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I-^THROH Company ^// ri£:Ais reserved. -ii CONTENTS I. Himself and his Home . n. A Brush with the Bison HI. The rival Establishment IV. Kidnaped V. In Captivity . VI. To the Rescue VII. Winter at Fort Chipewyan VIII. Fire and Famine . IX. Moose Hunt . X. The Return in Triumph XI. Summer at Fort Chipewyan XII. Lessons not to be forgotten XIII. Expedition to Great Slave Lake XIV. At Great Slave Lake . XV. The Portage of the Drowned XVI. Archie to the Rescue . XVII. The End of Miles McDougal IVIII. Archie Realizes his Desires I i6 30 44 60 74 89 103 117 132 146 160 174 188 202 217 232 247 / ': ^m I, y I A> t'(i I. '/ eyes and : year and ] wilde A was 1 joy t< any f son £ place his p; of tt comn ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. CHAPTER I. H HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. E was but a few years younger than the century, having first opened the big gray eyes that were afterward to see so many strange and stirring scenes, in the month of May, of the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four, in the very heart of the vast northern wilderness of Canada. A remarkable mingling of race and character was this baby boy, whose advent brought great joy to Fort Chipewyan, and upon whom, without any formal baptismal service — for priest and par- son alike were quite unknown in that far-away place — the name of Archibald was conferred by his proud father, Mr. Donald McKenzie, an official of the great Northwest Fur Company, and in command of the fort already mentioned. ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. / <4i '4 hO \i ii ) I' If there is anything in a name, one need have no difficulty in settling what nation little Archie's father belonged to ; and you had only to take a good look at him to see that his name fitted him all right, for he was a Scotchman in every line of his face and turn of his body. They called him ** Big Donald " in the Northwest, for he stood full six feet high, and was so stout of limb, broad of shoulder and deep of chest that exertion seemed to fatigue him no more than danger appalled him. He had not a handsome face, but better than that, a transparently frank, honest one, and with his shaggy eyebrows, heavy moustache and dense brown beard, from whose midst issued a voice of startling depth and volume, commanded universal respect among the voyageiirs bois bruises (half- breeds) and Indians that formed the subjects of his realm. For the factor of an important fort in those days held little short of regal sway over the men that were under him, and the Indians that came to barter their precious peltries for his beads, and blankets, and kettles, and hatchets. He was responsible only to the company, whose head- quarters were at Montreal, thousands of miles distant, and, so long as the number of packs sent yearly from his district showed no falling off, he could do pretty much as he liked without inter- ference from anybody. Donald McKenzie had sailed across from Scot- land in th but 1 clear treal who Nort they imag script minec diffici pany sturdy have and tl Ham, tentere be on until I with { I reputa i As ^1 down Lbetwei tains, fQu'Ai I posts |mense lacquai HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. ed have \rchie*s ' take a ted him ^ line of led him ood full )road of seemed ed him. er than nd with d dense voice of niversal \s (half- jects of those he men It came beads, He was head- f miles ks sent off, he t inter- Scot- land when just out of his teens, to make his way in the New World as best he might with nothing but keen wits, strong hands, a brave heart and a clear conscience to help him. Meeting in Mon- treal with a brother Scot, a few years his senior, who had been some time in the employ of the Northwest Fur Company, or " Nor'westers " as they were generally called, and who stirred his imagination and ambition alike by graphic de- scriptions of life with the fur traders, he deter- mined to enlist in the same service. He had no difficulty in obtaining an engagement. The com- pany was composed mainly of Scotchmen, and so sturdy and promising a fellow-countryman did not have to go begging. He was accepted on sight, and that same summer dispatched to Fort Wil- liam, at the far end of Lake Superior, where he entered upon the life in which his career was to be one of thrilling experience and steady success until the brown beard was plentifully streaked with gray, and he could honorably retire rich in ^reputation and in purse also. As junior clerk Donald had traveled up and [down a large portion of the wilderness lying ^between Lake Superior and the Rocky Moun- tains, remaining for a time at Fort Pembina, Fort Qu'Appelle, Moose Fort, and others of the many i posts scattered by the company over this im- mense territory, until he had become thoroughly i acquainted with the workings of the fur trade, and A ». I! 4 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. the wiles of the Indians, with whom it was carried on. Then he was appointed to a permanent posi- tion at Fort Chipewyan on the shore of mighty Lake Athabasca, and, little more than a year before Archie arrived, had through his sterling good qualities reached the important and respon- sible position of factor of the fort, so that his ultimate promotion to a partnership in the com- pany was only a question of time. When once he could consider himself settled, it might be for a score of years, he very wisely looked about him for a companion and helpmate. It need hardly be explained that he had a very limited range of choice in making his selection. There was no such tiling as society in the ordi- nary sense of the term at the fort. The tide of settlement had not yet touched those continuous wilds which the two great fur companies sought jealously to keep for themselves as a fur preserve, but which were destined to be the home of mil- lions. Besides the employes of the company, a few enterprising spirits who ventured to do a little trading and trapping on their own account, and the Indians, whose lodges and wigwams were scattered at wide intervals over the rolling plains, or hidden among the depths of the forests, there was no other human life. But fortune favored Donald McKenzie, and sent him a good wife, nevertheless. He had not been long on the lookout when there came to the fort a longi eem( f ^^' |fean pavin HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. 5 Ls carried ent posi- ►f mighty n a year 3 sterling d respon- ) that his the corn- settled, it ;ry wisely helptnate. lad a very i selection, n the ordi- The tide of continuous lies sought ir preserve, )me of mil- company, a do a little :count, and wams were Uing plains, >rests, there :ie, and sent id not been :o the fort a Jt hardy voyageur^ having with him his wife and - daughter, and no sooner had the clerk's eyes fallen upon the latter than he said to himself with . an exultant chuckle : " Heck ! Donald, lad, but she's a braw one. It's doing your best to get her you must be," and with his customary prompt- ness and resolution, he set about the business forthwith. Donald's enthusiasm was not without good cause, for Virginie Latour possessed no ordinary share of beauty. Her father Jean Baptiste, as \ was very usual at that time, had taken him to wife I the dusky belle of a Cree encampment, and she I had borne him this one child, in whose face and I form were happily united the best qualities of I both parents. As fair of skin as her father, she ■ had the regular features and lithe graceful figure jof her mother, while in her character were blended Uhe child-like buoyancy of the voyageur^ and the « grave dignity of the Indian. Arrayed in her I picturesque buckskin costume, richly adorned iwith beads and spangles, and bearing herself as proudly as though she were a princess, Virginie would have made a marked impression in any [social circle, and to the warm-hearted Donald, longing for the grace of feminine society, she jeemed a veritable vision of beauty. His wooing was short, but satisfactory. Shrewd [ean Baptiste fully recognized the advanta<;e of laving the head of a fort for a son-in-law, while ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. A .r1?l Virginia on her part had not to look long with her splendid brown eyes upon ** Big Donald " to make up her mind that he was immeasurably superior to any of the young voyageurs or bois bruUes who, in the ordinary course of things, would most prob- ably be her fate. So they took each other for better or worse ; the marriage service, in default of a minister, con- sisting simply of Donald acknowledging Virginie to be his wife, in the presence of her parents and of his subordinates. The union proved to be a very happy one ; Donald grew increasingly fond of his wife, and if Virginie did at times betray the quick temper that she got from her father, or the tendency to sullen sulking that came from her mother, when she could not have her own way about something, why, the big Scotchman just thought to himself that it was the way of women-folk to ** gang a- gley " now and then, and, instead of giving back hot words, closed his lips firmly over his tongue, and went away. And then, so sure as he did, when, perhaps, he was sitting at his desk, poring over his ledger, or consoling himself with a pipe in a quiet corner, there would come a gentle step behind him, which, although his keen ears heard it well, he pretended not to notice, and presently a little brown hand would be laid upon his shoul- der, and a soft voice would murmur pleadingly in a quaint patois, half-French, half-Indian : n HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. yith her to make superior ies who, )st prob- • worse ; ter, con- Virginie ents and ipy one ; fe, and if nper that to sullen hen she mething, himself gang a- ing back 5 tongue, he did, , poring h a pipe intle step rs heard resently is shoul- ingly in " Donald, my dear, do you love me still ? " Then the answer came quick, and left no doubt as to its sincerity, and the cloud would vanish, and all would be sunshine again in the McKenzie household. I It was a proud and happy time for both when ti.ey entered into the dignity of parenthood ; and as little Archie throve and developed, their joy in him increased without a shadow to mar it, for the kind fairy that bestows good health was not be- hind the gracious Giver of good looks, and neither measles, whooping-cough, croup, mumps, nor any other of the ordeals through which the average boy has to pass nowadays, disturbed the serenity of Archie's cradle. By the time he was ten years old, he stood but a few inches short of five feet in height, and was the very picture of health and heartiness. Three different races were represented in him, and he showed some of the most striking traits of each. The bright frank face, the firm mouth, the steadfast purpose were as clearly Scotch as the J merry laugh, the love of music, the fondness for /jdress were French, and the piercing eye, the acute |ear, and the wild passion for ou*"-door sports were I Indian in their source. I In like manner did he share in some of the fail- [ings of his strangely-mixed parentage, for he could [be as obstinate as any Scotchman, as excitable as [any Frenchman, and as jealous as any Indian, and 8 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. ;/ 1 /"Vi I ; >\ >! altogether was a sort of a boy that it would have sorely puzzled the common run of parents under ordinary circumstances to deal with, but who, away up at Fort Chipewyan, in the midst of a life that was anything but ordinary, and with the firm hand of a father who brooked no disobedience controlling him, gave every promise of growing up into a worthy manhood. It must not be forgotten that ere he was quite half-way to the ten years already mentioned, a little sister appeared upon the scene to divide the affection that he had been r.onopolizing, or, as the saying is, to put his nose out of joint ; and our young gentleman resented this intrusion so warmly that it positively was not safe to leave him alone with tiny Rose-Marie. He would attack her instantly ; once, indeed, he came very near ridding himself of his rival by tumbling her cradle over on top of her. When he grew older, however, his childish dis- like disappeared, and he became as fond of his sister, who was just a comical little copy of her mother, as he had been jealous of her ; playing happily with her all day long, and taking such good care of the wee one as to prove a real help to Mrs. McKenzie. And now it is full time to tell something about the home in which these young folks were growing up. Fort Chipewyan still exists, and to find it you must take a good map of the Dominion of JO z mid have nts under but who, t of a life 1 the firm obedience f growing ; was quite ;ntioned, a divide the ;ing, or, as joint ; and ntrusion so fe to leave He would came very mbling her Ihildish dis- Eond of his :opy of her ;r ; playing taking such a real help kthing about |ere growing to find it lominion oi y. ; <6 iCanj HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. Canada, and look right into the heart of the vast egion called the Northwest Territories. There ou will not'ce an immense lake bearing the ndian name of Athabasca, and at the south- estern end of this lake, occupying a command- ng position upon a promontory that juts out from he northern shore into the cold blue water is jthe fort, which has been for nearly one hundred years one of the most important centers of the fur trade. To the traveler approaching it, after having %een for weeks accustomed to nothing bigger than a wigwam, the fort presented a very impos- ing appearance. First of all, there was a palisade lof huge pickets with sharpened points whose ^wenty feet of height made it impossible to scale fwithout ladders. This stood in the form of a Isquare, the sides of which were not less than one undred yards in length. At each corner frowned bastion marked with loop-holes for m'uskets, while bove the gates, of which there were two, one fac- ing the lake, and the other the land, rose lofty llookout towers that enabled the sentinels upon .them to see everything within the radius of many iles. Inside the square, and arranged so as to make he best of the space at hand, were ranged the uildings which housed the factor and his family, he two clerks who assisted him, the postmaster, interpreters and voyageurs and other employes. 10 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. ■ ^\ and finally the store and warehouses, all built in the strongest manner of logs, and looking very rough, but very solid. In front of the factor's house stood a flag-pole from which, on especial occasions, the flag of old England would flaunt upon the breeze. In mid winter, when all hands were at home, the garrison of the fort comprised some fifty men; Scotch, French and half-breeds — many of them with families ; and to keep all these in good be- havior, seeing how apt they were to proceed from argument to blows, when they had nothing else to do, required no small address and determination on the part of the factor. But so firm and just a hand did he keep over them, that there was not a better ordered post in the country than Chipe- wyan, nor one whose chief was in better favor. Not only because he was the factor's son, and it was, therefore, good policy, but because they all liked him for himself, the men made very much of Archie, and did their best to spoil him. He was always eager to be in their company, and his father, intending as he did that he should follow in his footsteps, put no restraint upon him, for the earlier he began to learn the life of a fur trader, the more thoroughly would he master it. The consequence was that at an age when the ordinary city boy would be thought a wonder if he could catch a ball fairly well, or ride a pony without falling off, this child of the wilderness could Iquiri a can No lectec younf Cred iph 1 "■""^•« HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. II 11 built in king very e factor's n especial uld Haunt home, the fifty men; y of them 1 good be- ceed from ing else to ermination and just a e was not an Chipe- favor, son, and se they all ^ery much him. He r, and his uld follow m, for the fur trader, when the wonder if le a pony ilderness could swim like a duck, ride like an Indian, hit a iquirrcl with an arrow at thirty yards, and paddle a canoe like a voyageur, \ Nor had his education in other ways been neg- fected. His father had been a good scholar in his young days, and among the treasures he had gath- ered about him since coming into the Northwest were a number of volumes of fiction, poetry, his- tory, science and theolog), which were a source of never-failing pleasure to him, and the contents of Irhich he took delight in imparting to Archie, l|^ho proved an apt scholar, being able to read well when but eight years old, and enjoying very much t)is father's enthusiastic teaching. j For this schooling there was plenty of time in ^e long cold winters, when the factor spent most his days in the bosom of his family, and when metimes for a whole week no one who could iossibly help it would think of venturing out of ioors, so intense would be the cold, and so fierce i|ie gales that blew about Chipewyan. Then would pe trappers and voyageurs gather about the roar- ^g fires and while away the hours in thrilling les of hair-breadth escapes, and mighty exploits which the Indian, the bear, the buffalo and the k always got the worst of it in the end, and hich made Archie's blood bound in his veins as longed for the day whei he could take his ace among these heroes, and endure and tri- iph with them. ''H 1:2 AUrmi' UK ATllAMASi A. ,\ ** O, falluM ! wlirn will I I>p hit; rnnn:',li (n |mi with von?** ho oxrlniniod Inn};in}'Jv, ono »l;iy, us thr iiu(t>! \VM3 aliotit R(Mlin^ inilh on ono <»! Iiis jo\nnovs '\\\ (picst of Imliiin OMinp.q whoro Inr; nii^ht l>o fonntl. " Whon will yon ho hi^; onon^;h, Aichio ? Wrll, \v{ \\)C i^Ci\** lospotnh^tl his ialhoi wilh ;\ sniih' ; iwu] thtM\, ;\i(or a p;uiso, " 1 thitik I nii[;ht vonlmo ti^ tnko vou whon yon mo !\l>onl hi toon." " I'^itloon, lathor ? Oh I that's ovor so far ofl." orio*! Auhio »U)lolnlly. " Won't yon tako iik hohno that ? " " Not on a \ou^ dip liko this ono, lad^Ho," an sworoil l\lr. l\lv'Rcn/io, in a kin«l. hnt fn ni torn '• Vv>u wonhl only he in o»n wav, yoii know, ainl that \vv>nhln*t ho ploasant." Aivhic (Vid not rolish iho lolloolion inipliod in his hoinj;- in the way, ntul w'onhi have liked Ic arj;uc the point at loni;th, hnt his father was ton bnsv to listen to him then, and he had to content himself with nuittering : *• I'm very snre I wouldn't he in their way Whv couldn't I take care of myself, I'd like tf know ? " However, there was nothinj;* to do hut to siil> mit, for his mother, who loved her children sf passionately that she was never content to liav{ them out of her sight, would give him lio support he knew% and he must only await his father's pleasure in the matter. ""^m^ MIMSKI.r AND \\\^ IIOMR. '3 no (lny, ;«« t)no ni lii'; no? Wrll, Rinilo ; ;n)tl vnitmo tc so f;ir ofl." II tiVko IIK liuMic," Mil luin t«)ii( I know, Mini \ implied ill vc liked li icr was tdi to con I cut llicir w;iy IM like t( but to sub children sf ;ent to liavf liO support his father's Mill while waiting he cotdd he prrpnrin^, and ♦ onr of the inof^l iinpoilan* a( eomfilishtnents hein^ the nianajMMncnl o( a ( anoe, he ronsolcd IdrnRelf by paddling ahont in his own Htth: heaiity, made espe( ially lor hifn hy one of the Indians who ^ wished to hnd favor in the eyes (;f the factor. It was one (»f the h)veliest u ? " Archie's hrst impulse was to refuse her, on the isamc ground as his father a little while before had Irefused him, namely, that she wouhl only be in ithe way. Hut before he s{)okc his mind changed. lit was against tl^c rules for him to take Kosc- aric out in his canoe. Mrs. McKcnzic did not onsidcr he could yet be trusted alone with so recious a passenger, and hitherto her orders pon that point had been obeyed. But this morning Archie was just in the mood o be disobedient. He felt very much put out at hat his father had said to him, and when Rose- aric, with her toes touching the edge of the I 14 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. 1/ <^. A water, stretched out her arms beseechingly, and repeated her request to be taken in, the thought flashed into Archie's mind : " I'll show them that I can manage a canoe," and turning toward the shore he called out : " All right. Rose ; I'll take you." Rose-Marie clapped her hands for joy, and eagerly awaited his approach. " Take care now, Rose ; climb in and sit right down," cautioned Archie ; and in another moment the little girl was sitting demurely in the bottom of the canoe. With a half-reckless, half-repentant feeling Archie paddled off, his little passenger beaming upon him delightedly as the canoe glided through the ripples which made soft music against her birchen sides. His intention was to go out to an island that lifted its head from the water about half a mile away, and to land there for a while, as it was a great place for the berry that the Indians called tawqtioy meenUf but which we know as the choke-cherry. Rose-Marie kept as still as a mouse, although her tongue wagged merrily, and Archie's steady paddling soon brought the canoe to the island, where he ran her gently up on the beach, and they got out to hunt for the choke-cherries. Their search was successful, and when they had enough Archie broke off a big branch laden with the red beads to take back to their mother, and they returned to the canoe. "^ HIMSELF AND HIS HOME. 15 ngly, and ; thought a canoe," lut : joy, and sit right r moment le bottom ■repentant passenger loe glided sic against go out to ater about I while, as le Indians ow as the By this time Rose-Marie was getting tired and restless, and Archie had more than once to caution sharply : *' Be still there, Rose, will you ? You'll upset the canoe if you don't." But Rose was not in the humor to obey. She wriggled and squirmed about in a way that made Archie both cross and nervous. At length, when they were not more than half-way home, the little witch caught sight of a dead fish gleaming white on the surface of the water, and exclaiming : ^ " O, Archie ! I've got a fish," made a sudden J grasp at it. As quick as a flash Archie sprang < forward to stop her, but he was too late. She I had reached far over the side, and when he moved ■ i ' I the cranky canoe was overbalanced, and the next I instant they were both plunged headlong into the I deep cold water. , although e's steady le island, each, and e-cherries. they had aden with Dther, and CHAPTER II. m A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. ARCHIE'S first feeling was one of terror and wild anxiety to save his own life. But so soon as he had risen to the surface, and cleared the water from his eyes, he thought of his sister. Fortunately they had fallen close together, and at once he saw her struggling frantically not a yard away. Two eager strokes brought him to her, and catching her by the arm he shoved her toward the canoe, crying out : ** Take hold of the canoe, Rose, quick ! " Rose-Marie put out her little hands, more by instinct than by understanding, and happily caught a good grip of the bow of the canoe, to which she clung desperately. Archie came close beside her, and sought to cheer her by saying bravely : " Don't be frightened. Rose darling. We'll be all right soon." Poor little Rose, all the color fled from her i6 A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. 17 error and But so d cleared his sister, pr, and at )t a yard 1 to her, )ved her M ds, more happily canoe, to ought to We'll be rom her Iplump cheeks, her curly hair clinging lankly about her neck, and her heart beating as though it wanted to break loose, made no attempt to (answer him, but clung tightly to the canoe, which just served to keep her head above the water. It was well enough for Archie to say that they would be all right soon, but there certainly did not seem much ground for his confidence. They were at least a quarter of a mile from the shore, and even could little Rose have held on so long, it was not at all possible for Archie to push the canoe to land, while to get back into it was no less out of the question. Unhappily, too, there was no one in sight at the fort, and his shrill cries ^for rescue got no response, save from the mocking echoes. Although it was midsummer, the water was too fcold to be long endured. A few moments more, and the McKcnzie household would have been |made desolate, when Providence, in the guise of a brown Indian, intervened. Old Akaitchko had I been paying a visit to his nets at Whitefish Point Ithat morning, and was returning with a full fare |and in high good humor, when his keen eyes ^aught sight of the overturned canoe, and the Inext moment Archie's cry fell upon his ear. In- fstantly the old man bowed over his paddle until it jbcnt like a bow in his hands, and the canoe, laden s it was, leaped over the water as though it [shared its master's casrerness. i8 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. iM ** I come — I come ! " he shouted at the top of his voice, and drove the paddle still deeper in the water. Archie heard his shout just in time, for he was fast losing strength, and could hardly have held on a moment longer. Putting his arm about Rose- Marie he cried : ** Hurrah ! Akaitchko's coming to us." But the girl did not answer, for she had fainted, and only his grasp prevented her from sinking. The next moment the Indian's canoe shot up to them, and bending skillfully over, the strong old man lifted poor little Rose in beside him, saying in his own tongue : " You next, Archie." Relieved of his burden, Archie let go of his own canoe, and caught hold of the other, into which, with the assistance of Akaitchko, he presently clambered, and dropped exhausted on the bottom. The Indian gave a grunt of approval which spoke volumes, and then resuming his paddle, plied it with a vigor that soon brought them to the beach, where, without a word to Archie, whom he evidently deemed quite able to look after him- self, he picked up the still insensible girl as though she were a little baby, and hastened to the fort, Archie following behind at a much slower pace, and already beginning to wonder what conse- quence his act of disobedience would entail. As it turned out he came off scathless, for his A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. 19 he top of )er in the )r he was lave held out Rose- It d fainted, 1 sinking, hot up to itrong old im, saying 3f his own ito which, presently e bottom, ^al which paddle, them to lie, whom after him- as though the fort, wer pace, at conac- ;ail. 3S, for his father, who could punish soundly enough when he thought the occasion required it, was away, and his mother was too rejoiced at the escape of her darling Rose-Marie to think of doing any more than enjoining solemnly upon Archie never to take his sister out canoeing again until he should have permission from her. Of course old Akaitchko came in for Mrs. McKenzie's warmest gratitude, receiving as a re- ward such a supply of tea and tobacco as he had never had in his life before, and the assurance moreover that he need never go with empty pan- nikin or pipe so long as she was at hand to fill them for him. Whereat the old man felt that he had nothing more to ask for. Little Rose-Marie was none the worse for her adventure, not even taking a cold, thanks to her vigorous constitution, developed by constant out- door life, so that in the end there was nothing to be sorry for but the act of disobedience which might have had such dreadful consequences. Life at the fort in midsummer was apt to be very quiet and uneventful. Mr. McKenzie and the majority of his men would be absent either taking the furs as far down as Lac a la Crosse on their long journey to Montreal, or bringing back the supplies of goods and provisions which were sent up to meet them ; or when this was all over they would be away out upon the prairies hunting the bison, moose and deer, whose juicy meat dried 20 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. in the sun, and then pounded into shreds and mixed with melted fat, would be packed into great bags of skin, and under the name of pemmican, form the principal item of food during the long winter months when neither bison nor deer were to be had. So that Archie saw but little of his father at the very time when he would have liked most to be with him, and this made him all the more impatient to be permitted to accompany him on his expeditions. His delight, then, may be imagined when one morning of the following summer after that in which the canoeing incident occurred, Mr. Mc- Kenzie, who had arranged for a trip in quest of bison over the plains of the Peace River, having received the usual petition from his son, instead of dismissing it at once, hesitated in replying, hummed and hawed, looked at the sturdy little chap from head to foot, and then, as if unable to withstand the arguments expressed in his flushed face, eager eyes and trembling lip, said in the tone of a man who thought he should not give way, but really could not help it : "Very well, then, laddie; you may come this time, but, mind you, you must not get into any mischief." Preparations of quite an imposing character were made for this hunt, the Indians who had been charged to report the appearance of the bison having brought in word that two immense <( he ha^ his ha A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. 21 ;ds and great fimican, le long er were ; of his vc liked all the my him len one that in \Ar. Mc- juest of , having instead eplying, ly little lable to flushed he tone ^ay, but nc this ito any laracter ho had of the mmense herds were to be found not far apart, and about one hundred miles to the southwest. This was just the opportunity the factor desired to lay in a stock of meat, out of which to manufacture the indispensable pemmican, and so every man and horse that could be spared from the fort was ordered out for active service. Everybody was in high good humor, the Indians and half-breeds hugging themselves with delight at the prospect of unlimited gorging of juicy tongue and unctuous humps, the white men f of pleasurable anticipation of a lively hunt, and the very horses and dogs eager for the chase, while most excited of all was Archie, now a big boy of fourteen, and thinking himself equal to anything. " Of course I'll take my gun, father," said he, bringing in an excellent little musket that the factor had procured especially for him, and which he had now cleaned and polished until it shone in his hands. "Do you think you can do better with that than with your bow and arrow, Archie t " asked Mr. McKenzie quizzingly. " I don't think, father, I know," replied Archie proudly. " Can't I hit the bull's eye two times out of three at sixty paces } " he added, with a tone of reproach in his voice. " Can you indeed, my boy ? " exclaimed Mr. McKenzie. "Well, I'm sure that's not bad shoot- ing; and you ought to secure us a good fat buffalo 22 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. ! ( calf at least, if you can do as well as that. Don't you think so ?*' "I'll do my best, father," answered Archie; "and I'll be very much disappointed if I don't do that much for you, at any rate.*' The following morning, bright and early, the expedition set forth from the fort, Mrs. McKenzic and Rose-Marie acconipanymg it to the gate, and then climbing up into one of the towers, and watching its progress until it was lost in the distance. There were twenty-five men all told, and nearly twice as many horses, for they hoped to bring back with them a great quantity of meat. 13esides Mr. McKenzie there were Ferdinand Wentzel, his right-hand man, a Norwegian, and a most trust- worthy excellent clerk, who had been in the employ of the company almost as long as his chief; Colin Robertson, a junior clerk, a red- haired, freckle-faced, hot-tempered, but brave and energetic, young Scotchman, and Alex MacGill- vray, another Scotchman, though of a quite differ- ent nature, being quiet, reserved and cool, yet no less courageous than Colin. These men, with John Stewart, a Canadian, composed the factor's staff of assistants at Fort Chipewyan, and the latter had been left in com- mand of the little garrison which would hold the fort until the return of the expedition. The remainder of the party consisted of Cana- A BRUSH WWII THE BISON. 23 Archie ; don't do irly, the cKcnzic ate, and Lirs, and in the d nearly o brinjj Besides tzel, his 3t trust- in the as his a red- ive and ^acGill- e differ- Dol, yet nadian, It Fort n coni- old the ; Cana- t ■J 1 dians and Indir, is, in about equal numbers, accom- panied by a wonderful collection of doj^s, of all sorts and sizes, that ran about among the horses, harkin.!:; noisily by way of cxpressinr^ their interest in the undertaking. The party was in light march- ing order, as it was intended to lose no time upon the way, either going or coming. The bison must be reached as soon as possible, and then after the hunt was over the sooner they got back to the fort with the results, the better would be the pemmican. Archie was well mounted, his steed being a pretty piebald mustang his father had given him the year before, having just made sure that it was well broken in and of a trustworthy temper. It was a speedy, enduring animal, and while on its back Archie need not fear being left behind by any of the others. He rode along beside his father, who was mounted upon a splendid black stallion of unusual size, whose impatient spirit he kept in check by means of a powerful Spanish curb that no horse could resist. " You'll have to keep your wits well about you, Archie, when we sight the buffalo. It'll be every one for himself, and Auld Reekie take the hind- most, you know," said the factor, smiling proudly down upon the boy at his stirrups. ** I'm sure I don't care, father," answered Archie firmly. " If Spot and I cannot keep out of the way, why, we're only fit to be run over, 24 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. \\l aren't we, Spot ? " and he patted the mustang's neck fondly. "But look here, now, Arch. Do you seriously imagine that you are going to kill a buffalo your- self with that plaything ? " asked Mr. McKenzie in a bantering tone, pointing at the musket which hung from the boy's shoulder. "The color mounted into Archie's face, and his eyes flashed for a moment in a way that suggested a hasty answer, but controlling himself by an effort that was not lost upon his questioner, he replied respectfully: " Well, father, if you had only seen how I killed that carcajou over at Beaver Creek the other day when you were away, you wouldn't laugh at my gun. It isn't very big, but it can shoot straight, and pretty far, too ; can't it, Mr. Wentzel ? '* ap- pealing to the Norwegian, his especial friend among the employes, who happened to ride up at that moment. " There's no doubt but that it can do good v ork in your hands, Archie," responded Wentzel. "And don't you believe I could kill a buffalo with it .? " asked the boy eagerly. " Certainly you could, if you were lucky enough to hit him in the right place," said Wentzel. " The proof of the pudding is in the eating, Archie," broke in Mr. McKenzie ; "and all I hope is that you may have the best possible chance to show what you can do with your popgun." (( A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. 