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AI.KC SHOOTS THii BEAR.

Frontispiece, see pa^e 4-2.

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THREE BOYS IN THE WILD
NORTH LAND

EGERTON R. YOUNG

AUTHOR OF * BY CANOK AND DOG TRAIN'
' INDIAN WIGWAMS AND NORTHERN CAMP FIRES,' * OOWIKAl'UN,' ETC.

IVith Iwcnijf-Eij^ht Illustrations from Drawings by
J. E. LAUGH LIN, and from Photographs

' He lived in wilds, and gems of story found,
These fancy took, and hath this necklet bound."

E. R. Y., Jr.

LONDON
WARD&DOWNEY

LIMITED '

12 YORK BUILDINGS ADELPHI W.C.

New York : Eaton & Mains. Toronto : William Briggs

1897
\All Rights reserved^

PSFH97

o?rs7 ^

Jl/V

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

PAGE

Welcome to Sagastaweekee— Mr Rosa, the Host— The Three
Boys— Frank, Alee, Sam— The Prince Arthur— The Voyage
— The Esquimaux— Arrival at York Factory, . , 1

CHAPTER II

Hudson Bay Company — Frank's Canoe Mishap — Duck Shooting
— Clever Koona — Goose Hunting — Queer Battles, •

CHAPTER III

Writing Journals — Fur-Laden Brigades — Valuable Furs —
Hunting Preparations — Big Tom, the Famous Guide — The
Start — First Camp on the Rocks, ....

CHAPTER IV

An Early Call — The Picturesque Route — The Toilsome Por-
tages — Rival Brigades — First Bear — Alec's Successful
ohot, • . . • • • •

CONTENTS

CHAPTER V

M-

PAGE

Robinson's Portage — Gunpowder Transportation — Hole in the
Keg — A Frightful Explosion — Ensconced at Headquarters
— Delightful Home in the Wild . ness — Sturgeon Fishing
— Involuntary Plunges, ... 44

CHAPTER VI

Indian Implements — Canoeing Excursion — Gunpowder versus

Jack-fish — Loon Shooting — Sam's Successful Shot, . 58

CHAPTER VII

The Old Fort Cvmp — Sam's Race with the Bear — Indian

Comments, ....... 68

'^..

CHAPTER VIII

. re^3rving Meat — Cunning Fa.rtridges — Celestial Phenomenon
— The Fearful Hurricane — Caught in the Storm — Disaster
— The Mischievous Wolverine — Alec's Shot,

CHAPTER IX

Montreal Point — The Governor and the Iroquois — The Herd of
Deer — Ominous Sounds — Pack of Wolves — A Fierce
Battle — Welcome Reinforcements — Victory — Plajdng
'"Possum," ......

CHAPTER X

Romantic Courtship — The Happy Family — A Canoe Picnic—
Mustagan — A Prowling Bear — A Woman's Shot, .

107

CHAPTER XI

The Wonderful Story of Apetak, the Grateful Indian, and the
Description of the Trip to, and View of, the Silver Cave, as
to'd by Mr Ross at Sagastaweekee, ....

117

CONTENTS

Vll

CHAPTER XII

PAGE

Novel Fishing — Guns and Gaff-hooks — Frank's Plunge — Light-
hearted Sam ai His Story — Strange Battle — Pugnacious
Jack-fish, ...... 126

CHAPTER XIII

Mission Village — Self-denying Toilers — Pleasant Visits —
Flourishing School — Syllabic Characters — Competitive
Sports — Archery — Foot Races — Wrestling — Swimming —
Canoe Races, ......

136

CHAPTER XIV

Conjurers — Old Tapastanum — Boasting — Cliailenge accepted —
Medicine Man's Tent — Bogiis Bullet — Detected — Con-
jurer's Defeat and Fall, . . . . .

149

CHAPTER XV *

Outing at the Old Fort — Alec and Mustagan's Shooting Contest :
or, Gun versus Bow and Arrow — Shooting the Swans —
Was Sam Cross-Eyed ?— The Return Trip— The Escape of
the Doe and Fa^vn from the Wolf, ....

157

CHAPTER XVI

The Old Fort again — Aurora Borealis— Camp Annoyances —
Unexpected Arrivals — Fur-Traders — Head Winds — Camp
Fire Yarns, ....... 164

CHAPTER XVII

The Story of Pukumakun — Unloosing His Tongue — His Early
Days— Excursion for Buffalo— Treacherous Quicksands-
Sinking Mother— Sagacious Horse- -Sneaking Wolves-
Rattlesnake and Prairie-Dog, . ,

172

• • •

Vlll

CONTENTS

CHAPTER XVIII

Pukumakun's Story continued : — Searching for Friends — Pr.'-h-
lesB Prairie — Angry Relations — Avengers of Blood Un-
appeased — Race for Life — Overtaken — First Conflict —
Arrow against Tomahawk — Opportune Arrival,

PAGE

181

CHAPTER XIX

"Fair Wind ! "—Fish Spearing by Torchlight— The Shining
Eyes — Death of the Deer — Abundance of Game — Addi-
tional Excursions — Tradition of Nanahboozoo and the
Flood — Was Nanahboozoo Noah ? .

188

CHAPTER XX

The Call of the Moose — Preparations for Capture — Midnight
Ma-ch— Rival Bulls— A Royal Battle— Frank's Shot—
BJJT Tom, the Successful Moose Hunter — Young Moose
Calves — Their Capture — Sam's Awkward Predicament,

201

CHAPTER XXI

Excursion to Sea-River Falls — The Cranberry Picking — The
Contest — "Where are the Children?" — Wenonah and
Roderick — Lost in ti'.e Forest — Fii"st Night's Unsuccessful
Search — The Tracks in the Sand, ....

217

CHAPTER XXII

Mustagan's Discovery — Children's Footprints and Bears* Tracks
— Children in Custody of the Bears — Silence enforced by
the Custodians — The Plan of Rescue — The Boys' Part —
The Bird Call— Success, .....

228

CHAPTER XXIII

Wononah's Story of their Marvellous Adventures with, and
Deliver ".ce from, the Bears — Roderick's Con;ments,

228

CONTENTS

PAGE

181

CHAPTER XXIV

Congra -Uations — Other Incidents of Lost Children — Long Ex-
cursion by the Boys — Indian Legend — "Why is the Bear
Tailless ? " — Oxford Lake — Black Bears as Fishermen —
The Lookout from the Trees — Fish-Stealing Ber.rs — The
Conflict — Bears versus Boys and Indians — Sam's Success-
ful Thrust— Plenty of Bear Meat, ....

PAGE

248

188

CHAPTER XXV

Successful Mission — Peculiar Address — The Visit to the
Beavers — Commodious Houses — Well -constructed Dams —
The Moonlight Sight — Strange Interruption — Stealthy
Wolverine — Crouching Wolves — More Cunning Men — A
Mixed -up Battle — Delighted Boys — Return to Sagasta-
weekee, .......

268

201

217

228

CHAPTER XXVI

The Excursion into the Reindeer Country — Numerous Herds —
The Battle Between Reindeer and Wolves in the Lake
— Reaching the Herds — The Long Stalk for the Leader —
Alec's Successful Shot — Consternation of the Herd —
Abundance of Venison, .... 281

CHAPTER XXVII

Frank's Adventures — The Reindeer followed — Unwelcome
Interlopers — Cowardly V/olves Stalking the Fawns — Re-
pelled by the Gallant Bucks — Close Quarters — Successful
Shots — Different Game than Reindeer — Visions of Splen-
dour, ........ 293

CHAPTER XXVIII

Boys' Adventure with Reindeer in the Lake — Gad-flies — And
Other Deer Pests — Peculiar Weapons — Dangerous An-
tagonists — Hoofs and Horns — Frank's Success — Attack on
the Leader — Canoe smashed — Alec and Indians in the
Water — Yarn's Stratagem — Success at La-st — The Return
Trip — Significant Signs — Ducks and Geese Heading South-
ward — Indians uneasy — Journey hastened — Sagasta-
weekee reached — Summer ended— Winter begun, . 299

ILLUSTRATIONS

Alec Shooting the Bear,

Frank's Upset in the Canor,

Knockep Out by a Goose,

Big Tom (Photo), .

Making the Portage,

Spearing the Sturgeon,

Young Deer on the Shore (Photo)

Sam's Race with the Bear,

Alec Shooting the Wolverine,

The Battle with the Wolves,

A Woman's Successful Shot,

Peculiar Net Fishing (Phc^o),

Sam Towed by the Jack-fish,

The Young Archer (Photo),

The Wrestling Match, .

