This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

were leading by five miles and each put forth every effort to be first in.

With whip and voice the splendid teams were urged forward. The dogs were running with tongues out and with considerable effort, but their reckless drivers did not heed these warning signs.

Mile after mile they urged them to the limit. The sleds bumped and whined over the frosty snow. The men either ran at the gee pole or lay prone upon the sled, calling continually to the teams to increase the pace. But neither could gain upon the other, although the Huskies were in the better condition, the showy Wolf hounds of Wellington were nearly all in. Finally as a climax to this folly when about a mile from the stopping place the teams, which were running almost side by side, became infuriated and the lead dogs flew at each other's throats and the rest of the teams followed suit. Buck and Harry each thought that the other had given the word for the battle so a lively fist fight ensued.