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"It is a tale of school life in Nova Scotia twenty years ago, and has a fine, fresh interes* of juvenile sport and adventure that makes its enjor ment in(le{)endt;nt of any loca! associations. . . . Will please hoys anywhere." — Scolsniatt. " The writer has succeeded in producing a fresh, bright, and striking story, lull of incident, vivacious from hej iiininy to end."— VvVfon/. "In writing the book the author has ilr.iwii upon Ms own reco'lections, and very bright they must Le, for he has succeeded in making i\ts hero a living entity. Although not his firrt work, it is Mr. Oxiey's iii^t appear- ance l.ieforR the English /cndisiji public, and it is to be hoped it will not li; ins last." — Morning Post. "The incidents are delightfully fiesh, r>nd a»e ;io well told, thnt the book cannot fail to make as good an impression tliis side of the waicr as it has done )!i America."— CAmi'/rtW World. "There can bo no doubt that boys in the Mother o,. try will bt delighted to have a gift-book in which theic ;s adventure, pathos, and .", manly, Christian tone." — Methodist Recorder. " It h. .1. rattling good story, and one also of educative value, for hoine- Qrown lad.;, ii'uiimuch as it leads them to the New World ,"—67.'Wi''4;:" Herald. •' A fas.cinatiii^er, weli-lold tale. Our school'. jys will be delighted with it, and are warmly to :.o congratiilated on the rich store of intercstini; leai'in;; contained in this life story of a schoolboy on tlir other side cf the Atlantic. The book has a loost healthy, vigt.roU!> Iv.nc all through."— /'>'«■<•.>;/«/,•. "A stirrii'K and weil-viiuen story of school life in Nov.i Scotia, whiili will charm om boy. with many fresh phases of youthful experience anil adventi'.re."- CV/m/zViM. "A capital story. It is a thorou'>hly wliole.some st.-^ry, awd the book is beautifully \>o\.\\v\,"—M,ttic/ijsti'rJi:.\tiniiHer. LONDON: HODDER S: STOUGHTON, ^7, I'ATERNOSTEU kOSV. "The instant tho bull cauyht siylit of the hoy, he loweicil his head, and with .1 dull rumblinjj roar rushed liercely upon him." — Page 306. {FrontUpiece. '<^US AfACTAViSH A BOrs WH.L. » »«4rjf .^ ii,c jpfl,. if^.^rth.wiaci^t- RV V ^"^ •' f'^N A i,r> oxi.! •«" M.'M.'S fWMduli., fH, " '*''^''/ /.':A/'r7;^.!77(>.\^f • -' * \Ni> sTou(;in'()N V i«U«|{ FOSTER ROW ■ J'lJW I^'-MI I "% '«%^, <^'.' i' m 1^ )H1N<; NUKWAV IIOUSK. ,j Norway House. II over the vast territories indefinitely entitled Rupert's Land. Norway House is not hard to find upon the map. Some hundreds of miles due west of the chain of great lakes which divides the United States of America from the United Provinces of Canada, lies a body of water quite worthy, in point of size, to rank with those inland seas, and connected with them by winding rivers, which formed the only highway between them for more than a century. This body of water bears the name of Lake Winnipeg, and reaches out north- ward almost halfway toward the icy brine of huge Hudson's Bay. At the head. Lake Winnipeg, full sixty miles broad where it spreads itself the most, narrows to the pro- portions of a river, and receives into itself a small sluggish stream known by the name of Jack River, beside whose mouth stands the fort called Norway House. This word " fort " may perhaps suggest something more imposing than the reality, calling up a picture of ramparts, battlements, and embrasures, frowning with cannon. But that is not what it means in the far North- West. Every Hudson's Bay post is called a fort, whether it be an actual fortress with high stone walls, strong towers, and heavy gates, as were the Upper and Lower Forts Garry in the days of their glory, or merely a low log hut or two with storehouses adjoining, like many of the outposts. Norway House was one of the best examples of the V 12 Fergus MacTavish. ordinary Hudson's Bay post. It consisted of a number of buildings ranged in the form of a square, and sur- rounded by a high stockade of stout pickets, with square towers at the corners and well-protected gates. The stockade was pierced with loopholes for guns, and inside, halfway to the top, ran a narrow gallery from which its garrison, in case of attack, could pour a deadly fire without exposing themselves. The buildings inside were all low, one-storey structures, solidly put together of logs, with the exception of the chief trader's residence. This stood in the centre of the square, and was of two storeys, and much better finished than the others. All were well whitewashed, and the whole effect was one cf great comfort and security. The fort stood upon a rocky eminence, in order to command the country round about. On one side of it lay an extensive garden in thorough cultivation, in which all kinds of useful vegetables, and many beautiful flowers, grew in great abundance. On the other side stretched a smooth, green level, that afforded a fine playground for the residents ; and the voyageurs and Indians encamped around its edge all summer long. It will thus be seen that Fergus MacTavish's home had many attractions from the outside. And now for s )me words concerning the people who lived there. Dugald MacTavish was a notably fine specimen of the Hudson's Bay official. Born in the Orkney Islands thirty-two years before, he had, at the age of ;.y^y' IL Norway House. n sixteen, through the influence of an uncle already in the service, obtained an appointment in the Company's service. The Board was very favourably impressed with the new recruit. He stood full six feet in his stockings, was broad of shoulder and stout of limb, had a frank, pleasing countenance, with vigour and determination written all over it, a clear, grey eye, and a respectful yet dignified manner. It was just such boys they greatly desired. "That lad will be a chief factor some day," said the chairman, " if nothing happens to him." The remark was not intended to reach Dugald's ears, but it did, and his face flushed with pleasure. Providence permitting, a chief factor he would be ; and this high ambition had cheered and stimu- lated him through all the long, dreary years of apprenticeship in the snowy districts of the Mac- kenzie River and Athabasca, where, besides the few other employees at the post, he saw nothing but squalid Indians and dirty half-breeds the whole year round. Sober, shrewd, active, enterprising, and, above all, rigidly upright, the accounts of him that reached headquarters were uniformly to his credit. Thus it came about that when the fourteen years of his clerkship were ended, during all which time he had by a series of transfers and promotions been working Eastward, drawing nearer the great forts forming the depots of supplies, the sudden death by drowning of the chief trader at Norway House created a vacancy which he was selected to fill. 1 H Fergus MacTavish. 1 1 j I No sooner had he settled down into this important and responsible position, than he bethought himself of a help-mate to share its honours and duties with him. Unlike many of his associates, he had not taken unto himself as a companion the dusky daughter of some Cree chieftain, nor as a wife the dark-eyed sister of some half-breed voyageur. Rugged as he seemed, there was in him a certain sense of refinement which caused him to recoil from any such alliance. On his way to his first post in the distant North, he had passed through the Scotch settlements at the Red River ; and his keen eye had noted more than one bonnie lass whose rosy cheeks and golden tresses had photographed themselves upon his memory, and made the dark skins and raven locks of the girls with whom other clerks were fain to content themselves, utterly devoid of attraction for him. This was why, the first winter after his appoint- ment to Norway House, he took leave of absence for a while and made his way to Kildonan, where a hearty welcome was ready for one so much to be desired as a son-in-law, particularly when the secret of his coming leaked out. The winter is the time for rest and merry-making in the North-West. The world is buried under snow. The farmer's only duty is to sec to his stock, and there is ample time for sociability in the long cold nights. Dugald MacTavish found himself the object of the best hospitality the settlement could compass, and he enjoyed it all mightily after his long banishment Norway House, 15 from such delights. The belle of Kildonan at that time was by general consent a certain Ailie Stewart, the only daughter of a retired Hudson's Bay official. No sooner had Dugald met her than the question of a choice of a wife was settled, so far as he went. But Ailie did not drop into his hands like a ripe apple from the tree. She had many wooers, and seemed in no hurry to show any marked preference ; so that Dugald needed all his determination to persevere in his siege to her heart. However, his good fortune, which had stood by him so long, did not desert him in this matter, and the moment of supreme happiness came when Ailie's softly mur- mured "Aye, Dugald, I will," put an end to his harrowing uncertainty. Sorry as Ailie's parents were to part with the light of their house, they took comfort in her having been won by so worthy a wooer ; and the wedding was celebrated in the handsomest manner the resources of the village permitted. Great was the rejoicing at Norway House when the chief trader returned with his winsome bride. No pale-face lady had ever graced the fort before, and the little staff of clerks and other employees looked upon Mrs. MacTavish with hearty approval. Her bright, warm manner confirmed the good impres- sion made by her sweet, pleasant face, and ere she had been installed a week, everv man connected with the establishment was her bondsman, ready to obey her lightest or hardest behest with equal alacrity. r ;♦:! 16 Fergus MacTavish. If the happiness of the household required any- thing to make it complete, that want was supplied when, a year later, the possessor of the pink puckers and red curls already referred to, appeared upon the scene. There had been times before this when Ailie MacTavish, her husband being away on one of the long journeys by canoe or dog-sledge which his duties made necessary, found a feeling of loneliness stealing over her, and could not suppress a sigh for the pleasant companionships from which she was cut off. But when the baby came to brighten her home by its presence, and fill her hands with dear delightful tasks, there was no more loneliness. The days slipped by in unbroken sunshine. Her precious charge throve famously. None of the perils which beset the cradles of children in the centres of popula- tion, seemed to have found their way so far into the wilderness. Measles, whooping-cough, scarlet fever, and all the rest of that troublesome tribe, the little man knew not ; and there was nothing to check his rapid growth. During the course of his first summer, Sir George Simpson, the famous Governor of Rupert's Land, visited Norway House, upon one of his tours of inspection ; and this visit gave him part of his name ; for he had the honour of being called Fergus George MacTavish, after the great Governor himself He was called Fergus after Mrs. MacTavish's father, and George in honour of His Excellency ; so that his 1. Norway House. »7 connection with the Company was as intimate as birth and name could make it. As Fergus grew older, his appearance decidedly improved ; and by the time he had as many years to his credit as fingers upon one of his chubby hands, he was far from being an ill-looking laddie. The puckers had given place to freckles, the bright red hair had toned down into a rich golden brown that nobody need be ashamed of, and the deep brown yes had taken on a thoughtful expression which well became their owner. To Mrs. MacTavish these personal improvements were profoundly pleasing, since they went side by side with a sure and steady development in character that promised much happiness for all with whom Fergus' fate might be intermingled. Gifted with a fine, quick temper, a strong will, and a keen sense of justice which made him very determined when he thought he had