Defeat op the Medicine Man,

Sinking in the Quicksands,

The Avenger of Blood,

Shooting Deer by Torchlight,

Centenarian Indian's Encampment (Photo),

Young Moose (Photo),

A Royal Battle,

Children in the Custody of Bears

RoDEincK and Wenonah in the Bears'
Cave, .....

Sam's Successful Thrust,

A Paintkr's Vision, a Poet's Dream (Photo), XXVT

Alec shoots the Leader of the Reindeer,

Reindeer attacks the Canoe, .

CKAI'.

PAGE

Frontispiece gee page 42

. II.

faciruj

. II.

»»

. III.

. IV.

, *

. V.

. ,

. VT.

VII.

faciriff

VTII.

• ,

. IX.

101

. X.

» '

11.')

XIT.

127

XTT.

faciw)

132

XITI.

140

XIII.

facing

14.5

XIV.

? '

155

XVII.

176

XVITI.

. ,

187

XIX.

, «

193

XTX.

194

XX.

214

XX.

facinff

210

XXII.

* 1

230

XXIII.

>»

244

XXTV.

266

XXVT.

• ^

282

XXVT.

facing

200

:XVTTT.

304

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD
NORTH LAND

CHAPTER I

Welcome to Sagastaweekee — Mr Rosa, the Host — Tlie
Three Boys — Frank, Alec, Sam — The 'Prince Arthur
, — The Voyage — The Esquimaux — Arrival at York

Factory.

" Welcome to the Wild North Land ! Welcome to
our happy home in tlie Land of the North Wind !
Welcome, thrice welcome all and each one of you ! "

Thus heartily and rapidly did Mr Ross address a
trio of sunburnt, happy boys, who, with all the
assurance of a joyous welcome, had burst in upon
him in his comfortable, well-built home or *' hunting-
lodge," as he preferred to call it, on the banks of the
Nelson River. This cosy but isolated home was
situated some hundreds of miles up in the interior of
the country from York Factory on the Hudson Bay.

Mr Ross had named his house " Sa-gas-ta-wee-kee,"
a beautiful Indian word, which literally means "a
house full of sunshine." He had spent most of his
days as an official in the Hudson Bay Company's
service, as had his father before him, and a few years
before this, being possessed of abundance of means,

TLREE HOYS IN THE WILD NOUi'lI LAND

he had retired from active work in tlie threat fur-
trading c .inpany. He liad tried to settle down in an
older civiiis(id land, but had found it impossible to
content himself away from those regions where lie
had spent the best part of his life. His wife and
family were of the same mind, and so, after some
years of travel in vai'ious lands, they returned to
this northern country, where they had spent many
happy days.

Every year or two Mr Ross, with some members of
his family, was in the habit of visitin<; what he loved
to call the Mother Country. So full was his life of
varied and startliuf*; adventures, that he was often
asked to give addresses on some of the marvellous
experiences through wdiich he had passed.

Among those who listened to him with keen
interest, as he gave a series of addresses in one of
the great historic schools in the home land, were
the three boys who are to bo the heroes of tins
book. Although they were from different families
and nationalities yet they wei*e congenial .'jpirith:,
and were equally tilled with the love of sport and
of exciting adventure. For such boys, Mr Ross's
addresses about Indians, wild animals, and the ex-
citements of the hunt, had the greatest fascination.
They had managed to make liis personal acquaint-
ance, and had induced him to visit their different
towns, where he lectured, and to be the guest at
their homes, where his delightful stories had
charmed every member of their households.

After tliis it was not so difficult to j^ersuade their
parents to consent to their spending a year or so in
the wilds of the northern part of the great Dominion
of Canada, under his guidance, and he most good-
naturedly pleaded for this arrangement on their

THHKE HOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

5S'S

it-

tnt

lat
id

Hi'

belialf. It was iinpoHsiblc for tliem to return witli
Mr Koss, on account of their studieH, and Heveral
niontlis passed away ere it was practicable for
tliein to begin their journey, so lie had gone back
alone, and had made all preparations at home
for entertainini; them, as members of his house-
hold, for an indefinite period.

Letters had been sent on in advance notifying
the prouabie time of the boys' arrival. But, as
often happened in that wild country where there
was no postal service, the letters never arrived,
and so the first intimation Mr Ross had of their
coming was their bursting in uj^on him. Of course
they were welcome. In all new lands there is an
open-hearted hospitality that is very delightful, and
this was emphatically so in the vast, lonely region
of the Hudson Bay Territory, where the white men
in those days were so few and so widely scattered
apart from each other.

And now that they are snugly ensconced in
the home of their good friend and his hospitable
family, ere we begin to describe their many sports
and adventures, let us find out something about
our heroes, and have them describe some of the
incidents of the long trip which they have already
made on their journey to this Land of the North
Wind.

Frank, the eldest of the three, was the son of a
Liverpool banker. His friends had vainly tried to
divert his mind from wild adventure and exciting
sports, and persuade him to settle down to steady
routine ofhce work. Failing in this, they had
listened to Mr Ross's invitation, and had consented
to let him have the year in the Wild North Land,
hoping that its trials and hardships would effect-

4 THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

iially cure liiin of his love of adventure, and
cauHC him to settle down cheerfully at his father's
business.

Alec was from ^^r-" J, a genuine son of the
" mountain and the .^i.^{\." While a good student
when at school, yet, when at home on his holidays,
his great delight had ever been, under the guidance
of a faithful old gillie, to f( dow on the trail of the
mountain deer. For a wi^^ field than that ottered
by his native Highlands he had been so longing
that his friends yielded to his importunities, and so
now here he is, with his comrades, full of eager
anticipations.

!Sam was fronn what his mother used to call
" dear, dirty Dublin." He was full of life and fun,
a jolly Irish boy of the finest type. Storms and
privations might at times depress the spirits of the
others, but Sam, true to his nationality, never lost
his spirits or his good nature. So rapid had been
his progress in his studies, that he had pushed
himself beyond his years, and even his tutors had
joined in his request that he should have the year
off, which, spent in the invigorating air and healthful
adventures in the Wild North Land, would, doubtless,
be a blessing to both mind and body.

In the good ship Prince Arthur of the Hudson
Bay Company, our three young adventurers set sail
in the month of May, from the London Docks. They
met with no adventures worth recording until after
they had left Stornoway, in the Orkney Isles, where
they had called for their last consignment of supplies
and the latest mails. Here they also shipped some
hardy Orkney men and Highlanders, who were going
out in the employment of the Company.

The Prince Arthur was a staunch sailing vessel,

TFIUEK HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

built especially for tlic Hudson Buy Company's trade.
81ie was employed in cari*yin«^ out to that country
the outfit of goods required in the great fur trade.
Her return cargoes were the valuable furs obtained in
barter from the Indians. Her destination was York
Factory, on the western side of the Hudson Bay
There her cargo was to be discharged, and carried by
scores of inland boats and canoes to the various trad-
ing posts in the different parts of that great country,
which is larger than the whole continent of Europe.

So remote were some of those posts from the
seaboard, and so difficult and slow were the methods
of transporting the goods, that several years passed
ere the fur secured from them reached the London
markets, to which they were all consigned, and where
they were carried each year in the Company's
ships.

Although the Prince Arthur was far from being
a first-class passenger ship, et she was a good, sea-
worthy vessel, with plenty of room for the few
passengers w^ho travelled by her each year. These
were principally gentlemen of the Hudson Bay
Company's service and their friends, or missionaries
going out or returning home.

Letters from influential quarters secured for our
three boys the considerate attention of the captain
and the ship's officers, and their own bright ways
won the friendship of all the sailors on board. On
the whole, they had a most successful passage.
Fogp at times perplexed them, and a few enor-
mous icebergs were so near that careful tacking
was required to prevent accidents. The boys were
filled w^ith admiration at these great mountains of
ice ; some of them seemed like great islands, while
others more closely resembled glorious cathedrals

TIIIIKK ItoVS IN TIIK WIFJ) NnRTII LAND

)>uilt

in mm

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U(\ oiuenild. At timcH, hm the

weHtern Him shone upon thcin, tliey .seenied to take
on in parts every colour of the rainhow. With
^reat int('!'<'Ht were they watched as they slowly
(lril'te<i h(;yon(l the .southern horizon.

