A Woman Who Went—To Alaska                  13
Ropes and straps were flung about the floor, Ibags thrown with bunches of keys promiscuously, while transfer men perspiring from every pore tumbled great mountains of luggage hither and thither.
Two ponderous Germans there were, who, in checked steamer caps enveloped in cigar smoke of the best brand, protested vigorously at the opening of their trunks by the officers, but their protests seemed only the more to whet the appetites of these dignitaries. The big Germans had their revenge, however. In the box of one of these men was found with other things a lot of Limburger cheese, the pungent odor of which drove the women screaming to the doors, and men protesting indignantly after them; while those unable to reach the air prayed earnestly for a good stiff breeze off Lynn Canal to revive them. The Germans laughed till tears ran down their cheeks, and cheerfully paid the duty imposed.
Skagway was interesting chiefly fro'm its historical associations as a port where so many struggling men had landed, suffered and passed on over that trail of hardship and blood two years before.
Our little narrow guage coaches were crowded to their utmost, men standing in aisles and on platforms, and sitting upon wood boxes and hand luggage near the doors.
It was- July, and the sight of fresh fruit in the Hands of those lunching in the next seat almost brought tears to my eyes, for we were now going