25 iistang's eriously lo your- I cKenzie ;t which and his iggested : by an )ner, he 1 I killed her day | 1 at my straight, | j1 ? " ap. friend le up at od V ork I 1. buffalo enough 11. eating, I hope ance to Archie was just ready to speak warmly in de- fense of his firearm, when one of the Indians rode up with a communication to make which claimed his father's attention, and he had to content him- self by saying to the Norwegian with a touch of indignation in his voice : " Popgun, to be sure ! It's no popgun, ir it, Mr. Wentzel?" To which Wentzel replied, " No indeed, Archie." By the afternoon of the second day they had reached the locality indicated by the Indians as that where the bison were to be found, and the expedition moved forward with the greatest care, sending out scouts in all directions lest they should come suddenly upon the herd, and stam- pede it before they were ready to deal with it. They made no fires in the camps that night, but stayed their hunger with cold victuals, and the following morning everybody was astir at day- break, and impatient for the fray. They were entering upon a beautiful country. Away before them, until they seemed to touch the horizon, undulated the great plains of the Peace River, covered with bunches of the rich thick grass that forms the bison's favorite food, and inter- sected at wide intervals by shallow valleys along whose bottom ran lazy little tributaries of the Peace. The weather was perfect, and there was every reason to expect a successfu hunt. Before they left camp there were some black dots to be 26 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. h« made out toward the south, which were probably out-posts of the herd, and toward these the hunters difected their way, spreading out into a long line, and together moving as steadily forward as the nature of the country permitted. Far in advance of the others were old Akaitchko and another Indian, whose ve^y appropriate name when translated was Long Legs, the two most ex- perienced hunters in the country, and these two the others anxiously watched for the signal which would mean that the bison were in sight. Up one slope and down another, across narrow cou- lees and broad intervales, splashing through the streams that now had shrunk to half their size, and avoiding the mud-holes in which their horses might have stuck fast, the line of attack moved steadily forward, every man holding his gun across his saddle before him, ready for instant use. Archie, who rode at his father's left, trembled so visibly with suppressed excitement that the factor became concerned lest his gun should go off accidentally, and give a premature alarm. " Keep cool, my lad, keep cool," said he. " If your poi)gun goes off before it ought to, it will play the mischief with us." Understanding his father's meaning at once, Archie blushed as if he had betrayed himself, and sitting up very straight in his saddle, grasped the gun firmly, saying : ** I will keep cool, father, never fear. This A BRUSH WITH THE BISON. 27 obably lunters g line, as the litchko I name ost ex- se two which t. Up )w cou- gh, the ir size, horses moved across mbled t the uld go "If It will once, f, and id the This -ffl won*t go off until it's told to. But look, father; isn't Akaitchko signaling?" The factor glanced quickly at the Indian. Sure enough, from the hither slope of the next hill he was making gestures that said as plain as words : " The bison. I see them — come on — but take care." The others soon saw the signal, also, and all moved forward as quietly as possible until they were beside Akaitchko. The old man was fairly palpitating with excitement, as he said in a hoarse whisper to Mr. McKenzie : " T'ousands of 'em ! Um-iim ! Fine — fat — good ! " and he rolled his tongue expressively in his mouth. Creeping cautiously to the summit of the hill, the factor, lying at full length, looked over into the valley below, and beheld a sight that did his heart good, for there, within easy reach, and utterly unsuspicious of danger, was as noble a herd of bison as he had ever seen in his life; bulls, cows and calves, all fat and in fine condition. Without a moment's loss of time the order of attack was arranged. One half of the party, with Wentzel as leader, was dispatched to make a wide ddtour, and if possible get on the other side of the herd, while those who remained would not move until this had been done. The rolling nature of the ground made this maneuver easy of accom- plishment, and ten minutes later the signal came 28 AKinil-: ()]• ArilAMASCA. Ill from the orcst of I he oj^positc slope, tli.il sliowecl Wontzors tlivision 1im relieved, Archie took his gun, and patting it onderly, said to it : " You're not broken, are you } You'll kill many a buffalo for me yet, see if you don't.' In the meantime, the work of death had been going on fast and furious, until the factor, unwill- ing that there should be needless slaughter, shouted to the men to stop, an order which, being pretty well tired out, they were not loath to obey. On reckoning up the results of the hunt, thev ^vcre found to be entirely satisfactory. Over one hundred bison had been killed, the majority being fat, tender young animals that would make the best of penimican ; and it now remained to cut their meat up into long strips, and dry these in the sun before returning to the fort. This work occupied several days, during which Archie, who had no relish for it, amused himself by exploring the com. try round about, riding upon Spot, and accompanied by a pack of dogs that THE RIVAL ESTABLISHMENT. 35 n had ound, ik it's miss- Only anded I, and many I been nwill- ghter, 3eing th to hunt, Over ijority make to cut se in which mself upon that were always getting very much excited over some- tliing, but in the end not accomplishing much. The jirairic dogs afforded him a great deal of fun, a!ul some fine practice in shooting, so that he did not find the hours hang heavily upon his hands. The homeward journey was a sort of triumphal progress, everybody feeling that the expedition had covered itself with glory ; and none being better pleased than Archie himself, for he con- sidered that he had fairly won his place among the men, and that there would no longer be any question about his accompanying his father when- ever he wanted to do so. On his return to the fort, the factor was met by Mr. Stewart, who had been left in charge, with a communication that caused him to look very grave, and to make clear the import of which, it will be necessary to take a little dip into history. The Northwest Fur Company did not, by any means, have the field to itself in carrying on its business. It was not, indeed, the first in that field. More than a century before there was any such organization, the " Honorable Company of Mer- chcint Adventurers Trading into Hudson's Bay,'* or, as it was c;i led for short, the Hudson's Bay Co., had been granted, by royal charter, very extensive and indefinite rights and privileges in the great lone land of the Northwest. Until late in the eighteenth century, this company had been content with the business that came to the shores 36 ARCHIE OF ATIIAHASCA. of the bay ; many of their Indian customers travel- ing hUiidrods of miles, and cndurini; ^reat priva- tion, m order to exchange their beaver, bear and ni'nk skins for guns, beads, blankets, kettles, hatchets, knives and other articles with which the company alone could supply them. lUit, in the meantime, the gay, daring, reckless coureurs du hois of Canada, and, in their wake, the shrewd enterprising merchants of Montreal, had been pushing farther and farther into the West, by way of the Great I.akes and the Ouinipique, Assiniboine and Saskatchewar. River routes, com- peting eagerly in the quest for furs, and resorting to every expedient, proper and improper, to get the better of the Indians and of one another, with the result that in a little while they brought both themselves and the trade to the verge of ruin. In this extren.itv some of the shrewdest of the Scotchmen saw their ojvportunity, and, suggest- ing combin;ition instead of competition, succeeded with little difficulty in uniting the clashing inter- ests into (^ne body, which should work harmo- niouslv for the benefit of all. Thus came into being the great Northwest Fur Company, which at once set to work with immense energy and exceeding skill to make vast fortunes out of the peltry trnffic. Forts and posts were established, north, south and west from Red River, and no eff(M-t spared to secure every skin that was to be had. THE RIVAL ESTAmJSHMI.NT. 37 Of course, this could not go on very long with- out infrin,L;ing upon the chartered privileges of the Hudson's 15ay Coni{)any, and this corporation, awakening from its long sleep, manifested little loss energy and enterj)risc in looking after its lights. Wherever the Nor'westers established a |)()st or ])uilt a fort, the Hudson's I5ays pr()mj)tly j)ut another near by ; and when the latter hap- pened to be first on the spot, the former returned the compliment. Thus, not a quarter of a mile (Hstant from r\)rt Chi|)ewyan stood l^'ort Weddcr- biune, the Hudson's hiiy establislnnent, a niuch less extensive affair, but still sufficient to show that the older company had no idea of leaving its rival unwatched and unopposed. For some time the rivalry between the two c()mj)anies had been of cpnte a friendly nature. The emjiloyes were, as a rule, upon excellent terms, sind frecpiently enjoyed one another's hos- pitality in the shape of balls and dinners during the long weary winters. Hut of late years a different spirit had begun to show itself. In the Red River district, where the comj^etition was keenest, unfortunate collisions, in which blood was shed, had occu»'re(i, and a feeling of uneasi- ness and of mutual suspicion was taking the place of the old cordiality and good-fellowship. The worst feature of this new order of things was that the rivals sought every di;vice to alienate the Indians from each other, bidding for their 38 ARCniK OF ATIIAUASCA. exclusive friendship by extravagant presents, and, to tlieir shame be it said, by lavish outlay of the pot)r red man's deadliest curse, the firewater for which he wouKl at any time barter his very soul. Against both these evils Mr. McKenzie had, until this summer, been able to make a successful stand. So much was he respected and admired at Fort Wedderburne, that no chill had fallen upon the pleasant relations between the two establish- ments ; and so i)rofounil was the influence his splendid courage and unwavering fair-dealing had won for him among the Indians, that not one ot those whom he eouKl rightly regard as his parish- ioners had need to be bribed by firewater to remam faithful to him. But, early in the season, the factor at Fort Wed derburne had been recalled, and his place filled by one who brought with him from Red River feel ings of intense animosity against the Nor'westers, and a burning ambition to win renown by doing them all the harm he possibly could. Mr. Mc- Kenzie hit the mark when he surmised that this change was no accident, but only the first step in a carefully-prepared policy, the object of which was the downfall of T'ort Chipewyan. In n'any respects, the Hudson's Bay Company could hardly have chosen a better agent than Mdi s McDougal. lie had beer in their employ from his teens, and to him th^' company meant everything. For it he lived, and moved, and had wyan. fear. TIIR RiVAI. KSTAniJSIIMKNT. 39 ,1 his bcinj;. No stratcj^y wns too mean, no use of force too brutal, provided the company profited. The end justified the means, and not a cpialm of conscience had he, so long as he succeeded. !Ic was very different in appearance from Mr. Mc- K(Mi/.ic — being of middle stature, and very thick- set, with absurdly bowed legs, and huge flat feet. Ills head was square, and seemed almost to rest upon his broad shoulders, so short was his neck; iir.d his face was no less ugly than his figure was ungraceful, yet the one spoke as unmistakably of craft and cruel determination, as did the other of strength and tireless endurance. Altogether, he was one who, at the first glance, made you feel that it were far better to be his friend than his enemy, and best of all to be neither the one nor the other. On his arrival at 1^'ort Wedderburne, Mr. Mc- Kcnzie had at once made overtures of friendship, but they were so ungraciously received that he did not repeat them, and with much regret real- ized that the two forts must soon become hostile camps instead of sociable neighbors. Not only so, but that henceforth he must maintain a sleep- less vigilance, if he would hold his own against this new influence, accounts of whose evil work in other districts had already reached Fort Chipe- wyan. In a fair, open contest he had nothing to fear. He had many advantages on his side. His men outnumbered McDougal's two to one. His establishment was larger and better equipped. ill 4^ \\H \\\\> or A 111 VUA^i A Uo h;\\\ won \\\o roiUwltMu I' ',\\\\\ \\^\r n| \\\v Indiiinq l\onrs1 ttr;\1ino I Iumt \v;\9 I>\»1 imh' \\m\ in whli h MrOo\^;L,;\l ro\ M\ippl;n\l luni, Mnd Hull xv;\\ l\t\ i\lv Ki u'/io Know wi'll rnon^h Ihr livnl \vo\iKl no! lu^Hil;\ti* to ;<«lopl. V''ro\n tl\»M\n »'oi o\\ \ ;\n ]\;hl Ivopt lii-^ sKitIs rlo.n. I h* tN* lv'stO\l ^lv\>n5; JnnK in onom ?v' tho nltrt n.\t i\ I' ]>ot\vovM\ nsini> il in \\'\^ liMilo nnd wsi^nu\o lus ]>osi(ion lunl Iumm^ pn^mMihMJ to ]\\n\ 1)0 wonlvl h;\\i* H^sionod M onrtv llissupc riovs 1nl)\ tnulovslood tins. ;nnl u^spotlin^ Ins st\n»lv pinu i]>]i s, »\);\»lo no lUloinpt lo intiMfru^ with thou ]M;hlivO. No )>os( nc\\\ in bollor vr tvnns [hAw h\s did, i\\u\ \\\.\{ was all ihoy wore ivnvvn^od ;\l>v>\it. \\\\\ tho now tiUtor at l"\nt NWvMoilnnno had not boo\^ lonv; i' stallo*! hotoio tho tiiowatoi ar^ti inonl was tMv>nj;ht \nto play ; anil the nows whioh met Mt. IVtoKonrio on his ioturt\ iioni the hnlTalo bunt, anvl whioh tnado him \oo\< so ^;rayc, was that A K\nd ot v'hipowvans. wlu>so oi>ininj:; with many |\^oks ot poll lies ho havi cxpootoil. had hccn met In Mol\mi;al anvl his mon a ilay's j«>nrncy from tho tort, anvl pUovl with liqnv>r imlil, ioi jotting all their oMii:.^tiv>ns to Mr. IMoRcnzio, lo whom the fins woro plovl^od iov advanoos made, they had jwrtod with Xhcm to their tempter, at a priec far below then real worth, and were now well on I III' MIVAI, rsi Alll ISIIMKN I 4i till it vvjty Inifiir n^MJii, f'»f flify woiiM not fl;»rf' to ( Miiif' iiil" • Im' I'll I I\Ii. M» Krii/if* vvMiiM fi(»f ( ;mf m ' I'hi'I ii(»'(fi fhr* (M'Mri;«l |iini(iii|.; f;M|qf'f| l»y th«^ SIM (»',;.; of f|,f* liiiiil, I'V I'llin^ il '»e seen hnw ifiii' }i Ih: wa.q (Ijql III Imm| " M< Mmiij^mIV? «nilwilfr»| im (liiq firrif, Stfwnrf, fill ir'q iin ^i^Miii^ oviit so snrc as I'm sitting; hrrc, it'll ( omc to fi^4>tir»^j yet. The IIimIsoii's li;iys ( l forth. Sometimes Archie fell Ignite j^roiul of heinj; so lisefnl. Sometimes he thonght it was a decided bore, and perhaps, just when he was needed most, wonld take it into his liead to make himself scarce, so that the factor woidvl have to press one of the Indian lads into service, ms tead. " Von are a queer chap, Archie," his father would sav to hnn, when the hoy wonld return after one of those sudden disappearances. " T am afraid I i\o\\\ half understand you yet. lUit I'm not gt>ini; to worry about it. ^^)u'rc sound enoui^h at the core, and I can trust you to come out straight enoui;h in the end." ft was just b»v puttini; this implicit trust in his son that the factor showv^l his far-sccinj; wisdom. A ]\irent with less penetration would probably have sought to curb and check the boy's inipetu- ou s, wavward spirit, with the result of maki ni: him either sullen or deceitful, or both. Hut the shrewd Scotchman's idea, as expressed in his own pre! words was "Give the ladilie his head. Don't won y him. Many a cood horse has been spoiled in the brenViiiir." The natural result of this method of dcalin (Y KinNAf'Kf). 53 was that the niost (Icli<;htfiil undcrstandint; cx- islcMl l)ctwccn father and son , and when, under siKss of temptation, Archie would now and then iD.mdest an unruly s|)irit, no sooner did he recover his halance, than he at once sou<;ht his father's lor[;ivene:?s, and, that granted, promptly forgot all ahout the matter, in his joy at being restored to favor. While the winter preparations were still in progress, an incident occurred, which, althfiu^^h not thought of much importance at the time, proved to have a deep signihcance when viewed in the li;;ht of subsecpient events. Late one after- noon, old Akaitchko, who had been out upon the plains in cpiest of deer, came hurrying back to the fort, evidently in a state of considerable excite- ment. He would speak to n(>body until he found Mr. McKenzie, and he reported to him what he had seen. The latter showed that the communi- cation interested him deeply. It was to the effect that while about ten miles off to the north, the old Intlian had perceived the approach of a band of Indians. Now, it was not usual for Indians to visit the fort in numbers late in the autumn. They were at that time too busy securing their winter's supply of buffalo meat and whitefish. Consetjuently, old Akaitchko's suspicions were aroused by the appearance of this large body, and he had contrived to insj)ect them carefully, with- out allowing him U to be seen. His surprise -.'..A~V -,. M \Ui nU', IM- A inAHASl A. \V.1R in»MOi«^»Ml whrn h<* 'vindr o\il (hul they Im> lonm^l t.' !i<>iu' ol tho iiibi's vvhu l» r.nnr umiuImiIv lo ilu' 1(M(. .nhl l\r was ol lh»» opinion \\\:\{ [\\{\ \\\\\s\ l>i io\ii; \o tho lnl>i' Known ns (l\i' < ^ninrlrm, who'll' \rnitv>\\ l.«v Mlonj; llu* In noiilirin l»MnKs ol 'u' M« K» n7io Kivoi, lUhl romoinn^n whom ■aW how^ oi Mood I nitllin}; slo\ios h,ul i ii < nliili'il sont]nv.«r\l. Mu^v woh* Ivnown to \v.«}m« nnnoit"^ s.^M w ,n with ll\\' l'>mnini.\ti\ o< th(> \nlic »r j;i\>\\s. ;n^l \\*M0 rivililoil with r.?ii>';; tlun oinMnir'^ ;^s 1.\st ;1 stt;n)5;o m^I honil^lo titrs . h;iloil ;\s (lu" blark'*st o\ hi, irk shoop bv \]w othvt t!ibos. WhAt possiMo o]>iov'( {\\cy niij;ht \\,\\c in von tnvini; .^o \a\ sovAh, \\i\9. a tpiostion \\\,\\ lonM not Ih" Answoiovi to^> si>on. IMu^ f.utoi, ;uronl in^^lv. i^UhvMioh ilatknoss was at hand, nionntctl his liovso. and vouc o\\\ to niv^M thoiu. Ilo had iiv^t i;vMU^ ta!. lunvcN m. whon ho w.is nuM !>>• tincr ot tlio stvancors, whi> havl evident 1\ l>Oi'n sont on a]u\u^ as anil>.\ssavlois. whilo thv^ n\ain body awailod t'noir ivpoit. 11 o ihon loainod that Akaitoliko's s\ipposiliv>n was r(>noot, arul that th ov wo;o ot" the v'^uairolors' lrilH\ .nul liad v'ouk liown tor imrpv'^sos ot" travlo. llowas cnal>lod to hold oomnmnioation witli tliom hv moans o(" a IxMvor Indian Iro.n Ciical Slave Lake, whom ihcy ■ had hiMi I iriil ly I \\\r ( hi| n«>in^ ififni »Ma( !_! ? rrh d 1(1 Ml II I' si>iM anil niH' n( K t III tlilll A h«M pMtvidr 1 they had and lilliMl ccrdcd If in^ so h* Thr ( l() he ro the (•oiit( tl»C Ur.w Mr. M( Is their (o? ni.any pai bcr of n dcahnj; | been ^(1 and, (h't( sought t der arrov KlllNAMO. $j liiiil ItiMiij'Jil mImho ;iq MilfM |»f ^f "r, li'' )fi'hiir m»fTi- ('i»M)llv l;iMiili;it IimIIi w'itli llir'n HiMlc fl, ;iri'l with tlu' < lii|" wviM, vvliif li w;m in imr ,'it tlif forf MriiiL', imxi'rim |r> tt\>['.\\i\ llir full' sf |»oqqiMf» infni mil inn ;iI,!MiI tlH\q<» ncw-( orrifr m, thr f.irtor mrrlrtl ihriii «MKli;i||y, nrld ifivitcvl all tlirrr ff> iilMMi I" III'" (nil willi liJni. Aftrr «<»rr»f! Hiqr iis- sinii Pinnnnsi ihciimrlvrfl, tlio Urnvff Iri'li^rt ;iri'l oiH' MJ Ihr oljiri.q M((eplo'l, tin; tliifl InHia n |( llll llll»!' In Ih! P''"l Mr A JMiimliliil mrjij »»f thf hrqf \)u' fort cotiM |U(iviil<' vv,i4 |»l;i( wif){/, tJH' fa' tf*r pro- (crdnl In iiw|iiii(' ifito thn (ihjff t they f)ad in rnak* iu^; sn lrn«;tl>y aii»l Hinisiial a jfnirrjcy. 'Ilic (Jii II tclcrs at. first did not Hmn inrlincd to 1)0 rninnMinicativc, and sal pnfTin^ away with the cnntcnlcd air of ofin who had dinrd wfll ; }*nt the Mr.wiM Indian was fidl of talk, and from him Mr. M( Kcn/jc learned that the mair) pnrf)i';sc of their (Miming was not barter, althon^li they had many pa( l7 were either still drunk or stupid from the effect of their prolonged debauch ; and any way the Beaver Indian, by whose aid alone it would have been possible to hold communication with them, was not to be found, the truth being that, shrewdly anticipating some such step, Mr. McDougal had the Indian at that moment lying in a drunken sleep in one of the storerooms. Soon seeing that there was nothing to be gained from them, Mr. McKenzie hastened to the woods and joined the others in their eager search, 'h h continued without pause the whole night th nu^u, none being more active than Akaitchko, Vv.h- !• ved Archie but little less than he did the darlfng of his old age, bright little Sawtloulai. Neithe. Le nor the factor could in any way understand their sons* disappearance. It was too early in the winter for wolves or wild-cats to be dangerous. There were no bears known to be in the neighborhood, and the Indians round about were considered nearly as trustworthy as the employes of the fort. The more he turned the matter over in his mind, the more convinced Mr. McKenzie became that the factor of Fort Wedderburne was in some way at the bottom of the boys* disappearance. But how, in the absence of any evidence, was he to bring the thing home to him > If the Quarrelers knew anything they could not tell it, even though they would, and none of McDougal's employes would dare to betray their master's secret. 68 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. Wearied, worried and perplexed, Mr. McKenzie returned to the fort at daybreak, to be met at the gate by his wife, who had not closed her eyes all nigiit, and who, on seeing him without Archie, burst into a passion of tears, and fell fainting into his arms. Forcing a hopeful expression, the factor sought to comfort her, although, indeed, his own heart was very heavy ; and it was only be- cause he knew he must eat in order to bear the fatigues of the day before him, that he could taste the food made ready for him. In twos and threes the other searchers returned, all having the same disheartening reply to make to Mrs. McKen- zie's eager questioning ; and while they were rest- ing and eating their breakfast, Mr. McKenzie determined to swallow his pride, and go over to Fort Wedderburne, in the faint hope of there lighting upon some clue to his boy. He found McDougal enjoying a morning pipe, and his suspicions that this man knew something about the matter were deepened by the malicious leer which marked his ugly countenance as, rising from his chair, he greeted his visitor with mock courtesy : *' I'm sure this is an unexpected honor, Mr. McKenzie. Pray take a seat, and fill up your pipe. There's a great deal of comfort in a smoke these cold mornings." Not heedins: either the tone of the speaker, or his invitation to smoke, Mr. McKenzie plunged at IN CAPTIVITY. 69 once into the subject which engrossed his thoughts. Still wearing that malicious leer which made his visitor long to smite him in the face, McDougal answered lightly : "Do I know anything about your boy? Well, I don't quite understand how I am responsible for him. He has not been in the way of informing me as to his movements." Mr. McKenzie's hand clenched, and an angry flush burned on his bronze cheek, but restraining his rising wrath, he said in a quiet, firm tone : " I did not imagine that Archie would have told you where he was going, but I thought that perhaps you or some of your men might have seen him yesterday afternoon, and I would be obliged if you would kindly make inquiry amongst th^^m." " Oh ! certainly. Very happy to do so, I'm sure," replied McDougal. " Come with me, and we'll ask the men. They're all about the fort somewhere." So the two men went out together ; the one already deipairing of gaining anything by his visit, the other rejoicing in the depths of his evil heart at the father's deep concern, and the knowl- edge that every hour's delay decreased the chances of Archie's recovery. The men were closely questioned by Mr. Mc- Kenzie without result ; as a matter of fact, they were quite as much in the dark as he was himself. Except McDougal, only one man at the fort pos- 70 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. sessed the secret, and that was the Beaver Indian, still safely shut up in the storehouse, and thus prevented from revealing it, even though he had been so disposed. After a fruitless hour's in- quiry, Mr. McKenzie returned to Fort Chipewyan, and gave directions for one half of his force to make ready to set out again, this time upon the horses, and with provisions for several days. The necessary preparations took some little time, and the sun was well up in the heavens when Mr. McKenzie bade good-by to his weeping wife and daughter, and telling them to pray for his speedy return, with Archie safe and sound, rode off at the head of a dozen of his best men. As Lake Athabasca lay to the southward, there was no chance of Archie's having gone in that direction. He must be in the North somewhere, and accordingly the little band pressed forward rapidly toward the Slave River, and was soon lost to view in the depths of the forest. In the meantime, the quartet of Quarrelers, with their two captives, had been making good progress in the direction of Great Slave Lake. The day was clear and cold, the ground hard with frost, and they followed as closely as they could the line of the river, occasionally making a short cut across country where its windings were too frequent. Aside from his natural anxiety, Archie found the journey intolerably wearisome. He had not a comfortable position, perched up IN CAPTIVITY. 71 behind a none-too-clean Indian, and compelled to cling tight to him in order to save himself from falling off. His guardian never uttered a word, and even if he had, it would not have been intelli- gible. Sawtloulai was too far away to talk with. So he had no other resource than his own thoughts. But these were moving briskly enough. Now they were turned to Fort Chipewyan, and what was being done there to recover him. Anon they were occupied planning out schemes for escape. He felt sure that already every man that could possibly be spared from the fort was out in search of him, and that if they could only hit upon his track, they would not rest until they had over- taken him. But would they find any traces of his captors, and of the way in which he had been carried off ? Alas ! he knew well enough the chances were very slight, and that only by some happy accident could they get any hint of what had happened. The more he thought over the matter, the more clearly it came to him that his best, if not his only plan, would be in some way to delay the pro- gress of his i^arty, in order that his father might have as much time as possible to catch up, in case he was upon their track. To effect his own escape was out of the question. He would be run down and recaptured in a few moments, even though he should succeed in breaking away. If 72 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. then, the point was to retard the speed of the Indians, the most natural way to gain it must be to deprive them of their horses. And, impracti- cable as this might seem, Archie's bright brain, during the course of that long day's ride, brought forth a scheme that was no less hopeful than daring. At midday the little party halted for a couple of hours, the horses grazing while the Indians smoked an after-dinner pipe, and Archie had an opportunity of talking with Sawtloulai, and telling him of his scheme. The little fclli)w was in a very miserable mood, and it did not cheer him much. It did not mean immediate escape ; and he was so desperate with cold and weariness, that at a word from Archie he would have made a dash for liber»-y there and then, although all four of the Indians were sharply watching every movement of the two boys. But Archie was full of hope, and did his best to cheer his com[)nnion. The afternoon was the same as the morning. Up hill and down dale, through bunches of timber, and across streams already wearing their winter breastplate, keeping up a steady jog-trot most of the time, the Quarrelers pushed on until, by sun- down. Fort Chipewyan lay nearly a hundred miles to the south, and their tired animals had no more go left in them. Then the halt for the night was made, and the time for the carrying out of Archie's project drew near, IN CAPTIVITY. 73 Every nerve tingled with excitement, and his heart beat so wildly that he dreaded lest he should betray himself ; but he managed to appear composed enough, and shortly after nightfall, lay down near the fire, and apparently fell into a sound slumber. The others soon followed his example, the In- dians not thinking it necessary to keep watch, and presently all was silent save the soft crack- ling of the expiring fire. Half an hour passed, and then one of the sleepers stirred, lifted his head gently, looked round about him warily, and listened intently to the heavy breathing of the Indians. A moment later he rose to his feet, and crept noiselessly toward the horses that were standing in a group together not many yards away. He held a knife in his right hand, and when he reached the animals, who started a little at his approach, but were soon reassured by his soft so-ing, he stooped down to their fore feet, and gave four cuts in quick succession. Then, straightening himself up, he crept back to his place as noiselessly as he had left it, and rolling his buffalo robe about him, seemed as though he had never stirred. CllArTKK VI. TO rHK KKSCUK. IN his basto to make ready aiul j;ot away after his son, Mr. McKenzie did not notice that Akaitchko was not amon^ his followers. liiit after they had ^one some little distance, he be thought himself of the veteran hunter, whose rare gifts anil lon^ experience made him peculiarly valuable for just such work as that which they now had in hand, and he calleil a halt to impure, with si>me anxiety, if any one knew what had become of him. " Oh ! Akaitchko's all right," said Mr. Wentz.el. " I saw him riding otT io the woods on his best horse, a few minutes after you went over to Fort Wedderburne. He's just gone on ahead to try and pick up the bt>y's trail." *• Goil grant he may find it soon I ** exclaimed the factor fervently. *• Kvery moment is precious. But, hark! isn't that the sound of hoofs ?** They were approaching a glade in the forest, 74 TO TIIK RKSCUE. 75 anil (listincl upon the still morning air came the hoof boats of a f^allopin*^ horse, and the next mo- ment, as they came out into the open, they saw Akaitchko bearing; vhiwn upon them at full speed. K(inin|; up his horse with a suddenness that tim'w it back upon its haunches, the old Indian, with intense excitement expressed in every line of his wrinkled face, cried c»ut : "We found him ! We found him I " The factor's heart j;avc a wild leap of joy, and ^f.isi);n^^ the Indian's arm, he shouted in his ear, as though he were deaf : •'{♦'ound who? My boy Archie?" Akaitchk«» shook his head. '• Not Archie, but him trail, certain sure." The answer was disappointing;, thouj^h it pjave jjronnds for hope, and in a quieter tone the factor iiKjuirctl : •• P'ound his trail - where ? Par from here ?** " Not much far," replied Akaitchko. "Come, I show you ;" and wheeling; his horse round, he set off in the direction he had come. After K^)itJK about half a mile he reachcfl a sort of shallow •;.dley, along whose bottom ran a little stream, and there, in the newly formed ice, as plain as print, were the marks where four horses had crossed within the preceding twenty four hour.s. Hy the subtle, incomprehensible instinct of his race, the old hunter had hit upon the truth. •' Bad Indian with horses — pick up boys — 76 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. take 'cm away. Rut Akaitchko catch him, cer- tain sure ; " and his face (larkened into an expres- sion that boded ill for the men who had carried off his son, if he should ever get his hands upcn them. " And I believe Akaitchko is right, too," cried Mr. McKenzic ; " and as sure as I'm alive, that scoundrel McDou<;al is at the bottom < f this. These Indians, whoever they are, will be sure to follow the river bank. We must run them down if we kill our horses in doin«; it. Go ahead, Akaitchko. You take the lead. We'll keep you in sipjht, however fast you go." Without waiting for another word, Akaitchko obeyed, and the others, stringing out into a long Indian file, did not allow him to leave them too far behind, as at a pace possible only for perfect riders, he hurried on, making light of the many obstacles that crowded the way, and would have seriously hindered less daring horsemen. Knowing every yard of the country by heart, Akaitchko was able to avail himself of many short cuts and helpful detours, whereby the speed of his party was made much greater than that of the men he was tracking, and every now and then he was encouraged by finding fresh traces of the objects of his pursuit. In the excitement of the hunt, both he and Mr. McKenzic were able in «onje measure to forget their anxiety about the boys, and through the long hours of that day they TO THE RESCUE. 77 Spared neither themselves nor their horses, until at length the coming of night made further progress impossible. It was very trying to stop when perhaps they were not many miles behind the four mysterious horsemen ; but their animals were exhausted, and any way they were more likely to lose ground than to gain it by proceeding in the dark. So a fire was made, a frugal meal of pcmmican and tea pre- j)are(l, and then, leaving one to take his turn at watching, the others rolled up in their bison robes and were soon in slumber deep. If the two fathers had known that only ten miles farther on their own dear boy., were also in cainp with their captors, the darkest night that ever came to Athabasca would hardly have pre- vented them from rushing forward to their rescue. Hut there was no little bird or fairy to tell them this, and wearied with the fatigues and anxieties of the day, they slept as soundly as any of their companions. For some time after Archie got back his l)lace by the camp fire he felt too excited t om- j>()sc himself to sleep, but at length he fell .nto a ilccp dreamless slumber from which he .1 not awaken until broad daylight. The moment he awoke he looked eagerly about him, for his first thought was, ** Have I succeeded } " With a delicious thrill of delight he saw that he had. Not a horse was to bo seen, and hree 78 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. of the Indians had disappeared also, no doubt in search of the missing animals. The fourth Indian was sitting sullenly by the fire with his £dn across his knees, and when he noticed Archie moving he pointed it at him, muttering something that clearly meant, ** If you make any attempt to escape, I'll put a bullet into you." But Archie was not frightened. He felt too happy at the success of his scheme. " Don't look so cross," he said with a smile. " I'm not going to run away; I'm just going to get some breakfast/' The kettle was still on the fire with some pem- mican in it, and rousing Sawtloulai, Archie pro- ceeded with his help to scrape it clean. Then, feeling ready for anything, he sat down opposite his surly j^uardian to awaii developments. He was quivering with suppressed excitement, and ap- prehensive lest the Quarrelers, observing it, would suspect him of having something to do with the disappearan ^e of the horses. But no such notion seemed to enter the stolid savage's brain as the minutes slipped by and the sun rose higher in the heavens. Comfortable in the knowledge of the Indian not being able to understand a word they were saying, the two boys talked freely together. " Now, wasn't my plan a good one ? " asked Archie triumphantly. " Don't you see, the mo- ment the horses found themselves free they startcu TO THE RESCUE. 