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^^^^^i

FERGUS MACTAVISH

BY THE SAME AUTHOR.

IVitk Eight Ftill-page Illustrations by j. Finnemerc.

BERT LLOYD'S BOYFIOOD.

% £tori? from ^oba J^tctu.
8vo, handsomely bound in Cloth, gilt edges, 5s.

"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-

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'

)H<U Jll ll

I Mo instant tne huu ciuiyiii Myiu m mc uv<^, in. lo.n..^.. ..... ..w.. .,

witli a dull nu.ibling roar rushed fiercely upon him." — Pa^e 306.

{Frontispiece.

FERGUS MACTAVISH

OR.

A BOY^S WILL

B Store of tbc jfar Wortb-'filiicet

J. MAC DONA LI) OX LEY, LL.R

A.-TMC, ,.K '•nF.HT U.nvu's IU,V„r,„„,' ,,Tr.

/'77V/ '/7/-/0/./-A- //./.rsT/c.,r/OXS.

bonbon
HODDER AND STOUGHTON
. 27, PATERNOSTER ROW

MDCCCXCIII.

X S4F4

158377

KDINIIIIKGH :

I'NIN'I'KI) IIV I.OKIMKK AND (HI. I. IKS,

31 ST. ANDKKW S(,)IIAKF.

CONTEN rs.

tHAl'TKU

III.

IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.

NORWAY HOUSE, ...

FERGUS' PLAYMATES,
EARLY EXPERIENCES,
A TRIP TO YORK rACTQRY,
A SIGHT OF THE SALT SEA,
. ADVENTURES IJY SEA AND LAND,
. NEW ARRIVALS AT NORWAY HOUSE,
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD,
WINTER AT NORWAY HOUSE,
SOWING THE SEED, ...
A TALK ABOUT RACE RUNNING,
EN ROUTE TO RED RIVER,
A STRUGGLE WITH THE STORM,
RED RIVER AND HOME AGAIN,
THE VISIT OF Till.: GOVERNOR,

45
61

99
117

135
'5'
171

189
207
225

243
265

Contents.

ClIArTKH

XVI. WESTWARD WITH SIR GEORGE,
XVII. BUFFALO AND BEAR, . . . .

XVIII. A GLAD HOME-COMING, . . . .

XIX. IN PERIL OF THE PLAGUE, .
XX. OUT OF THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW,

PAGE
287

323
341
363

LIST OF ILLUSTRATI

ONS.

I. NORWAY HOUSE, .

NORWAY HOUSE LANDING,
LOWER EORT GARRY,
2. SCENE AT THE PORTAGE,

3- VORK FACTORY,

4- A PERILOUS POSITION,

5. RUTH UPON HER KNEES,

6. THE RACE,

7. OLD FORT GARRY, . . . _
S. HANKS OF THE RED RIVER,

y- FERGUS AND THE liUFFALO,
lO. NEAR CALGARY, LOOKING TOWARD
THE ROCKY I\IOUNTAINS,

n. THE MOUNTAINS ROSE INTO VIEW

LIKE SERRATED CLOUDS,
12. AN INDIAN CAMP, .

AKTISTS. ''

/F. T. Smedlcy, .

ro FACl
HAOli

i\ 11 Schcll, .

/': B. Schcll, .

//. A. Oi:;dcn,

Schdl and Hoirait,

J. Fi/incmon;

102

J. I'liwcmorc,

149

y. Finncmore^

192

F. B. Schdl, .

245

F. B. Schdl, .

293

J. Ftn/icmorc,

306

Marquis of Lome, 3 1 2

Schdl and Ilogan, 3 r 3
/K T, S medley, . 350

VII

CHAPTER I.

NORWAY HOUSE.

WHEN Fergus was a wee thing in her arms,
Mrs. MacTavish, though fond and happy as
ever mother was since Eve, thought him such an odd-
looking little fellow that she had less eagerness to
exhibit him than mothers are wont to have in regard
to their first-born.

His tiny pink face seemed to possess an undue
quantity of puckers, and it boasted a crown of undeni-
ably red hair crisped up into comical little curls, from
beneath which two bright, brown beads of eyes stared
out with such startling aggressiveness that it was not
easy to restrain a smile of amusement at the baby's
appearance on first making his acquaintance.

This was a cause of considerable concern to Mrs.
MacTavish. She worried lest her boy should grow
up so very homely as to be placed at some disadvan-
tage in making his way through the world. But her
big, warm-hearted, hard-headed husband did not share
these tender apprehensions.

" Tut ! Ailie, lass," said he, half impatiently, in reply
to her fond forebodings, " ye need nac fash ye/sel'

Fers[us MacTavish.

aboot the bairn's beauty. He 'II be braw enoo in good
time. Why," he went on, with a sly twinkle in the
corner of his honest grey eye, " ma mither always
said there was not a homelier wean in the Orkneys
than my ainsel', and yet surely ye canna say that I 'm
a bogie to look at noo."

*' Indeed, you're not, Dugald, dearie," cried his wife,
greatly comforted in heart. " There 's not a handsomer
man in the West, if it is your ain wife that says it ; "
and, drawing his shaggy face down to hers, she gave
him a kiss of loving pride.

Dugald straightened himself up again, and filled
out his chest. He appreciated both the kiss and the
compliment. Though he might be the handsomest
man in the West in no other eyes than his wife's, still
that was something to feel proud about ; for this he
knew right well, that no man in the West had a
bonnier or better wife than he possessed, and that
Ailie Stewart, of Kildonan, had refused many an
eligible suitor before her blue eyes fell favourably
upon him.

It was well for the MacTavishcs that they were so
content and happy in each other's society. Their
home lay far away from the rest of the world, and
they must needs depend much upon themselves.
Dugald MacTavish was chief trader in charge of the
Hudson's Bay Company's fort known as Norway
House, at the time of our story one of the most
important posts established by that remarkable
institution which, for so many decades, held sway

n'W^FS^^

1. l.tnVI.R KiKI (,,\KUS

J. NOKWAN llol ,iK I..\M>1N<;

NUKWAV IIOUSK.

Norway House.

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

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'

Norway House.

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.

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,

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.

;♦:!

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

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.

Itl

ill

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.

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

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."

'ill

Norway House.

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 ;

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

Norway House.

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 :

Fergus MacTavish.

'\
\

'* 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.

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

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

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.

lite

|lty

;cn

of
rile

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

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.

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 ? "

iir

jSili

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

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

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 ? "

W
w
w

Fergus' Playmates.

)St

itc

1st

P-
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

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.

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

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

Fergus Playmates,

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

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.

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.

I Ii

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.

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

Fergus MacTavish.

!'S:

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

Fergus MacTavish.

I i

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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.

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

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,

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

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

KNK A I' IIIK I'OlMAtil'-,. — /W.iT 5I,

• 1

'•i \

■ I i\

Early Experiences.

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.

^1-

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.

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

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

Early Experienced.

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

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,

for help, but ^i<! ^^''eathless condition prevented his
making himself understood. He then endeavoured
to order off the dogs, but they refused to take the
slightest notice of him.

His situation became serious. His breath was gone,
and his legs were tottering under him. At length he
could keep his feet no longer, and tripping over a
thick tuft of grass he fell face forward, still holding
desperately to the lasso.

Then the men, who had enjoyed it all so heartily,
thought it time to interfere, and with a whoop half a
dozen of them sprang up and scattered over the plain,
shouting :

" Hold on, Fergus ! We 're after you. Keep your
grip."

It was easy enough to cry " Hold on ! " but Fergus
found it mighty hard work to do so ; and the little
strength he had was just about leaving him when one
of the men, catching up to the calf, threw himself
upon its back, tumbling it helplessly to the ground,
while another picked up Fergus, and loosed the rope
from his waist.

'* Eh, my lad, but that was rare sport, wasn't it ?
If ye could only have kept your feet a little longer
you 'd have brought the calfie down for sure," said the
trapper who had picked him up, a broad smile suffus-
ing his bronzed features. Then, noticing that Fergus
seemed faint, he added with quick concern : " But are
you hurt, Fergus, boy? What's the matter with
you ? "

:.;i !

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i: III

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1 1.1.

Fergus MacTavish,

Fergus at first had no breath to answer. But he
soon recovered it sufficiently to gasp out, with a heroic
attempt at a smile of indifference :

" No, not much. I '11 soon be all right."

He was not much damaged, as it turned out The
lasso had left a red circle around his waist that was
painful for a while, and his shins and elbows had
suffered by being bumped over the ground ; but
otherwise he had escaped injury.

It was a good while before he heard the last of that
lassoing experiment. His father thought it a huge
joke, and often, when they came across the calf, would
give Fergus a nudge, inquiring slyly :

" Have you got your lasso, laddie? "

But neither the rough treatment he had received
from the calf, nor the teasing of his friends, in any-
wise weakened the boy's determination to become
expert with the rope. He only practiced the more
diligently, and bade fair to become very skilful in due
time.

Another accomplishment to which Fergus gave
much attention was the handling of a rifle. His father
had procured for him a beautiful littlej^^pon that
he could easily carry, and wlu^ had little or no
recoil.

He soon learned to load it properly himself, but his
father very wisely would not allow him to do any
shooting unless he was in company with some of the
men.

Very often in the evenings there would be shooting-

Early Experiences.

matches on the green. A target had been put up on
the side of the ridge, and the men of the Fort would
have competitions among themselves or with some of
their visitors, in which Fergus took a keen interest.
His father was an admirable shot. At two hundmd
yards he never missed the bull's-eye, and he could be
safely trusted to hit the target somewhere at almost
any distance his rifle would carry. He was accord-
ingly anxious that his son should be an equally good
mark3man when he grew up to manhood, and he gave
him many a lesson in sighting, in calculating the
range, and in allowing for the wind.

Thus was Fergus' boyhood full of interesting, health-
ful activity, and it might safely be said that year in
and year out there was not a happier boy between the
Rockies and the Atlantic. From one common cause
of discontent he had a fortunate immunity. There
were no boys about him whose lot was superior to his,
and with whom he might institute comparisons to his
own disadvantage. On the contrary, he was the
object of a certain amount of envy among his
companions because by virtue of his father's position
he stood Grst, and in his case accordingly if there was
little temptatioiTTTrdiscontent, there was considerable
danger of an arrogant si)irit being fostered. His
nature had certain leanings in this direction too. He
was inclined to be very imperious on occasions, and
needed some stout opposition by way of discipline.
His being an only child prevented his getting this
wholesome kind of experience at home ; so that it fell

Fergus MacTavish.

upon the outside world to teach him that there was
a time to give no less than to take, a time to serve no
less than to command. And that he did learn this
lesson well will appear as the history of his life
unfolds itself.

' i

CHAPTER IV.

A TRIP TO YORK FACTORY.

AS Fergus grew older, the range of his ideas and
ambitions widened. He longed to see more of
the world than was visible from the hill behind
Norway House, and began to press his father to let
him go with him on some of his frequent journeys
north to Hudson's Bay, or south to the Red River.

But Mr. MacTavish was slow in granting his wish.
When he journeyed, his manner was to make the
shortest possible time between his starting point and
his destination. His business was always uppermost
in his mind, and he did not welcome very cordially
the notion of havin a small boy on his hands, who
would have to be constantly considered, and who
would necessarily be more or less of a drag.

" Time enough, laddie," he would reply to Fergus'
coaxing, " yer mither canna spare ye yet. Ye maun
bide at hame to keep her company for the present.
Ye '11 have plenty of going to and fro all in good time."

But the summer that Fergus was twelve he felt

particularly restive, and seemed to fret so much over

the long-deferred fulfilment of his desires, that at last

Fergus MacTavish.

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the chief trader thought it time to accede to them,
especially as Mrs. MacTavish warmly supported her
son. Accordingly he announced that he would take
Fergus with him when he went up to York Factory
for his annual supply of goods ; and thenceforth
Fergus counted the days impatiently until the time
for setting forth should come.

It was the month of August before the brigade of
boats got off, and the week preceding the start 'vas
one of intense activ'l\' at the Fort. The packages of
precious furs gathered during the winter and spring,
through trade with the Indians, had all to be examined
and put in perfect order ; the boats must be minutely
inspected, every leak calked, and every weak spot
strengthened, and plenty of provisions made ready for
the long trip northward.

The boats used in travelling between Norway House
and Hudson's Bay were as unlike the light, graceful
canoe of the West as they could possibly be ; for they
were heavy, awkward, blunt-bowed, square-sterned
craft, capable of carrying three tons of cargo apiece,
besides a crew of ten or twelve voyageurs^ and three
or four passengers.

Fergus would have vciy much preferred going in
canoes, as his father sometimes did when making a
special trip in which speed was of the first import-
ance. But he had not the arranging of the matter,
and his gladness at being allowed to join the party,
swallowed up all other feelings.

Days before they started he had all his preparations

!li

A Trip to York Factory.

made ; a stout skin bag packed with changes of
clothing and spare moccasins, his rifle cleaned and
cased, a goodly store of ammunition put up ; and
everything else done that he could anticipate as
being necessary.

His mother entered heartily into the spirit of the
thing.

" Ye 're going to see what I 've never seen yet,
Fergus, dearie, and that 's the great salt sea ; and
maybe some day ye '11 be sailing across it to the
country whence your grandfather and grandmither
came. Ah me ! " she added, with a half-suppressed
sigh, " I 'd like well to gae there myself Mony a
bonnie tale they *ve told me aboot it. But I maun na
repine. The lines truly have fallen unto me in
pleasant places, and" — taking Fergus' face betwe: n her
hands, and imprinting a fond kiss upon his forehead —
" you '11 have to see the world for yer mither, Fergus."

Fergus straightened himself up and assumed a very
important, enterprising air, saying :

*' Ay, that I will, mither, if I can. Never fear."

The brigade got away amid much bustle and
apparent confusion late in the afternoon of Wednesday.
It consisted of six boats, each having a crew of ten
voyageurs. The only passengers were the chief trader,
Fergus, and two young clerks, named Grant and
Patterson, on their way to York Factory, to spend
the winter at that post.

The day was as fine as heart could wish, and amid
cheers from those on shore, and songs from the crews

I !

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Fergus MacTavish.

on board, the boats lined out in procession behind Mr.
MacTavish's, and cut their way through the rippling
water.

Fergus could hardly contain himself for joy. He
bounced about in the boat as lively as a sparrow, now
standing in the bow, and looking out very sharply for
rocks and shallows, and other perils of navigation,
and then throwing himself down in the stern beside
his father, and plying him with eager questions as to
how far they would go before stopping for the night ;
how long the men could row without getting tired ;
how many days they would be in getting to York
Factory, and so on, to all of which h's father replied
promptly and fully :

" Ask as mony questions as ye like, Fergus," said
he, smiling upon him affectionately, " and I '11 warrant
to answer ye as mony as I can. Just keep both yer
een wide open, and everything ye dinna understand,
be quick to ask aboot it. There 's no better way to
learn than that."'

The boats being heavily laden, very rapid progress
could not be made, and only twelve miles were put
behind when the fast-sinking sun gave notice that it
was time to camp. The voyagcurs would simply roll
up in their blankets, and sleep in the open air ; but
for the chief trader there was a roomy tent, which he
and Fergus and the two clerks would occupy.

The evening meal was quickly prepared and
despatched, and then the crews gathered about the
fires oi crackling pine, and sang their favourite songs

III

lil K.

A Trip to York Factory.

with a heartiness that sent the echoes reverberating
far and wide. "■ A^ la claire fontaincl' ''En roulant
ma boiile." Others followed in tuneful succession,
the simple music seeming in perfect accord with the
wild beauty of the scene.

All this was very delightful to Fergus. For the
first time in his life he was cut loose from the
common-place surroundings of home, and taking part
in the life of the hunter and traveller. The lot of the
voyageur appeared full of attractions to him. Joining
with them as they sang, he watched the curling smoke "*
from their pipes, listened to their soft voluble speech,
and admiring their supreme content as they stretched
at their ease upon the turf, he found himself wishing
that he was one of them. They seemed to have no
cares so long as there was plenty of pemmican to eat,
and no lack of tobacco for their pipes.

A very interesting class of men were these voyagciirs.
With French and Indian blood mingling in their
veins, their natures showed the characteristics of their
ancestry. They were as a rule tall, slight, shapely
men, with regular, clear-cut features, eyes and hair
black as a raven's, and skin as tawny as an Indian's.
Abounding in activity and vigour, brave and enduring
to a fault, they had the spontaneous gaiety of happy
children ; and were always ready for a song, no
matter how tired they might be. Like children, too,
they needed lots of looking after. Their regard
for the truth was very slight, and their honesty
was not above suspicion. They could be most

' !'

Fergus Mac Tavish.

provokingly lazy, moreover, when the humour seized
them.

But in Mr. MacTavish's hands they were models of
good behaviour. He had the reputation of having
under him the best disciplined staff in his district ;
and his voyagcjirs were no exception. They held him
in the highest respect. They both feared and loved
him. They feared him because he did not hesitate to
enforce his commands in a way that made disobedience
a dangerous experiment, and they loved him because
he never failed to show due consideration for their
feelings. He treated them as men, not as mere
hirelings to be abused at pleasure. The strictest
justice animated all his dealings with them. In their
expressive phrase, he was " a man of one word."
Whatever he promised he held to, and so his influence
among them was supreme. There was no service so
severe that any one of them would not gladly under-
take for his sake.

On a couch of fragrant cedar boughs, with his bag
for a pillow and a blanket rolled tightly around him,
Fergus slept the sleep of good health and a clear
conscience. He was just in the midst of a pleasant
dream, having as it seemed to him been not more
than an hour in bed, when his slumbers were broken
by his father calling loudly: " Zm', IJve, Live!*'
That is, " Get up ; " and by the time he had shaken
the sleep from his eyes, and got out of his blanket,
he found the whole camp already astir. Oh, dear !
but how sleepy he did feel ! What was the use of

A Trip to York Factory.

i: i

getting up so early ? It would not be dawn for hours
yet, surely. If voyageurs had to turn out as early as
this every morning it was not so pleasant being a
voyagcur, after all. Thinking he would have time
for another nap before breakfast, he threw himself
down again, and was just dozing off sweetly, when
his father appeared at the tent-door, calling to
him :

" Fergus, laddie, are you awake yet ? Come out of
your nest."

In a very sleepy tone of protest, Fergus replied :

" I '11 come out, father, when the breakfast is ready,"
and turned over to resume his nap.

But instead of leaving him Mr. MacTavish gave a
hearty laugh, and with a quick jerk pulled the
blanket off.

" Breakfast ! Fergus," he cried. " Not a sup of
breakfast will there be until we've made a dozen
miles. Come, laddie, stir yourself, or the tent will be
tumbling about your ears."

Feeling very hungry, sleepy, and cross, Fergus
crawled out into the cold, morning air, and gloomily
watched the men making ready to start. How
differently everything looked in the gray, grim dawn
from what it had done the evening before, when the
fires were burning briskly and the men singing
merrily. There were neither fires nor song now.
All the romance of camping out had vanished.

Quite understanding how he felt, his father said
kindly to him :

Fergus MacTavish,

|:;. !l

"Just run doon to the water, and dip yer hands
and face in it. You '11 feel more sonsey then."

Although it sounded more like a suggestion than
a command, Fergus knew well enough it was the
latter, and although not much in the humour for cold
water, did as he was bidden, with the result that he
felt a good deal brightened up by his ablutions.

No time was wasted in getting off; and, pulling
away as briskly as if they had had a hearty breakfast,
the voyageiirs sent the big boats through the water
at such a good pace that by eight o'clock the chief
trader's twelve miles had been made, and a halt was
ordered for rest and refreshment.

What an appetite everybody had for the morning
meal ! The voyageiirs were content with pemmican
and flour and tea ; but for the passengers there were
in addition cured buffalo tongue, biscuits, sugar,
butter, and other table comforts, which they greatly
relished.

Louis Bonchance, who was responsible for the
meals, had far more skill in cooking than was ordin-
ary among his class, c..nd took no small pride in dis-
playing it ; so that if the travellers were sure to have
a good appetite for their breakfast, they could count
with equal certainty upon having a good breakfast
for their appetite.

"Well, Fergus, do you feel any better now?"
inquired Mr. MacTavish, when the boy's attack upon
the substantial fare at last showed signs of slackening.

Fergus gave his belt a hitch that it might fit more

"ra^«

A Trip to York Factory.

easily around his expanded waist, and with the most
amiable of smiles replied that he did feel very much
better.

"Just keep on that road then, laddie. A merry
heart makes a short journey, ye ken."

" But I 'm sure I don't want this journey to be
short, father," said Fergus. " I 'm enjoying it too
much."

"How aboot the getting up i' the mornings?"
asked his father, with a smile.

" Oh, that 's all right, father ; I '11 not take long to
get used to that," Fergus responded brightly ; and to
his credit be it recorded that during the rest of the
trip he bounded out cheerfully as soon as the cry of
" Leve^ L^ve^' broke in upon his slumbers.

During the course of the morning the boats ran
their first rapid, and it was quite an exciting experi-
ence. Owing to their bulk and weight they are
considerably more difficult to manage than canoes.
Every man must thoroughly understand his work,
and do it at exactly the right moment, or a smashed
boat and ruined freight may be the consequence.
From his post in the stern-sheets of the leading boat,
Fergus had a splendid opportunity of taking it
all in.

As they drew near the rapids the river narrowed,
and its banks grew precipitous and rocky. The
current increased in velocity, and soon the roar and
splash of the troubled torrent became audible.
Quivering with half-timorous, half-delighted cxpecta-

Fergus MacTavish.

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tion, Fergus kneeled upon the thwart, and grasping
the gunwale tightly, tried to watch every movement
of boat and whirling water at once.

The speed of the current was so great that the oars
were no longer needed to send the boat onward, and
the rowers unshipped them, but still held them in
their hands to use as poles to push off from the rocks,
should they happen to strike or ground. Presently
they were in the midst of the wild turmoil of water,
and then the heavy, clumsy boat seemed to become
as light as a feather. This way and that it darted at
the bidding of the resistless current, now plunging its
bow so deep into the foaming whirls that the spray
splashed clear to the stern, and then rising up on the
crest of an angry billow that seemed eager to take it
down.

" Oh, father ! isn't this grand ? " exclaimed Fergus,
as with dilated eyes and tense muscles he crouched
on the seat beside the chief trader, who held the
steering oar.

But his father was too absorbed in his critical task
to make any response. They were nearing the Cellar
now, and his utmost skill would soon be called for.
This place they called the Cellar was one of the most
dangerous spots on the river. After dashing and
whirling about furiously through gravel banks and
boulders, the torrent took a sudden leap into a deep
pool, which bore some resemblance to the cellar of a
house, and thus got its name.

" Sit ye doon, now, Fergus," said Mr. MacTavish,

A Trip to York Factory.

as the roar of the fall made itself heard. " We 're
gaen to take a big jump, and ye might fall oot."

" Nae fear, father. I 'm all right here," responded
Fergus, who did not want to change his position
because he had such a good view of everything from
where he was.

It would have been better for him had he obeyed
at once, for before his father could repeat his com-
mand, they were on the brink of the drop. The
heavy boat going at full speed shot out half its length
into the air, and then dived into the dark pool below.

It struck the water with a shock as though it had
been solid rock, and at the same moment careened
violently over on the side where Fergus was, the
water rushing in over the gunwale.

" Take care ! Fergus, take care ! " shouted the chief
trader, making a grasp at his son, whose danger he
perceived.

But he was just a second too late. The sudden
shock loosened Fergus' hold of the gunwale, and the
careening of the boat threw him off his balance.
With a shrill shriek of terror he pitched forward, and
vanished in the seething foam.

"My God! the laddie!" cried Mr. MacTavish,
throwing down the steering oar and plunging after
his son, while the stroke oar of th" boat, with quick
intelligence, sprang into his place to take charge of
the steering.

There was a chorus of startled exclamations from
the men as they hurriedly got their oars into place,

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Fergiis MacTavish.

and peered anxiously into the water for the first sign
of the swimmers. For a moment or two nothing was
visible save the whirling froth. Then amid cries of
" Voila! Voi/a!" Mr. MacTavish's head rose to the
surface, and a moment after Fergus appeared some
little distance a^vay.

It was well for Fergus that he had learned to swim,
lie needed all his knowledge now. The water spun
round and round in mighty eddies, and seemed to be
trying its best to drag him down again ere his father
could reach him.

" Keep oop, Fergus ! Keep oop ! " cried Mr. Mac-
Tavish. " I 'm coming tae ye."

Fergus heard the cry and turned toward his father,
struggling bravely with the furious flood. Half-a-
dozen strenuous strokes, and Mr. MacTavish's hand
was upon his shoulder.

" Eh, laddie," said he, with a sigh of vast relief
'* You 're all richt noo. I '11 take yc safe to land."

The shore was near, and in another minute father
and son were standing upon it, the chief trader having
no other thought than fervent gratitude, but Fergus
feeling very much ashamed of himself because he
knew what had happened was all his own fault.

By this time others of the boats had arrived, and
the men crowded around the two dripping figures
with eager questions and voluble admiration for their
leader's action.

" That '1' do, that '11 do," said Mr. MacTavish, after
h*^ had assured them that both he and his son were

A Trip to York Factory.

none the worse for their wetting. "We'll make a
halt here for dinner. Just let the other boats know ;
and you, Fergus, get oot yer bag, and put some dry
claes on ye."

Fergus started to obey the order, then checked
himself, and came back to his father,

" Father, I 'm sore sorry that I gave you so much
trouble," said he, his eyes filling and his lip trembling.
" I should have sat down the instant you told me."

" It 's a true word you 're saying, laddie," assented
Mr. MacTavish, *'but I think ye '11 not soon forget
what your not doing it cost you, eh, Fergus ? "

" No, indeed, father, I won't. I '11 promise you to
keep my seat at the next rapid," responded the boy
in a brighter tone, for he saw that his father did not
intend to give him the scolding he felt he deserved,
and so the matter dropped.

After a longer halt than usual for dinner in order
that the dripping clothes might be thoroughly dried
before the fire, the journey was resui icd. The rule
was for the men to row for a space of time called a
pipe, because they were always allowed a smoke at
the end of it. A pipe meant about two hours' steady
rowing when the weather was at all favourable. At
the end of this time the oars were dropped, the pipes
lit, and for ten minutes everybody except Fergus gave
himsi^lf to the enjoyment of the weed.

Fergus had never thought much about smoking
jjcfore, but its special importance on this boating trip
impressed him, and he felt that the others had an

lii i^t

Fergus MacTavish.

IM'I

enjoyment which he did not share. With him to think
was to act ; and when this notion came into his head
he at once asked his father :

" P'ather, may I learn to smoke a pipe like the rest

of you ? "

Mr. MacTavish looked down into the eager face,
and read the boy's thoughts as though they had been
printed upon it.

"It's small wonder ye ask me that question,
Fergus, seeing we 're all puffing about ye like so
many chimneys, but do you know, laddie, I 'd be
richt glad if ye'd never take to the pipe. Mony a
bit of siller has it cost me, and I canna say I 'm
anywise the better mon for it."

" But, father, all the men smoke ; and shouldn't
I smoke, too, when I am a man ? " argued h^ergus.

" It 's not easy for me to say ye nay, laddie, when
I have to take the pipe out of my mouth to do it,"
replied Mr. MacTavish, "but I'll tell ye, Fergus,
if ye '11 promise me not to touch tobacco until ye arc
a mon, that is till ye 're twenty-one years of age, I '11
gie ye my word to say nae more aboot it ; and if ye
are bound to smoke then, I '11 gle ye the finest pipe
that money can buy. What dae ye say, Fergus ? "

Fergus thought for a moment, and then with a
quick air of decision put his small hand in his father's
big palm.

"I'll promise you, father," he said. "Here's my
hand on it."

" Spoken like a true MacTavish," cried the chijf

A Trip to York Factory.

trader, his face beaming with pride and pleasure.
" Yc make my poor heart glad, Fergus, and right well
I know ye '11 never break yer word."

¥ or pipe dSiQx pipe all through the long, lovely day,
the boat brigade made steady, if not very rapid
progress. The country through which they passed
was constantly changing in character. From the
turbulent torrent where Fergus' mishap occurred,
they entered into a series of little lakes dotted with
innumerable islets, through which they had to thread
their way with exceeding care, startling ducks from
their calm security, and sometimes getting within
range of regiments of geese floating gracefully ujion
the still water. Mr. MacTavish's gun always lay
ready loaded upon the scat within his reach, and he
lost no opportunity of letting drive at these birds,
Fergus never failing to follow suit to the best of his
ability. Sometimes he would let Fergus have the
first shot.

" There, laddie ! " he would say, as a flock of ducks
or geese paddling about some serene cove, innocent
of all danger, would come Into view. " Get yc oop
to the bow now, and make no noise. Pull gently,
there, Baptiste. We '11 creep as close as we can."

Quivering with excitement, Fergus would brace
himself in the bow and get ready to fire.

" Not yet, laddie, not yet," would his father cry, as
he began to take aim when the birds were still too
far off. " Ye '11 only frighten them, and get nacthing
for your powder."

FevQ-us MacTavish.

At last Fergus would get the signal to fire ; and
then holding his breath, while his heart thumped
away inside his breast like a trip-hammer, he would
sight along the barrel for an instant, and pull the
trigger.

With wild clamour of quacking and whirring wings,
up would dart the ducks, save such as Fergus' shot
had persuaded to remain ; and then bang ! bang !
would go the chief trader's double-barrel, and down
would tumble three or four of the plump beauties.

At least a dozen fine ducks ^nd two big geese did
Fergus succeed in bringing down during the journey,
and had, therefore, good reason to feel somewhat
proud of himself The birds made a most welcome
addition to the camp dinner, and Mr. MacTavish
took care that each boat had its turn in enjoying
the treat of roast duck.

There was another kind of bird that gave Fergus
great amusement. They had the odd name of
" whiskey-jack," however they had come by it, and
were the most inquisitive, impudent, graceless little
bundles of feathers imaginable. They were of a bluish-
gray colour, and abouL the size of a blackbird. The
supreme desire of their lives seemed to be to get the
voyag'ciirs food ; and as there wore always plenty of
scraps thrown out after the men had finished their
meals, these whiskey-jar' ,s hovered about continually,
snapping greedily at every morsel. So daring were
they in satisfying their appetite, that they would
come ui) within a few feet of anybody that was cat-

A Tii'p to York Factory.

ing, and look up at him with an expression that said
as plainly as words :

" Here now, don't be greedy. Give me some of
that."

Baptiste told Fergus that by putting a piece of
pemmican in your hand for bait, you could catch one
of the saucy little creatures. So he tried the experi-
ment. Taking a tempting bit of pemmican, he went
off to one side of the camp, and iying down on the
grass, covered his face with leaves, and stretched out
his baited palm with the fingers ready to clutch.

He had not long to wait. Whether by scent or
sight, the birds soon discovered the bait and darted
toward it. P'or a moment or two they hesitated.
There was surely something suspicious about that
white hand with its upcurving fingers. It did certainly
look like a trap. But then the pemmican. What a
juicy morsel ! Were St. Anthony a whiskey-jack he
could hardly have withstood such a temptation. So
with a shrill chirp, that no doubt meant " Here goes,"
the boldest of the party made a dash for the bait.

He had it securely in his bill and was about to
ciu'ry it away rejoicing, when the trap went off, the
white fingers closed tightly upon his feet, and he was
a prisoniM'. Then if ever a bird got into a passion ho
did. He did not seem so much terrified as enraged.
I Ic shrieked and stormed and struggled in the most
absurdly furious manner. He exhausted his entire
vocabulary of opprobrious names u[K..n his cai)tor.
He bit and scratched like a tiger-cub until at length

III

f !■'

Fergus MacTavisli.

Fergus, who had no idea of killing the frantic little
creature, was fain to let it go ; whereupon, with
magnificent impudence, it flew off to a bough nearby,
and perching there in supposed security, looked back
at him in a way that plainly meant :

" You can't fool me that way again, you big bully."

Fergus caught a good many whiskey-jacks after
that in different ways, just for amusement, as he
always let them go free after they had screamed them-
selves hoarse with indignation.

The close of this day found the brigade in a very
poor place for camping. After leaving the chain of
lakes they had entered the river Sion, a narrow,
crooked, sluggish stream, hardly wide enough to
admit the passage of the boats, the oars continually
getting entangled in the grass and willows that grew
on either side of the narrow space of open water.

The sturdy voyageurs toiled away until dark, hoping
to reach some spot where there would be sufficient dry
ground upon which to camp, but the darkness came
on before they were successful, and at last a halt had
to be made in a willow swamp, where all around was
mud and water.

" Ilech ! but this 's a poor place to lodge in," said
Mr. MacTavish, smiling grimly. " I wadna care to
sleep on that ground. We'll just have to bide in the
boats and make the best of it."

No fires could be made. So the party had to
content themselves with a cold supper, and then get
such sleep as they could stretched out upon the

A Trip to York Factory.

thwarts of the boats ; so that it was upon a rather
weary and cross lot of people that the sun rose the
next morning, especially as the mosquitoes had been
particularly active and enterprising during the night.

Without waiting for dawn the brigade started again,
and after a couple of hours' hard vvork passed out of
the muddy Sion into the deep, discoloured Black
River, where the going was much better. By the
middle of this day they reached the Portage Haute de
Terre, that is, the height of land which divides the
waters flowing south into Lake Winnipeg from those
flowing north into Hudson's Bay. Here Fergus saw
his first full portage, and was greatly interested.

The first business was to carry over the lading of
the boats, and in doing this each crew looked after its
own cargo. The goods being put up securely in packs
of about ninety pounds' weight, were toted over on the
men's backs. Then after a pipe and a rest they turned
to the boats. In getting them over, the whole brigade
devoted itself to each boat in turn. Two-thirds of the
voyagenrs harnessed themselves to the boats in front
by means of straps across their breasts, while others
took their positions at the sides to hold her steady
and lift her when needed, and others still were ready
with rollers to put underneath her keel.

Then with much shouting they started off, dragging
their clumsy burden over the rude portage path until
the opposing waterfall was circumvented, and they
could launch her again in the smooth water beyond.

Fergus thought this a very fine performance, and in

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Fergus MacTavish.

his eagerness to help took hold of one of the lines, and
was puUing away with all his might when he tripped
upon one of the rollers, and might have been run over
by the boat had not big Baptiste, perceiving his
danger, picked him up as though he had been a kitten,
and dropped him into the bow of the boat, from which
advantageous position he superintended the remainder
of the haul.

During the course of the next day they came to the
famous Big Hill Rapids, the most difficult and
dangerous on the whole journey. In order to the safe
passage of these furious rapids all the lading of the
boats had to be portaged to the foot of the turmoil.
Then a picked crew of six men, with Mr. MacTavish
himself at the steering oar, took down the boats one
by one. Fergus begged so hard to run this foaming
gauntlet that, after three of the boats had passed
through without any mishap, his father consented.

" Ye may come doon just for once, Fergus," said he,
"but mind ye, no kneeling oop on the seat. Ye must
sit in the middle of the boat and hold fast."

CHAPTER V.

A SIGHT OF THE SALT SEA.

THE passage through the Big Hill Rapids was an
intensely exciting one, and there were moments
when Fergus wished to the bottom of his heart that
he had not left the land. For nearly a quarter of a
mile the big broad boat was hurled through and over
the water as though it were a mere chip. Baptiste
on the bow and the chief trader on the stern were
never for a moment still ; while in obedience to their
sharp commands the oarsmen gave powerful strokes,
now on this side, now on the other, and then altogether,
according to directions.

For one who did not know the rapids thoroughly to
have attempted to run them would mean certain
destruction for his boat, and death for himself Even
in the expcrienccc^ hands of Mr. MacTavish and
Baptiste there were possibilities of danger, as was
proved by the fact that the boat in which Fergus went
down struck a jagged boulder and lost a large piece
off her keel, while others were more or less injured,
and a halt had to be called at the foot of the Rapids

that the necessary repairs might be made.

8t r

I P

!;■

Fergus MacTavish.

> 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.

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-

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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,

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.

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.

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

Fergus MacTavish.

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.

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.

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.

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 :

•#*

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.

A Sight of the Salt Sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

;;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:<e two kind-hearted
fellows hurried up the rigging !;ke spiders across
their webs.

They soon reached the cross-trees, and there paused
for a moment, while Bill called out :

" Ahoy there, my lad. What 's up wi ye ? Can't
ye get down ? "

For some minutes a faintness had been stealing
over Fergus, which in time would undoubtedly have
loosened his grip of the yard and sent him headlong
to his death. But the rough, cheery voice of Bill
Kelson revived him, and in a very weak voice he
managed to answer :

" No. I 'm afraid I '11 fall."

"Just hold on there a bit, then," said Bill, "and
we '11 bring you down safe enough."

So saying, he made his way to Fergus' side and,
grasping the boy in his sinewy hands, lowered him
gently down to where Tom could take hold of him.
Then without much difficulty the rest of the decent
to the deck was easily managed, Fergus arriving
there the very picture of limp humility.

" There, sonny," said Bill, with a half-amused, half-
reproving expression, " we 've got you out of that
scrape right enough; but if ye '11 take my advice,
you won't try it again until ye 've learned how to
get back."

104

Fergus MacTavish.

Fergus had not a word to say in excuse for himself.
He thanked his rescuers for their kindness, and the
schooner being just about to return with her first load
of goods, he got on board and curled up in the bow
where he would be out of everybody's way. He
dreaded being teased about his exploit which had
ended so ignominiously, and all the way back to
York Factory was debating whether or not to make
a clean breast of it to his father as soon as he met
him. Of course, he would much prefer saying nothing
at all about it ; but then he felt sure it would reach
his father's ears somehow before the day ended, and
that his father would take it very ill not hearing about
it from him first. The result of his deliberations with
himself was that he came to the decision to tell his
father the whole truth without delay. No sooner had
he made up his mind to this than a great weight
seemed lifted from him, and the task of confession
did not appear so difficult, after all.

The schooner beat her way steadily up to the wharf,
and who should Fergus see standing on the end
awaiting her arrival but Mr. MacTavish, the anxious
expression on his rugged countenance giving way to
one of relief when he caught sight of his son in the
bow of the approaching vessel.

" Ah, Fergus, laddie ! where have ye bin ? " ex-
claimed the chief trader. " I 've been sore concerned
aboot ye."

" I 've been on board the big ship, father," replied
Fergus, looking very downcast. " And I 've — I 've —

Adventtires by Sea and Land. 105

I—" but he could get no further. The self-restraint
which had borne him up among strangers gave way in
the presence of his father, and throwing himself into
his arms, he fell to weeping with all his might.

Mr. MacTavish drew him aside to where they would
be alone, and sitting down, waited for the tears to
cease. Then he had the whole story, not even the
boy's reason for slipping off quietly being concealed.

" Verily, ^ . rgus, but the Lord 's been gude to you,
and brought you through great perils, though you
were tempting Him. Ye did great wrang in being so
set upon your own way ; and glad am I that naething
waur has happened tae ye. I freely gie ye pardon for
deceiving me, but ye maun ask God's pardon for what
ye Ve done, and gie Him thanks for preservin' yer life."
And so saying he laid his hand upon Fergus' head
and patted it tenderly, in token that the sky was clear
again between them.

Fergus' prayers were longer than usual that night.
His escape from a dreadful death had made a deep
impression upon him, and again and again he
pledged himself to be more obedient and heedful in
future.

The next few days at York Factory were full of
work and seeming confusion. After the goods had
been taken from the Prince of Wales and stowed
carefully away in the Fort's big warehouses, the furs
that had accumulated during the year had to be sent
on board. There were nearly five hundred tons of
precious pelts done up in large packs, and their total

mm-

1 06

Fergus MacTavish.

worth was not less than one hundred and twenty
thousand pounds sterling ; so that if the good ship
were to be overcome in her inevitable struggle with
the icebergs, and to sink beneath the merciless billows
of the bay, there would certainly be no dividend for
the shareholders of the Company that year.

At length, early in September, this important
business was all completed, the Prince of Wales
was ready for sea, and amid parting cheers from the
schoon'^r, which had come down to say " good-bye,"
the stately vessel glided away, not to return again
for a whole year.

As the schooner was making her way back to York,
a school of white whales suddenly appeared, bobbing
and puffing r.ll about her, and seeming to enjoy her
companionship. Mr. Frobisher was at once reminded
of his promise to show Mr. MacTavish how these
valuable monsters were caught.

" If you can put off your going for a couple of
days," said he to t'ae chief trader, " I will keep my
word about letting you see a white whale hunt."

" Vcrra gude, sir," answered Mr. MacTavish. " I 've
no need to hurry. I can easily bide a few days
longer."

So it was arranged that if the following day was
favourable there should be a white whale hunt.

The day proved all that could be desired ; and right
after breakfast two boats built for speed rather than
carrying capacity, and each manned by four stalwart
oarsmen, went down with the out-going tide to the

.^w

Adventures by Sea and Land. 107

mouth of the river, there to await their prey, which
would appear with the in-coming tide. In one of
the boats was Mr. Frobisher ; in another were Mr.
MacTavish and Fergus, both of them full of eagerness
for the business in hand.

They had to wait an hour before the tide flowed in ;
but once it was well under way the whales began to
make their appearance. They seemed to have little
fear of the boats, bobbing up serenely quite near them,
and looking both startling and comical with their
blunt bottle-noses and smooth, fat bodies ; while they
from time to time grunted in a fashion irresistibly
suggestive of pigs.

A frequent way of hunting them was with firearms,
the bodies of those that were shot being afterward
towed ashore as they floated on the surface of the
water. But in order to make the chase more exciting
for his visitors' benefit, Mr. Frobisher had given orders
that harpoons should be used instead of guns.

In the bow of each boat was an expert harpooner
armed with a long steel harpoon, to which was
attached fifty fathoms of stout line. As soon as they
were in the midst of the whales, the harpooner got
his weapon ready and stood erect, waiting for a good
chance to hurl it. The man in Mr. MacTavish's boat
had not to wait long. A few strong strokes from the
oarsmen brought him within striking distance of a
fine big fellow. Bending his arm back to its utmost
reach, he suddenly swung it forward and sent the
heavy harpoon hurling through the air with such

108

Fergus MacTavish.

accurate aim, that it sank nearly half its length into
the whale just behind the fore fin,

" He 's got him ! He 's got him ! " screamed Fergus,
delighted at the success of the stroke.

" He 's hit him, laddie, nae doot," said his father,
" but he 's no got him yet. The fish will make a big
fight, if I no mistake."

The stricken monster soon showed that the chief
trader had made no mistake, for after plunging and
splashing about madly for a moment, he darted off
seaward at a tremendous rate, taking the line as fast
as it could be paid out.

The harpooner let the line run until about half of it
had gone out, and then took a turn around the bow-
post in order to check its speed. At once the boat
began to move on the track of its prey, and the
harpooner, finding that it towed easily and steadily,
took another turn on the rope, so that the line ran
out no more. Then away went the boat, cutting
through the water far faster than the four oarsmen,
though they had strained every muscle to the utmost,
could have made it go.

The sensation was delightful. Fergus clapped his
hands and crowed in sheer enjoyment of it, and Mr.
MacTavish leaning back in the stern-sheets in a most
composed and comfortable attitude, was evidently no
less pleased than his son with this novel mode of
progress.

Hut after tearing along for a couple of hundred
yards in this manner, the whale began to tire. The

Adventures by Sea and Land. 109

harpoon had found its way into the vitals, and his
strength was fast ebbing, while his blood crimsoned
the water about him. He came to a full stop, rose to
the surface, rolled about in manifest agony for a
moment, and then, as a last effort, dived into the
depths.

" He 's most done for," said the harpooner. " When
he comes up again he 'II stay up."

And so it proved. Having remained hidden until
utterly exhausted, the poor creature appeared once
more, threw himself furiously about in a final flurry,
splashing the boat with bloody foam, and then rolled
over, an inert mass.

" Hurrah ! " shouted Fergus. " We 've got him now,
haven't we, father ? "

"Ay, laddie, there's nae doot about it noo," said
Mr. MacTavish. "My sakes ! but how big the
creetur is ! "

It certainly was a very fine specimen of its kind,
full twenty-five feet long and at least ten feet in
circumference at its broadest part, a prize well worth
the taking.

Mr. Frobisher's boat had been equally fortunate,
having secured a fish little inferior in size to the other.
The whales were then secured by two lines and thus
brought up to York Factory, where they were flenched,
their blubber melted down into oil, and their flesh
given to the dogs, whi':h highly appreciated it and
showed an almost unlimited capacity for it.

A couple of days later Mr. MacTavish and his

Fergus MacTavish.

brigade took their departure for Norway House.
Their boats were heavily laden with stores and
supplies of various kinds, being a whole year's stock,
and great care would have to be taken on the home-
ward journey ; for the upsetting or sinking of a boat
would entail heavy loss.

Fergus felt quite sorry to turn his back upon York
Factory. He had spent a very happy fortnight there.
Everybody from Mr. Frobisher down had treated him
kindly, and each day had been full of interest. He
was therefore very glad when the chief factor, in
bidding him "good-bye," chucked him under the
chin, saying :

" And so you 've had a good time up here with us,
eh, my lad ! Well, I 'm glad to know you enjoyed

yourself. You must pay us another visit before
long."

" Oh ! may I, father ? " exclaimed Fergus, eagerly.

" I 'd like to, verra, verra much."

" We '11 sec, Fergus, we '11 see," was Mr. MacTavish's

cautious reply. " • Sufficient unto the day is the evil

thereof,' ye ken."

And so Fergus had to be content with that very

indefinite understanding ; for he knew there was

nothing to be gained by coaxing.
On the morning of a lovely, bright, clear day in

September, the Norway House Brigade began its

return journey, the voyagcurs rolling out their favourite

songs at the top of their voices as they sent the boats

speeding through the opposing current of the Hayes.

Adventures by Sea and Land. 1 1 1

Arriving or departing seemed much the same to them.
They were always in a state of jolly good-humour.
Even when some days later, having left the Hayes
for the Steel River with its swifter current, the oars
became useless and they had to resort to tracking,
there was not a sign of sulks or grumbling. The
river banks were steep and composed of clay that
made the footing very uncertain. Along these the
voyageiirs had to crawl, dragging the heavy boats by
means of track lines, sometimes close to the water's
edge and sometimes high up the bank. It was very
laborious, harassing work, but they did it amid a
running fire of song and joke, as if they thoroughly
enjoyed it.

The journey home was very much the same as the
trip up, except, of course, that until they reached the
Portage Hunt de Terre they were going up hill
instead of down ; and after they passed that portage,
it was down hill for the rest of the way.

Fergus had one adventure on the way that created
considerable excitement. During the full portages
when both goods and boats had to be laboriously
transported over land, there was nothing for him to
do ; and he generally spent his time roaming about
the country in close proximity to the river, shooting
at birds or squirrels, or any other small game that he
might chance across. In this way he often brought
back to camp very welcome additions to the table.

When the Brigade was pushing its arduous way up
the difficult Hill River, Fergus had plenty of leisure

I 12

Fergus MacTavish.

time ; and one morning, instead of keeping as close
as usual to the bank, he set off across the country,
there being a bend in the river around which the men
would have to pole the boats inch by inch, taking
hours to do it, while the walk overland was a matter
of half-an-hour even for a boy.