One of the inost exeitin<^ incidents ol" the voya;^e
was a hattle witnessed between a f]freat whale and
a couple of sword-fish. The unwieldy monster
secured to be no match for his nind)le nnta<,mnists.
His sole weapon seemed to be his enormous tail, and
vain were hi.s efl'orts to strike his (|uicker enemies.
As far as could be jtid^^^ed from the deck of the ship,
the sword-fish were masters of the situation, and
the blood-stained waters seemed to indicate that the
battle would soon be over.

In the southern part of Davis Strait they encount-
ered fjjreat fields of floatin<^ ice, on whicli were many
herds of s(;als. The captain had the ship hove-to
and thre boats lowered. In each he permitted
one of the boys to (fo with the sailors on a seal-
hunting expedition. The seals, whicli are very
active in water, where they can swim with such
grace and rapidity, are helpless on land or ice,
and large numbers were killed by the sailors.
While the boys were excited with the sport, they
could not but feel sorry for the poor, defenceless
creatures, as they looked at them out of their great
eyes, that seemed almost human. Some hundreds
of skins were secured, much to the delight of the
captain and crew, as the profit coming to them
from their sales would be no inconsiderable item.

At the mouth of Hudson Straits the captain again
had the ship hove-to for a day or so to trade with
a number of Esquimaux, who had come in their
curious canoes, called "kayaks," from along the

TIIKKK ItoVS IN rilK WH-D N<U{Tir I, AND 7

C(3aHtH of liahnidor. Thrir iusatiahlc ciiriosity ami
peculiar fur cloihinLC very much intcre.stiMl the Ijoys.
These KH(|uiiiiaux were Hlirewd hands at a har<(ain,
hut their principal desiro Heenied to hn to ohtain
ituplenieuts of iron in exchan^^e for their furs.
They cared nothin«; for flour, rice, tea, coffee or
.su<^ar. Th(!y knew no otlier food than meat and
oil, and craved no other things than tlu)Hc that
couhl he utilised in improviti;^ their weapons. (Juns
were unktiown amon*^ them, but they were very
.skilful in the use of the harpoon and the spear.
When they arc able to obtain iron from the wldte
man they make their harpoon heads, spears and
knives out of this metal ; ))ut when unable to secure
it they manufacture their weapons out of the
horns of the icindeer or the tusks of the walrus or
narwdial.

They had amon^ theii* furs some splendid bear-
skins, and the boys were very much interested in
hearing them tell, thi-ou<^h an interpreter, how witli
their rude weapons, aided by their clever dogs, they
had been able to kill these fierce animals. They
were told by the friendly Hsquimaux that with
two well-trained dogs nipping at the hind legs of a
great bear they could keep him turning round and
round from one to the other, and thus get him so
wild and excited that in Ids fruitless efforts to catch
hold of the nimble animals, he did not notice the
arriv^al of the hunters, and they were able to
approach close enough to kill him easily.

The ship crossed the great Hudson Bay, which is
about six hundred miles in width, without any
mishap, and safely dropped anchor in what the
Hudson Bay officers call " the six-fathom hole,"
some distance out from the rude, primitive wharf.

i I

' !■

\M'

S THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

The .signal gun was fired, and soon a brigade of
boats came out and the work of unloading the cargo
began.

Our boys, eager as they were to land, were sorry
after all to leave tlieir snug berths in the good ship,
where they had had some very delightful times
during the thirty days that had elapsed since they
had left the docks in old England.

A few gifts were bestowed among their particular
sailor friends, and then with " God bless you ! "
from all, they entered a small boat rowed by Indians,
and wove soon on the land that skirts this great
inland sea.

Great indeed was the change from the populous
cities of the home land to this quiet, lonely region
upon whose shores they had now landed. Here
the only inhabitants were the fur -traders, with
tlieir employees, and the dignified, stoical Indians.
The only signs of habitations were the few
civilised dwellings called in courtesy the Fort,
where dwelt and traded the officers of the great
Company and their families and servants, and not
very far off was the Indian village of the natives,
where the most conspicuous buildings were the
church and parsonage of the missionary, who had
been marvellously successful in planting the cross
in these northern regions, and in winning from a
degrading superstition to the blessings of Chris-
tianity some hundreds of red men, whose consistent
lives showed the genuineness of the work wrought
among them.

This great region, stretching from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, far north of the fertile prairie region, where
millions will yet find happy and prosperous homes,
has well been called the Wild North Land. The

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Indians call it Keewatin, the Land of the North
Wind.

It has not many attractions for the farmer or
merchant, but it is the congenial home of the red
man. On its innumerable lakes and broad rivers he
glides along, during the few bright summer months,
in his light canoe. Every waterfall or cataract has
associated with it some legend or tradition. Its
dense forests are the haunts of the- bear and wolf,
of the moose and reindeer, and many other valuable
animals, in the excitement of hunting which he finds
his chief delight.

To this land had come our three lads for sport and
adventure, and we shall see how ful^y all their ex-
pectations were realised.

lad

foss
a

'IS-

mt
rht

to
ire

CHAPTER II

Hudson Bay Company — Frank's Canoe Mishap — Duck

Sliooting — Clever Koona
Battles.

Goose Hunting — Queer

i \

1 \

As our boys had come out to this country for wild
adventure and exciting sport, they were rather pleased
than otherwise at the contrast it presented in com-
parison with the lands they had left behind. The fact
was, they were simply delighted with the absence of
the multitudes, to whom they had been accustomed,
and were at once filled with high expectations. Sam's
explanation seemed to express the sentiment of them
all, when he exclaimed, —

" Sure, if there are so few people in the country,
there will be the more bears and wolves for us to
kill."

The work of unloading the ship was necessarily
slow, and so some days must elapse ere this could
be accomplished and a brigade of boats be prepared
to take the first cargo to Fort Garry, on the Red
River. The boys had been cordially welcomed by
Mr M'Tavish, the principal officer in charge at the
Fort, and they were all entertained most hospitably
at his home.

Mr M'Tavish was an old sportsman himself, as

nearly all the Hudson Bay Company's officials are,

and, as soon as the boys had made the acquaint-

,1 '

FRANKS UrSET FROM THE CANOE.

I .

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

ance, as they call it, of tlicir land Ir^^s, after tlie
heavincf and rolling of the vessel, lie bade a clever,
old Indian hunter clean up some <^uns, and take
them, ri<^ged out in native dress, in the birch
canoe, on their first wild huntin<r expedition. This
first excursion was not to be a very formidable
one. It was only a canoe trip several miles up the
coast, to a place where wild ducks and geese were
numerous. Like all white people on their first
introduction to the birch canoe, tb.ey thought it
a frail, cranky boat, and were quite disgusted with
some of the tricks it played upon them on their
first attempts to manage it. For example, Frnnk,
who prided himself on his abilit}- in pulling a^. oar
and in managing the ordinary small skiffs or punts
of his native waters, seeing the light, buoyant canoe
at the side of the little launch, boldly sprang into
it as he would into an ordinary boat of the same
size in the Mersey.

To his utter amazement, and the amusement of
others, he sudderly found himself overbnlanced and
struoorlinir in the waves on the other side. Fortu-
nately the water was not more than six feet deep,
and he, being a good swimmer, was soon up, and at
once gave chase for the canoe, which had floated out
several yards from the shore. In this he was en-
couraged by the laughter and shouts of his comrades
and others, wdio, seeing that no harm had come to
him from his sudden spill, were eager to observe how
he would ultimately succeed.

Quickly did he catch up to the truant, but instead of
listening to the Indian, wdio, in broken English, tried
to tell him to get in over the end of the canoe, he
seized it by the side, and there attempted to climb in.
Vain were his efforts. Very skilful, indeed, is the

'( fi

\ j

12 THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Indian who can in this manner get into a birch bark
canoe; and of course it is out of the question to
expect an inexperienced white person to accomplish
the f^at. So light is the canoe that, when thus
seized, it yields to the slightest pull, and often
causes the person who takes hold of it to tumble
back ignominiously into the water.

Poor Frank was disgusted, but not conquered ; and
so, amidst the laughter of those on shore, he now
listened to the advice and direction of the wise old
Indian, who was the only one in the company who
had not even smiled at the boy's mishap. By his
direction he again caught hold of the canoe, but
this time by the end, and carefully bearing his
weight '^n it, he was at length enabled to work
himself on board. Cautiously balancing himself, he
seized a paddle that happened to have been fastened
in, and quickly paddled himself ashore amidst the
cheers of the onlookers.

" Well done, Frank ! " said the old Indian.