79 out for home, and the Indians have no more chance of catching them than they have of catching that bird," pointing up to a hawk swooping swiftly through the air above their heads. " But how do you know the horses belonged to the fort ? " asked Sawtloulai. "Oh! that's easy enough," replied Archie. "The Quarrelers hadn't any horses with them when they came. So they must have got them at the fort. Then, another thing ; if father's on our track — and I'm perfectly sure he is — he'll likely as not meet those horses on their way, and that'll tell him we can't he very far ahead, and he'll hurry on just as fast as he can. You see if he doesn't catch up to us to-day.*' " Oh I how I hope he will ! " exclaimed Sawt- loulai ; " I want to get back. I'm afraid to be with these bad Indians ; " and the poor little fellow looked as if he were about to burst into tears. Archie put his arm about him tenderly. ** You will get back, Sawtloulai ; never fear. The great God up there will take care of us both. He won't let these bad Indians do us any harm." llis constant companionship with Archie, a com- panionship which extended even to his sharing the benefits of the factor's teaching in the winter time, had given this Indian boy a comprehension far beyond that of his fellows, and the mention of God, the mysterious, all-powerful Manitou of the white men, to whom Mr. McKcnzie prayed so 8o ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. often, calmed and comforted him. If Archie was sure of such help, they would certainly get out of all their troubles yet. So he set himself to wait in patience. Two hours passed, and Archie was beginning to find the suspense intolerable, when there was a rustling in the underbrush to the right, and all three sprang to their feet — the Indian with finger tpon trigger, the boys with hearts throbbing with hope. But it proved to be only the other three Indians returning from their unsuccessful hunt after the horses. They were evidently in the worst of humors, and the boys felt cold shivers of apprehension going down their backs as the angry savages regarded them with looks whose meaning it was not difficult to make out. Archie coula not help thinking that in some way they held him responsible for the loss of the horses. As (ley consulted earnestly together he thought to himself, " Oh ! what wouldn't I <;ive to know what they're talking about?" Had he been able to understand the succession of guttural grunts and growls that did duty for a language with them, he would have found good cause for anxiety. The fact was, they were in a very serious dilemma. They had be n bribed by the villainous McDongal to carry off the boys, their reward being a horse, a gun, and a lot of ammunition and pemmican apiece. They were all the more willing to undertake the job because they knew two such sturdy lads would TO THE RESCUE. 8l be welcome additions to their tribe, and especially the white boy, whcse presence would, they thought, bring them good luck, and insure them victory over their inveterate enemies, the Esquimaux. Hut now, without norses to carry them, what were they to do ? They could not get along as fast with their prisoners as without them, and if pur- suit were being made, as was most probable, they would be overtaken without fail. Then, if caught with the boys in their custody, what else could they expect than condign punishment at the hands of the enraged pursuers ? The simplest way out of the difficulty seemed to be to make away with the boys, and then to scatter into the woods, and try and meet again at the shore of Great Slave Lake when all danger of pursuit was over. This was the plan proposed by the eldest of the quartet and supported by the youngest. But happily the others were either too tender or too faint of heart to agree off-hand. They thought it would be better to turn the boys adrift to shift for themselves as best they might, and to make l;oocI their own retreat thus unencumbered by their captives. The discussion waxed warm, and, as the minutes dragged by, Archie, waiting with intense anxiety for the issue, kept eye and ear strained in hope of detecting some sign of coming rescue. No Indian surpassed him in sharpness of sight or keenness of hearing, yet nothing could he see or hear. 82 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. At length the eldest Indian, getting into a pas- sion, brought the discussion suddenly to an end by a fierce whoop, and ran to get his gun which he had left wrapped up in his robe by the fire. Archie guessed the meaning of this action, and prepared to make a struggle for his life. At the same moment there came from the other side of the valley a sound that sent a thrill of hope to his heart. Was it an answering whoop, or was it only an echo? He did not wait to decide. Cry- ing out : " Now, Sawtloulai — for your life ! " he gave his companion a sharp push, and with the leap of a deer sprang off in the direction whence the sound had come, Sawtloulai close at his heels. So sudden was the movement, that they had made nearly twenty yards before the Indians recovered sufficiently from their surprise to start after them. With a furious grunt, the one who had gone for his gun took quick aim at the fugi- tives, and pulled the trigger ; but there only came the sharp snap of the cap as it missed fire. Dash- ing the gun to the ground, he darted off after the others, uttering another of his awful whoops. It was a magnificent race. Archie and Sawt- loulai were as fleet a pair of boys as ever wore moccasins, and their pursuers were men in the prime of life. The valley bottom was fairly level, and the grass, thick and dry, made a springy cushion for the feet. The boys were in far better TO THE RESCUE. 83 condition than the Indians, the latter being much the worse for their late "drinking match." For a short distance the odds were decidedly with the lads. But where and how was the desperate struggle to end ? Across the level the runners sped, and up the farther slope, whose ascent caused their speed to slacken, and brought their pursuers nearer. They were already losing breath and strength, and little Sawtloulai, lagging bwhind, was but a few yards ahead of the foremost Indian, when from above them the whoop that Archie's acute ear had caught a few moments before rang out again, and mingled with it a glad " Hurrah! " that he knew at once came from his father's throat. He looked up in joy inexpressible. Upon the C(.\g;e of the slope stood his father and Akaitchko, with guns at shoulder. " Down, Sawtloulai, down ! " shrieked Archie. Instantly the boys dropped to the earth; and at the same moment the two men pulled trigger. There was no empty snap of caps this time. A single report awoke the echoes of the valley, and the two foremost Indians, each with a bullet in his brain, plunged headlong to the ground, while their companions turned and fled backward in wild dismay. Springing from their horses, the two men rushed down the slope, and clasped their boys in a passionate embrace. #. t^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) i.u jr I.I 11.25 M 125 lU I 2.2 1.4 2.0 1.6 <^ y] A .^ ^' ^^l^"^' O^. Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 MIST MAIN STRUT WMSTIR, N.Y. MSM (716) 173-4503 '^ S'^s 84 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " Thank God ! thank God ! " was all the factor could say, while tears of joy streamed down his cheeks. *' YouVe not hurt, laddie, are you ? " ** Hurt, father ? " laughed Archie joyfully. '* Not a bit. Only a little out of breath." As if to make sure that he was correct, Mr. Mc- Kenzie held him at arm's length, looked him all over, and then gave him another hug. "Oh ! Archie lad, but my heart's light again," he cried. " Come now, and tell me all about it." If not quite so demonstrative, yet no less sin- cere was the old hunter's greeting of his favorite son, and Sawtloulai almost forgot how much he had suffered, in the enjoyment of his father's unusual exhibition of affection. Meanwhile, the two Quarrelers had been run- ning for dear life to the cover of the forest, and, by the time Mr. McKenzie thought of them, had vanished into its depths. Akaitchko, re-loading his gun, asked if he should follow them. " No — no," was the answer. " We've got our boys — and those," pointing at the motionless forms upon the ground, "have paid dearly for their crime. That's revenge enough. Let us cac/ie their corpses, and get back to the fort as quick as we can." The two fathers had outstripped the rest of the party in their eager pursuit, and it was some little time before the other men came up. When they did, the bodies were buried in a huge pile of TO THE RESCUE. 8s Stones, to protect them from wild beasts, and their guns and robes at the camp having been gathered up, the homeward journey was begun, both Archie and Sawtloulai having horses to ride, because their rescuers, by great good luck, had caught two out of the four of which the Quar- relers had been so cleverly deprived. As they rode along together, Archie, with great gusto, and a pleasant sense of having borne him- self very creditably, related all that had happened to him since he was carried off by the Indians ; how he had been suddenly seized, and bound, and hurried away ; how all that night he had traveled without rest ; how, during the following day, he had thought out the scheme for his own deliv- erance, and how successful it had proved. The factor's heart glowed with pride at the recital. Truly, his was a son to boast of, and one from whom the very best things might confidently be expected. Such courage, such cunning, such coolness would command success anywhere. "You are well worth rescuing, Archie," said he, looking fondly at his boy. " For all the trouble you have cost me, you will repay me a hundred fold in due time." *' I hope so, father," responded Archie brightly. " And this I'U promise you, that if ever anybody cariies you off, I'll try and do as much for you as you have just done for me." " May you never get the chance, my boy," said 86 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. the factor ; ** but if Providence sliould so will it, I have no fear but you will do your duty." Little did cither of them dream that the future held in store for Archie the opportunity to make good his words, which were not, indeed, spoken in jest, but in real earnest, although the event they contenii>lated seemed about as remote a possibility as could well be. They reached the fort early the following morn- ing, to be welcomed with tears of joy by Mrs. McKenzie, and smiles of gladness by Rose-Marie, both of whom showed in their pale faces the tokens of the anxious hours of waiting they had spent. •* O, my darling boy ! " cried Mrs. McKenzie, folding Archie to her breast. *' What would I have done if you had never come back to me ? " And Archie was not ashamed to return the em- brace with interest, in proof of how deeply he himself had felt. They had a long talk together over the matter, Mr. McKenzie's suspicions that the factor of Fort Wedderburne was the instigator of the attempt upon Archie having grown into a conviction, and yet he could not see his way clearly to bringing the matter home to his rival. He now began to regret that he had not captured the two Quar- relers who survived, and extracted in some way from them the information which he felt sure they could give. By use of the sign language, which all Indians use more or less, they might TO THE RESCUE. 87 have been made to understand what was wanted of them, and so lon^ as the bribe was big enough, there was not much fear of their persistently refusing to reveal the truth. lUit it was no use crying over spilt milk. In his joy at recovering his son, he had for the mo- ment forgotten everything else, and now the only witnesses agninst McDougal were utterly out of reach. Yet he could not deny himself the satis- faction of letting the scoundrel know that his part in the matter was well understood, even if it could not have been proved in a court of justice. So, taking Archie with him, and accompanied by Mr. Wentzel, he went over to Fort Wedderburne that very afternoon. They found the factor alone in his room. There was not much standing upon ceremony in that primitive society, and having knocked at the door, and been ordered in a gruff voice to " come in," they had entered without further ceremony. The moment his eyes fell upon Archie, the factor started, and a guilty flush spread over his face. Then, recovering himself by an evident effort, he rose irom his chair, and invited his visitors to take seats, and make themselves at home. Mr. Mc- Kenzie and Mr. Wentzel exchanged meaning looks as Mr. McDougal covered his confusion by hjs- tling about the room. Mr. McKenzie then inquired if the factor had lost any of his horecs. ss ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " That I have ! " exclaimed he, with a great show of indignation. " Those Quarrelers ran away with four of the best of them." " The horses were not given them, then ? " asked Mr. McKenzie meaningly. " Given them .? " roared McDougal. ** Do you think it's likely I'd waste my horses upon such miserable beggars as those .? " ** Possibly not ; although why not horses as well as guns ? " replied Mr. McKenzie, looking at him very hard, and then continuing : " But I had a reason in asking about the horses," and \yithout more ado he proceeded to tell the whole story of Archie's capture and rescue, and how two of the Quarrelers had lost their lives. The countenance of the baffled rascal during this recital was an amusing study. He realized clearly that his guilt was known, and that the three before him had come over for the express purpose of letting him know that it was known. He longed to rise and command them to be gone, but he was shrewd enough to understand that this would be a most impolitic proceeding. So, keeping himself under control, he heard the story out, and then got rid of his unwelcome visi- tors with the best grace he could muster, giving vent to his pent-up feelings the moment they had disappeared. CHAPTER VII. WINTER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. A N Athabasca winter is no trifling matter. The Frost King is monarch of all he sur- veys, and even though there may be some who feel disposed to dispute his right to freeze their noses and congeal their cheeks, he receives their protests with cool indifference, and continues his mischievous work with unabated zeal. His advance agents, the early snow-storms, first make their appearance about mid-October, but only for a flying visit. They come in the evening, perhaps, stay all night, and vanish before the morning sunshine. Later on, they reappear in greater force, and prolong their stay until at last, by the end of November, the ground having been prepared for them in the meantime, they enter into full possession, and far and near, from horizon to horizon, the prairie is covered with the white robes of winter. Then the autumn blasts, upon whose bosoms the 89 9C3 ARCHIK OF ATHAIUSCA. stiowflakcs have V)ccn borne, having done their work, sink to rest, and the h)ng, still, coUl winter has fairly begun. Mr. IMcKenzie was )t at all sorry when the snv>w came. During (1 hasle ami bustle of tlie brief summer, many things had to be left untlone that the ample leisure of the winter permitted him t*> aeeomplish, and moreover it gave him much more lime with his family, a privilege which he htMrtily appreciated. T'or the very same reason Mrs. McKenzie antl Rose-Marie shared his views, but Archie held an entirely dilTercnt opinion. He could see no fun in the close confinement the intense and incessant cold made necessary. He found it very hanl to endure this patiently. T'*?re was, of course, a certain amount of snow-shoeing and tobogganing to be done, but even these amuse- ments became rather monotonous when they were the only ones, and he looked forward with no little impatience to the return of spring, when with the warm days came freedom to do just what he pleased. The programme of his day ran pretty much as follows : In the first place — and here, no doubt, many another boy would heartily envy him — he tumbled out of his warm bed into the frosty atmosphere of his room just whenever he liked. There was no nine o'clock school at Fort Chipc wyan, nor anything else to make it necessary for our young hero to get up at any particular time, WINTKR AT FORT Cim'KWYAN. 91 especially as lie knew that his fond mother would have breakfast hot fot him whenever he appeared, riicrrfore, if his do^^ l'.«iaiyc (TViend), the f^ift of an IndiaJi (hief, and a ereatnrc of extraordinary sa^;acity, rnhbed his cold nose against his face and so ehallenf^ed him sooner than he felt inclined to respond, he could with an easy conscience say with the slu;;;;ard f)f the nursery rhyme, " You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again," and turn over for another nap. As the McKenzic household, however, was run on the sound j)rinciplc, "early to bed and early to rise," Archie did not often feel tempted to lie lon<^ abed, but, obeying Ivlaiye's gentle hint, would roll out of the bed-clothes, and plunge into his own clothes with all possible dispatch, for there were no hall stoves or registers at the fort, and the only warm ])lace was the living-room, where glorious wood fues crackling and roaring upon a hearth that occupied one whole side of the room, waged successful battle with the cold so long as they were faithfully attended to. After breakfast the factor always had prayers — Mr. Wentzel, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Robertson and Mr. McGillvray generally joining in the service, which consisted of the singing of a few verses of a Psalm, the reading of a passage from the Bible, and then a brief but fervent nvaver from Mr. Mc- Kcnzie. This over, Archie was free to do as he pleased, unless his father should, as sometimes Q2 AK« niK or A I MAM \S("A. b;\]>pon(Nl, WiuU Ins lirlp In tlio Rl(>rclu»nst\ wlirtc* H' tluMO \v;\s alwMNS soinct liiii*; lo l>o done to ll ^ooils or i\ns, o; in the olVut* wlu^n^ \Uc niH-onnl wore Ut'pl lU'siJv^s l'M;\ivr, Arrbio h.-nl ;\ foUowrr wlio vied with tho «U\;; in l\is iUn'(>li«>n, and Ihnt was S,«\vl- loul.ii, Sinvothoir aJvontnro with llic (^.>n;niol(Ms tlio liltlo iolUnv was nuMO tlian over wiapt up in his •• whilo hrothiM," and as stnr as Aiclno W(M)1 i>ut oi a niornin;;, no mat tor what the weather niii^lU he, he found the Indian hoy waitinj; fi)r him ns patiently as the ininivMt.il lanil> that Mary liad. He really seenieil to know no liapjiiness npatt ivo\\\ Arehie, aiul his absolute submission to the lattet's will wouUl haye s]>oih^l a boy loss somul at heart, aiul led him li> tyrannize oyer his dusky suh- jeet. ln:t instead ot playini; the part ol tyrant, Arehie much preferred that of patrtm and j^rotec- tor. with thv^ result of maintaining; a relation that was ereditabic to himself and eminently satisfac- tory to Sawtloulai. With Sawtloulai and I*!daiyc in willinj; atten- daneo, then Arehie would sally forth, warmly wrapped in furs, to find amusement for the few hours of daylight. Sometimes, gathering together the other boys about the fort, of whom there were a dozen or so, Indians and half-breeds, they all would take their toboggans and go oyer to a long steep slope that ended at the edge of the lake, and offered a perfect natural slide. If the cold did WINirU AT rOKT ( ntlMCWVAN. 93 not I)i(n too keenly tliiq was {^^ratid fun, for of (■(Mirsc ihry had larcs, and trials as tf) who could jM) (ho farthest, and eoniparison of skill in stand- JM}', \\\), and all that sort of thin^. Archie stood cMsily lirst at these sports, and lofjjM'd for more serious opposition than any of his phiyfnates could I'ive him, so that he was very j/lad when now and I hen Mr. Wentzel, or one of the other clerks, would ( oine down with his tol)0|^^an and challeuf^c him lo a contest f)f speed and skill. Then there would he f;reat excitement. All other slidini; would be suspended to w.itch the struf^f^^le. 'I'he spectators' sympathies were all with Archie, anrl if he wfm they would split the air with joyous whoo|)S, while if he were beaten they would disappointedly ^runt, " U};h ! u^h I" and scowl at the audacious victor. Hesides the toboj^j^anin^, the boys had another resource in which they took even more delicrht, and that was trappin^^. As has been already men* tinned, the skirts of the pjreat northern forest reached wcll-nij;h to the lake, and among its mys- terious mazes the bear, lynx, wolverine, marten, mink, and other animals whose ill-fortune it is to wear valuable skins, had their lairs, while the foxes swarmed everywhere, and the wolves ran about in howling; packs seeking what they mi;^ht devour. Then at intervals along the course of the river were colonies of beaver living cosily in their domed dwellings, veritable citadels for strength, and to be stormed only by well-equipped assailants. 04 AKrniK o\' ArnAnAS( A. Aiilno \vAi\ A voty ttMidtM- sp()l in Ins IkmiI toi \\\r \h;\\CV. \\c ko\]\A nol l;tkc MHypU^isiiK* \u Killni!^ thrin. llu-y srcMiuMl siuli woihIcm Inllv t'lovn . mtoti stiuj; anipials ihal ho thoii};!)! il nolh mi; v^lsr lh.\n a sl);nno lo lako iwvay Ihoii livrs, o\AM\ il tluMT c»>;\ts won' so well woilli llu* troiiMc of si\Mn itij;. This ioolinv; was xhm v nuirh stnM)j;thriiO(l lyv what ho saw ono siininuM allorn(M)n, whon with Sawtionlai aiul ]'M;\ivo ho luul boon lollnwin^ np a litllo stioani that loll into Iho lako n«>l fat Iroin tho ioit. Thov woio nuuh tlolii;hto»l at t-oinini; npon A boavor ooli>nv ol whoso oxistonoo thoy had nol pro\ ionsh known ; and orooping up very oautionsly thov woro a]>lo li> watch tho proooodini;s ot tho busy liltlo animals tor a loni; time, without thoii prosonoo boinj; vlotootod. Tcllinj; his mother and Koso-Maric abo\it it on his return lu>me, i^o said : *' l^ut oh ! it von eouKl onlv h.ivo seen the five little babv beavers there plavini; with one another, I'm sure vou'd never w.uU to kill a beaver a^ain." ** I'm sure I never wanted io kill a beaver at any time. Arohie dear," smiled his mother. •• C"^, no I ot course you don't, but father and the rest ot them do, and it just seems to mo cruel when I hey are so clover and so harmless.*' ** Put tell us about tho tivo little baby beavers, Archie," broke in Rose-Mario, impatient for the story. Don't be in such a hurry, sister. Tm just *t WrNII.K Al I'OKI ( liri'KWVAN. 95 ||)(M> ;iuii flic ff|{fc nf llir vv.ifci, Mild vvlnlr Im' s;it th'-rr Miiikint^ in (lie !;nn, ;nnl Innkiiijr ;i<.; jf |ic jIkhij',!)! ;i y/un] f|(';il ol liimscll. ;iI(»m;; came ;iiH»tli(f just like linn, ;in(l }Mvin;; liim ;i push sent liiin licid first into tli(! w.itiM, while h(* ;»t once ( jinrord into his phicc. Then the onr ih.it w.is onshcci off cinir h.K k ;ind upset the other, nnd they kept this up for sorn(! limn, three others jirescntly (omin^ .'don;^ to join in the Inn, and then the whoh; five went in for a t;reat time. They playecl with oik" another jnsl like little children, and they looked like chih (hen, too, niother, indeed they did," adder! Archie eai nes tly. l( I \\\ snre tl le y were talk iiiL' to one another, and anyhody eonid sec that they were lau'-hiiiL;, jnst as w( do " Mrs. McKen/,ie smiled half incrcdnlously, but Rose- Marie, aeceptin;; every word, eried ont eaL;(Mly : " (), Archie ! how I'd like to see the little dears. Won't you take mc some day ? And what else did the beavers do .<* " " Why, they played about .)n the lor^ for a lon^; time, pnsbin^ij one another, and playinf^ chase in the water, until Kdaiyc j^avc a bark which scared them out of their lives, and they dived into the ntcr, and vvc didn't sec them any more. But I toll you what it is, I don't see where the fun comes in of killinjr such creatures as those." w i 96 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " Tm glad my boy has such a tender heart," said Mrs. McKenzie, beaming proudly upon him ; " and I hope he will always keep it tender.'* But Archie had no such compunction about any of the other fur-bearing animals. They were all fish when they came to his net, and there was nothing he enjoyed better than to accompany Akaitchko when he made the round of his traps. No matter how cold the weather might be, he was always ready to 50, and this last winter he and Sawtloulai had been running a line of traps of their own, in which they caught many a mink and marten. Akaitchko showed them how to prepare the traps, and went with them iij their rounds, as Mr. McKenzie did not think it prudent for them to go alone. Sometimes he would accompany them himself, and then, oh ! how proud the boys felt if their artful snares were found to have proved successful. The traps used were of two kinds. For the larger animals it was a steel affair much like an ordinary rat-trap, only about twice as big, and with- out teeth, and with two springs instea 1 of one. To one of the springs a chain was fastened having a weight at the end so that the animal could not drag the trap off, and thus escape. In setting this trap it was spread out flat, and just covered with snow, while upon it and around it chips of frozen meat or fish were temptingly scattered. This bait would be the only sign of the presence WINTER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. 97 of the trap, and the animals never become so shrewd as to understand that a free lunch in the wilderness of the North, is a no less dangerous temptation than it is in the cities to the South. They greedily take what is given them, asking no questions for conscience sakt, and the first thing they know they have put their foot in it. The trappers prefer that while they are about it they should put both feet in it, because then they cannot drag the trap any distance, nor can they escape the way that they do sometimes when only one foot is caught; by eating that unfortunate member off close to the trap, and hobbling away sadder if not wiser for the experience. For the smaller animals a home-made trap was used, it being simply two logs, one of which was supported over the other by means of a small stick, in such a manner that when the mink or marten crept between the two and pulled the bait, he pulled the support away, too, and down came the upper log upon his back, crushing him flat. In order to encourage enterprise on his part, Mr. McKenzie kept an account with Archie, in which he was credited with every skin he brought in, and there being no opportunity at the fort to spend his earnings, he was accordingly laying up quite a snug little balance which would some day come in very handy. Some time ago he had ad- mitted Sawtloulai into a junioi partnership, and the two worked along together most harmoniously, 98 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. Ill for Archie did the thinking for both, and the little Indian was really but another pair of hands for him, and a very deft pair they were, too. Going the rounds of the traps, a business that had to be attended to every two or three days, was a very interesting, and sometimes exciting piece of work, and they both looked forward eagerly to the day when they could go off trapping on their own account, and without Akaitchko or Mr. Wentzel in charge. The present winter had so far not been a good one for the young trappers. They had set and baited their traps again and again with deepest cunning, and come back full of hope, only to find they had drawn a blank. Now the bait would all be gobbled up, and not a trap sprung ; again the only trophy would be a fox's foot gnawed off close to the cruel spring by Reynard, or, what was most exasperating of all, they would find that the trap had done its work, and caught a good mink or marten, but that the pest and plague of the Canadian trapper, the hateful carcajou or wolver- ine, had come along, and *• made raggles " of the defenseless captive. This latter aggravation had happened several times of late, and the boys' hearts were burning with desire for revenge upon their tormentor. With Akaitchko's aid they set trap after trap for him with nicest care, but in vain. Detecting its exact position, in some mysterious way he WINTER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. 99 would burrow underneath, and steal the bait with- out disturbing the spring, or, waiting until some other animal had paid the penalty of venturing too near, he would coolly devour both it and the bait. However, it's a long lane that has no turning. The boys persevered, and in the end they got »heir reward, although not without a struggle. They had gone out for the afternoon, under the old Indian's care, as usual. It was a very cold, but perfectly still day. The sun shone down from a cloudless sky, yet seemed to have no warmth in its rays. The boys* breath, as they pressed forward, blew back and froze upon the mufflings of their necks and ears. They had to watch their noses carefully, lest Jack Frost should turn them into marble. But they did not mind the cold as, clad in fur from head to heel, and shod with snow-shoes, they slipped rapidly over the undulating drifts in the wake of Akaitchko. The carcajou had been growing more and more daring, and they more and more determined to catch him. Apparently, the way he looked at it was that a kind Providence was supplying him with abundant food, in the form of bait or ready- caught prey, and he proposed to enjoy the situa- tion so lone: as it continued. In order to deceive the wily animal, they placed the traps in a differ- ent spot each time, and had thus been gradually working away from the fort, until now the end of the line was nearly two miles distant. 100 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. I '! In the first few traps they found nothing, but presently came to one containing the shreds of what had once been a fine mink. *' Confound the brute ! " cried Archie wrath- fuUy. " Here's some more of his work. Oh ! if I could only get my hands upon him." " Take care him don't get him's claws in you, Archie," said the old Indian significantly. ** Him bite like devil, certain sure." " Oh ! I'll take good care of that, Akaitchko," replied Archie. " I know what he can do." They were approaching the end of the line as they talked, and whcii they reaches' it Archie stopped short, looked all around him with a sur- prised expression, thrust the ramrod of his gun into the snow, and finally exclaimed: " Well, what do you think of that ? That blessed carcajou has not only eaten the mink, but I believe he's eaten my trap, too. This is the very place I set it ; I know it by that blaze on the tree." Akaitchko smiled in an amused, superior way. " Carcajou got strong teeth ; but can't eat traps, all the same. Most likely traps bite him. He try run away ; see } " " To be sure," said Archie, his face radiant at the thought. " The brute can't have gone far with that heavy trap. Let's see who'll find him first." There had been a slight fall of snow during the WINTER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. lOI morning, so that whatever marks the wolverine might have made were completely hidden ; but, determined to hunt him up, the three trappers went off in different directions to examine the underbrush, which was very thick thereabouts. Akaitchko took the right hand, and the boys, not far apart, took the left. It was not easy work getting through the underbrush on snow-shoes, yet the snow was too deep to permit of laying the shoes aside. They had left their guns at the foot of the blazed tree, and were armed only with a hunting knife and small hatchet apiece. Now stooping low to avoid a snow-laden branch, and again springing over the trunk of a fallen tree, they made their way carefully through the dense growth of young timber, not knowing at what moment they might encounter the object of their search. After a good deal of this, Archie, think- ing it quite enough, called across to Sawtloulai: " He couldn't drag that trap as far as this. Let's go back to the tree on another track." *' All right," shouted Sawtloulai, and so, leav- ing Akaitchko to his own devices, they retraced their steps. The little Indian was alone ; but Archie had Edaiye with him, and tried to keep close behind the eager animal, who seemed thor- oughly to enter into the spirit of the hunt. Sud- denly there was an exclamation from Sawtloulai, followed quickly by a cry of alarm, the harsh growl of some furious creature, and the fierce rattling of \r2 Aunnr- or AinAMAsrA, on \;H1um viurlosslv, Smvllonlai h;ul ronu^ lo .\ I.^IKmi tirr, whii h Imv not liKv vmds lion» whiic iho {\.\\> h,»t>M< sot, MntI, withoiil pMusinj; to oo»)si»iot wlu tluM or not thoio nii.^JU bi' anythinj; w tbi ^tl OHUM SlvtO o .1 it. 1 u^ attiMn] >t«Ml 1 o s pnuj o\ o» it \[ WAS \\o{ A biii tvoo, Init ono i.iuiot ^« t.UvO nnu 1> of a jmnp i>n snow shoos. ;nnl instoad of vlo;uin;; it no.\tlv. tlio too ol Ins lolt slioc o;ui_i;ht .\t tlio tv>|\ AwA \\c took ;\ lu\uli'r into tlu' (too)> sn^nv v >\\ tho othor si»K\ Hut Inloto \\c \i he Ii.kI tinio to sO(^ wlint rallrvl totth his nv ot .'\hmn. tor. Ivinj; oh>so to tho tn^o tMn\k, wis a viark hivnvn mass til. \t v\nilil 1)0 nau;;ht v\sc than tho vhoa^loil oairajoii. Vov A moment {\\c cvcAiwvc soomoJ too start K'»l to tlo an\ tnisohiot. Hut it was only loi a mo mont ; anvl ]>oloro S.nvtloulai oouM oxtriralo him v'iolt trv>m liis awkw.Wil pv>sitii>n. it sprang iorwaiil Awd Innioil its toriihlo tooth in his \v\\ shonhlci. •• Arohio ! Arohio ! qniv'k ! He's kihinj; mo!" shiiokovi I ho pv>oi- littlo follow. All 11; ht. 1 m ov>min; Arrhio shout od haok And with hnntiiii; knife in vmo hand, and hatrhol in Iho other, he rushed lo the leseue ot iiis friend. (iiAiTF'R vrir. riRK. AND rAMfNf;. I *1II'' sij'Jil lli;it inri, his ryrs wIkmj lir rr;if hrr| \ho spot Wim st;irllinf^ mon'^lj. I y m: fl;it upon his ImcmsI, mikI im.ihlr to rct;;iir) his Irrl ho- r.nisc nl the (Iinnsy .snow-shoes, lilMr Sawtloiilai ih'tdy in (he pf)vv('r of the (ar^ajoii, WIS cotnj whirh, inliitialcd hy its siirfcrin(.;s, was l)itiri;_^ at luin sava;.;c'1y, and had ahcady [dvcn him serious wounds, as the hh)od upon the snow made plain. It would not have been easy to shoot at the ik of injurin;^ the .'uuina 1 wit lout nmnintr the ris hoy; but Archie did not wait to ^et his ^un. He had no fear of fij^htin;; at close (juarters. His one thou;;ht was to save Sawtloulai, and sprin^- iiii; forward, he raised the hatchet, and aimed a blow with all bis mi^ht at the wolverine. The wily creature saw it coming, and made a (juick niovcir.ent which saved his head, but not his shoulder, into which the sharp steel bit deeply, causing him to forget the boy prostrate before 103 \i\\ AUctttK or ArnAtusrA, Mtn. i\\\y\ to \\\\\\ \\\[\\ ;\ lioiiid sn;ol \tpoti In?; plvulvv Mss;\il.inl. (.