He looked at her soft, exquisite face and figure, and grinned as he reflected that the work she could do was negligible; but the suggestion had its fascination. She was beautiful--and beautiful women were rare in the Klondyke. He opened the door of the shack and called "Tom!" Tom appeared in his shirt-sleeves--a big awry figure with a face like a chimpanzee. "Got a grub-staker. What do you say?" Tom's face relaxed into a smirking smile as he also took a long survey of Angela. "Canoe's purty full up, but I dare say we can find room. Where'd ye want to go?" "Anywhere out of this. Some place from where I can cable to England--for money." He looked at "Connie," the sallow man, and nodded. The latter turned to Angela. "We're off in the morning. Is that your grip?" "Yes." "Better leave it in the shack. There's a small room at the back you kin hev' to sleep in to-night." She thanked him and went inside the shack. Big bundles lay on the floor ready for the journey, and from the window in the back room she saw a long, newly made canoe. She put down her sack, and decided to get some food in the town with the few dollars she possessed, before taking refuge in the shack from Jim, who would doubtless return by the evening. When she returned the third man was present. She smiled at the three of them as pleasantly as she knew how, and repaired to the back room. She imagined Jim's amazement and wrath when he discovered she had gone. But it was extremely doubtful if he would find her in the short time that remained before her departure. Time passed slowly enough. From outside came the sound of low voices. She crept to the keyhole and saw her three future companions sitting round the rough table engrossed in a game of cards--poker. Close to hand were two bottles and three mugs. Now and again a low curse came to her ears. She began to wish the door possessed a lock and key! She went back to the mattress and endeavored to get to sleep, but her brain was too full of the impending adventure to permit its flight into unconsciousness. Moreover, the card party began to get boisterous. She wondered if they were going to keep it up all night. A few minutes later there was a loud crash. She sat up and heard fierce arguments proceeding from the inner room. All three of them were talking at once, and she could not hear any intelligent sentence, but it was all to do with the "deal." She went again to the keyhole just as they settled down again to play. To her amazement they were playing with matches. The big chimpanzee man, Tom, had a huge pile in front of him. In the center of the table was another pile. She saw Tom put down his cards and growl "Three Queens," picking up the matches in the pool with a triumphant laugh. "Last deal," said Connie. "Yep. It's between me and you, Connie, _but I guess she's mine_." "Chickens ain't hatched yet." "She ain't no chicken--she's peaches. Gee--some stake that!"