He had done what some take months to accom-
plish. He had conquered the canoe in his first
attempt, and never after in his adventures was he
afraid of that bonny craft, in which he spent many
happy hours, and in the paddling of which he
became the equal of many a clever Indian.

Of course there was some delay in the departure
of the hunting party, as Frank had to return to his
quarters at the Post, and get on a dry suit of cloth-
ing. This, however, is an operation that does not
take a boy, full of eager excitement, long to accom-
plish, and so it was not many minutes ere the party
set off on their promised excursion.

The Indian in charge, whose name was Ooseemee-
mou, decided that they should first go where the

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

ire

jiis

Ih-

d".cks were numerous, and to interest these young
English lads he adopted a method of hunting them
that was both novel and successful. Indeed, it is a
very rare method, which was here successfully tried,
on account of the difficulty of getting a dog sufficiently
trained to do what is necessary. But this old native
had, by great patience and kindness, so drilled his
clever dog that he acted his part with extraordinary
skill and tact. He called the little fellow Koona,
which is the Cree for snow, and was very appropri-
ate, as the animal was of the purest white.

Taking the dog into the canoe with them, and
giving all necessary directions, they soon were glid-
ing along the coast of the great bay. Numerous
flocks of ducks flew over their heads, and far away
in the distance the water seemed almo'^t alive with
the number of them on the dancing, sparkling waves.
This latter sight seemed to be what the old hunter
was looking for, and the canoe was quickly paddled
ashore, and carried up on the beach. There he care-
fully guided the party along. They had to creep
cautiously behind some low, dense willow bushes that
grew on the shore, with only a broad fringe of white
sand between them and the waters.

Each boy, with his gun and ammunition, was now
assigned his post behind a clump of bushes, and given
his final instructions. The lads were full of excite-
ment and curiosity, and wondered how it was going to
be possible for them to reach, with ordinary guns, the
ducks which were carelessly swimming in multitudes
some hundreds of yards out from the shore. But
they had not long to wait or conjecture. When the
old Indian had seen that all were in their right
places, he gave a low whistle, which was more
like the call of a sea-bird than a human voice. So

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

natural was it that no ])ii'(l around was startled by it,
but the woll-trainod Koona, v.'ho had been left by
the boat, I'ully knew its meaninf^, and now began
his sagacious work. Like a little white Arctic fox
ho was, and like one he began his niitics on the
shore. He frisked and danced around along the
sand, playing all sorts of antics. He walked on his
hind feet, turned somersaults in quick succession ;
he acted as though possessed with perpetual motion,
but not one yelp or bark or any sound did he utter.

A stranger would have imagined that his appear-
ance and strano-o movements would have driven all
the ducks that were near enoufjh to the shore to
observe him and his antics farther out to sea. But
just the reverse happened. A spirit of curiosity
seemed to possess those nearest the sliore, and as they
began to swim in nearer and nearer, their movements
influenced those farther out, until hundreds of splendid
birds were soon swimming towards the sandy beach,
on which the cunning dog continued his peculiar and
varied motions. At lirst he had kept at some dis-
tance from the sands, back of which grew the clumps
of willows behind which tlie hunters were hidden.
But when he saw that his manoeuvres had at-
tracted the ducks near the shore, he gradually
worked d(3wn the sandy beach, until he had them
fairly opposite the muzzles of the guns.

A low bird-cry from his master was the signal for
his change of tactics, and with loud yelping, fox-like
barking, he sprang into the waves.

The ducks, thus suddenly alarmed, instantly rose
up in hundreds, the simultaneous reports of the
guns rang out, and between thirty and forty dead
and wounded, fell back into the w^ater. Oui hunters,
both the Indian and the three boys, leapt from their

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH E VND

lis-
ips
3n.
it-

'or
ke

hi(lin<jj-placeH, and with Koonaw aid secured their
splendid bag of game.

This was rare sport, and aftbrdcd tlie boys so
mucli dehght that old Ooseenieemou decided to
postpone the goose-hunt until next day, and give
them an opportunity of seeing the sagacity of
Koona, the clever little dog that had contributed so
nuich to the success of the expedition, displayed in
another way.

They returned to their places, and were told to
keep as nilich hidden as possible, as the ducks, now
alarmed by the reports of the guns, and the death
and wounding of so many of their numbers, would be
shy and excited, and would keep flying around for
some time ere they would again alight. Koona, in
the meantime, had curled himself up like a ball of
white wool, and was also (juite hidden from the sight
of the flying birds.

In about half-an-hour the ducks began to alight
once more in the w^ater. They were very alert and
watchful, and seemed ]'esolved not to be a second time
caught napping. Buc ducks are silly things, and are
easily deceived, or have very short memories. Any-
way, it was the case with these. When a goodly
number of them were again seen swimming about, a
peculiar sound, like the cry of a sea-gull, was heard,
and soon Koona was observed moving very cautiously
out to a little point on the sandy beach, just in front
of the clump of bushes behind which his master was
hidden. Here he curled himself up into a little white
bundle, and remained perfectly still. Soon after, the
boys were startled by the sounds of the loud quacking
of ducks over the very place where Koona lay so
motionlesss and quiet. At first they were surprised
at this, as not a duck was now seen flying in that

THRKE HOYS TN TIIK WILD NORTH LAND

direction. A little closer investigation showed them
that the ([Hacking sounds were all proceeding from
the mouth of the old Indian, who, like many of his
people, are able to imitate so perfectly the cries and
calls of the birds and beasts of the lakes and forests,
that at times even the most experienced are com-
pletely deceived. In addition, this Indian was also a
ventrilo([uist, and was able to throw his voice so cor-
rectly that the quacking of the ducks seemed to pro-
ceed from where the dog, still motionless, was lying.
The old Indian afterwards explained that the calls
were of ducks that had found something of interest,
and were invitations for other ducks to come and see ;
and that when he had induced some of the ducks to
take up the call, they would go on repeating it until
so many others took it up, that all became anxious to
see what the fuss was about.

"Ducks," added the old man, "are like people —
sometimes curious to see when there is not much
after all."

So, because of the calls to come and look, the flocks
kept flying or swinnning nearer and nearer, and all
there was to see was only a ball of something very
white and still. Not an hour before they were curious
to see the antics of a lively little white dog, now they
were curious to see him apparently motionless and
dead. By carefully peering through the dense bushes,
the boys, with guns loaded, were able to see the dog
quivering with suppressed excitement, as the many
quackings of the ducks told him of the success of his
ruse. However, he was so well trained that he would
not move until the welcome signal was given. And
then, with a bound and a bark he was up, and again,
as the startled birds rose in the air, the reports of
the guns rang out, and nearly as many more fine

TriRER HOYS ly TIfE WILD NOllTir f-AND

(luck.s fell before tin; Hi'inultaneous disclmr^e. This
was capital sport. Kooua's sat^acity aiul thorough
trainin;^, in beiii*,^ thus ahh; to \)v'\n\f the duckH within
ran«,'e of the <;unM, first hy liis comical antics and tlien
by his perfect (piiet, very nnich deli^dited the lads.
Their oidy re^ijret was that, when they wante<l to
pet and fondle him, he resented their familiarity, and
growled at them most decidedly. Indian dot^s do
not, as a rule, take to white people at first, but kind-
ness soon wins them, and they often ])ecome fast
friends.

The canoe was a<^ain launched, and the hunters
proceeded a couple of miles further, and had some
more trood shootin;^. Very proud and happy were
they with this their first day's experience, and often
did they in after days have much to say of the
marvellous cleverness of the spotless Koona.

As the bri<^ades were not yet ready to leave for the
interior with the supplies for the trading posts, Mr
?d'Tavish readily Consented to another excursion,
quietly obs'^rving that the return of a few such well-
loaded canoes would add materially to the Fort's
supply of food.

This second excursion was to be to a more distant
place, where were some favourite feeding grounds of
wild geese. Geese are very fond of a jointed quill-
like grass, and when once they have found where
their favourite food grows, there they resort in great
numbers, and, unless very persistently hunted, will
keep in the neighbourhood until they have eaten
it all.