'* Tak' gude care o' yersel', laddie," his father called
after him. "Dinna ye try to shoot onythin' bigger
than a squirrel. Ye might get yersel* into trouble,
and if ye do that, just keep firing off your gun until
I come tae ye."

" Aye, I will, father," answered Fergus. " But I '11
no do onything rash."

The morning was fine, his road was clear, he had
full three hours at his disposal, and plenty of ammu-
nition ; so feeling very big and independent, Fergus
left the toiling Brigade for his tramp across the bend.
His father Wv.'^^ched him until the bushes hid him from
sight, and then gave his attention to directing the
efforts of his men.

With eyes alert for game, and finger on trigger,
Fergus made his way as quietly as possible through
the brush. It was not dense, and he had no difficulty
in keeping his bearings. Anyway, if he should
happen to lose himself for a moment he had only to
Icr'- ^ the .sun and walk straight toward it, as the
' «' I-.. ■ ^ay due east from him.

' '^ '■"'.<} not seem at all plentiful that morning; a
sc'liLtti> : ^tuiTel was all he had brought down, and he
was beginning to feel rather disgusted, when he

Adventures by Sea and Land. 113

caught sight of a small black animal about the size
of a three months' puppy, and not unlike it in
appearance.

" Hah 1 '' he exclaimed. " That 's something worth
shooting, whatever it is," and he at once set off in
pursuit.

The creature scuttled off toward the river at a rate
that made Fergus put his best foot foremost to keep
it in sight. But after running about fifty yards it
seemed to get tired, for it stopped short, curled itself
up into a furry ball, and started a most piteous
squealing. Fergus now recognised the object of his
chase. It was a bear cub, about a month old, and a
very fine little fellow. He at once made up his mind
that he would capture him, if possible, but how to do
it single handed would be no easy problem to solve.

The bear had retreated into a kind of nook in the
rocks, and by standing at the entrance Fergus could
easily enough prevent him from getting out ; but if he
attempted to go near the little fellow, he snarled and
squealed, and showed such unmistakable signs of
fighting, that Fergus deemed it wise not to try close
quarters in a hurry.

Yet the more he looked at the comical little brute,

the stronger grew his desire to possess him. He knew

that bears could be tamed if caught young enough,

and here was such a chance as he might not get for

many a day. The possibility of baby Bruin's mother

coming to the rescue of her imperiled darling, and

making pemmican of its would-be captor, never

114

Fergus MacTavish.

entered his head. He was too busy trying to hit upon
some way of effecting his object to think of anything
else.

Threats evidently having no influence over the furry
cub, Fergus essayed blandishment'^.

" Poor little thing ! " he murmured in his most win-
ning tone, " I winna hurt ye. Come, noo, dinna be
fearin' me."

This change of front did seem to have some effect
upon Bruin, for he ceased his snarling, and became so
still that Fergus was just about to grab him by the
neck, when like a flash, the plucky little imp buried
his keen, white teeth in the outstretched fingers.

"Ow ! ow ! ow ! " yelled Fergus, thrusting his hand
into his mouth and dancing about wildly, his gun
falling to the ground with such a shock as to snap the
trigger, and send a charge of shot into the bank just
beside the bear cub, scaring that unfortunate little
animal worse than ever.

It was some moments before Fergus recovered his
equanimity, and when he did, his mind was made up
not to attempt the capture of the cub without assist-
ance. He then bethought himself of his father's
parting injunction — viz., to fire off his gun as a signal
of distress. Accordingly he loaded and fired five times
as rapidly as he could, and sat down to wait for
assistance.

As it happened, the river was not more than a
quarter of a mile distant, and the reports were
distinctly heard.

Adventures by Sea and Land. 1 1 5

" One, two, three, four, five ! " exclaimed the chief
trader, in a tone of concern. " The laddie 's in trouble.
Hand me my gun there, Baptiste, and follow me with
yer ain. Quick ! "

Then grasping his trusty rifle, Mr. MacTavish
dashed off in the direction whence the shots had come,
at a pace that made it no easy task for big Baptiste
to keep him in sight. Leaping over the boulders,
and crashing through the bushes, every few steps
roaring out : " Where are ye, Fergus ? " the stalwart
Scotchman, guided by his son's shrill " Here, father,"
soon reached the spot where the boy and the bear
cub were watching one another with very different
feelings.

Not a moment too soon were Fergus' resources thus
increased, for just as his father burst through the
thicket to his right with a breathless '' What 's wrang
wi' ye, laddie?" a huge she-bear, in the highest state
of fury, appeared at the left, growling out condign
vengeance upon the disturbers of her domestic peace.

" Rin tae me, Fergus, rin ! " cried the chief trader,
levelling his gun. Fergus sprang forward and threw
himself at his feet. At the same moment the rifle
cracked, and a horrible roar told that the bullet had
not missed.

But Mr. MacTavish's rapid run had shaken him up
so, that for once his aim failed him, and with only a
broken shoulder the maddened bear rushed on to the
attack, open-mouthed.

She had covered half the distance between them

ii6

Fergus MacTavish.

while he was vainly endeavouring to reload, and he
was about to use his gun as a club, when another
shot rang out behind him, and mortally wounded this
time, the bear rolled over in an expiring agony.

" Well done, Baptiste ! " exclaimed Mr. MacTavish
turning round to grasp the burly voyageur by the hand.'
" 'Twas a shot in time, and no mistake."

h i

CHAPTER VII.

NEW ARRIVALS AT NORWAY HOUSE.

CROM Baptiste Mr. MacTavish turned to Fergus
and lifting him up, gave him a hug worthy of the
old bear herself

"Are ye all richt, laddie?" he inquired with fond
anxiety.

" Aye, that I am, father," replied Fergus. « Save
for this," holding up his bitten finger.
" And hoo did ye get that, Fergus ? "
" From that little rascal." answered Fergus, pointing
to the cub which had now emerged from its corner
and was crawling toward its dead mother.

Mr. MacTavish had not noticed the cub before.
" Oh, ho ! " he exclaimed. " Is that what gat ye into
trouble ? Ye were trying to catch the cub, eh, laddie ? "
" Yes, father, and I 'd like to catch him now, if ye 'II
help me," responded Fergus.

"Well," said Mr. MacTavish, "he's a bonnie bit of
fur ; and it wad be a pity to leave him to die-poor
mitherless thing. We '11 take him with us."

The cub by this time had made its way to its
mother, and was climbing about her, and evidently

117

ii8

Fergus MacTavish.

much puzzled to understand why she took no notice
of him. On Mr. MacTavish approaching, it began at
once to snarl and whimper, and show fight. But the
chief trader was not to be put off by any such nonsense
as that. He flung his big cap right on top of the
cub's head, and then instantly gath2red up the plump,
furry little creature in his arms, where, before it could
do any harm with claws or teeth, he and Baptiste had
it securely bound up in their handkerchiefs.

" Hurrah ! " cried Fergus, when the captive was
made fast beyond any chance to escape. " Now he *11
have to come home with us."

There was a good deal of amusement among the
men when the three returned with their prize, and the
cock suggested that the cub would make a very nice,
tender dinner ; but Fergus waxed highly indignant at
the idea. He was going to take Bruin back to the
fort, and bring him up in the way he should go. So
Louis did not press the point.

If Fergus had not been very much in earnest about
having a tame bear for a pet, the trouble that cub
gave him on the way home might have caused him to
fling it ashore in disgust, with the injunction to go off
about its own business.

It could not, of course, be kept bound up in the
handkerchiefs ; so making a collar of one of them, he
secured it by a piece of strong cord to the stern
thwart, allowing the captive a certain amount of
liberty. Of this liberty the little rascal made the
most, doing his best to get under people's feet, biting

New Arrivals at Norway House. 119

at everything within his reach, and occasionally wind-
ing himself up so tightly in the cord as to be in
imminent danger oi strangling.

Very much to his credit, however, Fergus succeeded
in keeping both his patience and his cub, and in due
time, after a prosperous journey, during the course of
which not a mishap of any consequence occurred, the
Brigade swept up in fine style to Norway House, the
voyageiirs making the welkin ring with their joyous
songs, and drawing all the inmates of the Fort down
to the landing to welcome them.
• Very warm and tender were the greetings Mrs.
MacTavish had for her husband and son. She kissed
them both, again and again, her eyes brimming with
tears of joy. It had been very lonely for her at
Norway House during the long weeks of their absence.
This first separation from her boy proved hard to
bear ; and naturally enough she could not keep
entirely free from worry, lest some accident might
befall him. Many a time had she prayed that God
would give His angels charge over Fergus, to keep him
in all his ways. And now that he had come back to
her safe and sound, the very picture of health and
happiness, she checked herself in the midst of her joy
to lift up her heart in glad gratitude to God, who had
thus answered her prayers.

When the first excitement was over, Mrs. MacTavish,
pointing to a lady and gentleman standing at some
little distance up the bank, and surveying the scene
with expressions of sympathetic interest, exclaimed :

I20

Fergus MacTavish,

" Oh ! Dugald, dearie, but I 'm forgetting my
manners in my gladness to see you. Come and speak
to Mr. Olden. He's been waiting for ye to come
hame."

Visitors are always welcome at the Hudson*s Bay
posts. Their coming is like that of angels — at very
infrequent intervals, and when they do appear, the
entire establishment is at their command, so delighted
is everybody to see them.

Without therefore waiting for any introduction, the
chief trader at once went toward the two strangers,
his hand extended in cordial greeting. One of his
swift, keen glances was sufficient to tell him that they
were something quite different from the ordinary run
of visitors.

The gentleman was of medium height and athletic
build, with a countenance in which the lines of
strength and kindliness happily blended. He seemed
about thirty years of age, and was dressed in a man-
ner that would of itself have attracted attention in
that far-away region ; for he wore the black broad-
cloth and white linen of the city, instead of the coarse
homespun and ♦^hick flannel of the wilderness.

By his side otood a lady, his wife no doubt, who
without being actually beautiful, possessed a face of
wonderful attractiveness. The brightest of spirits
beamed through her blue eyes, and the sunniest of
smiles played about her well-formed mouth, while her
golden hair curled back from her broad, white fore-
head in a decidedly coquettish manner. Yet under-

New Arrivals at Norway House. 121

neath all this winsomeness there were tokens not to
be mistaken of those traits of character which
belonged to the martyrs of old.

" I am verra glad to see ye," said Mr. MacTavish,
giving them a cordial hand-shake in turn. " Hae ye
been long here ? "

" Oh, no," replied the gentleman in a rich, pleasant
voice. " We got here only yesterday ; and your good
wife has taken the best of care of us," turning with a
courteous smile toward Mrs. MacTavish.

" VVeel, come awa' to the Fort," said the chief trader,
"and we'll have a talk together," for naturally he was
curious to learn all about these interesting visitors.

Their story was soon told, and when Mr. MacTavish
heard it, he was highly pleased at having such con-
genial and welcome additions to the very limited
society of Norway House ; but at the same time, he
was shrewdly sceptical as to the success of the enter-
prise they had in hand, for Mr. Olden and his wife
had given up a prosperous, comfortable pastorate in
one of the most attractive cities of Canada, with all
the opportunities and privileges of such a position, in
obedience to the call from the missionary society of
their Church, to go into the wilderness and preach the
Gospel to the poor, benighted Indians.

The chief trader's heart kindled with admiration
for such heroic courage and self-denial. To leave all
the honours and enjoyments of a successful pastor's
work in the midst of a wealthy and cultivated com-
munity, for the sake of bringing the news of salvation

IIj

122

Fergus MacTavish.

to the wretched, wandering red men, entailing, as the
work would, every possible hardship and privation,
and no small proportion of peril — this was a kind of
Christianity Mr, MacTavish had not met before, and
it was with a glowing face and misty eyes that he
grasped Mr. Olden's hand in his brawny fist, saying :

"God knows, Mr. Olden, ye've come none too
soon ; for that there 's ony puir creatures in the warld
who need the Gospel more than these Indians,
I greatly doubt. But ye '11 please excuse me if I feel
bound to say that ye must make up yer mind to
work verra hard for verra small returns. They 're a
miserable people, Mr. Olden, a miserable people, and
they '11 tax yer patience sorely. But," brightening up
as he thought how pleasant it would be for himself
and his wife to have such neighbours as the mission-
ary and his wife, " I canna tell ye how glad 1 am
ye 've come. The best the Fort can offer you is at
your command. Ye are mair than welcome to bide
here so long as yc see fit."

It was now the turn of Mr. Olden's face to glow,
and of his eyes to grow misty. He had been assured
in advance that a warm and ready welcome would be
given him at Norway House, but he was not prepared
to find in the chief trader and his wife people of such
manifest worth and winning demeanour, nor to have
the entire resources of the establishment placed at his
disposal. Such good fortune exceeded his utmost
hopes, and there was an intense sincerity in his tone
as he thanked Mr. MacTavish for his kind words.

New Arrivals at Norway House. 123

(
i

" I know the task is a hard one, Mr. MacTavish,"
he continued, "but I thought that all out before
I decided to come. Our churches have for many
years been sending the Gospel to Asia, and Africa,
and the South Sea Islands, while the heathen were
perishing in darkness within the borders of our own
country. It was full time we had care for our own
savages no less than for those in more distant parts
of the world. My wife and I have not allowed our-
selves to expect too much. We will do our best, God
helping us."

While they were talking Fergus came into the
room. He had been too busy looking after the bear
cub to pay any attention to the strangers ; but having
at length got the little animal safely disposed of in a
big box, with plenty of dry grass to make him com-
fortable, he felt free to attend to other matters.

" This is our son, Mr. Olden," said Mr. MacTavish,
as Fergus, looking rather shyly at the strange lady,
made his way to his mother's side. "Our only bairn,
and he 's verra precious. Fergus, these are Mr. and
Mrs. Olden. They have come as missionaries to the
poor Indians, and they are going to stay with us for
the present."

Fergus promptly stepped over and shook hands
with the new-comers.

Mrs. Olden retained his hand, and drawing him
toward her, surveyed him from head to foot with the
sympathetic yet critical glance of a mother.

" I envy you your son, Mrs. MacTavish," said she

124

Fergus MacTavish.

! I

•' and greatly wish I too had a big sturdy boy. But,
by the way, where is my daughter Ruth ? I have not
seen her for an hour."

Inquiry was at once made for the missing damsel,
and presently she appeared, having been taken off by
one of the young clerks to see the Fort.

" This is our only bairn," said Mrs. Olden, " and
she too is very precious," adopting Mr. MacTavish's
words as she introduced her daughter, a very pretty
girl, about ten years old, who '* favoured her mother "
in so many ways as to seem like a copy in miniature
of her.

Mr. MacTavish at once reached over, and catching
up Ruth in his arms, gave her a hearty kiss.

" Bless her dear little heart ! " he exclaimed ; " but
she 's a bonnie wee thing. Here, Fergus, come here."

When Fergus obeyed, he took the children's right
hands and clasped them together.

" Noo, Fergus," said he, quite seriously. " Here is
a little playmate for you, and ye maun be verra, verra
gude tae her, and tak' the best o* care o' her so that
no evil befalls her, nor harm comes nigh her, while
she 's in yer company."

Fergus blushed a bit at this idea of being made
responsible for the care of a lively little sprite like
Ruth, and Mrs. Olden came to the rescue by
saying :

" Oh ! they '11 be very good friends, I 'm sure, and
I 'm quite confident that Fergus will not let Ruth get
into any mischief or danger that he can help, will you,

New Arrivals at Norway House. 125

Fergus ? Suppose now, you take Ruth out, and show
her your dogs. She 's so fond of dogs."

Fergus jumped at the suggestion, and he and Ruth
went gaily off together, leaving their parents to
continue their conversation.

Of course, the first visit was paid to the bear cub,
and Ruth was so taken with the cute little creature
that she was eager to have it up in her arms and
fondle it. But Fergus, having a vivid remembrance
of Bruin's white teeth, would not allow her to do that,
and she had to content herself with admiring the new
pet from a distance.

Then Fergus took her off to see his dogs, which
had roomy kennels in a corner of the enclosure. He
let them loose at once, and they showed the greatest
joy at seeing him again, nearly knocking him over in
the exuberance of their affection. Ruth was rather
frightened at the huge fellows. She had never seen
such immense dogs before, and seemed so nervous
that Fergus shut them up again, telling her that she
would soon get used to them.

As they passed through the Fort, Ruth caught sight
of the lookout.

" Oh, Fergus ! What is that ? Won't you take me
up there?" was her instant request.

" Why, yes, come along," answered Fergus ; and
they at once began the steep ascent.

Ruth's little legs soon tired, and had to have a
good many rests before the top was reached ; but
thanks to Fergus' help she did get there at last, just

126

Fergus MacTavish.

in time to see her mother coming out of the chief
trader's house and to cry to her exultantly :

" Mother ! Mother ! Look where I am ! "

Mrs. Olden, a little startled at hearing her daughter's
voice coming apparently from the sky, looked about
for a moment in a bewildered way, and then glancing
up at the " lookout " caught sight of Ruth waving her
hat from the summit.

" Goodness me ! " she exclaimed. " However did
the child get away up he; Is she all safe, Mrs.
MacTavish ? "

"Aye, she's safe enough, '''^rs. ^iJen," replied Mrs.
MacTavish. " That 's our * lookout,' and Fergus often
goes up there. Won't you come up yourself? You
can see a long way all around, and it 's very fine."

'• I think I will," said Mrs. Olden. And so the two
ladies made their way up to where the children
awaited them.

They remained for some time enjoying the extensive
view, and listening to Fergus' account of his visit to
the Prince of Wales, and of his thrilling experience
in her mainmast. Fergus was a capital teller of a
story. He had marked ability, if not actual genius
in that direction, and when he had good listeners he
would put a great deal of life and colour into his
narration.

Having related his narrow escape from a fatal
tumble to the vessel's deck, he went on to describe
the catching of the white whale, and what fun it was
being towed by the wounded monster through the

New Arrivals at Norivay House. 127

water far faster than sail or oars could have made the
boat go.

" Your boy has great gifts of speech, Mrs. Mac-
Tavish," said Mrs. Olden, as they came down the
long steps together. " He certainly ought to become
a preacher of the Gospel."

Mrs. MacTavish's face lighted up at the compliment
to her darling son. She had always thought him no
ordinary boy, and it was very grateful to have her
judgment confirmed by one so competent.

" I 'm verra glad ye think so, Mrs. Olden," said she
Every bird thinks her ain nestling the finest,' as they
say at home ; but I Ve always thought Fergus had
mair than ordinary gifts. As to his being a preacher
of the Gospel, his father thinks it best he should go
into the service of the Company when he's oW
enough."

Mrs. Olden said nothing more on the subject then,
but Fergus had already made a deep impression upon
her, which was strengthened by increased acquaintance.
His frank, pleasing, if not precisely handsome counte-
nance, his eager, active mind, his strong will, and his
sturdy frame, were all after her own heart. It was a
great disappointment to her that she had no boy of
her own. Precious as was little Ruth, she could
never take the part that it was Mrs. Olden's earnest
desire to see a child of hers filling. Having given up
all the comforts of civilisation for the sake of carrying
the Gospel to the wilderness, Mrs. Olden's zeal for
the success of the work was so fervent that, had

128

Fergus MacTavish.

Fergus been her son, he would already have been
dedicated to the holy undertaking, that perchance he
might be able to take up his father's labours when
the time came for him to lay them down. Her
prayer concerning Fergus henceforth was that the
Lord might see fit to lay His hand upon him, as He
did upon Samuel.

In the course of a few days the Oldens were
comfortably established at Norway House. The
chief trader's house was large and well furnished, and
two pleasant rooms were placed at their disposal, in
which they bestowed their belongings, and felt
wonderfully at home.

If Mr. MacTavish could have had his own way
they would have been his guests until spring ; but
Mr. Olden would not consent to that. He insisted
upon paying a proper board, although his salary was
but a limited one, and after a good deal of amiable
discussion a satisfactory basis was at last arrived at,
whereby the ladies shared the housework, and Mr.
Olden was allowed to pay something in the way of
board.

Mr. MacTavish, after this arrangement was con-
cluded, had a sly laugh to himself

" If the missionary thinks I 'm going to put his
money in my ain pocket, he 's verra mistaken. I '11
just put it by safely, and when the time comes I '11
gie it back tae him in a way he '11 never know ; "
which admirable resolution Mr. MacTavish faithfully
kept by donating every dollar of it toward the little

New Arrivals at Norway House. 129

church that in due time Mr. Olden was able to build
not far from the Fort.

The coming of the Oldens was a subject of great
interest at Norway House, and many were the mis-
understandings concerning them ; for the idea of
missionary work there was so entire a novelty that it
took the people some time to realise its meaning. If
Mr, Olden had come as a sort of chaplain to the Fort,
that would be easy enough to understand. But that
instead of the officials and voyageurs, he should have
in his mind the miserable, degraded red-skins, who
were only tolerated because of their utility as trappers
of valuable skins, and purchasers of the Company's
goods, this was a notion that men like Mr. Barnston,
for instance, found it hard to get into their heads, and
they were strongly tempted to think that Mr. Olden
must have some other object in view, although he
would not admit it.

The young clerks — the occupants of " Bachelor's
Hall," as their quarters were called — were inclined to
regard Mr. Olden's advent unfavourably. They had
matters pretty much their own way, so long as the
work was properly done, and were what might be
termed rather a " larky lot," upon the whole. So that
it was only natural they should not welcome the
appearance of a " black-coated parson " in their midst,
who would no doubt feel in duty bound to try and
convert them all.

Then the Indians, numbers of whom were always
hanging around the Fort, hearing that a gentleman

I30

Fergus MacTavish.

had come from the far East, who had something very
precious to give them, and who would ask nothing in
return, besieged the house in crowds, asking eagerly
for the "black-coat," as they called Mr. Olden, and
insisting upon seeing him.

Knowing nothing of the Cree language as yet, Mr.
Olden had to speak to them through an interpreter,
and he found it not at all an easy task to pacify them.
Of course, Mr. MacTavish could have ordered them
away at once, and wanted to do so, but the missionary
begged him not to do that. It would be an inaus-
picious beginning of his intercourse with them, and
would certainly hinder his winning their confidence.

So with infinite patience he sought to make clear
to the ignorant creatures the real purpose of his
coming to them, and at last succeeded in sending
them away v/ithout having aroused their easily excited
enmity.

" Noo, what dae ye think o' your congregation, Mr.
Olden?" asked Mr. MacTavish, with a quizzical
smile, after the missionary had been struggling with
one of these troublesome deputations for over an
hour. " Are ye willing to admit I was no far from
right when I said ye might as well try to make ropes
out of the sand down at the river, as to make Christ-
ians out of such heathens. If the Gospel were only
something to eat, Mr. Olden, there's none of them
but wad have it gladly. An Indian's soul is in his
stomach, believe me, sir, and ye can't take him any
farther than that will lead him."

New Arrivals at Norway House. 131

" You have a poor opinion of your brother in red,
Mr. MacTavish," returned Mr. Olden, gently. " And
no doubt you are not without reason for it. But have
you ever thought that an Indian must have a soul as
well as a white man, and that there is the same
eternity before both ? "

Fergus was present at this conversation, and listened
intently, turning his bright face toward each speaker,
but not attempting to interrupt.

" I suppose the poor creatures have souls, Mr.
Olden, but I canna think the Lord Almighty has put
them on the same footing as ourselves," said the chief
trader. " They 've been living and dying here without
the Gospel for thousands of years, and even if you do
find them ready to listen tae ye, and to become
Christians, it wull only be a mere handful after a'."

"Yet Jesus Himself said that one soul was worth
more than the world," responded Mr. Olden, his strong
face lighting up, as he looked forward in hope to the
victories he aspired to win for his Master.

" True enough, Mr. Olden, true enough," admitted
Mr. MacTavish. " But dae ye really think that in the
sight of God the soul of ane of them puir creature . is
of the same importance as the soul of one o' our ain-
sels, to put the question straightly ? "

A curious expression came over the missionary's
countenance at this question. Its frank simplicity
tempted him to smile, albeit the contempt for the
Indian that it implied aroused within him the desire
to protest.

132

Fergus MacTavish.

" The apostle tells us plainly that there is no respect
of persons with God," Mr. Olden answered, after a
moment's silence.

" Aye, I ken that weel enough, Mr. Olden," said the
other, " but I confess I canna just apply it to the
present case. However, I donna want to discourage,
you. Yer heart is full of it, I see, and if I 'm wrong,
and ye 're right, I shall be verra glad to acknowledge
my error."

Fergus had not lost a word of the discussion. His
inquiring mind was a good deal exercised about Mr.
Olden. He seemed so different from any other visitor
that had come to Norway House since he could
remember. His dress, manner, and conversation, all
had something impressive about them. The boy was
both awed and attracted by the man.

When he clearly understood Mr. Olden's mission,
his interest in him greatly deepened. A minister to
the Indians ! How odd it seemed when there had
never been a minister for the people at the Fort !
Fergus' parents were of a religious turn of mind.
They read their Bible both regularly, and did not
neglect private prayer ; but they had never felt im-
pelled to enter into any actual religious work. They
were negative rather than positive Christians, who
found it easier to do right than wrong, and who were
content to take care of their own consciences, and to
leave other people to do the same. The thought of
making any attempt toward evangelising the savages
round about them had never entered their heads.

( :-

New Arrivals at Norway House. (33

They would as soon have thought of trying to teach
their dogs to speak English.

Brought up in this atmosphere, Fergus of course
feU naturally into the same way of thinking, and
when Mr. Olden came with such different notions,
claimmg that an Indian's soul was as precious in the
s.ght of God as a white man's, and announcing that
he nuended to devote his life to making known unto
r^M "l^ !^°=P<=' °^ Christ, Fergus felt bewildered.
If Mr. Olden was right, his father was wrong ; and
somehow or other his heart seemed to be with the
.nissionary, so that he found himself hoping he would
turn out to be in the right. The poor Indians did not
have much happiness in this world. They often died
of hunger, of exposure, of disease. If Mr Olden
could teach them how to get into heaven, what a
sp..... -■ thing it would be! With these and other
thoughts Fergus' brain was busy. The answers
would come by-and-by.

1 t

CHAPTER VIII.

THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD.

'pHE brief and beautiful summer had passed, and
autumn was come to Norway House. A big
wood fire was welcome in the evenings, and around
this the two families would gather, usually with Mr.
Barnston, and some of the clerks as an addition to
the circle.

There was never any lack of conversation. Mr.
Olden had always kept himself abreast of the times,
and coming to the far-away Fort right from the*
midst of civilisation, he was like a living newspaper
to the others. They had a thousand and one ques-
tions to ask him, and he was ready with a reply.

As they came to know him better, all sense of
stiffness or restraint because of the presence of a
minister vanished, and the very clerks who had been
most inclined to regard him as an unwelcome
intruder, were glad of a chance to spend an hour in
his society, while Mrs. Olden bade fair to become the
friend and counsellor of them all.

Fergus on his part found in Ruth a delightful
companion. Slight ^nd delicate as she seemed, she

135

136

Fergus MacTavish.

was in reality wiry and enduring to a remarkable
degree for her years, and could run about with him
all day long without tiring. They both had their
lessons to learn in the morning, but the afternoons
were their own, and they were rarely apart.

Mrs. Olden soon came to feel perfect confidence in
Fergus, so that she was quite content for him to be
little Ruth's guardian. Consequently, when one
pleasant Saturday Fergus wanted to take her off on
a hunt for the delicious Indian pear berry, which grew
in quantities a little way down the river, she made no
objection, Fergus promising to be back in good
season before dark.

They started immediately after dinner. To save
time and walking Fergus took his canoe, but he did
not have his gun, as Mrs. Olden would not allow Ruth
to be with him then. She dreaded the happening of
some accident. A hunting knife was his only weapon,
but he hardly needed that as there were no bears or
other dangerous animals known to be in the neigh-
bourhood of the Fort, and furthermore two of his big
dogs were going with him, — Hercules, a splendid St.
Bernard, called *' Here," for short, and Oscar, a noble
Newfoundland. They did not of course come into
the canoe. They ran along the river bank, keeping
up with the light craft as it skimmed swiftly down
the current under the impulse of Fergus' strong
strokes.

The boy was in great good humour. It was the
first time Mrs. Olden had permitted him to take

The Children in the Wood, 13;

Ruth out of sight of the Fort, and he felt proud of
the confidence reposed m him. A finer autumn day
, could hardly be imagined, the berries were sure to be
at their best, and the whole long golden afternoon
was at his command, so that his cup of happiness was
about full. Only one thing more could he have
wished for-that he had his gun. He would have
dearly hked to show Ruth what a good shot he was
at short range. But Ruth's mother had put her foot
down firmly against that, and he had yielded with a
good grace.

The berries were a mile or more down the river,
and Ruth keenly enjoyed the canoe trip thither. She
wanted very much that Fergus should allow her to
help him. paddle.

•' Do let me try," she coaxed. " I 'm sure I could
do it."

" I 'm sure ye 'd upset the canoe, Ruthie," answered
Fergus.

'• Oh ! no, indeed I wouldn't ; I'd be so careful "
pleaded Ruth. '

" Ruthie dear," said Fergus, putting on his most
serious expression, "I promised yer mither I wad
take the best of care of you. Noo, what would I say
to her if I allowed you to upset the canoe, and per-
haps be drowned ? "

Ruth looked at the dark, deep water, with a pretty
little shudder.

" I 'm sure I don't want to be drowned," she replied,
half-pouting, " but I would like to paddle."

•38

Fergus MacTavish.

" Wait till next summer, Ruthie, and I '11 teach you
to paddle as well as I do myself," said Fergus, who
had a very good opinion of his skill as a canoeist.

" Oh ! will you, Fergus ? " cried Ruth, delightedly.
" I '11 be so glad. Now, don't you forget your
promise."

" There 's no fear o' my forgetting, Ruthie. I '11
be ower glad to teach you all I can." And Fergus
beamed on his bright little companion, for the pros-
pect of having her for a pupil was full of attractiveness.

In the meantime the canoe was slipping smoothly
onward. Here and Oscar bounding along the bank,
paused every now and then at some projecting point
to bark out a cheery : " Come along, you folks in the
canoe. Don't be so slow." Then they raced off
ahead again as if they were bound to be at the
destination first.

" Did you ever see such splendid dogs as mine,
Ruthie ? " asked Fergus, gazing proudly after his huge
pets.

" No, Fergus, never. I think they 're the best dogs
in all the world," was the entirely satisfactory reply.

** I think so too," said Fergus. " Wasn't it kind of
Sir George Simpson to send me such beauties?
I hope I '11 be able to give him a ride behind them in
my dog-sledge some time. But ah, Ruthie, won't you
love that ! — to have the big dogs for horses. Just
wait until the snow comes, and then you '11 see how
they can pull. Why, they could haul us both all day,
and not get tired."

The Children in the Wood. 139

Ruth clapped her hands at the notion of being
drawn in a sledge by the big dogs.

"Oh! won't that be lovely!" she exclaimed,
joyously. « I do so love riding in a sleigh. Father
used often to take me with him at home."

And so the young folks chatted away merrily until
Fergus called out :

"Here we are. this is the place," and ran the
canoe ashore.

They stepped out on the soft sand, and were at
once warmly welcomed by the dogs, which were
evidently glad to have them within touch. Fergus
drew the canoe out of the water, and they made
their way up the bank to where the trees clustered
thickly.

" Stay here a minute, Ruth," said Fergus. " I want
to make sure that this is the right spot. Here, Oscar'"
he called to the Newfoundland, "come, lie down
watch ! There, Ruth," as the dog promptly obeyed
" he '11 look after you."

So saying, Fergus dashed into the wood, and was
soon out of sight. Ruth did not feel the least nervous
at his going off. She sat down beside the Newfound-
land, and fondled his huge head, making a pretty
picture with the wilderness for a setting.

Presently Fergus returned, out of breath, but tri-
umphant.

" I 've found the place," he pan .ed, " and ah, my !
what lots of berries there are I Come along, Ruth."
Ruth and her guardian sprang up at once, and

140

Fergus MacTavish.

III i

followed him into the woods. They had not to go
more than a hundred yards or so before they reached
the spot. It was a kind of small glade, at the farther
side of which grew a number of trees, in appearance
resembling the wild cherry ; but instead of the bright
red astringent little fruit, so aptly named choke-cherry,
they bore a berry as large as a cranberry, and of a
rich purple hue.

Fergus broke off a bunch that was richly loaded,
and handed it to Ruth.

** Eat them," said he, " and tell me if they 're not
good."

Ruth picked off several berries and put them in her
mouth. She found them so delicious that she could
not take time to answer Fergus, but hastened to fill
her mouth as full as it could hold. At last, after
having disposed of several mouthfuls, she managed to
get out :

" What lovely berries, Fergus ! I could eat them all
day."

The Indian pear is a very fine berry for eating, and
is often mixed into the pemmican, making what is
called "berry-pemmican," a highly esteemed dainty
in those regions. Fergus had brought some baskets
in his canoe, and when he had taken the edge off his
own appetite, he went back for these, and then the
two set to work to fill them, for the folks at the Fort
would be sure to greatly enjoy a feast of Indian pears.

Fergus climbed up the trees, and bent down the
branches, which were quickly de.spoiled of their pretty

The Children in the Wood. 141

purple beads. One to the mouth, and two to the
basket, was the pickers' rule, and their store grew
steadily.

While they were thus engaged, and too deeply
absorbed to take notice of anything else, the weather
showed signs of a sudden change for the worse. The
sun vanished behind a mass of cloud that rapidly
extended over the face of the sky, and the wind began
to rise and rustle through the trees in rather a threat-
ening way.

Ruth was the first to observe these warnings of an
approaching storm.

" It's going to rain, Fergus," said she, looking up
anxiously at the sky. " Shouldn't we go home ? "

Fergus, intent upon his work, gave a hurried glance
skyward.

"In a minute," he answered, "as soon as I have
filled this basket ; " and he was about to resume pick-
mg, when Oscar, who, having no taste for berries, had
been amusing himself ranging about through' the
woods, announced by a series of eager barks that he
had found game of some sort. Here at once rushed
off to join him, and Fergus, forgetting everything else
in the excitement of the chase, caught hold of Ruth's
hand, crying :

" Come along, Ruth, and let 's see what the do^s are
after." ^

Ruth, nothing loath, put her best foot forward, and
into the forest they plunged, guided by the incessant
barking of the dogs.

142

Fergus MacTavish.

ii ' 'I

The ground was not rough, and, helped along by
Fergus, Ruth kept up a very good rate of speed for
fully two hundred yards. But then both breath and
strength forsook her, and quite exhausted she dropped
in a heap, saying with a half sob :

'* I 'm so tired. I must stop."

Reluctant to give up following the dogs, Fergus
asked her :

" Dae ye mind if I leave you here a minute, and
come back tae ye ? "

" Oh, no, Fergus, don't leave me," she cried, her
eyes opening wide with terror at the idea of being left
alone now. " I 'd be so frightened. Please stay with
me.

The dogs were barking furiously some distance
away. Whatever the animal was, they had apparently
either run it to earth, or treed it, and Fergus burned
to be with them.

" You '11 be all safe here, Ruth," he replied, " and
I '11 be right back."

Ruth caught his hand, and clung to it tightly, look-
ing up into his face with a most beseeching expression,
her lip trembling, and the tears gathering in her eyes
as she pleaded :

" Please don't go away, Fergus. Wait till I get a
little rest, and then I '11 go with you."

Fergus could not refuse her, and muttered :

"Verra weel, the creature will be gone for sure."
He threw himself down beside her, not at all in the
best of humour.

The Children in the Wood.

143

Poor Ruth, seeing that he was put out with her,
almost immediately got up, saying that she was rested
and ready to go on, although in truth her little legs
felt very tottery under her. Fergus at once brightened
up, and seizing her hand, hurried her along to where
the dogs were still barking.

But only disappointment awaited them there.
Whatever the animal was that the dogs had been
chasing, a marten or mink probably, it had made good
its escape into a hole between the roots of a large
tree, where there was no chance of following it.

Fergus took a stick and tried to explore the hole,
but it had a sharp bend in it not far from the mouth,
and his efforts were fruitless. There was nothing to
do but to call off the dogs, and return to where the
baskets were, and thence to the canoe.

It was not easy to get the dogs away. They knew
just where their quarry had taken refuge. They also
felt sure that it was there still, and they were very
much in earnest about making a capture. Fergus
called, and whistled ; but they, seeming to take it all
for encouragement, only barked the louder, and did
their best to dig out the animal with their paws.

In the meantime the sky had been growing darker
and darker. A storm of wind and rain, such as was
not uncommon in the autumn season, could not be far
off. Fergus began to feel anxious, and at length,
despairing of milder methods with his canine compan-
ions, took up the stick which he had been thrusting
into the hole, and applied it vigorously to their backs.

144

Fergus MacTavish.

This had the desired effect Here and Oscar, realis-
ing that their young master did not approve of their
paying any further attention to the creature imprisoned
under the roots, obediently subsided, and followed
him as he set out on the return journey.

Still holding Ruth's hand, Fergus walked as rapidly
as they could in what he conceived to be the right
direction. The sun was no longer of any help as a
guide ; but this did not concern him at first, he felt so
confident of his course.

After going on for about a quarter of an hour, how-
ever, and seeing no sign either of the baskets or the
Indian pear trees, he began to feel alarmed. This
was surely the direction in which they had come.
Yet they must have gone a longer distance on their
return journey than they had in following the dogs,
and should therefore have found their baskets ere this.

Thinking that perhaps they had passed to one side
of the place where they had been picking the berries,
Fergus made a little circuit through the trees, but
without result. The case was becoming serious,
especially as poor little Ruth, wearied with her
unwonted exertions, grew fretful, and protested that
she could not walk a step farther.

Feeling that the fault was altogether his, Fergus
sought to make reparation by attempting to carry her.
But he soon found that not much progress could be
made in that way, and had to put her down again.
Then he tried mounting her upon the bt Bernard, to
which the kind brute made no objection.

The Childreyi in the Wood.

145

Rut that would not work, because he had to hold
her on, and he could not do this and guide the dog
at the same time, consequently, they zigzagged about
in a most confusing way.

All this took precious time. The day was drawing
to a close, yet they were apparently no nearer to their
baskets than when they started. F'crgus tried hard
to keep a brave countenance, though he was in a state
of alarm bordering close upon panic. Had he been
alone he would not have felt so badly ; for with two
big dogs as protectors, he would be safe enough, and
a night in the forest would do him no harm.

But how would it be with tender little Ruth, who,
now tired out, had thrown herself down to rest upon
a moss-covered stone, and was evidently on the verge
of bursting into tears ? Could she stand a night in
the forest ?

As if divining what was in his mind, Ruth looked
up anxiously into his face.

" I want to go home, Fergus," she moaned. " Please
take me home."

Fergus sat down beside her, and put his arm about
her, while the big St. Bernard, scenting trouble in the
air, laid his head in her lap as though to say :

'* What 's the matter ? Can I be of any help ? "

" I want to get home too, Ruth," said Fergus gently,
" but I seem to have lost the way."

Ruth turned upon him quickly with a startled

face.

" Oh ! Fergus, ar'^ we really lost ? " she screamed ;

146

Fergus MacTavish.

li!

'■ li

and then without waiting for an answer, threw her
head upon his shoulder, and burst into tears.

" Don't be scared, Ruth," urged Fergus soothingly.
" They '11 be sure to come after us from the Fort."

" But I 'm so frightened," sobbed Ruth ; " and I 'm
cold, and I want to go home."

By this time Fergus had made up his mind that it
was worse than useless for him to try and find the
way back to the baskets. He was probably at some
distance from them in the wrong direction already,
and would only get farther astray by pushing on.
Moreover, Ruth was wearied out, and unfit for further
exertion. There seemed no other alternative than to
remain where they were until assistance should arrive,
and this he hoped would not be very long in coming.
Their failure to return in good time would be sure to
arouse anxiety, and their fathers would doubtless soon
be setting out in search of them.

The presence of the great dogs was an immense
comfort to him. They were protectors fit to cope
with any possible assailant. If he could only find
some sheltered spot in which to hide from the
approaching storm, he would not feel so troubled
about Ruth.

Just then he remembered having, in the course of
the circuit made a few minutes before, noticed a place
that looked something like a cave. He could easily
find it again. So, leaving both the dogs with Ruth,
and explaining to her what he was about, he hunted
around for the cave. He soon lighted upon it, and it

The Children iti the Wood,

147

proved to be a cavity undt.- a projecting ledge of
rock. He quickly brought Ruth there. It was
precisely what they needed — a dry, clean nook, where
they would be snugly sheltered from both wind and
rain.

" My ! is 'na this grand ? " exclaimed Fergus cheer-
fully. "Just sit ye doon there, Ruthie. I'm going
to try if I canna make a fire to warm ye."

So saying he proceeded to explore the contents of
his pockets. Out came a miscellaneous collection of
strings, nails, caps for his gun, bullets, and so forth ;
and, sure enough, among them were half a dozen
matches, then quite a novelty at Norway House,
having but recently taken the place of flint and steel
and tinder.

" Ah ! ah ! " he cried, triumphantly ; " I thought
I had some matches. Noo then for a real fine bonnie
blaze."

There was no lack of dry wood lying near, and,
working diligently, he soon had a goodly pile gath-
ered in the cave where the rain could not get at it.
Then came the careful building of the fire. In this
he was thoroughly expert. He had been making
camp-fires for his own amusement ever since he was
no older than Ruth.

The first match would not light. The second flick-
ered hopefully for an instant, and went out. But
the bird fizzled up finely, the dry twigs ignited, the
little flames crept about the larger branches, and soon
with a most cheering crackle the whole pile was ablaze.

;1 C

148

Fergus MacTavish.

Ruth brightened up at once.

" Oh ! Fergus, isn't that nice ! " she cried, clapping
her hands in delight at the ruddy blaze.

" Aye, Ruth, it 's vcrra gi.de. Ye won't feel so
frightened noo, will ye ? "

" No, Fergus ; but I hope father will come soon to
take me home. I don't want to stay here all
night."

" Dinna yc fear, Ruth. He '11 come for sure. He 's
started before this."

"Oh! Fergus, has he ? And will he be here before
it gets very dark ? "

" I 'm not quite so sure about that. Ruth ; but never
mind, the fire will keep us warm, and it will show
them where we arc."

By this time the dusk had deepened into night,
and with the darkness came the rain, falling in heavy
drops that would soon have drenched them to the
skin, had they been exposed to the storm. But their
place of refuge did its duty perfectly ; for the wind
was at its back, and consequently they were doubly
protected. Moreover, the smoke from the fire wn'-
blown away from them, so that they could enjoy its
warmth and cheer without any di.scomfort. In fact,
had Fergus' companion been a sturdy boy like him-
self, one of his Indian playmates, for instance, he
would have rather enjoyed staying out all night, in
spite of the storm.

The dogs had found a corner for themselves, and
after blinking at the fire for a few moments in

"Ciod Mess father, mollier. ami Fei-^^iis, ami all my dear hieiuLs. "-

J\ij,r 149.

The Child /en in the Wood.

149

luxurious ease, had gone to sleep. Their big warm
bodies stretched at full length gave Fergus an idea.

•' Are ye sleepy, Ruthie ? " he asked. " Wad ye like
to go to sleep ? "

"I'm very, very tired, Fergus," was the reply.
" But how can I go to sleep here ? "

"I'll show ye," said Fergus. "Just put yer head
down here, and it'll be as warm and soft as any
pillow."

Ruth did as she was bidden, and laid her golden
curls upon the St. Bernard's thick fur. Here, dis-
turbed in his nap, raised his head to see who >vas
thus taking liberties with him. But one glance was
sufficient, and, thoroughly satisfied, he went off to
sleep again.

Ruth closed her eyes, and was about to follow the
dog's example, for she was exceedingly tired, when
suddenly she opened them again, and sat up.

"Oh! Fergus," she said, "I forgot to say my
prayers."

•• So you did, Ruthie. Just say them noo."

Ruth got upon her knees, and, with closed eyes

and clasped hands, repeated slowly the beautiful

prayer :

" Now I lay me clown to sleep,
I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take,
And this I ask for Jesus' sake,"

adding softly: "God bless father and mother, and

ISO

Fergus MacTavish.

Fergus, and all my dear friends ; and help me to be a
good girl, and bring me safe home again. Amen."

Never before had that northern wilderness wit-
nessed so lovely a picture as the flashing firelight
disclosed — this fairy-like girl kneeling beside the
huge dog, and lifting up her heart in perfect faith to
her Father in heaven. Young as Fergus was, its
strange beauty deeply impressed him, and, yielding
to a sudden impulse, he beri over and kissed Ruth's
forehead as reverently as though she had been an
angel.

'* God bless you, Ruthie," he murmured. " Put
your bonnie head doon on Here, noo, and go to sleep.
I '11 bide awake, and take good care of you."

CHAPTER IX. .

WINTER AT NORWAY HOUSE.

CERGUS' brain was very busy as he sat in the
cave h'stening to the steady dripping of the rain,
from which he had found such timely protection,
addmg a stick of wood every now and then to the
fire, and taking many a glance at Ruth, sleeping so
sweetly with Here for a pillow, as though she was in
her own cot.

It must be about nine o'clock, he thought, and a
search party had set out after them, no doubt, several
hours previous. They would of course find the canoe
drawn up on the bank, and take their bearings from
It. Some of the Esquimaux dogs had wonderful
powers of scent, and perhaps would be able to follow
their track in spite of the rain. If he had only
brought his gun, he could have fired it off in order to
attract the attention of the searchers, and he regis-
tered a resolution never to go into the forest without
it again.

An hour or more passed in this way, and he was
beginning to feel very sleep)- himself. He nodded
off several times, and awoke with a start to find the

151

'52

Fergus MacTavish,

■M

fire burning low. His little wood-pile, moreover, was
fast disappearing. Another hour would exhaust it,
no matter how carefully it might be husbanded.
This gave him serious concern ; for everything out-
side the cave was thoroughly soaked by this time.
He felt very much depressed, and, for the second
time in his life, the thought of appealing to God for
immediate help came to him.

He had always " said his prayers " night and morn-
ing, regularly ; but it had been more as a good habit
taught him by his mother than as an actual approach
to the Almighty, with a sense of need and dependence.
Now the case was very different No mere repetition
of familiar phrases would do. His heart was stirred
to its depths.

Moving back into the farthest corner of the little
cave, he knelt down, and prayed as he had never prayed
before, save, perhaps, when at the mast-head he asked
for help. No lack of faith tied his tongue. Like a
flood of light and warmth came the conviction of his
marvellous privilege, and with all the confidence of a
child addressing its earthly parents, he poured out his
petitions to his Father in heaven.

" lieforc they call, I will answer; and while they arc
yet speaking, I will hear," is the gracious declaration.
And Fergus found it to be so, for while he was still
upon his knees two rifle shots rang out in quick
succession, not far away.