^wius; t<> l^i'^ l>rinj: on snow s]n>rs, Aii Ino nnvl owe of tho l>ij; forop.wvs, intrhiii}; l\im just l>olo\v (ho Unor. out thioii^'Ji tlio tlook K\i',,i;iM)r as thoiij;]) it \\.\y\ lu'on papcM, ;Ohl soorr»l ;i «loop };;\sh olc.w vK>\vn to the .niklo, Iront whioh tlio blood tlowctl prv>tusoly. Hut th;U was his li\st advim tai;o. The koon halvhot (H«l not miss its in.iik the t)o\t time. v'^win!;inL; it dosptMalcdv as the htnto turnovl to renew its attaok, Aiohio huiiod it in his brain, and with a oonvulsivo struivrl the oaroajiMi rolled over, dead. t■'>t^' Not stoppiui; to examine liis prire, Arehie hur- rievl to lilt little Sawtlotilai, and at the same mo ment Akaitehko, whose quick ear IkuI eaught the bov's eries, eame rnshini;- to liis side. They found that the \>ooy little ehap had fainteil throui;h terror, ]\\in and U>ss of bUnnl, and thev plaeed him ten- derly upon the tree trunk, Arehie holding; his head, in his laj\ while the father bathed his face with snow, anvl strove to stanch the gaping wounds. In a few moments the boy opened his eyes, and putting: his hand to his shoulder, murmured pite- ous iv b (• It hurts me — it hurts mc. Oh I how it hurts mc. Archie had no thousiht for his own wound, riHK ANr» rAMINK. ifi5 whicli wan Rtill blrrcliii^r frrrly, ;uifl Il;r trarR that came into his ryrs as he hcnt down and softly kissed the hu»wn fai o iti hiM lap, wrtr trais of syinp ilhy, not ol pain. " I know it hnils yoii, Sawtlonlai dra?," ]\r. t;;iid snothini'Jy. " lint it will soon ho hcttc.r when wc yv\ yon hack to the! loi t." Akaitchko'.H ordy rctnark was onn of his rxprrs- sivo " n};;h.s ! " vvhiih meant in IOnt;liMh, " This is a h.id hnsincss." lint there was no donht as to his anxiety, nor as to the skill with which he (pii( kly hound np his son's shoulder, and made ready to hen him to the fort. This was all done hcforc he noticed Archie's hurt. Carcajou do that?" he irupiired, poir)tin;^ to II tl ie woun( led h an (1 Archie nodding/ his head aHirmat ively, he added, - " I lim dcvd, certain suie ;" and without another word i)roeeedcd to hind it up in the same skillful fashion. II Com e, now, M ic sai( II II ome, fpnc k ! tf Picking; up his son as thou;;h he were a mere bai)y, ho placed him f^ently upon his brr)ad slioul- tier, and strode off in the directif)n of the fort, leaving; Archie to brin^ the ^wnn and follf)V/ him as best be couhl, the carcajou, whose undf)in;; had cost so much, beinfj left nc^^lectcd in the trap. If all were well next day, they mi^^ht perhaps return for him ; but at present th^ / had a much more important matter in hand ; namely, the saving of Sawtloulai's life. io6 ARCHIK OF ATHADASCA. Archie had a haul job getting back to the fort. His leg was exceedingly sore, and only constant motion prevented it from becoming so stiff as to be useless. Happily, the bleeding ceased alto- gether, and he had not lost enough blood lo weaken him at all. Yet he sometimes felt as though he could not go a step farther — he must lie down and rest a little. Then it was that Akaitchko's example inspired him, as the stalwart old Indian, bearing his precious burden, urged his way onward without pause, seeming to he entirely superior to the ordinary limits of human strength auvl endurance. Keeping close behind him, Archie plodded on with dogged determina- tion, until at last the welcome walls of the fort came into sight, and summoning all his energies for a final spurt, he even took the lead of the Indian, and kept it until he dropped exhausted at the gate. The return of the trappers in so damaged a con- dition made quite a sensation in the fort, and they were at once surrounded by an eager crowd of questioners. But Akaitchko, taking thought only for his boy, would answer nobody as he hastened to his own quarters, where Sawtloulai's mother would dress his wounds far better than he could do ; and Mr. McKenzie hurried Archie in to have his injury attended to, so that the crowd had to wait some time before their curiosity could be satisfied. FIRE AND FAMINE. 107 had When the story came to be told, Archie received abundant praise for the brave part he had taken, and Sawtloulai much sympathy for his sufferings ; while everybody rejoiced that the carcajou had met its reward at last. The little Indian was not able to leave his bed for some weeks, but Archie, after limping round for a week, had no further bother with his leg. Determined that so much trouble should not be taken for nothing, Mr. Wentzel thoughtfully set off the following morning after the killing of the wolverine, and finding the body untouched brought it to the fort on a toboggan, when one and all declared that it was the largest of the kind they had ever seen. The skin, of course, went to Archie's credit in his steadily growing account with his father for furs supplied. The weeks followed one another uneventfully as the winter dragged its slow course along. January was an intensely cold month and marked by many snow-storms, which piled up the drifts about the walls of the fort, both inside and out, until it seemed as though the buildings must be buried if the storms continued. The paths shov- eled out between them became deep cuts whose sides rose above Archie's head, and it took no small amount of work to keep the road open to the lake, whence the water supply was drawn. For days at a time Archie would not go outside the fort, and he took advantage of this enforced loS ARrtnn OP AHUnN^^iA. snow ^li«>r>? -AwA sw.Ar tol^vmnn*? ; 1 wo \ oi \ \:\\\\:\\)\r ;i» « onipli^binmt 'J tiM ono who o>pt'rloil to qjMMnl tlu' ^Mo.Urt \y.\\\ ot lo'; lilo in tin' ( "Mn;nH;»n wiM(Mtn'«5q In hi"? own homo tlnno woio liooU-^ to ir;nl with Ko-;r M.uio, AwA » ^o«;^ to \A:\\ \\'\\\\ \\\^ (:HlnM. nnd i^tluM innploN nn^nt «* win* I) holpoil tho tinn' t»» )>;»qq A }V0»>\1 |M^ition «>( onh \\:\\ W; w.\«? n»'M t "^o hnppv rtq whrn Aivhio K«*]>t luni »onn>;nn Vho two hoy?' ptr !;OvvMsins, AwA woij,hrJ (nil mn* Innnhod a\\\\ lovtv ]"»o\niv]s. His h;\it w.ir ]ij;ht :\nd rnilv, Inq ovos d.^tlv hhn^ A\\y\ ns rlo.it i\q vM\st;0, his loniplox- i^M^ (.uv whoro it w.^s n.>t iiovUhMl, his ronntrnmn (\ \{ not ]MV»isr]v :\ l^.-uidsonio \n\o for tho month w.-^s r.ithor l;ni;o, awA {he rh'^^U lM>noq ovot ptonii- ncnt wns thoro\i^]ilv ]>1onsinj; ; };ood ns it vonhl ln\ lli* wms broAv^ oi shonUlcv anil hip, n.inow »^l w;\ist, Avc\) of ohost. AwA sto\it of limb ; tho loj; (apnint; to a trim nnklo, awA tho ami to a \\ca\ wrist that in. my A Udv might have envied. S(rcn,^th, spooil and endnranoe wore his in no small tncasino, and very proud was he, naturally enough, of his superiority in all things that demanded these qualities over any of his c<>mpanions. VtUV ANf. ( AwrNr,. tffj S;ivv(lnulfil lift flif» nflifM Iimu'I w;iq ;ifi nut ririfl (Mil IfHli.MI, Mlhf'il M (»;if f irflL'lf ly |»f ♦•j».'»Mqr't;qjfi(/ <»fi('. ||»' w;m qli|'lil nf ri('iiif, »liml< y of lu f\ ■,ti\t\ liiq fi;ilr liiinf; in l"fi(» Mhni^lit I»I;m (< lof 1»l jifw! fHflllf afjr'^ ari'l Ik> \i:\'\ in ItfMilrd fmm lii« fallirr in laf|.o' i]('^rrr Mi, if sdhilr ;i( Ml»MirR9 of ryo afnl oar wlii' li irimirf>'l lli^ f>ririj/ a qiii(r«»qfiil liiifilfM. IfrliHl a «;ifi^Milarly bright and aflfMijonalr fliq|to';il ion for an fndian, and, as liaq Imtii alirady iii'Mil ioic-fl, }ir fir Id toward Afhi'* an almoil)inn tin«fd(isli affrrtiori that, wa^ rc-aliy hranlifn). The (ornpaniormliip of thr fart<;r's son iq a ^land lldn^ lo flic yoiirij; Indian. Archif; vv \\\^\^ trd ♦ m liiq Icarnifit' to rr;\i] an w^ II 'r\<\ R peak MnidiMh. nn " Y(ni may ]}r [)(mt master some rlay, yon know, Siwtloiilai," he wouM say, "nr»d thr,n if yoii ran read and writr, jnst think Jiow much more all the proplr will tlnnk of yon." And thus f!ncoijra;^od, liltlc " Sunshine " would once more attack the dif- licnlfy of pot hooks and hanf^ers, wishinf^ all the lime to the hottom of his heart that he was using how .md arrow instead of pen and ink. ICvcr since the attcmptcrl abrluction of Archie, no communication had been held with F'ort Wed- no ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. derburne. It was reported by some of the Indians that McDougal spent most of his time drinking brandy, and had shown such brutality toward his employes that many of them had left early in the winter, and gone South to other establishments, leaving him with but a handful. And presently the news came that the factor had followed them, his supply of food having failed, owing to a proper stock not having been laid in during the summer. ** A mighty good riddance," said Mr. McKenzie when he heard it. *' May his ugly face be never seen in this neighborhood again. I knew well enough he wasn't getting in enough meat to last him all winter, but it was not my business to tell him. Thank Providence, we have not made that mistake. We could have a festin a tout manger once a week, and still have plenty to last until spring." A festin a tout maftger^ it should be explained, is a very popular institution among the Indians. The literal meaning of the term is a feast at which everything must be eaten up, and as the host on such an occasion endeavors to provide as much as he possibly can, it generally happens that his guests go away feeling very uncomfortable about the waistband. Could Mr. McKenzie have seen but a few days into the future he would hardly have spoken so complacently about giving 2^ festin a tout manger every week. Archie's room in the factor's house was at the FIRE AND FAMINE. Ill back, and the one window, which had a thin sheet of parchment in lieu of glass, faced in the direc- tion of the storehouse, these buildings being placed between the house and the walls of the fort, and a little distance apart. There were two of them ; one containing the goods for barter and the furs that had accumulated, and the other the stock of pemmican, jerked meat, dried fish, flour, salt, etc., besides the ammunition, spare guns, hatchets, and other things of corresponding value. The end of February was approaching, and the worst of the winter seemed to have passed. In a little while the days would grow warmer and the immense drifts begin to waste away. One cold, still, moonless night, Archie got so excited over a bison hunt in a dream that just at the critical mo- ment, when a huge bull was charging down upon him with most murderous intent, he sprang out of his way so energetically as to spring clear out of bed, and woke up to find himself shivering on the floor. He was about to dive back under the warm clothes again, when it struck him that the window showed out with unusual distinctness, and, if his ears did not play him false, he surely heard some- thing that sounded strangely like the crackling of fire. It was not his way to hesitate. Rushing to the window he dashed his fist through the parchment and looked out, unheeding the stream of frost- laden air that poured in upon him. The next i 112 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. moment he bounded into his father's bedroom, crying out : " Get up quick, father ; the storehouse is on fire." In an instant the father was awake. " What do you mean, Archie .? " he exclaimed. *' Are you sure .? " " Yes, father," answered Archie. ** Come into my room and see." One glance was sufficient. " Heaven help us ! you're right," groaned Mr. McKenzie. " Get into your clothes quick, and call the men." In a wonderfully short time both father and son were dressed and were arousing the sleeping men, who, tumbling into their clothes, hurried to the fire. But by this time the flames were in full posses- sion of the storehouse in which the provisions were kept. Crackling and hissing in the calm chill night, they rose higher and higher, filling the air with the odors of burning meat, while the men whose only supply of food was being destroyed be- fore their eyes, looked on in helpless horror. Mr. Wentzel, Akaitchko and some others, drawing the hoods of their capotes about their heads, dashed fearlessly into the burning building, and brought out a few bags of pemmican, salt and flour, and Archie, inspired by their gallantry, was about to imitate it when the factor grasped him by the arm and drew him roughly back. FIRE AND FAMINE. 113 " Merciful Heaven ! the powder ! " he cried in consternation at the thought that had just oc- curred to him. "Get back for your lives, get back ! " He did not speak a moment too soon. Indeed the words had hardly left his lips before a loud ex- plosion shook the very ground upon which he stood. Another and another followed, and h?.d not the men fled from the spot many of them must have been killed by the broadside of heavy timbers and burning fragments that came from the doomed building. Only for the snow that lay deep upon the roof, and high about the walls of the other buildings, they, too, would evidently have shared the same fate. Happily, however, the firebrands quenched themselves harmlessly in the protecting drifts, and only the storehouse was destroyed. But ol all the buildings at the fort, that very one was the most precious. The goods and the furs might easily have been spared, but the food and the powder, how was it to be replaced, and what was to be done in the face of such a catas- trophe } The group that gathered in the factor's room after the fire had burned itself out bore very gloomy and troubled faces. Two bags of pemmican containing eighty pounds each, a bag of flour, and another of salt of the same weight, represented all that was left of a stock of provisions calculated to last until midsummer. 114 ARCHIE OF ATHAnASCA. Coiintinj; all hands, there were sixty persons to be fed at the fort. " 'Tis a grievous state of thinj;s," said Mr. Mc- Kenzie, looking anxiously at Vir«;inie and Rose- Marie, vho, not yet entirely recovered from the excitement of the night, were sitting together beside the fire. •' There's not much more than enough pemmican for you, and where can wc get more until the snow goes ? " •' Hut we don't want it all, Duncan dear,** cried Mrs. McKenzie. " You and Archie must have some, too." The factor smiled sadly. •' Tm not thinking only of myself,'* said he. *' Rut there are other women and children, and they must have a bite, too. As for us men," glancing around at the clerks, " we must just live on the skins until we can get some meat." The other men nodded a gloomy assent. They understood well enough what the factor meant. Some of them, Mr. Wentzel in particular, had already passed through a similar experience, h;iv- ing livcil for weeks upon nothing but dried beaver and moose skins. What made the situation so serious was the absence of game within reach of the fort. The hares, which usually were a safe dependence, had totally failed, and the moose seemeil to have been drawn southward by the severity of the winter. Neither could the lake be looked to for food IMRK AND FAMINE. 115 supplies. The intense cold had covered it with an icy armor from three to five feet thick, and made the fish so torpid that they would not touch hait, while net fishing was, of course, out of the question. There was no dis'^uisin'; the fact that famine, gaunt and pitiless, stared them in the face, and that unless a sui)ply of meat were oh- taincd in sofiic way, many of the weaker ones must perish, for the diet of dried skins would not furnish sufficient nourishment to sustain life very loni;, except for the very strongest. Gathering into his own hands all the provisions that remained, so that he might dole them out to the hest advantage, Mr. McKenzie prei)ared for the worst. His wife and daughter were his chief concern. lie and Archie might endure to the full limit of human strength, but they were ill- fitted to bear extreme priviution. He had always cared for them according to the best of his ability, and they had never before been called upon to suffer actual need. Yet none were calmer or more cheerful than they. Not because they failed to realize the seriousness of the situation, but because they had such implicit faith in the big father and the sturdy son that they felt perfectly confident of their proving equal to the emergency. " Don't feel so badly about us," said Rosc- Maric, looking bravely up into her father's face. " We will eat such a very little every day, and ii6 AKClllE OF ATllAHASCA. will make what wc have hist all right until you get some more." As though some malign fate had befallen thr fort, the week fi>llowing the fire proved so wild and stormy that hunling was out of the question, and the men, eager ;uul anxious as they might he to try their fortune on the prairie, were eompellcil to stay indoors. Archie found the skin stew a poor apology for the comfortable meals he had been accustomed to, but he did his best to l)c cheerful over it, and even refused decidedly to take the tempting bite his mother pressed upon him from her own all too scanty portion. '• No, no, mother dear. I'm one of the men, you know," he replied, proudly drawing himself up to his full height. '• I must not have anything better than they have." Vet, poor fellow, how his mouth did water for what would have seemed very unattractive fare to any other boy, had it been placed before him 1 CHAPTER IX. MOOSK HUNT. BY the time the weather cleared, Mr. McKen- zic had his plans perfected for dealing with the crisis. Taking a strong party of his best men he would follow the course of the IClk River south- waril, in the hope of finding a band of the noble animals fron, whom the stream was named, while the others should remain at the fort to await his return. The moment Archie heard of the arrangement, ho was determined to accompany his father. But the factor at first did not approve. " I think you had better stay at the fort, Archie. Here you are sure of at least something to live upon, poor stuff as it is; but if you go with us, (iotl knows what you may have to suffer," he urged. " If I could do any good by staying at the fort, father," replied Archie respectfully, " I would not mind staying, but you know I can't. There's no 117 ii8 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. hunting or trapping to be done, for all the animals have vanished somewhere, and it*s just miserable hanging about in this way, waiting for spring to come." The factor regarded his son with a sympathetic smile. "You certainly don't lack energy, Archie," he answered, " and I know it's hard work for you to do nothing ; but don't you think your mother and Rose-Marie would be better pleased to have you with them > " " Doubtless they would, father," said Archie, ** and if I could be of any use to them, I'd stay quick enough. But what can I do .^ I can't get them food, and Mr. Stewart and Mr. McGillvray and plenty of the men are staying to take care of them. O, father ! you must let me go with you. I can stand almost as much as you can yourself.** Now, the truth of the matter was, that Mr. Mc- Kenzie was no less eager to have his son with him than Archie was to go, and it was only a feeling of affectionate anxiety lest he would have to suffer too mv.ch hardship in the enterprise, that prompted him tc refuse his request. Ikit as he listened to bis earnest pleadings, he saw plainly that it would make the boy very unhappy to leave him behind ; so, after some further show of resist- ance, more to satisfy his own conscience than for any other reason, he gave his consent, and Archie MOOSE HUNT. 119 went off dclif^htcdly to tell Akaitchko that he was to be one of the hunting party. Without loss of time the necessary prepara- tions were made. The party consisted of fifteen men, and included Mr. Wentzel and, of course, Akaitchko, but not Sawtloulai, much to the little fellow's grief. It comprised the best hunters in the fort. The factor, Archie and the Norwegian were the only white men, the others being either half- breeds or Indians. Each man took a tobogj^an, upon which he put his gun and buffalo sleeping robes, and which he hoped to bring back heavy with moose meat; a small quantity of pemmican and salt was taken as a resource in extreme emer- gency, and also a quantity of beaver skins, with which to make skin stew when there was nothing else to be had. In the matter of ammunition, their supply was all too scant, and but for the happy accident of a sn..ill quantity of powder and bullets having been left in the storehouse that was not burned, althouf^h as a rule they were all kept in the other, the only available stock would have been what each man happened to have in his own room. As it turned out there was sufficient to furnish each member of the hunting party with twenty-five rounds, and to leave a hundred rounds or so at the fort in case of an opportunity to use them presenting itself. "Now, my men," said Mr. McKenzie to his little company, *' you see how little powder we 120 ARCHIE or ATHABASCA. have. Not a shot must be wasted. Txt all who can use tlie bow take one with him, and plenty of arrows. If we have the luck to find some ptarmi- gan, we can kill them better with arrows than with bullets." The parting; was a rather tryinp; one for the McKenzies. God alone knew whether they should ever see each other's faces airain. For the hunt ers there were perils from st(um, starvation and wild beasts to be encountered ; for the women, the lonj; wearing- anxiety of waiting, and the possi- bility of succuml)ing to the inevitable privation of their life. Before starting out the factor gathered his family about him, and with an earnest prayer committed them to the care of the Omnipotent. Then, banishing all sign of worrv from his rugjred faco, he strained his wife and daughter to his breast, and hastened out to take command of the men awaiting him at the gate. Archie delayed for one final jiarting hug, and then darted after him, his mother's prayer, ** Kind God, take care of mv bov!" following him as he joined the little procession \xhich had already begun to move out of the gate into the vast white wilderness where they must take their chances of life or death. It was a vcrv grave and quiet party. The men were in no mood for joking or laughter. They fully realized how much depended upon the success of their expedition. They were all dressed alike ; a long coat Made out of either bison or wolf skin MOOSK HUNT. 121 protected the body, and a capote of the same material covered the head. Trousers of thick blanket cloth were tucked into stout lef;j;inf;s that fitted close to moccasins K'^yly decked with beads and quills, and around the waist was a broad leather belt at which hunj; a huntin;]; knife and hatchet, while across the shoulders were suspended the powder horn and bullet pouch. They were, of course, all mounted upon snow-shoes, without which not a mile of progress could have been made. Takin^]^ a short cut across the lake, they struck the VAk River where it loses itself in the lake, and finding that its frozen bosom covered with firm packed snow made an excellent road, they tramped all the rest of that day steadily south- ward. The factor's idea was to keep on until he reached the confluence of the Buffalo with the Klk River, and then turning off to the west to hunt for moose along the richly timbered valleys which make dark lines in the rolling prairies be- tween the Red River and the Buffalo. This would entail a full week of hard traveling, during which they would have to find sustenance along the route somehow ; but Mr. McKcnzie felt sure it would be only wasting time to stop short at the Buffalo River, as there were no really good hunt- ing grounds in the intervening country. Of the whole party, Archie was the only one who did not have to drag a toboggan after him. 122 ARcmr. or athaijasca. H He was (luilc willing to ilo it, but his father in- sistoil that they should have only one between them, and that i\e himself should drag that onr, so that, being free to move about as he pleased, Arehie, aeeompanied by lOdaiye, instead of keep- ing in line with the rest, made himself busy heal ing the eoveis aUmg the banks of the stream in seareh of partridge and ptarmigan. They were by no means unsuecessful, either, lulaiyc was a eapital hunting dog. Nothing eoiild escape his keen eye or nose, and many a bird diil Arehie contribute to the camp kettle, brougiil down with a well-aimed arrow. His gun he did not use at all. It had to be reserved for large game, and as time after time his arrow sj^ed to its mark with unerring aim, he thought what a fortu- nate thing it was that he had taken such trouble to be expert with the bow as well as with the gun. He missed Sawtloulai very much, and felt inclined to find fault with his father for leaving the brave little Indian behind. But he die not express that feeling, knowing well that Mr. McKenzie had a good reason for everything he did, and moreover had required to be coaxed into letting him go. The weather seemed to be settled fair. One cold, clear I ight day succeeded another, and under happier circumstances the party would have been quite a merry one, but as they were all half-starv- ing, never being abl'^ to get enough to entirely appease their hunger, and in addition to their ow fii( (ie| th( on MOOSK HUNT. 123 own siiffcrini; roiild never forget the families and friends at the fort, the preservation of whose lives (le|)endeartly because he was always very tired })y that time, and partly because there was somcthinj^ romantic about it tbat appealed to his nature. The manner of preparing the bivouac was as fol- lows : A sheltered nook amidst the trees was chosen, and the snow scraped away with the snow- shoes in a circle to the depth of three feet or more. The hatchets were then busily plied until a ^reat pile of firewood was ready. In the center of the circle the fire was built, and upon the snow around it the men spread their buffalo robes, and stretching themselves out with feet toward the fire, and heads protected by the walls of snow, rested as only weary men can rest. Archie never failed to sleep soundly. Not even hunger could keep him awake, and in the blessed oblivion of sleep he forgot for the time all his discomforts and anxieties. When they were three days out they came to the junction of the Red River with the Elk, and some of the party were for leaving the Elk and following up the other stream. But Mr. Mc- Kcnzie would not consent. 124 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " We can't afford to lose a sin,G:le day," he said. " If we keep right on to the Buffalo, we can then work back to here, and if there are any moose about we'll have all the shorter distance to carry them home. Don't you think so, Akaitchko .? " turning to the old Indian. **We get moose near Buffalo, sure." Archie was so eager to have a try at the moose that he felt rather disappointed at his father's decision. " Might it not be worth while to stop here for one day, and see if there are any moose around .^" he asked. " Don't be so impatient, laddie," replied his father, patting him on the shoulder. " We'll have plenty to do once we find moose, I can tell you." So, for two days more they tramped and camped, and at last reached the mouth of the Buffalo in better spirits than they had been since settinr^ out, because partridges and hares had been found in sufficient quantity to keep the pot pretty well supplied. Turning away from the Elk River, upon whose bosom they had marched for about a week, they struck off upon the Buffalo, and followed its course until sundown. The further they went the higher rose their hopes. On every side they saw in abundance the trees and shrubs upon whose tender juicy twigs the great creature they were in search of loves to feed. Where its food was so plentiful, the animal itself could not be far distant. MOOSE HUNT. 125 With every sense upon the alert, and his gun ready for instant use in his hand, Archie, accom- panied by Edaiye, kept along the river bank, every moment hoping to light upon some trace of the moose. Presently the dog gave a quick eager bark, and hastening forward, Archie to his delight found printed in the snow the mark of hoofs that there was no mistaking. Only the broad foot of the moose could leave such a track behind, and it had not been long made, either. A young birch-tree stripped bare of its smaller branches explained the animal's presence. He must have had a good meal, and have gone off feeling very comfortable. Possibly, then, he was not far away, and reposing in a cosey nook while his dinner was digesting. For a moment Archie was possessed with the wild idea of following up the trail alone, and ven- turing to attack the moose single-handed. One well-aimed shot might do the business, and then what good grounds he would have for boasting. He would undoubtedly be the hero of the hunt. His heart beat like a trip-hammer, and his breath almost ceased as he struggled with the temptation. Then there came to him the thought of his father's grave, loving countenance and the tones of ten- der reproach in which he would say, could he read what was passing in his mind : *' Don't be rash, my lad. YouVe only one life to lose, and you've no right to risk that recklessly." 126 AKrniK or AriiAnAscA. " No, T won't," he exclaimed, as though his lather were present, and he were answering him. "It woidd he a erazy thing to do;" and ealHng h'daiye to him, he hastened (h)wn the bank lo apprise his lallier of what lie had seen. His piece of news aronsed the greatest excite nient. The eager men wanted to leave their tt>hoggans where they were and rnsh right olf after the moose. lUit the factor wonUl nut allow that. •• vVe can't be too careful, my men," he said. *' I shall be much mistaken if the moose have not yarded somewhere near. It's jnst the right sort of country for a yard, and to go flying v)ff after that fellow might perha|'»s spoil all our chances of taking a score of them, and it's meal, not fur, we're after now." The whole party accordingly climbed the bank, and I'^iling their toboggans in a heap together, pre- parcil for a systematic hunt. Isvery man saw to it that his gun was properly loadcil and cappcil, and his himting knife ready for innnediate action. Then, leaving two of the men in charge of the toboggans. ]\Ir. IMcKenzie directed the others to spread out in a long line, yet keej>ing within hail- ing distance of each other, and to steer due nortli until the game should be found. The factor's position was in the center of the line, with Archie at his right, the end men being Mr. VVentzcl ami Akaitchko. MOOSK HUNT. 127 As silf^nlly as it was possible for tlicm to move, tlicy slolo on tliron^^li tlir forest, each man ca^cr to l)C the fi st to catch si^;ht of his prey. They must liave ^onc at least a mile without seeing; aiiylhi!!;^, s.ive a partridf^e or two tliat were per- niilted to flit hy unhurt, when Mr. M( Kenzie'a attention was attracted by a sound r's if a sudden breeze hiid sprunpj up, and was shaking the trees not far ahead of him. "Hist!" he cried under his breath, and held up a warning hand to Archie who looked ijupiir- in^ly toward him. They both stood |)erfectly still for a moment, and listened intently. The disturbance amon^ the branches increased. Archie hastened to his f.ither's side. •' It's one of them ridinj; down a tree,** said Mr. McKen/ie, his face bcaminj^ at the pros[)ect of soon achievinj; the object of their lonf; journey. •' Let's creep up on him, and see if he*s alone or belon«;s to a herd." Kedoublinj; their care, and bending low so as to remain unseen as lon^ as possible, the hunters crept forward breathlessly until they reached a sort of rid^c, to the crest of which they made their way, and peeped cautiously over. Then a si«;ht met their eyes that made them thrill with joy, for in the hollow below, a cup-like depression about a hundred yards in diameter, was a moose yard, containing nearly a hundred of 128 AlUniK OF ATHAHASCA. the s]>londiil crcntincs, bulla, cows ntu! calves; soino nu>viii^ liizilv nhout tiojipiuo llio bram hcq of Ibo siinoiintlinL: tiocs, others leeliiiiii^ eotnlnii. at)ly \ipon the well-tuMlileii snow, enjoying thr sunsliinc thai ivmied down upon lIuMn, and whii h Iheir ctniiplete ]>voteetiv>n fron\ the wind enabled them to iullv enjoy. It was the lirst time that Atvhie had ever see n a nmnbei of nu>ose lv>^ether, and they IooUimI so stately, so contented, so happy, that his hem! sni(>to him at lu idea of disturbing their peace with murdenM • bidlets, eyen if tluMi flesh was so badly necvlod. Ibit his f.dhei had no such com pnnctions. " Slip o\\ quickly along the line that way, and 1 will CO this way to ^et the n\en together. \\\> mustn't open lire initil we have the yaru sur rounded," he whisjieicd, his eyes gleaming with eagerness to begin the slaughter. Archie instantly obeyed, and the two dropped down hehiuil the ridge, and separ.it ed in search of the others. One by one they were found and told of the good news, without any alarm bcin;: given to the nu>ose As directed by the factor, one half of the m, making a wide ik4our, approachctl the ground from the 0]'>]v\<^ite side, while the rest awaited the signal that would announce their being ready. Those lew minutes of v.'aiting were very hard to bear, for the moose, seeming to get some wind of MOUSK HUNT t2() \\]r (I;ii)H:cr llncatcMint: them, showed sitrnq of ■t-) itvsllessncss, and h('t:;;nj lo sfiiff th(^ air s»is|>i- t iniisly, and ntlri slian^r, in(|nitin^ (;iiints. I'Mit. ;il last (he wriid, shi ill wh()(i|) that only AkaiUhko knew hnvv to ^\^'v, piciiiv! the air ; and, rch^ascd Ikhii all rcsliaint, the impatient hunters sj*ran^ forward upon t htdr vi( tims. The snddeii appearaiue of so many men, shout- in;^; at the top (»f their voices, tlirew the moose into the wildest confusion, and they hufidled to- gether in the eenter of the yard, tremhlin^ with terror 11 )is was precisely w hat thuliii^^ loudly ;dl the time, so that the fri<;htened creatures would not hreak away, they repeated the voll(;y, and still more wen* laid prostrate 11 le massacre i,id fi II r to include the entire hcnd, when, just after the second V(HU 7. and before any omi had time tr) reload, a hu;.;c hull that had i)een ordy sli<^htly wounded in the* neck, broke away from the others, and, utlerin;; an appalling; roar, charged down upon the circle of slayers. It chaiu'cd that Archie was ri^^ht in the line of the animal's onset. His father had moved some distance from him, but saw the danger even be- fore Archie did. I30 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " Oh ! the lad, the lad !" cried the factor, load- Hg his gun with feverish haste. He could not possibly reach the boy in time to get between him and the bull, but a well-aimed bullet might save him. " Look out, Archie ; run to me for your life ! " he shouted, ramming down a heavy charge. Archie, intent upon watching the struggles of a young moose that he had shot, had not noticed the bull bearing down upon him, until his father's call fell on his ears ; then, aroused to his immi- nent peril, he started to run toward the factor. It was the best thing he could do, and yet it served to make him all the more conspicuous to the infuriated creature, which, sending forth again its awful roar, and looking terrible beyond description, with its black mane erect, bristling hair, blood-shot eyes, and foaming mouth, turned as he turned, and ploughed through the snow in hot pursuit. Now had Archie been in his moccasins on smooth ground, he might have safely defied even a fierce bull moose, which is a very clumsy ani- mal at best ; but he was upon snow-shoes, and in the midst of woods where the roots and branches of trees protruding through the snow were ready to trip him at every step. He could not, there- fore, flee at full speed from his furious pursuer, but had to look carefully where he placed his feet, so that his rate of progress seemed agonizingly MOOSE HUNT. 131 slow to his father, who, having by this time got his gun loaded, was hastening to meet him. " Quick, Archie, quick ! " cried Mr. McKenzie. " He's right behind you.