LOVE OF LIFE AND OTHER STORIES

by Jack London

LOVE OF LIFE

"This out of all will remain -

They have lived and have tossed:

So much of the game will be gain,

Though the gold of the dice has been lost."

THEY limped painfully down the bank, and once the foremost of the

two men staggered among the rough-strewn rocks. They were tired

and weak, and their faces had the drawn expression of patience

which comes of hardship long endured. They were heavily burdened

with blanket packs which were strapped to their shoulders. Headstraps,

passing across the forehead, helped support these packs.

Each man carried a rifle. They walked in a stooped posture, the

shoulders well forward, the head still farther forward, the eyes

bent upon the ground.

"I wish we had just about two of them cartridges that's layin' in

that cache of ourn," said the second man.

His voice was utterly and drearily expressionless. He spoke

without enthusiasm; and the first man, limping into the milky

stream that foamed over the rocks, vouchsafed no reply.

The other man followed at his heels. They did not remove their

foot-gear, though the water was icy cold - so cold that their

ankles ached and their feet went numb. In places the water dashed

against their knees, and both men staggered for footing.