With a beatmg heart he sprang to his feet, and
rushing to the mouth of the cave, shouted with all his

IVinier at Norway House. 153

might. His sudden movement startled the dogs,
and they jumped up and added their deep barks to
his shouts.

Startled out of her sleep, Ruth was at first very
frightened, and disposed to cry ; but Fergus caught
her hand, crying joyfully :

" They 're coming ! I hear them ! " Just as he spoke
the two reports were; repeated ; and again he shouted,
and the dogs barked in response. Then bethinking
himself of the fire, he hurriedly threw on it the
remainder of the wood, and the flames rose up
brightly, sending lines of light out into the surround-
ing shadow.

At the same moment the two reports rang out
again, this time less than a hundred yards away, and
were followed by a call that reached the excited boy's
sharp ears.

" Hello ! Fergus, where are you ? "

" Here, father 1 " Fergus shouted back, stirring up
the fire so that it might be seen as far as possible.

Mr. MacTavish did not hear his boy's answer, but
he did catch a glimpse of the darting firelight, and
with a fervent, " God be praised ! There they are," he
dashed recklessly toward it, Mr. Olden following only
a few steps behind him, with half-a-dozen Indians and
voyageiirs bringing up the rear, two fine Esquimaux
dogs bounding and barking beside them, as if they
would say :

" There are the lost ones. W^e tracked them for
you. Arc we not clever animals ? "

154

Fergus Mac Tavish.

1 1 '

It took the eager men but a few seconds to reach
the cave, at whose entrance stood Ruth and Fergus
hand in hand, peering expectantly into the dripping
darkness.

" My ain Fergus ! " " My darling Ruth ! " exclaimed
the two fathers in the same breath, as each clasped
his own child in a fervent embrace.

Then came the questions quick and fast, while the
Indians and voyageurs gathered around to listen, and
the two big dogs went about from one to the other,
putting their cold noses into the men's hands by way
of expressing their gladness at seeing them.

Fergus explained how he came to lose himself,
with feelings in which a certain sense of pride at
being the central figure in so exciting an episode,
was tempered by some humiliation that he should
lose himself at all, seeing how much practice he had
in woodcraft.

" Weel, Fergus," said his father, patting him fondly
on the shoulder, " it was not a verra wise thing o' you
to rin after the dogs as ye did, for of course it was
that led ye astray ; but I maun say that under the
circumstances ye made the best of a bad business, and
took gude care of little Ruth. Dinna ye think so,
Mr. Olden?"

" I do indeed," responded Mr. Olden, heartily. " I
think Fergus did as well as either of us could have
done in the same emergency. At the same time, per-
haps it would be as well not to run any risk of the
same thing happening again, eh, Mr. MacTavish?"

Winter at Norway House.

155

" Aye, aye, Mr. Olden," answered the chief trader.
" No more of this wandering about the woods for the
present. Had I thocht ye were going sae far, Fergus,
I would never have allowed ye to set out."

Fergus hung his head, and looked confused at this ;
for, as a matter of fact, he had not made very clear
just what he had in view, but had left the impression
on the minds both of his own parents and Ruth's, that
he was going only a short way from the Fort, where-
as they were now fully two miles distant.

The storm showed signs of abating, and while
waiting for the rain to stop, Mr. MacTavish told
Fergus how they had looked for his return with Ruth
in good time before sundown, and how, when he did
not appear, and the storm came on, they grew very
anxious, and finally made up a party of the best
guides at the Fort, and taking two of the Esquimaux
dogs as trackers, set out in search of the missing
young people.

As Fergus expected, the canoe drawn up on the
river bank gave them the first clue. For the rest they
had to rely upon the keen scent of their dogs, and
they were not disappointed. The sagacious animals
worked out the trail slowly but surely, the heavy rain
making it much more difficult to trace. Fergus' first
shouts had not been heard, but the deep baying of the
big dogs had reached their cars, and they knew that
they were on the right track. Then they pushed joy-
fully ahead until their eyes caught the gleam of the
fire, and the beloved objects of their search were found.

'56

Fergus MacTavish.

It was after midnight before they all got back to
Norway House; but Mrs, MacTavish and Mrs. Olden,
it need hardly be said, were on the lookout for them,
and had a fine hot supper ready that was fully
appreciated, and in which every member of the search
party was invited to share.

Like sensible women, they had not worked them-
selves into a fever of anxiety, but had waited in hope
and faith, sending up frequent prayers for the safety
of their darling children.

A right merry party was that which gathered in the
chief trader's spacious dining-room, Mr. Barnston, and
the young men from " bachelor's hall," having come
in to hear all the details. P'ergus had to tell the story
of getting lost over again, and Ruth put in a word
occasionally, to make sure that she had due promin-
ence in the story.

The "wee sma' hours " came before the excitement
subsided, but at last the visitors went away, leaving
the chief trader's household to themselves.

" Let us join together in giving thanks to God for
His loving-kindness and tender mercies," said Mr.
Olden.

They all knelt down, and many a hearty " Amen "
came from Mr. MacTavish, as the missionary poured
forth his thanksgiving, while Fergus listened more
intently than he had ever done before, although Mr.
Olden had established the custom of family prayer
immediately after his coming to the Fort.

The fact was, Fergus' eyes had been opened by his

Winter at Norway House. 157

experience in the cave. He had got a new concep-
tion of prayer, and would never think of it in the
same way again ; for to the depths of his heart he
believed that the Omnipotent Ruler of the Universe
had condescended to hearken to, and answer his cry
for help. The thought almost appalled him, and yet
gave him a fearful joy. He wondered if he could
ever get on such a sure footing with God as Mr.
Olden seemed to have reached. Mr. Olden prayed
in so confident, so firm a tone, like one that had
implicit faith in the readiness of God to answer.

This was the beginning of some very deep thinking
on Fergus' part. Boy as he was, he had a mind in
some respects far beyond his years. When a subject
interested him he did not soon tire of it, but loved to
turn it over and over, looking at it from this side and
from that, asking questions of any one likely to give
him a helpful answer, referring to his books, if they
had anything to the point, and so keeping at it until
there seemed nothing more to be learned concern-
ing it.

How this deep thinking bore fruit will appear in
due time.

The autumn quickly slipped away, and winter
came to Norway House. For the long, cold, dreary
months that must be endured before the return of
welcome summer, ample preparation had been made.
The storehouses were full of dried meat, pemmican,
flour, tea, sugar, and other necessaries of life. Huge
stacks of white-fish had been accumulated for the

'58

Fergus MacTavish.

benefit of the Indians and the dogs. Vast piles of
firewood were ranged along inside the stockade. All
the dwelling houses were banked high with sods, and
the doors and windows doubled. Since Jack Frost
was bound to come in all his rigour, the garrison of
the Fort would do their best to give him a warm
reception, and defy him to his face.

Fergus did not regret the advent of winter. The
cold could not frighten him ; and the coming of the
snow meant all the fun that was to be had out of
sledging with his splendid dogs, snow-shoeing over
the white billowed plains, or tobogganing down the
steep slopes of the river bank. He was eager to give
Ruth a ride behind his St. Bernards, and to have
trials of speed with Mr. Barnston's famous Esquimaux.
If the winter only proved to be a tolerably fine one,
and free from heavy storms, all the prospects were
that it would be the pleasantest of his life.

By the middle of November the snow covered all
the land, the lakes and rivers had put on their armour
of ice, and nature lay silent and breathless in the
grasp of the frost king. There is nothing uncertain
or changeful about the winter season in those sub-
Arctic regions where Norway House stands. Once
the cold has come, it is simply a question from day
to day of how little or how much the thermometer
may be below zero. Thirty degrees below were not
uncommon. Forty have been recorded, while twenty,
fifteen, ten, five, are taken as a mere matter of course.

Under these circumstances furs are necessarily

Whiter at N^oi'way Ho7ise.

159

indispensable for clothing, and everybody wiio has to
move about much in the open air must be covered
with them from head to foot. Fergus had a fine set,
of which he was very proud. The coat and trousers
were of the choicest beaver unplucked, the vest of
satiny ermine, and the cap of rich brown mink, with
the tip of a silver fox's tail for a plume. On his feet
he wore moccasins of thick moose hide with the hair
still on, over three pairs of woollen stockings ; while
his hands were protected by mittens of marten skin
with the soft fur on the inside.

Thus accoutred, Jack Frost had no terrors for him.
He might indeed, and often did, take a saucy nip at
the end of his nose, and turn it into white marble,
but a handful of snow breathed upon, and applied to
the frozen member, soon made it all right.

Ruth was equally well fitted out. Shortly after
their arrival Mrs. Olden had begun to prepare for the
winter, and with Mrs. MacTavish's deft assistance
had suits for herself and daughter ready in good time.
Ruth looked exceedingly well in hers. Her coat was
of otter, trimmed with black bear ; her cap of silver
fox, and her skirt of mink. She might have been a
Russian Princess as, thus attired, she stood before
Fergus ready for any kind of a romp in the snow-
drifts.

*' Eh ! Ruthie, but you 're a bonnie lass," he
exclaimed ; for the charm of her merry blue eyes,
clear pink and white cheeks, and rosebud mouth, were
not lost upon him.

i6o

Fergus MacTavish.

I' I

" And you 're a bonnie boy, Fergus," retorted Ruth,
dancing around him in high delight at his frank
praise.

" Dae ye really think so, Ruthie ? " asked Fergus,
'viio was not accustomed to receive many such com-
pliments.

" Of course I do, Fergus," responded Ruth, promptly.
" I think you 're the bonni .st and best boy I 've ever
known."

" Gude for you, Ruthie. It makes me proud to
hear ye say so. Come along now, and let's pay
Spitfire a visit. He maun be lonely."

Spitfire was the name Ruth had given to the bear
cub, because he was such a cross little creature at
first. Latterly, however, he had become much mor-^
tractable, and Fergus was beginning to give him some
lessons in good behaviour with perceptible results.
He had been given a big box in a corner of one of
the store-houses, and was allowed an old blanket
wherewith to keep himself warm.

The cub seemed quite glad to see them, and rising
up on his hind-legs made as though he wanted to
shake hands with his young master.

'* Dae ye see that, Ruth ? " exclaimed Fergus,
proudly. " Noo, isn't he a cunning creature?"

" He is indeed, Fergus," said Ruth. " Hut isn't it a
shame to keep him shut up in this old box ? 1 think
he 'd just love to get out and run about in the lovely
white snow. Do let him for a little while — won't
you, Fcrgi.-.s?"

[■f \

Winter at Norway House.

i6[

Fergus was just in the humour for some excite-
ment, and although he more than lialf expected that
to let the little bear out would create a sensation in
the Fort, he at once jumped into the box and, gather-
ing Spitfire up in his arms, carried him out in the
open yard and set him down in the snow.

The cub had been so long in confinement that for
a few minutes he did nothing but stare about him in
a stupid, bewildered way. The bright sunshine made
him blink, and he found the snow very cold to his paws.

" Here, Spitfire ! " called Fergus. " Follow me.
I '11 soon make ye warm."

Spitfire turned in the direction of the voice, and,
recognising Fergus, moved after him in a slow, hesi-
tating fashion.

" Tut — you sluggard ! " cried the boy. " Ye 're as
lazy as an Indian. Hurry up, I say."

The cub presently did hurry up, but not because of
Fergus' " I say." A couple of Mr. IJarnstor s dogs
were lying at the door of his house, and when Spitfire
came into view, they darted at him as though they
would eat him up, filling the air with their shrill, sharp
barks.

For a moment the cub entertained the notion of
showing fight. He gathered himself together and
snarled fiercely at the dogs charging down upon him.
But when they were within a few feet of him, he
suddenly changed his mind and, turning tail, made
off toward the gate of the Fort at a lumbering galloi)
that took him over the snow in good style.

i' i

'HsK-;

s, 6ii

»'i

1 11 ' Mil

:i
i (I

ii
!i

' 1'

l6:

Perj^tts Mac Tavish.

All this had happened so quickly that Fergus could
not interfere, but now with a shout of:

" Awa' wi' ye, ye brutes ! " he rushed at the
Esquimaux dogs, and gave each of them a kick with his
moccasincd foot that sent them back howling to their
own quarters ; for dogs of that bre( d are arrant cowards.

This timely interposition did not, however, bring
Spitfire's troubles to an end. The sharp barking of
the Esquimaux dogs had aroused all the other dogs in
the h'ort, and, hurrying up to investigate the cause of
the disturbance, they caught sight of the bear
scuttling away from his pursuers, and with one accord
they joined in the chase.

Such a motley, and for the most part, mongrel pack
as they were, little wonder if Spitfire's heart stood
still with fright. Both the St. licrnards and the
Newfoundlands were there, besides nearly a dozen
sledge dogs and Indian curs, all barking or yelping
to the best of their ability.

" Oh, Fergus," cried Ruth in dismay. " Can't you
drive them away ? They '11 kill poor little Spitfire, if
you don't."

Fergus fully realised the peril of his pet, and put-
ting forth all his speed dashed into the middle of the
pack, hitting to right and left with a stake he iiad
happily picked up on his way. JUit the dogs paid
little attention to his blows, and the cub was getting
close to the gate, which stood wide open. If once he
reached the open gate, he would either make good
his escape or be killed by the dogs.

Winter at Norzuay House,

163

Just at that moment Papanakes appeared in the
gate, returning from a visit to his traps.

" Stop him ! stop him ! " screamed Fergus frantic-
ally, pointing to the fleeing cub.

The quick-witted old Indian took in the situation
at once, and throwing down what he was carrying,
prepared to stop Master Bruin in his mad flight.
When he was within half-a-dozen feet, Spitfire caught
signt of him, and taking him for another enemy
instead of a friend, made a desperate endeavour to
dodge past him.

So quick was the movement that it took the Indian
quite by surprise, and fearing lest the cub should
evade him, he flung himself right upon it, flattening
poor little Spitfire against the hard snow, and driving
every atom of breath out of his trembling body.

The dogs at once gathered round, barking as if
they had treed their prey, and rather scared old
Papanakes, who was not at all sure that one of the
big St. Bernards would hesitate about taking a piece
out of him if he felt so inclined. Moreover, Spitfire
was squirming vigorously, and doing his best to bite.

The scene was a very comical one, and if his pet
had not been in danger, Fergus would have had a
hearty laugh over it ; but he felt too anxious about
Spitfire to laugh. Hurrying up to J'apanakes, he
took the bear from his hands, and gave him the stake,
saying, '* Here, drive off the dogs with this."

Mightily glad at being thusVelieved, the old Indian
sprang up and laid about him so lustily that the whole

164

Fergus MacTavish.

si 1,

'\h\

pack of dogs turned tail and shrank off howling, leav-
ing Fergus free to get his cub safely back to its snug
quarters.

" I 'm so glad they didn't hurt dear little Spitfire,"
panted Ruth, who had been an anxious witness of
the whole proceedings.

" But he had a narrow escape, Ruthie, ye see," said
Fergus, "and I maunna let him out again until he's
a good bit bigger. Poor little creature ! he had a big
fright, to be sure."

Spitfire nestled in his master's arms as confidently
as a kitten, and was thus carried back to his box
where no dog could disturb him, while Fergus deter-
mined to see that the coast was perfectly clear before
giving him another airing.

The snow was now in fine condition for sledging,
and the level surface of the river presented a most
perfect place for the sport. Fergus' dogs had been
too young the previous winter to be thoroughly
broken in to harness, and the time had come to
complete their education.

Of course, the boy was not equal to this task alone.
He might easily have trained any one of the dogs to
haul, just as many a boy does in the city ; but the
training of a team of four was an altogether different
matter. lie had therefore to ca)' .n the assistance of
I'apanakes, and in so doing, imposed a condition that
the old Indian found very hard to understand, to wit,
that the dogs were not to be beaten as other team
dogs were.

i'iiiii ': w

Winter at Noi'way House.

165

The veteran driver, who in all his long experience
had never known of any other way of making dogs do
what was wanted than to thrash and pummel and
kick them into sullen obedience, had little faith
in the educational value of kindness.

" No beat dogs, dogs not haul," was his laconic
protest.

" Verra weel, then, Papanakes," answered Fergus.
" I 'd rather they wouldn't be good haulers, than
look like those poor creatures." And he pointed to
a number of dogs belonging to the Indians and half-
breeds that hung about.

They certainly were a most pitiable looking lot of
animals. One had lost an ear, another an eye. Every
head was scarred and seamed by cruel blows of whip
or stick or boot-heel. Indeed, it was no uncommon
thing for one of their brutal drivers, when greatly
incensed, to hold down a dog's head and beat it with
the butt end of his whip out of all semblance of life.

Now, Fergus could not tolerate the idea of his
superb animals being subjected to similar treatment.
He was firmly of the opinion that such kind, docile,
intelligent creatures could be taught to work well in
harness with very little of whip or stick, and he was
determined to have his own way in the matter.

The half-breeds have a curious fashion of giving
names to their dogs that would j;r.'ite sorely upon the
cars of sensitive teetotallers. Fully oric-hnlf the
sledge dogs in the Red River District, for instance,
are called either '' Whisky " or " Brandy," and many

1 66

Fergtis MacTavish.

of the remainder bear such names as " Chocolate,"
" Tea," " Coffee," &c.

Here again Fergus broke away from established
custom, and gave names to his dogs to suit his own
fancy. The St. Bernards were called Here and Bruce,
and the Newfoundlands, Oscar and Mac. None of
the names had any special significance, but they were
all easy to shout out, and they did not sound at all
like each other, two very important qualities.

In harnessing the dogs into the sledge. Here, being
the biggest, was made shafter or " steady-dog," and
Bruce being the brightest, took the lead as " foregocr,"
with Oscar and Mac in the middle. Bruce promised
to be a famous leader. He seemed really to under-
stand everything that was said to him, and to do his
best to obey. Here was equally good in the shafts.
But Mac and Oscar needed a lot of teaching. They
were a long time getting used to the harness, and in
taking it into their woolly heads that they could not
come to a full stop whenever they pleased, or dash
off at right angles from the track if anything attracted
their attention.

Papanakes' patience, if he could be safely accused
of having such a virtue where dogs were concerned,
was sorely tried by them, and he managed to give
them many a rap on the sly, which made him so
unpopular with them that Fergus suspected there was
something wrong, although he could not catch the
Indian disobeying orders.

The dog-sledge, or cariole, \\^as a very comfortable

% \

IVinlej" at Norway House.

167

looking affair. In order to mal-cc it, a thin, strong
board about nine feet long and sixteen inches wide
was steamed and turned up at one end, forming a sort
of bow. This was strengthened with wooden braces,
and then covered in with rawhide until it looked
something like the toe of a slipper. Next a slanting
back was fastened on about two feet from the rear of
the board, and the rawhide covering extended over it,
making the resemblance to a slipper still stronger.
The final stage was the decorating, and in this the
fancy of the Indian was allowed free rein, their artists
taking delight in ornamenting the rawhide covering
with mystical emblems in red and yellow pigments,
which, no doubt, were potent charms for securing
good luck to the owner of the sledge.

Papanakes took a world of pains in the making
and decorating of Fergus' cariole. There was no
other so handsome at the l^^ort, and to sec our hero
on a bright winter's day lying luxuriously back in it
wrapped in cosy furs and listening to the merry tinkle
of Bruce's bells, while Papanakes ran alongside, urging
on the team with crack of whip and startling shout,
dog-sledging under such circumstances seemed to be
the very ideal of winter travel.

As soon as the dogs were fairly well broken in,
Fergus invited Ruth to take a ride with him. They
could not very well sit together inside, the accommoda-
tion being too cramped ; so he tuckcil her stnigly
under the furs and jumped on at the back, where
there was plenty of standing room.

1 68

Fergns MacTavish.

A wcll-bcatcn track ran from Norway House along
the Jack River to Playgreen Lake, and as he did not
intend to go more than a couple of miles or so, he
left Papanakes at home, feeling quite confident of his
being able to manage the dogs himself.

He did this altogether on his own responsibility,
being anxious to show off a little before Ruth, which,
after all, was natural enough for a boy of his age.
They started off in fine style, Bruce trotting along
the track as steadily as a stage-horse, and the other
dogs all pulling well in the traces.

"Isn't this just lovely ?" exclaimed Ruth ecstatic-
ally, as the cariole undulated swiftly over the smooth
road.

"Aye, that it is, Ruthie," responded Fergus,
cracking his whip almost as skilfully as Papanakes
could do it.

Bruce shook his head and increased his pace, the
band of bells upon his back ringing merrily in the
keen, clear air. The afternoon was just perfect for a
sleigh ride, the cold being only moderate, and not a
breath of wind blowing. With so light a load and so
good a track, the powerful dogs had an easy task, and
a short half-hour brought them to the broad expanse
of Playgrcen Lake.

Here there were several tracks leading in different
directions, but the going was good over the whole
surface of the lake, the wind having beaten the snow
into firm drifts that looked like suddenly solidified
ocean billows. It was Fergus' intention to follow one

Winter at Norway House.

169

of these tracks a little way out on the Lake, and then
turn about toward home, but a curious incident
introduced a variation that made the ride a good
deal more exciting than he or Ruth had anticipated.

They had gone about a mile from the land and he
was about turning the dogs around, when Bruce
caught sight of a white fox stealing silently over the
snow, not fifty yards away. Instantly he forgot the
responsibilities of his position as " foregocr." The
temptation of a fox chase was too strong for him.
With a joyous bark he leaped forward in eager
pursuit, and the other dogs, catching the infection,
sprang after him.

Then ensued a fox-hunt, the like of which was
probably never seen before. The fox, of course, had
an immense advantage over the dogs, and, moreover,
seemed to understand that fact ; for instead of darting
off out of sight, it ran along at an easy gait, taking
care that the pursuers did not lessen the distance
dividing them.

Full of hope the dogs bounded furiously after it,
dragging the cariole at a rate tliat made Ruth dizzy,
while Fergus had to drop his whip and cling with
both hands to the back of the sledge to prevent him-
self from being pitched off into a snow-drift. Utterly
vain were all his efforts to stop the dogs. He might
as well have shouted to the winds.

Turning off from the track, the team sped over the
drifts, the cariole rocking up and down like a boat in
a short swell. So long as Bruce made no sudden

170

Fergus MacTavish.

turn there was little danger of the sledge upsetting ;
but what Bruce might do depended entirely upon the
fox.

" Haud tight, Ruthie, haud verra tight," cried Fergus.
" The dogs will soon get tired."

" I 'm holding on tight," gasped Ruth, in a very
scared tone. " But I do wish they 'd stop."

■I

CHAPTER X.

SOWINC'r THE SEED.

pOR full half-a-mile did the dogs keep up their
reckless chase after the crafty fox, which must
have been laughing slyly to himself all the while at
their vain expenditure of strength. Again and again
did the cariole come within a hair-breadth of tipping
over. Indeed, more than once Fergus avoided an
upset only by quickly throwing his weight to the
other side. As white as the snow about her, Ruth
clung to the swaying seat, expecting every moment to
be hurled out upon her head.

But presently their tremendous exertions began to
tell upon even the St. Bernards' mighty frames.
Bruce's speed perceptibly slackened. He had no
more breath to waste on barking. With drooping
head, and tongue hanging out its full length, he
doggedly maintained the pursuit, although the fox's
lead had increased to one hundred yards at least, and
he must soon disappear altogether.

" They are wearying, Ruthic," cried Fergus, joyfully.
" They '11 no go much farther." And then in his most
imperious tone he commanded the dogs to stop.

171

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172

Fergus MacTavish.

Bruce's determined gallop wavered, and then fell to
a trot, the trot became a walk, and finally he stopped
altogether, turned full round, and giving Fergus a
look that clearly meant : " Haven't I just been the
biggest kind of a fool ? " lay down in the snow pant-
ing like a steam-engine, the rest of the team immedi-
ately following his example.

At once Fergus sprang forward, threw aside the
furs, and lifted Ruth out of the cariole.

" There you are, Ruthie," he said, smiling all over
his face in his joy that no accident had befallen them.
" Not hurt the least bit, and my ! but didn't you have
a grand ride ? "

Ruth shook herself to make sure that she was all
right, gave a huge sigh of relief, and then was ready
to smile as gaily as Fergus.

" I did have a grand ride, Fergus," she responded.
" Rut I was very, very frightened, you know. I
thought I was going to upset ever so many times."

" And I was frightened too, Ruth, not for myself,
but for you. But now neither of us is hurt at all,
and what a ride we 've had ! I 'm verra certain Mr.
l^arnston's Huskies couldna hae gone sae fast as my
dogs did just now. I 'm just going to have a race
with him soon, and try whose team can go the fastest."

" Oh, yes ; do, Fergus," cried Ruth, full of glee at
the prospect of an exciting race. " And let me be
in the cariole, will you ? " she added. For by this time
the young damsel had recovered her self-possession,
and was quite ready for another adventure.

Sowing the Seed.

173

"To be sure, Ruthie, if your father will let you,"
was the prompt reply. " And now we maun start for
home again, if the dogs arc rested enough."

The dogs had recovered their wind, but they were
evidently a good deal tired, and a slow trot was the
best that Fergus could get out of them on the way
back to the Fort, so that the early dusk of wniter was
drawing near by the time the cariole passed through
the gate.

The recital of their adventure was listened to with
great interest in the chief trader's household.

*' Eh ! mon, but I wish I could hae seen it," laughed
Mr. MacTavish. " The four foolish dogs tugging their
hearts out trying to catch a fox that they couldna
catch even if they had been loose, and the twa bairns
holding on to the sledge for dear life, looking scairt
enough, nae doot. It must hae made a fine picture
eh, Mr. Olden ?" turning to the missionary.

The Oldens did not take quite so humorous a view
of the incident as did their hosts. They were not yet
fully accustomed to the adventurous life of the North,
and were disposed to think that Ruth had been run-
ning great risks.

" A fine picture, indeed, Mr. MacTavish," answered
Mr. Olden, *• but it ijeems to me there was too mucl;
danger of an up.set, with possibly serious consequences,
to make it altogether pleasant. However, it has ended
happily enough, for which God be praised, and Ruth
is the richer for an experience that few girls of her
age ever had ; and if it be her lot to spend her life

174

Fergus Mac Tavish.

in this country, I suppose she may as well begin now
to get accustomed to its ways."

When her husband spoke of Ruth spending her life
in the North, Mrs. Olden glanced at her and then at
Fergus. Mothers think a long way ahead, and there
was a thought in Mrs. Olden's mind that went many
years into the future. Her love for Fergus grew with
increasing knowledge of him, and if his manhood
fulfilled the promise of his boyhood, as she felt sure it
would, she would not hesitate to commit to him her
most precious possession.

Life was not all play, however, with either Fergus
or Ruth. Due attention was paid to their education,
so that it was safe to say that no young people in the
North-West were more soundly instructed than they
in the rudiments of the different branches of learning.
Shortly after his coming, Mr. Olden offered to be
Fergus' school-teacher, and Mrs. MacTavish gladly
handed over her pupil, for he had already gone with
her nearly as far as she could take him.

Under Mr. Olden, Fergus made rapid progress.
The missionary had a positive genius for teaching.
Exceeding patience, full sympathy with his pupil's
difficulties, and inspiring faith in the value of each
lesson, marked his methods, and Fergus soon learned
to love him dearly, and to take great delight in carry-
ing out his directions. For three hours every morning
Mr. Olden had two pupils with him, both busy
with their own tasks, and Fergus, restless, energetic,
play-loving chap as he was, rarely found the time too

Sowing the Seed.

175

long, so interesting did his teacher make the
work.

The missionary's library not having yet arrived, for
it had to be sent to England from Canada, and then
come out to York Factory in the Company's annual
ship, the supply of books would have been rather
scanty but for Sir George Simpson's precious present
to Fergus the year before. In this admirably chosen
little library were books that suited Mr. Olden's
purpose very well, and he quite enjoyed imparting
their contents to the two bright scholars under his
care.

Fergus, of course, was far in advance of Ruth, but
that did not prevent their taking a lively interest in
each other's lessons, and helping one another very
much in that v/ay, so that there was not a day that
Fergus did not feel glad at having so interesting a
companion in his work as well as in his play.

Mr. Olden was a very busy learner too. Not out
of the same books as his pupils, however, but from
the books of flesh and blood in dusky bindings, the
need of whose immortal souls had filled his heart with
burning zeal to make known to them the Gospel of
Jesus.

Losing no opportunity to acquire the Crcc language,
lie had already made remarkable progress, and could
make himself understood in conversation with the
Indians, although he had still to call in the aid of an
interpreter when preaching. For this purpose he had
the services of an intelligent half-brccd, named Alec

176

Fergus MacTavish.

\'.\ i

Grant, in whose veins Crce and Highland Scotch
blood made a curious mixture, and who had a good
command of several of the Indian dialects, as well as
of ordinary English.

From an intellectual or moral point of view. Alec
was not very much above the Indians with whom he
consorted, and from whom he had already taken a
wife. He was a long time i" understanding the
missionary's purpose in preaching, but that did not
prevent his being a willing and helpful assistant.
Indeed, he quite liked the position of interpreter, for
in addition to the presents which Mr. Olden thought
it well to make him from time to time, there was a
certain amount of importance and dignity connected
with it.

The Indian has a passion for oratory. In his eyes
the fluent, forcible speaker is highly esteemed ; and
Alec, as he stood up before the gathering of red men
and half-breeds and repeated to them Mr. Olden's
simple, earnest, wcU-ordcrcd discourse, naturally
enough took some of the credit for it to himself,
and often put an amount of vim into it that delighted
the missionary no less than the audience

It was Mr. Olden's custom to preach to the Indians
on two evenings in each week, and on Sunday
afternoons. At such times he generally had a con-
gregation of from fifty to seventy-five men and
women, who listened to him with very commendable
gravity and apparent attention. The invariable
subject of his sermons, or rather of his talks, for he

Sowing the Seed.

^17

did not attempt to preach sermons in the strict sense
of the word, was Jesus Christ. Step by step he led
his dusky, benij^hted audience along the story of our
Saviour's life, speaking to them so simply and yet so
graphically that he soon enlisted their interest in this
wonderful " Medicine-man," who could make the
blind to see, the lame to walk, and even bring the
dead back to life.

So evident was their eagerness to listen, and so
regular their attendance, that Mr. MacTavish had to
admit that they seemed to be worth talking to, after
all, although he was still sceptical as to their being
able to grasp the spiritual meanings which underlay
the beautiful story Mr. Olden told so well.

" They 're gudc listeners, 1 'm fain to confess, Mr.
Olden," said he. " Far better than many a congrega-
tion of white folk. But dae ye really think ye can
ever get them to understand the doctrines of theology
and the like?" Mr. Oldcn's face wore a smile of
unruffled confidence as he answered :

" What need have they of the doctrines of theology,
Mr. MacTavish ? Would to God that wc, and these-
who were before us, had given them less thought !
There is surely but one doctrine the poor Indians
need know, and that is expressed in the glorious
statement : * For God so loved the world that lie
gav^e His only begotten Son, that whosoever belicveth
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.*"

••True, true, Mr. Olden," said Mr. MacTavish, with

a half-suppressed sigh. " The greatest and wisest of

178

Fergus MacTavish.

men need nae more than that, and it wad nae doubt
be better for mony of us if we took a stronger grip at
that text than we do." And the chief trader relapsed
into a thoughtful silence, which Mr. Olden did not
disturb.

Mr. MacTavish, although from his earliest youth he
had held religion in great respect and had been
faithful in the outward observance of its forms, so
far as he had opportunity, was not in reality a
Christian. Without perhaps being aware of it, he
was resting upon his own righteousness, and had
never been troubled by any promptings to act the
part of missionary to others. Mr. Olden's zeal
aroused his wonder no less than his admiration. He
could not quite understand why any one should
sacrifice so much, and enter upon a life of such
hardships, in order to bring the Gospel to a lot of
squalid, stupid savages. He was a shrewd, keen,
practical man of business, and in his opinion, to use a
popular expression, " the game was hardly worth the
candle." Since the Creator had seen fit to leave the
Indians in darkness for so many centuries, it seemed
a kind of presumption almost, to interfere now.

Fergus, however, took a very different view of the
matter. In his eyes Mr. Olden was a hero, and Mrs.
Olden a heroine of the first order. They had left
their comfortable home in the midst of civilisation to
go out into the wilderness, and carry the Gospel to
savages, whom he had been taught to look upon as
little better than the dogs that infested their tepees.

Sowing the Seed.

179

No questionings as to whether an Indian could
understand a theological tenet troubled his mind.
As he listened to Mr. Olden putting his whole heart
into the praying, the singing, and the speaking at
each little service, he caught the infection of his
ardour, and grew eager for some tangible results.

That there would be such results he never for a
moment doubted. Mr. Olden could not fail. The
red men must be persuaded ; and he looked forward
to the time prophesied by the missionary, when
preachers would come from among the Indians
themselves who would bear the glad tidings to
camps far beyond Mr. Oldcn's reach. Alec Grant,
he thought, ought to be the first of these. He would
make a capital missionary, if he only had the heart
for it.

Fergus came more and more under Mr. Olden's
influence. Besides the services especially for the
Indians, the missionary held a regular church service
on Sunday morning, for the officials and employees
of the establishment, and a kind of Bible class on
Wednesday evening. From none of these meetings
was Fergus absent. He was interested in them, both
because of the leader and his subject. They were
welcome incidents in the quiet routine of the week ;
and without realising it himself, like another Timothy
he was being instructed in the Tilth once delivered
unto the saints by another Paul, who sought to make
him wise unto salvation.

Not that he had hitherto been in ignorance of the

i8o

Fergus MacTavish.

truths of the Bible. His first reading book was the
Book of Proverbs, and his mother had never failed to
read a chapter with him morning and night, so that
they had thus gone through the Bible from Genesis
to Revelation several times. There was, therefore, no
novelty in Mr. Olden's subject. It was his way of
presenting it that was novel, and that seized upon
Fergus' imagination and kindled his heart.

The Son of Man had been largely an abstraction
to the boy. He held somewhat the same conception
of him as one might of the King Arthur of Tennyson's
Idylls. Christ awakened his wonder, commanded
his admiration, touched his sympathy ; but the
thought of his own personal relation to the Saviour
of men had never taken form in his mind. In a
vague way he did of course understand that he was
under certain obligations to Him, and ought to try
and please Him. But this had little or no influence
u- on his life. Endowed with a frank, pure, affection-
ate, generous nature, he naturally preferred doing the
right ninety-nine times out of the hundred, and if he
failed the hundredth time, it was most probably in
obedience to some sudden impulse, not because of
deliberate choice.

But as he listened to Mr. Olden, there grew upon
him an altogether new conception of the Christ.
According to the missionary He was no shadowy
abstraction, no mere majestic figure in a splendid
legend of the past, but an intensely real living person,
belonging to the present, and stretching out arms of

Sowing the Seed.

i8i

infinite love to embrace all mankind — a Saviour of
the white man and the red man alike, in whose esteem
one immortal soul was worth more than the whole
world.

VVi*h this Divine personality Mr. Olden seemed on
terms of close and familiar intimacy that Fergus
could hardly understand. He spoke of Him always
as his Master, and evidently regarded Him as no less
an actuality than Mr. MacTavish was to the officials
who .served under him.

All these things made their impression upon
Fergus' mind and heart. They were so many seeds
falling into soil ready to receive them, where in due
time they would bring forth fruit that would abun-
dantly repay the sowing, whether the sower might be
permitted to see the result of his labours or not.

In the meantime his life went on much as usual, for
while the circle of his thoughts widened, the range of
his activities and amusements was not in anywise
narrowed. His interest in the missionary and his
work did not dull his appetite for fun, and as leader
of the boys of the Fort he kept the ball rolling merrily
through the winter. What with snow-shoe tramps
into the forest, toboggan races down the hill out on
to Playgreen Lake, and trials of speed between his
dog-team and others, he had amusement enough.

The event of the winter in the way of sport was the
great race with Mr. Barnston's team. This came off
toward the end of February, and aroused intense
excitement.

l82

Fergus MacTavish.

1 1

f i'

From the time the snow fell, Mr. BarriLton had
been chaffing him about his big dogs, of which, to tell
the truth, he was half envious. He would hail him
with :

" Well, Fergus, how are your elephants getting
along ? When will you be ready to have a brush
with me ? "

Fergus was eager enough for the contest, but he
allowed himself to be guided by Papanakes in the
matter. The old Indian was exceedingly anxious to
inflict a crushing defeat upon Mr. Barnston, whose
curt, imperious wayj had made him very unpopular
among the employees ; and he was determined that
the race should not take place until Fergus' dogs
were ready. So when Fergus would come to him
flushed with Mr. Barnston's taunts, and impatient for
the contest, Papanakes would shake his head very
solemnly, and say : i

" Bimeby, Fergus, bimeby. Dogs no sense yet.
Me teach 'em run better. Then Mr. Barnston
nowhere."

And P'ergus, knowing that the faithful creature's
heart was set upon victory no less than was his own,
would curb his impatience, and consent to wait a
little longer.

After the splendid exhibition of speed his dogs had
shown in chasing the fox, however, he found it still
harder to restrain his ardour, and it was therefore
with great joy that he at last obtained Papanakes' con-
sent to accept Mr. Barnston's oft-repeated challenge.

Sowinr (he Seed.

183

It was arranged that the contest should come off
on the first favourable day, and that the race-course
should be on Playgreen Lake. After a good deal of
discussion, in which Mr, MacTavish was his son's
adviser, the plan decided upon was as follows : The
teams were to be taken to a point out on the lake
about two miles from the land, and then headed
straight for home; the first to an* r at the entrance
of the Jack River into the lake beiiig the winners.
As speed was the point chiefly r.t issue betw ocn the
teams, in order that they might do thinr Lest without
being delayed by having to pick out their way, a
double track was tramped upon the snow with snow-
shoes. Of course, it was anything but a level course.
No attempt was made to smooth off its unevenness.
The undulations and angles of the drifts were left
just as they were, and plenty of care would have to
be taken to guard against an upset.

They had to wait a week before a really suitable
day came, and were then rewarded by one perfect for
their purpose. Fergus' lessons suffered sadly that
morning ; but Mr. Olden was indulgent, and brought
the teaching to a close an hour sooner than usual, in
order that his excited pupil might be off to the dogs
that engrossed all his thoughts.

It was a beautiful, bright, clear winter's day, not
too cold, but just cold enough to fill one with electric
energy, and early in the afternoon the entire population
of the Fort and of the Indian camps near by, might
have been seen moving in groups toward Playgreen

184

Fergus MacTavUh.

Lake, where they gathered at the mouth of the Tack
River. Both Mrs. MacTavish and Mrs. Olden were
there, as well as their husbands ; and Ruth, bubbling
over with intense excitement, was darting hither and
thither, looking, in her scarlet ermine-trimmed cloak
and cap with nodding plume of fox brush, like a
brilliant bird. Fergus had promised to ask permission
for her to sit in his cariole, and she was full of the
idea, having quite forgotten her fright when the dogs
ran away with her some time before,

Fergus was the first to appear. His dogs were in
superb condition. Papanalrcs had spared no pains to
fit them for the race. Bruce and Hercules, the big
St. l^crnards, had coats t'.iat shone like polished wood ;
and you could see their mighty muscles underneath,
knotted in great lumps like the arms of a Grecian
athlete. Oscar and Mac, the Newfoundlands, had
been cleaned and combed until their black curly fur
seemed soft as silk, and they too showed that nothing
had been neglected to get them ready. Their harness
had been rubbed and oiled until it glistened again,
the cariole given a fresh coat of paint, and altogether
the outfit reflected great credit upon Fergus and his
faithful assistant.

A few minutes later Mr. Barnston arrived ; and as
Fergus anxiously scanned his team he felt a sinking
of heart that almost unnerved him. The dogs were
all Esquimaux of the purest breed, sharp-nosed,
clever-looking creatures, with perfectly-shaped bodies
and bushy tails curled closely over their backs. The

Sowing the Seed.

185

" forcgocr " was pure white, and his snapping black-
eyes fairly shone with intelligence. No fear but that
he would obey orders and keep to the track, no
matter how fast he might be going. The middle
dogs were black and white, two fine strong animals
and the " steady dog " was a splendid fellow of his
knid, quite as large as either of the Newfoundlands,
and their equal in strength.

•' Ye '11 have to do your best in order to win laddie "
said Mr. MacTavish. "Dinnaye lose yer head. A
great deal may happen in twa miles, ye ken • and
don't get down-hearted if Mr. Barnston takes the lead
o' you at the start."

The chief trader shrewdly guessed that the Esqui-
maux would be quicker at getting away than their
rivals, but that the superior endurance of the latter
would tell toward the finish.

"Never fear, father," answered Fergus. "I'll not
give up till the race is over, no matter how far Mr
Barnston gets ahead."

Then as everything was in readiness he went to
Mr. Olden, and asked if Ruth might sit in his cariole.
But greatly to his disappointment, the missionary
would not consent.

"No, no, Fergus," said he, decidedly. "Ruth is
better here with us. She would only be in your way •
and there might be an upset, you know."

So Fergus, who had intended to stand up behind
the seat in order that he might be freer to act, had to
take one of the Indian boys in Ruth's place.

'•I •

ii!i

1 86

Fergus MacTavish.

Amid the expectant murmurs of the crowd which
had stretched itself out along the track for fully a
hundred yards from the winning post, the competing
teams moved off to the place of starting.

Mr. Barnston seemed to be in high feather. If he
had the slightest doubt as to the result, he hid it most
successfully under a gay exterior. He had many a
joke about Fergus' elephants, and pretended to think
that in view of their size, only one of the St. Bernard's
should have been harnessed, as either of them was
about equal in weight to two of his Esquimaux.

Fergus took his raillery in perfect good humour,
and made no attempt to answer back. If Mr. Barnston
was sanguine, he did not pretend to be more than
hopeful, and the less he said before the race, the less
he would have to take back if he were bcalen.

They reached the starting point, and, after a brief
pause to make sure that there was nothing amiss with
the harness, the foregoers' heads were turned toward
the waiting crowd. Mr. Barnston, smiling confidently,
got into his cariolc, and adjusted his furs. T'ergus
fixed the little Indian securely in the seat of his, and
got on behind, looking very pale, but steady and
determined.

"Arc we all ready?" asked Mr. Barnston.

Fergus nodded affirmatively.

" Then off we go," he shouted ; and rising from his
seat he gave a whoop that would have done credit to
a Crec, at the same moment making his long whip
crack over his dog's backs with a report like a pistol.

Sowing the Seed.

187

The Indians who had been holding the leaders'
heads, instantly sprang aside, and the two splendid
teams dashed away on their long race.

The spectators waiting eagerly at the end of the
course, looked like dark dots upon the snow, and lead-
ing straight toward them was the track, rising and
falling in easy undulations, with here and there a
sharp, sudden dip, that would tax the skill of the
drivers to avoid an overturn.

As Mr. MacTavish expected, the Esquimaux were
the quickest in getting away. The instant Mr.
Barnston shouted they sprang forward, straining the
tough harness as taut as the strings of a violin ; and
before Bruce had got fairly into his stride, there
was a broad stretch of daylight between his nose and
the other cariole, which his utmost efforts could not
lessen.

Mr. Barnston, looking most provokingly radiant,
leaned back in his seat, and turning round, beckoned
encouragingly to T^crgus.

"Come along!" he cried. "Hurry up your ele-
phants, or I '11 have to wait for you."

Fergus made him no reply, but leaning forward,
spoke encouragingly to his dogs.

'• Gudc Bruce, gude Here, awa' with ye noo. Dinna
let the Esquimaux beat ye."

The noble creatures pricked up their ears and
strained still harder at the traces. The sight was one
of exceeding interest, the two perfectly appointed
teams of beautiful animals flying over the spotless

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188

Fergus MacTavish,

snow, with the bright sun shining upon their glisten-
ing harness, and the cold, crisp air, making every
nerve tingle in their excited drivers.

Up and down the light carioles pitched and tossed
like boats at sea. Fergus found it no easy matter to
keep his place, and more than once regretted that
he had not imitated his opponent's example and
ensconced himself underneath the furs.

One-half the distance had been covered without
change in the relative position of the contestants.
Bruce seemed unable to get any nearer to Mr.
Barnston, but on the other hand, Mr. Barnston was
unable to get any farther away from Bruce. Both
teams were straining every nerve, and the rate of
speed ./as enough to take one's breath away.

CHAPTER XI.

A TALK ABOUT RACE RUNNING.

A T the end of the course the expectant onlookers
^ were straining their eyes trying to distinguish
between the swiftly approaching teams that were now
in full view upon the top of a drift, and the next
moment out of sight in a hollow. Mr. MacTavish
had brought his telescope with him, and peering
through it, he gave vent to an exclamation of dismay
when he made out what a decided advantage Mr.
Barnston had over Fergus.

•'What can the laddie be aboot," he cried, "to let
Mr. Barnston get sae far ahead? Look ye, Mr. Olden,"
handing the glass to the missionary. " Dae ye think
Fergus can catch up to him ? "

Mr. Olden put the telescope to his eye, and looked
so long without answering that the chief trader became
impatient.

" Well, sir, how seems it to you ? " he asked.

" It looks well, Mr. MacTavish. It looks well, or
my eyes mislead me," replied Mr. Olden, handing
back the glass. "Just take a peep yourself and see
if you don't think that Fergus is creeping up on him."

1^9

V I

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190

Fergus MacTavish.

The chief trader aimed the telescope at the com-
petitors, and at once his face brightened.

" Ye 're right, sir," he exclaimed, without removing
the glass from his eye. " Ye 're surely right. The
laddie 's overhauling him. He '11 soon be alangside."

Mr. Olden was right. The fleet-footed Esquimaux
had kept up the tremendous pace they set at the
start for more than a mile, their big opponents pound-
ing along in their rear, not allowing their lead to
increase, but finding it impossible to cut it down.
But as the second mile slipped away the pace began
to tell ; they did not cover so much ground at each
bound, and their heads lowered, while their breath
came short and quick. Foot by foot the giant Bruce
drew nearer the other cariole, despite its driver's loud
shouts and sharp snapping of his long whip. Now
his nose was on a level with Mr. Barnston's back ;
a few more strenuous leaps and it had reached the
bow of his cariole. Clearly it was but a matter of
another fifty yards or so when the great St. Bernard
and the white Esquimaux would be side by side.

Then did Mr. Barnston lose all his gay confidence.
Springing up he flung his furs aside, and roaring out
fiercely :

•* Hie on, you rascals ! Hie on with you ! "

He sent the cruel whip again and again across the
backs of his dogs so heavily that it stung through all
their thick fur. Startled and smarting they dashed for-
ward. But it was only a spasmodic effort. They could
not sustain it, and soon fell back to their former pace.

A Talk about Race Runnino;

191

Not so did Fergus treat his noble dogs. He had a
whip in his hands indeed, but they had never felt its
lash upon their backs, and never would so long as he
was their driver. Cracking it in the air high above
them, he called to them, one by one :

"Gude Bruce! Gude Oscar! Gude Mac I Gude
Here ! Awa' with ye noo ! We 're gaining on them.
We 're gaining on them. Aye, that we are. They 're
wearying, doggies; they're w^earying. We'll beat
them yet. Keep at it, ye beauties. Keep at it."