the right of it, Fergus was not at all the most tractable of youngsters. Nor were his surroundings, aside from home influence, favourable to bringing out the best that was in him. The only boys available as playmates were the dusky, dirty little Indians, or the sly, saucy half-breeds ; and among these Fergus found fawning courtiers rather than companions on an equal footing. As the son of the chief trader, he took rank with the boys after the same manner that his father did with theirs, and consequently had his own way to a greater extent than was good for him. i Itl ill i^ Fergus MacTavish. A boy needs a good deal of knocking about in order to produce a healthy symmetrical development. He must learn to give as well as take, to serve no less than to command ; and this important lesson Mrs. MacTavish set herself to teach Fergus, since he was not likely to learn it otherwise. After the good old Scotch fashion she had made the Book of Proverbs her boy's " First Reader," and her constant aim was that he should grasp, not only the spelling, but the spirit of its wise teachings. " He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city," was often upon her lips. Her practice, moreover, was not a whit behind her preaching. No one ever saw her comely countenance darken with passion, or heard her soft voice rise into shrill accent of anger. Her blood was hot enough. She could feel as deeply as any. But her self-control seemed never to leave her, and there was something in her calm expression and quiet, though firm, tone which wrought obedience as promptly as the sharpest words could have do!ie. Mr. MacTavish left the nanagement of Fergus very much in his wife's hands. His bachelor life, away from all family experiences, had not fitted him to understand the mysteries of children, and he found he had little patience with his son's whims and way- wardness. According to his notions, a child should always do as it was bidden, speak only when spoken to, and, in fact, be a kind of flesh and blood automa- \ \ •.& Norway House. 19 ton, moving in response to the will of its parents as a boat obeys its rudder. Now Fergus was not at all that sort of a boy. He had an active, inquiring mind, and might well have been called an animated interrogation point, so constantly was he asking questions. He possessed a strong will of his own, which he did not hesitate to exercise in opposition to that of his parents when he saw fit ; and if compelled to yield, he would do so with an expression upon his little face which seemed to say : " You are stronger than I am, and I will have to give in ; but just wait until I grow up, and then we'll see who has his own way." Mr. MacTavish had not failed to notice this expression, and it greatly irritated him. " Hech, Ailie," he would say, " but the bairn glowers at you as if to say ye had nae right to make him do yer will. I 've misgivings that he '11 gic us much concern when he grows to manhood." " Ah ! Dugald," would his wife reply serenely, " don't ye worry about the brig until ye come to it. Fergus will learn to master himself in good time. Just be patient with the little man, and never let him see you waxing wrathy, and he '11 not fail to follow your example." The mother's faith was not without foundation. There were times when Fergus would show a self- control that, in view of his years, was little short of heroic. One day Mrs. MacTavish, coming quietly 20 Fergus MacTavish. into the room where he had been left alone for some time, witnessed a scene that filled her heart with joy, and photographed itself for ever upon her memory. It was in the early autumn, and one of the men had brought in a small basket full of fine Indian pears, a rich purple berry of very pleasant flavour, of which Mr. MacTavish was exceedingly fond. Fergus had been given a few of them, and as she was leaving the room his mother said : " Now, Fergus dear, do not touch the berries. They are for your father." When she returned she found him standing in front of the basket, his hands clasped tight behind his back, his face working with contending emotions, while he was saying softly to himself, as though to strengthen a wavering resolution : " I maun na touch them. I maun na touch them." Throwing her arms about him, Mrs. MacTavish kissed him again and again, exclaiming in fervent gratitude and pride : "God bless my bairnie! It's His ain Spirit that's leading him. Ah ! Fergus, dearie, but you 've made your mother happy to-day." Fergus, taken by surprise, seemed bewildered, and rather put out by this demonstration. His lip quivered ominously, and his eyes filled. With ready tact his mother created a diversion. "There's father coming into the Fort," .she cried, glancing out of the window. " Run now and tell him wc 'vc a treat for him." 1 'ill Norway House. 21 I And off Fergus darted in glad relief. This self-won victory gave her great comfort when she had to go through such struggles with her strong- willed boy as took place once over a verse in Proverbs. It was the third of the eleventh chapter: "The integrity of the upright shall guide them : but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." Quite a trying mouthful for a little fellow, cr^pccially as he was very sensitive and could not bear to have his efforts at the pronunciation of difficult words evoke a smile. He made two attempts to repeat the verse, and failing each time, closed his lips firmly and refused to try again. Very patiently and clearly his mother went over the words, syllable by syllabic, saying : *' Now, then, Fergus, bit by bit, and it will all come to you." But no ; Fergus turned his back upon her, and would not open his tightly shut lips. "Come noo, dearie, you must na be perverse yoursel'. Just say it after me." Still no response. Realising that a crisis was at hand of utmost moment, Mrs. MacTavish laid her hands ujion Fergus' shoulders, turned him about so that they were face to face, and, lookmg straight into his eyes with an expression of profound determination, yet utterly free from any trace of temper, said quietly : " Fergus, you can say those words after mc if you choose to. I 'm asking nothing unreasonable of you ; 22 Fergus MacTavish. and neither you nor I maun leave this room until you do say them." The boy looked up at his mother with a strange mingling of doubt and decision in his glance. He doubted whether she really would carry out what she said, and he was quite decided not to yield. Reading his thoughts as though his face were an open book, Mrs. MacTavish lifted up her heart in prayer for help from above. She would keep her word at any cost. She sought for power to keep herself so that, however long the contest should endure, no sign of irritation might escape from her. On the situation being explained to Mr. MacTavish he fired up at once, and was for taking very summary measures to put an end to it. " Hoot ! Ailie," he exclaimed, " the thing 's ridicu- lous. Just let me have the boy for a spell, and I '11 soon make him obedient to orders." •' No, no, Dugald, please don't," his wife entreated. "It is not to break our bairn's will I want, but to bend it aright. Let us be verra patient, and it will all come right in the end." With considerable effort Mr. MacTavish restrained himself from interfering, and remained a spectator of the struggle. Mrs. MacTavish did not sulk toward Fergus. There was nothing in her tone or expression to suggest that, in the language of diplomacy, relations were in any- wise strained between them. With unclouded cheer- fulness she attended to such household tasks as could r Norway House. n be compassed without her leaving the room, and gave her commands concerning the others. When she had leisure she read to him, and was always ready to answer his questions and talk with him. But if the child forgot for a moment how matters stood and made to leave the room, or preferred some request that would entail so doing, her face would take on an expression of unmistakable firmness, and her voice would be very distinct as she said : " No, no, Fergus, not until ye say yer verse." It was in the early afternoon of Monday, when this strange test of wills began. Summer had just come to Norway House, and the day was glorious with grateful sunshine. Confinement to the house in such weather could not fail to be very irksome, and so little Fergus soon found it. Yet the hours passed by, and he showed no sign of surrender. Sunset came. The evening meal was made ready, but Mr. MacTavish had to take it alone, for his wife and son had theirs sent in to them. When it was bedtime Mrs. MacTavish, ere she tucked the little fellow snugly in, so lovingly entreated him to yield that his lip quivered, and his eyes filled, and she felt sure she had won. But no. He would not open his mouth ; and with a heavy sigh she put him to bed, and resumed her weary watch. The next morning Fergus awoke in excellent humour, " got up on the right side of the bed," as the homely saying is, and as soon as he was dressed his mother patted his head tenderly, saying : w 24 Fergus MacTavish. \ I ! '\ \ : '* Yc '11 say yer verse noo, dearie, won't you ? " At once the bright face clouded, and with a deter- mined shake of the gold-brown curls Fergus broke away from her. Very hard did she find it then to keep back the sharp words that sprang to her lips. Had she obeyed the impulse of the moment she would have seized the sturdy little rebel and shaken the breath out of him. But she neither scolded nor shook him. " Verra well, Fergus," was all she said. " It will be another long day for us both." From impatient indignation Mr. MacTavish's feelings changed to intense interest. He had witnessed and taken part in many a contest and conflict during his arduous career, but this was something entirely novel. So much was he impressed by his son's strength of will that he felt half inclined to sym- pathise with him, although happily he did not make the mistake of showing either his admiration or sympathy by word or look. He told about his boy to the other officials, snapping his fingers gaily as he exclaimed, with fatherly pride : " Mech, man 1 but he's a queer body. There's no fear that he '11 not mak' his way to the top if he keeps on straight." The second afternoon was waning, and Mrs. Mac- Tavish felt the strain telling upon her. She found it increasingly hard to resist the temptation either to give way for the present, and renew the matter some other time, or to lay hands upon obstinate Fergus, Norway House. 