And the Yeah, Welcome back everyone to 1001 classic short stories and tales.

Today, a story from Jack London called Love of Life.

This is your host, John Hagenhorn, and this.

And now for our story. and this out of all will remain they have lived and have tossed so much of the game

will be gained 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. Head straps, 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 laying in that catch of iron, 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, vououchsafed 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 putting.

The man who followed slipped on a smooth boulder nearly fell, but recovered himself with a violent effort, at the same time utter in a sharp exclamation of pain.

He seemed faint and dizzy and put out his free hand while he reeled, as though seeking support against the air.

When he had steadied himself, he stepped forward, but reeled again and nearly fell.

...