And so Fergus talked to them, hope rising high
within him as slowly but steadily his cariolc drew up
to Mr. Barnston's. He felt strongly tempted to
shout to his opponent :

" What do you think of my elephants now ? " But
his better sense kept him quiet ; and a moment later
he felt glad that he had not spoken, for a sudden
pitch taking him unawares, threw him off his feet.
Happily, as he fell he caught the edge of the cariolc
with one hand and held on pluckily, while the dogs
dragged him over the snow until the Indian boy, at
the risk of a complete upset, leaned over the back,
and grasping his other hand, succeeded in helping
him back to his place.

While this was happening his team lost ground
again, and there was only a quarter of a mile yet to
be run. Mr. Barnston's spirits rose once more. The
race still seemed in his hands.

But he did not realise what splendid stuff there
was in Fergus' team. The moment they were relieved

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192

Fergus MacTavish,

from the temporary check, and heard his voice again
urging them on earnestly, they leaped forward as
fiCsh almost as at the start. No longer was there
any doubt as to the result. Foot by foot and yard
by yard the powerful creatures gained upon their
panting opponents. In one minute they were neck
and neck with them. In another they were ahead,
and presently there was clear space between Fergus
and the white " foregoer." Mr. Barnston might shout
and lash with all his strength. It was of no avail.
Bounding steadily, strongly forward, Bruce and his
grand team-mates bore Fergus on to victory ; and
amid the cheers of the staff and the whoops of the
Indians, he swopt swiftly up to the winning post, a
winner by more than twenty yards.

Everybody except Mr. Barnston was delighted,
and he, in spite of his disappointment, showed that
he had the right kind of spirit in him by going up to
Fergus at once, and giving him a warm handshake
of congratulation.

" You beat me fairly, Fergus," said he. " I 'm
satisfied that my Huskies are not quite equal to your
elephants ; but I believe we 've got the two best
teams in the district between us, anyway."

Fergus felt immensely proud of his victory. He
gave each of his dogs in turn a hearty hug by way of
expressing his delight, and they on their part evi-
dently quite appreciated his caresses. As soon as
they got back to the Fort, he had Papanakes prepare
a big potful of savoury buffalo beef stew, and getting

t/)

[

A Talk about Race Running. 193

four plates from the house he jrave his pets the most
bountiful feed they ever had in their lives, a regular
blow-out in fact, which went far to compensate them
for the scanty fare they were compelled to put up
with while they were in training for the contest.
They quickly polished their plates, and then stretched
out upon the old butfalo robes which formed their
beds, the most contented, amiably disposed animals
in creation.

There was, of course, much talk about the race for
some time after, and, as was natural, other owners of
dog-teams were stirred up to try conclusions vvith
whoever would oppose them, so that every fine day
for the rest of the month, there was a contest of some
kind that helped to break the monotony of the winter.

In the course of one of the many conversations
Fergus and Mrs. Olden had together, she began talk-
ing about races, and described to him the different kinds
of such contests that she had seen when at home —
boat-races, horse-races, foot-races, and so forth.
Fergus grew deeply interested. His nature was one
that delighted in intense endeavour, and craved excite-
ment. Had his home been in a city, he would cer-
tainly have been an enthusiastic member of some
athletic organisation, and have been trying hard for
prizes and records. But there was little field for such
things at Norway House. The officials and clerks
were all too much his seniors to be bothered by
competing with him except as Mr. Barnston had

done ; and as for the Indians, they were mostly

194

Feri^us MacTavish.

a poor lot, and of no use cither as companions or
competitors.

Fergus was saying something to this effect when
Mrs. Olden said :

" There is one race, Fergus, that you can run just
as well here, if not indeed better, than if you lived in
a large city, where there are so many distractions and
temptations from which you are entirely free at
Norway House."

"What race may that be, Mrs. Olden?" asked
Fergus, with quick interest.

" The race that St. Paul meant when he said, * Let
us run with patience the race that is set before us,' "
answered Mrs. Olden, looking earnestly into the
frank, bright countenance before her.

" But I 'm not sure that I just understand what St.
Paul did mean, Mrs. Olden," said Fergus, with a
puzzled expression.

This was just the opportunity Mrs. Olden wanted,
and she sought to make the most of it.

" Perhaps I can make it clear to you, Fergus," said
she, " if you don't mind letting me do all the talking
for a while."

Fergus was always glad to listen to the mission-
ary's wife. She had a bright impressive way of
putting things, and her voice was full of music. He
sometimes thought that she would make as good a
missionary as her husband, if she chose to learn the
Cree language, and said so to her once, thereby pay-
ing her, she told him, one of the handsomest compli-

A Talk about Race Running. 195

ments she had ever received. He now settled himself
back in his chair and prepared to give her the closest
attention.

"The whole passage, you remember, Fergus," Mrs.
Olden began, " is this : ' Wherefore, seeing we also
are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with
pr.' ''ence the race that is set before us, looking unto
Je^ js, the Author and Finisher of our faith.' What St.
Paul had in mind when he wrote those stirring words
were the great games which were held every year in
different places throughout the Roman Empire, when
in those splendid amphitheatres and circuses, the
ruins of which perhaps you may see some day,
Fergus, — for I have a feeling that your longings to
see the wonderful world from which we are now shut
out are to be gratified before you are an old man, —
races were run by men and horses, amid the wild
shoutings of the vast multitude looking down into the
arena from the tiers of marble seats. I don't suppose
he ever took part in any of those races himself, but
no doubt he had seen many of them, and perhaps got
just as excited over them as your father got over
your race with Mr. Barnston. Now, no runner could
ever hope to succeed in those races who had not care-
fully trained himself for it, just as you trained your
dogs for your race.

" The greatest self-denial was absolutely necessary,
and plenty of hard work in addition. Besides that,

11
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196

Fers[us MacTavish.

no competitor would be so foolish as to run in his
everyday garments. They would be too heavy and
cumbersome. So just the merest shred of clothing
around the waist was all the runners wore when they
appeared in the arena ready for the struggle. And it
must have been intensely exciting to watch them,
Fergus. I think I would like to have seen one of
those games myself"

"And so wad I," cried Fergus, his face all aglow at
the idea. " It maun hae been a grand sight alto-
gether."

" Have you ever thought, Fergus," asked Mrs.
Olden, smiling sympathetically at his eagerness,
" that there "s a race for all of us to rrn ; that this
whole world is the amphitheatre, and ti.at the angels
of God are the spectators ? "

Fergus' brown eyes opened wide. So wonderful a
thought had never stirred his brain before, and it was
too vast to be grasped at once. He shook his head
in a bewildered way.

" No, ma'am," he answered, slowly. " I never
thought of that — and is it truly so ? "

" It is so, Fergus," replied Mrs. Olden, " and that is
just what St. Paul means — that is the race he wants
us to run with patience."

The matter was evidently not very clear to Fergus
yet, .so Mrs. Olden went on :

" The race that St. Paul means is the Christian life,
P^ergus. We all ought to enter for that race, oughtn't
we ? And if we do, there are certain conditions that

A Talk about Race Riuining.

wc must fulfil just as the Apostle said the runners had
to do. They had to deny themselves good things to
eat, had to take a great deal of exercise whether they
liked it or not, and when they were running they
could not wear any fine clothes, lest they should
become entangled in them, and so lose the race.

" How is it now with us if we would take part in
the Christian race? We are to run 'looking unto
Jesus,' and Jesus has said, « If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself ;' so you see we are
like the runners of old in that. Then St. Paul says :
' laying aside every weight,' by which, of course, he
means anything that would hinder us from beinn
good Christians. You remember about the young
ruler who came to Jesus to ask what he should do to
inherit eternal life, and who claimed to have kept all
the commandments from his youth up, which, if it
was true, meant that he had done a great deal of self-
denial, and so had fulfilled the first condition of the
race whose prize is eternal life. But the keen eye of
the Master saw that he had a golden weight dragging
behind him, and He told him to sell all that he had,
and distribute unto the poor ; and the young ruler,
rather than lay aside the weight, gave up the race,
and went away very sorrowful. Now, everybody who
takes part in this race has a weight of some kind to
lay aside. You have it, and I have it, but, of course,
it is not the same with each of us ; and do you know,
Fergus, one of the most frequent and hurtful mistakes
made by those who run is trying to get along while

198

Fergus MacTavish,

still holding on to the weight. They cannot bear to
lay it aside, they are so fond of it, and they go limp-
ing along the Christian course, doing no good to
others, and having little happiness themselves. ' Lay
aside every weight,' are the great Apostle's words ;
' and the sin which doth so easily beset us.' Whether
that be selfishness, pride, temper, greed, whatever it
is, we must shake ourselves free from it if we want to
run well, just as the racers in the arena threw off their
outer garments."

Fergus was listening with absorbed attention.
Mrs. Olden's sweet, simple, earnest talk seemed to
him the best sermon he had ever heard in his life.
It .stirred him deeply.

" But, Mrs. Olden," he said, " arc God's angels truly
looking down at those who are running the Christian
race ? "

" They are indeed, Fergus," Mrs. Olden answered.
" I believe that God's angels arc always near us if we
want them to be ; and does not St. Paul say, referring
to the glorious list he had just given of God's heroes,
from Abraham down to the martyrs of his own time,
• Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses,' just as if he could see
Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and
Stephen, looking down upon him while he ran?"

" I wad like so much to sec the angels," murmured
Fergus, as if speaking to himself

" Would you, Fergus ? Well, so you can, and so
you will, if you run this race which has eternal life for

A Talk about Race Rtimmig. 199

its prize ; for remember, it is very different from the
contests we have down here. When you and Mr.
Barnston raced, one of you had to be disappointed ;
you could not both win. But in the Christian race
there is a prize for everybody who perseveres. There
are no disappointments to those who do their best,
no matter how many they may be. • So run that ye
may obtain,' wrote St. Paul to the Corinthians, and
that is the way you want to run, isn't it, Fergus ? "

"Ay, ma'am, it is," answered Fergus, looking very
serious.

" Well, Fergus, the sooner you begin the race, the
easier it will be for you to run well. Just think about
it, Fergus dear, and pray to Him who is the author
and finisher of our faith to make your way clear. It
is a glorious thing to be taking part in the Christian
race."

"And to have the angels looking down at you,"
added Fergus, upon whose active imagination this
thought had taken peculiar hold.

"Yes, Fergus, and not only the angels, but the
Creator of the angels and of men, holding out the
prize of eternal life to all who run well." And then
taking both of l<*crgus' hands in hers, Mrs. Olden
looked earnestly into his eyes, saying slowly : " So
run that ye may obtain."

This conversation made a profound impression
upon Fergus. It brought the question of religion
before him in a new light, and gave it an attractive-
ness it had never had before. The figure of a race

200

Fergus MacTavish.

applied to the Christian Hfe tickled his fancy, so to
speak, and appealed to his ambition. He had a long
talk with his mother that night, when, as was her
custom, she came into his room before he had gone
to sleep, to bid him " good-night" He repeated as
much as he could of Mrs. Olden's conversation, and
then asked abruptly :

" Mother, are you running this race ? "

" I hope so, dearie," replied Mrs. MacTavish. " I
have always tried to do what was right."

" And is father too, mother ? "

" Aye, surely, Fergus; your father is a gude man,
if ever there was one." And Mrs. MacTavish's face
grew bright with affectionate pride.

" Then, mother, I 'm going to begin right away, so
that we '11 all be in the race together. And just think
of it ! " he exclaimed, rising up in bed in his enthu-
siasm at the idea, *' the angels of God arc looking
down at us, and Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our
faith, is waiting to give us the prize of eternal life !
Oh, mother, isn't it splendid? I 'm so glad that Mrs.
Olden explained it all to me."

Mrs. MacTavish gazed at her boy with feelings of
mingled admiration and awe. She had never heard
him talk like that before. She bent down and kissed
his glowing face, saying :

" Eh, Fergus dearie, those are big thoughts for }'ou
to have, but they're gude ones. It's proud your
father and mother will be of you some day, if God
spares you to be a man."

A Talk about Race Rimning:

20I

F'ergus' big thoughts kept him awake for some time
after his mother left him, and then he fell asleep, and
dreamed that he was one of the competitors in a race
which was taking place before a great crowd of
spectators, that seemed to him to be angels; and
while he was waiting for the signal to start, he gazed
eagerly into the crowd, and there were Mrs. Olden
and Ruth smiling tenderly upon him. They looked
like angels too, and even in his dream this greatly
troubled him, for he wondered if they had died, and
gone away from Norway House for ever ; and such
grief did this idea cause him, that he awoke, to find
that it was only a dream, after all.

But his new resolution did not vanish as did the
dream. That long talk with Mrs. Olden was a crisis
in his life. However he might stumble, or perchance
slip a step backward in the course of the Christian
life, thenceforward he was never out of the race ; and
many a time the remembrance of the angelic onlookers
helped him to victory in hard-fought conflicts with
self and sin.

The month of February had ended, and March was
just begun, when Mr. MacTavish announced his
intention of going down to the headquarters of the
Company at Red River. He had some important
business communications to make to the chief factor
at that post, which could not wait until summer time ;
and the trip would have to be made before the sun
became warm enough to have any effect upon the
snow.

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202

Fergtis MacTavish.

As soon as Fergus heard of it, he begged to be
permitted to go too ; and his father very readily-
consented, A boy who owned such a team of dogs
as he did, and could drive them as well, was certain
to prove a good deal more of a help than a hindrance.
Ruth would have liked very much to join the party
also, but of course that was not to be considered.

A couple of days sufficed to make the necessary
preparations. The carioles were thoroughly over-
hauled, the sets of harness carefully examined, and
the best dogs picked from the packs to make up the
teams. Much to everybody's surprise, Mr. Barnston
offered the chief trader the loan of his fine team of
Esquimaux.

" Since Fergus is going to take his elephants," said
he, smiling pleasantly, " my Huskies may as well go
too. It will do them good. They've been idle nearly
all winter : and I know you '11 take as good care of
them as I would myself."

"Aye, that I will, Mr. Barnston," said Mr. Mac-
Tavish, heartily. " And it 's vcrra glad I am to accept
your kind offer ; for none of my own dogs can
compare wi' your bonnie fellows."

Iksides the two champion teams, as they might be
rolled, two others would be taken to drag the freight
' 'C'i._es carrying the provisions, and the big buffalo
; ^c? for sleeping in at night. Papanakes and Alec
.. were to be the drivers, and they with Fergus
and his father made up the party. Speed was Mr.
MacTavish's object, and the smaller his party the

(

A Talk about Race Rmming. 203

more quickly would he get to Red River, and back to
Norway House.

The start was made on a most favourable day in
the beginning of the second week of March, and the
train of sledges presented a very picturesque appear-
ance as it filed out of the Fort and turned toward
the South. Mr. MacTavish took the lead, his snow
white foregoer trotting along with his head carried
high, and his bushy tail curled tightly over his back,
the very picture of canine consequence. Next came
Fergus, his splendid quartet moving like machines, so
regular and even was their gait. Then the two
freight sledges in charge of the Indian and the half-
breed, both drawn by excellent well-trained teams,
that would do their work almost as well as their
leaders.

In those far Northern regions a great deal of pride
is taken in the fitting out of a dog-team, and as much
decoration is bestowed upon the scanty harness as it
will bear. Fergus' dogs, for instance, looked as gay
as harlequins, thanks to the beads, bells, and ribbons
that had been lavished upon them, and the other
teams were hardly less adorned, so that there was no
lack of either colour or sound, as they trotted along
the well-beaten track, leaving rapidly behind the
little group that had come out to the top of Flag
Staff Hill to see them off.

Fergus was in the seventh heaven of dcHghL
This would be his first visit to the Red River Settle-
ment, and he looked forward with eager expectation

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204

Fergus MacTavish.

to seeing more of the world than he had ever done
before. The more he heard from the Oldens of Hfe
in the cities of Canada, the greater was his longing
to see it for himself, and a spirit of restlessness was
growing within him which would only be satisfied by
the realisation of his desire. Mrs. Olden spoke truly
when she prophesied that he would surely see some
of the wonders of the world, if he grew up to man-
hood, unless indeed Providence should decree other-
wise.

Sitting back in his comfortable cariole, wrapped in
rich warm furs, and cracking his whip gently in the
air simply for amusement, as he never allowed the
lash to touch the back of one of his dogs, there was
not a boy in Canada that might not have envied
him ; and there certainly was not one with whom,
just then, he would have changed places. He felt as
happy as a lark at sunrise, and the merry tinkling of
the bells seemed the sweetest of music to his ears.

The track was so well beaten all the way down
Play Green Lake to Lake Winnipeg, that the dogs
needed no guiding ; and Papanakcs and Alec had an
easy time of it, lying luxuriously on top of the
baggage, their pipes in full blast, and seeming to
enjoy the ride quite as much as Fergus himself

To one whose first experience of travel by dog-
sledge was such a setting forth as this, on a fine
winter afternoon, when the thermometer was only ten
degrees or so below zero, it might well appear to be
the very poetry of locomotion. But a further acquaint-

A Talk aboiU Race Running. 205

ancc with it would inevitably cause a complete change
of mind.

When a cruel wind is blowing rigiit in the traveller's
teeth ; when the cold is of such intensity that an
instant's exposure of the face means the turning of
nose and cheek to marble ; when the track is hard
and rough, and the undulations of the cariole, as it
adapts itself to the inequalities of the surface beneath
it, give its occupant the sensation of being dragged
over a gravel walk upon a blanket ; or still worse,
when the track is completely snowed up, and the
poor dogs, almost exhausted and bewildered by the
storm, have "struck," and literally "dropped in their
tracks," refusing to budge another step until the
merciless whip of the driver stings them into spas-
modic efforts, painful to witness ;— then all the poetry
vanishes, and the traveller heartily wishes himself at
the end of his journey.

No thought of this kind bothered Fergus, however,
as he shouted gaily to his father :

" Give us a gude lead, father, or I '11 run you down,"
and pretended to whip up his dogs as if to carry out
his threat. He saw nothing but pleasure ahead, and
the chief trader did not think it necessary to cast any
damper upon his spirits by hinting at the certain
discomforts and possible dangers that were before
them.

- '

CHAPTER XII.

EN ROUTE TO RED RIVER.

'pHE sledge party kept on steadily across Play
Green Lake, and through the strait separating
it from Lake Winnipeg, until the vast white plain of
this great body of water opened out before them.
Mr. MacTavish then turned in toward the shore, and
called a halt in a little cove where the woods came
close to the ice.

"We'll bide here for the night," said he, getting
out of his cariole, " and make an early start in the
morning."

Papanakcs and Alec at once set to work to loosen
the dogs, and to gather firewood. As soon as the
dogs were freed from the harness they proceeded to
have a good roll in the snow, and then took up their
position in a sort of irregular circle about the men,
waiting patiently to be fed.

It was not long before a fine fire was crackling
away cheerfully, the pot of tea bubbling over it, and
the appetising odour of frying pemmican filling the
air. As the keen-nosed dogs caught the tempting
scent, they began to bark in a short, imperious way

207

\'i

208

Fergus MacTavisk.

that was very amusing. Had they tongues to speak,
they would have said :

" Do be quick with our supper, will you ? We 're
just starving."

In order to ensure being allowed to eat their meal
without interruption, Mr. MacTavish told Alec to
feed the faithful animals first. This was not a pro-
longed operation. The load of one of the freight
sledges consisted of dried white-fish, solely for the
dogs ; and the moment Alec removed the coverings
they crowded about him like a lot of street Arabs
begging for coppers. With his hatchet, Alec hacked
the fish into lumps that looked big enough to choke
the biggest of the dogs ; but as each one got his
piece there was a sharp snap, a vigorous munching,
an eager swallow, and lo ! the lump had disappeared,
and the dog, like little Oliver Twist, was asking for
more. Two pounds a-piece was the regular ration ;
and when the creatures realised that no more could
be got, they curled up in the snow to sleep until
they should be wakened for another day's hauling.

By the time they were fed the tea and pemmican
were ready for their masters ; and vith such appetites
as only that keen winter air could create, the four
gathered close to the blazing fire, and gave very
earnest attention to the simple, but substantial pro-
vision of pemmican, tea, and biscuits, which would
form the unvarying items on their bill of fare, three
times a-day, until they reached Red River.

The biscuits, indeed, were a special luxury that

En route to Red River.

209

only those who travelled with Mr. MacTavish were so
fortunate as to enjoy. On his voyage out from
Scotland, he had become very fond of the ship's
biscuit, and remembered it so well that when, many
years afterward, it was in his power to gratify his
taste by having them brought to York Factory for
him by the annual ship, he made arrangements to
have half-a-dozen bags sent him every year ; and
these he religiously preserved for his winter travelling,
when they were particularly timely and highly appre-
ciated.

Supper over, a large pile of dry wood was gathered
and cut, ready for the fire, the sleeping robes were
got out, Mr. MacTavish saw that Fergus was
snugly wrapped up in his big buffalo-skin blanket,
the men smoked a final pipe, replenished the fire, and
then everybody followed the example of the dogs and
curled up for a good sleep.

Those who have never slept under the open sky,
or whose only experience of it has been a midsummer
camping-out, might not easily understand how a
human being could be comfortable in an atmosphere
ten degrees below zero, with a snow-bank for a
mattress, and a buffalo robe for bedclothes. Never-
theless, Fergus slept on as soundly as though he had
been in his own cosy bed at the Fort, and did not
know until the morning that his big pet, ]?ruce, had
crept quietly over to his side, thereby making him all
the warmer.

It was a good while yet to daylight, when Mr.

<1f

2IO

Fergus Mac Tavisli.

MacTavish threw off his robe, and roused the sleeping
men. Early to bed, early to rise, has no better illus-
tration than in the winter travelling of the North ; for
among the perils of the journey, especially as spring
approaches, is snow-blindness, caused by the sun's
rays striking up from the spotless wastes of snow,
and to avoid this, those who are prudent do the
most of their travelling in the morning and even-
ing, going into camp for the hours of dazzling sun-
shine.

Ugh ! how cold it was ! and how reluctant Fergus
felt to turn out of his warm robes, and have the sharp
air strike him on every side ! He almost wished he
had not come, and looked so blue and miserable that
his father said, jokingly :

" Ye 're feelin' the cold, laddie, I see. Aiblins ye 're
wishin' yersel back at Norway House. Well, it 's no
too late, ye ken. If ye just turn yer dogs' noses in
that direction they '11 take ye hame in gude time for
dinner. What dae ye say, Fergus?"

Fergus shook himself, and gave a scornful laugh.

" 7^ 1 you think no better of me than that, father ? "
he answered. "It's fine I'd look crawlin' back to
the Fort with no better excuse than that I couldna
stand the cold."

Mr. MacTavish came up, and clapped him affection-
ately on the back.

" It 's but jokin' I was, laddie," said he. '* I ken
richt wcel that yc've nac mair notion of going back
than I have."

En route to Red River.

21 I

And Fergus, fully pacified, and with his miserable
feelings entirely dissipated, went cheerfully off to see
about the harnessing of his dogs.

This harnessing up is not always an easy matter. The
dogs can be as provoking and as bothersome to catch
as cunning horses in a big pasture, so that sometimes
precious hours are lost in the operation, the unhappy
drivers calling their tricky animals all the hard names
they can remember or invent. It is told of one dog,
a sullen, morose, long-legged, white-haired creature,
whose ability as a " fore-goer " made him famous
throughout the district, that when out of harness he
always had a rope some sixty feet long attached to
his neck, without which it would have been impossible
to catch him. Even then he had to be stalked like a
deer, and put off his guard before the rope could be
secured. But when once the collar was on his neck,
and he had taken his place at the head of the train,
he was an unrivalled leader.

There were never any such difficulties with the dogs
of Fergus' team. They were always ready for their
work. Mr. Barnston's Esquimaux also were models
of good behaviour, liut the other two teams gave
trouble occasionally during the journey, and then all
hands would turn to and chase them until they gave
themselves up to be harnessed.

The second day of the trip promised to be as fine
as the first.

" ICh, Fergus, but we maun do eighty miles at least
ere we roll up in our buffaloes the night," said the

212

Fergus MacTavish.

chief trader, rubbing his hands together to warm them
after helping to harness.

" Eighty miles, father ? " exclaimed Fergus. " Can
we go so far as that in one day ? "

" Aye, indeed, laddie. I 've done it mony a time
when the track was gude and the dogs fresh," answered
Mr. MacTavish ; " and I '11 be verra disappointed if
we come short of it to-day."

Fergus did a little mental arithmetic, and then said:

" Eighty miles a day ! Why, father, at that rate it
would take us only five days to get to Red River.
Wouldn't that be splendid ? "

"Nae doubt it would, Fergus," returned the chief
trader. " But ye maunna set your heart upon it.
There 's mony a thing that might delay us ; and if we
get to Red River in seven days, I '11 be verra well
content."

"Well, if the days only keep fine all the time,
perhaps we '11 be able to do it," suggested Fergus, who
was greatly taken with the idea of whisking along
over the hard snow at the rate of eighty miles a day.

" Maybe, laddie, maybe," answered the cautious
veteran of a hundred trips by dog-train. " Did ye
ask the Lord's blessing on our journey, Fergus ? "

Fergus blushed to the roots of his hair. In his
excitement and joy at being allowed to join the party,
he had quite forgotten to ask for the Divine blessing
upon the journey. Indeed, he had not saitl his prayers
before going to sleep the night before, nor on awaking
in the morning.

En route to Red River.

213

" No, father, I didn't," he answered. Then looking
around, and seeing that the men had not yet quite
finished packing up, he slipped away behind the trees,
and throwing himself on his knees, opened his heart
in prayer to God for His protection and guidance
during their absence from home. He had just finished,
when he heard his father calling :

" Fergus ! Fergus ! Where are ye, laddie ? "

And answering like Samuel, " Here am I," he came
forth from his retiring place with a sweet feeling of
security and peace, and not again did he forget his
prayers during that journey.

Lake Winnipeg's shores are indented with big bays;
and the mode of travelling over its snow-drifted
surface was to steer from headland to headland,
making as straight a line as possible between the two
points. There was no track after once they got well
out upon the lake ; but when the headland for which
they were making was well in sight, this mattered little.
The leader in the chief trader's team was a dog of
remarkable sagacity, and moreover had had a great
deal of experience. So thoroughly did he understand
his work, that it was only necessary to point his head
in the direction desired, and let him know what was
wanted of him, and he would steer as straight a course
as a surveyor could under the same circumstances.

Where the headlands were so fur apart that the
distant one was scarcely visible, this, of course, could
not be done ; and then it became necessary for
Papanakes or Alec to go before on their snow-shoes.

214

Fergus MacTavish.

and lay out a track. The way these men would swing
along over the snow at a kind of jog-trot for hour
after hour without seeming to tire, was really wonder-
ful. From five to six miles an hour were easily made
over good, firm snow, and taking turns, they led the
train steadily, swiftly, southward, toward the lower
end of the lake.

About the middle of the morning, when the sun
was brightest, and made everybody's eyes ache,
Mr. MacTavish called a halt at a headland that
offered plenty of shade from the blinding glare. A
big fire was speedily built, the dogs fed, a good dinner
dispatched, and then the buffalo blankets were taken
out, and all hands rolled up for a sleep, which lasted
well into the afternoon.

Mr. MacTavish, as usual, was the first to awaken,
and he soon had the train in motion again. He was
a model traveller. He needed no alarm clock to warn
him of the flight of the hours. It was his boast that
he could lie down to sleep, and wake again at any
time he might set for himself, whether it would be one
or ten hours, and whenever he went out with a party,
he always was the first to move, and the last to come
to a full stop.

When the sun was well on in its downward path
they started again, keeping the same order as at the
first. Fergus, eager for his dogs to win a reputation
for sense as well as speed, would have liked very much
to be allowed to take the lead for a while ; but his
father did not approve.

En route to Red River.

2\^

" If we had no need to hurry, Fergus," said he,
" I wad have no objections, but I do not want to lose
an hour between here and Red River, if I can possibly
help it. Maybe on our way home you can try your
dogs at leading."

And with this half-promise, Fergus was fain to be
content.

The afternoon passed away without anything of
note occurring. Over the undulating surface of the
frozen lake the sledges kept their way from headland
to headland, until the sun sank out of sight, and dark-
ness fell upon them. Then a halt was made for tea,
and a couple of hours' rest before resuming the
journey.

While they were sitting around the fire, all but
Fergus enjoying their pipes, the heavens became full
of the glory of the Aurora Borcalis. It was a wonder-
ful display, the whole sky being ablaze with scintillat-
ing bars of light, that flashed and glowed with a
splendour of ever-changing colour, and radiance of
beauty beyond all power of words to describe, or
pigments to picture. '

Fergus had seen the aurora many times before, but
never had it seemed so magnificent, so awe-inspiring.
It was as though the veil that hides the true heaven
from mortal eye had been for the time a little with-
drawn, permitting a glimpse to be had of the majesty
of light that fills the abode of the blest.

" Oh, father ! isn't it wonderful ? " said he, in an awe-
struck tone. " What docs it all mean ? "

516

P'ergus MacTavish.

"If you were to ask Papanakes, Fergus," replied
the chief trader, glancing across the fire to where the
old Indian, seated upon a buffalo robe with his knees
drawn up to his chin, seemed to be utterly lost to
everything but his pipe and the cheerful blaze before
him, "he would tell you that those flashes of light
were the spirits of his forefathers rushing out to the
battle, or the hunt upon the happy hunting grounds,
wliich are the Ind'^n's notion of Paradise."

"And do the Indians really believe that, father ? "
asked Fergiir, in a tone of surprise.

" Aye, laddie, thoy do, if I understand them aright.
Do you think it strange they should ? "

" Well, father, please don't laugh at me ; but you
know as I was looking up at the sky with all those
beautiful lights in it, something came into my mind
that was very like what you say the Indians think."

" And what was that, P^ergus ? "

" Why, you know, father," answered P^ergus, some-
what hesitatingly, " in the Bible it says we are com-
passed about with a great cloud of witnesses, and
Mrs. Olden says that God's angels are always watch-
ing us ; and so I was wondering if those beautiful
lights up there could be coming from the angels*
wings ; for you know, father, they always have wings
in the pictures."

Mr. MacTavish leaned over and patted his son
lovingly upon the head.

" Those are big thoughts for a young brain, and
1 canna tell how far from right they be, but nae doot

En route to Red River,

217

there 's mair o' truth in them than in the notions of
Papanakes, for he 's no better than a pagan," said he,
gazing up at the shafts of coloured flame darting
across the blue dome above.

"Poor old Papanakes!" murmured Fergus, musingly.
"He's going to be something better than a pagan
some day, father, for he loves to listen to Mr. Olden,
and he '11 learn to be a Christian, you see if he doesn't."

" Maybe, P^ergus, maybe ; but I 'm no verra sure aboot
it," returned the chief trader, still sceptical as to the
practical value of Mr. Olden's work. " It 's my notion
that the truths of the Gospel are oot of the creature's
reach ; but I may be wrong, I may be wrong."

" Leather ! " exclaimed Fergus, starting up, " I 'm
going to ask Papanakes what he thinks about the
aurora." And going around the fire he touched the
old man on the shoulder, and pointing to the brightly
illuminated sky, asked him what he thought it meant.

Papanakes took his pipe from his mouth, rose
slowly to his feet, and scrutinised the sky keenly.

" Ugh ! " he grunted, in a tone of disgust. " I leap big
storm coming. Bad business. Plard work get ahead."

Fergus could not help smiling. He had questioned
the old man in the hope of getting some answer from
him like that which his father had been telling him,
and instead, all he received was a weather prediction.

Papanakes misunderstood the smile. He thought
it implied disbelief in the accuracy of his forecast, and
his quick ire was roused.

" You no believe me," he cried, indignantly. " Pap-

■_ .niL lanam

2l8

Feri^tis Mac Tavis/i.

anakcs know what him say, you see. Big storm come
before middle of to-morrow, sure."

" What's that you 're saying?" asked Mr. MacTavish,
his attention being attracted by the Indian's loud tones.

" Papanakes says we 're going to have a big storm
before the middle of to-morrow," answered Fergus.

" Does he ? " exclaimed the chief trader. " I 'm
verra sorry to hear it. But he's more likely to be
right than wrong. There's nae better judge of the
weather than Papanakes. We maun take care to
find a gude camping place before the storm comes.
It maunna catch us oot on the lake. Come noo, let
us be off. We 've rested lang enough."

The dogs were called and harnessed, the sledges
packed, and the train moved off under the scintillating
gleams of the aurora, Papanakes trotting on ahead, as,
of course, the dogs would not be expected to steer
straight in the dark. The wonderful skill of the old
Indian as a guide was brilliantly shown in the unhesi-
tating way he marked out the track, taking his bearings
altogether from the stars, and not a whit bewildered
by the aurora, that would have been so confusing to
a less experienced eye. Hour after hour he trotted
along, the dogs following him with unfaltering step.

It was about ten o'clock when, the train having
reached a point covered thickly with firs that offered
a sheltered camping place, Mr. MacTavish ordered a
halt for the night. Alec soon had a big fire blazing
merrily, and the pot boiling in its midst ; the hungry
dogs were fed, and then their masters fed themselves.

En route to Red River

219

" Do you think the storm will come before morning,
father ?" asked Fergus, somewhat anxiously, as they
sat by the fire ; for he did not at all relish the idea of
struggling with a snow-storm in that wild region.

" I hardly think so, Fergus ; though I canna tell for
sure," answered the chief trader. " But ye need na
worry aboot it. We '11 get through it all right."

When the chief trader's lusty " leve ! level' aroused
the camp some six hours later, the aurora had entirely
vanished, and the stars were hidden behind a veil of
cloud. The dogs seemed restless ; Papanakcs and Alec
were evidently in no good humour, and altogether the
prospects for the day were anything but cheering.

Fergus felt very dull also ; but remembering his
father's chaffing the day before, he made a noble
effort to appear cheerful and unconcerned. As little
time as possible was spent in getting breakfast. Mr.
MacTavish, who knew every foot of the route, wished
to reach a point about thirty miles distant before
stopping for the midday rest, and he expected that
the going would be none too good, the portion of the
lake they had to traverse being one of the most
exposed, and pretty sure to be badly drifted over.

Owing, however, to the uneasy state of mind shown
by the dogs, the harnessing up took longer than
usual, causing both the men to get very much out of
temper ; and when, at last, the teams did get started,
it was evident from the chorus of growls that some
mistake had been made in hitching up Mr. Barnston's
Esquimaux in the uncertain light.

f I

220

Fergus MacTavish.

But whatever was wrong, it could not be made
right until they reached their next camping place ;
and so, amid much sharp cracking of whips, and
volleys of abuse from the two guides, the train moved
off into the darkness, Fergus crouching down on his
furs, for there was a very penetrating keenness in the
air that made him shiver ; but the three men walked
on snow-shoes beside their teams, as the track was
very rough, requiring them to constantly guard
against an upset.

In spite of his care, Mr. MacTavish's cariolc caught
in a tree stump, and before he could prevent it,
pitched over on its side, bringing the team to a full
stop.

With a suddenness that gave no chance for inter-
ference, the foregoer wheeled about, and snarling
fiercely, sprang upon the steady dog, tumbling him
over on his back, and gripping him by the throat,
while the other two, getting entangled in the traces,
began snarling and biting in their turn ; so that in the
twinkling of an eye there was a confused jumble of
dogs and harness that it would take no small trouble
to unravel.

Shouting and swearing at the top of their voices,
Papanakes and Alec rushed to the rescue, plying their
whips mercilessly upon the tangle of struggling
animals. But the lashing only made matters worse,
for when the whip fell upon a dog he naturally
thought it was one of the other dogs that had bitten
him, and redoubled his efforts to bite back.

En route to Red River.

221

Mr. MacTavish soon perceived that the confusion
was only getting worse confounded.

" Here, Alec, Papanakes ! " he roared. " Get awa'
wi' ye, and leave the dogs to me. Yer ain dogs '11 be
fightin' if ye don't watch them."

He spoke not a moment too soon. The other
teams, left to themselves, and excited by the din of
conflict so near them, would, in another minute, have
been at it " tooth and nail " on their own account, and
it needed all the efforts of their drivers to quiet them.

At the very first of the fight Fergus had sprung out
of his cariole and gone to Bruce's head, where he
stood until it was all over, speaking soothingly to his
dogs if they showed any signs of restlessness.

Mr. MacTavish found it a hard job to bring any
semblance of order out of the chaos ; but finally, by
dint of patience, succeeded, and then he discovered the
cause of all the trouble. The clever, conceited leader
had, through an unintentional blunder, been placed in
the shafts. The responsibility for this cruel indignity
he evidently put upon the shafter who had been pro-
moted to the proud position of leader, and at the first
opportunity he had sought solace for V\?. wounded
feelings by giving his innocent mate a tiirajhing.

" Ha ! ha !" said the chief trader, with a grim smile.
" That 's the way of it. The mair haste the less speed.
By trying to save a minute at the start we've lost an
hour."

After considerable difficulty the tangled harness
was straightened out, the dogs put in their proper

Ji'i

■

222

Fergtis MacTavish.

places, and harmony being thus restored, the journey-
was resumed at a quickened pace, in order to make
up as much lost time as possible.

The little excitement made Fergus quite forget his
dull feelings, and he began to sing in a cheery voice
one of the songs he had learned from Mrs. Olden, who
was an accomplished musician. The words were the
familiar paraphrase of the twenty-third psalm.

"That's richt, laddie," called out Mr. MacTavish.
" Sing away like that. It does my heart gude to
hear ye."

Fergus' voice was clear and strong, and rising on
the still morning air, it sounded remarkably well.
The Indian and the half-breed enjoyed the song no
less than the chief trader, and were sorry when it
came to an end.

" Him sing like a bird," remarked Papanakes,
sententiously to Alec, who had come up beside him
in order to be nearer the singer.

Encouraged by the evident appreciation of his
efforts, Fergus continued them until his list of those
he knew by heart was exhausted, and then perforce
he had to bring his performance to a close.

But if his burst of song had been brief, it had been
very timely. The three men who heard it found their
hearts the brighter for it, and pursued their way with
lightened step, while Fergus, unconscious of his good
office, was regretting that he had nothing more to sing.

About the middle of the morning the clouds began
to fulfil their threats by sending down scattering

En route to Red River.

223

volleys of snow-flakes, the advance guard of the
approaching storm.

" Eh ! I'crgus. There it comes," said Mr. Mac-
Tavish. "And we're nac more than half-way to our
camping place. We maun make haste, or we '11 have
a hard time of it out here on the lake."

Their situation indeed could hardly have been
worse for meeting such a storm as might be expected
upon Lake Winnipeg. They were just about mid-
way between two headlands which formed a great
bay. The nearest land was full fifteen miles distant,
the clump of pines which crested it being barely
visible far to the south. The storm would evidently
come from the south-east, and therefore be almost
right in their teeth. When once it broke upon them,
they would have to fight their way against it until
shelter was reached.

All this Fergus saw clearly, and after his singing
ceased he had been lifting up his heart in prayer to
God for the protection of them all, the sweet words,
" Commit thy way unto the Lord," and " He shall
direct thy paths," which Mr. Olden so often quoted,
coming into his mind with their message of comfort.

Mr. Olden had given him a little sermon all to
himself once, upon these two texts which fit so closely
together, although they are not to be found side by
side in the Bible ; and his words had made a deep
impression upon him. Here was an opportunity to put
them to the test, and he was repeating them softly
as he sat in his cariole, when his father spoke to him.

224

Ferrus MacTavish.

" All right, father," he answered. " Since we must
make haste I 'm going to help a little. Just give me
time to tie my snowshoes." And jumping out of his
furs he strapped on the shoes as quickly as Papanakes
himself could have done it.

" Now, then," he said. " I 'm going to walk, like
the rest of you."

" Said like a man," exclaimed the chief trader,
looking proudly back at him. " There 's nae fear but
you '11 make your mark, laddie. Ye do my heart
good wi' yer bonnie, bright ways."

Taking his bearings carefully while the air was yet
clear, Mr. MacTavish said, in an encouraging tone :

" The storm 's come an hour sooner than I thought
it would. But we 're ready for it, and we '11 make the
point all right. We maun just push on until we
reach the land."

More and more thickly fell the snow-flakes, and at
the same time the wind increased in violence, not
gathering force steadily, but by fitful gusts each
sharper than the last, as the tide makes its way up the
beach by wave following upon wave, and gaining a
little by successive onsets.

Mr. MacTavish yielded the lead to Papanakes, the
old Indian's instinct being surer than even his long
experience and trained intelligence ; and with heads
bent to meet the blast, the four travellers plodded
steadily onward at the head of their teams, while the
snow-drifts began to form rapidly upon their path.

CHAPTER XIII.

A STRUGGLE WITH THE STURM.

'pHEY had made about four miles, and were still
■*■ ten miles from land, when Fern-us found his lej^s
feeling very weary. With each step the track grew
heavier, and then there was the pitiless, persistent
wind to battle against. The poor dogs seemed to be
labouring, so that he felt very reluctant to increase
their burden by getting into the cariole, and yet he
knew he could not keep his place in the train much
longer.

Had the track been firm and even, he could have
slipped along on his snow-shoes for ten miles without
over-exerting himself; but it was very different
ploughing through drifting snow as dry as sand, into
which the snow-shoe sank at every step, in the teeth
of a gale now blowing at the rate of thirty or forty
miles an hour.

There was not a stouter-hearted boy of his years
in liritish North America ; yet who could blame him
if his courage began to wane as the i)erils of the
situation increased? So dense had the snowfall
become that the whole air seemed full of the whirling

225 p

f^i

I il

526

Pcrgiis MacTavish.

flakes, and it was impossible to sec many hundred
yards in any direction. Only now and then, when a
gust of especial violence tore the confusing veil asunder
for a moment, could a long look ahead be obtained.

At length he could not keep up the pace that
Papanakes was setting, and rather than call out ^
him to walk more slowly, he got on his cariole behu.d
the seat. The feeling of rest was inexpressibly wel-
come. But his weight at once made itself felt, for the
dogs perceptibly slackened speed.

" Now, Bruce," he cried, in a tone of reproach,
" wad ye have me left behind ? Get up, gude dog.
Keep yer place in the train. Surely, ye would na let
the freight dogs pass ye by."

Bruce may not have understood the exact words,
but he caught their meaning clearly enough, and
responded to the challenge by a vigorous spurt that
quickly recovered the lost ground. Then, putting
forth a steady increase of energy, he kept his place in
spite of storm and drifting snow.

It was hard, hard work for both men and dogs.
Had they been going overland where they could at
times get under the lee of a clump of trees or a
sheltering hill, it would not have been so trying a
situation, luit they were far out on the open lake,
exposed to the full sweep of the wind, and compelled
to face it in order to reach a place of safety. Well
was it for them that they were inured to Arctic cold
by long experience, and were in the best of physical
condition.

A Struggle with the Storm.

227

For another hour they toiled on through the storm,
Fergus alternately walking, and standing on behind,
Into his cariole he refused to get, although his father
more than once urged him to do so. Not until his
strength had utterly left him would he consent to
become a helpless burden, and a drag upon the others.

Anxious as he was for the safety of the party, he
could not help a feeling of pride at the admirable
behaviour of his dogs. The blinding storm bothered
them far less than it did the others. They bent their
heads low, half-shut their eyes, and kept on steadily
at the easy jog-trot which was good for four miles an
hour. When Fergus got on the cariole it caused a
momentary check, but they quickly adjusted their
effort to the increased weight, and went on as steadily
as though he were walking beside them.

All this time Papanakes had been marking out the
track with entire confidence in the accuracy of his
guiding ; but presently he began to falter, and show
signs of indecision. At last he came to a full stop ;
and when Mr. MacTavish went forward to find out
what was the matter, the old Indian giving his arm a
sweep around the horizon, said in a mournful tone :

" Papanakes lost ! Not knowcd which way to lead.
Papanakes' eyes old. Not see like when him young.
The storm make him blind. Chief trader must lead
train now."

Mr. MacTavish's heart sank when he heard these
words. He had depended upon the veteran guide to
extricate them from their perilous position ; for Alec,

) 1'

228

Fergus MacTavish.

although bright enough in his way, was still too
inexperienced to do anything more than he could do
himself. Thinking that perhaps it was only a
despondent mood that had come over the Indian, he
answered him in the most cheerful tone he could
muster :

" Oh, no ! Papanakes not lost. Papanakes know
too much to get lost. Papanakes only tired — eh,
Alec ? " turning with a smile to the half-breed.

13ut the old man was not to be brightened up in
that way. He was tired without doubt — very, very
tired. His many years were telling upon him, and
he could no longer endure such fatigue as he made
light of when he was Alec's age.

" No, no, chief," he replied, " Papanakes lost, sure,
sure." And he shook his grizzled locks with sorrowful
earnestness.

" Can't you guide us, instead of Papanakes, father ? "
broke in Fergus, who had been an eager listener, and
now spoke with startled face and beating heart.

" I fear not, laddie ; I wad only lead ye astray. We
will rest a bit, and then maybe Papanakes will feel
like going on again," replied Mr. MacTavish.

Accordingly a halt was made, and as everybody
was by this time feeling very hungry, the provision
bags were opened. The jjcmmican was frozen hard,
so that neither the chief trader nor Fergus could eat
a bite of it, although the Indian and half-breed
managed to dispose of about a pound each. Hut
the biscuits were all right, and they ate of them

A Struggle with the Storm. 229

heartily, wishing all the while for a good cup of hot
black tea with which to wash them down.

As they were eating, the dogs crowded around with
begging looks, and Mr. MacTavish gave orders for
them to be fed, although the rule was not to feed
them until at the end of the day's work. They
evidently much enjoyed the extra meal, and would
pull all the better for it when the team started again.

"Just see, father, how the snow's drifting over us,"
said Fergus, pointing to the little heaps that gathered
so quickly about the sledges. " It would not take
long to bury us if we were to stay still, would it ? "

" No, indeed, Fergus, not very lang, and it wad
make a bonnie winding-sheet for us all. But please
God, it 's not going to bury us this day. We '11 reach
the land in a couple of hours."

" Father," said Fergus, somewhat bashfully, laying
his hand upon the chief trader's arm, "hadn't v/e
better pray to God before we start again ? The
Bible says : ' Commit thy way unto the Lord, and He
will direct thy paths.' "

Mr. MacTavish turned and looked into Fergus'
eyes, while his own filled with unbidden tears.

" Eh, laddie," said he, gently, " but ye 're a lesson to
yer puir father, who does not know how to pray as he
should. Will ye na ask God yersel ? "

Fergus blushed at his father's request, but did not
hesitate to obey it. There was a rem;irkablc simi)licity
in his nature which helped him to be quite unconscious
of himself. The thought of how he looked to others,

230

Fergus MacTavish.

as he was doing or saying anything, never entered
his mind ; and now that it was put upon him to be
the priest of the little party in such imminent peril,
his tongue was not tied by any embarrassment
because of the presence of the others. It was the
feeling of the Divine presence that made him halt
and hesitate in his utterance.

Yet in childlike faith the prayer was offered ; Mr.
MacTavish and the men listening reverently, and
adding a fervent " Amen ! " when Fergus had finished.