*' Archie gave a nervous glance over his shoulder. Sure enough, the moose, coming on at his lum- bering gallop, was not more than twenty yards be- hind. Oh! if he only had wings instead of snow- shoes. His feet seemed weighted with ^ ad. A terror such as he had never known in his life before struck to his heart. He felt as though he could not breathe. A horrible sense of suffoca- tion oppressed him. His father appeared to be hopelessly in the distance. Yet life was sweet, and he would put forth one more efifort to reach him. Gathering himself together for a supreme spurt, he leaped forward over the snow. But before he had taken two more steps, the toe of his right snow-shoe caught in a projecting root. He made a frantic but futile effort to retain his balance, and then with a piercing cry of terror plunged headlong into the snow, ri^ht in the path of the moose. CIlArTKR X. TIIK Kl lUKN IN TRIUMPH. ARCHIE'S cry was echoed by a groan of hor- ror from his father. Ejaciilatinj;- a prayer for divine help, the factor leveled his gun and firetl. Hut in his haste he aimed too high, and the bullet did the moose no more serious damage than to pierce a hole through one of his mighty antlers, causing him to shake his head a moment, and tlion c^mtinue his course. So impetuous was his onset that he could not check it when he came to Archie's prostrate form, and planting his hoofs upon the boy's back, he lumbered heavily past. In this piece of good fortune lay Archie's salvation. By a trcmemlous effort he regained his feet, and ere the bull, find- ing out his mistake, could wheel about and renew the charge, he had dodged around to the other side of a stout birch that stood fortuitously near. In the meantime, Akaitchko, intent as he was upon bagging the whole herd, ha i become aware 132 THE KKTURN IN TKIUMPII 133 of Arcliic's peril and hastened to the rescue. It WIS well, not only for Archie, but for his father, lh.it the old Indian appeared when he did, for the t.iclor delerniined to aid his son at all hazards ; and knowing there was no time to reload, he dashed down his j;un, and drawing his hunting knife ruslicd recklessly upon the moose with that inadequate weapon. Seeing Akaitehko approaching from the other side, Mr. McKenzic stopped, and shouted: •* Fire ; for the love of Heaven, five I " Akaitehko did not need to be urged. lie was only waiting for the chance to take such aim as would make one bullet do the work. The next moment the chance came. As the great creature circled about the tree, striking it fiercely with his antlers in his blind fury, he presented his full side to the Indian. Instantly the leveled gun spoke; tiic bullet went swift and straight to its mark, just behind the moose's foreshoulder, and uttering an awful sound — half-groan, half-roar — he dashed his head against the tree and fell over in the snow, upon whose spotless white his life-blood soon made ruddy stains. The moment he fell Archie forgot his terror and, springing out from behind the birch, stood over his prostrate foe, crying cxultingly : " Turn about is fair play. You trod on me ; now I'll tread on you." The fallen giant of the forest, as if stung by the KH AurniK or ahiahasca. taiml, \\vm\c a ilospvMato ell oil to iO};ain Ins led ; but all \\\ vain. His power lo hann was ^;on(\ ;ni.l witl^ a ilinp si};h lu' laiil down Ins \u,u\ .\\u\ oxpi \Ck vO. i\!\ ! hiiw bij; niOi)so," oxilainiotl AKailrhl avlnnnnjjv, as with his cvo ho nicasnird \\\v \\),\<\ inlioont ]>ropoi lions »>1 iho anin^al. I Ir was indeed a monster. Mr. MeKen/ie in all his (XpeiiiiKc \\.\i\ ne vvi soon a jjandor spciimrn. lie ttMdd not have stoi)vl less than twenty hands in heirju. nor tmnovl the sealo at nuieh nnder two thonsmui pounds, while the branihinj; antleis that so iov;dly ailornovl his niassivo he.ul were full six let t lioni lip to tip. ** Next tv> my joy at vonr foitnnate ese.ipc, Ate'nio tlear. is tnv s.itislaetion at our seeunui; so splondivl a nioi>se," said l\lr. MeKrn/io ; " and it is von, nn i;ood Akaitehko, thai I have to thank iov both. Trust nu\ 1*11 not lor.iiet lu>w nnu h I owe vou." The olvl Indian's eyes i;leanied with pleasure at the factor's words, but his only reply was a kind ot pleasevl i;runt as he bent over the moose, and began the work of euttini; it up. Leaviui; him to finish this task, I\lr. MeKen/ic and Archie luniied back to the nunvse yard to tiinl that there was nothiui; left for them to do except assist in the final operation. Harrini;- a few, not more than a score altOi;ether, which had followed the example of the big bull, and broken throuL;h 'iiiK Kr.TUKN IN ridtfMfir. ns \\\r \.\{i\] citrlr, the nitiir' hnd li.id hrrn l);itMr,<(|. A !',i;»n(l(M »l;iy'M vvoi k ((hiM rjnl \)r cofjc civr*!. ( )n ihc tl;mi|>l('<| ;m(l Moody stn»w iH-lntr them tlio hiint(Ms h;iy way of cxprcHsin^ their rxiihcrant joy. p'orlhc hnsinrssof turnitiK the moose into meat Airhio had no hankering. On the contra?y, he was particulaily anxious to see a.H little of it as possihlo. Yet he did not like to he idlin^^ ahout when all the* others were workin;^ like heavers. Happy thou[;ht ! There was something he could do. '• P'ather, hadn't I hctter j;o hack to the men wc left in clKirj.;e of the to])o^[;ans and tell tliem to come along ? " he suggested. " A capital idea, my lad," said the factor, " if you don't mind goinj; throur^h the woods alone." •'Of course I don't," replied Archie with a superior smile. " There's nothing in those woods to harm me. So come along, Edaiyc, off we go ; " and away he went, slipping swiftly over the snow- drifts until be vanished behind a ridge. His route was plain enough, for all he had to do was to follow the tracks of the snow-shoes back to !ir> Aurnir, or aimahasi A. \hv\v si ;n lino point on \ho l>nnk of \ho livor. nnd the (list.niro IxMni; not nioio tlmn two niilcM, lie noooniplislu^l it in U^sr thnn h;\\{ nn lionr. Ho to\nbI t1)(" two wwu sittinjj l^rsido ;\ liMl(> fir(\ '.\\u\ nhnost wild with inipiiticMno ;nnl niii- ositv. Thrv \y.\^\ hcml the ropotis ol tlio |Mins so\n\«lini> fnintlv tlnon}>,l\ ihc still a'w ol tlio foicsl i\\\y\ thov ]\\\c\\ \\\;\{ thcii^ nnist \^c exciting wmk in ]>ro^ross. s soon Atvl IK" l.'UU t-> hi SI! .hi of tlu^n, ho took o\\ his cMp nntl wavod it in the ;iii, sh»>ntinM Ihnrali! hunah! we've killed a hundred! Ihnrah ! Killed a Innidred what ?" they eried. A hundred moose," he answered. "Coiur alotu". Uurrv ni>. an^l help them. There's any amount o\ wovk to be done." riie men did not need mueh h\nrvi?if^ up. (lathevius; evervthiui; together they hastened to join their eomrailes, Arehie helpitii; by c1raiv:L;ini; two oi the toboi^svans as his share. They wero leav'.iv lad en. and could not uo very fast, but the prospeet o( sueh a dinner as they had nt)t enjoved for many a day ke]tt them from i;etting- weary, am! in i^ooii time thev reached the scene of the hunt. On their w;i\ thither they noticed i;ray shailows t^ittinsr silently through the woods to risiht and left, and at intervals a wild weird howl broke in upon the stillness. The \yolyes had scented the slaughter and wore assembling for a feast. Clearly Tllf, Klf/rtlRN fN ffMIfMfn. ^}>7 ■?v^;"^s iIhmc woiiM hn firc'l rn(»ii^li of watfhcs at the ( ;im|> (IkiI fiij;l)t. As RMofi rm hf ifjoirifvl his fatln^f, Archif! rr- poih'd liavin<; sorn tln^ wcJvcs. Itiflcrfl, while ho WIS sppakinj.; I hero eamn a howl that tohl its f»wr) slniy from the top of the rid^e to lh(; tiidit. " fust, what I expectcch" said the t,i( tf>r. "If we vvaid. to keep what w(* have ^ot we'll have to lii;ht tli(»se j;iay devils for it. Jiiit I don't think we need 1)0 afraid of thefii." Archie did not at all like* the idea of heirif^; snr- ronnded l)y wolves. They were a lor»f.^ distanre tmni the fort. They had hut a few rounds of .nntnufiit ion apiece, and loaded as the tohoo;^ans would he with the p'ecious meat, it was hound to he slow work f;cttin^ !u)mc. J>oy-like, he felt mnch more ilisturhed at the idea of a flan^f;r that nii[;ht continue day aft'*r o inndr fm it ; nml 1>\ niiilJin' tlio p.nlv sI.uIimI upon its uMinn inm \\c\ \\'\\\\ no.nlv thiiT llinusaiul pnniuls nf vcnimm sto\v«^l r.\n fully n]>oti tlic tol)o^j^nns. llcMvily lon«lovl thtMi>;l\ tlu'V wore, \\\c\ hnpiMl 1() ])c im longer ^ottiii}; l>Mrl< than ihcy wimo roinit^; down. l>(\;uiso with stronj;th s\istalury ;\l>Mml;nit Innd thov woiill he i.\\yMc ot tnnrh ^;r(Mtcr rxntinn. (tixwtlv to tluMi joy aihl ooinlort the lino wralh» t rontimuvl \tnlMokrn, aiiil* as no nioio snow Icll thov hail tho ailvantago of Ihc path biokoii «»u thoii wav ilowti. 'Vho wolvos followoil tlirni tlay hy ho {ti>;htoncil away. I'A'ory now and (hon ono wonM ho shi>t jnst to liM th(^ paoU in««lot- stai^vl that tho hmUois \voro not [o ho tiillod with \\\\\ this had uo ofloot upon tho othors. I'hoy just pausod lon^ cnon};h to oat up thoir ooniiado, :uul thon OiMitinnoil tho p\ns\iit. It was toitnnato ior tho hoayily-ladon hunters tliat thoy woro passini; throu^;h a woll-wood(Ml coimtrv whioh atTonlotl thoni tho moans of koopin^' \ip bii; tiros ovoty uii;ht, or assuroJly noithor thov nor thoir troasuro wouKl ever hayo rcaohoil 1mm t Chiivwvan. Arohio fiHiuil the constant presence of those tormentors voiy tryiuj;. If he ct)ulil only have wai^c .1 \yar upon them with powJer ami hullot, he would not have minded half so much. Ihit it was the leaving them alone that bothered him. It Tlir, MKinMN IN IKM/MIII. I4r mrincMl In liitn lik(* silling still ;uhI ;illf»win^ yotir s( II In l»r freely hillcii l»y mns«|nit»Mq, witlumf so iiHK l» as laisiiiir y view, the one dark patch amid tin* universal white. I'hey halted for a moment to s(!nd up a cheer — p(Kvder was too preciojis to l)e expended in a /^/4 tic joic - an( I tl u*n p )resse(i eaL'er ly f orwarr 1. !• re the van of the processiorj reached the ^ate the whole garrison poured forth to welcome it, and the air was fdled with cries of jf)y, and hearty |.^reetinj;s in ICnf;lish, I^'rcnch and Chipcwyan, as the wives and children ^atherefl about the dear ones whose return had been so anxiously awaited. Never before in the history of the fr)rt hafi such a scene been witnessed. All were included in the 142 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. rejoicing, for the success of the expedition meant the rescue of all from the dreadful possibility of death by famine. As soon as he could, the factor withdrew to his own quarters, and with Virj;inic and Rose-Marie for small but sulTicicnt audience, and Archie as prompter, proceeded to relate the events of the trip ; the dewy eyes, trembling lips, and chan«;in5; cheeks of his listeners showing how deeply the story stirred them. When he told of Archie's narrow escape, Mrs. McKenzie threw her arms about her son. and pressing him to her heart, lifted her eyes upward as she murmured : *' How kind the good God is ! lie heard my prayers for my boy, and kept him safe. What wouUl I have done if that dreadful moose had crushed him to death ? " and she shuddered at the very thought. In the comforts of home Archie soon forgot all his tribulations while on the expedition, and re- tained but one regret ; namely, that he had not been able to kill more of those scoundrelly wolves. He found great enjoyment in relating his adven- tures to Sawtloulai, and the other boys. They were, of course, eager for every detail, and if in his desire to satisfy their interest he added sundry em- bellishments to the narrative, why, what boy would not have been tempted to do the same under simi- lar circumstances } The truth of the matter was, he rejoiced in the prestige which the fact of his THE RETURN IN TRIUMPH. '43 leant Xy of :o bis VI uric lie as if the n^Miii; y the chie's arms , lifted rd my What e had at the ot all id re- not olves. adven- They in his ry em- would simi- jr was, of his d bcin^ the only boy in the party naturally pjavc him. The older be grew, the stronger bceame his thirst for leadership. lie could not brook the idea of ixuy other boy at the fort being bis match in any- thing, and the more complete and unquestioned his supremacy stood, the better he was pleased. Mis position as the factor's .son, was of course very much in his favor. Indeed, but for this he might have had more serious opposition than he had in the varii>us contests of skill and strength that were often taking place. Mi.*' competitors natu- rally shrank from doing their best against him, lest they might incur bis ill will, anrl from this cause he sometimes won victories that could have been defeats. The result of all this was the development of a consequential patronizing manner that was much to be regretted, and of which the two junior clerks, Stewart and Mr. McGillvray, were especially con- scious. It irritated them exceedingly, and caused them to cherish in their hearts a vigorous desire to " take the young cub down a peg or two," at the first opportunity. The factor, too, was not una- ware of this failing on his son's part, but thought it well to say nothing about it. "The lad's young, and if he sticks out his horns too far, he'll learn by plenty of hard knocks to haul them in again. Doubtless I was just as foolish myself at his years." If the truth must be told, Mr. McKenzie was M4 \n\ inn or a inAHAm a tnUtno \r\i'i Hf, to.>. h;».| ht-rn loi in;tnv vcmm won! to h n i» p\in\ nnu h ol Ium »uvn \v:(V i«i Int ]\nlo Jonvnn \\\ \\\r l\r.\H ol il\i' ( ;\nntli,n» vviMi f »>!"<"*, AWA A'i \\y\\\ \\ M** IMl \\'i'Ul7rI, \\\r ni'vl ill »«M\n^i;n^J, IonimI ,\n»l H'^MM toil Intn. ho i i»nlil not hxA > »»onu't\n\o>; \viylnn|i, ll\;H I\i4 rlncl |);i<| not 10 > ,>o I \\\ opnMOM o i I niU'^i •11, iM mn li tin I « >\\('\Jo\\t o in luM own jndf^'jnrnl \\\\\ {\ww ,\\\^ spot"* o«< tho 4nn, (In'v •»■»>•. snnl ihr M\ Kon7\o's, 1;Ul\ot AwA son, h;\il !n» inoio lli;n) (ho\i shno o< Innn.ni li,nll\. lo wbirh il woiild noi l>,U"0 bo\"n t>o\A^ss.\r\ to n\.\Ko a\\\ ioliMoin<\ ImiI tot U <* b\\\nno, ;\s \a\ .\s »on»«Mtn'il om* ol (Iumm :»I IvMst. \i]^on to\tlnonn\to o\onts Attoi \hc ovoitonn'nt o» v ;si,h>,l, hlo wont on vny i^nuMK A\ tlu' toit Altlb>nj;b snllit iont nn':»t h;iil Iwn l>ro\u:bt \n to Its! \\'\\\\ stnrl oronnniy nnlil tho spunj;. Mi Mv Konrio thonrJ\t it \\v\\ to <t l\.ul l>v t »\ lott bnn|; »i|> in [\\c tuvs .\^^^^voin^l^ . tho tnon who h;ul HMtiiUin d ,«t tho loM. \>;th Ak;\Uv'bKo as ^:ni«lo. \vtnni .uul otMi Strwait l«> «lo this woik AwtuMii.u. t^uul) to ]\is joN . wus ]>rtnntto»l to .ic- Ivls t.^thor; .\\\i\ t;u hotter nrovi«lo»l th.\ vvn.v,\An\ in Xhc tiT-st ]\\\\\ h.hl boon. \hc soooml cxpo^htion st;^itod j^.ulv so\ith\v.Uil Vhc\ wore i;ono only toil AV!*. .\T"I( h,u\ ,\ \'C\\ K\\\'\c\ titno o f it, oxropt when the \vv>lvcs sal arounJ, and howled thcni Lo I III' Ml I Ml' M IM I f Iff Ml M. ' 1 mI«>(>h I Im'V '"'III'I Mm »m' :if fifif 'pil' li' 'I, ;ifi'l iff I .( • 1 1 ( • I I » M » I f I i I i ' 1 1 1 , ; M I » I 1 1 r ' 1 1 1 J ' 1 1 ( I » If k f I ' I f I / ; I ; r M 1 1 ' 1 1 ;|'! I lie mI||»|c! IikI t\m\l III' t>iii,,,,\ '.((ntilv f'«. IIM'V'"' I ill \\i I 'i;';! ( V I'll '; 1 1 ' I r I f ;if mpH",, ;tn'\ iilf'tif I ' ii'iM'fl vvli't'- I Mil ill' lii'l I Im 'if ' ri' 'I 'ijililll', i'! ;« v»l V l;i('|'.M 'I ' 'iffi' f l'» I i'^'- A I li.if»,r;< ;i N"l mil il A I til I 'luru ( It' ;iM ^f 'iW fill/ /J.n fii, ifi'l llir uiiM\v uli'Mv qi(Mm ol 'liq;i(»(i' ir irij'^ Onl/ f,n". 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III!', jiiiif iii;'_ ;in'l ' »'li nr-.f''!, ' '»f,f' ■-.-^ ^I rrM*'^« III Ml I II I I'l' »' I, ,1' ' 'M 'I Mi;*; f'( fii-. ri \ I ',S '•hirilri ri v ^ ir,''! .ill til''-.'- Il' (i'((--.'-;f c;t;r<| in ;i t\»"jrt-t' •whi'l'i t*-u'\f-t*'A flu- (ii'tly lii:':li '»|.iMi'»ri h' fi^l'I ''»f KirriS'-lf ;^^ li^Jisf rxM|i;;il»lr, if not ;iUo;^rt fi^r aMrf>ii';iM<»' II'' I'Mifi'l f(rr;it cTijO/r ,/T,f in r'-'OinMnj; hi^ v;iiions exploits to hr-; rno' r»';r ;ir \'\ ^i^ ^ff. 7 143 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. had nothing but applause for him. They never dreamed of offering eithei criticism or counsel. Everything that he did seemed good in their eyes, and he desired no more appreciative audience. But his tongue did not wag quite as freely in his father's presence. If he had been talking much aboi'^" himself, and chanced to glance at the factor's face, he was apt to find its rugged outlines touched with a kindly yet quizzical smile that sometimes caused him to feel as though his father verc amused at him instead of being impressed by him. In fact, although it made his checks burn to take 'hat view of it, he could not help thinking some- times that the factor would have very much the same look if he were watching the antics of a con- scious puppy dog. One evening, after he had been dilating at some length upon the way in which he had mastered a two-year-old horse, whose educa- tion was but begun, Mr. McKenzie, who had listened with no small pridv^ to the story of his son*s prc^wess, hiding this feeling behind the smile that bothered the boy so much, said quietly : "Eh, lad. No d ^ubt but you did well. It's no easy job to stick fast to one of those wild crea- tures. But tho* you're learning how to master them finely, I was just thinking that there was something else you need learn to master, Archie, which may be a tougher task than even the two- year old." Pleased at his father's praise, which was all the SUMMER AT FORT CHIPEWVAN. 149 ill the more precious for beinj^ sparingly bestowed, Archie forgot the curious smile, and asked eagerly : *' What is it, father ? I'm not afraid to try any- thing that there's any sense in trying." ** There's plenty of sense in trying it, Archie," answered the factor. *'The wisest men have been those who tried it hardest." By this time Archie began to suspect that it was not something in the physical world his father had in mind, and that he was coming in for a bit of a lecture. But determined not to flinch he asked again : " Well, father, what is it ? I'm in a hurry to hear." " You've got to go no farther than yourself for an answer, laddie," replied Mr. McKenzie, the smile giving place to a look of profound affection as he added: ** You're m.uch concerned to be a man, Archie, and I'm not saying it becomes you ill to have such notions. But there's no use in hurrying off if you're not ready for the road. If the porridge is too hot, it's better to let it cool than to scald your mouth with it, and before thinking so much of breaking in horses, and such like doings, you'd do well to make sure that you're broken in yourself." Archie blushed, and was silent. He felt tempted to protest against his father's words. He was sure he did not deserve them. But somehow or other the tongue that could say so much in argu- ISO ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. ment with anybody else always seemed stiff and halting when the discussion was with the factor, so deeming discretion the better part of valor, he held his peace, as well as his opinion that he knew well enough how to take care of himself. Had he, however, been able to look a few weeks ahead he would have hardly deemed the hint so undeserved. So soon as the traveling became good the In- dians began to make their appearance at the fort, bringing with them the bales of furs which repre* sented the results of their winter's trapping. The first to arrive were, of course, the Chipewyans, a quiet, peace-loving and fairly honest people, sturdy of stature and dark of countenance, who under various tribal names, but speaking much the same language, occupied the vast region extending from Hudson's Bay to Lake Athabasca, and thence northward to the snow-covered territories of the Es- quimaux. They were excellent hunters, and gen- erally came well loaded with valuable peltries with which they discharged the debts incurred the pre- vious autumn for supplies advanced, and then were granted fresh credits. For the factor always found them trustworthy customers. Their debts were debts of honor, and whatever their hunters and trappers secured came straight to him. If they returned with empty hands, it was entirely because fortune had not favored them in their precarious business. During the trading season everybody was very gen- with |c pre- then 11 ways Idebts inters If ;irely Itheir very SUMMER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. 151 busy at Fort Chipewyan. The annual visit thither was the great event in the Indian calendar, and they took care to make the most of it. Bringing all their families and possessions along with them, they would set up their tepees not far from the walls o^ the fort, and proceed to business with a deliberation and indifference to the flight of time that tried hard the patience of the white man. But to hurry them was out of the question. It would have given offense to suggest that their concerns were not of the utmost importance, and a falling away in custom would have surely re- sulted. The only thing to do was to have as many to wait upon them as possible, and thus remove all excuse for unnecessary delay, and accordingly, as either interpreters, clerks or packers, there was work for everybody. What Archie liked was to be in the trading- room with his father, and to watch the Indians as they came in one by one, unrolled their pack, and selected their supplies. He had a decided bent for business, and was no poor hand at a bargain himself, having inherited a good share of his father's Scotch shrewdness, and the factor af- forded him opportunity for developing his com- mercial talents by allowing him to do some trading in his own interest, the basis of his operations being what stood in his credit for the furs he trapped himself during the winter. The way they did business at the fort was as 152 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. follows : The Indian with his pack of furs came to the trading-room where he was welcomed by the factor> and given a small present of some kind to put him in a good humor. Only one Indian was allowed in at a time. Having opened the pack, and separated it into lots, according to the differ- ent kinds and qualities of skin, the factor then put a valuation upon each lot, and handed the expect- ant Indian a numljer of little pieces of wood, indi- cating the number of " made beavers " to which his " hunt " amounted. For the beaver was then throughout the whole Northwest what the dollar is amongst us to-day — the common standard of values, and medium of exchange. Everything that could be bought and sold had its value in ** made beavers." Having made sure that he had got all the sticks the factor could be coaxed or cajoled into allowing, the trapper, feeling almost as rich as an Astor, next proceeded to the storeroom where he found himself surrounded by a bewildering wealth of blankets, guns, knives, hatchets, powder horns, bul- lets, flasks, kettles, traps, tobacco, tea, and so forth, so that his feelings, as he gazed eagerly about him, were pretty much like those of a hungry school boy let loose in a confectioner's. Then would business really begin ; and then would the dusky purchaser by his hesitation, his indecision, his sudden changes of mind, his unreasonable de- mands, and childish sulking at their denial, test SUMMER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. 153 ime to by the :ind to in was pack, differ- en put expect- d, indi- I which IS then J dollar dard of Did had sticks llowing, Astor, found 1th of s, bul- forth, t him, school would dusky n, his le de- L test the patience and diplomacy of the factor and his clerks to the utmost. The bundle of skins was soon found to be inadequate to the demands made upon it. A blanket took twelve of them, a gun twenty more, a kettle ten, a hunting knife two, and there was not half enough left for all the tea and tobacco he craved. So there would be more coaxing and arguing and promising, until at last, having been granted as much credit as the factor deemed prudent, rnd realizing that there was nothing more to be gained, the Indian would take himself off to his tepee to proudly exhibit his purchases, and boast of the good bargain he had made, while another hastened to fill his place; and thus it went on all day long, until the whole band had been served. While part of his staff were thus engaged, the other part were sorting, cleaning, and repacking the furs in secure bundles for dispatch to Fort William, thousands of miles away on the shore of Lake Superior. The canoes, too, had to be put in thorough repair, and new ones built if necessary, plenty of pemmican laid down, and other prepara- tions made for the long journey by river, lake, rapid and portage to the central depot. Mr. Wcntzel was to take charge of this expedition, and Archie begged hard to be permitted to accompany him. "Surely I'm big enough to go now, father," he pleaded, "and I would like it so much. Mr. Wentzcl says he'll be very glad to have me." 154 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " I quite understand your being eager to go, Archie boy," said the factor kindly ; " but sonic- how I feel as if I couldn't be without you this summer." " lUit, father, I haven't been to Fort Williai.i or even to Red River since I was a little chap, and I do so want to go," j)ersisted Archie. The factor took the boy's flushed face between his hands, and turning it up so that their eyes looked straight into each other, said in a tone so serious that it went straight to his son's heart : •' I cannot explain why, Archie, but something tells me you had better not go away from me this summer, and to heal your disappointment I promise you this : if all is well ne.xt year I'll take not only you, but mother and Rose also, and we'll all go to Fort William together. What say you to that, laddie ^ " In an instant the clouds vanished from Archie's face, and were replaced by a beaming smile. I''or the sake of such a delightful prospect as that he was quite willing to forego the pleasure at hand. "Hurrah, father!" he cried, "that will be just splendid. I won't say another word about going with Mr. Wcntzel," and so the matter dropped, very much to the factor's satisfaction. Hut busy as they were at Fort Chipcwyan in summer time, it was not all work. There was plenty of play, too. In the long lovely evenings after the day's work was done, there were races SUMMICR AT FORT CIIIPEWYAN. 155 on foot and on horseback, wrcstlinj]^ contests, lacrosse matches, canoe races, and other sports in which the garrison of the fort and the picked athletes of the lodges round about were pitted against each other. No one enjoyed these games more than the factor himself, and he encouraged them by offering prizes frequently, which were very eagerly competed for. About midsummer there came to the fort a large hand of Indians from the plains of the Peace River. They were much superior in stature and looks and general bearing to the Chipewyans, and were in fact unusually fine specimens of the red men. They had a rich supply of .skins, and from the way in which they prepared their encampment, it was evident they proposed to make a long stay, taking advantage of their nearness to the lake to (jo a good deal of fishing. They proved to be very expert in all the amuse- ments in vogue at the fort, and not an evening passed without some c.xc'ting event taking place. Among the boys of this band was one in whom the clerks, .Stewart and McGillvray, found what they had long been looking for ; namely, a rival that Archie would have hard work to defeat. This was the eldest son of the chief, a stalwart shapely lad of sixteen, to whom the name of Heddakoonnai, or the Lightning, had been given because of his remarkable fleetness on foot. He was a very fine-looking young fellow of about 156 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. the same height as Archie, but more lightly built. His countenance was pleasing, if his complexion was dark, and when he smiled he displayed two rows of shining teeth that no dentist could have counterfeited. Being the chief's son, he was always clothed in the best of buckskin and beads, and altogether presented quite a striking appear- ance as he moved over the ground with the long lithe step peculiar to his race. The first time that Beddakoonnai and Archie met, the pale-faced boy realized that he was no longer to have matters all his own way, and the spectators congratulated themselves on the pros- pect of some more than usually exciting contests. The occasion was a race of about a quarter of a mile in length. Archie had entered simply for the f'ln of the thing, expecting to have no dif- ficulty in winning. He noticed the new-ccmer among the starters, but took it for granted he would have no particular trouble in defeating him. Accordingly he was careless about starting, and allowed the others to get well off before he moved hims^'r Then he put on a spurt to overhaul then nd one by one they were caught up to and left hind, until by the time the race was two thirds run only one remained. This was the tall dark son of the Peace River chief, and Archie did not fail to notice the ease with which he was speeding over the ground. Calling upon himself for the best that was in him, Archie made a des- SUMMER AT FORT CHIPEWYAN. 157 perate effort to run down the Indian. For a few moments it looked as though he would succeed. The distance between them materially decreased. Already he had begun to exult in another victory, when to his intense chagrin, just as they were shoulder to shoulder, the Indian, who seemed to have plenty in reserve, put on a sudden burst of speed that left Archie, who had shot his bolt too soon, hopelessly in the rear, and carried him to the goal a winner by full fifteen yards. Archie felt his discomfiture keenly. He blamed himself for having been indifferent about getting a good start, and determined to wipe out the stain of defeat. His keen eye at once caught the gleam of malicious satisfaction in the faces of Stewart and McGillvray as they pretended to sympathize with him and encourage him by saying : '*A sly chap that chief's son, Archie, though no green hand at racing. You'll have to give him a good beating next time for the honor of the fort. It would never do for an Indian to worst our champion." And even his father's well-meant words, "Aha! Archie, my lad ; met your match this time, eh ? Well, we can't always have it all our own way, you know. If the Indian boy can beat you at running, you doubtless can beat him at some- thing else, so don't take it to heart," angered rather than soothed him, because they seemed to imply that Beddakoonnai had conclusively proved his 158 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. superiority, and this the young Scotchman was far from being ready to admit He hardly slept that night for worrying over the surprising result of the race, and early the next morning, taking Sawtloulai with him as in- terpreter, he sought out the Peace River chief's tepee, and gave Hcddakoonnai a formal challenge for another trial of speed that evening. The young Indian accepted with an alacrity that rather disconcerted his challenger. It seemed to indicate such a serene confidence in his own supremacy. But this was not really the ca.se ; the truth of the matter being that the night before McGillvray and Stewart had paid a visit to the Indian encampment, and after expressing in big words their admiration of the fleet-footed lad, had promised him what above all things his heart desired, a good gun, and a supply of ammunition, if he would again defeat his pale-faced opponent. Heddakoonnai's eye flashed eagerly at the offer of this tempting prize, and in his own tongue he cried, accompanying th** words with expressive pantomime: " My name is the Lightning. To-morrow I run like lightning. My pale-faced brother will sec nothing but my back. O, yes ! I am the light- ning. No one can run so fast as I." When Mr. McKenzie heard of the intended race, he attempted to dissuade Archie from it. •' I doubt if you're doing well to try that Indian SUMMER AT FORT CIIIPEWYAN. 159 chap so soon apjain, Archie," said he. ** I never saw one of his kind show a cleaner pair of heels. You'd better have a little practice first, I think." *' Tut, father ! " replied Archie impatiently. " I can beat him ri[;ht enough. It was only be- cause I was so foolish as to let him get a good head start that he beat me last night." The factor sniilei' one of his deep shrewd smiles, and shook his head in a sceptical way as he answered : " Maybe, my lad, maybe ; but don't be o'er sure. They tell me the boy's name means the Lightning, and lightning's pretty hard to beat, you know." hut Archie was not to be dissuaded. He could think of nothing else but the race, and would have no peace of mind until it was over and done with. Meanwhile, the word went round of his challenge nnd its acceptance, and everybody in the fort and among the encampments looked forward eagerly to the approaching contest. CHAPTER XII. LESSOR? C'j , f TU BE FORGOTTEN. WHEN the time ca e for the race to be run, Archie was by no means in the best of condition to do himself credit. He had hardly slept the previous night, and had fidgeted and fussed all day until he had got himself into a fever- ish excited state that could not fail to tell against him. Now and then the voice of his calmer reason found opportunity to whisper that he would show more wisdom by postponing the race than by per- sisting in it. But the mood of unreason was upon him, and he yielded to its sway. The event took place at six o'clock in the even- ing. The distance had been fixed at half a mile as affording the fairest test of both speed and endur- ance. The track, it need hardly be explained, was not a modern cinder path, but as level a piece of prairie as could be found in the near neighborhood of the fort. Starting from the top of the slight slope, the runners would descend it to a stretch of i6o 5 run, 2St of lardly I and fever- ^ainst eason show y per- upon even- lile as indur- i, was ece of irhood slight tch of ....