camp. Mum, Dad! Somebody's in our camp!'

The others followed after him.

 

They found Kodi standing in the middle of a shatterd wreckage. Only the sled was still in tack and hardly spoiled. Everything else had been torn. Baggage, clothes, blankets, Mr Ground's tent. All ruined.
 
  'What-what happend.'Tamill staring in horror at the ripped up remains of the tent and baggage. It was difficult to tell what type of creature it might have been. It had been snowing while they had been away, so it was no good looking for tracks The sled was tipped over, the baggage had been torn to shreds. Oddly theough, their were no sign of any claw-marks. 

It could of been anything, thought Tamill, Why oh why did we ever abandon our provisions 

Who did this?

He sniffed the air. But the scent was unfamiliar to him. 

  ' Who could of done this?' he whispered.

 

XVIII

 

  ' Dad.'

  ' What is it, Dingo?' asked Balto, moodily. It was nearing the end of the afternoon and the family were helping their driver clear up the remains of their camp. As for the unknown vandals, Aleu had solved that mystery. The scent from the teethmarks on the baggage belonged to a wolf. Balto thanked his lucky stars Aleu hadgone with them to the river. Otherwise, Rig might of been suspicious. But as the day drew towards the evening, Balto couldn't help wishing that someone had stayed to guard the camp. How could I let this happen, he asked himself.

It was in this gloomy state when Dingo approched him, followed by Saba. Both looked worried. Balto was in no mood to talk, but after stealing aglance at their anxious faces, he decided to meet whatever bad news it was, calmly. 
  ' What's wrong.'  

  ' They took the food supplies.' said his son.

  Balto frowned. He glanced at Rig who was collecting bits of the tent. He nodded to his son and daughter. 

  'Okay, listen.' he whispered.' You two go and find Aleu and all of you go and catch some food and bring it here. We'll keep him busy.'

Jenna had been listening. She called after them.
  'Come straight back, soon after you find something.'

Both mother and father watched them disappear, grimly. Balto looked at his mate, curiously.
  ' What is it, Jenna?' he asked, softly.

  ' It's nothing dear.'Jenna answered, hurriedly. She was silent for a momment.' Oh Balto, as much as I wish we knew who did this, I do hope we don't run into them,'

  ' I hope so too, Jen.' he looked over his side to where Rig stood. His arm resting on a tree, as he moodily kick some of the debris with his good leg. He looked angry, but glancing closely at his face Balto could see he was fighting back tears.

   ' I'll be back later.' Balto whispered to his mate, then very slowly approched Mr Ground. The musher stirred and turned his eyes away from the wreck to where his lead-dog stood. Balto halted and stared towering figure, his fury made Balto nervious. But dispite this, he sensed a sudden change in the man's manner. For a moment Mr Ground stood motionless, his eyes shinning, his teeth clenched in rage and pain. Now he seemed calm again. His whole frame relaxed. Rig reached down and patted him.

   ' Well, we are in a sorry state, Boy.' he tickled Balto's ear.

Balto smiled and licked his hand. Though it was surprised about this sudden change, he was not going to ruin the chances of setting things right for all of them. If they could collect whatever was left undamaged, they can continue on ahead of the other teams and hopfully stop by a nearby town and get fresh provisions there. Yet something had elavated Ground's mood and Balto wasn't sure what it was. Or wether he liked it.

He left him to his own thoughts.

Instead of rejoining Jenna, Balto walked up to the sled and frowned. Jenna who sat staring at him, stood up and padded to him. Sitting by his side, she waited patiantly. 
  'Jenna,' said Balto, and heaved a sigh.' I can't let this problem pass as inconviance.'

  'I would like to get my paws on whoever did this.'growled Tamill, approching the scene.
Balto shook his head sadly.
  'Whoever they were, covered their tracks very well. I doubt it was Steele.'
  
  'Maybe it was,'remarked Tamill, softly. Looking thoughtfully at the marks then causally up at the sky.'It would be worth knowing, but we should we let that bother us.'
  
  'What do you mean?'his father asked.
  
  'Just an idea, Dad.'he shrugged.'Anyway, we'll be fine if we keep to our routine.'

  'You have a point, there.'Balto nodded. Tamill was right. If they continued on, they would reach town first and gather fresh supplise.

  'Everyone,' he said aloud.' Get ready. We may be leaving soon. What's the matter, Jenna?' Balto asked his mate. 

 'Did you notice this weather.' she sighed, wearily.' I don't like the look of it.'

Balto's ears pricked. He turned to gaze up at the sky. There was light breeze but the sky was darkening. They had a few more miles to go, before they reached the mountains. Rig was determind to get to them before Sulski and Maximous reached the wood.  

   ' It will pass.' Balto smiled, comfortly.

They touched noses and then walked to were Rig Ground was standing. He was inspecting the teethmarks again with confusion. 

Balto growled to himself. What a pity they returned too late. Whoever did this, would of been dogmeat.

' They must be miles away, by now.' he said to Jenna.

' I hope so.' she answered. Her hope had turned to worry again. 

Balto nuzzled, guessing her thoughts.

' They will be fine. With Dingo and Aleu, they'll be fine.'

Jenna nodded, as they helped Rig pick up more of the wreckage.                                                              

Mr Ground had earlier noted Aleu's absence, but to Balto's surprise, he didn't question where they went. Instead, Rig gathered the rest of the team and attached them to the sled. As he was finishing with Balto, Dingo and the others reappeared their their catch.They had brought a rich portion of birds and rabbits, freshly killed. 

Though Mr Ground's face was stern as he lectured the young dogs, all could see plainly that he was touched they had brought more food for them. He had already known about the stolen supplise. The musher seemed enlivenend by this new provision. 

After everything was loaded and all the dogs were reined to sled, Rig brought out one of the flags. Thankfully, none of the markers had been destroyed, for Rig had been keeping them in a small, wooden chest. He left them to plant their flag.           

 

 XIX

 

While they waited, Saba looked around her. Her brothers, Tamill and Dingo were already squeezing through their reins. Saba wondered if she would ever have a chance to take the weight of the sled. She felt certain she could do it. It would make the journey to Anchorage a little interesting. She watched as the others ready themselves with their reins.

Why not 

Saba slipped past her sisters, towards the sled's nose. She stopped next to Tamill and whispered in his ear.
  ' Please, Let me have a go.' 

  ' What' cried Tam. Saba nipped his ear, warning him to be quiet. He clenched his teeth.' Are you serious?'

  
  ' Shhhhhhh. Yes. Go! Take my place. PLEASE!'

  
  ' But Saba....'

  ' No questions. Just go.'

  ' We're going to be in SO much trouble.' he muttered, slipping out of his reins and sneeking away. 

Chilla nudged his reins with her nose, flipped over her head and put them on. Nobody had noticed this move. Or so she thought.  

  ' Sabaaaaaaaaaaaa!' scowled Balto.

  ' Hey, look. I've been working for this.'

  
  ' SABA.' her father said.' NO! Now, get back to your place.'

  ' But Dad...'

 
  ' NOW!'

 
  ' Okay, kids. Lets get to it.'

Mr Ground had returned. 

Saba smiled. Now no one will stop her. 

As the Musher stepped onto the sled, Balto turned to check on his team. When his eyes rested on Saba, he shook his head.

   'Wait till we get to Anchorage.' he growled.

                                                                 

                                                                ***

 

Saba almost regreted her decsion. Hours after they left camp, her limbs began give way. She had expected the baggage to be heavy. But never thought she

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