" Father," said the boy, earnestly, his face illumined
by his faith, "God will give us help, won't He? He
will direct our paths."

" Surely He will, laddie," answered the chief trader ;
and then turning to the Indian, he asked : "Are you
ready to lead again, Papanakes ? "

The old man brushed the snow from his face, and
strove to pierce the bewildering veil of flying flakes
that obscured the outlook in every direction. Then
he shook his head sadly, murmuring :

" Papanakes no good. Him not know the way at
all."

Mr. MacTavish gave a great sigh of disappointment.
He had hoped that after the rest and refreshment,
the veteran guide's faculties would brighten up, and
he would be able to resume his place at the head of
the train, liut it was very evident that no more help
could be expected from him in their dire emergency.
However the way to safety was to be found, Papanakes
counted for nothing.

A Struggle with the Storm.

231

Then Mr. MacTavish bethought himself of the
dogs; perhaps their instinct would enable them
unguided to find their way to the land. The
experiment was worth trying at all events. Natur-
ally enough he took it for granted that Mr. Barnston's
Esquimaux would be the most reliable under the
circumstances. They were accustomed to snow and
ice from their birth. They ought not to be at fault
in any storm.

Getting the teams into line, with the white
Esquimaux at the lead, Mr. MacTavish cracked his
whip, and shouted : " Go, dogs ! Get up wi' ye ! "

The Esquimaux took a few steps in a slow, hesitating
way, and then stopped, and looked around. Mis
meaning was clear enough. He was ready to go
forward ; but he wanted directions. He was waiting
for "Haw," or "Gee;" the words for "right" and
" left."

But Mr. MacTavish had no idea whether to say
"Haw," or "Gee." He hoped that the Esquimaux
would decide that for himself. Again and again he
urged the dog on, and each time the same thing was
repeated. The bewildered animal at first obeyed
mechanically, but soon halted, at a loss to proceed
without more definite directions.

Then a thought flashed into Fergus' brain. If the
white Esquimaux could not lead them to land, perhaps
his noble l^ruce might.

" Father," he cried, " try my dogs. Perhaps tiiey '11
do better."

232

Fergus Mac Tavish.

Mr. MacTavish shook his head doubtfully.

*' Your dogs are strangers here, Fergus. I fear me
they '11 not know what to do."

" But, father, won't you please try them ? " urged
I'crgus.

" Well, laddie, try them yersel'. They '11 do better
in ycr ain hands than in mine," responded his father.

" I will, father," said Fergus ; " and I believe Bruce
will find the way for us."

So saying, Fergus, went up to the big St. Bernard,
and taking his massive head between his hands, he
turned it up so that he might look right into his brave
brown eyes, and proceeded to talk with him as though
he had been a fellow-being.

" Bruce," said he, ** we are all in very great danger.
We have lost our way, and none of us know how to
find it again. We want to get back to the shore. If
we don't before night comes, we'll likely be dead
before morning. Now, Bruce, don't you think you
could guide us to the shore, if you tried ? You 're a
very wise dog, Bruce ; and I believe you can, and I 'm
going to start you off ahead, and we're all going to
follow you. So just you start right off, ]kuce. Go
now, go ! "

If ever a dog understood human speech thus
addressed to him; liruce did then. The noble crea-
ture listened attentively to every word, and when his
young master had finished, and stood to one side,
crying : " Go," he threw up his head, gave a short,
clear bark, that said plainly, " I understand you," and

A StriiQ(rle ivitJi the Slorm.

233

dashed off at a rate that compelled Fergus to get on
behind, or he would have been left in the lurch. The
other teams fell quickly into line, their drivers trotting
along through the snow beside them, and the whole
train was once more in active motion.

Without the slightest hesitation, or seeming to have
any need to look about him, the St. l^ernard, holding
his head high, and with eyes fixed upon something
straight ahead, pressed steadily forward through the
storm. The going was very heavy. He sank to the
first joint of his leg every step he took, and the
cariole, with Fergus upon it, partly plowed through
the accumulated snow. But these drawbacks had no
effect upon his ardour. By some subtle instinct,
beyond the scope of human comprehension, he divined
the shortest route to the shore, and thoroughly real-
ised the importance of getting over it as quickly as
possible.

He had not gone a quarter of a mile before Mr.
MacTavish's doubts as to his ability to save them
from a death in the snow drifts had vanished.

" God bless the creature ! " the chief trader ejacu-
lated, fervently. " Did ye ever see onything like it ?
Ye'd think he knew the way as well as if it were the
track from Play Green Lake to the I'ort. He's
taking us straight to the land, I do believe."

Papanakes and Alec had nothing to say. They
were both very tired, and found it a hard task to
keep up with their teams. They would have been
glad if Bruce were not so much in earnest, and were

-ncjRPvpipi

M I

234

Fergus MacTavish.

content to set a slower pace. But they would have
died rather than confess it ; and so, with both heads
bent, and arms squared, they trotted on beside their
sledges in grim silence, putting little faith in the St.
Bernard's ability to get them out of their perilous
position.

Half an hour passed in this way, and still Bruce
pressed resolutely forward with unslackened speed.
No urging did he need from Fergus. On the contrary,
his young master felt it necessary to try to hold him
in a little, and would call to him in a quieting tone :

" Easy, Bruce. Easy, gude dog. Ye need na work
sae hard. It 's a long time yet till dark." But when
he spoke it seemed that his words quickened instead
of restrained the St. Bernard, and as he had no reins
wherewith to hold the animal in check, he was com-
pelled to let him run on as fast as he pleased.

His team-mates heartily seconded his efforts. The
two Newfoundlands and huge Hercules had caught
the spirit of their leader, whether they shared in his
wonderful sagacity or not, and each one took his full
part of the work. So tired had Fergus become that
he could not even keep his place properly standing
on behind, and was glad to get inside, and cover
himself up with the furs.

For almost an hour had they been hastening on,
and Mr. MacTavish found the tremendous efforts of
the day telling so severely upon him, that he doubted
if his strength would hold out much longer. Yet he
hesitated to get into his cariole, for he knew his

<ll

A Struggle with the Storm.

235

weight would make his dogs go much more slowly
on that heavy track, and Fergus' team would soon
leave him behind.

" Oh, God ! " he groaned. " Give me help, for my
strength is failing fast."

He glanced over his shoulder at the two drivers
behind him, and saw at once from their heavy,
laboured step they were in no better condition than
himself.

'* Gude Lord ! " he prayed again. " Come to the
help of Thy puir creatures, for we are in sore straits."
Just at that moment Bruce gave a clear, sharp
bark, which sounded like a cry of triumph ; and
Fergus, standing up in his cariole, waved his hands,
shouting joyously :

" I can see the shore, father. There it is, just
ahead ! Look ! "

The chief trader brushed the snow from his face,
and peered eagerly into the storm. Sure enough, not
a hundred yards away there loomed up a dark
rounded mass, which must be the forest-lined shore
for which they were making, and upon the reaching
of which before dark their lives depended.

" The gude Lord be praised ! " he ejaculated, fer-
vently. " It is the shore, indeed ; and we 're saved."

All weariness was forgotten now. Fergus stood up
in his cariole, cracking his whip, and showering
praises upon his dogs. Mr. MacTavish sprang for-
ward after him, as briskly as though he had ju.st
begun the day's work. Papanakes and Alec lifted

! ■

III ,

ill

236

Fergus MacTavish.

%■

their heads, and with the gloom all gone from their
faces, stepped lightly over the yielding drifts, while
the dogs joined in a chorus of barking, that showed
that they understood the situation quite as well as
their masters.

So, like an invading army, they charged up the
sloping shore of the lake, and found themselves in
the clump of trees that crowned the very headland
Mr. MacTavish had appointed as the termination
of that day's journey. Bruce's sagacity had shown
itself superior to the utmost of human skill and ex-
perience.

They were too exhausted to do anything save vie
with one another in praising Bruce for some time
after they reached the welcome shelter of the wood,
where the pines standing close together, shielded
them admirably from the baffled blast. But as soon
as they had rested their weary limbs a little and
regained their breath, they set to work to prepare a
camp that would serve them until the storm alto-
gether passed away.

*' Come now, men, and you too, Fergus, if you 're
not clean done oot," Mr. MacTavish said, as briskly
as though he did not know the meaning of the wo 1
" tired." " Let us get a real snug camp ready b
the night comes on us."

All went at once to work with a will. The axes
and hatchets were plied vigorously, and in a remark-
ably short time a really snug camp was constructed
out of pine boughs supplemented by the furs from

A Struggle with the Storm.

^2,7

the cariol'^j. .^ huge fire was then set going right at
the entrance to the camp, the dogs were given a
double ration of white-fish, their masters made a
hearty meal of pemmican, biscuit, and tea ; and so
before the night fell upon them, the travellers, relieved
in mind and refreshed in body, rolled up in their
thick buffalo robes to enjoy the sleep they so greatly
needed, while the dogs, as soon as all was still,
crawled quietly into the camp, and stowed themselves
away wherever they could find an unoccupied corner,
thus insuring their own comfort, and adding to the
warmth of their human bedfellows.

There was no need to turn out before dawn the
following morning. The storm continued all that
day and into the following night, greatly trying the
patience of the chief trader, and of Fergus, who found
the forced inaction very monotonous, Papanakes
and Alec were quite content to smoke, and snooze
away the hours, so that father and son were left as
much to themselves as if they had been alone.

They fell to talking about Mr. Olden, and the
business that had brought him to Norway House.

"I canna help thinking that it'll be little better
than a wild goose chase, Fergus," said Mr. MacTavish.
"They're puir creatures, these Indians, and I greatly
doot if they '11 ever come to understand the Gospel.
Dinna ye think sae yerscl' ? "

" Why, no, father," responded Fergus, earnestly,
for Mr. Olden had inspired him with some of his own
enthusiasm ; and he had profound faith in the

238

Fergus MacTavish.

\kiu

i"
I lii

ill!

ultimate success of his mission. " When Mr. Olden
is able to talk to the Indians in their own words, you
see if they don't soon understand the Bible. Why,
already, although Alec has to be his interpreter, Mr.
Olden has told them a great deal about Jesus, and
they are always glad to hear about Him."

*' Possibly, Fergus, possibly," answered the chief
trader, shaking his head sagely. *' But I 'm much mis-
taken if preaching to the Indians be not like trying
to make ropes out of the sea sand. I 'm sure yc
would na care to waste yer life at it, would ye,
laddie?"

Fergus blushed, and his head dropped upon his
breast. There was that in his father's tone which
plainly implied that he considered Mr. Oldcn's life
wasted, so far as it was devoted to attempting to
make Christians out of Indians ; and in the face of
this he had not courage to give the answer that was
in his thoughts.

Mr. MacTavish noticed the boy's hesitation, and it
aroused his curiosity so, that he pressed for an
answer.

"What may ye be thinking of, laddie?" he asked,
somewhat sharply. " Tell mc your thoughts."

" I fear you will na like to hear them, father,"
replied Fergus, slowly

" Aye, that I will, Fergus," returned Mr. MacTavish.
" Oct wi' them noo."

" Well, father," responded Fergus, speaking in a
low, hesitating tone, " I have been thinking that 1 'd

I M

4 Strttc'C'le with the Siorm.

239

rather be like Mr. Olden, than onything else in the
world." And the boy looked up into his father's
face with an anxious expression, as if fearing that
the answer would displease him.

The chief trader seemed somewhat puzzled. He
did not indeed clearly grasp his son's meaning. So
he asked him :

" Dae ye mean, Fergus, ye want to be as gude a
man as Mr. Olden, or as gude a missionary?"

Again Fergus was slow in answering ; but seeing
that his father was awaiting his response impatiently,
he summoned up his courage, and with a conscious
blush, murmured :

" I want to be a missionary, like Mr. Olden."

The chief trader broke into a laugh which to
Fergus' keen sensitiveness had a certain ring of
derision that made him wince.

" You want to be a missionary, ]^'ergus ! " he ex-
claimed, "and to these good-for-nothing Indians?
Why, laddie, there 's not a boy in all Rupert's Land,
with prospects sae gude as ycr ain. Ycr father
can do nae little to gic ye a gude start, but Sir
George Simpson can do f;ir more ; and it 's verra
plain that he thinks a sight o' you, and does na want
to forget that he gave ye ycr name. Tut ! tut !
Fergus, it's sheer nonsense ycr talking altogether.
And who put such notions as that in ycr head. If it
was Mr. Olden, I 'm not at all oblccged to him."

Fergus, dreading lest his father should form hard
feelings against the Oldens, hastened to say :

wf*

1 1

•40

Fergus MacTavish.

"No, no, father. It was not Mr. Olden. It just
came of itself" He might have added that he had
talked about it with Mrs. Olden, and that in her
sweet, sympathetic way, she had done much to foster
it ; but his natural shrewdness taught him to with-
hold this unless his father drew it out by further
questioning.

" Well, then, laddie," said Mr. MacTavish, in a tone
half-tender, half-stern : " As it came of itself, it may
go of itself Your father wants you to stick to the
Company, and not be running awa' with ideas about
making Christians out of the Indians that are not fit
for anything better than to bring in furs."

Fergus made no reply ; and his father, thinking he
had said enough for the present, introduced a sudden
change into the conversation, by calling up Bruce,
and fondling the big dog that had done them such
timely service.

" Ye 're a verra sensible creature, Bruce," said he.
" Ye found the way to shore for us, when but for you
we wad hae left our bodies oot on the ice to be buried
in the snow drifts. And now, Bruce, since ye were
sac wise aboot that, dae ye think ye could tell us how
king this bothersome storm is gaeing to last ? What
think ye, liruce ? "

The St. liernard scrutinised his questioner's face
very closely, as if striving to get from it the meaning
he could not find in the words ; but, entirely failing
to understand cither, he made a sound that was
remarkably like a sigh, and dro[)pcd down into a

A Struggle with the Storm. 241

position of ease, as though nothing more could be
expected of him.

"Eh, but ye 're a wise doggie," said Mr. Mac-
Tavish, patting his head. " Ye dinna worry yersel'
aboot those things that are beyond yer l<en ; and it 's
right ye are too. There 'd be a deal more happiness
in this warld if mony folk wad do the same."

Fergus felt that his father was talking at him while
pretending to talk to the dog, and the impulse was
strong to say something in reply. But before he
could frame an answer in accordance with his feelings
Mr. MacTavish got up, saying :

" Man, dear, but this is awful tiresome ! I maun
take a tramp around just to keep my blood moving.
Come, Fergus, put on your shoes, and we'll go
through the wood a bit ; may be we'll find something
to have a shot at."

So the opportunity passed, and nothing more was
said between them on the subject until many days
later.

II ill

■riBtilt-itfin-.f'ittr

^f^^!^!if^Sff!iS^?S?^assffs^&i!mmm^iejiur-»f.-m^-.ti^

rl .i I

CHAPTER XIV.

RED RIVER AND HOME AGAIN.

THE storm lasted during three days, and then
cleared away, leaving a world completely
buried in spotless white. A partial thaw marked
its close, and the snow that fell then was heavy
and moist. With the clearing off came colder
temperature, and a crust formed over the snow,
which, when the sledges set out at first, was not
strong enough to bear the weight of the dogs. They
consequently broke through it at every step, thus not
only making progress very difficult, but presently the
jagged crust cut their feet, and Mr. Barnston's Esqui-
maux cam.c to a full stop, holding up their paws, and
refusing to go on until what they wanted had been
done.

*' Dogs want shoes," said Papanakes. " Won't go
till they get 'em."

" Sure enough ! " exclaimed the chief trader. " I
was forgetting all aboot the puir creatures. Did you
bring shoes for them, Papanakes ? "

The old Indian was too busy searching for some-
thing in the load on his sledge to make any answer,

243

' ^'■- ri

i I

244

Fergus MacTavish.

but after a few moments he held up a little bundle
tied around with moose-hide, saying proudly :

" Papanakes not forget. Him bring dog shoes
every time."

" Gude for you, Papanakes," said Mr. MacTavish.
" I 'm verra glad ye didn't forget, for the dogs could
na gang far withoot them over this track."

Papanakes' bundle, when untied, proved to consist
of a number of pairs of woollen things that looked
like tiny thumbless mittens. The moment the
Esquimaux saw them they held forth their paws
expectantly. With soft thongs a dog-shoe was
securely tied upon each foot, protecting the leg right
up to the knee. Fergus' dogs had never worn them
before, but they made no objection to their being
put on.

Once the animals were all equipped, their satisfac-
tion was very evident. They capered about in token
of their joy, and when the command was given to start
again, rushed off in great style, crushing through the
crust with gay indifference to its sharp edges.

No incidents of special note marked the remainder
of the journey to Red River. Owing to the delay
caused by the storm, the train took ten days
altogether in reaching its destination, instead of six,
as Mr. MacTavish had counted upon. But his regret
at this was soon forgotten in the pleasure of a meet-
ing with the many friends he had in the settlement.

To Fergus, the little gathering of houses and huts,
hardly worthy of the name of village, was an object

(

-r

Red River and Home amin.

245

of great interest. He had never seen so many houses
or so many people in one place before, and he plied
his father with questions concerning both that kept
the chief trader busy answering him.

He was particularly impressed by the grandeur of
Fort Garry, with its solid stone walls, massive gates,
frowning towers, and, most wonderful of all, real
cannon standing at the embrasures ready to pour
destruction upon any force that might be rash enough
to invade.

So engrossed was he in his sight-seeing, that he did
not notice that he was creating a small sensation in
his own way, as he guided his dogs through the
single narrow street and the well-protoctcd gateway
into the interior of the Fort. Such a team of dogs as
his had never been seen at Fort Garry before, and ere
long quite a crowd gathered about his cariole, just as
the street urchins gather about a man with a dancing
bear.

Indeed, they seemed to have as much respect for
the big St. Bernards as the boys have for the bear,
none venturing very near, but watching them and
their youthful driver with lively interest.

"Just bide here a bit, Fergus," said Mr. MacTavish
when they reached the front of the principal building,
"while I pay my respects to Mr. Sutherland. Take
ye care that the dogs dinna get to fighting with the
strange ones here."

" I '11 take good care, father," replied Fergus, grasp-
ing the handle of his whip firmly, and feeling equal to

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246

Fergus MacTavish.

.< \

11' '

thrashing off any number of dogs that might dare
show incivility to his pets.

While Mr. MacTavish went in to present himself to
the chief factor, his superior officer, and next to Sir
George Simpson, the highest official in the service,
Fergus had the four teams ranged side by side, and
then he, with Alec and Papanakes, mounted guard over
them. There were scores of dogs hanging about, many
of them gaunt, wolfish-looking creatures, that Fergus
would have been ashamed to harness up even to
a freight sledge, and from their persistent growls it
was evident they were by no means disposed to give
the visitors a kindly reception.

Their masters were much more amiably inclined.
They were very glad to see the newcomers, parti-
cularly when they had such splendid animals to show
as were in Fergus' and Mr. Barnston's teams. They
crowded about the sledges with welcoming faces, and
Fergus soon found himself the centre of a circle of
clerks and employees, whoLie questions concerning
affairs at Norway House, and the incidents of the
journey down, he took pleasure in answering. His
dogs were greatly admired, and he gave a very
graphic account of the race between them and Mr.
Barnston's, and also of the brilliant way in which
Bruce had saved their lives when lost on Lake Winni-
peg, the effect being to make himself and his team
the talk of the .settlement, so that it was no wonder if
his young head subsequently got turned a little by the
attentions paid him.

Red River and Home again. 247

Mr. MacTavish was nearly an hour gone, for in the
multitude of things he and Mr. Sutherland found to
talk about, he kept no account of the time, and not
until a halt came in the conversation did he bethink
himself of his boy.

" Hoot, man ! " he cried, jumping up. " I clean for-
got aboot Fergus. The laddie maun be tired waiting
for me. Come and see my boy, Mr. Sutherland.
I 'm verra proud of him."

Fergus' tongue was wagging busily when they
joined the group, and as they came up behind him,
he did not perceive their approach.

"S— h!" whispered Mr. Sutherland. "Let us
listen to what he 's saying."

So they joined his audience for some minutes while
he rattled away quite unconscious of their presence.

" No wonder you 're proud of him," said the chief
factor under his breath to Mr. MacTavish as, having
moved forward in order to get a good view of him, he
looked admiringly upon Fergus' bright, expressive
face and listened to his flow of interesting talk. " I
would I had a boy like him," and Mr. Sutherland
heaved a sigh, for his family consisted of two
daughters, and he longed for a son.

Impatient to introduce Fergus to the chief factor,
Mr. MacTavish now called out :

" Gude sakes, laddie, but how yer tongue's a-
wagging. Come here now till I present you to Mr.
Sutherland."

Blushing like a girl at being overheard by his father

■ff

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248

Fergus MacTavish.

who he supposed was still in the house, Fergus
broke off what he was saying and advanced toward
Mr. MacTavish, who then introduced him to Mr.
Sutherland.

" I 'm very glad to make your acquaintance, Fergus,"
said the chief factor, giving him a cordial grasp of the
hand, " and welcome you to Fort Garry. Who knows
but some fin-^ day you 'II be standing in my shoes?
You seem a likely lad, and if you make as good an
officer of the Company as your father has been, you '11
certainly get on well."

Mr. Sutherland's appearance, manner, and words
combined to effect a complete capture of Fergus'
heart. He thought him the most handsome and
attractive man he had ever met. Yet he could not
find words to frame a fitting reply, and was making
a desperate effort to stammer out something when
the chief factor, perceiving his confusion, took him
familiarly by the arm, saying :

" But you must be hungry, my boy, and no doubt
you would enjoy a good wash before dinner. Come
along with me to the house. Come, Mr. MacTavish,
there's about time to make your toilet before our
dinner will be ready."

Following their host, the father and son soon found
themselves in a comfortable room where, for the first
time since leaving home, they were able to indulge in
a thoroughly good wash, and vastly did they both
enjoy the luxury of soap and water and towels galore.
They had each brought with them in their carioles a

Red River and Home again.

249

bag containing a complete change of clothing, and
when they had donned their clean garments they
felt like different beings, and quite prepared to be
presented to Mrs. Sutherland and her two charming
daughters.

Very delightful too was it to sit down at a well-
appointed table after the week or more of tea and
pemmican in the snow drifts, and Fergus did not
allow his bashfulness, which hung about him for a
while, to in any wise interfere with a proper apprecia-
tion of the generous fare before him.

Mrs. Sutherland, seeing he felt a little shy, addressed
herself to drawing him out, and her feminine tact soon
put him at his ease, so that before the dinner was
half through, he was chatting away to her and the
young ladies with as nimble a tongue as ever.

They were much interested in his account of the
Oldens, and especially of little Ruth. Fergus told
with a great deal of spirit of how they two were lost
in the woods, and of the trouble their fathers had to
find them. He also described the exciting experience
they had in his cariole, when his dogs set off in chase
of the fox, and such merry peals of laughter did he
evoke from his listeners that Mr. Sutherland and Mr.
MacTavish, busily discussing, at their end of the table,
weighty matters in connection v.ith the Company,
were fain to suspend their talk and join I^^crgus'
audience.

" What a sweet little friend Ruth must be ! " said
Mrs. Sutherland. " I suppose you would be very

■ 1'

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250

Fero-us Mac 7 ^avish .

sorry if she were to go away from Norway House
now, wouldn't you ? "

" Indeed I would," cried Fergus, warmly. " We 'd
all be sorry, wouldn't we, father?" turning to Mr.
MacTavish, who nodded assent.

" But you would be more sorry than anybody else,
wouldn't you, Fergus?" asked Mrs. Sutherland, who
wanted to tease him a 'ittle.

Fergus caught her meaning, and a bright blush
suffused his cheeks. He did not know just how to
answer. So Mrs. Sutherland, smiling, went on : " If
you won't object to taking a bit of advice from an old
woman, you 'd better try to make Ruth so fond of
Norway House that she'll never want to leave it.
But I mustn't be taking liberties on so short an
acquaintance. You were going to tell us about your
bear cub. Please go on."

It was late in the afternoon before they rose from
the table, and Fergus thought he had never enjoyed
a dinner so much in his life. To be the centre of a
circle of appreciative listeners was a new experience
to him, and put him on his mettle, so to speak. He
did his very best to be entertaining, and displayed
in a marked degree that faculty of vivid graphic
description which had attracted the attention of the
Oldens, and caused them to covet him for their
missionary work.

His father felt very proud of him. He was greatly
pleased at the chief factor's remark about the i)romising
future awaiting him in the service of the Company.

Red River and Home again. 251

Since Fergus had confessed his drawings toward a
life like Mr. Olden's, Mr. MacTavish resolved not
merely to discourage and oppose such ideas, but also
to counteract them by putting the service of the
Company, and the boy's prospects therein, in as
attractive a light as possible. He accordingly
congratulated himself upon having brought Fergus
with him to Red River. Here he would see the
Hudson's Bay Company at its best.

The Sutherlands insisted upon the MacTavishes
being their guests so long as they remained at lujrt
Garry, an arrangement that thoroughly pleased
Fergus, who had quite fallen in love with the ladies,
and felt a profound admiration for the head of the
house. He had never known any lack of actual
comfort at home, but in this establishment, as befitted
that of the most important resident official of the
great Hudson's Bay Company, there was a certain
degree of splendour which greatly impressed him.
He did not fail to appreciate the easy luxury that
marked the life of the household, nor the importance
given to his father and himself by their being the
guests of the chief factor, who was not prone to such
hospitality, being a man of rather reserved and
distant disposition. Indeed, it was as much on
I'^ergus' account as on his father's that the invitation
was given, for Mr. Sutherland had taken a strong
fancy to the boy at once ui)on seeing him, and wanted
to have him at hand during his stay.

After they rose from dinner, iMMgus said he must

ffl

252

Fergtis MacTavish.

go out and look after his dogs, whereupon the young
ladies asked if they might accompany him. They
were delighted with his satinv St. Bernards and
shaggy Newfoundlands.

" What perfect beauties ! " exclaimed Miss Suther-
land, in tones of warmest admiration. " I never saw
such splendid creatures in my life. Will they let us
pat them, Fergus ? "

Fergus assured them that the dogs were as good-
natured as kittens, and the two girls proceeded to
fondle them in a way that would have made some of
their admirers, and they had many, for they were the
belles of that region, almost wish they were dogs, in
order to be the objects of such charming caresses.

Having made sure that his big pets wanted for
nothing, Fergus, under the guidance of his fair com-
panions, went the rounds of the Fort and settlement,
not returning to the house until nightfall, when the
family gathered for the evening meal, and there was
pleasant talk and laughter, in which no one took part
more heartily than he.

l^'ergus found plenty to occupy his time at Fort
Garry, and the days slipped pleasantly by until his
father had attended to the business which had brought
him there. Among the attentions he received was an
invitation to a dinner given at liachelor's Hall, as the
clerks called their quarters, in honour of the promo-
tion of one of their number to the charge of a post.
It was quite a brilliant affair in its way, the big dining
hall being gaily decorated, and the most sumptuous

i. I

Red River and Home ao^ain.

repast the cooks of the establishment could devise
being provided. None of the older officials were
present. It was a decidedly youthful gathering, and
feeling free from all restraint, the guests went in for a
royal good time.

Fergus, who had never been in such gay company
before, was at first somewhat taken aback by their
noisy hilarity, but he soon caught the spirit of the
occasion, and entered into the fun as heartily as any
of them. Now, up to this time he had been a practical
teetotaller, without ever having had any thought about
the matter. The use of spirituous liquors, except as
medicine, was unknown at his home, and he had
never tasted wine in his life. When, therefore, he
found his glass filled with a clear brown liquid which
had an attractive odour and tempting taste, and saw
cvcrybod}' about him sipi)ing it with great gusto, he
naturally enough followed their example.

The wine quickly mounted to his head, and its
exhilarating effect was exceedingly pleasant. He felt
as if he were treading upon air, and equal to the per-
formance of anything that could possibly be demanded
of him. The young men about him, some of whom
he met that evening for the first time, seemed to him
the finest fellows in the world, and he gravely assuretl
them that if he were only .Sir George Simpson, he
would give every one of tlujin charge of a post on the
spot. All the while he continued to sip more and
more of the magic liquid which, strange to say,
appeared to have no effect in quenching his thirst,

254

Fergus MacTavish.

but, on the contrary, to increase it. There were songs
and speeches in plenty, and he did his best to join
in both, creating great amusement by his interrup-
tions in the latter, which were taken in good part.
Encouraged by the laughter his remarks evoked, he
presently essayed to make a speech himself, and did
manage to get out some disjointed sentences before
his neighbours jerked him back into his chair, where
he remained smiling amiably upon all around.

As the night advanced the fun waxed fast and
furious, until at last the revellers lost all control of
themselves, and when a daring spirit proposed that
they should go and serenade the chief factor, there
was not one sober enough to realise the folly of the
suggestion. Not stopping to put on coat or cap, they
all sallied forth into the cold night air and proceeded
in noisy disorder across the square to Mr. Sutherland's
house, before which they halted, and began to sing
one of the familiar brigade songs at the top of their
voices.

As it happened, Mr. Sutherland and Mr. MacTavish
had not yet retired, although the hour was late for
1^'ort Garry, and the sound of the singing soon reached
their ears as they sat in the parlour enjoying a final
pipe before bed.

" Eh ! What 's that ? " asked the latter, starting up
and listening intently. " Where s the singing going
on ? I didna hear it before."

Mr. Sutherland smiled, but made no move to leave
his scat. It was not the first time he had received a

Red River and Home again. 255

serenade, for which honours, however, he shrewdly
gave the credit to his daughters. The time of year,
to be sure, was somewhat unusual, but the clerks were
equal to any foolishness when they set out for a lark.

" It 's only the boys from Bachelor's Hall," said he,
in an indifferent tone. "They've escorted Fergus
home, probably, and are bidding him * good-night.'
They often make as much noise as that. I imagine
you and I did pretty much the same when we were
their age."

" Oh ! is that what it is ? " said the chief trader.
"They do make a big noise certainly, and to judge
by their singing, the most of them maun have a
drappic in their c'e. I think I '11 just step to the door
and tell Fergus to come in."

Taking up one of the lamps, Mr. MacTavish
hastened to the door and threw it open. The light
revealed a scene he never forgot. Standing in front
of him were a dozen or more young fellows bawling
out a chorus with little regard for time or tune.
Their heads were bare, they were without overcoats,
although the cold made him shiver, and every one of
them was the worse for wine.

In their very midst he saw Fergus, swaying to and
fro as he did his best to join in a song of which he did
not know a note. His face bore a tell-tale flush, his
eyes were standing out from their sockets, and his
hair tumbled about his forehead.

"God help me! the laddie's fou ! " exclaimed the
chief trader, in horror-struck tones. " Come ye here.

iMiaegesfeH

256

Fergus MacTavisJi.

1 1

Fergus. Come in with mc instantly." And step-
ping forward, he caught the poor boy by the arm,
drew him into the room, and shut the door with an
angry bang.

His first impulse was to give his son, old as he was,
a sound thrashing, but before he could carry it out
Mr. Sutherland, startled by the sharp banging of the
door, came into the hall.

" Hello ! " said he, not noticing Fergus' condition at
first. " You came home in great style to-night."
Then observing how matters stood, he added, in a
quieter tone : " Ah ! I see the clerks have been taking
advantage of you, Fergus. They shall hear from me
to-morrow. You 'd better get off to bed now."

Fergus had not the slightest desire to go to bed.
He wanted to rejoin the revellers, whose discordant
voices could still be heard as they surged off around
the square, and he would have liked to argue the
point. But his father, who had not spoken since
drawing him into the house, grasped him firmly by
the arm and hurried him up to their room, locking
the door as soon as they entered.

Then in his sternest manner he commanded him to
undress. Finding he v/as hardly able to manage it
himself, he gave him such vigoicus assistance that in
a few minutes h'ergus' head was on the pillow, and it
had hardly touched it before he sank into a heavy
sleep.

A prey to poignant emotions, Mr. MacTavish was
in no mood for sleep. Fergus' foolish conduct cut

Red River and Home acrain.

257

him to the quick. He had never before felt so proud
of his boy as during this pleasant visit to Fort Garry,
for every one seemed to be taken with the lad, and as
was natural under such encouragement, Fergus had
appeared at his best. No one had seemed more
pleased with him than Mr. Sutherland, who had it in
his power greatly to advance his interests when he
entered the service of the Company, which the chief
trader intended should be in the course of another year.

And now in the face of all this, while a guest at Mr.
Sutherland's house, the thoughtless boy had disgraced
himself and his father by coming home from a dinner
intoxicated ! No wonder the proud, sensitive Scotch-
man, in the first flush of his indignation, failed to take
into account his son's youth and inexperience, and
asked himself what punishment would be adequate in
view of the seriousness of the offence. As to one
thing, he at once made up his mind, namely, to take
his departure from Fort Garry as soon as possible.
To remain any longer seemed to him out of the
question. The stor)' of the dinner and the serenade
would no doubt be told all over the place, and l<>rgus
would be the laughing stock of the whole staff of
employees, while if it came to the ladies' ears, they
could not fail to be greatly disgusted.

It was late on the following morning when I'ergus
awoke from the heavy stupor which had succeeded
his unnatural excitement. l'"or some time he could
not- make out where he was, or what was the matter
with him. iii.s fucc burned as with fever, iiis tongue

2:;8

Fergus Mac Tavisli.

;

Wi\

if'i

was parched and swollen, his head throbbed with
excruciating pain. He seemed unable to think or to
remember, and tossed about in his bed the very
picture of misery. The one clear thought in his mind
was to get some water, and, though his legs tottered
under him, he made his way to the wash-stand and
greedily drank from the ewer. He had just got back
to the bed when the door opened and Mr. MacTavish
entered the room.

Never before had Fergus known his father to regard
him with such an expression as his face now bore.
Reproach and sorrow, mingled with disgust, marked
his countenance, and the poor boy, still too muddled
to recall what had taken place, looked at him with
wonder and apprehension. He had not long to wait
for an explanation.

" Get ye oop and dress yersel','' said his father, in
a tone as stern as though he were ordering him to
execution. " We maun leave this place the day."

Fergus put his hand to his aching brow, and gazed
at his father in a sort of stupid surprise, but made no
move to obey.

" Get ye oop, I say," repeated the chief trader, in
even sterner tones than before. " And if ye canna
dress ycrscl', I '11 put the claes on yc as 1 took them
off ye last night."

« What is it, father ? What 's the matter ? " asked
Fergus, in a startled voice.

" What is it ? " echoed Mr. MacTavish, bitterly.
"God knows it's matter enough that ye should bring

Red River and Home again.

259

disgrace upon yersel' and a' belonging tae ye by the
doings of the night."

Fergus strove hard to recall what had been the
doings of the previous night, but after the pleasant
dinner where he had enjoyed himself so much, it was
all misty and confused. Not knowing what to reply
to his father, he got out of bed and began to dress
himself in silence, while Mr. MacTavish stood gazing
out of the window, debating with himself how he
should begin to make his son realise the full extent of
his wrong-doing.

At length, when Fergus had managed with great
difficulty to dress himself in some sort of fashion, and
quite exhausted with the effort had sank into a chair
to rest, the father's wrath broke forth. What he said
need not be recorded. He was deeply stirred, and
did not spare his son's feelings by attempting to be
nice in his choice of words. Poor Fergus was
appalled. He had never been spoken to thus before,
and his aching head was still too confused to permit
him to clearly understand the cause of his father's
indignation.

Gradually, however, it broke upon him, and he
began to realise what a sorry fool he had made of
himself l^^alling on his knees before the chief trader,
he covered his tear-wet face with his hands, and in a
voice half-choked with sobs, asked to be forgiven.

" I didna mean to, father. Indeed I didn't," he
cried, in pitiful tones. " 1 didn't know what I was
doing."

;

26o

Ferorjis MacTavish.

I \

Once he had given vent to his pent-up feeh'ngs, a
reaction began to set in in the father's fond heart,
and lifting Fergus back to his chair, he said in a more
kindly tone :

" Nae doot ye didn't, Fergus, but the mischief's
done for a' that. Just tell me noo how it happened."

Fergus then, as best he could, described the dinner,
and how he had partaken freely of the tempting con-
tents of his glass without ever imagining the effect it
would have upon him.

Mr. MacTavish could hardly suppress a smile as
the boy with perfect candour related all he could
distinctly remember of the events of the evening.
He was so guileless in his utter innocence of any
wrong intent. Yet when he finished there were tears
in the chief trader's eyes, and his voice was husky as
he said :

" You were not to blame so much, puir laddie, as
those whom you were with, and who should have
shown you mair kindness than to make sport of you
like that."

" It 's the first and last time, father, that any one
shall ever make sport of mc in that way," said Fergus,
very seriously. " I 've learned a lesson I '11 never for-
get."

Mr. MacTavish drew hirn toward him and gave him
a loving embrace.

" I fear I spoke too harshly tac ye, laddie, but
indeed my heart was very sair. Let that be noo.
We '11 say nae mair aboot it. Come doon, and we '11

Red River and Home again.

261

tell Mr. Sutherland we maun be going this after-
noon."

Fergus shrank from facing the Suthcrlands, but his
father assured him only the chief factor knew of what
had taken place the previous night, and, comforted by
this, he went down-stairs where Mr. Sutherland was
awaiting them in the dining-room.

" Hello 1 Fergus," was his cheery greeting. " How
does your head feel this morning? Any hints of an
ache ? And do you feel as if you would like to drink
the Red River dry ? "

Fergus' pale face grew crimson. The joking man-
ner of his host disconcerted him more than if
he had given him a severe scolding, and he was
completely at a loss for a response to his chaffing
questions.

"Oh! that's all right," Mr. Sutherland went on,
just as if Fergus had given an answer in the affirma-
tive. " You '11 soon get over that. I gave the clerks
a good lecture this morning. Told them they ought
to be ashamed of themselves for not looking after you
better. But they 're a wild lot. Always up to some
devilry."

When Mr. MacTavish made known his intention of
leaving Fort Garry that day, Mr. Sutherland opposed
it stoutly, but all his remonstrances were in vain.
Fergus was even more anxious to get away than his
father ; and so it came about that early in the after-
noon, much to the regret of the whole household, the
St. Bernards and Esquimaux were again harnessed

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Fergus MacTavish.

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up, farewells were exchanged, and then, amid tinkling
of bells and cracking of whips, the train drew out of
the Fort to begin its long journey northward.

The dogs seemed to understand that they were
bound for home. Thoroughly rested by their week's
idleness, and full of spirit, they tore along the well-
beaten track at the top of their speed.

Fergus' spirits, which had been very depressed,
began to rise at once. The clear cold air and the
rapid motion helped him to feel more like himself,
and reviewing the past night in the light and cheer of
the fine winter day, the folly he had been led into did
not seem so overwhelming as it did at first. He got
to see the matter more from the same point of view
as Mr. Sutherland. The clerks observing his fresh-
ness, his innocence of all worldly ways, had, with a
surprising lack of the true spirit of hospitality, taken
advantage of him for their own amusement. There
certainly had been no intentional wrong on his part.
Thinking it over in this way, his heart grew lighter.
While the cariole sped over the hard-beaten snow, he
uttered a simple prayer for full forgiveness, and added
a solemn vow never to knowingly expose himself to
temptation again. Others might play with fire by
sipping wine, but as for him he would be a Nazarite
as long as God gave him life.

The journey home was accomplished in seven days
of successful travelling. No storm delayed the on-
ward march of the train. The dogs, as eager to get
back as their masters, behaved themselves to perfec-

Red River and Home again.

263

tion. The days were bright and the nights brilliant
with moonlight.

On the afternoon of the seventh day, the white
Esquimaux were pattering gleefully ovjr the frozen
surface of Playgreen Lake, and ere the sun sank ouc
of sight behind the western hills, Norway House
loomed into sight. Then all attempt at order was
forgotten. Cheering his dogs on to their utmost
exertions, Fergus drew up beside his father and
challenged him to a race to the Fort gate. Promptly
the chief trader responded. Alec and Papanakes,
catching the infection, put the whips to their dogs,
and in a minute all four teams were scampering over
the level lake amid cracking of whips and volleys of
shouts, entreaties, and vociferous abuse from the
different drivers, for the half-breed and Indian drivers
never say a kind word to their animals.

Attracted by the noise, a number of the people at
the Fort rushed out to see what was the matter. One
glance was sufficient to tell them, and with cheers of
joy they hastened to meet the racing teams. On
came the four sledges, Fergus and his father neck and
neck, the other two close behind. Straining every
nerve they swept up the bank like a whirlwind, and
dashed into the midst of the delighted crowd to be
overwhelmed with exuberant welcomings.

(

CHAPTER XV.

THE VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR.

VERY joyous was the welcome of the travellers by
Mrs. MacTavish and the Oldens. Their absence
had been greatly felt by everybody in the Fort, but of
course, particularly by their own dear ones. Travel-
ling, either in winter or summer, is always beset with
dangers in the far North-West. In the summer there
are storms and rapids which may swamp boats or
wreck canoes, and in the winter there are the ever-
present pitiless cold, and the terrible blizzard.

When Mr. MacTavish told the story of their
wonderful escape from the blizzard that blinded, and
did its best to bury them too, with Fergus helping to
fill in the details, there was many a sympathetic
shudder from the little group, listening with breathless
attention, and when he had finished, Mr. Olden
impulsively broke forth into singing " Praise God
from whom all blessings flow," in which the others,
fully appreciating the situation, joined with all their
hearts.

While the story was being told Ruth crept over to

Fergus* side, and twined her arm in his. The thought

265

266

Fergus MacTavish.

of his being buried in the snow, away off in Lake
Winnipeg, filled her little heart with horror, and after
the doxology was sung, she whispered shyly :

" Oh ! Fergus, I 'm so glad you didn't get lost in
the dreadful snow-storm. And wasn't dear big Bruce
splendid to find the way like that ? I 'm just going to
give him such a great hug, and kiss him too for doing it."

" Suppose you give me the hug and kiss instead,"
Fergus suggested, slyly.

" I will if you want me to," answered Ruth,
promptly. And suiting the action to the word, she
threw her arms about his neck, drew his face down to
hers, and gave him a most affectionate kiss, much to
the amusement of the older folks.

" What dae ye think of our winter travelling noo?"
the chief trader asked of the missionary after they
had settled down again to resume the conversation.
" Does what I told you make you think ye 'd better
have bided in your own comfortable parish, where ye
need never run sich risks o' life, instead o' coming oot
into this wilderness ? "

Mr. Olden smiled, and shook his head. He did not
know how much more anxious than before Mr. Mac-
Tavish was to make out the usclessness of his under-
taking. He thought the question was simply some
more of his good-humoured scepticism.

" Not a bit of it, Mr. MacTavish," he replied. " We
thought that all out before we started, didn't we,
dear ? " turning to his wife, who responded with a
radiant smile of assent. "We knew we would have

The Visit of the Governor.

267

to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ,
and we are ready for whatsoever comes to us in the
path of duty. As for myself, dear friend, if God saw
fit to bring my work thus to a close, I cannot con-
ceive of any more beautiful way to go to Him than
out 3f the snow-covered wilderness, lying down to
sleep on the purest, loveliest thing that He has
created." He paused for a moment, and then added,
as if saying it to himself, " Wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow."

Mrs. Olden gave a little shudder, but her voice v/as
firm and sweet as she said :

" For my sake, husband dear, I hope that that will
not be your manner of leaving us. I would like to
think that we will both be spared many, many years,
until, by God's grace, iliis wilderness has begun to
blossom, and to give promise of the fair fruit of
Christianity. That time will come, Mr. MacTavish,
doubt it as you may. The great heart of God goes
out in love to the poor Indians no less than to us ;
and if those whose privilege it is to enjoy the Gospel
in the midst of civilisation will only do their duty in
the matter, there will ere long be missionaries for
every tribe in the North-West."

"Won't that be splendid I" exclaimed Fergus, his
face aglow at so inspiring a prophecy ; for he con-
ceived of all missionaries being just like the Olclcns,
and was delighted at the thought of every Indian
tribe having men and women of their kind to teach
them how to love and serve God.

1 !

i i

: ii

r-w*«**4ifsi'iB/w**ti*ii«a«>*W*J.i>«»vi

268

Ferris MacTavish.

Fergus was going on to say something more, but
happening to glance at his father, he observed that
his face bore a frown of disapproval, and remembering
their talk in the camp beside Lake Winnipeg, he
checked himself

His mother, little imagining how ill-pleased the
chief trader would be at her remark, then took up the
conversation.

"Indeed it will be splendid," said she, "and
I greatly wish I could do something to bring the
good time nearer. Ye've a grand work to do, Mr.
Olden. Were I a man there 's nothing I would
rather be than a missionary."

" Well, my dear Mrs. MacTavish," said Mr. Olden,
laying his hand upon Fergus' head, "since you
cannot be a missionary yourself, would you not like
to see this boy whom God has given you take the
place it would have been your joy to fill ? "

The frown on the chief trader's face was growing
darker, although no one noticed it save Fergus.

" I would that, indeed," answered Mrs. MacTavish,
" an' it were the desire of his ain heart as it is of

»»

mme

" Dinna speak sich foolishness, Ailie," Mr. Mac-
Tavish broke in with a suddenness and sharpness of
tone that startled everybody. " Our laddie is gaeing
into the service of the Company, and ye needna be
puttin' notions in his head about wasting his life
trying to make Christians oot of these miserable
Indians."

The Visit of the Governor.

269

A bombshell breaking in their midst could hardly
have been more of a surprise than this outbreak of
the chief trader's was to everybody but Fergus.
There was a degree of temper and determination
manifested in his voice, for which the placid con-
versation which had preceded seemed to offer no
justification whatever. The Oldens looked at one
another inquiringly, as though to say : " What does
this mean ? " " Why is he so excited ? " And Mrs.
MacTavish, her eyes brimming with sudden tears, for
she could not remember the day when her husband
had spoken so harshly to her before, said, with quiver-
ing lips :

'• I didna know yc thocht it such foolishness,
Dugald dear ; and I shall say nac more aboot it sin'
ye are not pleased."

Realising that he had been too abrupt, and touched
by his wife's evident feeling, Mr. MacTavish, in a
much gentler tone, sought to make some amends.

"Did I speak too sharply, Ailie? Well, I didna
mean to, but dinna mind that. Our Fergus is going
into the Company next year maybe, for he'll be full
sixteen years then, ye know ; and if God is gude to
him and he is gude to himself, perhaps ere you and
I leave this world we '11 sec him higher up than ever
his father has got. So say nae more aboot his being
a missionary."

The Oldens felt they had no part in this con-
versation, and when Mr. MacTavish had finished
speaking, Mrs. Olden, with ready feminine tact.

\\\

!
^ \

<^*»^!^,.-»l%<WJ»V.*«Jc«

270

Fergtis MacTavis/i.

'..■•1

changed the current of the talk by asking the chief
trader some questions about Fort Garry and the
Sutherlands, who had been very kind to them on
their way to Norway House.

Mr. MacTavish gladly accepted the opportunity,
and presently the tongues of all were wagging as
freely again as though nothing had occurred to
disturb the peaceful atmosphere. But Fergus kept
what had been said in his heart, and never knelt
down to pray without a petition that God would
change his father's mind.

