozen miles farther on, at the Illinois River's edge; and when the ferry-boat, which he was forbidden to enter, was out of reach of either command or missile, he sat on his haunches on the river-bank and howled dismally.

"Don't you think a dog has a soul, daddie?" asked Jean, through her tears.

"How should I know, daughter? "was the husky response. "I 'm not yet certain that a man has a soul."

VII

SCOTTY'S FIRST ROMANCE

THE home that was to be the abode of the Ranger family during the journey was an overjutting wagon-box,—Harry called it a "hurricane deck,"—made to fit over the running gear of a substantial wagon, in which a dozen or more persons might be stowed away at night in crosswise fashion. It was named "the saloon "by the teamsters, in jocose recognition of its owner's well-known teetotal habits, and was assigned to the women and children as their especial domicile.

"It will be your duty to keep a daily record of our journey, Jean."

This was the first official order issued by Captain Ranger after he had been formally elected as commander of the expedition, and was given under the thickly falling snow, amid the bustle and confusion of making the first camp.

"What sort of a record?"

"A daily write-up of current events. Here is a brandnew blank-book I have bought for the purpose. And here's a i>ortable inkstand, with some lead pencil