25 and by threats or actual punishment compel him to yield. The little fellow had grown very quiet. His play- things no longer interested him, and his stock of questions seemed exhausted. He was standing by the window looking out longingly upon the square where the other children were playing merrily, and his mother was wondering how it was going to end, and praying for sustaining grace, when suddenly he wheeled about and came toward her. His face was lit up with a radiant smile through which a noble purpose shone, and putting both hands upon her lap, he looked up into her face, saying : " Mither, I '11 say my verse noo." It was only by a heroic effort that Mrs. MacTavish kept herself from clasping him in her arms in ecstatic delight. But she knew her child better than to do so, and simply said : " Come then, dearie, let us say it." Giving her his whole attention Fergus repeated word for word with admirable distinctness, " The integrity of the upright shall guide them : but the pcrverseness of transgressors shall destroy them," and then, as the pent-up feelings of so many hours suddenly found vent, he gave a whoop worthy of a young Cree, and dashed out of the room, while his mother threw herself upon her knees, and lifted up her heart in gratitude to God for the precious momentous victory. Mr. MacTavish was greatly pleased at this happy rr 26 Fergtis MacTavish. solution of the situation. Outspoken admiration for the patience and self-control of his wife took the place of his secret sympathy with his strong-v/illed son, and Ailie felt that, trying as the ordeal was, the result richly repaid her. Of course, as will appear further on, Fergus had plenty yet to learn in the way of prompt obedience and self-control, but his mother never lost the advantage she gained by that decisive victory ; and the very remembrance of it gave her strength in the future when issues were raised between them which caused her deep concern. ce id alt ler of ler ive her een CHAPTER II. FERGUS' PLAYMATES. FERGUS had no lack of playmates, either human or canine. A visitor, coming to Norway House in midsummer, might well get the impression that the principal productions of the Fort were children and dogs. As at all Hudson's Bay posts, the majority of the clerks and employees formed connections with women of the French half-breeds or the Indian tribes, and in consequence a numerous progeny, showing in form and countenance a curious blending of national characteristics, pervaded the establishment. Could Mrs. MacTavish have had things just to suit her own ideas she would have chosen very different companions for her boy. But it is a shrewd saying that we must take the world as wc find it, doing our best to improve that of which we do not approve ; and Mrs. MacTavish had too much sense to spoil her son by instilling into him any notions of contempt for those with whom he must necessarily come into daily contact. If Fergus followed in his father's footsteps, it would be among these semi-savage people that his life would 27 It 28 Fergus MacTavish. \ \m be spent, and the success of his career would in large measure depend upon his skill in dealing with them. The earlier, therefore, he learnt to understand their passionate, capricious, unreliable natures, and the more thorough his knowledge, the more certainly would he be able to command and direct them. At the same time it was supremely necessary that Fergus should influence his companions, not be influenced by them. He must show them how to improve ; they must not teach him to become one of themselves. It was at this point that the care had to be taken ; and, accordingly, to inspire the little fellow always to hold that view of the matter, she kept constantly before him the examples of such youthful leaders as David, Alexander the Great, Nelson, and others, whose names shine like stars on the pages of history. Fergus, it must be said, took very kindly to this notion, and by the time his years equalled the number of fingers upon both hands he had acquired a com- manding way with the other boys that was quite amusing to witness. Usually he had little difficulty in securing obedience to his orders. As has been already mentioned, his being the son of the master of the Fort caused the men to be very civil, even servile to him ; and their sons learned easily from them, so that for the most part he had pretty smooth sailing. The dogs, of which Norway House could boast a larger stock even than of children, were of all sizes, shapes, and colours. A city boy knowing nothing of Fergus^ Playmates. 29 lite |lty ;cn of rile so the North- West, meeting a pack of them in the woods, or out on the prairie, would without doubt have taken them to be either wolves or foxes, or a mixture of the two, and given them as wide a berth as possible. The original stock had of course been Esquimaux, brought down from the icy North to take the place of horses in the wide West, where, in winter time, they were depended upon for all the travelling. There were some pure Esquimaux still to be seen, recent additions to the pack of hauling dogs brought down from York Factory. If not exactly handsome, they were very striking looking animals. As large as an ordinary Newfoundland, but lighter in build, thickly covered with long coarse hair having an undergrowth of soft warm wool, with short sharp fox- like ears, a massive and somewhat pointed head, dark eyes flashing quickly hither and thither in tireless search for a bite to eat, and a splendid bushy tail curling haughtily up over the back, they were fine types of strength, speed, and sagacity. Mr. Barnston, who stood next in authority to Mr. MacTavish at the Fort, owned a team of them which was the pride of his heart. He had reared them from puppies himself, and thus made them better behaved than any of the other dogs at the post. In fact, they were model animals in every particular save one : they had just as little conscience about stealing anything that could by any possibility be eaten as the most disreputable of their less cultured com- panions. The fact of the matter is, the propensity to r w i i 30 Fergus MacTavish. steal and devour is as much a part of an Esquimaux dog's character as a bushy curly tail is of his physical make-up. From a mitten to a mattress, from a strap to a buffalo hide, there is nothing to which their digestion is not equal. If a pack of hungry " haulers " were to be let loose in a shoe-store, they would immediately proceed to bolt the entire stock with as much relish as if they really were of opinion that there was nothing like leather upon which to make a good meal. Fergus cast very longing eyes upon Mr. Barnston's dogs, and his father, in response to his repeated entreaty, had promised him to do his best to obtain an equally fine team the next time he went up to York Factory, when he was relieved of his promise in a way that was highly satisfactory to both Fergus and himself Sir George Simpson took quite an interest in the boy whom he had named, and as he passed Norway House on his annual inspection trip to York Factory, never failed to inquire for him, and to congratulate Mrs. MacTavish upon her son's promising progress. He would also bring him presents from Montreal or New York, playthings, the like of which had never been seen in the territories before ; or a jaunty cap, or stylish coat, in which the proud little fellow would strut about, looking as important as His Excellency himself. During his first visit, after Mr. Barnston had filled everybody with envy for his superb dog-team, Sir U *••. Fergus Playmates. 31 lid Icy George, who loved the young people, was strolling about with Fergus at his side, when they came across Mr. Barnsion's dogs, stretched out in the sunshine. The governor's quick eye noted at once the superior quality of the animals, and he enquired of his com- panion : •' Arc those your father's dogs, Fergus ? " " No, sir," replied Fergus, with a sigh of profound regret. " I would they were. Father has nae sae gude dogs as those anes." Stirring up the beauties so that they might show off their fine points, in spite of their deep growls and gleaming teeth, Sir George looked them over care- fully, seeming to be at the same time revolving some- thing in his mind. " They 're very fine creatures, certainly, my boy," said he, " but I believe I could get you even better ones." " Oh ! could you, sir ? " cried Fergus, all aglow with expectation. " I 'd be sae glad, and I 'd be sae gude to them." Sir George smiled at the boy's eagerness. He had made the remark in a general way, and without especial reference to his companion. But when Fergus took it to himself he at once determined that he should not be disappointed. " Yes, Fergus ; I think I could," he responded, pleasantly. " I want to try the experiment, at all events, and this will be as good a place as any to do it in. So what would you think of a team of New- foundland and St. Bernard dogs ? " 1 iir jSili 32 Fergus MacTavish. \ ! il 1 As might be expected, Fergus, for lack of know- ledge of either of these canine species, had no opinion to offer, but, having perfect confidence in the Governor, he returned a smile that meant plainly enough : " Whatever you think, sir." Sir George, quite appreciating the situation, laughed as he said : "Those names don't mean much to you, Fergus, do they ? Well, listen now, and I '11 tell you some- thing about the two finest breeds of dogs in the world." And thereupon he proceeded to give a graphic description of the grand dogs that come from the bleak shores of Newfoundland and l* snowy fastnesses of the Alps. Fergus listened with open mouth. Sir George, enjoying his eager attention, added anecdotes of those noble animals rescuing persons from drowning in the deep, or perishing in the snow drifts, until the boy was wrought up to the highest pitch of excite- ment. He felt as though he could give all he pos- sessed, or ever hoped to possess, for a team of such dogs. " Oh, sir," he exclaimed, with trembling voice and palpitating heart, " dae ye think you could send me a team of them ? I 'd be sac gude to them, and I 'd be your driver if ye 're ever here in winter time." There was the tone of unmistakable sincerity in the Governor's voice as he replied : " Well, Fergus, I '11 do my best. You may have to Fergus Playmates. lin to wait a good while ; but if I can manage it, I will send you a team of dogs that will be equal to if not better than anything in the North. You must get Old Papanakes to break them in properly for you, and then look after them yourself." Fergus could not contain himself for delight at this promise. With an explosive "Oh, thank you, sir; thank you," he darted off to tell the good news to his mother, the Governor's eyes following him with a tender, wistful look, for he had no boys of his own then, and he envied Mr. MacTavish his bright, sturdy son. The Governor's promise took a long time to fulfil, during which Fergus learned the lesson of patience as never before. The way in which Sir George carried out his design was this : He sent orders to England that a couple of St. Bernards should be shipped on the company's vessel in the following spring, and that the vessel should call at Newfound- land, and there procure another pair of dogs, taking all four to York Factory, whence they could easily be forwarded to Norway House. A whole year, therefore, passed away before the dogs appeared at the Fort, but when at last they did come, Fergus forgot all the weary waiting in his wild delight. Although still somewhat the worse for their long journey, they looked well enough to fill every- body with admiration for their noble bearing and splendid strength. There were two of each sex, so that a whole pack might be raised from them if they 34 Fergus Mac TavisJi. proved well adapted for sledging. The St. Bernards were stately creatures, standing almost three feet high at the shoulder, covered with a dense growth of soft, rich fur in varying shades of brown and white, and carrying their grand heads aloft with a calm consciousness of their good looks that was very impressive. The Newfoundlands were not quite so tall, but they were every whit as stout of frame, and their raven black hair, curled tightly over their backs, gave them a somewhat sturdier look than that of their European cousins. They both had white breasts, massive heads, and full dark eyes, with a good-natured gleam in them. Fergus, with good reason, thought he had never in his life seen such splendid creatures as these four dogs. He hugged each one of them in turn as affectionately as though they had been long-lost brothers, and the animals seemed quite to appreciate his little demonstration, rubbing their noses against his cheek and wagging their tails in a way that clearly betokened their readiness for good fellowship. Mr. Barnston happened to be away when they arrived ; but as soon as he returned, Fergus dragged him over to the corner of the Fort, where a kind of temporary pen had been made for his dogs until they should get accustomed to their new quarters, and, pointing to the handsome quartet, cried triumphantly : " There, Mr. liarnston — what dac ye think of my dogs? Wad ye gae me yer ain in exchange for them ? " t W w w Fergus' Playmates. 