Although Mr. MacTavish was not himself conscious
of it, there was henceforth a certain change in his
manner toward the Oldens, which caused the mission-
ary to feel all the more anxious to establish a home
of his own, and be no longer dependent upon the
chief trader's hospitality. It was not that Mr. Mac-
Tavish took any actual dislike to either Mr. or Mrs.
Olden. Although he continued stoutly sceptical as
to the practical value of the enterprise to which they
had consecrated their lives, there was no falling off in
his respect and admiration for the character of each.
The feeling that, all unknown to himself, created a
kind of barrier between them, was one of jealousy as
to their influence over his son. Upon the question
as to P'ergus' future they represented the side to which
he was resolutely opposed ; and although he never
for one moment imagined that they, after what had
been said, would strive in any way to cross his desires
or designs, still, no matter how silent they might be,

The Visit of the Governor.

271

their very presence could not fail to exert an influence
which would help to keep alive the notions whose
expression by both Fergus and his mother had
aroused his anger.

During the »vinter Mr. Olden had not been idle.
Seeing clearly that Norway House was in many
respects unsuited for a centre of operations, while at
the same time it would be expedient to remain some-
where within convenient reach of it, he had explored
the whole neighbourhood, and made diligent inquiry
of those who had long been familiar with the locality,
with the result that he had selected as the site of his
station an island in Playgreen Lake, about two miles
from Norway House.

This choice had many advantages. The situation
of the island was remarkably pleasant. Its soil was
known to be rich and productive. At that distance
from the Fort the mission would be entirely undis-
turbed by the boat brigades in summer, and dog-
trains in winter, which often turned the place into a
pandemonium with the wild revelry of the voyagcurs
and guides, who would pawn the very clothes they
wore in order to purchase the drink that was the bane
of their lives, and which was always to be had in
plenty at the Company's posts. In other ways, too,
the island commended itself to both Mr. and Mrs.
Olden, and they awaited with impatience the coming of
spring, when they would be able to begin operations.

Fergus shared their impatience, although in his
case the causes were different. He always found

■VivSt.-rt5Vj.i*i..,.i„j, -*i,alar«t*»i^»*.< ■

fir

i'i

I \

'11
11

272

Fergus MacTavish.

those Northern winters cruelly long, and wearied for
the summer, so beautiful, and alas ! so brief This
spring he felt particularly restive. The new thoughts
which since the coming of the Oldens had stirred
within him produced an activity of mind unknown to
him before. His life hitherto had been just what any
ordinary healthy, hearty boy's would be, situated as
he was. Thanks to Sir George Simpson's annual
gift of books, his intellect had by no means been
suffered to lie fallow. On the contrary, he possessed
a knowledge of history, geography, and the other
elements of a sound education that would have been
creditable to the average city boy of his age, who had
enjoyed the advantages of regular schooling.

Under the stimulating influence of the Oldens, the
range of his mind had greatly enlarged. The great
conception of his having a life work to do had seized
upon him, and thrilled him with a novel sense of
personal significance. Whether, as his father wished,
he should enter the service of the Company, or
whether, as he himself preferred, he should set about
fitting himself for following in Mr. Oldcn's footsteps,
in either case his whole heart must go into the matter,
for upon him lay the chief responsibility for the
issue.

Thus all having their own reasons, the chief trader,
his son, and his guests counted the days until the
warm sun would release the bonds of winter and set
all nature free. Meantime the sun seemed to be in
no particular hurry to meet their wishes. The weeks

The Visit of the Govetiior.

273

crept slowly by, and still the snow and ice obstinately
lingered. Would the signs of winter never depart ?

At length, as if repenting of its dilatoriness, and
anxious to make amends, the summer came with a
rush. The last drifts of discoloured snow vanished
from the sheltered hollows ; the ice on Playgreen
Lake, honeycombed and rotten, broke up and disap-
peared, permitting the long-imprisoned wate . once
more to rejoice in the sunlight, and make mrsic with
the rippling laughter of their waves upon ;he shore ,
the woods c^onned their gay garb of green, ard the
glades their grassy mantle. It was as thouL;ii nature
had broken forth into a broad smile of good humour,
which found a ready response in the hearts of every
one at Norway House. To Fergus, no summer had
ever been more welcome, and, as would in time appear,
no summer would be more eventful.

" I hope father will be going up to York Factory
again," said he to his mother, one day, "and will take
me with him. I don't want to spend the whole
summer here."

" Ye 'd like to be a great traveller, wouldn't ye,
dear?" said his mother, with a half-suppressed sigh
at the thought of his leaving her for long periods of
time ; " and I canna blame you. It 's little o' the big
warld ye can see from Norway House, or even fr^^m
York Factory, for that matter."

" Indeed, I would like well to see the world a bit,

mother," responded Fergus. "And Mrs. Olden said,"

he continued, his face lighting up as he recalled the

i ,

I'll

'< I

jmi-V-V .f-^-CT.-*-^

274

FevQus Mac Tavish.

pleasant prediction, " that I was sure to travel a great
deal if I lived to be a man."

" Do you ever feel sorry, Fergus dear," asked Mrs.
MacTavish, with a very thoughtful expression, *' that
ye werena born in a big city like Montreal, or London
even, instead of out in this wilderness, where, saving
the people of the Company, there's naething but
Indians and half-breeds ? "

" No, mother, I don't," replied Fergus, promptly.
" I 'm glad I was born here, and I 'm sure no boy in
the big cities has had a better time that I have. But
when I 'm a man I want to go to the big cities, and
be in them a good long while."

" Perhaps some day Mr. Olden will be going back
to the city he came from," suggested Mrs. MacTavish,
" and then ye might go with him. Would ye not
like that?"

" Aye, but I would, mother," responded Fergus,
eagerly. " I only wish he was going back this summer."

But, of course, Mr. Olden had no idea of returning
to his Ontario home that summer, nor for many
summers to come ; so that Fergus' prospects were
not very promising, so far as they depended upon
him. This Fergus knew well enough, but he did not
know that before long he would be setting forth on a
journey, in the course of which he would see a great
deal more of the northern wilderness than he had
before, for the opportunity came in a most unexpected
manner.

A few weeks after the conversation just mentioned,

The Visit of the Governor. 275

the great event of the year at Norway House took
place, namely, the annual visit of His Excellency
the Governor, Sir George Simpson. He arrived one
fine afternoon toward the end of June, and the post
was thrown into a state of the liveliest excitement by
the sight of his two magnificent canoes rounding the
point that hid Norway House from the Lake.

Sir George always travelled in the utmost state
circumstances would permit. He held very exalted
opinions of both his office and himself, and required
at the hands of his subordinates as much deference as
if the rude and sometimes squalid Forts were the
Court of St. James. Hence, his visits were always
looked forward to with a good deal of trepidation.
Everything at the post was put in the best order
possible. Everybody, from the head official down to
the dogs, was on his best behaviour ; and there was a
general sigh of relief when the great man took his
departure, particularly if he had discovered nothing to
stir his ire during his visit.

His retinue consisted of his private secretary, his
valet, his cook, and sixteen Iroquois Indians, the
finest canoemen in the entire service, not one of them
under six feet in height, and all superb specimens of
strength and endurance. They had two canoes of the
kind known as canotes de maitrc, huge affairs of the
best birch bark, thirty-five feet in length, five feet
wide amidships, and two feet and a-half deep, capable
of carrying a ton of cargo besides their eight paddlcrs,
and half as many passengers.

276

Fergus MacTavish.

These canoes were decorated to an almost fantastic
extent, and fitted up in the most luxurious style.
Fergus never got quite accustomed to their sumptu-
ousness. They always filled him with a sort of awe,
which, however, he took pains to conceal from Ruth,
to whom, after Sir George had gone up to the Fort,
he proudly pointed out their splendour and beauty,
and had much to say about the famous governor who
had been so good to him.

Ruth had many questions to ask. She was as
profoundly impressed as Fergus could wish.

" And is Sir George a greater man than your
father, Fergus ? " she innocently inquired. " Can he
make him do anything he wants him to ? "

She had got so accustomed to see the chief trader
exercise unquestioned sway at the Fort that no
more effective proof of the governor's greatness could
have been given her than that he might order Mr.
MacTavish about.

"Aye, that he can," answered Fergus; "and not
only father, but Mr. Sutherland too."

" How nice it must be to be able to order every-
body else about just as you please, and not to have
any one to order you about ! " said Ruth, with a most
pathetic little sigh ; for, like all children abounding
in animal spirits, she came in for a good deal of
parental restraint, and consequently often imagined
that she had to stand rather more discipline than was
at all necessary.

Fergus gave her a very sympathetic smile. The

The Visit of the Govcrnoj\

277

sage sentiment which she had just expressed was one
he was prepared] to heartily endorse. He, too, did
not have his own way by any means, as much as he
liked ; but if he were only Sir George Simpson, who
would there be to say no to him ?

" I just wish I were the governor," he exclaimed,
almost unconsciously.

"And what would you do if you were the governor?"
inquired a voice behind him, in a tone of kindly
interest.

Fergus wheeled about with a start, and there was
Sir George himself, regarding him with an amused
expression, he having returned for something he had
left in his canoe.

Fergus blushed from chin to forehead, and hung
his head in embarrassed silence.

" Come, now, Fergus, don't be afraid to confess it,"
said Sir George, with a smile of friendly encourage-
ment. " What would you do if you were the
governor ? "

Without venturing to look up, Fergus murmured
in a tone scarcely audible :

" I was just thinking that if I were the governor
there would be no one to order me about, and I could
do as I liked."

Sir George gave a gentle laugh, and patted Fergus
on the shoulder. '* It 's not doing what you like, but
doing what is best, that brings real happiness, my lad.
I can easily guess how your thoughts were running,
and 1 don't blame you. It's never so pleasant to

I !

278

Fergus Mac Tavish,

obey orders as to give them, liut, remember this,
Fergus : it 's only by obeying orders faithfully, that
we can learn to give them rightly. If I had not
learned that lesson well, I would never have been
governor." And then, with one of his kindliest
smiles, the great man went on his way.

The incident impressed Fergus deeply. The idea
that Sir George Simpson should ever have had to
obey orders from other people came upon him with
great force.

" Ruth," said he, in a very serious tone, " if the
governor didn't always have his own way, we needna
grumble at having to obey our fathers and mothers,
need we ? "

But Ruth was in no hurry to assent to this. What-
ever the governor m.ight say, it was a great bother
not being allowed to do as one pleased, and she was
too honest to pretend she thought otherwise.

Having admired the canoes, and their stalwart
dusky crews, to their hearts' content, the two young
people went back to the 1^'ort, where they found Sir
George holding a kind of informal levee before the
chief trader's door. He was evidently well pleased
with the general appearance of affairs at the post,
and in excellent humour. The Oldens he had known
before, having met them when they were on their
way north-westward, and through his kindness their
journey had been greatly expedited, as he gave orders
that all possible assistance should be rendered them
by the officials of the Company. Having asked Mr.

The Visit of the Governor. 279

MacTavish a number of questions about the state of
things at the Fort, and having received satisfactory
reph'es, he then turned his attention to the missionary :

"And now, Mr. Olden," said he, "let me ask you
something about your enterprise. What are the
prospects with regard to it ? "

" Very good, indeed, Sir George," answered the
missionary. " I have been preaching to the Indians
with the aid of an interpreter ever since I got settled
here, and I may say with truth that they've heard
the Word of God gladly."

" But I suppose you 're learning the Cree language,
and will soon be able to speak to them directly?"
continued the governor.

" Oh, yes," replied Mr. Olden. " I have been hard
at work all winter, and I can get along in some sort
of fashion already. Before next winter I hope to
speak quite fluently."

" And are you fully satisfied " — the governor's face
bore an expression half of wonder, half of admiration,
as he looked into the missionary's earnest, hopeful
countenance—" that the game will be worth the
candle — that these poor pagans can ever be changed
into respectable Christians ? "

" Sir George," answered Mr. Olden, his face becom-
ing transformed by the heroic fixedness of purpose
that inspired him, " were the entire possessions of the
Hudson's Bay Company mine, I would without a
moment's hesitation pledge them to be forfeited if the
Gospel fail to win as glorious victories in this great

-ii

I !

2B0

Fergus Mac 7\ivish.

North- West as it has ever done in any other part of
the heathen world."

Pleased with the missionary's sanguine enthusiasm,
and yielding to the generous impulse it stirred within
him, Sir George asked :

" And have you decided where to establish your
mission station ? Would you like to remain here at
the Fort ? "

" We have been most kindly dealt with here, Sir
George," replied Mr. Olden, looking gratefully toward
Mr. MacTavish. " Mr. MacTavish could not have
done more for us than he has, and we 've had a very
happy winter. But upon careful consideration I am
convinced that it would be better for the mission not
to be at the Fort itself, but a little way from it, and
so I have chosen that island, just out there in the
lake, for the site of our station. It has many
advantages."

" I think you h£ive done wisely, Mr. Olden," said
Sir George. " Do you intend to begin building right
away ? "

" I have already got out the timber that will be
required. Sir George," answered the missionary ; " and
I 'm going right ahead, so as to have our home
furnished before winter. Next summer, God willing,
wc will build a little church to hold our services in."

" Very good, indeed," said Sir George, heartily.
" I 'm glad to have the opportunity of sharing in so
excellent an enterprise. Will you please accept from
mc the amount of fifty pounds, as my own subscription,

■linn >!'

The Visit of the Governor.

281

and on behalf of the Company I promise you an
annual grant of the same sum to assist in carrying on
your work."

How the faces of the missionary and his wife
beamed with delight and gratitude at this munificent
declaration, so entirely unexpected, yet so providen-
tially welcome ! Springing from his seat, Mr. Olden
seized the governor's hand, and clasped it between
both of his.

" Sir George," he exclaimed, " I cannot put into
words my gladness and gratitude, but the Lord Him-
self will reward you for thus helping on His glorious
cause. ' lliis is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous
in our eyes,' " he added, reverently.

Sir George seemed quite touched, but sought to
pass it off by saying, in a tone of assumed indifference:

" Tut ! tut ! It 's I that ought to be grateful for the
opportunity of helping a little in so good a work."

Fergus had been listening to this conversation with
intense interest, and when Sir George announced his
beneficent intentions he had hard work to resist the
temptation to give a hearty cheer. Fifty pounds
seemed such an immense sum of money. Why, surely
it would alone be sufficient to build the house for the
missionary ; and then fifty pounds more every year !
That was good news indeed ! His admiration for the
governor rose to fever heat. He thought him the
greatest, kindest man in all the world, and wondered
if he would ever come to be anything like him; for
oh ! how splendid it was to be able to do so much

282

Ferons Mac Tavish.

I i;

, I

;!i i I.

good, to have the power to confer such benefits on
others.

Mrs. MacTavish now appeared, to announce that
supper was ready.

" I, for one, am very glad to hear it," said Sir
George, offering his arm to Mrs. Olden with as much
grace as if they were in a London drawing-room ; and,
following in his wake, the others took their seats at
the table.

In making ready for her distinguished guest, the
chief trader's wife had taxed the entire resources of
the establishment, with the result of providing a
repast fully worthy of the occasion. Sir George was
in great good humour. The pleasant sense of having
done a good deed, the evident admiration he com-
manded, the abundant store of tempting dishes, and
the keen appetite for them his long paddle up the
river had given him, all combined to put him in the
best of spirits, and with story, joke, and shrewd, sharp
repartee he proved himself the prince of entertainers.
So thoroughly did he put the others at their ease,
that they too appeared at their best. Neither the
chief trader nor the missionary had ever heard each
other talk so well. And the same was to be said of
their wives. There was, in fact, a general loosening
of tongues, which sur] rised no one more than it did
the possessors of those tongues. The conversation
never flagged for a moment, though they sat two full
hours at the table, and darkness was drawing down
ere they rose from their seats.

The Visit of the Governor. 28

Fergus discreetly confined himself to listening, but
enjoyed the flood of facile talk as much as anybody,
although one thing that happened in the course of
the supper made him feel rather uncomfortable for a
while.

Sir George was very fond of his wine, and always
carried a goodly supply in his canoe. Soon after they
sat down to table he despatched his servant for a
bottle of his favourite beverage, and when it arrived
pressed the others to join him in disposing of it. The
MacTavishes were glad enough to accept, but the
Oldens courteously refused. Turning then to Fergus,
Sir George said :

" Fergus, my man, you '11 have a drop, won't you ?
It 's only claret. Try a sup in some water."

The instant he spoke to him, there flashed into
Fergus' mind the recollection of that experience at
Fort Garry, the shame of which it seemed to him he
would never forget, and to which no reference had
been made by cither his father or himself since their
return. The blood mounted hotly to his face. lie
cast one appealing, pitiful glance at his father, who,
until then, saw nothing significant in the governor's
genial request, and then hung his head, quite unable
to make any reply.

Sir George looked at him in surprise; and all the
others, save the chief trader, were greatly puzzled to
understand why a simple invitation to sip a little wine
should throw him into such confusion. Mr. MacTavish
hastened to his rescue, saying in an off-hand way :

284

Fergus MacTavish.

" Don't press the laddie, Sir George. He doesna
like the wine, and he 's afraid to offend you by refusing
it."

Accepting this clever explanation, which was accur-
ate enough, and yet did not betray the boy's secret,
Sir George said, with a good-humoured laugh :

"All right, Fergus, let the bottle pass. You'll
never be the worse for doing so, though I confess to
having a great liking for the stuff myself"

Then starting off the conversation again, the inci-
dent was soon forgotten, and the chief trader's sugges-
tion satisfying the curiosity of the others, Fergus,
greatly to his relief, heard no more about the matter.

The following morning Sir George made a thorough
inspection of the establishment. The furs that had
accumulated during the winter were overhauled, and
their value computed ; the goods in store were
examined, and suggestions made as to future supplies,
the books were looked into ; the clerks were ques-
tioned as to their knowledge of the business, and their
liking for the life ; all who had any complaints to
make, or grievances to ventilate, were attentively
heard, and their statements noted by the private
secretary, who was always at the governor's elbow.
And finally, after a hard day's work, carried through
with that celerity and thoroughness for which Sir
George was renowned, the great man lifted the chief
trader into the seventh heaven of delight by pronounc-
ing everything entirely satisfactory, and stating that
he would recommend him for an immediate increase

The Visit of the Governor,

285

of salary, and for promotion to Red River at the first
opportunity. He even hinted that that promotion
might not be very long delayed, as Mr. Sutherland
was understood to be desirous of retiring from active
work at an early day, having amissed a comfort-
able fortune during his two score years of faithful
service.

Nor did the governor's bestowal of favours end
there. Not content with making the hearts of the
MacTavishes and Oldens overflow with joy — for of
course the wives shared in the husbands' joy to the
fullest — he next turned his attention to Fergus.

It was in the evening, and after a supper quite equal
to the one of the day before, they were sitting at the
door enjoying the refreshing coolness. Sir George and
his happy host filling the air with fragrant smoke,
when Fergus came up, attended by his quartette of
splendid dogs. A finer type of hearty, handsome,
happy boyhood than he presented, as flushed and
panting after a frolic with his pets he brought himself
to a full stop before the group, was not to be often
seen. Sir George hailed him at once with :

" Halloo ! Is this Daniel and his lions ? Will your
animals bite ? "

" No, indeed, sir," answered Fergus, laughing merrily.
" They 're as kind as kittens. But aren't they beauties,
sir? " he asked, looking up eagerly into the face of his
benefactor.

" They are beauties, Fergus," responded Sir George.
" I was not mistaken when I thought you would make

^-'S'^m^mimm^^em/f.wgemmmm^^^

286

Fer(^iis Mac Tavish.

a good master for them. Sit down now beside me,
and tell me something about them."

Delighted to obey, Fergus threw himself down at
the governor's feet, the big dogs gathered about him,
and, with Brucc's head in his lap, he proceeded to tell,
in his own bright, graphic way, about the exciting
race with Mr. Barnston's Esquimaux, and the thrilling
story of their narrow escape from death in the bliz-
zard on Lake Winnipeg.

Sir George listened with profound attention. The
teller of the story impressed him even more than the
story itself, and when Fergus had finished, and he had
thanked him for being so interesting, he took the
boy's head in his hands, and looking into his face,
asked :

" Fergus, how would you like to go with me to the
Rocky Mountains ? "

CHAPTER XVI.

WESTWARD WITH SIR GEORCIE.

FERGU ' answer came as quickly as his lips could
frame the words :

" I wud like it above all things, Sir George."

Then bethinking himself that he was not the only
one to be consulted, he added, in a quieter tone :

" If father and mother are willincr."

" Would you have any objections, Mr. MacTavish ?"
Sir George asked of the chief trader. " I think the trip
would be a good thing for the boy, and he can return
to you by the autumn boat brigade from Red River."

Mr. MacTavish glanced interrogatively at his wife.
She smiled her assent, and so he answered at once :

" I '11 be verra glad indeed for the laddie to go with
you, sin' ye are kind enough to ask him. He 's been
wanting to travel for some time past. You see he reads
a good bit in the books ye 've sent him, and naturally
it makes him curious to see more of the world."

But it was not only paternal .sympathy with Fergus'
desire for travel that made his father so glad to give
his consent. He thought to himself that if anything
would clear the boy's mind of the foolish notions

287

288

Fergus MacTavish.

■ 1 1

\ I

iHf

about being a missionary, which had so possessed
him of late, it would surely be such an experience as
now opened before him, and it seemed to him nothing
short of providential that it should have been offered.

" Very well, then," said Sir George, evidently well
pleased at the acceptance of his invitation. " Can
you get Fergus ready by the morning, Mrs. Mac-
Tavish ? I must start as soon as possible after
breakfast."

" Oh, j-cs, Sir George," answered Mrs. MacTavish.
" It willna take me long to pack up his bag."

"There now, Fergus," said the governor, patting
the boy's head, "you see the way's all clear, and
I 'm to have the pleasure of your company for the
next three months."

If ever there was an excited, happy boy it was
Fergus that evening. He hardly knew what to do
with himself. I le tried to assist his mother in the
packing, but only succeeded in putting everything
into confusion, so tbct, finally, Mrs. MacTavish was
compelled to laughingly order him to leave her to
manage it herself, whereupon he ran out of the hou.5C,
and, calling his dogs, raced around the square with
them, shouting and capering for very excess of joy,
until at last, completely exhausted and breathless, he
dropped on the doorstep to recover himself.

Hardly a wink of sleep did he get that night, and
wlicn he did fall into a nap, it was to dream of
buffcdoes, wild deer, mountain lions, and other animals
of the far West, concerning which he had heard many

Westward loilh Sir George. 289

wondcful stories from officials of the Company who
had spent years in that region.

The next morning, however, he was not in quite so
jub,lant a mood. The tl,ought of saying " Good-bye "
to h,s parents, his home, his dogs, and Ins other pets
for several montl,s tempered l,is joy somewhat, and
when the t,me of parting eame l,is lieart felt cpn'te heavy.

S,r George had his canoes launched promptly after
break ast, and the MacTavishes and Oldens accom-
l'an,ed him as far as the island, upon which the
mission station was being constructed, where a land-
ing was made for a brief inspection of the place
" You have a pretty spot here, Mr. Olden," said Sir

And I believe you will find it greatly to your advan-
tage being removed a little distance from the hort
You will be less likely to be disturbed, and you will'
l>ave more control over your congregation. Hut," he
added holding out his hand, " I must not linger
Good-bye; may your best hopes be fulfilled, and'
.emember, if at any time I can be of any further
assistance to you, do not hesitate to call upon me
Good-bye, Mr. MacTavish. I "11 see that your faith-
ful service ,s not overlooked." And thus with partiiK.
words that reflected the kindly, generotis spirit of tl,:
■nan, he stepped into his canoe, saying ■
" Now then, hcrgu-s, kisses all round "
Fergus, with misty eyes and trembling lips went

around the little group, and every one U h
lovmg kiss of farewell, his parents adding a passionate

290

Pcrpiis Mac TavisJi,

i ! l:

embrace, for they would miss him sorely during his
absence. When he came to Ruth he threw his arms
about her neck, and gave her rosy lips such a fervent
salute tliat it reached even Sir George's cars, as he sat
waiting for the farewells to finish.

"Oh, ho!" he said to himself, with an amused
chuckle. '■ There was more than mere good friend-
.ship in that kiss. Well — what could be more fitting?
They're a bonnie pair of young folks, certainly."

J^'ergus took his seat beside the governor. The com-
mand to push off being given, the eight stalwart Iroquois
bent to their paddles, and the huge canoe shot off down
the river as smoothly and swiftly as a loon in quest
of its prey, the other canoe following close in its wake.

For some time l^'ergus kept perfectly silent. The
novelty of his situation, the fascinating pros[)ect that
opened out before him, the inspiring onrush of the
canoe through the smooth water, and the feelings of
delight at going away on such a trij), and regret at
leaving his loved ones which divided his heart, took
away all disposition to talk. He was (juite content
to be cjuiet, and look about him.

Sir George regarded him with an expression of
kindly curiositv. The boy was an interesting study
to him. He was so thoroughly transparent and
sincere, a veritable young Nathaniel in whcjin there
was no guile. Yet, as the keen-eyed governor clearly
saw, this rare simi)licity of character implied no lack
of strength. On the contrary, it was founded deep in
a strength no less rare. Fergus was as determined as

r 1

Westward zoith Sir Geo7-ge. 291

he was frank. He never had anything to conceal,
but he had plenty to stand fast to.

" There is the stuff of which martyrs are made in
that boy," said Sir George to himself, and then aloud :
"A penny for your thoughts, Fergus."
Fergus, startled from his reverie by the question
looked slightly confused as he answered :

" I'm afraid I canna tell you even for a penny's sake,

Su- George. I was thinking of so many things at once."'

" Had a certain pair of blue eyes, and a cluster of

golden curls, any place among the many things } "

asked Sir George, smiling quizzically.

Fergus blushed as deeply as Ruth herself could have
done ; for the truth was, she had been uppermost in
his thoughts at the moment the governor spoke to him
" Ah ! ha ! Fergus." laughed Sir George, shaking
his forefinger at him, "your checks have betrayed you
Well, never mind an old man's teasing. 'There's
nothing half so sweet in life as love's young dream '
the poet tells us, and he 's right, no doubt."

" See there, sir. Isn't he a beauty ? " Fergus ex-
claimed suddenly, pointing off to the right, where a
superb eagle was dashing down from the heavens in
quest of a fish for his dinner.

Sir George looked in the direction indicated, and
catching up his rille. which he always kept ready
beside him, took aim at the swooping bird.

"See if I can hit him." he said, and pulled the tri-cr
At the crack of the rifle, the eagle dropped as if
shot through the heart. But ere he was more than

t It

292

Fergus Mac Tavish.

I \

half-way to the water he recovered himself, spread
out his mighty pinions, and with a harsh scream of
jeering- triumph, sailed off out of range, while two
feathers, cut from one of his wings by the bullet,
zig-zagged their way downwards.

" A clean miss, as I 'm a Scotchman ! " exclaimed
Sir George, looking a good deal put out. " But, after
all," he added, " I 'm not sorry. Why should I want
to take that creature's life ? Simply to show off my skill
as a marksman. Now that 's a poor reason, Fergus,
isn't it? How little we sportsmen think of the pain
we inflict merely for our own amusement ! I hope you'll
never be cruel in that way, I^'ergus. Do you never take
the life of beast or bird, except for some good reason.''

" I will not, indeed, sir," answered Fergus, well
pleased at the new turn in the conversation. " I would
hate to kill anything merely for the sake of killing it."

The brawny Iroquois, with strong steady stroke,
soon brought the canoes out into the broad bosom of
the lake, and thenceforward they coasted the western
shore, cutting across the ba)'s from headland to
headland, until late in the afternoon a good site for a
cami) presenting itself. Sir George gave orders to
land and have dinner prepared.

In the course of an hour the skilful cook had a
delicious dinner ready, and with the keenest of
appetites, the governor, his private secretary, and his
youthful guest sat down to do it justice. After diimer
was over the two men smoked and chatted, while
Fergus roamed around, enjoying the cool evening air,

J i

n.Wi.s cr Mil- Ki.ii Ul\i;i<. J'(i,i;r 20;,.

T p

Wesiwai'd with Sir George. 293

and talking' with the Indians, the most of whom could
speak Engh'sh fluently.

When the night settled down upon them, Sir George
retired to one tent, the private secretary, Mr. VVadham,
and Fergus to another, the servants and Indians
rolled up in blankets, and soon there was not a person
awake in the camp.

Before daybreak next morning Sir George was up,
and his commanding shout of ''level level" startled
the sleepers into activity again. And so it went on
from day to day, the weather continuing faultlessly
fine, until Red River was reached, and here Sir George
was to remain for a {^w days before taking up his
journey westward.

Fergus would have preferred not to revisit Fort
Garry. The serenade experience was still too fresh in
his memory, but being in the governor's suite, he had
of course no option in the matter. The Sutherlands
greeted him very warmly, and the young ladies con-
gratulated him upon having so won Sir George's
favour. He again became an inmate of their hospit-
able home, and so forgot his disturbing recollections.

After a iQ.\^ days' stay, the governor once more set
out. He had a larger party now, several of his sub-
ordinates on their way back to their posts, having
been invited to join him, as he often wished to have
some of them in his canoe in order to discuss the
Company's affairs. I^crgus would then take his [)lace
with Mr. Wadham, and the two came to be very
friendly.

: i

! I

I' i

■ f

[ II

■

294

Fei^gtis Mac Tavish.

The private secretary took a strong hold upon the
boy. He was essentially a man of the world, one
who believed in having a good time while young, and
leaving all serious thought for the period of grey
hairs. London-bred, widely travelled, unusually well
informed, sharp and shrewd of mind, and easy of
manner, he deeply impressed Fergus, to whom he
.seemed one of the most fascinating men he had ever
known. The cool, indifferent, almost blase air, with
which he accepted all the inevitable mishaps and
inconveniences of canoe travelling, filled Fergus with
admiration. He thought him an example well worth
imitating from many points of view.

Mr. Wadham, on his part, was no less well pleased
with Fergus. His perfect frankness, untutored hearti-
ness, activity of mind, and alertness of body, made
him a very interesting companion. Nor was the
private secretary unobservant of the admiration with
which Fergus regarded him, and this of course served
to increase his liking for him. So they got along
famously together, and Fergus, who as a matter of
fact found the company of Sir George somewhat of a
restraint upon his youthful impetuosity, was very glad to
spend the most of his time in Mr. VVadham's .society.

Growing very confidential as they journeyed on
day after day, Fergus told much about his home life,
and opened his heart with unreserved candour to his
genial companion, even confessing his desire to be a
missionary, although his father's design was that he
should go into the service of the Company.

IVcstzvard with Sir Gcoroc,

295

" Well, I must say I 'm with your father in that
matter, Fergus," said Mr. Wadham. " I think it
would be a great pity for a chap of your spirit and
mettle to take to preaching. There are plenty to do
that business for us, who wouldn't be worth their salt
to the Company, nor of much account at anything
else, for that matter."

Mr. Wadham's conception of a clergyman was by
no means a high one, and it found expression in
terms by no means complimentary to the cloth. l?ut
to I^'ergus, whose idea of a minister of the Gospel was
illustrated by manly, enterprising, big-hearted Mr.
Olden, his words came with a shock. According to
Fergus' way of thinking, it was only the very best
men who ought to go into the business of preaching.
Far from thinking himself too good for it, as his com-
panion suggested, the question with him was. Was he
good enough ?

He said something like this, causing Mr. Wadham
to smile in a superior way as he answered :

"Stuff and nonsense, Fergus. Where did you pick
up such old women's notions ? The sooner you get
rid of them, and take a common-sense view of things,
the better. It would be a sheer waste of unusually
good material for you to take to preaching. I don't
wonder your father gets put out at your pro[)osing
such a thing."

Having said thus much, he did not pursue the sub-
ject any further then, but brought it up again at
different times that summer, seeming bent upon

i 5

296

Fcroi/s Mac Tavish.

shaking Fergus' resolution, and to this end bringing
to bear upon it argument, ridicule, and appeals to
ambition by turn, with all the adroitness of an
experienced advocate. The reason he took such an
interest in the matter was, that the firmness of Fergus'
stand piqued him. He did not look for so much
determination in a boy of fifteen, and found a
somewhat similar interest in seeking to overcome
it that an angler feels in striving to land a huge
salmon.

In spite of it all, however, Fergus stoutly held his
ground, though often finding it very difficult to do .so
without .seeming to be merely obstinate, instead of
held by strong conviction. Mr. Wadham was so
fertile in resource, so subtle in his reasoning, so
courteous throughout, that it appeared little short of
positive rudeness not to agree with him.

Fergus felt this, and his resolution was sorely tried
thereby. But he did not trust solely in himself.
Under no circumstances was his daily communion
with God neglected ; and from this source came the
strength which enabled him to keep true to his pur-
po.se, without falling into any breach of good manners.

The weather continued wonderfully fine even for
midsummer in the North-West. Day after day the
party journeyed on by the network of streams and
lakes that spreads itself acrcss the prairies, portaging
at frequent intervals in order to make short cuts, or to
reach another water. From dawn to dark the sun
shone with unclouded splendour, and when night

IVeshvard ivith Sir Gcorc^c. 297

came, the stars glittered in tho infinite azure above
like diamonds set in lapis lazuli.

The prairie scenery deh'ghted Fergus. It was so
soft, so rich, so bountiful, compared with the rug<'-cd
wilderness of trees and rocks in which he had his
home. The sward was bestrewn with brilliant
flowers, of which he was at every opportunity picking
great bouquets, much to the amusement of the others,
who did not share his intense admiration for what
seemed to them little better than weeds. But he did
not mind their good-humoured chaffing. The amaz-
ing wealth of verdure and bloom met a long-unsatis-
fied craving for the beautiful. He revelled in it ; and
no amount of ridicule could cool his enthusiasm.

But there were more wonders than the flowers to
be seen out upon those prairies, and the greatest of
them all were the buffaloes, that were often met with
in huge herds coming down to drink at the water-
side. The sight of them set everybody tingling with
eagerness to use their guns, but Sir George would not
permit a halt long enough to organise a regular hunt
until certain business of importance he had to attend
to at the posts was disposed of. So that, during the
first few weeks, the ardent hunters had to content
themselves with bringing down an occasional buffalo
for the benefit of the larder.

At length, when the party had reached Chesterfield
Mouse, on the South Saskatchewan, to the vast
delight of all, the governor was pleased to announce
that a halt of several days would be made in order to

1 f. .

298

Fero[its Mac TavisJi.

permit a rci^ularly orc^aniscd buffalo hunt, in which he
would himself join.

Immediately the whole establishment began buzz-
ing like a bee-hive just about to swarm. Indian
scouts, on fleet horses, were dispatched to locate a
herd that would be worth aitackincr. Guns were

o •

carefully examined, to make sure that there was nothing
amiss, hunting-knives sharpened to their keenest edge,
saddles and bridles selected and fitted, and nothing
forgotten that would tend to the success of the hunt.

Fergus knew nothing about riding, and was ruefully
making up his mind to stay at the Fort while the rest
of the party went out, when the official in charge
came to his rescue by procuring for him an Indian
pony, thoroughly trained in buffalo running, and with
a gait so easy and so sure a foot, that he would be as
safe and comfortable upon his back as any of the
others on their horses, while the sagacity of his pony
would ensure his missing none of the fun.

In the evening the scouts returned with the good
news that they had sighted a splendid herd of
buffaloes not many miles from the post, on a rich bit
of bottom land that they would not be likely to move
from for some days. This was precisely what the
hunters desired, and everybody went to bed that night
in high hopes of having great sport on the morrow.

At daybreak the party set out, under the guidance
of the scouts, for the field of action. The best of
good humour prevailed, and the cool morning air rang
with laughter as the horses jogged on at an easy

JVestward zvith Sir Gcoro^e. 299

pace, through the dense dew-laden herbage. Fergus,
riding with Mr. Wadham just behind Sir George,
was in a tumult of conflicting emotions. The whole
thing was wondrously novel to him. So strange did
it seem, that he at times half thought it must be a
dream. The cavalcade of horsemen ; the tall, sinewy
red men, so different from those of the far North ; the
glorious prairie, rolling off as far as the eye could sec,
in soft undulations, bespangled with flowers ; the
cloudless sky, up which the sun had already begun to
climb ; and most of all, the being mounted himself
upon a steed whose easy run was as pleasant almost
as the rocking of a canoe in a merry breeze ; — Fergus
found rare enjoyment in all of these, and he was
constantly thinking to himself how much he would
have to tell his parents and the Oldens on his return.

" What 's the state of your pulse this morning, Vqx-
gus?" asked Mr. Wadham, with a smile of approval
at the manly bearing of the boy beside him. " Going
a little faster than usual, isn't it ? "

" Nae doot it is, sir," responded I'^ergus, smiling
back. " It 's my first time, ye ken."

" Your first time ? So it is, to be sure," exclaimed
Mr. Wadham. " I wish I were you, for it 's an old
story with me."

"Mayhap ye wadna like to feci as nervous as I do,
Mr. Wadham," said Fergus, speaking in all sincerity ;
for, in truth, his heart was fluttering at (juitc an
unusual rate.

" Do you really feel nervous, Fergus ? " asked Mr.

300

Fero^ns Mac Tavish.

! I ;

VVadham. " Well, I must confess you manage to
hide it pretty well. But I don't wonder that you feel
in that way, and you needn't be ashamed if your feel-
ings happen to get the better of you when you come
to close quarters with the buffaloes. They 're ugly
brutes at the best of times."

Fergus gave an uneasy laugh.

" I 'm no verra anxious to come to close quarters wi'
them. I shall be verra well content to bide a little way
off, and let those who know all aboot it do the hunting."

'* A very wise way of looking at the matter, my
boy," answered Mr. Wadham. " You 're a chip of the
old block without mistake^ as canny at fifteen as some
other folks are at fifty."

Fergus coloured with pleasure at the secretary's
compliment, and was about to make some reply, when
Sir George turned and beckoned him to approach.

" You 've never hunted buffaloes before, have you,
Fcruus ? " he asked.

" No, sir ; but I 've often wanted to," replied Fergus.

" Well, then, I '11 look after you, to sec that you
don't get into any mischief," said the governor, with
a smile. " You ust keep close to me, and you won't
miss any of the sport."

After a couple of hours' riding the Indian guides
gave the word for perfect quiet on the part of all, and
for another half-hour the little cavalcade moved as
silently as shadows across the prairie, the leaders
keeping a sharp lookout for the black dots that would
indicate the presence of their prey.

IVestzuard ivitli Sir Gco7'(rc.

;oi

Presently they halted, and gave whispered (orders
for the disposition of the various members of the
party. They were within halt-a-mile of the place
where they had marked the herd the previous after-
noon, and extreme caution was necessary to prevent
the wary creatures getting a hint of their proximity
before due preparation had been made for the hunt.
In a few minutes the line of attack was organised in
the following manner :

The two most experienced and best mounted Indian
hunters took their place at either wing, the rest of the
party lining out between them in the form of a half-
circle, at the centre of which was Sir George, with his
secretary on his right and Fergus on his left. The
governor was in high feather. He dearly loved a
good buffalo hunt, and the prospects were i)romising
for one of more than ordinary interest.

Hardly daring to breathe, and guiding their horses
with the utmost caution, while at the same time hold-
ing their guns ready for immediate action, the hunters
moved up the slope until they had all reached the
top. For an instant they paused there, in order to
take in the scene before them. It was one well cal-
culated to stir to its depths the heart of the most
experienced buffalo hunter. In a sort of meaiUnv
lying between two swelling slopes, and having
through its centre a narrow stream, was gathered one
of the finest herds of buffaloes imaginable. Huge
shaggy bulls, plump cows, and clumsy calves crop[)ed
the rich herbage, or stretched themselves at ease in

3o:

Fer<^tis MacTavish.

its green depths. There could not have been less
than a thousand of them in all, and with few excep-
tions they appeared to be in prime condition.

Fergus gazed upon them with mingled admiration
and apprehension. They were such grand creatures
that he admired them as a matter of course. The
bulls looked so terrible in their ponderous bulk that
he could not help fearing them. He had been told
many stories of thrilling escapes from their over-
whelming onset. Who knew but that before this
hunt was over, some one of the party, perhaps he
himself, would have to flee for his life ?

But he had no time for pursuing such thoughts, for
with a whoop that rang all along the line, the hunters
charged down upon the astonished, startled herd. In
an instant every animal was upon its feet. At first the
bulls seemed disposed to stand their ground, but as
the line of attack came closer to them, they suddenly
changed their minds, and plunged off after the cows
and calves already in full flight.

I'ergus would have been very well content to
remain a spectator of the slaughter. He could not
use his gun with any accuracy upon horseback, and
as he had already said, he had no desire to get into
close quarters with the monarchs of the plains. But
in making up his mind to this he had not reckoned
with his pony, and now, whether he liked it or not,
he found himself, owing to its ardour, one of the
leaders in the wild charL^e. '

CHAPTER XVII.

H« 1

HUFFALO AND 1!F:AK.

l/EKP close to mc now, Fergus, my boy," said
A*^ Sir Georf,rc, as they dashed on sitle by side.
" IJon't let the buffaloes separate us."

" I '11 do my verra best, sir," answered Fergus, think-
ing all the time that it was going to be no easy job.

So fine a start had the hunters secured before the
buffaloes fairly realised their danger, that rapidly as
the lumbering animals moved when once they did get
under way, they were not long in being overtaken,
and then the slaughter began. Each rider singled
out his victim, either a fat cow from whose plum[)
carcase juicy steaks might be cut, or a mighty bull,
whose shaggy head he desired to humble in the dust.

Fergus, feeling sure that he could not possibly
manage both his pony and his rifle at once, m;ide up
his mind not to attem[)t the feat, and gave his whole
attention to his clever little steed. As already men-
tioned, the pony had been thoroughly trained to
buffalo hunting, and now that he was in the midst of
it, he seemed as much excited as the yelling Indians.
In spite of Fergus' frantic efforts to restrain him, he

303

304

Fergus MacTavish.

took the bit in his teeth, laid back his ears, and, with
neck and tail almost in a straight line, carried his
unwilling but helpless rider right into the herd of
terrified creatures, leaving Sir George, who had a
much more manageable mount, away in the rear.

" 151css my heart, if the boy's pony hasn't bolted ! "
exclaimed the governor, somewhat anxiously. " I
hope the little brute can keep his feet. If he stumbles
now, it will soon be all over with him and Fergus."

Bracing himself firmly in his saddle, and pulling
upon the reins with all his might, Fergus did his best
to check the pony, and thus free himself from the
dangerous companions that hemmed them in. But
he might as well have sought to check a locomotive.
The pony was all on fire. He knew his business, and
he was doing it. Had he been able to speak, he
would, no doubt, have been shouting as loudly as the
bit in his mouth permitted him to do:

" Fire away, now ! luring down your buffalo !
Then load up, and fire again ! "

1^'ergus' position was one of real peril. In front, on
cither hand, and at his rear, the affrighted animals,
with heads almost touching the ground, tongues
lolling fr(jni their mouths, and bloodshot eyes pro-
truding from their sockets, galloped madly forward,
taking no account of the inequalities of the ground,
but wholly occui)ied with one thought, — escape from
the merciless pursuers, the sharp crack of whose rifles
rang in their ears.

Were the pony to trip, or one of the buffaloes ahead

mmm

wmmmk

Bufialo and Bear, 305

to fall right in his path, and thus bring him down,
there would be no pause on the part of those behind.
Straight ahead they would plunge, trampling horse
and rider beneath their hoofs until there would be
scarce a vestige of them left to mark the place where
they had fallen.

Fergus fully realised this, and he prayed to God to
help him, for he could not help himself They were
drawing near the little stream which divided the
meadow. The vanguard of the herd was already
splashing through it, and Fergus wondered if the
bottom was very muddy, and if his pony could get
through all right. The next moment they reached the
water, by much tramping turned into liquid mud.
The speed of the buffaloes around him, and of his
pony, now perceptibly slackened, and taking courage
from this he pulled still harder upon the reins. To
his delight the wilful animal seemed to yield a little.
Shouting " Whoa, pony ! whoa ! " in his most com-*
manding tones, he put forth all his strength upon the
bit. Hurrah ! the pony no longer had it between his
teeth. In scrambling through the mud he had lost it.
and was now under his rider's control.

Of course, it was utterly impossible to turn round
until entirely free from the herd, and there were
anxious moments until at last this was safely accom-
plished, when with a fervent "Thank God!" J<crgus
wheeled his now subdued and well-blown steed
round, and sought to make his way back to the
other side of the stream. But his dangers were not

3o6

Fergus Mac Tavish.

|| '

altogether over. There were some still awaiting him.
He was so occupied with freeing himself from the
panic-stricken fugitives and regaining control of his
pony, that he had not observed a new peril in his
path. In the rear of the herd there had been an old
bull that had found the fording of the stream a
difficult task for his ponderous bulk, and he did not
succeed in getting acro'^s until the whole herd had
swept by. As soon as he d"H reach terra fir ma again,
he set off after the otiicts, and of course almost
immediately encount j-ed Fergus making his way
back. The instant the bui. caught sight of the boy
he lowered his head, and with a dull rumbling roar
rushed fiercely upon him. His roar was the first
intimation either horse or rider had of his proximity.

" God help me ! " cried Fergus, in terror at the
startling onset. " What an awful creature ! What
shall I do?"

Happily, however, he had not to think for himself.
Although the bull's charge was so unexpected that
he was within a few yards of the pony before the
latter realised his presence, the clever little steed
swerved to one side with a quickness that baffled the
furious monster, letting him thunder harmlessly past.
At the same time so sudden was the movement that
Fergus had the narrowest possible escape from being
unseated, and only saved himself by falling forward
upon the neck of the pony, and grasping desperately
at his mane.

" The Lord ha' mercy ! " he exclaimed. " How near

Buffalo and Bear.

307

I was to fallin' to the ground right at the buffalo's
feet ! "

Not a whit daunted by his disappointment, but if
possible, still more enraged, the bull wheeled about
and repeated the charge. But this time his intended
victims were ready for him, and instead of meetincr
him they made off as fast as a fleet ponv could go in
the direction taken by the other hunters, their baffled
antagonist lumbering along obstinately in their rear

In the meantime Sir George, Mr. VVadham, and
others had done all the execution they desired and
having extricated themselves from the confusion of
the hunt, were retracing their steps, seeking to
Identify the animals they had brought down. Toward
them came Fergus, galloping for dear life, and shout-
ing at the top of his voice :

" Look out ! He 's after me. Shoot him ! Shoot
him ! "

There was something so comical in the appearance
of the lad. bare-headed and terrified, skimming over
the prairie on his fleet pony with a huge buffalo bull
rolling after him. that a smile came into everybody's
face. ^

" The boy 's having plenty of excitement, Wadham "
said Sir George. "More than he bargained for I
UTiagine."

^ 'I That 's an ugly-looking customer he has in tow.
sir, answered the private secretary. '< My rifle's
loaded. I 'II go ahead, and see if I can't hx'nvj him
to a full stop."