As the distance was so great, it was decided to
make an all -day trip of it, and two canoes were
requisitioned, with two experienced Indians in each,
of whom one, of course, was Ooseemeemou. To hin\

TIIKMK I'.OVS IV TIIK WIM> Nn|!T|| |,.\NI)

th<» l>oyH hm] hccoino very iimcli attached, an<l as ho
had soinc knowliMl^^i^ ot* Kii^^h.sh, they were ahU; to
f^et a ^(hkI (hal of relialtle information from him.
Some food and kettk's were taken ak)n«r witli tlwm,
and okl OoHecmecmoii put in the bottom of each
canoe a {^ood-sized oil-cIoth and a couple of hlinketH,
Hayin»i^ an he did ho, —

" Kinc weatlier to-(hiy— may not he ho very h)ng."
Frank and Ak'c were; /jivcn j^ood piacen in one of
the canoes, and Sam was phiced in cliarj^c of tlio
other two IiulianH. Each l)()y was furnislied with
two <^uns and plenty of annnunition. Being eager
to g(!t to the hunting grounds, they each selected
a paddle jind were found to be not unskilful in
its use, even in a birch canoe, after a few lesHonn
from their Indian attendants. With the best winhea
of all who wei'e not too busy to come down to the
launch to see them off, they started on their excursion
under the nkilful, steady strokiss of the Indians.
Aided by the boys they were able to niake about
seven miles an hour, and so in about three hours
they reached their destination. The splendid exer-
cise, and the bracing air, gave them all good appetites,
and they pulled up in a secluded little bay where
some dry wood was to be found. Here a fire was
kindled, the kettles were filled with water and boiled,
and a good, substantial meal of the delicacies of
the country was spread before them. What the bill
of fare was we know not, except that the principal
part consisted of some of the ducks shot on the
previous excursion. The dinner thus prepared, and
eaten on the rocks, was much enjoyed by the boys,
but they were kept in a perpetual state of excite-
ment by the numerous cries of the wild geese. These
could be distinctly heard, and the birds could fre-

TMiniF IU)VS IN THK WIM) N<H«TII I.AND

rs,

De-
jse
re-

quontly he Reen, as thoy kopt flyinjjf In ^ivjit linoH
or trinn^los to and from tlioir frodiijcr ^ri'ounds.

Ah tlii.s was a Tavoui'ltc I'csort for tlu* Indian
linntcrs, pioparations lia<l ln'on made for ^ooso
linntinj^. Lar;^a», nest-like piles of dry hay, reeds
and inshes, had h(,'en j,nithere<l in certain favourite
phices. In the centre of each of these a hollow, like
a hird's nest, liad heen formed, lar^e enou<(h for two
persons to ensconce theniselv<'S cosily in, and so low
down as only to he ohserved hy the ^ecse when
Jlyin<^ directly overhead. After dinner, four of these
big, nestdike allairs were freshened up with some
bundles of dry grass, which was cut in an old, disused
beaver meadow.

A number of old decoys, made to look like geese
when feeding, were arranged in th(; right position,
which always varies according to the direction of
the wind. Then Ooseenicemou, taking Frank with
him, gave Alec and Sam eacli in charge of a
clever Indian companion. One Indian, whose name
was Oostaseemou had a nest to himself. Thus
assorted, our party took possession of their four
nests and awaited developments. The boys were
greatly amused at the queer, little, white cotton caps
which each one had to put on. Everything in the
way of colour had to be carefully hidden. Geese
are not easily alarmed by anything white, and will
come quite near to persons thus dressed.

While waiting for the arrival of the game, the
boys were instructed how to act in case the geese
should come within range. They generally fly
down with the wind, and arise facing it. Hence
the decoys are so arranged in the goose-grass, that
the geese, in coming down to join those already there,
must, in availing themselves of the wind in order

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

to help them to alight, come within range of the
nests in which are hidden the liunters. Then when
the firing of the guns alarms them, and those unhurt
rise to escape, they have so to use the wind to help
them that they again come within range, and thus
receive a second volley. When the second volley
is fired, the dead are quickly secured by the hunters,
who jump out of the nests, and make chase after
the wounded. There is a lot of fun, and some
danger of ugly knocks, for an old wounded goose
sometimes makes a good fight, and can give a most
wicked blow.

Fortunately for our young hunters, a good stifi*
breeze was blowing w^hen they took their places
in these queer nests, and with their two guns apiece
in position patiently .waited the arrival of the geese.
Several flocks had been seen in the distance, and
their strange cries were heard on every side. While
the men were on the move getting things read}^
none of the wary birds came within range. How-
ever, now that all was still and quiet in the vicinity
of the choicest feeding grounds, a few old out-
guards appeared cautiously flying over, and seem
to have reported that nothing w^as to be sron in
the nests but some patches of snow. The Indians
say that the geese mistake them, when dressed in
white, for lumps of snow. Soon afterwards a great
flock was seen coming with the wind, from the
south, directly towards them.

Old Ooseemeemou began to imitate the call of
the geese, and throwing his voice so that it seemed
to come from the decoys, it appeared as if they in the
goose-grass were saying, " Honk ! honk ! honk ! "
which the Indians say is the
"Food! food! food!" '

goose

lanoruaire for

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

of
led

llie

! "

for

Ooseemeemou knew well how to imitate them,
and the gn at flock understood it as the call from
some of their fortunate companions ; and down they
came with the wind, passing in close range on the
left-hand side of the hunters.

" Bang ! bang I bang ! " rang out the guns of the
three boys and of the four Indians, and five or six
great geese tumbled to the ground, some of them
dead and others badly wounded. The startled,
frightened, surviving geese, that thought they were
going to have such a feast among their fellows, had
only time to turn round and strive to escape by
rising up against the wind, on the opposite sides of
those dry nests. This was what the clever Indians
knew they would do, and as they came within range,
struggling against the wind, each hunter, white and
Indian, at once used his second gun, and nearly as
many niore plump geese dropped to the ground dead
or wounded.

Now the fun began. There was a hasty springing
out from the nests, and every man and boy dashed
off for his goose. The Indians were wary and
experienced, and knew how to act. But our en-
thusiastic boys, in the excitement of securing
their first wild goose, recklessly rushed in to the
attack.

Alec was the first to come to grief. The old
gander that he was pursuing had a broken wing,
but as his legs were all right he led him a lively
chase of several hundred yards. Then, seeing that
he was being overtaken, he stopped suddenly and,
turning the well wing towards the boy, awaited
his coming. Alec, seeing him thus standing with
one wing hanging broken to the ground, anticipated
nothing but an easy capture, and thoughtlessly

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I '

attempted to throw himHclf on tlie bird and capture
liiin in his arms.

Poor fellow, when picked up, he could hardly
tell what had happened, only that it seemed to
him he had been pounded with sledge-hammers,
and had seen some thousands of stars.

\Vhat had really happened was this : The instant
Alec sprang forward and stooped to seize his game,
the goose, with his un wounded wing, hit him such
a blow on the head that it quite stunned him, and
this had been followed by several other blows in
rapid succession. Fortunately old Ooseemeemou
was not far off. He rushed to Alec's rescue and
speedily despatched the bird, and thus delivered the
boy from the humiliating position of being badly
whipped by a wounded goose. Poor fellow, he long
carried, in the black and blue marks on his body,
the effects of the fierce blows which had been rained
upon him.

Frank had conquered his goose without any mis-
hap, but Sam had, in reaching out to seize hold of
the one he was chasing, received such a blow on
his elbow from a wing, that he fairly howled from
the pain, and was not able to fire another shot during
the rest of the day. It was news to the boys when
the Indians told them that an old goose with one
blow of his wing has been known to kill a large
fox, or to break the leg of a man. So the lads,
while delighted with the success of their first goose
hunt, ever after had a much greater respect for, the
poor, despised goose than before.

With the veering of the wind, the decoys were
changed so as to bring the geese again in the right
direction in range of the guns, and the sport con-
tinued until evening. Then, after a hasty supper on

fP.*

is-
of
on
irom

thref: novs in the wild north land

tlie rocks in tho glorious gloaming that lasts for
many hours in those high latitudes in the summer
months, tlie canoes were loaded, and three very tired
but happy boys, who wanted to paddle, went to sleep
instead long ere the hospitable home of their host
was reached.

The Indians are the kindest men in the world with
whom to travel. Hardly knowing how it happened,
the boys were carefully lielped to their quarters in
the Fort. Here, when their bruises were bathed, Hit^y
ate their suppers, and said their prayers, and then
there was the long nine hours' dreamless slumber,
" Tired Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."

When, next morning, the boys were discussing the,
to them, glorious adventures of the two preceding
days, it was agreed among them that the accidents
and honours were about even. While Alec and Sam
had had their laugh at Frank for his misadvent ;re
with the canoe, the tables were completely turned
on them in the incidents of the goose-hunt.