35 )St itc 1st at P- cy cd of cy ,ul. y- y for Mr. Ba«*nston scanned the creatures critically. Were it a mere matter of good looks, the question as to which team stood first decided itself. His dogs were out of the race. But good looks did not by themselves count for much in the North-West, where the plainest men and ugliest dogs were sometimes of the most value in their own way. So, pursing up his lips, the canny Scotchman said, slowly : "They're tolerable, Fergus, tolerable, but there's no telling what use they '11 be to the train until ye try them. r.Iuybe after then ye '11 be willing to exchange them for my Huskies, and give me something to boot." His enthusiasm somewhat dashed by this shrewd remark, Fergus came down from his pinnacle of pride to say, in a hopeful tone : "Oh! I'm not afraid of that. Just see how big they be, and they 're sae gude-naturcd that it will na be a bit hard to teach them to haul the sledge." " We '11 see, we *11 see, Fergus, when the snow comes," was the somewhat sceptical reply ; for in Mr. liarnston's mind it was very doubtful if the big brutes, with all their strength and endurance, would make good sledge-dogs. They undoubtedly seemed heavy and stupid in comparison with the sharp-nosed, kccn-cyed Esquimaux, and, although the Newfound- lands were sometimes made to haul light carts in their own country, to no such use were the St. Bernards ever put. However, Fergus' faith in them was strong, and he looked forward to the winter when the trial could be made T 36 Fergus MacTavish. . In the meantime his huge pets had to get established in their new surroundings. This was not accomplished without a good deal of disturbance. The whole band of dogs and mongrel curs into the midst of which they had come greatly resented their ad^'ent, and made common cause against them. At first this frightened Fergus ; and when a fight took place, he would rush frantically off for his father, and beg him to hurry and separate the combatants. But his father soon taught him to be less concerned. " It wad be better to just leave them alone, Fergus," he would reply calmly. " Yer doggies maun make their footing for themselves, and it *s not much hurt they '11 get in doing it." And so Fergus was led to control himself while his big beauties fought their way to the position of unquestioned supremacy which they presently reached, and from which they were never again displaced. They achieved this satisfactory result all the sooner, because of the fidelity with which they stood by one another. They invariably went about in couples, and often all four together, and at the first sign of attack joined forces for the defence, displaying a strategic sagacity in meeting the assaults of their more numerous, if smaller opponents, that ere long convinced the latter of the folly of attempting to cope with such doughty antagonists. The fame of Fergus' dogs spread far and wide, and even at remote Norway House they had many visitors. The Indians got it into their heads that they were Fergus^ Playmates. 37 something more than dogs, and looked upon them with feelings in which fear mingled with wonder and admiration, while the officers of the Company, passing to and fro on their trips by canoe and boat brigade, with one mind coveted them keenly. This much has been said about thom because they were destined to play an important part in their young owner's life, and to win great renown for themselves by rendering services of inestimable value, as shall be told in due time. We come back now to the companions and play- mates of Master Fergus who were first referred to. As has been hinted, they were in many respects no less mongrel a collection than the dogs with which they tumbled about all summer long, and which helped to keep them warm in winter time by crawling close up beside them. Some were pure Crees, others half- Crcc, half-Scotch, and others again half-French- Canadian and half-Indian. Fergus found that the Cree boys made the best playmates. They could generally talk English about as well as he could talk Crcc, and they had no diffi- culty in understanding each other. They were for the most part good-looking boys, with well-shaped, wiry forms, regular features, clear, black eyes bright with quick intelligence, and impulsive, affectionate, if passionate natures. Of the half-breeds, the French were superior to the Scotch. The latter seemed somehow or other to inherit the worst qualities of both parents, and were m TT 38 Fergus MacTavish. ill ! I apt to be sly, lazy, untrustworthy beings, prone to envy and spite. The French half-breeds, on the other hand, were of the merry, good-humoured, warm-hearted sort, rash and improvident in the highest degree, but attractive by reason of their very recklessness. The youngest son of old Papanakes, the best guide, trapper, dog-driver, and canal pilot at the Fort, was Fergus' favourite companion — a preference easy to under'^tauf ' • for so fine a type of Indian boy was not often to be met with. Memotas and Fergus were near) of an arre, the latter having the advantage of a month, for whicn the Indian made up by being a wee bit the taller of the two. His slight, wiry figure was in perfect symmetry. He had regular features, bright, black eyes that looked straight into yours, a clear, brown skin, and a frank, pleasant expression. Unlike the other boys, this young Cree did not pay servile court to Fergus. He showed an independent spirit far more to his credit, and that was one of the chief reasons why the Scotch laddie thought so much of him. Memotas had a will of his own which he did not hesitate to assert, and the two playmates had many a contest in which the victory did not by any means always rest with the " pale face." One of their differences of opinion came near proving a serious matter for both. On the other side of the ridge of rocks upon which the Fort was situated, sheltered by a growth of pines from the northern blasts, stretched a wide expanse of 5S ^ Fergus Playmates, 39 water called Playgreen Lake. The waters of the Jack River, at whose mouth Norway House stood, lost themselves in this lake, and after the boys became expert in managing a canoe, they were wont to venture out upon the lake, always taking care not to go too far away from shore. One lovely summer day, about a month after the arrival of the dogs, Fergus and Memotas paddled their canoe down the river into the lake, and pushed out toward a little island a few hundred yards from shore. Not a breath of wind rippled the glassy water as their canoe cut its way through, and they did not take long to reach the island upon which they landed for a ramble. When the sun told them it was nearing midday, they started to return, for midday meant dinner, and they were too hungry to like being late. Half-way across, Memotas suddenly remembered that he had left behind, sticking into a tree from which he had been cutting bark, his hunting knife — a keen blade given him by one of the officers, and very highly prized. " Me must go back," he exclaimed. " Me left my knife." And without consulting Fergus any further, he proceeded to turn the canoe about. Now they had been on the move all the morning, and Fergus was tired as well as hungry. Moreover, if they read the sun aright, there was no time to spare if they would not be late for dinner. So he answered, rathci shortly: " Tut ! never mind your knife. VVc can get it after I rmrT rr 40 Ftro^tis MacTavish. ^ i dinner." And with vigorous strokes he swept the canoe around again. ** No, no," cried Memotas. " Must get knife now. Won't wait till after dinner." And with increased energy he sought to point their frail bark toward the island. Now he was in the bow while Fergus had the stern, and consequently had more control of the canoe. At the same time no headway could be made in either direction so long as they paddled at cross purposes. " Haud there ! " shouted Fergus as his companion kept on opposing him. " I will na let you go back now ; so ye maun just paddle ashore." His temper thoroughly aroused, Memotas took no other notice of this command than to work away still more energetically in direct violation of it. Fergus was getting very angry. " Haud there ! I tell ye, or T '11 gie ye a crack with my paddle that '11 make ye do it," he cried. Memotas looked over his shoulder with a provoking grin, as though to say : " Try it, if you dare," and kept hard at his paddling. Then Fergus' temper flamed forth. Rising from his knees he leaned forward, and dealt a blow at his companion with his paddle that certainly would have put a stop to his paddling for a while, had it reached its mark. ]kit the alert young Cree was not to be taken unawares, even if his back was turned. Almost by instinct rather than sight, as it seemed, he divined Fej'o^us Playmates. 41 Fergus' intention, and ere the heavy paddle could touch him his own interposed, and he wholly escaped harm. These sudden movements, however, proved too much for the balance of the cranky craft in which they were made : and just as Fergus' paddle slipped harmlessly off Memotas' the canoe lurched, and went over, pitching its restless occupants out headlong into the cold, deep water ! Now at this time neither of the boys could swim. The summer at Norway House was always too short to warm the waters of the lake sufficiently to make bathing very pleasant, and the Jack River was a small, sluggish stream, not at all suitable for swimming in. Consequently it had not occurred to Mr. MacTavish that he ought to teach his son to swim, and Memotas had never bothered his head about it. Down they went only a few feet apart, clutching tight to their paddles ; and a few seconds later, thanks to the wood in their hands, they were at the surface again, spluttering, splashing, and trying to clear the water from their eyes. Happily they came up so near the canoe that they saw it at once, and were able to get their hands upon it. But the smooth bottom eluded their frantic grasp, and they soon would have sunk again had not Fergus succeeded in getting hold of the stern, and Memotas of the bow, where they clung in pitiful fright. All their anger was gone now. They had only one thought, and that was to save their lives. ! rm f m I Ii 42 Fergiis MacTavish. How this was to be done they little knew. They were a hundred yards at least from shore. The water was so cold that they must soon be chilled through, and there was not another canoe in sight. " Oh ! Memotas, we 're gaen to drown," groaned Fergus. " I 'm sae sorry I tried to strike you." Memotas was too frightened to answer. He could only hold on desperately, and look earnestly shore- ward. Suddenly his face lit up, and he called out : " Your father I See ! He *s coming — and the dogs ! " Sure enough at that moment Mr. MacTavish, accompanied by the two Newfoundland dogs, appeared on the crest of the ridge. Instantly he took in the situation, and springing with great bounds down to the water's edge, pointed out the upturned canoe to his sagacious companions, crying : " Fetch them, gude dogs. Fetch them — quick." Not a moment did the wise brutes hesitate. Into the chill water they plunged, and made it fairly foam as they tore their way through it with mighty strokes, barking loudly as though to say : " We 're coming ! Hold on ! " The boys' strength had been failing, but the appearance of the dogs renewed it, and hold on they did until their noble rescuers reached them. Then letting go the canoe they each grasped the collar of a dog, and were thus drawn safely to the shore, where Mr. MacTavish awaited them with keen anxiety. Rushing into the water he dragged them out one Fergus^ Playmates. 