The White Silence
\'Carmen won\'t last more than a couple of days.\' Mason spat out a
chunk of ice and surveyed the poor animal ruefully, then put her foot in his
mouth and proceeded to bite out the ice which clustered cruelly between
the toes.
\'I never saw a dog with a highfalutin\' name that ever was worth a rap,\'
he said, as he concluded his task and shoved her aside. \'They just fade
away and die under the responsibility. Did ye ever see one go wrong with
a sensible name like Cassiar, Siwash, or Husky? No, sir! Take a look at
Shookum here, he\'s--\' Snap! The lean brute flashed up, the white teeth just
missing Mason\'s throat.
\'Ye will, will ye?\' A shrewd clout behind the ear with the butt of the
dog whip stretched the animal in the snow, quivering softly, a yellow
slaver dripping from its fangs.