^rge

(' I . .t.

rere

rht

lon-
on

CHAPTER III

f i

;'f \

Writing JournalH — Fur-laden Brigades — Valuable Furs —
■ Hunting Preparations — Big Tom, the Famous (juide —
The Start — First Camp on the Rocks.

Soon after breakfast and a glorious plunge batli in
the cold waters of Hudson Bay, the lads were
informed by Mr M'Tavish that the ship was
now about unloaded, and that just as soon as the
brigades, with the last winter's catch of furs, which
were looked for every hour, arrived, she would
with the first favourable wind begin the return
voyage. He suggested that, instead of hunting that
day, they should devote the hours to writing letters
to their friends far away, as months would elapse
ere another opportunity would be theirs. Of course
th'"£ kind suggestion was readily acted upon, and
in an unused office in one of the buildings, Frank,
Alec and Sam were soon busily engaged in their
epistolary work.

Before leaving home they had been furnished with
regulation journals, and had been offered substantial
rewards if they would write something in their books
every day. Readily had they promised, but, alas !
when the Atlantic storms had for some days assailed
them, their good resolutions, though stimulated by ' e
promised rewards, failed most signally. During the
first few days after starting, they had so much to
write about, and had so filled up the pages tluit they

I-

m-f

)se

)ir

tl!

KNOCKKD o;'l 1!\" A COOSK

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 25

all regretted that their books were not I vger, or
chat they had not three or four pages for each day.
This, however, had all changed. The pages were
now too large, and it was a burden to write even a
few sentences.

We need not stop here to give any detailed
accounts of these letters, suffice it to say they were
just such as any of the bright, happy, boyish readers
of these pages would have written, under similar
circumstances, to their loved parents anc friends
far away. It was noticed that while they were
full of fun and laughter while writing to their
school chums, and other comrades, yet when
they took in hand the letters to their mothers
there was a quiet time, and some throats had
lumps in them. All right, boys; we think
none the less but much the more of you because
of your love and affection for your mothers,
between whom and you now • rolls the wide
Atlantic. Months will elapse ere letters from home
will reach you, or you will have the opportunity
of writing again, and so now, while you have
the chance, send loving letters to the precious ones
at home whose love excels all other earthly love.
Frank, Alec and Sam all have, as you have, good
mothers. They never gave bad advice, but always
the bvst counsel. They never led the boys astray, but
ever stimulated them to a noble life. They always
loved, and were ever more anxious to forgive and
forget than the boys were to be forgiven.

Great was the excitement and noise at the Fort
next morning, and very early were the boys astir to
see what was the cause. The long-expected brigades
of boats had arrived with the cargoes. As the
furs were all sorted in well-packed bales weighing

TIHiEE Mr)VS IN THE WILf) NoHTll I.ANf)

III ■'

eacli about <M<,^hty or ninety pounrlH, the work of
tran.sferrini^ them to the Hliip did not take very long.
However, one boat in running some wild, dangerous
rapids had been submerged, and nearly lost with
all its crew, who escaped only because they could
swim like otters. The carw) of fur had all ironc
under the waves, ere rescued, and it was necessary
to open the bales, with which the boat had
been loaded, and diy tlieir contents in the bright
sun as quickly as possible. This work much
interested the boys, and as the assortment of furs
was a varied one, they had their first opportunity
of seeing what rich and valuable skins this wild
country could produce.

There were no less than six varieties of foxes, the
most valuable being the black and silver ones. Then
there were cross foxes and blue foxes, as well as
white and red ones. The rich otters and splendid
black beavers greatly interested them, and especi-
ally the prime bear and wolf-skins. And as they
looked at them and many other kinds, their mouths
fairly watered at the prospect of being engaged,
during the next few months, in the exciting sport
of capturing the comrades of these in their native
forests.

Yes, they would succeed in some instances, as
our book will tell; but now, as they looked at
these splendid skins lying so quiet and still, they
little imagined the dangers and hardships which
would be theirs ere the fierce bears and savage
wolves they were to assail should render up their
robes.

Very much interested also were they in the hardy
voyageurs, or trip men, who manned these brig-
ades. Dark and swarthy were they, with beardless

THKKK HOVS I\ THE WFLD \(H{TII LAND

•27

as
at
they
liich
here

leir

rdy
rig-
less

faces, and lon^^ black hair that rested on tliiir
shoulders; from remote and different regions liad
they come ; brigades from the Assiniboine, Ked
River, Cumberland and the Saskatchewan region.
Many of the boatmen were of the Metis, lialt'
French and Indian, and they spoke a language that
was a mixture of both, with some English inter-
mixed that was not always the most polite.

From the mighty Saskatchewan had come down
that great river for a thousand miles, and then
onward for several hundreds more, brigades that
had, in addition to the furs and robes, large
supplies of dried meat and tallow of the country,
and carried many bags of the famous food
called pemmican, made from the flesh of the great
herds of butfalo that in those days, like " the
cattle on a thousand hills," thundered through the
land, and grazed on its rich pasturage and drank
from its beautiful streams. The men of these
Sa'skatchewan brigades were warriors who had
often been in conflict with hostile tribes, and could
tell exciting stories of scalping parties, and the tierce
conflict for their lives when beleaguered by some
relentless foes. Some of them bore, on face or scalp,
the marks of the wounds received in close tomahawk
encounter, and for the gift of a pocket-knife or
gaudy handkerchief from our eager boys, rehearsed,
with all due enlargement, the story of tl^e tierce
encounter with superior numbers of their bitterest
enemies, and how they had so gloriously triumphed,
though not unscathed, as these great scars did
testify.

Thus, excited and interested, the boys wandered
from one encampment of these brigades to another.
The word had gone out from the chief factor,

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Mr M'Tavish, that they were his special friends, and
as such were to be treated with consideration by >>.\\.
This was quite sufficient to insure them a welcome
everywhere, and they picked up no small amount of
general information as they became accjuainted with
people from places of which they had heard but
little, and from others which were until then to
them unknown.

In addition to those already referred to, there
were brigades from Lac-la Puie, the Lake ol: the
Woods, Cumberland House, Athabasca and Swan
River, and other places many hundreds of miles
away.

Soon after their arrival each brigade formed its
own encampment, separate from the others. Here
the tires of dry logs were built on the ground, the
meals prepared and eaten, and when the day's work
was done the men gathered around the fire's bright
glow, smoked their pipes, and laughed and chatted.
Then each wrapped himself in a single blanket and
lay down on the ground to sleep, with no roof above
him but the stars.

As the goods brought from England in large bulk
had to be made up into bundles, called in the lan-
guage of the country "pieces," each weighing from
eighty to one hundred pounds, so that they could
be easily carried around the portages by the Indians,
several days would elapse ere the return trip could
be begun. Full of interest were these days to the
boys, as from camp fire to camp fire they wandered,
making friends everywhere with the Indians by
their hearty, manly ways.

At first the wildest and fiercest-looking fellows
most attracted them, those bold warriors who could
tell of scalping parties and horse-stealing adventures

i;»

-Jimt :*,

ars,

ion

I all

)ur-

the

;ood

3 to

liefs

I far

and

-_j

TIIUKK HOYS IN TIIK WII^D NOUTII LAND

iiiiioiij^ tho wiirlikc trilx'H of the ^vont plains. After
a while, however, they t'ouiKl themselves most inter-
ested in the bri^^adrs that could travel fastest, that
had the record of making' the lon^rost trip in the
shortest time. What at tirst was a surprise to them
was that the l)ri<^ades that held these best records
were those of the Christian Indiana, who spai-ed
time to say tlusir prayers moi'ninfj^ and 'venin^, and
always halted on Sunday. \\y this it was proved
that those hard-working men who rested one day in
seven could, and did <lo, better and faster work than
those who knew no Sablmth, but pushed on from day
to day without pause. Man, as a workin;; animal,
needs the day of rest, and with one otl' in seven,
will, as has been here and in other places proved,
do better work in the remaining six than he who
takes no day of rest at all.

In three days after the arrival of the furs,
which were estimated as beint; worth in London
over three hundred thousand pounds, they were all
safely stowed away in the vessel, and a favour-
able wind sprinf^incr up from the south - west, the
anchor was lifted, the sails hoisted, and the good
ship Prince Arfhar started on her return voyage to
the Old Land. The boys waved their handkerchiefs
and shouted their farewells until the vessel was far
out on the dancing waves like a thing of life and
beauty.