43 after another, not forgetting to pat their dripping rescuers warmly, and to say : " Gude dogs, gude dogs. The Lord be praised for making ye sae sensible." The warm sunshine soon restored the boys' vigour, and they were able to tell Mr. MacTavish how it all happened. Verily a more sheepish, penitent pair of youngsters could hardly be imagined, as all limp, dripping, and bedraggled, they made a clean breast of it, Fergus being spokesman, and Memotas mur- muring assent to what he said. Mr. MacTavish listened attentively until all the facts were before him, and then burst out into a hearty laugh : " Weel, weel, weel, ye hae punished yer ainsels brawly, and it's little I have to say to you. But," and here his face grew more grave, " ye 've taught me one thing by yer foolishness — that I 've done very wrong in not seeing that ye learned to swim before this. I maun see to it without delay." And so, as a consequence of the upset, Fergus came in for a course of lessons in swimming that continued throughout the brief summer, with the result that before autumn made the water unbearabi \\z had learned quite well how to take care of himself in case of any such mishap befalling him again. The dogs received unstinted praise for their intelli- gence, even Mr. Barnston so far forgetting his attitude of indifference toward them as to join in the chorus ; so that Fergus felt as if it was worth running the risk ^rm T 44 Fergus MacTavish. !'S: 1; I he had done, since it afforded his pets such a fine opportunity of winning renown for themselves. Mrs. MacTavish was disposed to take Fergus* adventure a good deal to heart. That her boy should lose his temper was not of much moment. He could recover that. But that he should come so near losing his life, which could never be recovered, was a very serious matter. It seemed to her as though he ought to be commanded to keep closer at home, and not to venture away without first obtaining permission. But the chief trader held a different opinion. A life requiring self-mastery and self-reliance in no ordinary degree lay before the boy, and the sooner he learned to think for himself the better. " Nay, nay, Ailie," said he. " It winna do to have the laddie ay running to you like an unweaned calf. He 's learned a lesson he '11 not soon forget, and he '11 learn others in due time. He maunna be tethered, but just suffered to rin aboot the pasture 'till he grows canny, like his father. Eh, Ailie?" And the gray eyes twinkled with sly good-humour ; for he knew his wife had already come around to his way of thinking. ; I I CHAPTER III. EARLY EXPERIENCES. -msf IT was happy, wholesome boyhood that Fergus had at Norway House, full of activity and interest, and admirably adapted to developing manli- ness and other good qualities of character. With his parents he was on the happiest terms. His father was not one to make much demonstration. He did not wear his heart on his sleeve, but he had a big, warm heart nevertheless, that made itself felt through i/^ erave and somewhat stern manner. Fergus had the deepest respect for him. He never thought of trying to argue against any of his com- mands, or attempting to tease him into compliance with his own wishes. Mr. MacTavish would not brook either disobedience or argument. It was not his way to act hastily, or to speak upon impulse. His words and deeds were alike well considered, and his chief failing, perhaps, lay in his profound confi- dence in his own wisdom. Having by dint of pru- dence, sagacity, self-denial, and fidelity, made his way up to his present responsible and lucrative position, he naturally had a good opinion of himself, which 45 1! 46 Fergus MacTavish. I I i n I;' i the almost autocratic character of his post helped to increase. In dealing with Fergus he was for the most part considerate and patient enough ; but there were times when an unusual fretfulness or contrariness on the boy's part would stir his wrath, and then he did not hesitate to lay his hand heavily upon him. Yet so strong and deep was his love, that while these punishments, painful to both, made Fergus stand somewhat in awe of him, they did not create any barrier between the two, nor prevent the growth of a good understanding that made the son take increas- ing delight in his father's society as the years passed. Between Mrs. MacTavish and Fergus there was the most perfect understanding. No mother and son could have loved one another more implicitly than they did. Since only one child had come to her, Mrs. MacTavish had resolved, God helping her, to bring that one up so that he would be an honour to his parents, and a power for good in his own world. The temptation to coddle him, to keep him much to herself, to humour every whim, and indulge every fancy so far as she could, was very great. But she stciidfastly put it from her. Fergus would have to make his own way f )Ugh life, much as his father had done before hi? , and he must learn to endure hardness in his youth, to rough it like the other boys, to grow sturdy, manly, and brave, in order that he might go forth to his life's work duly fitted in body no less than in mind. Early Experiences. 47 The one thing upon which she laid stress, which was ever in her thoughts, was that her boy should have pure principles, a quick conscience, and a keen sense of justice. To this end she made it the rule of her life to keep her word to him in the minutest particulars, no matter at what inconvenience to her- self Her word was always as good as her deed, and if by any chance circumstances made it impossible for her to carry out her promise, she explained the matter as carefully to Fergus* as she would to her husband, not resting satisfied until she had made it perfectly clear to him, and had been relieved of her obligation. For his education, Fergus had of course to look to his parents altogether, and happily not in vain. In the abundant leisure of the long winters at the different Forts where he had served, Mr. MacTavish made the most of their small, but well-chosen libraries, and his knowledge, so far as it went, was thoroughly sound, albeit somewhat behind the times. His wife, too, was well able to second him, or rather to go before and prepare the way for him in their boy's mind. She had thought of being a school teacher before she had decided to be a wife, and had fitted herself for the position as carefully as the resources of the settlement enabled her to do. Con- sequently Fergus' mind was in no danger of neglect with her to look after it. Her rule was to devote two or three hours to him every morning the year round, teaching him the I Hi 48 Fergus Mac Tavish. ^„ „l i li ;''•( " three R's " and many things besides. For she had rare gifts as a teacher ; and whenever his attention flagged, and he grew restless, she would introduce a diversion in the way of a little story or a bit of verse, thus bringing his wandering mind back to her control. It took a good deal of this harmless guile to keep her pupil at work. His impatient, energetic spirit objected to the necessary restraint, particularly jn the bright, warm, summer mornings, and then often- times, rather than be constantly checking him, this wise mother would say : " Come, laddie, and let us have our lessons out-of- doors!" Fergus' answer was always a whoop of delight ; and then off they would go to the nearest clump of pines, and in its balmy shade take up the task again. But if the boy's attention was hard to keep in the house, where his restless eyes were more likely to be gazing out of the window than fastened upon the book, out in the pine grove it was very much worse. The birds playing chase in the hot, still air, the insects darting hither and thither in the sunlight, the squirrels chattering saucy challenges from the trees, were temptations to inattention not to be resisted ; and just when they were in the middle of a lesson in read- ing or arithmetic, Fergus would shout out suddenly : "Look, mithcr! isn't that a braw butterfly?" or " Quick, mither, see that bonnie little squirrel ! " And the lesson would have to be begun over again. Yet Mrs. MacTavish never lost patience. There Early Experiences, 49 was plenty of time, and no need to hurry. Her dar- ling boy would soon enough grow up out of her reach, and enter into the more serious tasks of life, where she could not follow him. Upon only one thing did she insist with unyielding firmness, namely, that at least two full hours should be spent in this schooling every day except Saturday ; and then Fergus had a whole holiday. So when it was evident that the book of Nature was altogether too attractive to permit any interest in the printed pages, she would turn to it, and taking up a flower, a leaf, a bit of stone or wood, talk brightly about the wonders of the Divine handiwork, and show how perfect was God's planning. To this Fergus always listened with appreciative interest. He had the soul of a naturalist. Nature was full of voices for him, asking him questions that, being unable to answer himself, he promptly referred to his parents ; and so eager was he for the right kind of replies, that his father was fain to send to England for a package of books upon botany, geology, and natural history, which, when they arrived, coming down by York Factory, proved a mine of inexhaust- ible delight to all three of the family, their abundant pictures giving Fergus particular pleasure. With these books, too, came illustrated editions of the Bible, and of the " Pilgrim's Progress," copies fjf "Robinson Crusoe," and of "Milton's Poems;" aiul to the vast delight of the whole staff at the Fort, a number of Sir Walter Scott's works, then filling the i) i ^!i:i 50 Fergus MacTavish. ■ i M world with their fame — "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," " The Lady of the Lake," " Marmion," " Waverley," "Guy Mannering," and others were in the set. For these the MacTavishes were indebted to Sir George Simpson's thoughtfulness. The " Pilgrim's Progress," and " Robinson Crusoe " were for the boy, in whom he had such an interest ; the other volumes were for his parents. And if His Excellency could only have been present when the packages were opened, and have witnessed the joy their contents gave, he would have asked for no other reward. Between mid-day and the hour for the evening meal, P'ergus was master of his time. Unless there were special reasons for limiting him, he could go and come as he pleased. This was the part of the day he enjoyed the most. Memotas and others of the boys were always in waiting for him, and off they would go for a long afternoon of play. There was never any lack of amusement. In the warm days of summer they had their canoes, in which to paddle up and down the Jack River, or out upon IMaygreen Lake, their bows and arrows, with which to play wild hunters in the forest that stretched away indefinitely on every hand, or their games of lacrosse, or ball, for which the grassy plain beside the Fort was excellently adapted. Then, in the winter time, warmly wrapped up in furs, they had fine tobogganing down the steep sides of the ridge that rose behind the I'ort, or merry times running races in snow shoes, or what was even more 1 St KNK A I' IIIK I'OlMAtil'-,. — /W.iT 5I, • 1 '•i \ ■ I i\ Early Experiences. 51 enjoyable, the fun of teaching the dogs to draw the sledges, and then having excited trials of speed over the level surface of the lake. Of course they had no skating. Skates had no chance in a region where the snow covered the ice as fast as it made. But if Fergus could not skate, he could snow-shoe as well as an Indian, and could go as many miles in one day as he was years old without any difficulty. Of the two seasons, Fergus liked summer the better by far. One could move about much more freely then than in winter, the days were longer, and there was more to be done in them. His rule was to go to bed with the sun, and to get up with it ; and, on this account, he had to make up in winter for the com- paratively little sleep he took in the summer. Owing to its commanding position upon the only practicable route between Lake Winnipeg and York Factory, Norway House, so far as the Red River ^nd Mackenzie River departments were concerned, was ip a manner the gate to Hudson's Bay. All the furs that were taken throughout those vast districts passed by on their way north to England, while all the goods and supplies for the different posts in boat and canoe came south in return. Consequently, what with the frequent arrival and departure of brigades with their bands of noisy, merry, reckless voyuxgcurs^ and swag- gering clerks in charge, ready for song, or dance, or story, Norway House, in mid-summer, was one of the liveliest places on the continent. ii ^1- 52 Fergus MacTavish. Fergus greatly enjoyed all this excitement and bustle. As the son of the chief trader, he, of course, received a good deal of attention from the visiting officers ; and the stories told him by those who came from the prairies of the Saskatchewan, and the rugged fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains, of grand buffalo hunts, of thrilling encounters with huge grizzlies, of narrow escapes from hostile Indians, filled his soul with longing to see for himse'^ the wonders of that region, where the prairies rolled in verdurous billows for a thousand miles, until they broke against the foot hills of mighty mountains towering to the skies, where the clumsy buffalo lumbered on in uncounted myriads, furnishing food and clothing and shelter to whole tribes of Indians, and where the deer, the moose, the beaver, and other animals, hardly known at the Norway House, might be met with in a day's journey. " I 'm going to the Rocky Mountains, father, as soon as I 'm big enough," he would say to Mr. MacTavish ; and his father, appreciating the spirit that prompted the statement, would reply encourag- ingly : '* Nae doot ye will, laddie, all in good time ; and travel twa miles to yer father's ane, maybe, e'er you 're well out of your teens." The brigades began to arrive soon after Jack Frost had released his grip of the lake and river, and permitted them to move freely about within their banks again. First would come the Portage Brigade h i< Early Experiences. 