Grist

"Grist" by Murray Leinster is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. This story explores themes of loyalty, survival, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. It centers around the interwoven fates of a dog named Cheechako and his owner, as they grapple with the dangers and moral complexities of their environment. The plot begins with Cheechako howling in grief for his deceased master, Sam Carson, who has been murdered. Carson's partner, Bob Holliday, discovers the body and resolves to seek vengeance. Over time, Cheechako becomes loyal to Holliday, who nurtures the dog back to health. As Holliday investigates Carson's death, he encounters various characters, including Dugan, the man who actually killed Carson. The tension builds as Holliday uncovers Dugan’s deception, ultimately leading to a confrontation where Dugan's treachery unravels. In the end, betrayal is avenged, and Holliday, aided by Cheechako, finds a sense of closure, leaving the wilderness behind for a new beginning with the promise of rekindled love. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Murray Leinster was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.