To Big Tom of the Norway House Brigade had been
entrusted the responsibility of taking the boys safely
from York Factory to the residence of Mr Ross. His
Indian name was Mamanowatum, which means " O
be joyful," but he had long been called Big Tom on
account of his gigantic size.

Ample resources had been sent with the boys to

I I

THREE IJOVS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

pay for all they might want. Mr M'Tavish got
an expcriencod clerk to look after their outfit, and
select for thein everything needed, not only for the
journey but for their requirements during the year
of their stay. So they were furnished with what
was calK-l the yearly supplies, for which York
Factory is the best place, keeping as it does large
reserve stocks for all the interior trading posts.
Their Enijlish boots were discarded for moccasins,
and fi-inged leggings were manufactured out of
skins, and various other articles
suitable to the wild country were

well-tanned
of appr* el
obtained.

Two good Hudson Bay blankets were purchased for
eacli boy, and as they had come to rough it, it was
thought best to give them no tent, but each one had
in his outfit a large piece of oiled canvas in case
of a fierct itamstorm. They were given the usual
rations of. foodj wath tea and sugar, for so many days,
and each lad w..s furnisiied with a copper kettle, a
tin cup, a tin plate, o knife, fork and spoon. As for
luxuries, they funiished themselves with towels, soap,
brush and comb. In addition to these supplies for
this first trip, there was sent up all that would be
needed during the long months that they were to
spend in the country.

The boys were specially anxious that the supply
of ammunition should be most liberal. For weapons,
they each had a good double - barrel breech - load-
ing gun, then just beginning to come into use,
which had been carefully selected for them ere
they left home. In addition, they each had a first-
class sheath knife, with hilt, good for close hand-to-
hand encounters with animals, and also useful in
skinning the game when killed or in cutting kindling

THREE noYS [N THE WIED NORTH LAND

tor

>ap,

for

wood i'or a fire. A tirst-class knife is an indispensable
requisite for a liunter in the North-West. Indeed,
there is a saying in that country, " Give an Indian a
knife and a string, and he will make his living and
his way anywhere.'

A brigade in the Hudson Bay service consisted of
from four to twenty boats : each boat was supposed to
carry from eighty to a hundred pieces of goods, or
bales of fur, in addition to the supplies for the men.
They were made out of spruce or balsam, and were,,
like large skiff's, shai-p at both ends.

Each was manned by nine men. The man in
charge was called the steersman. Standing in the
sharp angle of the stern, he steered the boat either by
a rudder or a long oar, which he handled with great
skill. The other eight men rowed the boat along with
great oars, in the use of which they were very clever.
Each boat was provided with a small mast and
a large, square sail. When there was no favourable
wind the mast was unstepped, and lashed on to the
side of the boat under the row-locks. Often for days
together only the oars were used. This was specially
the case in river routes. However, in the great lakes,
whenever there was any possibility of sailing, the
mast was stepped, the sail hoisted, and the weary
toilers at the oars had a welco.ne rest, and often did
they need it, for the work was most heavy and
exhausting.

In each brigade there was a boss who had control
of all the boats. He gave the word when to start in
the morning and when to camp at night. His word
was absolute in all matters of dispute. He had the
privilege of selecting the best boat in the brigade, and
was supposed to be always at the front. When
dangerous rapids had to be run, or death in any form

Til REE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

had to be risked, in storm or hurricane, his boat had
to be the first to face tlie trying ordeal, and his hand
to be always on the helm. Only the well-tried steers-
man of many years' experience could hope to reach to
this position, and when once it was attained, unceasing
vigilance was the price paid for the retention of the
post. One mistake in running the rapids or a single
neglect to detect the coming of the storm in time to get
to shore, and securely cover over the furs with the
heavy tarpaulins, with which each boat was supplied,
was quite sufficient to cause him to lose the much-
coveted position. About the only liberty taken with
him was when the boats, with each big sail set, were
crossing a great lake to try if possible, by superior
management, to get to the distant shore ahead of
him.

The start was made about three o'clock in the
afternoon, as is the general custom of these brigades
of boats. The idea is only to go a few miles
for the first day and thus find out if everything is
in thorough working order, and that nothing has
been forgotten.

The camp was made on the bank of the river where
dry wood was abundant, and where there was some
sheltered cove or harbour in which the boats could
be secured in case of violent storms coming up in
the night ; not an unfrequent occurrence.

Big Tom appointed one of the Indian oarsmen to
look after the boys. His duties were to cook their
meals, select for their beds as smooth and soft a place
as it was possible to find on the granite rocks, or, if it
happened to be a soft and swampy place where the
boats stopped for the night, he was expected to forage
round and find some dry old grass in the used-up
beaver meadows^ or to cut down some balsam boughs

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

on wliich tlie oil-cloth would be spread and then their
blanket beds would bo made. These boughs ot* the
balsam or spruce, when broken up, make a capital
couch. The boys, after a few nights' experiments with
various kinds of beds, became so much attached to
those made of the spruce or balsam that unless very
weary with some exciting sport during the day, they
generally took upon themselves the work of securing
them at each night's camping place.

Tables were considered unnecessary luxuries. The
dishes were arranged on a smooth rock, if one were
to be found. The food was served up by the Indian
attendant, and the three boys and Big Tom sat down
and enjoyed the plain but hearty meal. It is gener-
ally the custom for the commodore of the brigade to
take his meals with any travellers he may have in
charge. When they have dined, the Indian servant
or attendant sits down and has his meal. After
supper, the Indians who had more quickly prepared
and eaten their suppers, as they waste but little time
in details, gathered round the splendid camp fire, and
for an hour oi- so engaged in pleasant chat, and while
having their evening smoke showed to each other
their various purchases secu-od at York Factory. At
this post they are allowed to take up in goods half
of the wages due for their services, and they carry
these along with them in their boats.

After a final visit by the different steersmen to
their boats to see that everything was snug and tight,
and a consultation with Big Tom as to the likelihood
of a storm coming up, they all gathered round the
camp fire for evening prayers. Big Tom took charge
of the evening service. He first read from his Testa-
ment, translated into his own Indian language and
printed in the clear, beautiful syllabic characters in-

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

vented by one of the early missionaries. After the
Scriptures were read, Martin Papanekis, a sweet
singer, led the company in singing, in their own
language, a beautiful translation of the evening hymn.
Then they all reverently bowed their heads while Big
Tom offered up an appropriate prayer.

Very sweetly sounded the voices of these Christian
Indians as here, amidst Nature's '.■ litudes, arose from
their lips and liearts the voice of prayer and praise.
The effect on tlve boys was not only startling but
helpful. In tlieir minds there had been associated
very little of genuine Christianity with the ] ddians ;
indeed just the reverse. They expected to meet them
with tomahawks and scalping-knives, but not with
Bibles and hymn-books ; they expected to hear war-
whoops, but not the voice of Christian song and
earnest prayer.

As the boys lay that night in their blanket beds on
the rocks, they could not but talk of the evening
prayers, and perhaps that simple but impressive ser-
vice did more to bring vividly and helpfully before
them the memories of their happy Christian homes
far away than anything else that had occurred since
they left them.

•\ '■4-

CHATTER IV

iil

An Efn-ly '''all— The Picturesque Route — The Toilsome
Portage. — Rival Brigades — First Bear — Alec's Suc-
cessful Shot.

So excited were the boys with their strange, roma-ntic
surroundings that, the first night they lay down in
their beds thus prepared, not far from the camp fire
on the rocks, thoy could hardly sleep. It was indeed
a new experience to be able to look up and see the
stars shining in the heavens above them. Then, when
they looked around, on one side they saw the Indians
reclining in picturesque attitudes, smoking their pipes
and engaged in quiet talk. When they turned and
looked on the other side, there was the dense, dark
forest, peopled, in their young imaginations, with all
sorts of creatures, from the fierce wolf and savage
bear to the noisy " whisky Jack," a pert, saucy bird,
about the size and colour of a turtle dove, that haunts
the camp fires, and, with any amount of assurance,
helps himself to pemmican and other articles of food
if a bag is left open or the provisions are exposed to
his keen eye. Still soundin^ in their ears were his
strange, querulous notes, forming not half so sweet
a lullaby as the music of the waves that beat and
broke, a few yards from where they lay, on the
pebbly shore.