53 of six or eight York boats, and its band of wild- looking Canadian and half-breed voyageurs^ dressed out in new light-blue capotes, and corduroy trousers tied at the knee with bead-work garters. The scarlet sashes which encircled their waists, the gaudy feathers and tinsel adorning their hats, and the moose-skin moccasins, bright with bead work, that cased their feet, gave them a very picturesque appearance, which admirably accorded with their sinewy forms, and handsome sun-burned countenances. They pitched their camp on the edge of their green, and as they lounged about their fires in the evening, puflfing clouds of fragrant smoke from the pipes that were hardly ever out of their mouths, Fergus was always a welcome visitor to their circle, and an eager listener to their talk. After them would come the Isle a la Crosse Brigade, and then the Red River Brigades in quick succession, filling Norway House with noise and merriment, and then passing on to the sea for their respective loads, returning again, a month or so later, to repeat the operation. The great event of each season was the arrival of the Saskatchewan Brigade, the largest and noisiest of all that halted at the Fort. It usually comprised fifteen or twenty boats, filled with the wildest men in the service. Coming from the boundless prairies and the lofty ** Rockies," their manners were as free as the one, and their talk as tall as the other. Their delight was to get hold of the raw recruits, the green * il I' 54 Fergus MacTavish. ' ) ;: ■!■■■ young clerks who had arrived only that summer, and make their eyes bulge out with wonder at their stories, true and untrue, as frequently as not the latter, in which buffaloes, bears, and red men figured prominently. Their appearance was as romantic as their experi- ences. They had adopted the Indian style of dress so far as it suited them, and when decked out " in war paint " — that is, in what city folks would call their " Sunday clothes " — a stranger would need to look at them twice in order to be sure that they were not real red men. When the Saskatchewan Brigade arrived, Fergus forgot all his other friends, and until they struck camp and continued their journey north to the salt water or south to the prairies, as the case might be, he spent all his time in their company. One of the things they tried to teach him was the use of the lasso, in which many of them were wonderfully expert. Fergus was determined to acquire this useful accomplishment ; and the head of the Brigade having presented him with a capital lasso, he practised diligently upon the stumps until, by the time the boats returned, he could occasionally get the rope over one at short range. Then, of course, he was burning with eagerness to show how well he had got on ; and his friends were good enough to play the part of wild buffaloes, in order that he might try and lasso them. They were amusing themselves in this way one HI Early Experienced. 55 evening when a sturdy young calf strayed upon the green. It belonged to the chief trader's cow, a recent arrival, brought up with no small difficulty from Red River. " Look there, Fergus ! " cried one of the men, pointing to the calf drawing near, innocent of all mischief. "There's something for you to try your lasso on. Let us see what you can do with that calf." " Aye, that I will," responded the boy, promptly ; and off he started, swinging the rope about his head in the most approved manner. The calf was not at all shy, and permitted him to come quite close before it moved away. As it did Fergus made a throw, but the rope slipped harmlessly off the animal's back, causing it to give a start of surprise, and kick up its heels amid the laughter of the onlookers. Gathering up the lasso, Fergus crept nearer, and made another fling. This time he had better fortune. By a happy chance the calf threw up its head just as the noose circled about it, and the supple rope settled snugly about its neck. The moment the creature felt itself caught it started off on the run, and Fergus, too elated at the success of his throw to think what he was about, took a turn of the lasso about his waist in order to afford more resistance to the struggles of his startled captive. The calf plunged and kicked furiously, and this attracted the attention of the two Newfoundland dogs, who, either because they thought their master E 56 Fergus Mac Tavish. % i % I i was in danger, or that he was having some fun in which they would like to share, went bounding and barking after the calf, rendering the poor thing perfectly frantic. The scene that followed was amusing beyond description. The calf, crazed with fright, rushed this way and that over the green, towing Fergus along at the top of his speed, while the big black dogs, one at cither side, made fierce snaps at the creature's ears, all the while barking their very loudest. So long as Fergus could keep his feet he had nothing to fear save loss of breath. But if he were to trip and fall he would certainly be dragged some distance, and possibly hurt. He thought of this himself, and tried to loosen the rope from his waist ; but it was too tightly strained, and he gave up the attempt. The best he could do was to hold the lasso tightly with both hands, and keeping an eye to his feet, follow in the wake of the calf wherever the terrified animal chose to drag him. Meantime the men of the Brigade were convulsed with laughter, and roaring out by way of encourage- ment : "Hold on, Fergus, lad! He'll soon tire. Mi'vl your feet ! Keep going. Don't let him trip y and so on. Fergus was now thoroughly frightened. He felt as helpless as a fly on a wheel, and the calf, instead of getting tired, as he certainly was, seemed to be jumping more wildly than ever. He tried to call I II Early Experiences, 57 for help, but ^i i! Il<^ I !'■ Amid such incidents the journey was pursued day after day, the weather happily continuing fine, the progress made being satisfactory, and everybody feeling in excellent humour. Presently the Steel River was reached, and once the boats floated out upon this wide, deep stream all difficulties of navigation were at an end. Since leaving Norway House more than thirty weary portages had been made, and rapids innumerable run. Henceforth it promised to be all plain sailing. No more portages, no more rapids. Mr. MacTavish was in high spirits. " Noo, Fergus, we can take it easy for a bit," said he. " The wind and the current will do our work for us, and it 's little more than a hundred miles to York." The oars were taken in and laid along the thwarts, the sails, for which there had been hardly any use hitherto, were hoisted, and with a strong favouring breeze the brigade swept down the river, making a very pretty picture in the midst of the unbroken wilderness. The day had dawned brightly, and the morning had been very fine and warm. As the boats turned curve after curve of the river, flock? of snow-white gulls at- tended them, seeming to like their company. In graceful flight they sailed about the swiftly moving craft, now dipping lightly in the rippling water, and then rising suddenly in long, rapid circles till they vanished in the azure above. Fergus wanted very much to try if he could shoot one of these beautiful birds ; they came so temptingly A Sight of the Salt Sea. 8 near, and it seemed so easy to bring one of them down. But his father would not hear of it. " Nay, nay, laddie. Why should you shoot the bonnie things ? They 're nae good to eat, and surely it's na richt to kill onything for the mere pleasure of it." Feeling rather ashamed of himself on the case being put in that way, Fergus put down his gun, saying : " No, father, I don't think it is right. It would have been cruel for me to kill one of those beautiful birds just because they came so near." " Make this your rule, Fergus ; for it 's a gude one," said the chief trader : " Never to take the life of ony creetur in empty sport. God didna gie them to us for that, and He canna think weel of ony one that does such things." " But, father, there 's nae harm in shooting ducks or geese when you want to eat them, is there ? " asked Fergus, looking a little puzzled. " Ah ! tiiat 's a verra different matter, laddie," replied Mr. MacTavish. "They're grand eating, and God has made them for our food. Do ye ken ? Ye need never hesitate aboot bringing doon a brace of ducks, or a fine, fat goose. Ye can roast them for your dinner, and gie God thanks for putting sich fine birdies into the world." " Oh ! now I understand you, father, an' I '11 try to mind your good rule," said Fergus, " so the gulls have nothing to fear from me." " Perhaps they mightn't have ony way, Fergus," re- l\ ! |l s \ \ t ^. 4^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /, 7y 1.0 I.I 2.5 '•^•' i« |||||Z2 v: la 111112.0 1.8 1-25 1.4 1.6 4 6" ► Photographic Sciences CoiDordtion 33 WIST MAIN ^fRIBT WIBSTIR.N.Y. MSBO (716) 873-4503 iV 4 4^ . .."'^ Q^ ? 84 Fergus MacTavish. turned his father, with a smile. " It 's nae easy thing to shoot one of them, though they do come so near ; but," continued Mr. MacTavish, "dae ye see how strangely they 're flying ? I 'm thinking they 're telling us that there '11 be bad weather soon." "Do yo'j think there'll be a storm, father?" asked Fergus, in a tone of some anxiety, not at all relishing the idea of such an event without a roof to cover him. " I should na wonder, laddie, if we have a bit of a storm before midnight," was the not very reassuring reply. "But we maun take things as they come. We 've had marvellous fine weather so far." As the afternoon advanced, the sun disappeared behind black, threatening clouds ; the air became hot, heavy, and enervating ; sudden gusts of wind dis- turbed the dark water and then died away again ; the ducks disappeared from the little coves, and the gulls, still wheeling in erratic flight, gave forth shrill, mournful cries that were not pleasant to hear, for they had an ominous sound ; the growl of the thunder grew steadily nearer, and the lightning flashed forth from the inky clouds. Suddenly, there came a blaze of lightning that lit up the whole horizon, followed by a crash of thunder which seemed to rend the heavens, and then, with a hiss as of fiercest hatred, the storm sprang upon the boat brigade. " A terre ! A terre ! " is the cry, as the boats are pointed toward the nearest bank, and the rowers bend double over their oars. The frothing waves dash in their faces, and the heavy boats toss and pitch like A Sight of the Salt Sea, 8s light canoes. Cowering in the stern, Fergus cast fearful glances at the furious elements. Wind and wave, thunder and lightning, seemed to have joined forces for the brigade's destruction. He marvelled at his father's calm, determined face, and the quiet, firm tone in which he issued his commands, and it g?ve him courage. Surely, if they were in danger of death, he would not be so composed. On dashed the boats through the water foaming angrily all about them. The bank was reached, and in quick succession the boats were beached. The men leaped out just as the rain came down in a wild deluge, in the midst of which the tents were pitched as fast as hands could do it. But it was labour in vain. Hardly are the tents up than with an exultant shriek the gale charged upon them, tore poles and pins out of the ground, and flung the canvas on the ground. Drenched to the skin, unable to make a fire, and without any protection save that afforded by getting into the lee of a clump of trees, the party was compelled to spend about as miserable a night as could be imagined. Poor Fergus found it very hard to be patient. He was almost as wet as if he had fallen into the river, and as hungry as a young bear. Yet neither dry clothes nor warm food were to be had. The best his fathrr could do for hiir. was to fish out some biscuits from the stores, and cover him with one of the oil- cloths, under which he alternately dozed and fretted in utter discomfort until daybreak. 