'• I

• I

308

Fei^giis Mac Tavish.

Putting spurs to his horse Mr. Wadham dashed
ahead, and as he passed Fergus shouted reassuringly :

" All right ! I '11 finish him for you."

Making a slight detour so as to flank the bull, he
urged his horse close to its side, and before the animal
could turn upon him sent a bullet into it just behind
the right shoulder. Almost at once the huge creature
faltered, staggered forward a few more paces, and
then fell, the life-blood mingling with the foam
dropping from its jaws. A vain attempt to rise, a
moment's balancing upon its knees, a convulsive
shudder through all the mighty frame, and then the
end came. With one last low roar, more like a moan
than any other sound, this monarch of the prairies
rolled over dead.

"Neatly done, Wadham !" cried Sir George, dropping
his bridle rein in order to clap his hands together.
" I never saw a better piece of work in my life. Did
you, my boy ? " turning to Fergus, who had pulled up
just in time to see the finishing of his fierce pursuer.

"No, indeed, sir," panted P'crgus. "It was just
splendid."

"And how many buffaloes did you bringdown?"
asked Sir George, with a smile that showed the kind
of answer he expected.

" Not one, sir," answered Fergus, hanging down
his head.

" I suppose you found it too hard a job to look
after your pony and use your rifle at the same time,
wasn't that it ? " queried the governor.

i^lij

Buffalo and Bear.

309

"Yes, sir," responded Fergus, promptly, very
grateful for the kindly tact which relieved him of the
necessity of explaining why it was that he could lay
claim to none of the trophies that lay scattered over
the prairie.

"Never mind, my boy," said Sir George, with
kindly encouragement. " You have plenty of time
yet to learn buffalo hunting, and I '11 wager that
before you 're twenty you '11 be so good a hunter that
Wadham will have to look to his laurels. Come, now,
let us see what we 've secured to-day."

The hunt had been eminently successful. No less
that twelve fine animals had been killed, and the work
of skinning and cutting them up was begun without
delay. Fergus had nothing to do with this, so while
it was going on he rode slowly along the stream until
he reached a place where the water had not been
disturbed, and there refreshed himself and his pony.

It was late in the afternoon when the party returned
to the Fort, laden with the choicest portions of their
prey. Mr. Wadham presented Fergus with the horns
of the big bull that was so anxious to give him a toss
with them, in order that he might have a suitable
trophy of his first buffalo hunt.

The following day the canoe journey was resumed,
the direction being steadily westward, though many a
roundabout river curve had to be followed. I'^cru-us
was often invited to a seat in Sir George's canoe.
The governor took pleasure in drawing him out, and
encouraging him to express his opinions upon what

310

Fernts MacTavish.

he had seen and heard in the course of his life. As
might be expected, the talk in time came round to
the subject of Fergus' future, and Sir George, having
naturally taken it for granted that he would follow in
his father's footsteps, was a good deal surprised to
discover that the boy had different thoughts concern-
ing himself.

" Do you really mean it, Fergus ? " he asked. " A
fine manly lad like you, with the prospects in the
Company that you have, to want to turn your back on
them for the sake of bei ig a missionary to the Indians
— I confess I can't understand it."

Fergus hardly knew how to answer him, for although
he could see that the governor regarded missionary
work with far more respect than his secretary did, still
the boy was shrewd enough to perceive that it would
not be easy to express his own convictions without
seeming to imply that in his opinion the career of a
missionary was far more honourable than that of an
official in the great Hudson's ]5ay Company, and this
could hardly be pleasing to the head of the institution.
After a few moments' silence he ventured to say :

" I am really in earnest. Sir George. I do want to be
a missionary to the poor Indians verra much indeed."

" But your father doesn't want you to," objected
Sir George.

" No, sir ; he does not," answered Fergus, with a
half-suppressed sigh.

" And you wouldn't think of doing what he doesn't
approve of, would you, Fergus ? "

Buffalo and Bear.

311

"No, sir; I wadn't. U my father wonna let me I
maun just do his will."

" That 's the right way to talk, my boy," said the
governor, patting him approvingly on the shoulder.
"Just stick to that, and you'll never go far wrong.
Your fEither's a good man, Fergus, an excellent man
— one of our very best officials, and I would like to
see you grow up so as to take his place when his time
comes to retire."

Poor Fergus felt himself to be in sore straits. He
could not honestly say anything that would seem
like assent to Sir George's kind words, for although
he knew well enough that so long as his father
continued in his present mind there was no chance
of his obtaining the desire of his heart, still he
permitted himself to cherish the hope that the way
would be opened somehow, even thouc^h he mi^dit
have to wait patiently for it. Noticing his confusion,
Sir George forbore to press the subject then, and
turned the conversation into another channel.

They were now making good headway up the South
Saskatchewan, and drawing nearer the Rocky Mount-
ains Fergus so eagerly longed to see. The weather
continued exceptionally fine, and there wer^- ro
portages to delay them, so that their progress vvas
rapid. These were days of unclouded happiness for
the young lad, something novel presenting itself before
every sunset, and new scenes of beauty filling his
memory with pictures that would not soon fade. Me
was a warm favourite with the whole party. Even

!: ,

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ii. s

312

Fcj'gus MacTavish.

the taciturn, reserved Iroquois manifested in little
acts of attention their liking for him, while Sir George
and Mr. Wadham were as father and brother to him.
The governor congratulated himself upon having
brought him, for he was certainly a very bright
addition to the company, and withal never seemed to
be in anybody's way.

Against the Saskatchewan's gentle current the
canoes pushed their way until the meeting of the
waters of the Bow and Belly rivers was reached.
Here a halt of a couple of days was made, in order to
try for some of the deer that were plentiful in the
vicinity. Fergus determined to acquit himself with
more credit as a hunter of deer than he had done as
a hunter of buffaloes, and fortune favoured him in the
field ; for while Sir Gvjorge and Mr. Wadham both
failed to secure a buck, Fergus, by a lucky shot, laid
low a superb fellow, whose noble antlers he insisted
upon the private secretary accepting in return for the
buffalo horns.

Refreshed by their two days' rest, the crews of the
canoes once more took up their paddles, and turning
their graceful craft up the Bow River, entered upon
the last stage of their journey to the Rockies, so far
as they were concerned. A short visit was paid to
Crowfoot Fort, an unimportant post, and a longer stay
was made at Fort La Jonquiere, a more notable estab-
lishment situated near the site of the present town of
Calgary.

This was as far as the canoes could go, so they were

»'

4
4'

Bti;ffalo and Bear.

313

exchanged for horses, and once more Fergus had to
try his luck in the saddle. A well-broken, well-
behaved mustang was allotted him, and feeling much
more at home on its back than he had upon the fiery
little pony in the buffalo hunt, he kept his place
in the cavalcade.

They had not journeyed far before the mountains
rose into view like serrated clouds along the western
horizon, becoming more and more distinct with each
mile of advance. Fergus' heart thrilled with joy at
the sight. How inspiring they were in their solemn,
silent majesty! What wonderful colours adorned
their mighty flanks, and how grandly their snow-
capped peaks soared into the infinite azure !

He could talk of nothing else. He had a thousand
questions to ask of Mr. Wadham concerning precipices
and glaciers and waterfalls, and the other features of
mountain scenery, to which the secretary was ever
ready with answers to the point, and full of informa-
tion, for there was little about either plain or mount-
ain of which Mr. Wadham did not know. He had
been making annual tours throughout the vast
territory for more than ten years past, under the most
favourable circumstances for acquiring knowledge
concerning it, and he had not wasted his opportuni-
ties. So that l^Yn-gus could hardly have had a better
instructor, unless it were Sir George himself More-
over, the governor did not deem it beneath his dignity
to let Fergus have the benefit of his vast experience.
A couple of days' riding brought them to the foot

) mm

I' I

.:1

314

Fcrziis MacTavtsh.

hills, where it was proposed to remain for a week,
Sir George being anxious to add another grizzly bear
skin to the numerous trophies of the chase that
enriched his home at Lachine, and having been
informed at the Fort that a bear of enormous size
had his den somewhere in the vicinity.

" It would not do for you to leave the Rockies with-
out having called on old Ephraim, Fergus," said the
governor. " He is the genius of the place, you know,
and would no doubt feel deeply slighted if we fail to
pay our respects."

" I wad greatly like to sec him, sir," replied Fergus.
" Father has often told me about the grizzlies. He
came verra near being killed by one once when he
was away out here."

" So he did, to be sure," said Sir George. " I remem-
ber hearing about it at the time. He had a narrow
escape indeed. We must take good care that his son
doesn't get into any such danger."

" Oh, I '11 be verra careful, sir," said Fergus. " I 'm
verra anxious to sec the big bear, but not to get close
to him as father did. He didn't start to run soon
enough, and so the grizzly got hold of him, and but
for the Indian that was with him he would have been
killed."

" l^e sure, then, that if the bear comes anywhere near
you to show him how you can run, l^^ergus," said
Mr. Wadham. "It's no use trying to argue with a
grizzly. He won't pay attention to anything except
a bullet in the right place."

.^~

1 1 ill

t J

Buffalo and Bear. 31^

A good site for the camp having been selected, the
horses were hobbled and turned loose, and prepara-
ions made for a week's stay, if necessary. Early the
fol owmg morning the Indian hunters were despatched
to look for signs of bear, while the others of the party
gave themselves up to a day of leisure and lounging
that was very welcome after the continuous and rapid
travel of the past ten weeks.

Sir George and his secretary read and smoked and
talked in the shade of their tents, but Fergus' restless
sp.nt could not let him take matters so easily, and he
spent the day roaming about the neighbourhood
takmg good care, however, not to wander out of si^rht
of the camp. He longed for the companionship^f
his dogs. Plow delightful it would have been to have
them bounding along at his side, or making dashes of
exploration into the nooks and crannies of the foot
iiUls . With four such protectors he need hardly fear
even a grizzly.

On his return to the camp he said something of this
to bir George.

" All ! " replied the governor, " I would be very
sorry to .see yo«r splendid dogs try eonclnsions with
old Kphrann. He would tear them limb from lin,b
m the twndding of an eje. They would not know
how-to fight him. Only bear dog.s are of the .slightest
good and tliey often pay for their braverj- with their
lives.

When Fergu.s heard this, he felt very glad that
his huge pets were not hHI, them, and ..lu,ddercd

316

Fergus MacTavish.

•■ !

1 i

I I f

at the thought of their being torn to pieces by a
grizzly.

"Dear old Bruce!" said he, half to himself, "no
grizzly shall ever get his claws into you."

" Not likely, Fergus," laughed Mr. Wadham. " So
long as he stays in the Hudson's Bay District, at any
rate. But here come the Indians. I hope they have
some good news for us."

The Indians came up with an important expression
upon their dusky countenances that was very promis-
ing.

" Well, Mekasto," said Sir George to the leader of
the trio, a tall fine-looking Indian brave, and a famous
hunter, " what have you to tell us ? Good news
I hope."

The report was entirely satisfactory. They had
located the haunt of the great grizzly, and, still better,
had found fresh tracks showing that he was at home,
and no doubt ready to receive visitors.

" Ah, ha, Wadham," said Sir George, rubbing his
hands together gleefully, " that 's most satisfactory.
We ought to have fine sport to-morrow."

The party that set out the following morning was
strong enough to inspire respect in the breast of the
most pugnacious bear. It consisted of Sir George,
Mr. Wadham, Fergus, and the factor of l^'ort La
Jonquiere as principals, the three Indian hunters, each
having a pair of lean yet business-like looking hounds
at heel, and as many half-breeds from the Fort,
carrying provisions, &c. Nine men, a boy, and six

Ihiffalo and Bear,

dogs, all come out to kill one bear ! The odds cer-
tainly seemed against the animal, yet a grizzly had
been known to put to flight quite as many assailants,
and it would not do to take victory for granted.

Mekasto led the way up into the heart of the foot
hills, striding along at a pace that taxed Fergus'
powers as a pedestrian to the utmost. But of course
he would not let on that it did so, and kept his place
right manfully, even if he had every now and then to
break into a run in order to close up the gap that was
constantly threatening to open between himself and
the rest of the party.

Happily for him, Sir George was rather short-
winded, and at frequent intervals called a halt, in
order to give himself an opportunity to regain his
breath. Otherwise Fergus would have been compelled
to drop out, and make his way back to camp.

The sun was high in the heavens before they got
into the neighbourhood of the bear's stronghold, and
as it was of the utmost importance that they should
begin the fight feeling thoroughly fresh and fit, the
sjovcrnor directed that lunch should be eaten before
the dogs were started. A cool mountain spring bub-
bled up near by. They made no fire, but contented
themselves with a cool repast. Then the men had a
pipe, the rifles were carefully inspected, the hunting-
knives loosened in their sheaths, and following close
in Mekasto's footsteps the party set forth.

The utmost quiet was preserved by all, and their
steps were chosen with exceeding care. A stumble

3i8

Fe7^gus MacTavish.

a cough, an exclamation might reach the keen cars of
the bear, and bring him out in a fury of indignation
at their daring to invade his territory, before they were
quite ready to receive him. In breathless expectancy
the hunters stole forward. Sir George and Mr.
VVadham looked as cool as though they were after
nothing more important than partridges ; the Indians
were instinct with eagerness, and had hard work
keeping back their lean hounds ; the half-breeds
seemed rather anxious, and Fergus could almost hear
his heart beat. He was to see a great grizzly at last,
and perhaps help to kill him. No wonder his pulses
thrilled with excitement, and he kept his finger upon
the trigger of his gun, ready to pull it at the shortest
possible notice.

They had glided quietly along in this way for
nearly a quarter of a mile, when, at a signal from
Mekasto, the hounds were loosened and at once
dashed eagerly forward, sniffing fiercely here and
there. Some anxious minutes passed while they
hunted for the scent. Then a triumphant bark from
the oldest of the pack, a very ugly but wonderfully
clever dog, announced that tracks of the bear had
been found. iVway he went as hard as he could run,
the other dogs following close behind, and after them
ran the hunters, holding their rifles in readiness for
immediate use.

The trail led into a sort of ravine with a stony
bottom and jagged precipitous sides.

" Keep close to me, Fergus," said Sir George, as

Buffalo and Bear.

319

they ran. " Don't run away from me, as you did on
the buffalo hunt,"

" Not if I can help it, sir," responded Fergus, ear-
nestly, for in truth his one thought was to keep close
to the governor. He did not actually feel afraid.
Their party seemed too strong and well armed for
even the most terrible grizzly to do them any harm.
But the whole affair was very novel to him, and he
could not help some nervousness.

Presently the barking of the hounds changed in
tone, and as Sir George noted the change, he
exclaimed exultantly :

"They've found him. They've got him at bay.
Now for a tussle."

Hurrying on, they turned a corner formed by a pro-
jecting ledge, and then there broke upon their sight a
scene that was startling enough to stir the heart of
the most case-hardened hunter. The ravine ended
suddenly in a kind of cuI-dc-sac, and against the
farther end stood the object of their pursuit — a
grizzly of gigantic size and appalling aspect as he
faced the dogs that barked furiously before him, dart-
ing at his sides, and trying to get at him in the rear.

" By Jove, Wadham ! " cried Sir George, in a tone
of mingled wonder and admiration, " what a mag-
nificent brute ! " Then, turning to Fergus, he said, in a
lower tone: " That 's old Ephraim himself Keep your
eye on him, and don't let him get his claws on you."

Fergus could only nod his head in token of assent,
for words failed him. He was simply struck dumb.

320

Fergus Mac Tavis/i.

Never before had he seen so terrible a monster. His
first impulse was to wheel about and rush down the
ravine as fast as his young legs would carry him.
But he did not yield to it. Instead of that, he drew
himself up firmly, breathed an earnest prayer for
Divine protection, set his lips close together, and
tightening his grasp on his rifle, faced the grizzly with
so determined an aspect that Mr. Wadham noting it,
nudged Sir George, saying in an undertone :

"Just look at the lad! He's of the right sort!
He 's the kind of apprentice the Company wants."

Just then the bear, hitherto entirely engrossed with
the dogs, caught sight of its human assailants closing
in upon it. Giving vent to a hideous growl, it lowered
its head, and, breaking through the ring of dogs as
though they had been flies, charged straight down
the ravine. There was no need for Mckasto or Sir
George to give the command to fire. Each man
levelled his gun instinctively, and at the same mo-
ment pulled the trigger. Almost like one the different
rifles spoke, and their leaden utterances went whist-
ling through the air to bury themselves in the huge,
hairy carcass of the bear. Fergus alone of the party
did not fire, the reason being that he was so taken up
with watching the bear's shambling yet swift approach
that he quite forgot to put a bullet into him. It
proved a few minutes later to be a happy circum-
stance that he had reserved his fire.

So close was the range, that not one of those who
fired altogether missed, although some of the bullets

Buffalo and Bear

321

did

little harm. Othc

however, found their
way deep into the mighty frame, inflicting wounds
that would have at once disabled any other animal
than a grizzly. But instead of disabling this monster
of strength and endurance, they only acted as spurs
to fiercer effort.

Halting for an instant in sheer bewilderment at
being stung in so many places at once, he suddenly
swung round upon the dogs that had been hanging
on to his flanks, and with one fell swoop sent two of
them yards away, writhing in the agonies of death.

In the meantime the hunters were hard at work-
recharging their guns. But those were the days of
muzzleloaders. The breechloader was yet unknown,
and it took a perceptible time for even the most skil-
ful marksman to load again. Moreover, as is gener-
ally the case, the more the hurry, the less the speed.
Consequently when, after paying his respects to the
hounds in the manner stated, the bear faced about
again, and despite the fact that the blood was stream-
ing from several places, bore down upon the men
with undiminished vigour, his assailants were not
ready for him.

They made no pretence of awaiting his charge, but
at once proceeded to scramble up the sides of the
ravine with the utmost possible haste. In this move-
ment all succeeded well enough except Sir George.
As it happened, the side of the ravine nearest where
he stood rose quite steeply, and at the bottom was a
gathering of loose stones upon which he slipped when

: 1

322

Fergus MacTavish.

he attempted to spring up. The infuriated grizzly-
noted this, and paying no attention to the others,
made straight for the governor.

"Great heavens!" cried Mr. Wadham, who had
reached the top of the bank with Httic difficulty.
'* Sir George is not up, and look at the bear ! "

Sir George's position was certainly one of extreme
peril. The bear was within twenty yards of him,
and lumbering forward with furious bounds. The
bank behind him was not to be climbed. To try
any other point would be to throw himself into the
grasp of the bear ; his gun was loaded, but not cap-
ped, and his cap-pouch had somehow swung round
out of reach. There was nothing for it but to draw
his hunting-knife and defend himself with it as best
he might.

Now a single man, however big and strong, armed
only with a knife, however keen, is a very poor match
for a grizzly bear with his blood up ; and this grizzly
had his blood up to fever point. He was, in fact, in
the most bloodthirsty of tempers, and nothing but a
bullet in his brain or through his heart would be
sufficient to bring him to a full stop. But who was
to fire that bullet ? The rest of the party, having
gained a place of safety, were now hard at wor)
finishing the loading up of their guns. Fergus alont
was ready to fire. What could he do to save Sir
George ?

CHAPTER XVIII.

A GLAD IIOMK-COMING.

'T^H]''. point in'thc side of the ravine where Fergus, not
-"- without difficulty, scrambled up, was some little
distance away from Sir George's position, but the
moment he reached the top he hurried over until
he stood just behind and above the governor. He
fully realised the extremely critical nature of the
situation, and the need of immediate action if he
would save Sir George from terrible injury if not
death.

Now although as a horseman Fergus had still
much to learn, as a marksman he was more than
ordinarily sure. His keen vision, steady nerves, and
strong self-control stood him in good stead when he
held a rifle. In this present emergency he rose to
the occasion as could hardly have been expected of
one of his years. The thought of delivering his kind
friend and benefactor banished all nervousness.
There was no time to take careful aim, yet it was no
shot at random that he fired. Instinctively he chose
the best possible place that presented itself at the
time, and at the crack of his rifle a bullet winged its

323

324

Feror^ts MacTavish.

way with deadly accuracy to the spot just at the base
of the brain where the spinal cord joins the skull.

The moment he was struck the bear gave vent to
an awful sound, half-roar, half-scream, and then
pitched forward upon his nose, rolling right up to
Sir George's feet as dead as one of the stones upon
which his huge carcase lay limp and bleeding.

Letting the knife with which he had intended to
defend himself to the last drop from his hand, Sir
George turned round, and looking up to the top of the
bank cried :

" Who fired that shot ? "

" I did, sir," replied Fergus. " I 'm coming down,
right away," and so saying he recklessly scrambled
down to the governor's side.

He had hardly touched the ground before Sir
George's arms were flung about his neck, and he was
receiving an embrace that fairly squeezed the breath
out of him,

" My noble boy ! " exclaimed the governor. " From
what an awful death you saved me ! I low can I ever
be thankful enough. Never will I forget the service
you have done me." And then the fervent embrace
was repeated.

By this time the rest of the party had gathered
round, and I'^crgus, a little to h^s embarrassment and
still more to his gratification, became the object of
their praise expressed as heartily as they knew how.
Even the taciturn braves were moved to grunt their
approval of his timely shot, while Mr, Wadham

A Glad Home-Comins'.

125

seemed as proud of his exploit as if he had been
his own brother.

Sir George was deeply moved by his narrow escape.
*' Never before was I in more imminent peril," said
he, solemnly. " That awful brute seemed to be right
upon me. I thought I could feel his hot breath, and
I knew my knife would be of no use. What was the
matter with your rifles? Why didn't some of you
fire, too ? "

The others hastened to explain what had prevented
them from being of any service, and then Sir George
turned to Fergus again.

" And so you were the only one ready, I'^ergus.
I 'm thankful to God you were, and that your skill
with the rifle did not fail you. Where did you hit
him. He fell the moment your bullet struck him."

" I think I hit him in the neck, sir, just at the back
of his head," answered Fergus.

The huge body was examined, and there, sure
cnou<ih, ricfht at the base of the brain was the wound,
marked by a few drops of blood which had oo/.ed out
upon the rough fur.

" By my faith, but that was a marvellous shot ! "
exclaimed Sir George, clapping the boy warmly
upon the back. "Not one of us could have done
better— or perhaps as well. You have good reason
to feel proud. Merc, Mekasto, off with old ICphraim's
skin. Do it as carefully as you would for yourself
It's Fergus' prize, and he must take it home with him
to show them there what a hunter he is. Ah, my

326

Ferp^Hs MacTavish.

* si!

11 I

boy ! " he added, laying his hand affectionately on
Fergus' shoulder, " you 're just the kind of lad we want
in the Company, and we can't have too many of you."

In all the course of the struggle between what in
some strange, instinctive way he felt to be a Divine
purpose concerning him, that it was not only his duty
but his highest privilege to fulfil, and the constant
promptings of ambition, pride and self-gratification,
there was no more critical moment than when Sir
George thus addressed him.

Flushed with delight at having rescued from a
hideous death the man who had conferred so many
favours upon him — the greatest man in all the North-
West — palpitating with pride at the success of his
shot and the unstinted praise of the whole party, and
assured of the kindly interest and influence of the
governor should he decide to enter into the service of
the Company, his future at that moment, so far as it
rested with himself, hung in the balance. Had Sir
George gone on to ask of him a promise that he
would renounce all those romantic notions about
being a missionary, and like a sensible young fellow
make up his mind to begin his apprenticeship with
the Company at once, there is little doubt that he
would have )-ielded. lUit evidently Providence did
not intend it so. The factor of Fort La Jonquiere at
that moment broke in with a (]uestion as to whether
they would all wait for the Indians to finish the
skinning of the bear, or return to camp and send up
one of the horses for the heavy skin.

I 111

A Glad Home-Coming.

327

" Wc needn't wait," replied Sir George, his atten-
tion thus called away. " We '11 saunter back to camp
at our case, and a horse can come up for the skin."

Neither that afternoon nor during the homeward
journey did Sir George again make reference to the
matter, seeming to take it for granted, as indeed did
also Mr. Wadham, that the subject required no
further discussion.

It was midsummer when the little party left Fort
Garry. It was midsummer when they returned, and
there they broke up, Sir George and Mr. Wadham,
after a positively affectionate farewell, continuing their
journey eastward to Montreal, while Fergus had to
wait until, joining some party bound northward, he
could turn his face toward the beloved home from
which he had been so many months absent.

" Take the best of care of yourself, Fergus," was the
governor's parting injunction. "You may look for
me at Norway House next summer. My kindest
regards to your father and mother and the Oldens.
Good-bye. God bless you."

Sir George's eyes \jcu. a little misty as he spoke.
The young Scotch lad had got nearer the heart of
the sharp, stern autocrat than ever one outside of his
own kin had done. No reasonable favour that it lay
within his power to grant would he have refused him.
There were even moments when he thought of pro-
posing to adopt him. lUit he dismissed the idea as
out of the question, knowing that the MacTavishcs
would no more consent to part with their only son

III

mmm'im

■■■■■■■■li

-.28

Fergus MacTavish.

than he would to go out from his home for the sake
of the most gHttering prospects in the world.

The month of October was drawing to a close, and
the MacTavishes had, as they themselves would
express it, long been wearying for their boy. Not
only did they miss him sorely, not only did the days
seem strangely quiet and dull and long without him,
but Mrs. MacTavish, motherlike, could not help
worrying not a little from time to time as she
reviewed all the possibilities of peril in such a journey
as that in which he was engaged. Perils by water
and perils by land, perils from beasts and perils from
men, many a night she lay awake, unable to sleep for
thinking of them, and finding her only comfort in re-
newed committal of the keeping of her darling to God.

It was no use telling her anxiety to her husband.
"Hoot, Ailie ! " he would say, "awa' with such fool-
ish notions. Ye canna keep the boy tethered at
hame by yer apron strings. He maun learn to make
his own way in the warld, and who can teach him
better how to begin than Sir George himself? "

At the same time, although the chief trader thus
thought to make light of his wife's apprehension, he
was not entirely free from something of the kind
himself, as the days slipped by without bringing sign
or word of Fergus.

" It 's vcrra strange," he would mutter under his
breath ; " I canna understand it. The laddie should
have been hame the first o' the month, and it will
soon be the last, and there 's nacthing aboot him."

A Glad Honie-Coniing.

;29

Again and again through the day would he ascend
Flagstaff Hill and look out across the lake, in the
hope of descrying a boat or canoe that might be
bearing Fergus toward him, and every time he came
away disappointed his anxiety deepened, although he
carefully concealed from his wife the fact that he felt
any concern at all.

The very last day of October came, and still no
Fergus. Mr. MacTavish spent most of the day upon
the hill. It was a dreary day. A storm was brewing
to the eastward, and would no doubt break out before
midnight. His spirits were at their lowest ebb. A
harrowing presentiment of approaching ill held his
heart in its grasp, and refused to be shaken off. About
the middle of the afternoon he was called away from
the hill by a matter requiring his attention for a little
while. When he returned he found his wife in his
place, peering across the dark, troubled waters of the
lake, with pale, anxious face. He did his best to
seem at his ease. 13ut the self-restraint so well
maintained hitherto gave way, and gathering his wife
in his arms, he said in broken, husky tones :

" Ailie, dear ; the gudc Lord grant that nae harm
has befallen oor only bairn."

Mrs. MacTavish clung close to her stalwart hus-
band, and in a voice scarcely audible, whispered :

" Dugald, let us pray to Him."

They knelt together on the rocky summit, and the
chief trader poured forth his soul in passionate, plead-
ing prayer for the safe and speedy return of their son.

330

Fergus MacTavish.

He wrestled with God as Jacob did with the angel.
It was many minutes before the strong voice ceased,
and rising to his feet, leaving his wife still upon her
knees, Mr. MacTavish once more swept the surface of
the lake with his keen vision.

Instantly he gave a glad shout.

" Ailie, look ! look ! " he cried. " A sail that is,
surely. There ! There ! " And with finger quiver-
ing with excitement, he pointed due south to where
a bit of white, no larger seemingly than the palm of
his hand, broke the monotony of sombre waves toss-
ing sullenly beneath the leaden sky. With breathless
eagerness they watched it as it seemed to flutter
toward them like a leaf driven by the wind.

"A sail it is, Ailie ! " cried Mr. MacTavish, in joyful
tones. " It 's one of the boats ; and nae doot oor
laddie is aboard."

Mrs. MacTavish's face grew bright at the words.

" God grant it may be. Ikit can they get to us be-
fore the dark ? " she added, in a tone of some anxiety.

" Surely, Ailie, surely," answered the chief trader.
" They should be at the beach within the hour."

" But the wind 's not in their favour," urged his wife.
'* And they may be kept back."

" Ye 're right, Ailie, ye 're right, my own lass," said
Mr. MacTavish. " I maun get a light to guide them.
Bide ye here, and I '11 rin back to the Fort and bring
up twa lanterns."

Away dashed the chief trader down the hill, while
his wife fastened her gaze upon the boat beating its

A Glad Hoine-Coming.

way up sturdily toward the Fort, and followed its
every movement with a prayer for the safe landing
of those on board.

In a wonderfully short time Mr. MacTavish returned
with a big lantern in each hand, their light giving a
welcome gleam through the growing dusk.

" Noo, Ailie," said he, handing her one, "you just
bide here, and I '11 go down to the beach and guide
them to the landing."

The white sail could barely be made out as Mr.
MacTavish went down to the beach, and soon the
deepening darkness shut it out from sight altogether ;
but the two lanterns sent their guiding rays far out
over the waters of the lake, and presently from out
the gloom there came a lusty hail of :

" Norway House, ahoy ! "

To which the chief trader responded, with a sten-
torian voice :

" What boat is that ? Who 's on board ? "

Hardly had his challenge gone forth, than there
came back across the waves a voice that sent a thrill
of indescribable joy through his whole being.

" Father, I 'm on board ! " it cried.

There was wonderful gladness expressed in Mr,
MacTavish's tone, as he shouted back :

" Fergus, my ain dear boy! Have you come back
at last ? "

A few minutes later the boat struck the beach, and
without waiting for her to be hauled up, I'^crgus
leaped out into his father's arms.

332

Fergus MacTavish.

Very fervent were the greetings exchanged between
father and son, and then Fergus, looking about him,
asked :

" And where is mother, father ? "

But the question was scarcely asked before a light
step came swiftly up, and with an exclamation of
" My darling Fergus ! " his mother's arms were thrown
around his neck, and he was strained to her heart.

There was a general thanksgiving held in the chief
trader's house that night. The news of Fergus' safe
return quickly spread, and the officers and clerks,
from Mr. Barnston down, crowded in with their
greetings and congratulations. Even old Papanakes
made bold to present himself with few words, but
with an unmistakable gladness in his dusky counten-
ance that told how dear Fergus was to him.

How proud the MacTavishes were of their boy !
He had grown perceptibly taller during his long
outing, and his face was tanned a rich brown by the
summer suns, so that he looked, as his fond mother
put it, " as handsome as a picture." And how his
tongue ran on, while they plied him with questions
about his trip across the prairies !

The explanation of his being so long over-due was
simple enough. He had been waiting at Red River
for a chance to come home, and day after day had
passed without any opportunity presenting itself,
until at last Mr. Sutherland, moved by the boy's
evident uneasiness of mind, and appreciating how his
parents must be longing for him, and perhaps

A Glad Hoi7ie-Cominz.

-y -> n

worrying about him, ordered three of his men to take
him up in a boat, without any further delay.

So Fergus' home-coming was quite in keeping with
his setting forth. The boat and its crew were at his
service, and Mr. Sutherland had impressed ui)on the
men that their one business was to get him in good
order and condition to Norway House in the shortest
time possible.

They executed their commission faithfully, wasting
none of the precious hours of daylight, but pushing on
reirardless of wind or weather, and bringing their
passenger to his destination just in time to escape a
storm, which, if it had caught them out on the lake,
would assuredly have brought their voyage to a
disastrous conclusion.

It was far into the night before Fergus found his
way to bed. He had so much to tell, and the others
had so many questions to ask. Of course, he did not
forget the buffalo hunt, and the thrilling chase of the
grizzly, making his own part in the latter clear enough,
yet not being unduly boastful about it.

" Ah, Fergus, laddie ! " said his father, patting him
proudly on the head. " But that was a grand shot !
And it's a good friend ye made by it. Sir George
thouf^ht vcrra wccl o' you before, but he'll be thinking
a hundred-fold better o' ye noo. And he never
forgets, Fergus. He never forgets. There 's nothing
in reason that he 'd refuse ye after that."

It was the chief trader's way to take a very
practical view of things. He never forgot to be the

334

Fergus MacTavish.

shrewd, hard-headed, canny Scotchman that nature
and experience had made him. And so when he
heard from Fergus of the governor's timely rescue
from certain death, his first thought was that of pride
at his son's brilliant exploit, and his second of what
a claim had been thus established upon the gratitude
of the great man who held the fortune of many
hundreds of his fellow-men in his hands.

Not that he desired or expected anything for
himself His whole concern was for Fergus, the joy
and pride of his life. How bright his prospects in the
Company's service would be with Sir George's
influence assured. Mr. MacTavish indulged in the
building of some lofty and imposing castles in the
air that night as he sat by the (ire enjoying his last
pipe after his wife and Fergus had retired. He
pictured his boy rising rapidly step by step from
clerk to chief factor, and then, perhaps — who should
say impossible — was not Sir George himself a plain
clerk once ? — reaching in the fulness of time the dizzy
height of the governorship !

It was a brilliant day-dream, and the chief trader's
furrowed face seemed to take on some of the light of
the leaping flames as he gave his fancy full play.

"Ah, Fergus, my son," he murmured. "Ye maun
clear yer head of all these foolish notions of yours
aboot following after Mr. Olden. Leave that for
those that have nae sich chances as Providence has
put in your way."

And so saying he knocked the ashes out of his pipe,

A Glad Home -Coming.

335

covered over the fire with ashes, and went to his bed
without a disturbincj doubt in his mind that matters
would all turn out just as he wished.

Bright and early the next morning the Oldens made
their appearance, their faces full of gladness at seeing
Fergus once more. While he was away their new
home out on the island had been completed, and they
had taken possession, the necessary furniture for
making it comfortable having come from England by
way of York Factory.

Mr. and Mrs. Olden greeted the young traveller as
affectionately as if he were their own son, but Ruth
hung shyly in the background until Fergus, exclaim-
ing in a tone of feigned reproach : " Why, Ruthie,
aren't you glad to see me ? " caught her face in his
hands, and imprinted a sounding kiss upon each of
her plump, rosy cheeks, very much to the amusement
of the elders.

" Did you learn that at Red River, Fergus ? " asked
his father, while Ruth, breaking away from his grasp,
darted behind her mother, blushing like a young
peony.

" Why, no, sir," answered Fergus, laughing. " I
didn't need to learn it. I always knew."

Of course, he had to fight his battles with bear and
buffalo over again, and the morning slipped by while
he was doing it, and telling Mr. Olden all he could
about the different tribes of Indians he had seen,
and what sort of beings they appeared to be. The
missionary was even more deeply interested in the

III

336

Feroiis Mac TavisJi.

Indians than in the wild animals of the prairies and
the mountains. He looked forward to the day when
the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be sent to every
tribe throughout the whole North-West, and he was
eager to learn all he could about the red men of those
distant regions. The results of his own labours at
Norway House had been such as to fill his heart with
hope, and to furnish him with strong arguments
wherewith to confront the incredulity of the chief
trader.

Mr. MacTavish noted his lively interest, and it
reminded him of the necessity of guarding against
Fergus being again carried away by missionary
enthusiasm, to the frustration of all his brilliant
worldly prospects. He thought it well, accordingly,
to have a few words in private with Mr. Olden during
the afternoon, in the course of which he repeated his
unalterable opposition to his son's entering upon any
other career than that awaiting him in the Company's
service, and asked of the missionary his assurance
that he would not try in any way, directly or indirectly,
to influence Fergus toward going into the missionary
work.

Mr. Olden had of course no other alternative than
to comply. Mr. MacTavish was requiring no more
than his right as a parent. Until his boy reached his
majority his destiny lay in his hands, and to endeavour
to influence him in a direction counter to that the
father had chosen, would be an unwarrantable inter-
ference in another's concerns.

A Glad Honic-Co))iin(r.

30/

" I will certainly do as you wish, Mr. MacTavish,"
he said, with a half-suppressed sigh. "It would ill
become me to do aught to thwart your plans for your
boy, however strongly I may be of opinion that he is
fit for a more exalted position than that now filled by
Sir George. You may smile, Mr. MacTavish. I don't
expect you to agree with me. But I believe that
in the eyes of Him who rules above, the humblest
missionary now toiling away in some obscure field of
work, where he has little thanks and less honour,
stands far higher than any of those whom the world
calls great, and delights to honour. It is the approba-
tion of Heaven, not the empty applause of earth that
I covet for Fergus. I believe him to have qualifica
tions for rare usefulness in the Master's vineyard. But
I have no right to take his case into my own hands
as you have into yours. And of this I am confident,
that if the Lord requires him, He will in His own
blessed way enlist him in His service."

The chief trader was more impressed by Mr. Olden's
eloquent earnest words than he cared to admit, so
with a somewhat abrupt " As you please, Mr. Olden.
Ye may be richt, but my mind's unchanged," he
dismissed the subject, and did not refer to it again
until the Divine hand was laid upon him, as will in
due time appear.

He was very glad the mission station had been
removed to the island. Fergus would not now be
brought into such constant contact with the mission-
ary as when the latter lived at Norway House, and

1
¥a

I !

Fergus MacTavish.

there would be good opportunity for his very unprac-
tical, even if praiseworthy, ideas about his future to
chanire into the direction his father so much desired.

Fergus was glad on his part also of the removal of
the missionary and his family to the island, because
it gave him another home, and that meant much in a
region where society was almost unknown. So soon
as the ice made on the lake, and he could once more
harness l^ruce and Here and the others of his match-
less team into the cariole, hardly a day passed that
he did not pay the Oldens a visit, staying with them
to dinner or tea, and then flying home again as fast
as his big pets could drag him.

The energetic missionary had done wonders during
the summer. A strong, snug cottage, and a tiny barn,
in which some day or other he hoped to put a cow,
had been built for himself, and quite a cosy little
chapel for holding service in. Everything, of course,
was very simple and plain ; but it was sufficient for
the purpose, and Mrs. Olden, with a woman's
wondrous art, had managed to give an exceedingly
comfortable homelike air to the cottage. Nor was
the little cliurch neglected. Brightly coloured pictures,
illustrating the life of Christ, helped to hide the rough-
ness of the walls, and here and there were touches
that revealed a woman's hand.

All this was not lost upon the Indians. They
found the bright, well-warmed church very attractive
on the dark, cold autumn evenings, and flocked in
to fill the seats whenever the ringing of the bell

L^li

A Glad Honic-Coniin^.

1 ')/->

announced that service was to be held, so that
Mr. Olden could always count upon having a good
congregation.

His efforts on their behalf were not confined to
preaching them sermons. He undertook to teach
them also ; and every morning the church held a
score of boys and girls, to whom he gave instruction
in the three R's, and in singing also. They were a
rather noisy set of youngsters, but fairly bright, and
many of them very anxious to learn, so that the
missionary's patient labours were not without
encouragement. Ruth helped him to the best of
her ability, and Mrs. Olden generally managed to
find time to give the girls a lesson in the science of
the needle.

No sooner had Fergus settled down at home, than
he became possessed with a desire to be Mr. Olden's
assistant in the school. It would give him occupation
for the mornings all winter long, and he felt sure he
would enjoy it. ]^ut, very much to his surprise and
disappointment, his father firmly objected, giving as
his reason that he would be better employed takin-f
lessons from Mr. Ikirnston in the keeping of accounts,
and other work, such as would fall to his lot when he
began his clerkshij) the following summer. The
more he knew at the start the (juicker would be his
progress upward in the service.

r^ergus felt strongly impelled to once more make
known to his father his positive disinclination to take
a clerkship with the Comi)any, and his no less posi-

\ I-

;40

Fcro'tis Mac Tavish.

tivc desire to be allowed to prepare himself for work-
as a missionary to the Indians. But there was some-
thing in his father's look and tone that tied his
tongue.

The fact was, Mr. MacTavish had anticipated a
protest from his son, and probably an animated argu-
ment ; and he determined to stave it off, if possible,
by assuming that somewhat stern, imperative manner
which Fergus noticed, and which led him to keep
silence. This silence was misunderstood by the chief
trader. lie interpreted it as implying that the change
he desired had taken place in Fergus' mind, and that
he no longer cherished his former notions, Of course
he greatly rejoiced at this, and his manner underwent
so sudden a change that Fergus was completely
mystified.

Thus both father and son missed each other's mind,
and thereby made it more difficult to arrive at a
mutual understanding at a later day, when the ques-
tion came up again between them.

i' i

CHAPTKR XIX.

IN PERIL OF THE PLAGUE.

AU-iJ^^N Fergus told of his disappointment to Mr.
* • Olden, the wise, faithful man of God took care
to say nothing that would give the impression of his
si iing with the son as against the father.

" Let it be as your father says, Fergus," were liis
words. " lie wants you to get a good start in the
Company, and he's quite right in saying that, with
this in view, your mornings will be far better spent in
Mr. liarnston's office than in my school. Although
I need hardly say how glad I 'd be to have you with
me, and how much help you could give me."

"l^ut, Mr. Olden, I don't want to be a clerk in the
Company. It 's .i clerk with you I 'm wanting to be,
and I do wish my father wadna say me nay," pro-
tested I'crgus.

" I'^crgus dear," replied the missionary, laying his
hand lovingly upon the boy's shoulder, and looking
into his earnest eyes, "your father must be sole judge
in the matter. Vou know how dearly he loves you,
and how he wants to do only what he thinks best for
you. If it be the will of God that you should spend

i4»

< 1,

.ti^gli^''* . I

K >l

342

FerQ:iLS Mac Tavish.

your life in His service, He will open up the way in
good time. Be obedient, Fergus, and be patient.
I warmly sympathise with you in your longing to
work in the vineyard of the Lord. It is the grandest
work a man can do, and I would rather see you there
than governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. But
your father wishes it to be otherwise, Fergus, and his
will is law for you. Just do as he bids, and leave the
rest to God. He knows the end from the beginning,
and He will give you the desire of your heart in good
time, if He sees it to be best."

Much soothed and comforted by the missionary's
counsel, Fergus took his place at a desk in the office,
and applied himself diligently to learning how the
accounts of the Company were kept. He soon
became very much interested in his work. It had
many attractions for his active, inquiring mind ; and
when from time to time his father inquired as to the
progress he was making, Mr. Barnston always had
entirely satisfactory reports to make.

Mr. MacTavish very wisely asked no work of him
during the afternoon, and he was free to enjoy him-
self as he pleased. He found no difficulty in putting
in the time. If the day was fine, and not too cold,
he would harness up his dogs and take Ruth out for
a ride in his cariolc, burying her in furs until there
was nothing visible but a ver\' pink nose and a very
bright pair of eyes, while he ran alongside, or stood
on behind, according as the going might be bad or
good. If Jack Frost was biting too sharply to make

In Peril of the Plajiie,

543

,ii

it pleasant for Ruth to be out, he would put a hatchet
and hunting-knife in his belt, strap on his snow-shoes,
and accompany Papanakes as he went the round of
the traps he was always setting out to catch the fur-
bearing animals that abounded in the neighbourhood.

The old hunter and he were firmer friends than
ever. The Indian took a very keen pride in his pupil.
It would be a long time before the echoes of that
wonderful shot which saved Sir George would die
away, and in his heart Papanakes claimed some of
the credit of the feat. P'or he more than any one
else had taught Fergus how to handle a rifle.

There was a newer and deeper bond, however,
which now united the old Indian and the young Scotch
lad. While F'ergus was awa}' with Sir George the
Spirit of God had found a way into Papanakes' heart,
and he had been soundly converted. All his degrad-
ing superstitions and pagan notions were gone from
him, and he rejoiced in the light and liberty of a
child of God. It had made a great difference in the
old man. The restless scowl, worn for so many years,
had vanished from his face, and had been replaced by
a look of good humour and peace. Mis habitual
taciturnity also had in large part left him. His heart
was full of the love of God, and he was always ready
to tell the story of his conversion in a simple yet
eloquent way that was more effectual than he knew.
Mr. Olden indeed found him a decided help in his
work. He was a bright example of the blessed results
of the Gospel the missionary had travelled nearly two

•b ' ■t4'^

I'K H

ii \'')

SI i I.;

i In!

11 lii i

! 1

344

Fei'Oius Mac Tavish.

thousand miles to preach, and at the services in the
little church on the island many a dusky-faced hearer,
turning from the preacher to look at Papanakes, whose
eager, attentive eyes said " Amen " to each sentence
in the sermon, and remembering what a sullen, ill-
tempered, revengeful man he had been before the
Master had changed his heart, was the more ready to
respond to the speaker's earnest appeals.

Papanakes had lost no time in telling P^crgus of his
conversion, and the unaffected joy shown by his young
friend at the news made him love him. more than
ever. They were brothers now, though they were of
different race, and there was not a drop of blood in
the Indian's veins that he would not gladly shed to
save P^rgus from harm.

Of this he gave convincing proof one afternoon
when they were out together on the round of the
traps. A wolverine had been giving them a great
deal of trouble by stealing the bait after the traps had
been set, and even " making raggles " of the minks
and martens that might happen to be caught in them.
Now, the wolverine is the most difficult of all creatures
to trap. It possesses almost supernatural sagacity,
and seems to take a malicious delight in proving its
superiority to all the wiles of the hunter.

But Papanakes determined to leave no means un-
tried to capture the rascal that was causing him so
much trouble, and as fast as one snare failed he
invented another. Penally success seemed to have
crowned his efforts, for on coming to the trap which

In Pet^l of the Plague.

145

he had especially prepared for his tormentor, it had
disappeared altogether.

"Ah!" exclaimed the old Indian, delightedly, dig-
ging in the snow to make sure that the trap was gone
from its place. "We got him sure. Him no go far.
We find him soon."

It was not so easy a matter to find the wolverine
after all, for there had been a fall of snow since he had
got away with the trap, so that his track was
completely obliterated. But this did not dismay
Papanakes. Astonishing as the animal's strength
might be, he could not go very far with one of his legs
in a heavy iron trap.

" You go that way ; me go this," said the Indian.
" When you find him, you shout. Me come to you."

"All right, Papanakes. If I see anything of him
I '11 shout, you may be sure." And holding his rifle
in readiness to fire at the first warning, he went off in
the direction Papanakes had indicated.

The underbrush was pretty thick round about, and
every yard of the way required to be carefully scruti-
nised, so that it was slow work, and the two searchers
did not get any great distance apart. Presently
P^ergus came to a dense clump that seemed to him
just the place in which the object of their hunt might
be hiding. He went carefully around it, and sure
enough, to his great delight, he discerned some marks
in the snow that looked very like those which the trap
being dragged along would make.

Now, undoubtedly his proper course would have

Fcrcriis Mac Tavish.