*^ t f b t 1 t( h LESSONS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. i6i level ground, and then after crossing it come to another slope upon the side of which a stake driven into the ground, with a blanket thrown over it, formed the turning-point, and thence back to the goal. Every man, woman and child in the fort and encampment turned out to witness the contest. Archie was the first to make his appearance, his face having an anxious impatient expression that showed how deeply he was stirred. Beddakoonnai did not keep him waiting long ; and as he passed through the crowd," McGillvray caught his arm a moment, and whispered in his ear : " Remember now, you beat him well, and you shall have this, too," and he touched the handsome hunting knife that hung in his belt. The Indian gave one of his brilliant smiles by way of reply, and hastened to the starting post. Archie's quick eye did not miss this little incident, and in an instant he understood its meaning. " He wants him to beat me," he murmured bit- terly. ** That's all he cares for the honor of the fort." Mr. McKenzie was the starter, and as the two boys ranged themselves in line he was struck by the d iff ere ice in the expression of their faces. The Indian looked excited, but sanguine of vic- tory. His eyes were flashing with eagerness, and his whole body seemed to quiver like a fine steel spring. Archie, on the other hand, had a stern set '1 ' l62 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. look, as though his very life were at stake. The color had entirely deserted his face, his breath came in quick short pants, and he showed none of the bright confident spirit of his rival. " Keep a tight hold upon the rein, laddie," said the factor in a low tone. " Don't go too fast at the start." Archie made no reply, except to tighten the grip of his fists, and fix himself more carefully at the line. •* Are you ready ? " cried the factor, while the spectators held their breath. " Then — go ! " and amid the shouts of the men, and soft murmurs from the women, the two boys dashed off shoulder to shoulder. Now had Archie been in his ordinary cool canny state of mind he would never have acted as he did. But instead of that he was so wrought up as to be quite out of his own control, and as though his idea was to distance his opponent at the start, he (lashed down the slope at the very top of his speed, opening a wide gap between himself and Beddakoonnai, it was true, but causing his father to shake his head gravely, and exclaim : "Tut! tut! what's the lad about .^ He'll be blown before he reaches the blanket." Stewart and McGillvray looked into each other's faces with a smile and said : " He's doing our work for us. He can't keep that up." LESSONS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. 163 Meantime, the Indian, going as easily and lightly as a bird, had reached the level ground, and put on a spurt which reduced by one half Archie's lead, and when the two came to breast the other slope the ascent seemed to matter little to him, while it was evident that Archie's speed was slacking. When they turned the stake the white boy led by fully ten yards, and taking advantage of the down hill, he let himself out for another burst that gave him ten yards more before the Indian followed his example. Then Bcddakoonnai, as though hitherto he had been only trying to keep Arciiie in sight, but now proposed to show the speed that was in him, uttered a shrill whoop, swung his arms about his head, and bending forward like a young tree in the wind, bounded over the level with the spring and stride of an antelope. More beautiful running could hardly have been conceived. Never had the people at the fort seen anything to surpass it. So light was the boy's step that it seemed as though his foot might have touched upon a grass blade without crushing it. On he came, overhauling Archie at every stride. The twenty yards were quickly cut down to ten, the ten reduced to five, and as the runners reached the foot of tlic final slope they were once more shoulder to shoulder. Then did Archie regret his folly in forcing the pace at the start, for while he was laborini; hard, his chest feeling as though it would burst, his 164 ARgillE OF ATHABASCA. brain reeling and his legs weakening under him, the Indian boy at his side was running as steadily and strongly as though the race were only begun. Concentrating all his energies upon one supreme effort, he strove to make a finishing spurt that would carry him first to the goal. But the effort was vain. Beddakoonnal perceived his purpose. His time had now come. Once more he gave his piercing whoop, and then leaping to the front left his opponent behind almost as though he had been standing, and shot over the line an easy winner, while poor Archie staggered blindly after him, and would have fallen but for his father's prompt sup- port. The Peace River Indians showed their joy by a chorus of guttural " Ughs ! " intermirgled with whoops, in which McGillvray and Stewart would dearly have liked to join had they dared thus to openly express their glee, and the factor, too big of heart to withhold a due mead of praise, even though the victory was over his own son, gave the panting Indian a hearty clap on the back, exclaiming : *• Well done, young fellow ! Prettier running I never srnv in my life ; you deservec^ to win," and thtMi, taking Archie by the arm, hurried him off home to dress and rest. So profound was his son's chagrin that Mr. McKenzie niaile no attempt to console him, knowing well it would be a more waste of words. When they reached the house, Archie, giving no heed to the expressions of tender LESSONS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. I6s • him, eadily jegun. prcme t that effort irposc. we his mt left d been vinner, m, and pt sup- cir joy cd with would hus to oo big J, even I, j;avc back, ining I I," and |im off as his jltcmpt more llioiise, tender sympathy his mother and sister sought to make, went straight to his own room, threw himself upon his bed, and burst into a wild passion of tears. Never in his life before had he met with so keen a humiliation, and the bitterest part of it was the conviction deep in his heart that there was little hope of his ever wiping out the defeat he had sustained. Beyond a doubt, in Beddakoonnai he had met more than his match, and further trials would only have the same result. He did not leave his room until the following morning, and by that time there was fully formed in his mind a plan for retrieving his reputation in part, at least, the thought of which somewhat restored his equanimity. If Beddakoonnai was swifter, he was surely stronger. lie would issue another challenize. This time to a wrestling match. Wrestling was always a favorite amuse- ment among the Indians, and his old friend y\kaitchko had taught him every trick of hold and tackle known to that wily veteran, so that no one of his own age or weight had ever been able to vanquish him. Accordingly, he |)aid the Peace River tepees a second visit, and through his faith- ful Sawtloulai made known his wishes. Tiie Indian was not quite so prompt about tak- ing him up this time. He knew well jn()u;;h how to wrestle, but his eyes told him that Arclne had more strength, and if his skill were equal, why, he was sure to get the best of it. 166 AK( llir, OF ATllAnASCA. •• riir 1 ij;htnin^'s tired," ho said doubtfully, ** aihl Ins no hc.wi for wrcstliu*;. V\'dl uot his p.'ilo I.uinI ]>rotl\cr run anolhor raio ? " and ho snii lod in a I'onscious \\;v that was viMy a^j;ra- vatni: No ; 1 will n(^t run another v,\cc just now, •I roplioil Aivhio Hut I will wrestle. Is the la^htnini; at raid to wrestle with nie ? " lU^idakoonnai's eyes flashed at the tauntmj; question, and just then Mr. Stewatl appeared with faee full ot euriositv. Instantly the Indian threw awav his assumed indilTerenec. "Is tlu l.i^htnini; afraid.'" he eiied, sprinj;- ini; to his feet, and wavin;; his arms. " No ; he is uo\. lie will wrestle. (>, yes! he will wrestle with his p.di* faeeil brother." And he struek an attitude as though he wouKl be;;in at onee. *• It is well," answered Arehie (piietlv. '* W** will wrestle at suuilown," and he went aw.iy with Sawtloulai. As soon as he was out of sij;ht, lU'ddakoonnai, with a er.iflv look in his bri;:ht eve. tnrncil to Mr. Stewart. " Mv pale-faeed brother wants t(> wrestle with nuv Wh.it will the white ehief i;ive me if I thri»w him, so," and he j>ointed e.xpiessively to the ground. "What \\ou\A Ueddakoonnai like.'" asked Mr. Stc^v »"!. wdlin:;; enoni;h to do anvthini;" that would insure Archie geitin>; another " takin^^ down, •I LT^TSJ IF.SSONS NOT TO IlK FOl<(iO i Tr^.N. i6y '• Mcddiikoofuiai would like to Iiavo a liatrlict, sharp, sharp, sharp," and he showed his i^'Jistcniiig loith. (Juito iclicvcd at the moderation of the rcrpiest, Mr. Stewart reachiy promised to comply with it, and tin* !,i;;htnin;;, on his part, promist^d to do his host t<» ;^;ive Archie another bealin;^. The lu'ws of the second mat( h soon spread, and when the time catne everybody, as before, was tliere to witness it. Archie's bearin;^ was so tlif- feront this time that his father did not think it necessary l»» ^ive him any cautioning;. Instead of bciii); anxi<»us and impatient, he was calm and resomit lut( I e seemec 1 to 1 d t lave regained his confi- dence HI himsell, and to entertam no fears as to the result. Hut his mother, who dirl not alto- gether like wresllini; matches, fearing souje strain or injury, could not refrain from sayin;; : *• He veiy careful, Archie. Don't overdo your- self." An ^ s.'Vj IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) fe 7 fe J"^, .•> «., fA fA 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■^ 1^ 12.2 u Mi us i;° 1 2.0 I — 6" 1.4 111.6 ^%. 7:^^ ^^/ ' ^ A .^vv A °^ /^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STtllT WHSTIR.NY 14$U (716)I73-4S03 <^ •^ \^ '^^ ^ 6^ V. ¥ n la cl lii H in cl b( th br St( LESSONS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. 171 that his father, catching a glimpse of it as the wrestlers swayed to and fro, felt strongly tempted to rush in and part them. But the thought that his action might be construed to mean over anx- iety for his son restrained him. Well would it have been had he thus interfered, for a few moments later Archie, beyond all thought of the consequences, shook himself free from Bed- dakoonnai's grasp, and then rushing at him again, caught him around the waist, and bending his back, with a tremendous effort hurled him clear over his head. With a dull thud, that sent a thrill through the breathless spectators, the Indian struck the ground, and lay there motionless. With a fierce look of triumph his conqueror stood over him, and stretching out his hand said : " Here you are. Let me help you up." But Beddakoonnai never stirred. Startled at his still- ness, Archie bent down and lifted his head. It lay limp and lifeless in his grasp. The eyes were closed ; no breath seemed to come from the set lips. With a sharp cry of alarm he laid it down again just as the others gathered round, wonder- ing what was the matter. In a moment all was clear. A sunken stone, from which the turf had been torn away by the wrestlers* feet, had received the Indian when he fell headlong, and a bleeding bruise just over the right temple told its own story. Beddakoonnai, if not already dead, was perilously near it. 172 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. Instantly, all thought of triumph in Archie's mind gave way to keen concern for his vanquished opponent. " O, father ! he is not dead," he cried. " He cannot be dead. I did not mean to kill him, indeed I didn't." " Of course, of course," said the factor consol- ingly ; " don't fash yourself, laddie. He's only lost his wits a minute. We'll soon briiig him to ; " and then stooping down he lifted the senseless form gently upon his mighty shoulders, and strode rapidly off to his own house, Archie keeping at his side, his heart heavy with apprehension. On reaching the house the medicine chest was ransacked for restoratives, which were one after another applied by Mr. McKenzie and his wife, but apparently to no purpose. Beyond a hardly perceptible breathing the Indian showed no sign of life. The hours dragged on, and still he moved not. Archie was in a pitiable state of anxiety. He could not remain in the room, but would rush out and wander aimlessly around for a few minutes, and then come back, asking eagerly : '* Has he come to yet } " only to be met with the answer: "Not yet, Archie." Oh ! how bitterly he reproached himself for his mad outburst of rage. He could easily have thrown Beddakoonnai without hurting him at all, for the boy*s strength was nearly exhausted, and LESSONS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN. 173 in a minute more he would have been like a child in his hands. But alas ! he could not hide from himself the painful truth that a desire to be re- venged, as well as to triumph, had filled his heart. His father's words: " Before thinking so much of breaking in horses, you'd do well to make sure that you've broken in yourself, Archie," came into his mind, and each one of them brought a pang of remorse. He felt that he had borne himself more like a savage than the son of a Christian gentleman. With passion- ate earnestness he vowed that never again would he disgrace himself. He felt that if Beddakoonnai really died he could never be light of heart again. His whole life would be shadowed because of a moment's blind fury. While the anxious hours dragged slowly on, there sat in one corner of the room, as silent and motionless as if cast in bronze, the Peace River chief. He was a medicine man of great repute among his own people, but in the presence of the factor and his more potent remedies, he at once admitted his own powerlessness, and unquestion- ingly committed his stricken son to the white man's ministrations. He took no notice of Archie. If he cherished any hard revengeful feelings, no trace of them appeared upon his impassive co'.n- tenance. His whole attention was fi.xed upon the motionless form that he loved better than anything else in the world. CHAPTER XIII. EXPEDITION TO GREAT SLAVE LAKE. IT was almost midnight before Beddakoonnai showed any signs of coming to himself. Then at last, to the unspeakable relief of the anxious watchers, he stirred a little, opened his eyes, moved his head as though it gave him pain, and took a long deep breath. But immediately he relapsed into such perfect stillness that Archie, who was bending over him eagerly, welcoming the tokens of returning consciousness, cried out in agonized alarm : "O, father! is he dead? Oh! don't let him die." Mr. McKenzie was half-persuaded that the boy had really drawn his last breath, and there was a pitiful look of despair upon the face of the Peace River c'lief. But the keen intuition of Mr.s. McKenzie told her that the end had not yet come. Laying one soft hand upon the Indian's forehead, and the other upon Archie's shoulder, she mur- mured tenderly : '74 EXPEDITION TO GREAT SLAVE LAKE. »75 " He is not dead, Archie darling. He will not d»» ic. And she was right. Beddakoonnai was not dead, nor did he die, though his escape from death was little short of marvelous. Later on in the night his consciousness came fully back, and he was able to speak a few words to his father, which caused the dark troubled countenance to become radiant with joy, and when the morning dawned his recovery was no longer a matter of doubt. He would need to be very quiet for many days, but in due time he would get up as strong and active as ever. During the next few weeks, Beddakoonnai lived in Paradise. Archie, his mother and Rose-Marie were unwearied in their attentions, while his own father and the factor and others came in constantly to see him ; and although he was made so much of that, barring a certain uncomfortable sense of confinement, due to his being so long in a room when his previous experience had been entirely of wigwams, he felt as happy as a bee in clover, and was in no hurry to confess convalescence. In the meantime, the summer was wearing on, and the factor became impatient to put into execu- tion a design he wished to carry out before the advent of autumn. This was to take a number of his men, and go up north as far as the Great Slnve Lake in order to visit the different posts estab- lished upon its borders, and stimulate them to 1/6 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. increased activity in obtaining furs, the returns from that district having fallen off somewhat the past two seasons. Being convinced that Bedda- koonnai was quite w 1 enough to go back to his father's lodge, yet fe ing reluctant to ask him to leave his house, he resorted to diplomacy. The Indian already possessed a gun and hunting knife, and, by the way, the factor had a shrewd suspicion how he acquired them, although he sagely kept his own counsel. But a pistol might tempt him. He accordingly offered him an excellent pistol on con- dition that he returned to his own encampment. The Indian, of course, eagerly took the bait, and thus, between winning a race and getting a broken head, became the proud possessor of a h .nting outfit that no other red skin in the country could match. His hands being thus freed, Mr. McKenzie lost no time in making ready for the expedition, and Archie, feeling something like Pilgrim after the burden rolled off his back, enthusiastically assisted. He had learned lessons that would last him through life. He had suffered defeat from both the physi- cal and moral standpoint, but like a brave clear- headed fellow he determined to let such defeats point the way to future victories. He no longer thought of himself as "admirable Crichton," but simply as a boy with much to learn still, and very willing to be taught. The race and wrestling match marked a distinct epoch in his experience. EXPEDITION TO GREAT SLAVE LAKE. ^77 The prospect of the trip to Great Slave Lake filled him with pleasure. The farthest he had ever been in that direction was when the Quar- relers ran off with him at the instance of Miles McDougal, and he longed to see for himself the country concerning which Mr. Wentzel, Akaitchko and others had told him many times. Sawtloulai, of course, would be one of the party this time, and they were sure to have some grand sport together, especially as they were both now fully admitted into the ranks of the hunters. The time was the beginning of the month of Augnst, and allowing himself six full weeks for his journey, the factor calculated upon being back before the end of September, so that he would have the finest weather in all the vear. Messrs Stewart and McGillvray would share the responsi- bilities of looking after the fort and Mrs. McKen- zie and Rose-Marie, during his absence, and he would leave twenty trustworthy men under their command, he himself taking ten besides Akaitchko, Archie and Sawtloulai. It was a magnificent morning when the expedi- tion started. The fourteen members of it were disposed in four large strong canoes, Mr. McKen- zie, Archie, Sawtloulai and Akaitchko taking the lead in the largest, the others following with three or four men in them according to their size. In addition to its human freight each canoe carried a good load of provisions, ammunition, goods for • 78 ARCHIE OF ATHAnASCA. trading and buffalo robes for sleeping in, done carefully up in bundles of about ninety pounds weight for convenient handling at the frequent portages. Mrs. McKenzie and Rose-Marie were at the shore for a last kiss and good-by. They had grown somewhat accustomed to lengthy absences in the factor's past, but this was the first time Archie was to leave them for long, and they knew they would sorely miss him. •• O, father, I wish you'd take me, too," cried Rose-Marie, looking up at the factor with a most beseeching little face. "Couldn't you take me even yet ? I could be ready in a few minutes." Her father smiled affectionately upon her. " And what would my little lassie do if I did let her come ? " he asked, taking her soft cheeks be- tween his long hands. " Oh ! I don't know ; I'd be as good as I could, and try not to be any trouble," replied Rose, half- hoping he might yet consent. " And what would the mother do without her daughter, and all the rest of us away } " inquired Mr. McKenzie further. Rose-Marie turned to look at her mother in whose brown eyes the tears were already gath- ering. With quick sympathy she unde^'stood her feelings, and darting toward her clasped her about the waist, exclaiming : " My dear, darling mother, I won't leave you." KXPKDITION TO GREAT SLAVK LAKK 179 •• God bless you for your kind little heart, Rose," said the factor. " I'll f]jivc you a promise that will in.'ikc you happy. If all goes well until next spring, I am going to take you and mother and Archie with mc down to Fort William to show the gentle- men there what a fine family I have. Now then, just keep thinking of that, and you'll soon be com- forted for not going with us this time." Rose-Marie did not take in the import of this promise as fully as Archie had done when it was made to him, but she knew from her father's tone that it meant something very delightful, so she wreathed her pretty face in a radiant smile as she answered : " All right, father, I'll wait until mother and I can go together. That will be best of all." Then the final farewells were said, the canoes shot out from the shore, and in a few minutes rounded the point that hid them from sight, while those who had come down to see them off went slowly back to the fort, where life would move very quietly until the little fleet returned. The course of the canoes lay due north from the point, and paddling briskly on, ere the sun reached his zenith they were threading their way through :he maze of barren projections, called the Stony Islands, which masks the entrance to the Slave River. Old Akaitchko knew every turn and twist of the shortest channels, and wasted no time in following blind leads, although it would have I So ARCHIK OF ATHABASCA. sorely puzzled the ordinary individual to make out by what marks he was guided, the different islands seemed to have such a bewildering family resem- blance. Sitting right behind him, and keeping perfect stroke as the canoe rippled steadily for- ward, Archie closely studied their course, and wondered if by any possibility he could retrace it. A similar thought passed through Mr. McKenzie's mind, for he called out : " Archie, do you think you could pilot us through these islands, if you had to ?" ** I'm afraid not, sir," answered Archie. " I'll have to take a good many lessons from Akaitchko first." " Well, my lad, get all the lessons you can. Make Akaitchko tell you every secret of his skill, for such knowledge will be of incalculable value to you when you come to strike out for yourself, as you must do before long." And the factor heaved a sigh, as though the prospect of his son striking out for himself was not particularly attractive. ** No fear but I'll do that, father," responded Archie. " It was for that very reason I took my place here." During the next few days Archie had plenty of opportunity for studying the fascinating science of canoe management. Their course down the Slave River was marked by every imaginable diffi- culty and obstacle. Rapids, shallows, whirlpools EXPEDITION TO GREAT SLAVE LAKE. l8l and waterfalls followed one another in close suc- cession, and Akaitchko's skill and strength were often tried to the utmost to prevent disaster. In this he was successful so far as his own canoe was concerned, but some of those who came behind were not equally fortunate. After its confluence with the Peace, the Slave River became a magnificent stream nearly three quarters of a mile wide, down which the canoes sped with delightful rapidity, the current being exceedingly swift, until they reached a group of islands separated by narrow channels, in passing through which the utmost care had to be exercised. Beyond these islands was a whirlpool which seized the frail barks, and tossed them to and fro like chips, causing Archie's heart to leap to his mouth more than once, when it seemed as if they must be upset by the violence of the whirls. But in the end the persistent paddles, aided by the mighty current, worked out their own deliverance, the whirlpool was passed unscathed, and they pitched their tents just beyond its seething waters, for the factor considered that his men deserved a good rest after their prolonged struggle. But unhappily it was not in the order of things that they should have much of a rest that night, for hardly had they got the tents up, before a terrible thunder-storm fell upon them ; the rain poured down in torrents, and the violence of the wind made the river overflow its banks, completely lS2 AKCIIIK OF ATHAMASCA. flooding; the site of the encampment. Nor was this all ; for when the storm subsided the mos- quitoes came in swarms that actually darkened the air, and their tormenting stings grew so un- endurable that at last the whole party were com- pelled, after snatching a hasty supper, to return to their canoes, to seek refuge in flight down stream. Drifting and paddling all night, they passed the Reindeer Islands soon after sunrise, and a few hours later reached the mouth of the Dog River, where a halt was made in ortler to set the nets and try to catch some fish. The boys felt too weary to care about anything but sleep, and select- ing a shady sheltered spot under the trees, they lay down for a good nap which they had without interruption. Early in the afternoon, Mr. McKenzie wakened them with the pleasant announcement tliat dinner was ready, and they were then in excellent humor to do full justice to the d»:licious trout broiled to a turn by Akaitchko, the man of many accom- plishments. Dinner disposed of, they re-embarked, and essayed the intricacies of the Dog Rapid. Their canoe got through safely, ami so did the next ; but tiie last two, being allowed to approach too close, came into violent collision, with the re- sult that the sternmost had its bow broken short off. Fortunately the accident happened near the shore, and the disabled canoe was beached before it had time to sink. But the injury took two KXI'ICIIIIION TO OREAT SI.AVK I.AKK •83 hours to repair, and no further propjrcss could be made that evening;. lki;;ht and early next morninj; they set off ai^ain, and j)ad(lled steadily until they reached the Cassette Portage, where they had to carry the canoes and their contents mo»"e than a quarter of a mile and very hard work they found it. The boys, of course, could not be expected to shoulder one end of the canoe or a ninety pound pack, so their part was to carry the guns and ammunition which gave them each a pretty fair load. They were as happy as a pair of larks at midday. This active, varied, adventurous mode of life was precisely ac- cording to their liking, and they enjoyed every moment of it. After the Cassette Portage came a narrow chan- nnel full of troublesome rapids, through which the canoes danced in a way that would have been poor fun for a " tender foot," but which only tickled the boys' midriff pleasantly, causing them to shout in audacious glee as their bark darted hither and thither through the curling, foaming waves under the unerring guidance of Akaitchko. To these rapids succeeded the Portage d'Embar- ras, a very short one, and then, a little farther on, the Little Rock Portage in the course of which a curious accident happened to the second canoe. While it was being carried over the rough rocky path, the bowman slipped upon a loose stone, and let his burden fall to the ground, with the result 184 ARcinr. or ATHAnAsrA. that if broke in two as promptlv and perfectly as if it wore .1 stick of candy. " Hless my son! ! " exclaimed Mr. McKenzir, when he saw this catastrophe. "What on earth are you men ahont .? " The one who had stumbled, ' icked himself tif), and eyed the broken canoe niefnily. *• llim bail break, sartain. l^nt," with a sudden brii;htcnini; of his countenance, "not take lonjj; mend him." " Aha ! you red-skin rascal," cried the factor in ]Metendcd ani;er. " It's all well enou,<;h to talk that wav, but vou must take better care of my canoes. The next man that breaks one, I'll break his head, see if I don't." The progress of repair took only a couple of hours. The sutulcred halves were skillfully sewn together, the join quickly coverctl with rosin, of which a supplv was carried for the ]Mnpos(\ and then, the can(H" beini;" made quite as g(K)d as before, the journey was resimied. The Mountain Portage was the next, and here thev hatl to toil up the fteep sides of a high hill, which thev fnind very hard work ; and by the time they got safelv down the other side, they were all so wearv that the factor directed the tents to be pitchoil f(^r the night, though it was still some hours to sundown. So splendid w\as the view from the summit of the mountain that the boys went back there after supper, and watched the sun sink- r.xrr.DiTioN to gkkat si.avr r.AKF. i«5 in<; out of si^ht, behind the western hills. At their Ket the river broadened out to almost a mile in width, and they could follow its course for a long distance northward. " See, Sawtloulai ; that's the way we'll go to-mor- row. I wonder how many iiiore of these tiresome po-tages we've still ahead of us ? " said Archie. Only two more, father says," answered Sawt- loulai. "Hurrah! that's good news," said Archie. " I*'or I'm jiist about sick of portages." " So am I," assented the Indian ; " it's too hard work for me. I'd rather run the rapids in the canoe than tote everything overland." " Right yon are," said Archie ; " I don't sec why we couldn't try some of them." '• Try some of what ? " inquired Mr. McKenzic, at that moment joining them. " Why, try running some of those rapids instead of portaging them," explained Archie. Mr. McKenzic did not answer at once, but pointing with his outstretched arm to where the river seemed to lose itself amid a maze of pine-clad islands some miles awaV; he said : "That is our last portage, Archie. There is only the Pelican Portage between. Do you know the name of it ? " " No, father," replied Archie, " I don't ; but Pm very glad to know it is the last, for I've had all the portaging I want for some time." 1 86 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. •• Well, Archie, that's the Portage of dw Drowned." •' The Portage of the Drowned ! " echoed Archie, in a somewhat startled tone, '* What a dreadful name ! Mow did it come to be called that ? " The recollection was evidently a painful one to the factor, and he was silent for some minutes before replying. At last he said : •• Sit down here, laddie, and I'll tell you the story. It's just twenty years now since it hap- pened. I was only a clerk then, like Mr. Stewart, and we were making a trip to the Slave Lake, just as we are doing now. There were three canoes, and I was in the head one. Keskaiiah, the best guide in the country, was our pilot, and when we came to the rapids he thought that the height of the river would make it safe to run them, instead of going overland. So he arranged for our canoe to go on ahead alone, and if w^^ got through safely we would fire a gun as a signal for the others to follow. Off we started, and a right terrible time we had of it. The rapids were awful. They tossed us about as if our heavy canoe were but a feather. Not one of us expected to get through alive. Even Keskarrah looked frightened ; but he was a wonderful hand at steering, and we all worked for dear life, and in the end his skill and our own strength brought us safely to the bottom, and we put in to the bank all of one mind that no other canoe should run the same risk. Just as we EXPEDITION TO GREAT SLAVE LAKE. i8; landed, a duck rose up a few yards away, and one of our men, without stopping to think, picked up his gun and fired. The moment he did, he re- membered about the signal, and alarmed at the possible consequences of his thoughtless act, rushed off along shore at full speed to prevent the other canoes from starting. But he was too late to stop one of them. It was already well into the rapids, and it had no Keskarrah to pilot it through. Standing upon the bank, and utterly powerless to help, he had the agony of seeing the canoe dashed upon a rock, and all four men drowned in the dreadful rapids ; and ever since then the place has been called the Portage of the Drowned." CHMTKR XIV. AT (;Kr AT SI.AVK lAKII. A l\C1^1^ j;.'ivc .1 slnuldor as IVTr. Mv^Kcnric tiiiisho(i his explanation of how the I'orta^r of iho nrownotl canio hy its nanuv '* After hcaiini; that, father, I'm no hin,i;er anx- ious to try lunnini; the rapids. If we divl, peihaps there niii;ht be nu>re than t>ne rortai;e of the Prownevl," said he. ••There might imleed, Arehie boy," saitl Mr. MeKenrie ; *• and the givins; a new name to a rapid wonlii be poor eonsolatioi\ for losing; one's hfe, wouldn't it ? Hut eome ahmi; ; we must be gettio«; baek to camp;** anil they all descended the hill to where the tents were pitched. The next day's canoeinj;' was of a very unevent- ful character. The rocks and hii;h lauvl ceased at the last portage, anil the river banks became low, and composed of soft rich soil held together by the tangled roots of the trees and shrubs that crowned their summits. The stream spread out until it was i8S AT (iHKAT RLAVK I^AKK. lH() ■A full inilc ifi lirradth, and the niHliin^ (iirrcnt «|uiotc(l We've killed our buffalo in spite of them, and the five pounds are ours — ours, Sawtloulai — ours, my hearty, and won't we have a fine time making them fly .? Just wait till we get to Fort William." " Is Sawtloulai to have some of the money } " asked the Indian shyly. ** Why, of course you are," cried Archie ; ** the buffalo is as much yours as mine. But come, let us run back to the camp and tell them the good news." Leaving their guns beside the carcass, the boys set off at their best pace for the camp, and did not take long to reach it. The men were getting dinner ready when they arrived, and Archie burst in upon them panting out : ** We've killed a buffalo, a great big one." " None of your tricks, you rogue," said the factor, taking his son playfully by the ear. " Are you in earnest ? " AT GREAT SLAVE LAKE. 195 " Of course I am," exclaimed Archie. " Ask Sawtloulai." Sawtloulai was too much out of breath to say anything, but nodded his head vigorously, while a triumphant smile spread over his face. The questions then poured in thick and fast, and when the whole story was told the men could hardly wait to eat their dinner, so impatient were they to see the bison for themselves. Immediately after dinner the whole party took to their canoes, and paddled up the stream to where Archie pointed out the marks made by the bison in crossing, and led them straight to the scene of its death. "Well done, my lads!" exclaimed the factor, when he saw the great creature. *' A buffalo it is, and a fine one, too. I'm afraid there's no way of my getting out of paying you the five pounds, Archie." ** The money's Sawtloulai's as well as mine, father," spoke up Archie. " I couldn't have killed the buffalo alone, you know." ** As you say, laddie," returned his father. " It will be given you in good time, and you can share it with Sawtloulai in any way you like." There was great rejoicing over the bison. He proved to be in excellent condition, and the men soon had him cut up into convenient pieces, and stowed away in the canoes. Then, resuming their places, they made the air ring with their joUiest songs as they swept down the river. 196 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. In the course of the following afternoon they passed the junction of the Slave River with the water of the Great Slave Lake, and pushing right out into the lake succeeded in reaching Moose- Deer Inland before the night set in. On the island stood a small post of the Northwest Fur Company, and here they made a stay of a few days, to rest and refit. The boys' first business was, of course, to explore the island. They found it to be almost three miles round, with a hill in the center rising several hundred feet in height, from the summit of which they had an outlook far and wide over the magnificent sheet of water below them. " Isn't it grand } ** exclaimed Archie, seating himself upon a flat rock, and gazing round with appreciative eyes. Sawtloulai, who had no care for the picturesque, and regarded a landscape entirely from the point of view of the hunter and trapper had no other remark to make in reply than one of his guttural "Ughs !" which Archie always translated in the way that suited him best. " But oh ! how lonely this place must be in win- ter," continued Archie. ** It is tiresome enough at Fort Chipewyan, but it must be ever so much worse here," and he gave a shiver as he pictured to himself the utter desolation of the scene. Then his thoughts turned from the view to a matter that had been much in his mind of late. "Sawtloulai," AT GREAT SLAVE LAKE. 197 he cried, with a suddenness that made the Indian start, " I'm getting tired of the fort. I want to see other places. Not like these," and he pointed contemptuously at the shabby little establishment below them, which hardly deserved the name of fort, " but places where there are crowds of peo- ple, and fine big houses, and splendid shops, like Montreal. Father has often told me about them, and I'm longing to go and see them. Wouldn't you like to see them, too ? ** Sawtloulai shook his head dubiously. He wis a child of the prairie. The wonders of big cities had not much meaning for him. His ambition carried him no higher than the obtaining of a situation as hunter or canoeman at the fort, just like his father, but which would insure him food and shelter the whole year round. Archie hardly expected him to enter into his feelings, so he did not mind his silence, but went on : " I'm so glad father has promised to take us to Fort William next summer. He's sure to keep his word, and if he gets that far, perhaps he'll take us right on to Montreal. Indeed, he must do it. Mother and Rose want to go as much as I do, and we'll join together and make him." Enjoying in sanguine expectation the vaguely conceived delights of such an experience, Archie gave a ringing whoop, and rushed down the hill- side at a reckless rate, Sawtloulai following him 198 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. much more cautiously, and having the opportunity of a sly laugh at his companion's expense, when, tripping over a hidden root, he took a brilliant header into the blueberry bush, and was glad to have help in getting out again. A good deal shaken up, and somewhat put out by his tumble, Archie struck a more sober gait for the rest of the way to the fort, where the two arrived just in time for the dinner. There was nothing to be shot or trapped on the island, and Archie was very glad when the party once more launched the canoes, and set out for Fort Providence, another of the fur company's posts, situated on the mainland two days' journey northwest from Moose-Deer Island. They had a pretty rough passage thither, and were more than once compelled to run for shelter into the narrow channels between the innumerable islands that dotted the lake, so that they did not reach their destination until the morning of the third day. At Fort Providence, then the farthest north of all the fur company's establishments, and a place of not much more importance than Moose-Deer Island, a stay of several days was made, as Mr. McKenzie wished to have a pow-wow with the Copper Indians, in whose country they were, and messages had been sent out to summon them to the fort immediately upon the arrival of the ex- pedition. On the afternoon of the third day the Indians appeared, and the following morning a AT GREAT SLAVE LAKE. 199 conference was held before the gate of the fort with all due solemnity. In order to make an imposing appearance, Mr. McKenzie and his men were arrayed in their very best clothes, and armed to the teeth with guns, pistols, tomahawks and hunting knives, which they ostentatiously laid aside as soon as they took their seats. The Indians likewise had on their bravest attire, and bore their best weapons, following the example of the pale faces in putting the latter away before taking their places. Archie was much disappointed in these new acquaintances. They were shorter, slighter, uglier and dirtier than any Indians he had ever seen be- fore. There was nothing interesting or impressive about them, xud when, by way of opening the pro- ceedings, they rose at the command of their chief, and executed their tribal dance, it was with great difficulty that he could restrain himself from being guilty of the bad manners of laughing in their faces. The dance was after this fashion : the men and women formed a ring together, the former holding a bone dagger between the fingers of the right hand, which they kept extended above the head, and ih continual motion, while their left hand was worked backward and forward in a horizontal direction. The women let both arms hang mo- tionless at their side. Then all set to work to jump about and throw themselves in various absurd 200 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. postures, meantime keeping up a hideous wailing that passed for singing, and bringing their heels together at every pause in the music as if they were having a high old time. " Is that what they call dancing ? " exclaimed Archie, with a curl on his lips. " I wonder what they'd think of a Highland fling ? What do you say, father ; may we show them one } " " Certainly, Archie, if you want to," said the factor, smiling. " They'll think all the more of us if we show them something new in the way of a dance. Who'll dance it with you } " " Oh ! Sawtloulai will ; he can dance it as well as I can," replied Archie. "We had plenty of practice last winter." " Go ahead, then, laddie ; I'll whistle for you," returned the factor, and amid the wondering ex- pectation of the Indians, the two boys took their places in the middle of the circle. The factor at once struck up a lively tune, whistling it with the strength and purity of a flute, and the young dancers started off to open the eyes of the aborigines. Both the whistling and the da^'.cing were entire novelties to the red men, and it was hard to say which they admired most, the wonderful music which came so freely from the puckered lips of the big pale face, or the intricate evolutions of the graceful boys, one of whom was evidently of their own kind. Their dull dirty countenances lit up AT GREAT SLAVE LAKE. 20 1 with smiles; they unconsciously kept time with head and hand to the rhythmic movements of the dancers, and altogether showed such unmistakable pleasure in the performance that Archie was fain to modify his first impressions and admit that they were good for something, after all, if it was only to appreciate his dancing. The dance was followed by a smoke all round at the expense of the factor, and then by the speeches, which were in brief on the pale face's part, that they wanted more furs, and on the red man's part that they wanted more goods, with the result that each promised to do the best they could for the other, Mr. McKenzie exacting the most solemn possible undertaking from the chief and his people to have no dealings with the Hudson's Bay people, but to bring all their peltries to the Northwest Company's posts. Satisfied that his visit would have good effect, the factor distributed a lot of presents among the tribes, making the poor natives happy for the nonce, and soon after his party re-embarked in their canoes, and bidding good-by to Fort Provi- dence, to whose lonely little garrison their visit had been a rare gleam of pleasure in the dull monotony of their lives, set out gayly upon the journey back to Chipewyan. CH/PTER XV. THE PORTAGE OF THE DROWNED. FOR the return journey Archie changed his seat, in order that he might be able to talk freely with his father. His head was full of the idea of being allowed to visit Montreal the follow- ing summer, and he was constantly bringing up the subject. " Well, Archie,** said his father, " I'm sure I'd be very glad to take you to Montreal. For that matter I'd like well enough to go there on my own account, but I really do not see my way clear to doing it. I'm afraid you'll have to be satisfied with getting as far as Fort William." "But, father," Archie urged, "just think how long it is since you've been there yourself. Surely the company will give you a holiday after so many years steady service." "The company might very well do it, my lad. There's no doubt about that. None of their factors have served them more faithfully than I aoa THE PORTAGE OF THE DROWNED. 203 mged his le to talk ull of the the foUow- ■inging up n sure I'd For that on my own ly clear to e satisfied think how If. Surely er so many it, my lad. iC of their [uUy than I have," answered Mr. McKenzie. " But these are troubled times, you know. I'm always looking for McDougal to be back at Wedderburne with a gang of ruffians from the bay or the Red River, and it wouldn't do for me to be away from Chipe- wyan in that case." "But perhaps he won't come back, father," urged Archie earnestly, "and then there'd be nothing to prevent your going, would there } " " Well, of course that would make a diffierence," admitted the factor. " I'd feel freer to go, for it's not likely there'd be another of the same kind in his place, and Mr. Wentzel could look after the fort right enough for a while. And that reminds me, I hope we'll find Wentzel back when we get to the fort. He's full due now, and ought to be there before us." "That dreadful Mr. McDougal!" cried Archie, in tones of intense aversion. " How I hate him ! I hope he'll never show his ugly face at Lake Athabasca again." "I hope the same with all my heart," said the factor. " But I misdoubt it. I've a kind of pre- monition that that man's going to give us some trouble yet." "Well, as sure as he does, father, I'll make him suffer for it," burst out the boy, his face flushing with passionate feeling. "Softly, laddie, softly," said Mr. McKenzie soothingly. " He played you a sorry trick no 204 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. doubt, in trying to have you carried off by the Quarrelers. But remember, it is not ours to take vengeance. The good Book teaches better than that." " Yes; I know it does, father," admitted Archie very reluctantly. " But surely such wicked men deserve to be punished some way." *' Certainly, my boy, certainly they do, and they are. Sooner or later the punishment comes. But it's not for any of us to take upon ourselves to administer it." Archie was silent. He was ready enough to argue with his father, but he knew it was useless to attempt to argue against the Bible. And yet there burned within him, losing none of its strength through lapse of time, an intense desire to repay the factor of Fort Wedderburne for the evil he had sought to do him. The Indian passion for re- venge was in his blood, tempered it is true very materially by the other elements of his nature, and the excellence of his t"^ining, but there, nevertheless ; and as he contemplated the possi- bility of the man he hated inflicting a still further injury by preventing his father from going to Montre?^ he felt that he was equal to doing any- thing to him short of taking his life. In the meantime, the party was making steady progress southward. As they were going upstream they could not of course advance quite so fast as on the down trip, but they paddled away all the THE PORTAGE OF THE DROWNED. 205 by the 5 to take ter than d Archie ked men and they les. But rselves to inough to as useless And yet :s strength p to repay lie evil he ion for re- true very lis nature, but there, the possi- till further going to doing any- :ing steady g upstream so fast as way all the more vigorously for that, and in due time turned again in order to replenish their supply of salt, having divided what they had got before between the Moose-Deer Post and Fort Providence. They also kept a sharp lookout for bison, and the boys tried hard to repeat their former success, while the salt was being gathered, but not a horn, hump, or hoof was to be seen. The following morning they arrived at the foot of the ill-omened Portage of the Drowned, the first of the series of rapids which would have to be overcome before the Slave River settled down to quiet ways again. The arrangement was the same as before ; the boys carrying the guns and ammunition, and the two men first taking up the canoe, and then mak- ing a second trip for its lading. When they reached the head of the rapid, Archie was de- lighted to find a fine flock of ducks floating quietly on the bosom of the river a couple of hundred yards from shore. ** Hurrah ! Here's luck," he cried. " Sawt- loulai and I will bag some duck for dinner while you're bringing up the packs. Come along, Sawt- loulai, let's launch the canoe." "Be careful not to get into the current, Archie," called out Mr. McKenzie. *' It's very strong at the head of the rapid." "All right, father, I'll look out for it," answered Archie, paddling out from the bank. 206 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. Stealing gently over the still water the canoe drew near the unsuspecting ducks. They had evidently never seen such a thing before, and per- haps mistook it for a floating log. But when, hav- ing got within range, Archie laid down his paddle and picked up his gun, the birds, startled by the movement, rose from the water, and flew away in the direction of the rapids. The moment they did, Archie fired into their midst. It was a rather long range shot, but his gun was a good one, and at least a part of its contents did its duty, for one duck fell at once, while another, after frantic endeavors to keep the balance, soon followed its example, although hav- ing only a broken wing it was able to continue its flight by swimming. " Paddle, Sawtloulai, paddle hard," shouted Archie, forgetting everything in his eagerness to secure the ducks. The dead one was soon picked up ; and seizin^; the other paddle, Archie sent the canoe rippling tbrouijh the water after the wounded bird. A dozen vigorous strokes brought it within reach ; one well-directed blow of the paddle finished it, and having got safely on board the boys turned the canoe toward the shore. To their horror they found that they could make no headway. They put all their strength into their strokes, but the canoe refused to respond, A stronger influence than they could exert was THE PORTAGE OF THE DROWNED. 207 the canoe They had e, and per- vvhen, hav- his paddle :led by the ew away in I into their lot, but his part of its "ell at once, to keep the though hav- continue its /* shouted jagerness to and seizin?; [noe rippling :d bird. A ithin reach ; finished it, boys turneil they coulil leir strength [d to respond. Id exert was fighting against them. Soon they realized their peril. In their thoughtless haste to recover the ducks they had ventured too near the rapid, and were now in its irresistible grasp. "Sawtloulai," gasped Archie, his face whitening with terror, " we're in the rapids." The Indian made no response save to dig his paddle more desperately into the whirling water. *' It's no use," cried Archie. ** We can't get back. We'll have to run them. Save your strength for that." The boy kept on paddling as if he did not hear him. *' Stop, I say," shrieked Archie. "You're only tiring yourself for nothing. Let's turn her round, and run for it." As though in a dream, Sawtloulai obeyed. He was almost paralyzed with fright ; and Archie, see- ing his condition, and realizing that if they were to escape at all he must think for both, sought to control his own feelings, and nerve himself for what was coming. Happily he had the bow of the canoe, and if Sawtloulai would only obey his commands they might yet survive the passage of the terrible Portage of the Drowned, slight as the chances were. " Now, Sawtloulai," shouted Archie, " do just as I tell you, and don't be afraid." The frail bark was turned about, and at once sped away down stream like an arrow. For a 2o8 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. little distance the current ran smoothly, giving the boys time to brace themselves firmly in their places, and prepare for their tremendous struggle with the relentless rapid. Only by some miracle could they escape the fate of those whose death had given the place its name, and yet that miracle might take place. Keskarrah had got through safely, was the thought that flashed into Archie's mind. Might they not do so, too } " Do just as I tell you, Sawtloulai,*' he shouted once more ; and the Indian, who now seemed to have somewhat recovered his wits, straightened himself up, and answered with a steady : " All right, Archie. I'll do my best." There was no chance for further words. The next moment they were amidst the wild turmoil of waters, and the canoe swerved and plunged, and darted hither and thither as the violent swirls and eddies caught it in their grasp for a moment, and then flung it away with reckless force. The whole volume of the water was here confined to a narrow channel running between high banks, and thickly studded with mighty bowlders, worn sn.ooth by the ceaseless rush of water. Great as was the peril from the furious waves, these bowlders were still more to be feared. Were the canoe but to touch one of them, while flying on at so tremendous a speed, it would be crushed like an egg-shell. Hracec' firmly in the bow, and holding his paddle before him as a pole with which to push the canoe THE PORTAGE OF THE DROWNED. 209 away from the rocks, Archie brought every power of mind and body to bear upon his work. The task was Oiie from which even Akaitchko, tne best canoe man in Athabasca, would have shrunk ; and well was it for the boy that his training in the management of the canoe had been so thorough, for one mistaken stroke, one wrong signal to Sawt- loulai; and their fate was sealed. In the intensity of the struggle he forgot all his fear and nervousness. He even felt a thrill of ex- ultation when a bowlder that threatened destruc- tion was safely passed, or a gaping whirlpool dexterously avoided. There was a wonderful exhilaration in this wild descent, and even when in the very midst of it, the thought came to him : ** If we only get through alive, what a fuss they'll make over us." In the meantime, the two men upon the bank above had become a vare of their sons* peril. It was Akaitchko that first observed the canoe dart- ing after them, and without a word he grasped the factor's arm, and pointed down to the raging water below. " Merciful Heavens ! " exclaimed Mr. McKenzie as an awful chill struck his heart. " Our darling boys ! Can we do nothing to save them ? " The old Indian shook his head despairingly. Indeed, no earthly power could have helped the boys then, and realizing this, the factor, breathing .'»o AKt tnu (»u AiiiAnAMrA, a piavn at rv«MV Mlrp, nmhcMl hanlitally nlnujr ll\o l>;\nk, t\nnin«', «*V(M y minnh' lo look alln ihr ran»u\ whiU' AkmtrhUo (ollowod rlnMc lu Ininl Itini Tho inotjualitit's ol Ihr j',HMn\«l wonM at intrivals shnl [\\r\\\ out Ijoin sii'ht ni the ran«M\ and when it ramo into vit^w a}',ain, Mtill liilini; tho MIIowm InaviMv, tlu' tartot would }'.aMp out a UmvciiI " ri^ank (iod !" ami take luvsh lu»piv 'V\w ra)>id ^*n^l^^^ in a ?d^aip diop, ahuost vvoithy to bo i.dU^I a II. •M\d alttM i^srapiu;; in mouio niai volotis n\.\nnoi ill otIuM* priils ol tin' passa|M\ tin* canoo now y,\\\\c to this, the last, and thr most ap palliU}; ot all Auhio knew ol its pn'scui r, and ptoparod t»>i tlu' wotst Thr canoiM ould not pos siMy pass it without upst ttiu};. rh(*y nnisl swim tor thoit livrs. thon. " Ho ivatly to swim, Sawtloulai," ho niod at thr top ot his vv>iv'0. Tho niAt nionu'ut tlx* oanoo sht>t lat oviM* the blink o{ iho tall, and iiisappr.ncd in the loam at its iool. "Mvliod! th(*y*io ^imo !" ivro.nu'd Mr. MoKcmi- rio, oatohinj; si|;ht oi what had happened from the hii;h hank ahovo. l^ut haivllv had ho spokon hoforo ono head and then tho othor appoatod. Thoy woro not lost yot. l^ut noithor woro thoy savod yot. Tho oanoo, flun^ violontlv i>vor hv tho furious tonont, had dealt poor Archie a oruol blow upi)u tho head, and rendered him insensible. Hetore slrikinir out tor the shore. iiirf I'nuiMiV nv inrr i»mowni'H. 211 S.'iwll(»iil;ii l«M»l loss l>\\iihri \viM\' hoshlo him. ;nbi Iho no\( thini; ho Ktiow Ihoy vnMv* ;\11 lowt s,\(»' wpon tho shou\ Mnd minontidoil l>\ tho v\^st ot iho p,ni\ who h;i(l p»sl n'lmmMJ tion) t]\»Mi \\\^\ twpoNiM iho poi lil^O. Awlwo, \v]u> h.\»l hrrn only sli«;hllv qlunnrd. s\>oi\ \ovo>tMV»i \ ons\ ionsn* ss, awA thrn ^n\H w;is tho t\'io\vMno ovvM thv* hoys' o\ti.\\ S.\wtlo\il,n ioi his hnoisin, nuirh to tho v;t.r»\fiv'.Uion ol pvouvl ohl A)v;utv hUo So soon :^s Avv ]uv' w.^s lun^voll .\5;.un, ho looki »1 nhonl hnn t.\vos, ;\n«l thon tinning (o M \h V n\ lo ot sm '(-» his tAtluM \\\\\\ A s\\ twit^Klo ot «ho oyo, s:ii»l in ,\ y\\\\c\ tonv^ : *• Wo'H Ivwo to i;ivo tho pluoo ;\ now naino, iatluM, won't wo ^ *' How IS th.\t, Avohi< askotl tho t.u'tv>r. ho \\\y \\\^ \>n Iv.s son with \in\ittov;\Mo alVootion. "Whv. insto.\vi vM oaUin^ it tho l\Mta};o of tho Piownovi it oiiolu to bo oalloil tho l\Mla};o of tlio lv^\ s th.U WvMilvin't Oiown. Pon'l you think so Tho taotois answer was to thiow his l)rawny Arnis about his bov. anil j;ivo him a huj; worthy of a blaok boar. "It was a miracle, ku^viio ; nothing but a miracle I Ml I'MIHA';!' (iV I Mr hlUtWNVh /t ' fni wlii( li \vr i MiMMit l»o \itn tliMrikfiil fo n rn' f ifiil PinvitltMK «' " I liiq llii illiii^ rjtimidr ( (»q( t!io |»;h( y lliiMf irior m lii|4, jMitl Ai(liir;nHl i;iw( loiihii flirii ^iMm, for <»f ronmo i( vv;m ilii)M»f^qil»|r \ii ir»»ivrr flif' hittf'f. MmI (hr r;niMr iMi'l |»;Ml'llrq wtm' rr^MJiwI iiniri jmi«mI, mill ill tln^ MdriiiMfifi flw li(imrw;iffl joiirnry w;m M'qmnrd Nnfliiiij.; fiirlliff nf Mof r r>r'd\r<\ hrriifh ;inil nV(M dnvviM}', cycq ;m tlir l,i( for toM of Ihr: pas- sage n( tlir I'oil.ij'/' (»l IIm* l)iowncd. V/hrri he had liiiishcd, Mis. M( K(!ii/ir stiaiiird Archie; tf> h(M hosoin, iniii iiHitii);^ Ihioii^di \\rr team: •• My |)i('(ioMs hoy! My prrcioim hoy!** 'I'hrii suddenly rising from her chair, rthf! oxi'iamici I .1 nuraolc •'That darling .'•'awtlonlai ! f rrni'it ^rj: hirn and tlr iiim by promptly imilalm^ hor mother's example. " nv>naUI, the ihwr boy must be w«'ll rewarded, mustn't he?" said Mrs. MeKen/ie. "He shall indeed, \'irj;inie," replied the faetor. " We ean never Inllv repay what we owe him, and I'll \\o{ torj;et the obligation, I assure von." As si>i>n as hei^^nUi, Sawth^idai beat his retreat, the pioud(\st and happiest little Indi.in in the North w(^st etnmtry. Aftei Arehie and Kose-Marie had L;<>ne olT to bed, the iaetoi- and his wife drew their ehaiis eh^ser tOiiether by the eraeklini2- lin\ and settled ilown toi- a i:vH>d lorn: ta They made an effeet ive pietuie as the tiielii;ht tlasheil Uj>on their countenauv'es : the factor's so sijuare, st ron<; and sha5;i;v, and X'iiL^inie's so smooth, plump and plaeid, now that all cause for anxiety was i;()ne, and her ue.'r i>nes were safe at luMue aL;ain. " 1 wotiiler what's delavinir Went/el ? " said Mr. MoKen i( He vHiiiht U> be baeU before this. I hope tiothiui;- has happened to 1 ,m. It wouUl be a bad business if we didn't get our year's sup- plies. We need almost cyervthing." rm r(Hlexe(lly. " I'lie Ihidscm's H.iys ! ** rtird Mis. N\cKr.\)/.\(\ "(). Donnldl I loi tM>t to tell you. Mr. Mrnoiii^al's hark al I'ort Wfdderhm lie." Willi ati exelafnation of prohmrjd annoyance, the fiiietor sjnan}^^ to Ids feet, atid he^^sin patinj/ lip and down the rootn with heavy steps. "MeI)onj;al hack at Wedderhnrne ! When did he eonie hack?" he asked, lookin^^ ho distnr})ed that the placid expression ^ave place tf) one f»f tender anxiety on his wife's pretty face as she ansv/ered : " I'm not jiist sure wlicn. P»nt he can't l)C hack lon^;. Mr. Stewart told nie ahout it only yesterday " C'onfound the man ! T hr)|)ed we were done with him," j;rowled the factor. "Mis [>resencc here can mean nothin[]j })ut mischief. He's a scoundrel that will stop at nothing, It It Iwer since McDou^al had attempted to rob her of Archie, Mrs. McKenzic had felt tr)ward nim the most intense aversion, but she did not quite understand why her husband should show so much concern. *• liut, Donald dear," said she softly, "you're 2l6 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. not afraid of the wretch doing us any harm, are you ? Would he dare to ? " ** I don't know, Virginie. I've a queer Reeling about that man which I can't explain. Some- thing seems to tell me that he's going to give us trouble yet. The cowardly cur ! to try to revenge himself upon a mere boy! I wish to Heaven he'd never set foot here again." While they were talking, Archie came into the room half-undressed. He had overheard his fa- ther's excited tones, and was curious to learn the cause. As he appeared with an inquiring look upon his face, Mr. McKenzie, not waiting to be questioned, said meaningly : " Archie, McDougal's back. I'm afraid you've a poor chance of getting to Montreal, or even to Fort William, now. I can't leave the villain un watched." CHAPTER XVI. ARCHIE TO THE RESCUE. AT his father's words Archie's face flamed with anger. Was the man he, with so good reason, looked upon as most hateful of human kind to cheat him of the joys upon which his heart was set } So furious was his indigna- tion that for a moment he could not find words to express it. Then, with clenched fists and flashing eyes, he cried : "Mr. McDougal shall not prevent us going to Fort William, father, or to Montreal, either. We will go in spite of him." Mr. McKenzie smiled bitterly. " It is easier to say that than to carry it out, laddie. My duty to the company will not suffer me to desert my post when I'm most needed, you know." Archie had nothing just ready to say to this ; but throwing himself into a chair, he gazed at the fire earnestly, as though he might find there some 217 2l8 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. solution of the vexatious problem. They talked for another hour without finding matters growing any clearer, and then separated for the night, Archie returning to his room very heavy at heart. The next morning the factor made inquiry about Mr. McDougal, and ascertained that he had brought back with him an increased staff of em- ployes and a great supply of goods, and evidently intended to enter into competition as vigorous as it would be unscrupulous with his rival at Chipe- wyan. What the factor did not learn, because only those at Fort Wedderburne knew it, was that the strife between the two companies had reached a crisis. Strategy and artifice had given place to brute force ; one bloody encounter had followed fast upon another, until at last the contest had culminated in a battle royal that very summer before the gates of the Hudson's Bay's chief fort at Red River, in which Governor Semple, three of his officers and seventeen of his men had fallen victims to the bullets of the Nor' westers. Thence- forward the cry was, " War to the knife ; " and Miles McDougal had come back to his post, accompanied by a score of the most desperate characters in the employ of his company, and determined to deal the Nor'westers such a blow at Lake Athabasca that they would not recover from it for many a day. As there never had been any actual conflict between the two forts, coarse and brutal as he ARCHIE TO THE RESCUE. 219 was, he shrank from beginning hostilities in cold blood ; moreover, he had his doubts as to the result of a trial of strength with his sturdy, lion- hearted rival. A less dangerous, yet no less effective method of attaining his object, presented itself to his crafty brain, and without delay, for the autumn was well-nigh gone, and his scheme must be executed before winter came, he pro- ceeded to carry it out. Mr. McKenzie had been back for two days, during which he had seen nothing of the Fort Wedderburne people, when in the evening, while he was enjoying his after-supper pipe before the fire, a messenger from the fort asked to see him. A good deal surprised at this announcement, he ordered the man to be sent in to him. He proved to be one of the new staff, a keen, hard-faced man, with an easy, plausible manner. He at once made known the reason of hiiJ errand. Mr. McDougal had been taken suddenly ill, and was in great suffering. None of those at the fort knew any- thing about applying remedies, and Mr. McKen- zie's reputation as a ** medicine man " being founded upon many successful cures, by the aid of a well-furnished medicine chest, his rival, feel- ing his life to be in danger, had sent over for him, hoping that in Christian charity he would not refuse to do what he could to give him relief. Mr. McKenzie was completely taken off his guard. No resentment for past injuries, nor 220 ARCHIE OF ATIIADASCA. apprehension of present treachery, was present in his mind, as, rising promptly from his comfortable seat, he said : ** Certainly, IMl come. The man mustn't die if I can help him." While he was buttoning on his coat, his wife, coming close to him, whispered : " Why should you go to him, Donald } He would never give you aid." " Mush, Virginie ! " he answered softly. " Does not the Bible say, 'Love your enemies.^' I'm doing no more than I would expect another to do for me." Meantime, the messenger was watcning him with a look of crafty triumph, and had the factor only caught it, he might have hesitated before putting himself in his rival's power. But he sus- pected nothing ; and filling his pockets with differ- ent remedies, he kissed his wife, saying: •' Don't worry if I'm not back soon. Perhaps ril have to stay all night with him, if he's very ill/* and went out with the man, whose evil face bore a Satanic leer of satisfaction at these parting words. As they walked over to Fort Wcddcrburne, Mr. McKenzie asked many questions concerning the sick man, but his companion seemed to know very little about the matter, except that Mr. McDougal had sent him with the message, and was anxiously awaiting his return. ARCHIE TO THE RESCUE. 221 All was quiet at the fort when they arrived, and he was conducted at once to the sufferer's room. He found him in bed, tossing about and groaning, apparently in intense agony. Seating himself upon a chair, placed conveniently at the bedside, he began to ask. McDougal some questions as to his trouble. That moment a strong rope was fluns: around him from behind. Without uttcrins: a word, four powerful men seized him in their grip, and, giant though he was, so swift, so unex- pected was the attack, that before he could make any effectual resistance he was bound hand and foot and lying on the floor as helpless as a baby ; while the scoundrel whom he had come to help, leaping from his bed, all pretense of suffering thrown away, stood over him, his repulsive coun- tenance lit up with a grin of diabolical triumph, as he shouted : " Who's tlie sick man now } Aha ! I've got you tight and fast, and I'm going to send you on a pleasant little trip to Fort York for the good of your health. What do you say to that ? " Dumfounded at the man's abominable treach- ery, Mr. McKcnzie lay silent, and tried to take in the full purport of his words. What did he mean about sending him to Fort York, a thousand miles and more away on the bleak shores of Hudson's Bay } As if in response to the bewildered look upon the factor's face, McDougal continued : " You don't seem to understand mc. Well, 222 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. I'll make it plain enough. We Hudson's Bays have put up with you Nor' westers altogether too long. If we'd taken you in hand twenty years ago, we'd have been saved a sight of trouble. But we're going to rid ourselves of your kind. We're going to clear the country of you, and my orders are to send you a prisoner to York, and to leave not a stick of Fort Chipewyan standing." Losing all thought of himself in the anxiety for his family these startling words aroused, Mr. Mc- Kenzie murmured, ** My poor wife and children." " Oh ! you needn't worry about them," sneered DcDougal, catching what he said. " I've no quarrel with the women and children. They can stay there all winter, but I'll give them notice to quit in the spring." And now did Mr. McKenzie's superb self- control stand him in good stead. McDougal had expected that he would storm and rage until ex- hausted, which would be fine fun for himself and his rascally accomplices. But, much to his dis- appointment, the factor did nothing of the kind. He thoroughly understood that it would not only be utterly useless, but would expose him to the jeers and taunts of his captors. So he held his peace, while they marveled at his composure. Presently, addressing McDougal, he asked in tones of quiet dignity : " When do you intend to start with me for York ? " ARCHIE TO THE RESCUE. 223 "Ricjht off," replied McDougal roughly. "The men are getting ready now." The factor could not repress a shudder at the idea of being thus ruthlessly snatched away from the dear ones whose hearts would be torn with anxiety concerning him. "' Is it any use asking a favor of you } " he in- quired, without a trace of anger in his voice. " I can't say," answered the other. ** That depends upon what it is." ** Will you let my family know what's become of me .^" ** Humph ! let me see. Well, I might send them back word after we're safe on the other side of the lake," said McDougal grudgingly. " I shall be grateful if you will. It will relieve their minds a little; " and the factor sighed heav- ily as he thought how slight the relief would be. Still it would be better than the harrowing uncer- tainty of entire ignorance. A moment later one of the employes came in, and announced that everything was ready. " Here you are, then," said McDougal. '* Just pick him up, and carry him down to the shore." Four of the men, lifting Mr. McKenzie to their shoulders, bnre him out into the nic;ht and down to the shores of the lake, where two of the canoes and a number of men were in waiting. The help- less captive was deposited in the bottom of the largest canoe, a buffalo skin thrown over him for 224 ARCIUK OF ATIIAnASCA. warmth, and presently the canoes, each having; a CI CSV of four, set out across the lake, steering; ihio south by the aid of the stars, which sparkled bri};htly throuj;h the still, clear atmosphere. Harassed by the keenest anxiety, and sufTerin^ much discomfort from his bonds, Mr. McKenzie, endurins; his misery in heroic silence, looked up at the pityinj; stars and prayed fervently for de- liverance. He had no fear of actual violence so lonq; as he (piietly submitted. McDou^al was, no do\d>t, acting untler some pretense of legal author- ity, r.nd the worst that could happen to himself w(ndd probably be his being sent across to ICng land in one of the Hudson's l^ay's ships, and then turned adrift to seek redress as best he might, a stranger and a pauper in a strange land. It was the wife and children, whom he loved better than his own life, that occupied his thoujihts to the exclusion of all else. What was to become of them in the long space of time that must interfere ere he could, by any possibility, rejoin them, if McDougal carried his nefario'.is scheme to completion. Where would they go if driven from Tort Chipewyan in the spring > There was but one ray of light upon this dark prospect. Wentzel might be able to protect them and restore them to him at last, l^ut where was Wentzel ? What caused his strange delay ? In perfect silence, save for the soft splash of the paddles, and an occasional question as to their ARCH IK TO TIIK RKSCUK. 225 course from McDoii<;al, who was in the stern, to the Indiiin pilot in tlie bow, the party glided throu};h the ni^ht, hour after hour, until at lenj^th I he dark line of the southern shore loomed (iin)ly ahead ; and presently the canoes touched the beach, not far from the place where the Atha- basca River enters into the lake. Not caring to attempt the navigation of the river, which was beset with shallows and sandbanks, in the dark- ness, McI)oubcycd promptly. Hut when he reached the fort he found the iiales shut fast. d ki J shout :ht. anu knock and snout as no might, not an answer could he evoke, so that after sjUMiding half an hour fruitlessly in the cold he was compelleil to return no wiser than he went. And all the time the crafty rascal who had decoyed his father into the traj) was peeping through a loop-hole in the palisaile, and laughing gleefully at his vain endeavors. ARtllir: TO Tint KKSCtJK. 227 livbasra, lulcavoi w faring; |>liral>lr \/AC saw L* tlisap- (lotain- 10 niiglit \\:\i she otinncd. MCOll lip anxiety, he couUl i Au'hio 1>U*, ami hail not lent con- best to Uit when hut fast, n answer an hour to return he crafty the tra]) pahsavle, ors. A litlle later, An hie, now thorouj-Iily alirtned, went hack. This time he was admitted, and after beinj; l)ad«;ered with inconseth inv luisl>;\n«l ;\n«l son ;" i\\u\ ihv poor woman ^;avo way to anolluM ontl)nmt ol Nvoi'pin};. *• Not a \M of it, tnotbrr,** ai\swtMrtl AHln<' stiMUlv. "i>nro I tatvh np to tluMn I'll soon \r{ thoin knt>\v what tlioy'vr j;ot to »lo. No trar o( tlu'in r,v^ttinv; hoKl ol nu' ; ** awA hitlilin*^ hoi try in voniposv" hvMsoll, \\c \\.\Ac\\ck\ out to n\alv«' H\uly tor tlu* pvnsnit. To his aniar(Mn(*nt anJ an|;or he* lo -nd hini solt opposvil at tlu' voiy ontst't hy tho man In \vht>ni ho natinally lt>t>kiNl 1«m tho nmst hilp Tills was Mvdillyiay, tho jninor oioik, tho only ono i^t tho t>lVuMals lott at tho toil. SUwait haying i;ono o\\ with a oooplo oi In«lians lor a lt*\v days* ilcor liuntMii; tho day aitoi Mi. MoKon/ii*'s rot inn, a oiioiimstanoo, by tho way, n»>t unknown at l*'ort Woddorhio no. wlioso spios liatl kopt oloso watch oyor tho rival ostahlishmont AtcCiillvrav sv'oiit od tho itloa ol foll«>wini: alter tai IvC ^!v•^oul;al. It woiil»I ho iinpossihlo to ovoi tho party, aiul ovon it thoy did thoy would only bo puttinc thonisolvos in tho way of thoir bnllots. Ni>, indood ; lio was not i;oing to be a party to any suoh tidily as that. nisi;ustod aiul onrai;cd at tho man's oanny cowardioo. Aivhio nishod off to Akaitohko's lodiro .->'■» anvl. as ho oxpootCil, found the olil man smoking his mornin«; pipe. Hroathlcssly ho told his story, and ' ory dittcront was its roooption. T'lc moment Al(( nil' in INK lU'Sf IfK f?i} (I lu' l(M»k ill thr lH^y^^ mc.niiii^, tlin ^r;mfl old liwli;iii hiM iimr Ihc iiu ;ii itatinti of ;iv<'H(;in;'. wiath. I line w^H not ;i oHrd lo do At (ir^l lluMc was soinr dcmiii, and IVI< ( iillvray, mMirt ly ashaincil of ins own y |)(Msnadin^ the otln*rs to ,\\\\rv with liini I'lit no Hoonn had ho spoken than Ak hir rnshrrj fiiri nsly at him, and i'at(hin;; hnn hy the. thiriat (lied : •'Say another word and F'll slian<;le yon." M( (lillviay shook hini off and sinnk away, for his ey(*s at that sain<' moincfit ( anjdit Akait( hko'.s, and thcic was a look in the Intlian's that sent a shiver to his eiaven heart. Then Archie appealerl to th(! men attain with plcadin;^ passionate words, while Akait(hko snp- p()rl(!d him with [gestures of infections sympathy. Snch intensity of fi!cr into the father's heart, and the memory of it was as fresh as though it had been inflicted yesterday. With 212 THE KNI) OF MFF.KS M( DOlHiAL. 233 no cheap or partial rcvcnj^c would he he content. Althou<;h he kept it to himself, it was his piirfM/se, full and fixed, to put it out of MrDouf^al's power ever to injure Mr. McKen/.ie or himself a^;iiM. Archie w.is j;reatly cheered hy the evidence that his father's captors were not many hours ahead, and his men sltared in his hopeful spirit, "'I'hey can't j;o as fast as we can," said he to them. " We've <;ot the hest canoes on the lake, and we're hound to overtake them l)eff)re lon^, and then they'd better look out for themselves;" and his eyes (lashed, and he felt within him the same spirit of revcnj;e that possessed Akailchko. All lhrouj;h the afternoon they paddled steaddy, Akaitchko, in the bow of the leading; canoe, stecr- inj; a course that cleverly avoided the full force of the current and took advanta^^e of every eddy and backwater. Althouf;h the river ran swiftly onward toward the lake, there were no portages to pass, as the banks were low, and the depth of water sufficient for much larpjer craft than canoes. A careful lookout was maintained lest McDouj^al might have been stopped by some accident, and they should come too suddenly upon him. In- deed, the greater part of the time, one of the men ran along the bank in advance of the crews and made sure that the coast was clear. Up to midday the weather was fine, but during the afternoon the clouds gathered ominously, and the wind blew from the east with a freshening chill 234 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. in its breath. Akaitchko did not like the look of things. " Ugh ! " he grunted, giving his shoul- ders an expressive shrug. " Storm coming. Bad for us. Make hard work, but never mind ; not stop us, certain sure." The rain began to fall before dark, and it was only after much difficulty that they succeeded in lighting a fire which soon sputtered out again. Then without any other protection than that af- forded by the trees, the tired men curled up in their buffalo robes to try and forget their discom- forts in sleep. The next day was dreary beyond description. The rain fell without cessation from dawn until dark. The wind blew in fitful gusts, sometimes dashing the drops violently into the paddlers' faces, and sometimes dropping almost to a calm. Everybody got wet to the skin, and the utmost care had to be taken to prevent the ammunition and provisions from being ruined by the water iliat was everywhere. One after another of the men began to lose spirit, and their paddling lacked that spring and vigor which had marked it the day be- fore. When they stopped in the middle of the day to rest and appease their hunger by gnawing at the cold dried meat, for to light a fire seemed out of the question, there were some that grumbled a little, taking good care, however, that Archie did not overhear them, for they knew well enough what answer he would make. THE END OF MILES MCDOUGAL. 235 look of , shoul- ;. Bad id ; not i it was ;eded in t again, that af- id up in • discom- scription. Lwn until ometimes paddlers' a calm, e utmost munition ater iliat the men icked that e day be- e of the gnawing seemed Igrumbled t Archie 111 enough i During the afternoon, as the pitiless rain came pelting, coldly down, making it necessary to land more than once in order to empty out the canoes, the men became still more discouraged, and by nightfall there was not one of them that would not have eagerly jumped at the suggestion to give up the pursuit and return to Fort Chipewyan. This state of feeling was not altogether due to the depressing effect of the weather. After the first flush of enthusiasm had passed, and the con- tagion of Archie's fervor spent itself, they nat- urally began to turn over in their minds the probabilities of their mission. They had no definite knowledge of the number of McDougal's party. So far as they could judge it was no larger than their own. But of this they were not certain. Then they all knew him to be a brutal, reckless character who would have no scruples about shedding blood if driven into a corner ; and although they were all brave enough as hunters of wild beasts, they had never acted as hunters of men before, and with the exception of Akaitchko they all shrank from the idea of a hand- to-hand struggle. Finally they felt the absence of their accustomed leader, Mr. McKenzie. Had he been present to cheer them by his genial smile, to inspire them with his own serene courage, to set them an example of exhaustless resource and unmurmuring patience, none of the influences in- dicated would have had much weight with them. 2^6 AUCIIIF. OF ATIIAHASCA. \h\{ in^tonil o\ tlic factor, tlioy h.u\ only ihc son, a moro vmitli, after all ; and liowcvor tiilly (luy !nii;lit svinpatlii70 with his passinnatr inipatirm c to irsrno his fathrr, atul adniiio his wondnfnl ru rndmanro and (|iionrhU:ss ardor, they (oidd im.' hrlp fooliii*; the lack of a stroni;ci h.nid and a wiser hr.un lo control and direct thcni. Al's pcnctratin*; j;lancc soon t«M)k in the situation of allaiis, and at the first oppoilnnity he drew Aichic aside to make it known lo liim Archie was at first osed to he incrcdnlons. He thoii*;ht perhaps the Indian wis a little offi cions or anxious to make himself out the only failh fid one. Then as he looke^l more closely into the earnest, hi'niest face, he felt ashamed of himself for entertaining; such a suspicion, and grew so in- dij;nant with the men that he wanted to call them toj;ether at once and give vent to his feelin«;s. l^ut the shrewd oKl man restrained him: " No. no." said he, shaking his head decidedly. •• Vou not speak first. You not see anything. lust go right on. Himeby they speak to you. Den vou speak to 'em ; and that better." IVrceiv- ingj the wisdom of this suggestion, Archie gave no dlhongh he j hint of knowing his men s feelings. aUhoii''h found it no easy task to conceal the anxiety as to them which was now added to his worry concerning his father, l^ut when the following dav l)r(dnccrnin}: oko upon lhin;.',s, be o lluMii as llicy made prrpnrationR for the start in a very sh>\v, (Hspirilcd niannor. I'hry dearly had no longer any heart in the tnatter, although happily they were not yet leadv lo<;ive open expression to their fccl- inj;s. Ihit there was s.id fallin;; off in their rate of pro<;rrss, and Ar( hie fretted and fntned as the eanoes pirdied their way all too sh)wly against the strenni, aheady swfdhii hy the heavy rains. In the meant ifne, Mc Don^al and his party harl heen aetnally inere.isin^ the dist.mee hetween thejnselves and their pnrsuers. The eas(; was very different with them. They had a (h)ul)lc reason for keepinj; up the hij^hest pf)ssil)lc speed. They (hsired to ^;el altoj;ellier out of reach of pursuit, and they were anxious to reach Lake La- crosse hefiue the frost should come, and compel them to al)an(h)n their canoes and take to travel- ing; on foot. Mr. McKen/.ie [;ave them no trouhlc, whatever. I fc was unarmed, and pinioned. They were well armed, and imfettered. lie could f;ain nothing; ' y allemptin if to 1 )reak awa II IS on ly chance was to try and lull them into carelessness hy seemin;; to he resi«;ned to his fate. lie main- tained, a dij^nifieil silenc e, save when directly ad- dressed, and then replied with j;rave courtesy. I Ic made no effort to conciliate any of his alxhictors. If he did succeed in effectiu'; his escape it would not he hy persuading one of them to hctray his trust. Two causes of hope that he cherished in his trying situation were, that pursuit would be 238 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. made from the fort, or that Mr. Wentzcl mij;ht he met, and Mr McDougal compelled to surrender up his prisoner. They must encounter him if he were on his way back to Athabasca, and any liour migiit brinj; him into si«;ht, althou«;h no doubt McDougal would do his best to avoid him. So intensely was his mind occupied with thouj;hts of escape or rescue that the added discomfort of the rain made little impression upon him. Mc- Dou«;al swore at it with his accustomed vehemence, and the other men <;rumbled ; but the factor held his peace. In his far-seeing sagacity he recognized in the rain a friend rather tlian a foe. Vov so weary and uncomfortable diil the men feci by nightfall that the task of keeping guard had its dinruulties greatly enhanced, and the chances of the sentry for the time being relaxing his vigilance and indulg- ing in a nap, were thereby so much increased. The third day came, and with it the rain, now showing signs of sleet. The men of Archie's party could stand it no longer, and when he gave orders to start they all hung back; and finally one of them .\in Hapliste Cadotte, a bright, good- natured ilf-breed, and next to Akaitchko the best muu in the party, plucked up courage to speak for his companions and himself. *' Archie," he said, respectfully enough, " we want to go back. We no catch up to Mr. McDou- gal. He go quicker than we. No use to follow any farther." THK KNI) OF MILES MCDOUflAL. 239 ;ht be cndcr if he y' liour doubt ouj;bts (oit of I. Mc- mcnce, or bcUl o«;nized weary li-btfall TicuUics 1 sentry I indulg- ied. lin, now ^rehie's he gave ally one t, sood- ihko the Inagc to rb, "we McDou- [o follow ii Archie felt that the crisis had come, and that cverytliinj; depended upon what he should say, and liow lie should say it. Akaitchko stood near him, scowIIul; furiously, and seeniinj; quite ready to slay Cadotte on the spot. lUit Archie was too shrewd to think of trying threats. He was com- pletely in the hands of the men. He must appeal to their sympathies, not to their fears. Anci so, with the tears standing in his eyes, he pleaded with them not to turn back. He reminded them of all his father's kindness, of the fair and liberal way in which he had abviys dealt with his employes, of his unvarying goodness to the Indians. Me assured them that his mother's heart would break if they returned without the factor, and wound up by declaring that if they would not go on, Akaitchko and he would, in the desperate hope of being able to rescue Mr. McKenzic somehow, for give up the pursuit, they would not. The men listened with kindling glances. Their hearts were touched as at the first. They could not be callous to such an appeal. And then, just as he finished speaking, as though the heavens would respond to his passionate words, the sleet suddenly cea.sed, the wind veered round to the south, and a rift in the western clouds appeared, which gave promise of a speedy clear-up. Akaitchko, quivering with excitement, ex- claimed, " Look, look ! rain all gone," and pointed to the harbinger of fine weather. 240 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. " Hurrah ! " cried Archie exultantly. ** It's go- ing to clear up. No turning back now. Come, fellows, iCt's make up for lost time.'' The last trace of opposition disappeared before his impetuous urging. Like one man the hardy voyagcurs sprang to their work. The dark look left Akaitchko's face, and in a wondrously short space of time, the canoes were afloat and cutting through the water at a rate that made Archie's heart glad. Hy midday they reached the place where the Wash-a Common, or Clearwater, and la Hiche Rivers unite to form the Athabasca or Elk River, up which they had been making their way, and without hesitation Akaitchko turned into the Clearwater, for McDougal was certain to have taken that route, as it led most directly on to Lake Lacrosse. So excellent had been their progress that they might expect to make the Cas- cade Portage before dark, and there they ought to find some trace of the men they were pursuing. The Clearwater was a very different stream from the Athabasca. Its course lay in a valley between hills rising to the height of a thousand feet. Its current ran deep and swift, and both pole and paddle had to be used to make headway against it. But the day was bright and cold, and the men worked with a will, having promised Archie that they would not say another word about turn- ing back until they got to Methye Lake, at all I 1 's go- 1 Come, ^ before hardy k loo!; r short :utting rchie*s re the ^ Hlche 1 River, | ly, and W to the 1 have on to 1 their he Cas- d iip;ht to i uing. 1 stream 1 , valley ■ lousand id both eadway ^^ 3ld, and Archie Lit turn- ;, at all fllE END OF MILES MCDOUGAL. 241 events, and in the meantime would do their level best to overtake McDougal. By dint of persistent effort, Cascade Portage was gained an hour before dark, and leaping eagerly ashore Akaitchko hunted about for the tracks of the Hudson's Hays. He had not long to look. The mark of moccasined feet was plainly to be seen in the soft sand of the landing, and having examined them car:fully, the old Indian gave an exulting grunt, and announced with smil- ing face that the trail was but a few hours old, and that in view of the difficulties McDougal could not be many miles ahead, for the rest of the way to Mclhye Lake was a succession of portages — Pine Portage, Mud Portage and others — over which progress must be exceedingly slow. While he was explaining this, an idea came to Archie that made his heart leap within him. Why could they not leave their canoes and proceed on foot ? They would get ahead twice as fast, and moreover could keep on all night instead of hav- ing to stop as .soon as it was dark. If the Hudson's Hays were only a few hours ahead, they could not fail to overtake them. The moment he broached his scheme, Akaitchko indorsed it warmly, and the other men, weary of canoeing, and glad to escape the additional labor of portaging, joined in heartily. ** O, you splendid fellows ! " exclaimed Archie, tears of joy and gratitude brimming his eyes as he 242 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. beamed upon his supporters. " Won't father be proud of you wh^^n I tell him how brave and good you've been ! ''.ome along, then, and let's get as far as we c^ui jefore dark, and then we'll take a rest, and start again when the moon rises." With great alacrity the men put the canoe in a safe place, made up a good supply of ammunition and provisions, and then falling into Indian file, with Akaitchko * the' h^ad, set along the port- age path, feeling u a ]j, ^or McDougal or anybody else on equal term. 1 ,»ey kept up a rapid walk until night-fall, and then Lalted for a brief rest and a bit of supper. A good fire was made, plenty of meat broiled before it, big bumpers of hot tea absorbed, and then the pipes were lit and they gave themselves up to silent enjoyment of the fragrant weed. By the end of a couple of hours, they were well rested, and in the best of spirits. Archie was not afraid to ask any- thing of them now. It was almost seven o'clock when the moon peeping over the edge of the western range of hills gave the signal to start. Each man saw to it that his gun was duly loaded and capped, that his powder-horn hung ready to hand, that knife and hatchet were in their place, and then tightening up their belts, and pulling their caps down firmly on their heads, they took their places in line be- hind the old Indian and resumed their rapid walk. Unless their leader had miscalculated they should MM THE END OF MILES MCDOUGAL. 243 her be d good get as take a loe in a unition ian file, le port- inybody )id walk rief rest 5 made, npers of 2 lit and ment of Duple of he best isk any- le moon tige of Isaw to it that his Inife and htening n firmly line he- ld walk. y should come upon the Hudson's Bay camp before mid- night, and then — Hardly a word did they speak as they pushed their way onward, up hill and down hill, through dense underbrush and over lichen-covered bowlders, slipping and stumbling often where the shadows were black, splashing into hidden pools of icy water left by the recent rain, but heeding no dis- comfort or obstacle as, keeping the river on their right, they followed its crooked, troubled course. Wherever he got the opportunity, Akaitchko took a long look ahead, in hopes of discover ^ McDougal's camp fire, and at length, after t 'ey had been iramping ior full four hours, he cr ■ j^^h*" a flash of firelight from a hollow not more than a mile away. *' Ugh ! " he grunted triumphantly. " Me see 'em. Right near. Catch 'em soon." ** Where } where ? " exclaimed Archie, all in a tremble. " Show me, quick ! " Akaitchko pointed with his forefinger to where the darkness was broken by fitful flashes that told of an expiring fire. ** There they are. Certain sure." One look was enough for Archie. Touching the Indian's arm he cried : •' Hurry, hurry ! let us get to them at once." But Akaitchko did not move. " No — no ; Archie mustn't hurry. Must be very careful now." 24>I ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. Then as the men gathered eagerly about, he gave directions for the order of attack. Keeping close together, they should steal quietly up to within fi^ty yards of the camp, and then spread out so as tc surround it. With beating hearts and throbbing pulse the little band of thirteen crept stealthily through the woods toward the unsus- pecting objects of their pursuit. They were ex- perts at stalking, and knew how to move as silently as lynxes, so that the keenest ear could not have detected them at the distance of a few yards. Never in his life had Archie felt such intense excitement. His breath came short and quick. Every nerve and muscle in his body seemed to be tingling and quivering. It was well for him that he came next to Akaitchko, and had the example of the old Indian's stolid composure to restrain his wild impatience. Yard by yard th& thirteen silent figures stole like ghosts upon their prey. Each man held hi? gun in his hand with finger upon trigger. There would be no sparing of bullets if the Hudson*s Bays showed fight. Even Archie felt no misgivings or qualms of conscience. His wonted tenderness of heart had been submerged beneath an overmaster- ing sense of unprovoked injury and cruel wrong thnt swept everything before it. There was little difference between his mood and Akaitchko's. At length the camp came into full view. Mc- Dougal had halted beside White Mud Portage, THE END OF MILES MCDOUGAL. 245 it, he eping Lip to ipread ts and crept unsus- lYQ ex- ove as ■ could : a few It such ort and s body vas well nd had posure es stole Iheld hi? There n's Bays livings or rness of rmaster- ;1 wrong as little iko's. w. Mc- Portage, and his tired men had lain down for a good long rest, he himself having taken the first watch. But he was no less weary than they, and moreover he had been rapidly making his way during the past two days to the bottom of a keg of spirits, and drunk himself into a muddled, boozy condition which made him a poor sentinel. His prisoner, on the other hand, was wide awake, sitting with his back against a tree trunk, and gazing thought- fully into the flickering fire. When Archie's eyes first fell upon him, it was only by a heroic effort that he restrained the impulse to rush forward and cut the thongs that bound him. But Akaitchko, as though divining his thoughts, turned round with a warning gesture, and the boy became motionless again. Then they waited for what seemed to him interminable minutes, while the rest of their party encircled the unconscious sleepers and their precious prisoner. Presently a peculiar note like the distant hoot of an owl broke the silence. It came from directly behind Mr. McKenzie and was repeated on either side of him. He looked up with eager, inquiring face, and made as though he would spring to his feet, but McDougal stirring a little, he restrained himself. Once more the owls hooted. This time still nearer the camp, then a dark form might have been seen crawling motionless toward the factor. It came close to him. A hand holding a long knife stretched silently past him. It gave two 246 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. quick cuts, and his bonds were severed. The fac- tor was free. Archie could control himself no longer. Spring- ing up from the ground he shouted, " Here, father, this way, quick ! " It was a natural but unwise act. His shout and the factor's quick response aroused McDougal. With a horrible oath he staggered to his feet, and raising the gun he had been holding in his hand, took aim at Mr. McKenzie. He was too close to miss his mark. A moment more and his bullet had buried itself in the factor's heart. But that moment never came to him. Quick as his movements were, there was one at hand still quicker. The instant Archie rose, Akaitchko had risen also, and anticipating what would happen, had covered McDougal with his gun, while a look of awful joy illuminated his dusky countenance. His opportunity had come, and he was ready for it. Before McDousjal's finsrer could find the trigger the crack of the Indian's musket split the still air, and with a bullet crashing through his brain, the factor of Fort Wedderburne plunged forward upon his face — stone dead. The report of the gun aroused the others, and they sprang up looking fiercely about them. But they found a circle of deadly muzzles pointing at their heads, and their arms dropped helplessly to their sides, as they realized that resistance was worse than useless. rhe fac- Spring- I, father, is shout :Dougal. feet, and lis hand, close to lis bullet Quick as land still :chko had happen, Ic a look nance, as ready find the split the ugh his plunged Ihers, and Im. But pointing lieiplessly ance was CHAPTER XVIII. ARCHIE REALIZES HIS DESIRES. PAUSING for an instant only to give Archie a fervent embrace, Mr. McKenzie at once took the control of affairs. "Lay down your guns!" he commanded, and with sullen reluctance the Hudson's Hays complied. " Put your knives and hatchets with them," was the next order. This too was done. " Now, then, sit right down where you are ; and you," turning to his own men, " take charge of them, and put a bullet into the first man that makes a move." The Hudson's Bays did as they were bidden, and, seating themselves in a little group, were surrounded by the Nor* westers, not one of whom would have hesitated a moment to carry out the factor's instructions to the letter. Then did Mr. McKenzie feel free to indulge bis joy, and bidding Akaitchko heap wood upon the fire, he drew Archie to him and sat down to biar •47 248 ARriUr. OF ATlIAHASrA. tlu* story of his roscnc. Hoyond all expression was the delight of father and son at their happy reiniion. They for«;ot everytliiiii; else as they re- eounted to eaeh other the details of their diffeieiit experieiu'es. and nearly an hour passed in this way before the faetor ha«l thoiii;ht for other matters. It was not nntil AUaitehko, f;rowin.i; inipatietit, pointed to l\KnonL;ars body and asked: "What do with tliat ? CiXihc it?" that Mr. MeKen/.ie, foelini; half ashamed of himself, ^ot up and went over to the Wy<\v. •• Toor wreteh ! *' ho said <;ently, "The death he would have inflietcd ui)on others has eome to himself. May C\0(\ have merey on his soul ! We cannt>t .i;ive him a decent Christian burial here, alth(m,i;h he should have it if it eould be done. We can onlv cacJic his body. Here, my pood en. a eouple of you carry it away a little and m th e morninj; cover It with a Iniltalo skin, and in we will put it out of si,i;ht." There was not much sleep for either Hudson's Rays or Nor' westers that nij;ht. The fire was kept in full blast, and all p:«'^there(l near it to await the comini; of day. Mr. McKenzie expressed his gratitude to each member of the rescuini; ])arty in turn, and priMiiised them the best rewards in his power to bestow. They had, he assured them, placed him under an obli.q;ation he could never adequately repay, and would certainly never forget. So soon as daybreak, preparations were made AKCIIIK RKAMZI'.S HIS DI'SIKKS. 249 for the return. The body of M( Doii^.il was l)inic'(l beneath a pile of stones thai would defy even a earcajou. His men, havini; first be<'n de- prived of all their jj;uns but oiu', were ordered to eontiuue on soutiiward, and never to show their faees at Aliiabasea a.i^.iin, if they valued their lives ; and tlu!n, with ;;l.i(l heaits and joyous son;;s, the Noi 'westers turned their f.iees to tlu,' north. The eanoes were found as they liad left them, and takinj; up the paddles the |)arty swept swiftly down stream, with nothin;:; to break their course until they reaehed Lake Alhabasea. So dili;^ently (lid they press (uiward, that early m the afternoon of the second day they were upon the bosom of the lake, and ere the ni^ht fell, sin;;iFi;; one of their <;ayest chttusous, they marv.hed throui^h the gate of I''ort Chipewyan to be w(!K()in(.'d with shouts of delij^ht and blindin;^ tears of joy from the men and women who had ^rown ha;;;^ard with harrowiu;; anxiety and waitin;;. The color sooti came back to Mrs. M« Ken/Je's cheeks, and Rose-M.irie's merry son;;s trilled through the factor's house all the uioie bri,i;htly because of its silence during the days of aL;oni/jnj^ uncertainty. '• And now, father," said Archie, with a confident smiK.as the four were talkin;^ to,i;elher late on into the ni^ht, too happy to think of their beds, "there's nothing to prevent us ;;oin;; to Montreal, is there } McDou;ral will never trouble us a;:ain. 250 ARCHIE OF ATHABASCA. and it*s not likely any of his ruffians will care to come back. The way is as clear as you could wish." " It certainly is, so far as going to Fort William is concerned, laddie," answered the factor. " But as to Montreal that will depend upon how I ar- range at Fort William. If the head partners are agreeable to giving me long enough leave, I'll be right glad to go on to Montreal. But it's for them to say, not for me. I'm only a servant, you know." " But Donald," interposed Mrs. McKenzie, '*you expect them to make you a partner next summer, don't you .? " " I have very good hopes of it, Virginie," re- plied the factor. •* I^ut I would not like to set my heart too strongly upon it, dear. " • The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang aft agley/ as Robbie Burns says so truly. However, we'll leave it all in the hands of Providence. I've always tried to do the best I could for the com- pany, as the Montreal partners know well ; I much doubt if any other post has sent in as many pack.s of good furs (luring the last twenty years as Chip- ewyan, so let us hope everything will turn out as we wish." A few days after the triumphant return of the rescued factor, the long-looked-for Mr. Wcntzel ARCHIE REALIZES HIS DESIRES. 251 e to :ould Hi am " But I ar- rs are ['U be 's for it, you , ♦• you immer, ie." re- set my r, we'll . I've le com- 1 much y packs s Chip- out as of the /y^cntzel made his appearance, just in time to escape the frost which the very day of his arrival set in with such severit}^ that within twenty-four hours traveling by canoe was rendered impossible. A succession of provoking mishaps had delayed him beyond all his calculations, but happily, by dint of dogged persistence and untiring ingenuity, he had come through with a ve»*y slight loss of stores, and had brought in a supply of flour, tea, tobacco, ammunition, goods, and some few luxuries, includ- ing a fine package of books, that made glad the factor's heart ; and as the storehouses were already full to overflowing with fish, pemmican and dried meat, there was insured a winter of plenty and comfort. Jusl such a winter did it turn out to be. Not an unpleasant event occurred to mar its peaceful, pleasant monotony. Mr. McKenzic was too mag- nanimous to take any notice of McGillvray's refusal to go to his relief. In his joy at the happy issue of events he could not only forgive, but forget, and the faint-hearted clerk found no difference in his manner toward him. When the r>now lay thick upon the ground, Archie and Sawtloulai resumed their trapping operations with great vigor. They needed no protector now, but went out on their own respon- sibility, and after catching many a mink and mar- ten, were lifted into the seventh heaven of proud delight by securing a splendid black bear which, AKrniK or AniAHAst a. j;('niML; l>otl\ its fon* j>.»\vs inl.t .» In :;•' li.ip scl lur .» wnlvtM i)\(\ piovt'tl .\\\ c,\^\ vitlim In IIumi Imllrls sttuk o( tin \\ hiih tlu' l.utor took over .it tl H- bi'st nil's \\c nL; tlu* p.u k.i|;<'s lnonj;!)! hv Mi. \\\'nl/i'l, vv.is .1 l».iU' ront.iinin;; (lotis n| liiu'n .111(1 wool, whii li tlu'ii «U'll liiuvois wnc In t.isliion into i;.nini'nts th.it would ni.ikr tlu* wih* .uhl il.\u,i;hti'r ol .1 l.»iW>i ol h'oit ( 'hipcwv.in not .isli.mu'ii to l.ur the ;;.itluM in^»; al h'oit W'illi.nn. \'irL;inio h.\«l littK* km>wli'ilL;i' ol tlu' l.ishiojis, hut siu' h.ul no s1il;Iu skill with thr iu*i'»lh' .iinl scissois, .nul knrw lunv \o i\\\c lull pl.iv to \\v\ inhciitcd t.nu'N loi ihi' |Mvtnu\Sijiu" .md stiikint; in costninc hoih Ml MiKin/ii' .iiid Auhii' took .i i\vv\) intci- est in thrsr ptcp.\i.it ions, and hoaitily .ippl.mdiMJ hrr i'lrvcM handiw»>rk. And so tlu' wintiM wont hv. and s|>iini; canu' to warn) and w'.ikcn Natmv into lilr aftiM Ium lon^ sloop hono.it h hor snowv oountorp.mo. Tho t.utor had promisod th.it .is Si)o\\ .is tLividini; oonld ho dtnio in 0iMiifi>!t ho would sot out. With .ilinost fovorish inipationoo, Aroiiio watohod tho tiino ap- proach, n.ippily ioi 'him tho soason w.is ati nn- Ufnillv o.irlv ono. .iiul hv tho ond of M.iv tin.' }.p!'n«; ilood.s hail snfTu'iontlv snhsiilod to rondor oaTiotin^ practic.'hlo coord in';h, proj>.uati()n.H Al<( IIM' KI'AI l/.l'S IMS lUSlKI.S. -'5^ n hiMiU'tl •ostmmv (,\\\\C to KM i«>n^; br t.ut«>r tinu" ;»p- M.iV tbr ID icikUt p.iiations lor ihc Innj; jom ucy smitli wric Ininictl j(»tw;inl, atxl nil flic lirsl ladies. Ilwy look live o| the Ik*sI (anocs, and ;«l>iiM(laiil supplies }or (•vervlluii;^; necessary. Akaih hkn aii'l Sivvtioiilai were to accompany I liein as l.ii as Ked River. Mr. \Vcnt/(*l would remain in i h ii;.',e of tlu* loit, with Stewart and Mctiillvray as Ids lieiiti-nants. riicre is not time to detail tlic in( idenls of the many weeks' jouiiicy hy shi;;^ish liver, roaiir)^ rapids and placid lake to far l'^>ll William on the eastern shore ol stnimy Lake Snpcrioi. To both the factor and his fannly it was a timc! of larc en- jovment. Never heloic had they ^ulhlid and buoyant of spit it th.in Aichie, and while tlu* little fleet of t:an 'S paddled and p(Mta;;ed its way southwar»tant and profitable posts bclongin*; to the compa.iy, he was entitled to special recogni- tion. Nevertheless, his long seclusion from any otlier society than that of Fort Chipewyan had naturally enough tended to develop a certain sense of shy constraint, which was rather increased than diminished by the presence of his wife and children, for whom he was exceedingly anxious that they should not only receive, but create the most favor- able impressions possible. iouthern Here my with :lination, nd, faith- m hand- le factor 2 special id insure /here the ost called I through o" and their upon the Ipcd them ;lcncc and self at this of one of belongin*; al rccogni- from any jvvyan had rtain sense eased than ul children, I that they roost favor- x*? /. 7 o ai Pi ar cli pe wa coi th Th c in < ricl and and ^«C„,E REAI..ZES H.S DESIRES. 255 In these feelings Mrs MrK-„ • tent shared ; but Archt ^'"^^"^ ^° some ex- -"'I they looked about themSh'^f '"'^ "'"''• of wonder and deli