86 Fergus MacTavish. Happily the storm spent itself during the night, and the sun rose next morning in unclouded splen- dour, restoring cheerfulness to everybody. A start was not made at once, as was usual, but several hours were spent in drying the dripping clothes and putting everything to rights. When they did get off the breeze befriended them again, and they made such good headway that by mid-day they passed out of the Steel River into the broad and beautiful Hayes River, whose rapid current would bear them smoothly on to York Factory. " Hah ! hah, Fergus ! " said the chief trader, exult- antly. "We've not far to gang noo. We'll be at York Factory for breakfast, if all keeps well." " Oh — father — how glad I am ! " cried Fergus, clap- ping his hands ; for, to tell the truth, he was heartily sick of this long and tedious boat journey ; and, moreover, each day that he drew nearer the great salt sea of which he had heard so much, he became more impatient to look upon it. Once they were well into the Hayes, the boats, instead of going in Indian file as hitherto, were all fastened together, side by side ; and then while one man looked after the steering the others could take their ease, as the rapid current and accommodating breeze bore them steadily on to their destina- tion. At night, too, no landing was made or tents pitched. A cold supper was eaten on board, and when dark- ness came all but two or three left on watch to see A Sight of the Salt Sea. 87 that the flotilla did not ground, stretched themselves out upon the bales and slept until morning. Sunrise found them within ten miles or so of York Factory. The nearer they drew to the end of their journey, the higher rose the spirits of the voyageurs. They sang and chatted and joked like a lot of noisy children, much to the amusement of Fergus, who had never before seen them so demonstrative. " What funny fellows they are, father ! " said he, looking from boat to boat. " I suppose they 're so happy because their work is nearly over." •• That 's partly their reason, Fergus ; but it 's the fine eating and drinking they '11 get at York they 're thinking most about," replied the chief trader. " They '11 be paid their wages, ye ken, and they '11 soon make their money rin awa* again, they 're such improvident creeturs ; but they won't learn to be more canny. I 've tried to teach them, and I might as well have talked to the gulls." " What a pity, isn't it, father ? " said Fergus, in a tone of regretful sympathy. " They 're such nice men, and they 're all sae gude to me." The finish was uneventful, York Factory was reached in good time for breakfast, and amid shout after shout of triumph the boats were beached in front of the Fort, while the voyageurs leaping ashore, hugged one another, and danced about in the most comical fashion, to express their delight at having reached the end of their long and toilsome journey. A warm welcome was ready for Mr. MacTavish I S8 Fergus MacTavish. I and his son. Mr. Frobisher, the chief factor at this important post, and many of his staff of clerks and employees, came down to meet them, and after greet- ings were exchanged, they all went into the big dining hall where a breakfast, the like of which Fergus had never sat down to before, awaited their attention. What splendid appetites they had ! and what a treat it was to sit down at a table o.ice more, and have all the appointments of civilisation at hand ! Fergus had not much to say for himself. Indeed his mouth was too full for utterance during most of the meal, but his eyes and ears were busy, and what he saw and heard greatly impressed him with the gtandeur of York Factory. Norway House seemed completely eclipsed ; and when he observed the deference his father paid to Mr. Frobisher, he felt quite awed at being in the presence of so great a man. \ When the meal was over the two chief officers went off to Mr. Frobisher's rooms for a confab over the affairs of the Company, and Fergus was left to look after himself But he had no chance to feel strange, for the presence of a white boy of his tender years aroused a good deal of interest, and he found the clerks ready to take him in charge, and help him to feel at his ease. In company with a couple of them he was taken around the establishment and " shown the lions " so to speak. York Factory, then the most important post of the Hudson's Bay Company, stood upon the bank of the ! Ill : A Sight of the Salt Sea. 89 Hayes River, about five miles from where it mingles its fresh current with the salt tides of the great bay. It was in the form of a large square, containing fully ten acres enclosed within a high, strong stockade, entered through a frowning gate before which a br .tery of four brass field-pieces stood in threatening array, having a very imposing look even if they were fit only for saluting. Inside the stockade ranged in orderly fashion were the different buildings. In the very centre was the big warehouse containing two years* outfit for the whole Northern department ; on either side of it were the visitors' house, and the mess- room. Behind ran a row of small, low buildings, painted yellow, for the labourers and voyagetirs. To the right hand rose the fine, two-storeyed dwelling of the chief factor, and near by it the comfortable quarters of the clerks, known as " Bachelor's Hall." On the left were the provision stores and the I vidian trading shop. Other buildings were scattered about the enclosure, and high above all stood a singular tower painted black, which puzzled Fergus greatly. " Hech ! but that 's a queer looking thing," he exclaimed ; " and what may that be for ? " "Come up with me to the top, and you'll see," answered Alec Ross, the young clerk who was showing him around. " That I will," responded Fergus. So up the narrow, rickety stairs they climbed, until they were more tlian a hundred feet above the ground. ;i fi 90 Fergus MacTavish. " Now," said Alec, pointing to the east, " what do you see?" Fergus looked in the direction indicated. His eyes opened to their very widest ; his mouth made a round "O," and he caught his breath with a gasp of astonished admiration. Straight before him ran the speedy Hayes River, broadening as it advanced, until five miles away it poured its flood into the mighty bosom of Hudson's Bay. Beginning there and stretching away until they touched the farthest horizon lay the waters of the bay, stirred into gentle ripples by a light breeze, and repeating the azure of the heavens in their depths, while the sun made a broad path of gold through their midst. " The sea ! " murmured Fergus to himself Then turning to Alec : " That is the sea, isn't it ? " " To be sure," answered Alec, unconcernedly. For it was no novelty oo him, as he had had a long voyage across it. " I 'm sae glad," said Fergus. " I 've sae lang wanted to see it. The great, salt sea ! and over there,'' pointing toward the eastern horizon, " is Scotland, where my father was born. Oh ! how joyfu' I wad be to gang there in a big ship." " Sin you were as sick as I on the big ship, ye wouldna be sae joyfu," said Alec, with a smile. •' I wad na mind the being sick awhile sae lang as I gat safe ashore again," returned Fergus, giving smile for smile. Alec then proceeded to describe one of the storms A Sight of the Salt Sea. 91 through which he had passed on his voyage out ; and Fergus, not to be outdone, told of his thrilling experience in the rapids, so that an hour or more passed before they bethought themselves of de- scending from the look-out. Just as they came down, they saw Mr. Frobisher and Mr. MacTavish making a tour of the Fort. " Oh, father," cried Fergus, running eagerly up to him, " I Ve seen the sea." '* Hae ye indeed, laddie ? " said the chief trader, patting his boy proudly on the shoulder. "And what dae ye think of it ? " " I think, father," and here he hesitated for a moment, " I think I 'd gie a great deal to be on it in a big ship, and sail across to Scotland." " Hoot awa, laddie ! " exclaimed Mr. MacTavish, while Mr. Frobisher looked on with an interested smile. " Hut ye 're taking a far flight. Dae ye hear that, Mr. Frobisher? Naething less than all the way to Scotland will content him." Mr. Frobisher gave Fergus an approving look. " Blood is thicker than water, Mr. MacTavish," said he. " Your boy is longing to see the old land just because you came from it ; and no doubt you 've talked to him about it. Sec here, Fergus," he con- tinued, turning to the lad, " the ship will soon be in from England, with the goods. Any day may bring her, now. How would you like to go back In her?" Fergus, carried away with delight at the idea, was just about to exclaim : I .i I •#* 92 Fergus MacTavish. " Vcrra much indeed, sir," when his eye fell upon his father. He checked himself, and then asked, hesitatingly : " And wad my father come too ? " Mr. Frobisher laughed. " Oh, no ! " said he. " We couldn't possibly spare your father ; but you could be put in charge of the captain, you know. He'd look after you right enough." The glad look left Fergus' face at once. Mr. Frobisher's reply changed the aspect of affairs entirely. The time had not yet come for him to be willing to say " good-bye " to father and mother, and set off on so long a journey alone. With a downcast expression, he made answer : " I dinna want to gang without my father, sir." " That 's right, my boy. Stick to your father for a while yet," said the chief factor, heartily. '* Ye '11 have to leave h'-n to strike out for yourself soon enough." The arrival of the annual ship from England was the subject of supreme interest at York Factory, especially as she was now several days overdue, and some little anxiety began to be felt concerning her. Fergus heard about her on all sides, and his curiosity was excited to the highest pitch. There was a sea- faring clement in his make-up, his grandfather having been one of the most intrepid fishermen that ever sailed the North Sea in quest of finny treasures ; and among his books there were none he read with such interest as stories of the sea. < ii A Sight of the Salt Sea. 93 During the next few days, while the ship still failed to put in an appearance, and even Mr. Frobisher began to be worried about her, Fergus spent more time in the " lookout " than anybody else. His was a remarkably tenacious nature. When an idea took possession of him he had little thought for anything else. There were many novelties to interest him at the Fort, but so absorbed was he in thinking ab ;Ut the ship, that he paid small heed to them. It was therefore only fair that he should \ ^ /e the honour of beinfr the first to sight the eagerly await' d vessel. Monday, the twenty-eighth day of Aiij^ust, dawned bright and clear; and the first rays of sun- light that flashed across the still waters of the bay found Fergus alone on the top of the "lookout," dancing for very joy as he shouted : " The ship ! the ship ! I see her." Down the long flight of steps he plunged at a reck- less