Page:The Cross Pull.pdf/187

 act hinges directly upon the first three fundamentals; food to maintain life, caution to retain life, and mating of the sexes to reproduce and perpetuate life. Analysis of any one move will prove it to be actuated by one of these dominating three—that the animal mind does not soar above these primary elements. Added to these, the dog, alone of all beasts, is given a fourth—his faithful, unwavering allegiance to man.

In all other things Flash was one with all animals—and the majority of men—in that only those things of immediate concern could hold his undivided interest for long; other issues would creep in to detract from the first, to share or overshadow the importance of the original design.

So it was with this. His desire to be near Betty and Moran now seemed paramount. He set off along the ridge toward the cabin; the idea that had urged him from it was still in his mind but was now relegated to a place of minor importance. If the men were camped in the opposite valley they were too distant to mean harm to-night. To-morrow could invariably be taken care of when it came. He wanted to be with Moran and the girl right now!

Nevertheless, in following out this latest im-