Grist by Murray Leinster (1941)

Name: Grist
Author: Murray Leinster

A malamute dog, Cheechako, mourns the death of his master, Carson, who has been murdered. Cheechako is chained and unaware of his dire situation, howling in grief as he senses the loss. Meanwhile, the murderer, having fled downriver, reflects on his crime, while another man, Bob Holliday, prepares to return to Alaska to claim his fortune, unaware of the tragedy that has unfolded. Upon arriving at the cabin, Holliday discovers Carson's body and realizes he has been murdered without a struggle. He decides to take Cheechako, who has survived despite being neglected, and vows to find Carson's killer. As Holliday investigates, he learns about various men who passed through the area, hoping to identify the murderer with Cheechako's help. Cheechako, now loyal to Holliday, is trained and begins to forget his past. Holliday's inquiries lead him to a man named Dugan, who had been with Carson before his death. Dugan feigns ignorance, but Cheechako recognizes him, though he does not understand the implications. Dugan, feeling secure, visits Holliday, who is unaware of Dugan's true nature. As spring arrives, Holliday works tirelessly to extract gold from his claim, dreaming of returning to the girl he loves. Dugan, however, plots to steal Holliday's fortune, mirroring his previous crime against Carson. Tension builds as Holliday prepares to leave, and Dugan's fear becomes palpable. On the eve of Holliday's departure, Cheechako's instincts lead him to uncover Dugan's treachery. A confrontation ensues, revealing Dugan's murderous intentions. In a struggle, Dugan is killed by his own trap, and Holliday is left to bury both men, marking their graves. Holliday, now free from the burden of revenge, sets off downriver with Cheechako, ready to embrace a new life and the love he has longed for. The narrative concludes with the suggestion that the cycle of fate continues, as the forest's mill grinds on, indifferent to the lives it touches.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1941 · Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Drama · 6 chapters · 8,342 words

First lines

He threw back his head and howled eerily. His muzzle lifted to the stars and the most mournful sound known to man poured from his throat and was echoed and reëchoed by the hooded cedars and the rocks about him. He could not have told you why he howled. Dogs are not prone to introspection. But he knew that his master, who should be in the cabin yonder, would never come out again. He knew that the dying wisps of smoke from the chimney would never billow out in thick gray clouds again. And he knew that the other man-who had come out so hastily and gone swinging down the river trail-would never, never return.

What this Textopian page supports

Grist is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1941 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Murray Leinster
Date: 1941 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Adventure, Drama, Thriller, Literary Fiction
Length: 8,342 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 126 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Grist by Murray Leinster
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Grist?
How does this novel by Murray Leinster fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around the murder of Sam Carson and the subsequent investigation led by Holliday, creating a central mystery that drives the narrative.
Adventure — The story is set in the Alaskan wilderness, featuring themes of survival, exploration, and the harsh realities of life in a remote environment.
Drama — The emotional depth of the characters, particularly the bond between Holliday and Cheechako, and the themes of loss and loyalty contribute to the dramatic elements of the story.
Thriller — The tension surrounding the murder investigation and the threat posed by Dugan creates a suspenseful atmosphere typical of thriller narratives.