pace, and up to Mr. Frobisher's door. In response to his vigorous knocking, that gentleman's head appeared at the window. " The ship 's come ! " cried the excited boy. " I 've seen her." " You have, eh ! Fergus ? " answered the chief factor, his face lighting up at the welcome news. "Well done! You shall certainly go off with me in the schooner to meet her." In a few minutes the good word spread through the Fort and all was activity and bustle. Nobody paid much attention to breakfast. They were too \t. ._j 94 Fergus MacTavish. excited to eat, for the great event of the year was at hand. With as little delay as possible the schooner, which lay at anchor in front of the Fort, was made ready, and Mr. Frobisher, together with Mr. MacTavish and several of the clerks, went on board, Fergus not being forgotten. The sails were hoisted to a favour- ing breeze, and away glided the graceful craft down the river to the bay. Fergus was in the highest state of delight, and not without good reason. Aside from his own craving for the sea, there was everything to make the trip a pleasure. The day was beautiful, the wind blow- ing steadily from the west, the schooner a capital sailer, and the company in the best of good humour. The mouth of the Hayes was soon reached, and then the schooner began to pitch and toss among the waves of Hudson's Bay, the breeze freshening as she left the land behind. Presently a school of white whales came up to pay their respects to her, rolling clumsily through the green water, puffing and pant- ing as if they were very much out of breath. '• Why, father ! " cried Fergus, full of wonder at these monsters, " what are they ? Sic odd-looking creatures ! " " Those are whales, white whales," replied the chief trader. "Maybe ye '11 have the chance to see how they catch them before ye leave York." " Oh, but that wad be grand, fathei ' " exclaimed A Sight of the Salt Sea. 95 Fergus. " It maun be fine sport catching sic fish as those." - Mr. Frobisher overheard their conversation, and turning toward them, said : "If ye '11 wait until I 'm through with the ship, I '11 promise to give you a day's white whale fish- mg. "Verra weel, Mr. Frobisher," responded Mr. MacTavish. "I'd like to see the sport myself, so we '11 accept your kind offer." A couple of hours' smart sailing took the schooner alongside of the advancing ship, and a boat being lowered, Mr. Frobisher and Mr. MacTavish went on board. While they were exchanging greetings with the captain and glancing through their letters from the headquarters of the Company, Fergus was exam- ining the big vessel with the keenest interest. The Prince of Wales was a fine ship of nearly six hundred tons, built in the strongest manner so as to withstand the fierce buffeting that usually befell her in the difficult passage of Hudson's Straits. The little schooner seemed like a mere sailboat beside her, and Fergus, looking up at the lofty masts tapering away into the air, thought he had never before seen anything so imposing. The sight of the masts with their maze of rigging and sturdy spars filled him with a strong desire to climb them. He followed with his eye the rope ladders leading to the trucks and the stays going right to the top, and made up his mind that ere he was many days older, he would climb as close 96 Fergus MacTavish, to the peak as a boy could get. He was sorry his father had not taken him on board with him. He' felt like making the attempt right away. But he had a better sense of propriety than to push his way on deck uninvited ; and when his father did appear, it was evident that no time was to be lost in returning to York Factory, so that he was compelled to postpone his ambitious designs until a more favourable opportunity. Burdened with letters and papers more precious than gold, Mr. Frobisher and Mr. MacTavish returned to the schooner, and all sail was made for the Fort, the ship following at a more leisurely pace and steer- ing for Five Fathom Hole, as her anchoring ground at the mouth of the Hayes River was called. " Father," said Fergus, the moment he could secure the chief trader's attention, " I 'a ish ye had taken me on the big ship wi' }'c." . " And what for are ye sac anxious to gang on board the big ship, Fergus?" inquired Mr. MacTavish. " I want to get awa' up to the top there," answered Fergus, pointing to where the pennant fluttered gaily in the breeze. " Then I 'm vcrra weel pleased I didna take ye wi* me," said Mr. MacTavish. "Ye might break yer neck tryin' sich tricks." '* Nae fear o' that, father," responded Fergus, with a confident smile. " I *11 take gude care not to break my neck, or onything else." Now Mr. MacTavish did not like the idea of his A Sight of the Salt Sea. 97 boy climbing to the peak of one of those lofty masts ; and he was just about to lay his commands upon him' not to attempt it, when he was called away by Mr. Frobisher, who wished to speak with him, and the matter passed out of his mind. Fergus, who now had a shrewd suspicion that his father would not sanction the enterprise, took care to make no further reference to the subject. The little wharf at York was crowded with clerks, voyageurs, labourers, and in fact the whole populace of the Fort came down to welcome the schooner and hear the news from across the ocean. Those who were lucky enough to receive letters and packets from dear ones at home hurried off to devour their contents, while the unfortunates who had not been thus remembered tried hard to appear unconcerned. Evening had am^ before the excitement subsided and the current of life resumed its normally quiet flow. The schooner was to return to the Prince of Wales early in the morning; and daybreak found Fergus awake and dressed, determined not to be left behind. Forgetting all about breakfast he hurried down to the wharf and aboard the vessel, without saying any- thing to his father. No one made any objection to his presence, and he was soon slipping down the river toward the Prince of Wales. He had a novel feeling of exultation at thus being off on his own account, somewhat chilled by the occasional hinting of his conscience that he was not I 4 98 Fergus MacTavish. doing right in going without his father's knowledge. But he soon forgot this in the dehght of being free to' do as he pleased ; and with all a boy's recklessness of the future, he gave himself up to the enjoyment of the present. CHAPTER VI. ADVENTURES BY SEA AND LAND. TN due time the schooner ranged alongside the A Prmce of Wales, and the crew at once began to take on board the goods. Fergus' presence attracted no attention, and being left entirely to himself, he watched the operation of putting the contents of the ships hold into the schooner's for a while, and then losmg interest in that, bethought himself of carryinu' mto execution his scheme of climbing the maint mast. Addressing one of the mates who was superintend- ing the lading of the schooner, he asked : " Please, sir, may I go up the mast ? " Without stopping to look at him the mate answered, ott-nand ; '• I s'pose so, sonny, so long as you know how to get back again." Quite confident that he did know how. Fergus climbed from the bulwarks into the main chains and started up the ratlines at a lively rate. It was all plain sailing so far as the main-top, and crawlin^ through the lubber's hole, instead of getting over the 99 lOO Fergus MacTavish. rim by the futtock-shrouds, he stood upon the main- truck, feeling very proud of himself The ascent to the cross-trees he found much more difficult. The shrouds were thinner, the ratlines farther apart, and even his light weight seemed to sway them in a way that was not just comfortable. More than once he paused and debated whether he should not turn back. But his pride came to the assistance of his courage, and he persevered in spite of trembling nerves and tiring muscles, until at length, with a huge sigh of relief he reached the cross-trees, and sat down upon them for a good rest. Glancing somewhat fearfully downward he was surprised to find how far from the deck he seemed, and he could not help thinking what a dreadful thing a fall from such a height would be. This thought greatly increased his nervousness, and as he looked up at the pennant still soaring away above him at the peak of the main royal mast, he had about made up his mind to retrace his steps, when, happening to turn his eyes down to the deck again, he saw that several of the men were watching him and apparently having a laugh together over his having come to a full stop. This touched him to the quick. No doubt they were making ready to quiz him as soon as he returned to the deck. He determined that they should have nothing to laugh at him for, and sum- moning all his strength of mind and body, he addressed himself to the shrouds once more. ^- ■ Adventures by Sea and Land. loi There were no ratlines to help him now. Simply the bare shrouds up which he must climb by twisting his legs about them and dragging himself up, hand over hand, as he had seen the sailors do. It was very hard work even for his sturdy muscles. But with most laudable determination he persevered, and at last, by a tremendous effort that demanded his last ounce of strength, drew himself across the main royal yard and clung there, limp, breathless, and exhausted. He had all but reached the goal he had set for himself Not more than fifteen feet above him the pennant flapped and fluttered in the fresh morning breeze. And now for the first time he noticed that the shrouds went only half the distance up to it, and that if he should persist in his efforts to reach the tiny flag, he would have to shin up the varnished mast. This, of course, was out of the question, and feeling much relieved at having the matter thus settled, Fergus tried to enjoy the triumph he had achieved. The view from his lofty eyrie was very fine. Look- ing landwards he could see York Factory plainly, and far beyond it into the country, then turning seawards the whole expanse of Hudson's Bay lay before him, glistening in the sunshine, while beneath him the Prince of Wales rocked gently at her moorings, the busy men upon her deck seeming not much bigger than Fergus himself But he soon got tired of the view, and the question of getting down again absorbed his attention. To his dismay he found that neither his nerves nor his ' I02 Fergus MacTavish. muscles were in fit condition for the descent. He put his feet carefully over the yard and tried to catch them in the shrouds below, but did not seem able to reach them. So he hastily scrambled back to his former position. Truly he had got himself into an awkward, if not perilous fix. Nearly a hundred feet in the air, and no other way of descent than by a bare rope which he could not reach. With what heartfelt sincerity did he blame himself for his folly, and wish that he were safe upon the deck again ! Forgetting all his pride he bent over the yard and called for help at the top of his voice. But there was a brisk breeze now blowing, and it made such a soughing through the maze of ropes that his cries were completely drownv,d, and he shouted himself hoarse in vain. Then realising how vain were all his efforts, he turned to God for help and praved as he had never prayed in his life before. Meanwhile the men on deck, who had been giving him a glance from time to time, began to wonder at his long stay. *' Say, Bill," remarked Tom Forestay to one of his mates after giving a squint skyward, " what can that young 'un be about up there? He seems to have become mighty fond of ' he main royal all of a sudden." " Right you arc, Tom," said Bill, shifting his quid so as to improve his utterance. " Hark 'ee, I 've a notion what 's amiss with him. He 's got up so high he 's afcard to come down. I 'vc known landlubbers la I I i 11 1 ( ijl ' I I " lie bent over the ynrd, and called for help at the top of his voice.' — J''a^e 102. i i .^.J II ;;h ^!. i * , Adventures by Sea and Land. 103 get into that fix afore. Let 's swarm up and give him a hand." " Ay, ay, my hearty," responded Tom. And with all the ease of expert mariners t: