Wise old Tom, Dick and Harry, reluctant in the start, had saved
themselves until they were most needed; and were now steady and
reliable, as had been predicted--but they were not leaders for such a
trial as this. Irish and Rover were too inexperienced for so much
responsibility, Spot was too young, and McMillan too headstrong.
"Scotty" was without a leader.
Allan's consternation was echoed in Nome when the report of the mishap
was given out--"Allan practically no hope. Baldy down and out; no other
leader available. All other teams well ahead in good condition."
There was much diverse, and some heated, comment on the situation. But
above the general clamor rose the strident tones of Black Mart, alluding
with manifest satisfaction to the fact that Baldy was certainly proving
himself a "quitter" now.
"Baldy may be lame, but he is not a quitter," denied the Woman
wrathfully. "Besides, this race is never won--nor lost--till the first
team is in," and she turned to comfort Ben Edwards.
He had been suddenly roused from happy thoughts by this disconcerting
news. From his eyes there faded the glorious vision of the great
University beside the Golden Gate; of the rose-covered cottage where his
mother would have only pleasant things to do; of Moose Jones in a shiny
hat and tailed coat receiving the plaudits of a whole State for his
princely gifts to its chosen seat of learning--the vision of his own
success laid upon the altar of love and gratitude.
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