I i:

been to shout for Papanakcs at once. But he did not
do so, and for two reasons. In the first place, he was
afraid of startins^ up the wolverine to fresh exertions
in retreat ; and, in the second, the temptation to deal
with the animal single-handed came over him, and he
did not resist it.

With his finger upon the trigger of his rifle he
pushed aside the thick pine boughs, and peered eagerly
into the dark shadow they made.

Suddenly there came a fierce growl from the dusky
recess, and like a flash a great grey body sprang at
him with gleaming eyes and snapping teeth.

Taken completely by surprise, for he expected to
find a slow, heavy wolverine, not a quick, active wolf,
Fergus, without bringing his gun to his shoulder
pulled the trigger, and at the same moment shouted
for Papanakes at the top of his voice.

The report of the gun, followed immediately by the
sharp cry for help, rang out upon the clear winter air,
and startled the old Indian, who was intent upon
following up what he thought was a promising trail.
With a significant grunt he wheeled about, and dashed
at the top of his speed to Fergus' aid.

He arrived not an instant too soon. The trap had
caught a huge timber wolf instead of the wolverine
for which it was intended, and this plucky brute, one
of whose forepaws had been caught in it, after endur-
ing the agony for some hours, had deliberately gnawed
his paw off just above where the merciless steel jaws
cut into the bone, thus gaining his freedom at the cost

In Peril of the Plague.

347

of a foot. He was resting after this desperate piece
of surgery in the thick of the pine covert when Fergus
disturbed him, and undaunted by his sufferings he had
instantly hurled himself upon the daring intruder.

So sudden was his onset that Fergus had no chance
to aim his rifle, so that the bullet merely grazed the
wolf's shoulder, doing the creature no harm, and
imbedding itself in a tree trunk near by. Before the
boy could club his gun the brute was upon him,
knocking it out of his hands, and tumbling himself
backward upon the snow.

The snow was not very deep under the trees, but
Fergus was encumbered by his snow-shoes, and could
not regain his feet. Springing upon his chest the
wolf made a snap at his face, but he warded it off by
smiting the gaping mouth a sharp blow with his
clenched fist, causing the infuriated brute to dodge
back for an instant.

But it was only for an instant. With a hideous
snarl he repeated his attack, and just at that moment
Papanakes came up. His gun was loaded, but he
dared not fire lest in his haste he might injure Fergus.
For the same reason he did not try to club the wolf.
There was a better way still, he thought. Uttering a
whoop that rang through the forest like the report of
a gun, he dropped his rifle, and, throwing himself
upon the animal, tore him away from Fergus. Then
gdpping his throat with his sinewy fingers, he set
himself to the task of throttling the wolf to death.

It was a tremendous struggle. The wolf fought

348

Fen^its Mac Tavish.

s I W

madly for his life. He could do nothing with his
teeth. The Indian had his head in his own grasp.
But his paws were free, and with them he tore fiercely
at his antagonist, ripping the strong buckskin gar-
ments as though they had been paper. Well was it
for Papanakes that the creature had only one fore-
paw available, or he might have been sorely scratched
bv the keen claws.

In the meantime Fergus had picked himself up
and was dancing round the struggling pair, hunting-
knife in hand, watching for a chance to bury it in the
wolf's body. But before the opportunity presented
itself, the brute's struggles became manifestly weaker.
That merciless grip was closing his windpipe ; a few
moments more and it was all over with him. The
Indian had conquered. With a grunt of proud satis-
faction the old man loosened his hold, rose to his
feet, and then to make assurance doubly sure, drew
his knife, and cut the wolf's throat.

" Him berry big wolf," said he, complacently,
regarding the great grey body. " Me find trap now."
And off he went in search of the trap as though the
killing of a timber wolf in a hand-to-hand struggle
were quite an every-day occurrence with him. Fergus
could not help a smile at the veteran's nonchalance.

" Dear old Papanakes," said he to himself " It
wad take a great deal to mak' him lose his head."

In a few minutes a shout of joy from the Indian
announced that the tra[) had been found, and pre-
sently he appeared, dragging it after him by the

\M.

In Peril of the Plague.

;49

chain. It was quite uninjured, and still clasped in its
steel jaws the wolf's foot frozen hard.

"Please open the trap for me, Papanakes," said
P^ergus. " I want that foot for a keepsake."

Papanakes prised open the pitiless teeth, and made
them give up their prize, which P'ergus picked up and
put into his pocket, saying :

" You '11 prepare this for me so that it will keep,
when we get back to the J^ort, ch, Papanakes ? "

The old hunter smiled his assent, and then pro-
ceeded to remove the skin from the wolf, while ]^"ergus
watched him to see how it was done. Papanakes was
very expert at the business, and did not take many
minutes in stripping the ugly creature of his reddish
grey pelt, being careful not to detach the head, so
that a striking trophy might be made out of it.

" Dis yours, now, I^^ergus," said he, when his task
was completed. " Me cure it so it will keep good all
time." And rolling it up into a bundle, he threw it
on his back for transportation to the P'ort.

On their return the wolf skin was pronounced the
largest ever brought to Norway House, whereat, of
course, both I'^ergus and Papanakes felt very much
pleased, and the whole incident served to make them
faster friends than ever.

Thus in varied employment and engagement the
winter passed swiftly, P'ergus growing more and more
content to follow his father's will, until it seemed as if
he had come to regard it as the Divine will, and to
resign all thought of a missionary career.

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350

Fergus MacTavish.

It was one of the most peaceful and prosperous
winters in the history of the post. Not the slightest
dispute of any kind had arisen between the officials
and the Indians in their dealings. A larger quantity
than usual of fine furs had been brought in. The
profit and loss account would show an eminently satis-
factory balance on the right side when the governor
made his annual inspection. Altogether, the present
aspect of affairs was most gratifying, and the future
prospect most pleasing, when suddenly the dark-
shadow of a great peril fell upon Norway IIouso, and
blotted out the sunshine for many harrowing days.

Among the bands that came with furs to exchange
for goods and ammunition was one from the far
western edge of the district that depended upon this
post. They were Crces, but of a poor class, and
held much in contempt by the other bands. For that
very reason, perhaps, Mr. MacTavish was inclined
to show them a little extra kindness, and on this
occasion allowed them to pitch their tents close under
the lee of the Fort, and to have somewhat more
freedom inside. Little did he imagine how his tender-
ness of heart was to be rewarded.

They had been in camp about a week, had bartered
all their furs for goods, begged until everybody's
patience was exhausted, and were about to take their
departure, when for the first time they made known
the fact that in their tepees were se\eral sick, for
whom they would like some of their white brother's
medicine.

In Peril of the Plague,

351

This came to Fergus' ears, and moved by sympathy
for the sufferers, he posted off to get Mr. Olden, who
had a well-equipped medicine chest, the contents of
which he understood very well how to use.

Mr. Olden promptly responded to the call, and
putting several remedies in his pocket, returned with
Fergus to the Cree encampment. The old chief
seemed very glad to see them, and led them at once
to a squalid tepee, saying as he went :

"Ilcr berry sick. Medicine man no good. Medi-
cine man sick too. What good being medicine man
if get sick too ? " and he shook his grizzled head as
though to imply that his faith in Indian medicine
men was a thing of the past, and that he was quite
ready to let the white medicine man try his skill.

The tent was so dark and full of smoke that
neither the missionary nor Fergus, when they entered,
could make out much more than that at the farther
side somebody lay stretched out upon a bed of buf-
falo robes, and turned a pair of pleading, pathetic
eyes toward them

"Stay by the door a moment, Fergus," said Mr.
Olden, " until I see what is the matter."

Advancing to the sufferer's side he knelt down by
the rude couch, while the chief threw a handful of
dry bark upon the fre, which then blazed up brightly,
making the sick person's countenance distinctly
visible for the first time. It was that of a girl of
about eighteen years of age, and when the missionary
looked upon it he gave a start and involuntarily

Fergus MacTavish.

shrank back as though he dreaded being too near.
Rising to his feet, he turned toward Fergus, and said
in a quiet, yet commanding tone :

" Don't remain here another moment, Fergus. Go
right outside the encampment, and wait for me. I
will join you in a fe;v minutes."

Fergus, though much startled and surprised,
obeyed at once, and at the farther edge of the
cluster of tepees awaited the explanation of Mr.
Olden's strange conduct.

It was not long before the missionary appeared.
But instead of coming right up to Fergus, he halted
when still some yards away, and said :

" Don't come any nearer, P^rgus. Stand there,
and I '11 tell you what I mean. That poor girl is
dying ivith the smallpox! God only knows whether
or not you and I have caught the dreadful disease
already. I earnestly pray that we have not. But
we must be extremely careful. If it gets into the
post who knows what the consequences will be?
God grant that you have escaped the contagion.
I was longer in the tent than you, so it would be
best for you not to come near me. Go on ahead of
me to the gate. We must give warning of the
danger, and see what is to be done."

P^eeling very strangely at Mr. Olden's ominous
words, Fergus went on to the gate, and as it happened,
his father was just coming out. Before they got near
one another, Mr. Olden called to him to stop, and
then told him what had just occurred.

In Peril of the Plague.

353

The chief trader at first was in a passion of
indignant wrath. The artful concealment by the
Indians of their having the awful plague in their
midst seemed to him, as indeed it was, the blackest
ingratitude. He had treated them with unusual
kindness, and in view of their manifest poverty, had
added some substantial gifts to what they were
entitled to in the way of barter.

For a moment he completely lost his self-control,
and a habit of his youth that had been under strict
restraint ever since Fergus came to him broke forth
for the first time. To the amazement of his listeners,
a volley of cursfs was poured upon the Indians.
Fergus was horrified. He had never before heard an
oath issue from his father's lips, and a strange chill
went to his heart, -vhile a look came into his face that
was not lost upon the man whose righteous wrath
had led him into error.

But the missionary could better appreciate the
situation. It was not so much a time for reproof, as
for wise, sympathetic counsel.

"You arc right to be angered, Mr. MacTavish,"

said he, gently. " The Indians have behaved very

badly, and only God can tell where the mischief may

end. But it is prayers, not curses, that are needed

now, dear friend, and the best advice that your clear

brain can give. Let us kneel just here, and together

entreat the guidance of our loving Father in this

great emergency."

Brought back to himself by these wise words,

354

Fergus MacTavish.

instinct with serene faith in omnipotent love, the
chief trader recovered from the fury which had
possessed him, and with the tears springing to his
eyes, sank upon his knees in the snow, while the
missionary lifted up his voice in earnest petition for
the help and direction of God.

It was a strange scene, as the three knelt apart
before the gate, with the glory of the westering sun
falling full upon their faces upturned to the heavens.
Into the heart of the wilderness had come such a
faith in the verity of the loving-kindness and tender
mercy of the Lord, that the snow-covered plain was
changed into the ante-room of the Almighty.

When Mr. Olden ceased, and they rose from their
knees, the face of the chief trader was completely
transformed. All signs of anger h?.d left it, and had
been replaced by a look of quiet self-control, of grave
serenity. He and his were committed to the Creator's
care. He could say, with assuring confidence : " The
eternal God is my refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms."

Still keeping a goodly distance apart, the two men
held counsel together as to what was the best course
of action to pursue ; and after various plans had been
discussed, it was decided that Fergus should go home
with his father, and be isolated in his own room until
it could be known whether or not the contagion had
affected him, and that Mr. Olden should not go home,
but take up his quarters in the little church, where
all necessary comforts could be provided for him from

In Peril of the Plague.

355

'he
the

his own house, and he could remain until his case
declared itself.

This plan was carried out just as arranged. The
father and son went home, to break the news as
gently as possible to the mother, who, after the first
shock had passed, hid her anxious heart beneath a
composed, hopeful face. Fergus entered upon his
imprisonment in his own room, the end of which no
human eye could foresee, and the chief trader then
hastened to have the needful precautions taken for
the protection of the residents at the post.

The Indians were ordered off to the woods, every
room which they had entered was thoroughly fumi-
gated, the furs they had brought were immediately
burned, and minute directions given as to what
should be done in the event of any sign of the
smallpox manifesting itself among the employees.
Mr. MacTavish placed Mr. Barnston in as full charge
of the post as if he himself were absent from it, and
then shut himself up in his house, with his wife and
son, to abide the issue of events.

No sooner did Papanakcs hear of what had
happened, and of what the missionary had decided
to do, than the noblest instincts of his nature
displayed themselves as they had never done before.
Well did he know the dreadful disease which now
threatened Norway House. Twenty years ago it
had decimated his own tribe, leaving him the only
survivor of his own family. But this harrowing
experience did not daunt him now. The beloved

356

Ferc;-us MacTavish.

missionary must have some one to wait upon him —
to be his messenger, and maybe his nurse. Why
should Mrs. Olden hazard her life when he, Papanakes,
was ready to fill the place ?

With eager feet, he hastened off to the island,
dragging behind him a toboggan laden with all his
possessions, — his blankets, his robes, his rifle, his
hunting knife and hatchet — just as though he were
changing camp. And so he was. For he was
determined to stay by Mr. Olden's side until the
peril should be past.

The tears of gratitude filled Mr. Olden's eyes when
the Indian appeared, and in his own succinct, positive
way, stated the purpose of his coming.

" Me stay with missionary. Me not afraid of small-
pox. Smallpox no touch me." And there was a
glint of pride in his eye at the recollection of his
pissing unscathed through that awful visitation of
twenty years ago.

" God bless you, Papanakes ! " cried Mr. Olden, tak-
ing the old man's hand between both of his and press-
ing it warmly. '* How glad I am you 've come to me !
I could not wish a more faithful attendant, and my
dear wife will be content now not to expose herself
and darling Ruth. Truly the Lord is already answer-
ing prayer."

Papanakes' dusky face gleamed with happiness
through all its wrinkles. He had anticipated some
opposition, and this prompt and cordial acceptance of
his offer was a delightful surprise. In it his shrewd

In Peril of the Plague.

357

sense recognised a loving trust on the part of the
man whom he regarded as the best of all men
that was wonderfully sweet to his soul. It seemed
like a foretaste of that after life revealed to him
by the missionary in which there would be no
distinction of race or colour, but all would stand
alike in the presence of Him who was no respecter
of persons.

Mrs. Olden at first found it hard to consent to
yielding her place to Papanakes. Who, indeed, could
blame her for such a feeling ? But, as her husband
put it to her, speaking from an open window in the
church, why should their only child be exposed to the
danger of the contagion, as must be the case, unless,
indeed, Papanakes were put in charge of her while
Mrs. Olden went into quarantine with her husband ?
This, of course, was out of the question. Mrs. Olden
could not help a smile at the very idea of it. So, re-
luctantly, and yet fully convinced that it was the best
thing to be done, she fell in with the arrangement,
and, like Mrs. MacTavish, concealing her keen appre-
hensions behind a calm exterior, sought to make poor
little Ruth understand the situation without being-
terrified by it.

How full of anxiety were the days that followed,
and alas ! how surely were the worst fears in both homes
realised! Neither Mr. Olden nor I'crgus was to escape
the noisome pestilence, On the ninth day after the
visit to the plague-smitten encampment, Fergus' skin
grew hot and dry, and his pulse ominously quickened.

358

Fergus MacTavish.

All desire for food left him, and r::.ckini^ pains attacked
him in the head and back.

He faced his fate with unflinching fortitude, for there
was strength given him from on high. Among other
things Mr. Olden had found time to say to him was
this :

" If it please God that the disease should fasten
upon you, Fergus dear, commit your whole case to
Him, and do not permit yourself to worry as to the
result. Be not afraid for the pestilence that walketh
in darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth \x.
noon-day. My firm conviction is that God has a work
for you to do, and that your time is still afar off.
Think only of recovery. Strengthen your heart in
the Lord from hour to hour, and He will surely perfect
that which conccrneth you."

P^ergus believed all this devoutly, and his steadfast
composure was a wonderful comfort to both his father
and mother. They deemed it a good augury, and it
strengthened their hearts.

On the third day of his illness the dreaded spots of
red appeared on his face and hands, and in his bright
boyish way he sought to make light of them.

"Look, mother!" said he, holding up his hand all
dotted over with points of crimson, " I 'm spotted just
like a leopard. I fear it 's small gain to my good looks."

Mrs. MacTavish found it very hard to keep back
the tears, but under pretence of arranging the window
curtain she gained time to recover her self-control,
and to answer in the same cheerful tone :

In Peril of the Plague.

359

" You must not look in the mirror, Fergus darling,
until the spots arc all gone, or you might be frightened
at yourself."

" Oh, mother, is it sac bad as that ? " responded
Fergus. " I 'm verra glad Ruthic canna see me. I
vvadna like to frighten her. But," he asked with a
sudden change from jocularity to sincere concern,
" how is Mr. Olden to-day ? Have you ha^ word from
the island ? "

Mrs. MacTavish would have been rlad to evade
this question, but her son's eyes were ^agerlv wptch-
ing hci face, and she felt bound to aubx/er him
frankly.

" He 's not at all well, Fergus. Nac doot the small-
pox has taken him too. But God will take care of
him, as He is taking care of you, dearie."

" Dear old Papanakes ! " exclaimed Fergus, who had
been told of the Indian's devotion. " How glad he
must be that he can help Mr. Olden ! He loves him
so. I truly believe he thinks him the best man in all
the world."

" He is one of the best, indeed, Fergus," said Mrs.
MacTavish, adding with a sigh that would not be
suppressed, " I 'm fairly wearying to see him. He
always does mc good. How glad am I that e'er he
came to Norway House ! "

" And 1 'm sac glad too, mother," said Fergus, giving
her a grateful look, for he loved to hear the missionary
praised. " Oh 1 mother, mother ! " he broke forth after
a brief silence during which he had been thinking

^ i I

illfK !

360

Fers'iis MacTavish.

deeply, "canna I be a missionary too? I dinria want
to go into the Company."

For some time Mrs, MacTavish made no reply, but
continued to look into her son's face, while her own
countenance showed that a great struggle was going
on within. The truth was that she had always felt
more sympathy with his desire to be a missionary
than her husband had. She was of a much more
religious nature. Mere worldly success had not the
same importance in her eyes that it had in his, and in
response to Fergus' sudden appeal, so far as her own
feelings went, she was quite ready to say :

" Ay, Fergus, ye can, if the good God spares you to
us."

But she was an intensely loyal wife. Her husband's
will was her law. Never had he required of her aught
that conflicted with her conscience, and she gave him
unswerving obedience. In this matter there was no
doubt about his will. He had already marked out his
son's future, and he regarded the " missionary notion,"
as he called it, as simply a romantic idea of boyhood.
It would not, therefore, be right for her to say anything
that would seem like a committal of herself to contrary
views. Yet she feared to speak in a decidedly negative
way, lest she should stir Fergus up co argument, and
that was to be most carefully avoided in his already
feverish condition.

" I scarcely know how to answer you, dearie," she
said at last, in her tendercst tone. " Whatever is
God's will is sure to be done, you know. Let us wait

In Peril of the Plague.

361

a little while, Fergus. Dinna worry yersel' aboot it
now. It will be all right, ye needna fear."

Although the words were indefinite enough in
themselves, Fergus thought he caught in his mother's
tone a note of sympathy with him in the great
desire of his heart, and he threw his head back upon
the pillow with a sigh of contented resignation, as
though to say :

" Verra weel. I '11 wait. I believe ye 're on my
side, my mother. It will be all right yet."

At the end of the first week of his illness the fever
had left him, but the repulsive eruption was at its
height, and he suffered intensely. The red dots
spread and swelled and brought an intolerable itching.
So strong was the temptation to tear at his tormented
skin with his nails that, at his own request, his hands
were fastened to his waist so that he could not use
them, thus adding a fresh discomfort to his many
miseries.

At times his mind would wander, and his parents,
sitting beside his bed as he tossed to and fro, had
such a revelation of his love for them as never before.
His heart was expo.scd like an open book, but its pure
pages held nothing they need hesitate to read. What
did appear most plainly was the depth of his desire
for a missionary life. Again and again he referred to
it. Sometimes he conceived himself to be arguing
with his father on the subject, and the earnestness
with which he pleaded his cause was profoundly
moving.

isJiataatfijif .t9.,^voa»..

362

Fer'gtis MacTavish.

Mr. MacTavish felt it deeply, though he kept his
own counsel. It was no easy thing for him to give
up the great ambition of his life, even though he no
longer could dismiss his son's longings for another
career as a romantic notion of boyhood.

The days dragged wearily along amid unrelieved
anxiety, Fergus' splendid constitution was making
a brave stand against the fell disease, but the issue
still hung in the balance. He was never left for one
moment alone. Everything that love could do to
soothe and strengthen him was done. Sleep came to
him only in broken snatches. The torment of the
itching was too great to allow of sound repose. The
poor boy was in grievous case indeed. A few days
more, and the question of life or death would be
settled, and these days were anxious ones indeed.

CHAPTER XX.

OUT OP^ THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW.

TN the meantime, how had matters been faring at
A the mission station? So far as Mr. Olden was
concerned very much the same as at Norway House.
The smallpox symptoms manifested themselves the
day after they came to Fergus, and the disease had
run its course in precisely similar fashion. Except
that his wife's tender care was denied him, he lacked
no comfort that his own home could afford. Papa-
nakes watched over him with sleepless, untiring
solicitude. The room was kept as warm and as neat
as the old man could make it, and every direction
given by Mr. Olden or his wife carried out with the
most scrupulous accuracy.

It was beautiful to see the look of loving eager
sympathy that never left the Indian's face. This
waiting upon the missionary was the purest pleasure
of his life. lie never for one moment contemplated
any other termination to the illness than triumphant
recovery, and there was positive inspiration in the
way this faith manifested itself in every word and act.

"Ah, Papanakcs," Mrs. Olden would exclaim to

363

I I

364

Fergus MacTavish.

him when he came to the window to talk with her,
his face full of serene hopefulness, " what a comfort
you are to me ! What would I do without you, and
how can I ever be grateful enough to you ? "

And the old man would smile as with a conscious-
ness of superior knowledge, for though he would
make no reply, in his heart he was saying : —

"You need not trouble yourself about that, Mrs.
Olden. I am not doing this in order to be thanked
for it. I am doing it to please myself, because it
makes my heart happy to do it."

Fortunately too for Mrs. Olden, ther'3 was no
ground for serious apprehension in her husband's
case. He was blessed with a superb constitution.
He had been in perfect health when the contagion
fastened itself upon him. He possessed sufficient
knowledge of medicine to use to the best advantage
the excellent supply of remedies he had at hand, and
what was most important of all, he never for a
moment lost his self-command. The fever and
suffering, although equally severe with him and with
Fergus, did not succeed in affecting his mind, and he
continued composed and patient, awaiting with sweet
trustfulness the revelation of the Divine will concern-
ing him.

Through Papanakes he was kept posted as to how
it was going with Fergus from day to day, and gave
directions for his treatment which were very helpful
to his anxious parents. His one great trial was that
he could not look upon the faces, nor hear the voices

Out of the Valley of the Shadow. 365

of the wife and daughter who were so dear to him.
But the knowledge of their safety, for so far there
were no signs of the spreading of the pestilence, made
this trial the easier to bear, and no murmuring passed
his lips.

With Fergus the critical stage of the illness had
been reached. The fever had spent itself, the painful
pustules on his face had shrunken and dried up, the
delirium had entirely departed, but oh ! how weak he
had become. His life seemed to be hanging by a
single thread, and his parents could not bear to leave
him for a moment, lest he should pass away during
their absence.

He had come to the valley of the shadow of death,
and his feet were treading the narrow path that led
down into its mysterious depths. He perfectly
understood his situation, but showed no signs of fear.
His faith had triumphed over all human weakness.
He was continually repeating the twenty-third Psalm,
and especially that wonderful fourth verse: "Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil : for Thou art with me ; Thy
rod and Thy staff they comfort mc."

"That verse is for me, mother," he would say,
"just as much as if King David was thinking of me
when he wrote it, and I am sac glad there is such a
verse, for T dinna fear any evil, mother. It will be all
right whatever happens, ch, mother dear ? "

Poor Mrs. MacTavish ! It was not easy for her to
make him an answer in the same cheerful tone. Her

K i'

wmm.

366

Fergus MacTavish.

heart trembled at the very thought of parting with
the boy she idolised. Surely, she argued to herself,
it could not be God's will that one so bright, so good,
so loving, the only child that had come to them,
should be taken away just when life was opening out
before him so full of promise. Not that her faith
forsook her. There was no rebellion in her aching
heart, only passionate pleading for her darling's
recovery. If tne blow must fall she would receive it
with head bowed in submission. But must the blow
fall ? Could not the destroying angel stay his hand
even yet ?

With tremulous lips and misty eyes she bent over
her boy, whose handsome face was now so pitifully
marred by the brown blotches the pimples had left
behind.

" It will be all right, dearie, whatever happens ; but
you know we want it to happen only in the one way."
Then, unable to control herself any longer, she
covered her face with her hands, and burst into tears,
saying through her sobs :

"Oh, Fergus, darling, ye maunna leave us. We
canna live without ye."

Fergus' eyes filled up, and his lips trembled at the
sight of his mother's emotion.

" My ain dear mother," said he, soothingly. " I
dinna want to leave ye even to go to heaven. You
have always been sae gude to me, and I love you and
father sae dearly. I have been a very happy boy all
my life, haven't I, mother ? "

Out of the Valley of the Shadoio. 367

" Indeed you have, dearie, and you 've made us
very happy too," responded Mrs. MacTavish. "And
we want you to grow up to have a long and happy
Ufe as a man. Ye wad like that, wadn't ye, Fergus ? "

Just then Mr. MacTavish, who had been seeking
some much-needed rest, came into the room, and
going over to the bedside, pressed his cool hand
upon Fergus' flushed forehead.

" How good that feels, father ! " said the young
sufferer. " Ye 're always sae gude to me."

" Nac better than ye '11 be tac me, Fergus, when
I 'm an old man, and ycu 're caring for me," returned
the chief trader in as confident a tone as though
there could be no doubt of his son reaching a good
old age, and looking after him in his declining days.

Fergus visibly brightened at his father's words.
They suggested a pleasant picture of the way in
which he would be able to prove how fond and
faithful a son he could be.

" I dinna like to think of your getting old and help-
less, father," said Fergus, with an affectionate smile.
" But I suppose there 's nae helping that, and if God lets
me live it 's glad I '11 be to take the best of care of you."

The talk went on in this way for some time, until
at last Fergus grew tired, and fell asleep with his
parents watching by his bedside like guardian angels.

Although Mr. MacTavish had from the first stoutly
put away from his mind all thought of Fergus' illness
having a fatal termination, there were times when
even his strong heart was troubled, and he had to

9B^

mmm^

368

Fergus MacTavish.

II!

contemplate so mournful a possibility. And now, as
by the fading light of the day he studied his son's
disfigured face, and saw how frail and weak he had
become, a great terror seized upon him. It seemed
as if his boy were slipping from his grasp in spite of
all his efforts to retain him. He could almost imagine
the angel of death standing by the bedside, with
determined face and outstretched dart ready to strike,
and in his supreme agony of mind he felt that there
was nothing that he could give up, even to his own
life, which he would not gladly surrender if only
Fergus might be restored to health.

In the stress of his emotion he involuntarily uttered
a groan that aw akened Fergus from the light slumber
into which he had fallen, and, starting a little, he
inquired :

" What 's the matter, father ? " in a tone of some
concern.

" Naething at all, my boy," replied Mr. MacTavish,
striving to appear quite at his ease. " I just gave a
bit of a grunt, that was all."

Satisfied with the answer, Fergus closed his eyes,
and seemed to be dropping off into slumber again.
But presently he roused up to ask about Mr. Olden,
and whether Mrs. Olden or Ruth had been attacked
by the small' i).\.

Mr. Macl avish was glad to have only good news
to tell. Both Mrs. Olden and Ruth were in the best
of health, and the missionary had already shown signs
of convalescence.

Old of the Valley of the Shadow. 369

" He sent word by Papanakcs that he 'd be over to
sec you soon, unless you got well first, Fergus," added
the chief trader, with a smile of fond encouragement.

" Oh, father, how glad I 'd be to see him ! "
exclaimed F'ergus, his face brightening at the idea.
" I 'm fairly wearying for him."

" Dinna ye think your mother and me gudc enough
company, Fergus ? " asked Mr. MacTavish, in a banter-
ing way.

"Aye, indeed, that I do," was the prompt retort.
" But, you know, I love Mr. Olden dearly too. Ye
dinna mind that, I 'm sure, father."

" No, my boy, not a bit. We arena jealous. I was
but teasing ye a bit," answered his father.

Fergus then lay silent for a while. It was evident
he was thinking deeply, and so as not to disturb his
thoughts, his parents did not speak either to him or
to one another.

After some minutes' silence he seemed to gather
himself together for a great effort. Evidently he was
about to say something to which he attached special
importance. With throbbing hearts his parents await-
ed his words. Turning towards his father, he began
with a tremor in his tone that showed how deep was
his emotion :

" Father, I 'm verra, verra ill, am I not ? Ye canna
tell me for sure whether I '11 get well again or no ? "

Mr. MacTavish made as though he would say some-
thing here, but Fergus hastened on :

" Now, father, if I do get well it will be because

370

Fcro-HS Mac Tavish.

!, i i

wc 'vc all asked God aboot it, and lie has answered
our prayers, winna it ? "

Mr. MacTavish nodded assent, and the boy pro-
ceeded :

" Then, father, if God gives me back my health and
strength, vvadna it be only right for me to spend them
in His work, instead of going into the service of the
Company?"

The question could not have been more simply or
squarely put. This, then, was the thought that had
been on his mind, and which he had kept back until
it would be no longer suppressed. Evidently his
whole heart was behind the question, and there was
something pathetic beyond description in the eager-
ness with which he awaited his father's reply.

That reply did not come at once. After a search-
ing look into his boy's face, Mr. MacTavish threw
himself back in his chair in an attitude of intense
thought, and a stillness fell upon the three so profound
that they might almost have heard the beating of
each other's heart. Mrs. MacTavish's fingers played
nervously with the fringe of the plaid shawl that
draped her shoulders ; Fergus, with his eyes fixed
upon his father, seemed scarcely to breathe as he
awaited his answer. The old clock above the plain
mantelpiece ticked on in solemn, steadfast indifference
to the varied emotions of those before it. At last the
chief trader spoke :

** Fergus, my son," said he, in a quiet tone that hid
a victory hardly won, " it 's a hard question you hae

Out of the Valley of the Shadoiu. 371

asked of mc. You're my only bairn, and I had
thought ye wad grow up to take my place in the
Company, and maybe, if Providence was kind, rise
higher than I ever can. Ye wad hae far more to
help ye, Fergus, than e'er I h:.l. My heart was in it
—ay, my heart was in it, and it 's nae light thing for
me to gie it a' up noo. lliere was naethinLT wran<'
aboot it; surely it was an honest ambition. Ikit
what can I say?" lie went on after a slight pause,
during which it was evident he had difficulty in keep-
ing his self-control :

"Ye 're in the hands of God now. We canna tell
His will concerning you— and maybe this is His way
o' tcllin' me that He wants you for His service."

Fergus' face brightened at this. His father noticed
it, but continued in the same quiet tone :

" God knows I dinna want to run downright con-
trary to His will. But when ye talked abooL being a
missionary I wasna sure that it might not be a notion
that ye wad soon get over. But I see your heart is
in it, and maybe ye are called by God to it, just like
Samuel and David. Well, Fergus, I maunna say
I 'm not sair disappointed at giving up a' my bonnie
plans for you — that wad be saying mair than the
truth. But I willna stand in your way any longer.
If the Lord gie ye back yer health ami strength
again, you may have your will, and may God's ain
blessing be with ye."

Having thus spoken, the chief trader buried his
shaggy face in his hands for a moment, and then

372

Fergus MacTavish.

liftin^c^ it again, passed his palms across his cheeks as
though wiping something from them. It was a char-
acteristic gesture with him, and signified that that
was the end of the matter, lie had declared his
mind, and however keen might be his regret at giving
up what he had so fondly cherished, there would be
no reversal of his decision.

r'ergus' face glowed with joy. His father's full
consent had been won at last. He could hardly
speak for a moment. The revulsion of feeling had
been rather too much for him in his weak state. But
presently he said in a broken way :

" Oh, father, I 'm sae glad — sae glad. Now I know
that I '11 get well again. Just see if I don't."

Then his head fell back upon the i^illow, and his
eyes closed, and although his lips continued to move,
no sound came from them. He was completely
exhausted by the stress of emotion.

]\Irs. MacTavish sprang from her chair with an
exclamation of alarm. But her husband laid his
hand soothingly upon her arm :

" Dinna be scairt, Ailie. lie's only weary. Let
him sleep a bit, and he '11 be a' richt."

The chief trader was correct. It was simply weari-
ness, not any change for the worse in his condition.
He at once fell sound asleep, and slept for many
hours.

When he awoke there were cheering signs of
improvement. His eyes were brighter, his voice
firmer, his pulse stronger. His parents hardly dared

Out of the Valley of the ShadoTv. 373

say to one another how hope was springinc^ up in
their hearts, lest it should after all be baffled. lUit
when the following morning Feri^us' symptoms were
still more favourable, they felt it no lonc^er necessary
to restrain themselves, and rejoiced with him and
with each other over the welcome change, not for-
getting to lift up heart and voice in devout thankful-
ness to God for having given their darling back to
them. Thenceforward there was no pause in I^'ergus'
progrcs. toward complete recovery, and at the end of
a month only the brown blotches on the face re-
mained to tell of his narrow escape from the fell
pestilence.

True to his word, Mr. Olden came to see him long
before he was able to venture out himself, and they
had a little thanksgiving service together over the
tender mercy of their Divine Father, and over the
way being now open for Fergus to fulfil the purpose
that was so clear to the missionary and to himself.

"Do you remember, Fergus," said Mr. Olden, "how
I told you to be patient, and not to oppose your
father's will, for if it was God's will that you should
be a missionary instead of a chief trader, or maybe a
governor. He would certainly bring it to pass in Mis
own good way, and at His own time ? There is no use
in our trying to hurry up God, Fergus. We arc apt to
be so impatient, you know — to think our own concerns
of so much importance, worthy of such prompt atten-
tion at the hands of Providence — and, pchaps we never
find it quite so hard to wait as when we are very

374

Fergus MacTavisJi.

clear in our minds that what wc propose will be for
the glory of God and the good of our fellow-men.
Ah ! I^'crgus, this waiting for God to bring things to
pass just as we want them, it is a lifelong lesson.
Maybe we will never learn it perfectly. And yet
how often we are fain to laugh at ourselves for need-
less worrying because the Lord would not be good
enough to make clear to us to-day what was to
happen the day after to-morrow."

I'ergus knew well enough that the missionary
meant this little sermon quite as much for himself as
for his listener, and the consciousness of this shared
responsibility was therefore not so embarrassing.

" You make me feel ashamed of mysel'' Mr. Olden,"
said he. " For indeed I was o'er impatient, but it is
all right now, and I 'm verra happy."

They had a long talk together over his future. It
would be very different ncnv from a clerkship in the
Com[)any. He would have to go away for a course
of study and training, and then there would be no
more of the open life of the wilderness until he
returned to it as his field of labour.

lUit there was plenty of time yet for all this to be
arranged. Mis health must be perfectly restored first,
and not until autumn came round again need he bid
good-bye to Norway House. When discussing ways
and means some days afterward, the chief trader
suggested that the best plan would be to await Sir
George's annual visit, as then pcrhai)s he mi^idit offer
to take h'crgus back to Montreal with him, and make

Out of the Valley of the SJiadoio. 375

arrangements there for his entering upon the course
of study to be desired in view of his entering the
ministry. ' • \

This plan commended itself to everybody's approval,
and in the meantime, while awaiting its fulfilment,
Fergus was given full permission to take any part in
assisting the missionary at his work that Mr. Olden
might see fit to intrust him with.

The summer that followed was a very happy one
for Fergus. He was constantly with Mr. Olden
teaching in the school, accompanying the missionary
on his trips inland or down the lake to preach the
Gospel at Indian camps far from Norway Mouse, and
sometimes even preaching little sermons himself to
the younger red folk, when none but they were there
to hear him.

His parents had not so happy a summer. Mr.
MacTavish could not help sharp twinges of regret
from time to time at the frustration of his plans, and
Mrs. MacTavish looked forward to the approaching
separation between herself and her darling boy with a
shrinking that refused to be overcome. A large part
of the sunshine of her life would go with him, for
much as she loved her husband she was necessarily
unable to share in his chief interests to any great
extent, and since I'ergus had grown up she had found
ever-increasing delight in his companionship.

Never did summer seem to pass so ([uickly. It was
a particularly fine season, and Fergus ever after looked
back to it as one of the brightest periods in his life.

iiiilimm

37^

Fergus Jlfac Tavish.

The thought of going away from Norway House to
see the civilised world, and to learn its ways, gave him
a certain sense of dignity, while at the same time it
led him to prize the more highly what might be his
last opportunity for many a year of enjoying the
glorious out-door life that had been his almost from
the cradle.

Dear old Papanakes was much in his company.
As soon as Mr. Olden was strong enough to resume
his work, and to go out in quest of Indians who did
not come to hear him at the mission station, his
faithful attendant gave him to understand that he
proposed henceforth to be with him in health as well
as in sickness, and that wherever he went he would go
also. To this the missionary had not the slightest
objection. On the contrary, he was only too glad to
have the loving service of the best hunter, canoe-man,
and guide in the district. It meant a vast saving of
time and thought on his part, and a corresponding
gain to his work.

The two men and the young lad were the closest of
friends. They talked much together on the subject
that was nearest their hearts, the Indian saying least,
but listening with grave attention, and not hesitating
to ask a question when the conversation went beyond
his depth. They had some thrilling adventures
together, too, during that smnmcr, more than once
being in peril of their lives, and escaping as it seemed
only through the direct intervention of I'rovidencc.

" Ah ! I'^crgus dear," said Mr. Oldcn after one of

Out of the Valley of the Shadow. 2>77

ill

these exciting experiences, when a sudden storm
caught them in a small canoe far out upon the lake,
and almost overwhelmed them, " sure am I that God
has some great work for you. He has given His
angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways,
I can never be glad enough that your father has
consented to your going into the missionary work."

The conviction that God had honoured him by
calling him to a place among His workers was vcr)-
strong with Fergus himself, and it filled him with a
strange sense of elation that savoured not of pride nor
self-conceit, but rather of awe mingled with gratitude
for the signal favour God had thus shown toward him.
He looked forward to the coming of Sir George
with feelings in which were mingled pleasure at the
thought of seeing his kind friend again, and apprehen-
sion as to just what he would think of his giving up
all ideas of going into the service of the Company.
Mr. Wadham's polished chaffing was also in his mind.
He knew he could not altogether escape that, and he
felt half ashamed of himself because of the sensitive-
ness that made him shrink from meeting the sarcastic
secretary.

It was early in September before the governor made
his appearance. He had left Norway House to the
last of his tour, and when he arrived was not in very
good humour, owing to the fact that the returns made
by the different districts were not altogether satis-
factory, there being a marked falling off as compared
with the preceding year.

mKKIf^^^i^^^ii^i^.^vmmi^.

ii^t^tL.■iel||^ia|lamiuai»,a,smi;t:,■-,■

37^

Fci'2'ns Mac TavisJi.

Observing that he was out of sorts, Mr. MacTavish
had not intended to say anything about Fergus until
Sir George should have time to rest, and possibly gain
a happier mood. lie quite anticipated the governor's
disapproval, and would indeed have welcomed it did
he not feel himself to be under a most solemn obliga-
tion to stand true to his expressed assent.

In the evening they were all sitting together in the
chief trader's parlour, Sir George, Mr. Wadham, Mr.
and Mrs. Olden, and the MacTavishes. Sir George,
still in a somewhat grumpy mood, although he had
done justice to an excellent diimer, was asking a
number of questions about affairs at the h'ort, and
unhappily the answers the chief trader had to give
did not tend to make the great man more amiable, as
the smallpox visitation had seriously interfered with
business for a time, and the returns from the [)ost
were not much better than those which had been
received from the forts in the West.

After this had gone on for some little time, Sir
George, as if to change a subject which he did not
find quite agreeable, addressctl himself al)ruptly to
h'ergus with the question :

"Well, my young man, I suppose this is your last
summer's idling. You 're going to begin }'()ur clerk-
ship in the Company this winter, are you not?"

The sudden question completely disconcerted
I'^ergus. I le had been exiiecting that his father
would explain how matters stood, and thus break the
ice for him, so to .speak. Ikit now, in the presence of

Out of the Valley of the Shadoiv. 379

all, he was called upon to break the ice himself, and
he was in sore straits as to just how to begin. The
colour mounted to his forehead, 1 1 is tongue seemed
to be tied, and the air of the room grew strangely
oppressive.

Sir George noticed his confusion, and mistaking
the cause of it, proceeded to rally him upon what he
conceived to be a disinclination on his part to begin
work in earnest.

" Oh, ho ! " said he. " You look as though you did
not altogether like the idea. Haven't you had enough
play ? You 're quite a young man now, you know."

Fergus at this found his tongue, and managed to
answer in a low, hesitating tone :

" 'Tisna that, Sir George. I dinna want to play
any more. But, if you please, sir, I 'm no going to
be a clerk at all."

A look of lively surprise came over the governor's
face at these words, and turning from T'ergus to his
father, he asked with an accent having more than a
hint of asperity :

*' Is the boy speaking right, Mr. MacTavish ?
Surely you have no idea of letting him have his own
way about that foolish missionary notion — a mere bit
of boyish sentiment on his part, I take it."

The explanation could no longer be delayed, and
with his wife's assistance the chief trader proceeded
to tell the whole story from the start, I'ergus all the
time intently scanning Sir George's rugged counten-
ance to note the effect of the narration ui)on him.

ii!

Fergus MacTavish.

Sir George listened with grave, courteous attention.
However little weight he might be disposed to give
to the arguments and influences which had swayed
his subordinate, there could be no doubt of the latter's
sincerity, and for his sake he would show no lack of
respect for his conduct in the matter.

Nevertheless, it was plain the story failed to
convince him. He took a hard, common-sense view
of the whole affair. Fergus had been impressed by
Mr. Olden, as well he might be. He had conceived
the idea of taking up the same life-work. During
his illness this idea had filled his mind to the
exclusion of other things. Thanks to a fine con-
stitution and the best of nursing, he had been
brought back to health, and now he must needs
imagine that God had spared his life solely because
He wanted him for a missionary. A highly creditable
but altogether illogical conclusion, there being not the
slightest connection between the two things.

Sir George said all this in a tone utterly free from
offence, but full of clear conviction as to his having
precisely the right view of the matter. Mr. Wadham
said nothing, but it was evident he heartily concurred
v;ith Sir George.

''>!cilising that the chief trader, unused as he was to

t; arts of discussion, would be hard set to answer

-vernor, and would therefore be very glad to be

relieved of the responsibility, Mr. Olden asked, with

a deferential bow :

" Might I venture, Sir George, to make the other

Out of the Valley of the Shadoiu. 381

side of the case a little fuller than Mr. MacTavish
has done ? Possibly it may then appear to you in a

different light."

" I shall be very glad to give you my attention,
Mr. Olden," replied the governor, setting himself back
in his chair as though to say, " Now, go ahead."

The missionary then reviewed the history of his
coming to Norway House, and what had followed
thereupon. lie told with kindling eyes and glowing
cheeks of what wonderful victories the Gospel had
already won, and of the brilliant promise of the
future— how the poor red men, hitherto left to die in
do^r-like iLniorance of the Saviour of mankind, heard
the Word gladly, and would ask him with piercing
reproach : " Why did you not bring this good news
before?" lie declared the change wrought in
Tapanakes, and told of his heroic fidelity when he,
Mr. Olden, was smitten with the smallpox. And
then, calling Fergus to him, and putting his hand
upon his head, he said :

" This boy, Sir George, I believe with all my heart
is a chosen vessel of the Lord. He has received as
indubitable a call as Samuel of old. Worthy and
honourable as the service of the Company is, you
will, I am sure, pardon me, sir, if I venture to assert
that the service of the Lord is more worthy and
honourable still. The boy's heart is in it. He will
never be happy— never be aught but a distorted
growth in any other field ; but as a bearer of the glad
tidings to the Indians of the great region over which

m\\

382

/^c rpits Mac Tav isJi .

you have charge, he will realise tiie best that is in
himself, and the best that God has for him."

As Mr. Olden spoke with a fire and eloquence born
only of intense earnestness, a marked change took
place in Sir George's countenance. Little by little
his features lost their hard expression. It was
evident that the matter was presenting itself to him
in a different light, and, if not quite convinced, he
was at least ready to admit that there was much to
be said on the other side.

When Mr. Olden had finished, Sir George rose up,
knocked the ashes out of the pipe that had gone out
while he was listening so intently, and proceeding to
refill it from his tobacco pouch, said in a thoughtful
tone :

" There 's a great deal in what you have said, Mr.
Olden, and I shall take pleasure in thinking it over."

When they parted for the night, Mr. Olden whis-
pered in Fergus' ear :

" We must pray a great deal for Sir George. He
can help us very much if he comes over to our side."

In the morning what the governor would have to
say was awaited with intense interest, and when he
did make known his mind, Mr. Olden ejaculated
under his breath :

" Verily, thou art a God that hcarest prayer ! "

Sir George's announcement was most satisfactory.
lie would no longer oppose Fergus' preference for the
life of a missionary over that of a fur trader. On the
contrary, he would further his interests in that

Out of the Valley of the Shadow. 383

direction just as he had purposed doing in the other.
If Fergus would accompany him to Montreal, he
would see to his having the best obtainable educa-
tional advantages, and otherwise being thoroughly
well looked after, in order that he might make fitting
preparation for the life-work he had chosen.

So it all came about just as had been hoped. A
few days later, amid the tears and prayers and
blessings of his parents and the Oldens, Fergus set
out wath Sir George for the city of Montreal. The
voyage thither was smoothly and swiftly accom-
plished, and ere the first snow fell he had entered
upon the course of study which would occupy his
attention for the next four years.

I low he won honour after honour at college, not
missing the esteem of his instructors, nor even the
warm regard of his fellow-students ; how he was
ordained to the Christian ministry, and then, to his
unbounded delight, appointed assistant to Mr. Olden
at Norway House; how joyous was the meeting
there after the long years of separation ; how in due
time he came to have a snug home of his own upon
the island, with Ruth for a loving, happy helpmate ;
how the good work among the Indians extended far
and wide throughout the wilderness until there were
many mission stations, shining like lighthouses amid
the gloom of paganism ; how he tenderly cared for
his parents as old age crept upon them, and made

t i

Fergus Mac Tavish.

smooth their pathway to the river's brink, cannot be
told in these pages.

His was a long and beneficent life, not withouc its
share of shade as well as of sun, but underneath its
trials and troubles lay the peace that passeth all
understanding, undisturbed as are the ocean depths
by the storms that rage above. And never for one
moment had he cause to call in question the wisdom
of his answer, when to the Divine summons he
replied :

" Here am I, Lord, ready to do Thy will."

'I'llE END.

■

LOKIMLK AND Lill.LlE.S, IKINltUS, EIJINULKOH.

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