As Rob had said, Uncle d.i.c.k took time here to do a little of his correspondence. He sent out a message by wire once more to the families of his companions, and to this added a letter which he said would go north to Valdez with the boys themselves, in case he himself received news at Skagway which would make it impossible for him to accompany them to their homes.

One letter he wrote to the company which had sent him as its representative into this northern country, in the following terms:

"GENTLEMEN,--I have arrived at the head of the rails on the Yukon to-day, completing the round from Edmonton to White Horse safely within the three months' estimate handed you.

"I have investigated the transportation possibilities in much of this upper country. It is possible that a railroad north from Athabasca Landing might for a time prove profitable. I do not myself believe to any extent in the agricultural possibilities of that upper country. A few men will be able to subsist there. Some grain can be raised in many of the valleys of that upper country. The seasons are, however, so short, and the difficulties of permanent settlement so many, that while in my estimation the railroad would be a benefit for a time to a few individuals, it would not be a profitable permanent enterprise far to the northward of its present terminus. I regard the Peace River valley as about its permanent agricultural north, although many traders and boomers may dispute that.

"As to the feasibility of a railway line connecting the Yukon to the Mackenzie, I can see no reason whatever for contemplating the matter seriously. In my pa.s.sage across the summit on the Rat Portage we found some squared timbers which had been prepared there with a view to laying a sort of tramway. The idea was long since abandoned by the Hudson's Bay Company, which once purposed it. I cannot say whether or not they intended to use steam transport. Since then the country has wholly lapsed into its original wild and bleak character. It is, in my opinion, and will and should remain, a wilderness. Its resources would not in any wise support any considerable transportation enterprise permanently.

"The companions who went with me on this trip report well and sound, and I commend them for the manner in which they withstood the hardships, at times very considerable.

"My subsequent and more complete report will be made at the offices of the Company at a later date.

"Respectfully submitted.

"RICHARD MCINTYRE."

The second letter was addressed to the mother of one of our young adventurers, and in this Uncle d.i.c.k wrote in rather less formal fashion:

"DEAR SISTER,--Here we are at the railroad, and within a couple of hours will be steaming out across the mountains for Skagway. All safe and sound. Never saw boys eat the way these do, and cannot say whether or not we will have enough money to get them home.

"Nothing much has happened since we left, as the cow-puncher said when he killed the ranch-manager in the owner's absence. We have made our trip around in two or three days'

less time than I had estimated, but, looking back over it, I cannot say just how it all happened. We certainly have been busy traveling. In ninety days we will have finished what is estimated to be 5,280 miles, under all sorts of transport--steam, paddle, sail, and good old North American foot-work.

"The boys are all safe and sound, bigger and better than when I took them over, so I don't see what you can say against your erring brother after this.

"How did the youngsters behave? Well, I'll tell you when I see you. They were fine, and that's all about it. They send their love, and so do I, and some or all of us will see you with the first boat north from Skagway. Rob has a full diary, and John a good sketch map, so they'll be loaded for you all right.

"Do I renew my promise never to take them on another trip?

Of course I remember that _promise_, but can I manage to keep it, now that these chaps are such good travelers? I don't know. Well, suppose we talk that over when we meet again?

"From your affectionate brother "d.i.c.k."

THE END