But " tired Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep,"
came after a time and in dreamless slumber were

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

they wrapped, nor did they stir until, early next
morning, they were aroused by the musical voice of
Big Tom, from whom rang out the boatman's well-
known call, —

" Leve, Leve, Love ! "

This is not Indian, but French, and has been taken
by the Indians from the early French voyageurs who,
long years before, used to traverse many parts of
these wild regions to trade with the Indians. Quite
a number of names still remain in the country as
relics of these hardy, early French explorers. The
real Indian call is, " Koos-Koos-Kah ! "

This ringing call met with a prompt response
from all. No one dared to remain for another nap.
At once all was hurry and activity. The fires
were quickly re-kindled, copper tea-kettles speedily
filled and boiled, a hasty breakfast eaten, prayers
offered, and then, " All aboard ! " is the cry of Big
Tom, The kettles, blankets and all the other things
used are hastily stowed away, and the journey is
resumed.

If the wind is fair, the sail is hoisted, and merrily
they travel on. If not, the heavy oars are brought
out, and, as they rise and fall in unison, the boats
are propelled at the rate of about six miles an hour.
Three or four times a day the travellers go ashore
and boil the kettles and have a meal, for the air of
that land is bracing and the appetites are always
good.

The route used for so many years by the Hudson
Bay Company to transport their goods into the in-
terior from York Factory is utterly until for naviga-
tion, as we understand that word. The rivers are
full of wil(^, dangerous rapids and falls. Some of
these rapids can be run at all times during the

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 87

summer, others only when the water is high. Many
of them are utterly impassable at any time. The
result is that numerous portages have to be made by
the boats and cargoes. As the making of a portage
was exceedingly interesting to our boys, we will here
describe one.

The boats were rowed up against the current as far
as possible and then headed for the shore. There, at
the landing-place, they were brought in close to the
rocks, and every " piece " of cargo was taken out.
These " pieces " were put on the men's shoulders, one
piece, generally marked H. B., being fastened at both
sides by a carrying strap, which in the middle is
drawn across the bearer's forehead. Upon this first
piece thus fastened, one or two more pieces are
piled, and the Indian starts with this heavy load
along the rough and rocky trail to the end of the
portage. This end is the place beyond the rapids
where safe navigation again commences. In quick
succession the men are thus loaded, until all the
cargoes are transported from one side to the other.

The boys were very eager to help, so they quickly
loaded themselves with their guns and blankets, and,
striking out into the trail, along which they saw the
Indians were hurrying, they bravely endeavoured to
keep m sight those who had started just before them.
To their great surprise they found this to be an utter
impossibility. The swinging jog-trot of an Indian
does not seem to be a very rapid pace, but the white
man, unaccustomed to it, finds out very quickly that
it takes long practice for him to equal it. At first the
boys thought that it was because they had loaded
themselves too heavily, and they quite willingly
took a rest on the way, dropped their blankets and
gun§, and, sitting down on a rock beside the trail,

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I !

watched with admiration the Indians speeding along
in single file with their heavy loads. Many of these
men can carry on each trip three pieces — that is a
load of from two hundred and forty to three hundred
pounds. .

As Ayetuni, the Indian who had charge of the
white boys' cooking arrangements, was passing them
while they sat there in the portage, he said in broken
English: •

" White boys leave guns and blankets ; Ayetum
come for them soon."

This was quite agreeable to the tired lads, and
they started up again, Frank saying as they did so, —

" Now we will show them that we can keep up to
them."

Gallantly they struck out, but to a white boy, run-
ning over an Indian trail, where rocks and fallen
trees and various other obstructions abound, is a very
different thing from on a smooth road in a civilised
land. For a time they did well, but, when hurrying
along on a narrow ledge of rock, an unnoticed creeping
root tripped Sam up and sent him flying over the side
of a steep place, where he went floundering down
twenty or thirty feet among the bracken and under-
brush. Fortunately, he was not much hurt, but it
needed the assistance of two Indians to get him up

again.

Thus rapidly passed the days as the brigade hurried
on. Not an hour was wasted. It was necessary to
move on as quickly as possible, as not twenty-four
hours would elapse ere the next brigade would be dis-
patched from York factory ; and not only would it be
a great disgrace to be overtaken, but the rivalry and
strife of the boats' crews in the portages, in their
efforts to see which could get their cargoes over first,

»i

«.'

^pp^w^^pw^r

J^"'

MAKINC A I'ORTAtlE.

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

would 1)(3 most intense. Sometimes there is bad blood
and quarrelling, especially if the brigades happen to
be oi rival tril)es.

Hence, it was ever the plan of the great Company,
that employed them all, to keep them at least a day
or two apart, on these adventurous and exciting
journeys. To Big Tom and his men had been given
the post of honour, and it was well known that such
was his skill as a leader, and so well was he backed
up by his well trained, stalwart men, that, unless some
great accident happened, no brigade following would
have any chance of catching up to him ere his
journey was finished.

One day, when passing through a lake-like ex-
pansion of the river, they saw a large black bear
swimming as fast as he could, directly ahead of them.
Suddenly, the cry was raised —

"A bear! a bear!"

The men bent to their oars, and there was an
exciting chase.

Fortunately for the purauers, it was a wide, open
space, and the bear was far out from land. Even in
these heavy boats, the men can row faster than a
bear can swim, and so the chase bega* , Knowing
well the habits of the ])ear, the men's first efforts were
to cut him ott* from tlie mainland, and thus oblige
him to swim for one of the many islands which could
be seen on ahead. If they could succeed in this
he would have a poor chance, as the boats would
speedily surround him there. Bears know that
they are not safe on islands, when hunted, and so
cunningly endeavour to keep from them. If so
unfortunate as to be obliged to take refuge on one,
when closely pursued, they do not seem able to keep
quiet or try to lie hidden and unseen, but just as

TIIRKE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTTT LAND

soon aR possible ihoy nmko the attempt to reach the
mainlaiul, and there hide themselves away From thcnr
pursuers, in the dense forest or underbrush. Tliis
peculiarity of the bear is well known to the Indian
hunters, so, in this case, the first object of the men, as
they would hardly be a])le to get near enough to this
big fellow to shoot him in the water, was to head him
off from the mainland, and thus force him on an island.
In this they succeeded as they desired.

Frank, Alec, and Sam were intensely excited, as
the chase advanced. In their zoological gardens they
had often seen and watched various species of bears.
There they were in captivity, and could do no harm.
Here, however, away ahead of them, like a great
Newfoundland dog, was this big, fierce fellow, wild
and free, making the race of his life to escape from
his relentless pursuers.

At first he struck out for the mainland and made
the most desperate efforts to reach the shore; but
when at length he saw one of the boats surely crawling
along, so that it would soon be between him and the
point of land towards which he was swimming, he
accepted the situation, and struck off for a large island
that seemed to be densely covered with trees and
underbrush. -

Nearer and nearer came the boats, propelled so
vigorously by the muscular men, whose great oars
rose and fell with all the precision of clock-work, and
who were pleased as they saw they were gaining
on their prey.

Big Tom's boat was at the front, and he said
to the excited boys, who could hardly restrain
themselves :

" You boys want to shoot him ? "

Of course they did. What boy, under similar

TIIUEE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

circumstances, would not have given almost anythinf^
for a shot at a bear in a position like this ?

So the guns were quickly loaded, and, under Tom's
direction, the boys were given a position, one after
another, in the steni of the boat. Grandly di<l the
men row so as to bring the bear within range ere the
island should be reached. When the bear was about
two hundred feet from shore, Tom, who had had some
(lifHculty in restraining the boys from firing, now
ordered the men to cease rowing, and, as had been
arranged with the boys, he gave the word to Sam to
fire. Quickly rang out the report of his gun.

" Did you hit him ? " sdid Big Tom.

" I think I did," was Sam's odd reply, " for sec, he
is swimming faster than he did before I fired."

This quaint answer was mot by shouts of laughter
from all who understood its comical meaning.

" Now, Frank, it is your turn," said Big Tom.

Carefully aiming for his head, and, really, there was
not much of it to be seen, for a bear swims low in the
water, Frank fired, and a liowl and a vigorous shaking
of the head told that he had been hit somewhere, but
not enough to stop his progress. The boat, under the
momentum it had received from the oars, was still
moving on about as fast as the bear was able to
swim.

** Now, Alec," said Big Tom, as the lad took his
position in the stem of the boat, " when he tries to run
through the shallow water near those rocks your turn
comes. Hit him behind the shoulder, good young
Scotchman."

At the kindly mention of his nationality the blood
of Alec suddenly rose, and he felt his hand grip that
gun, and his eye strangely brighten ; and he resolved,
if possible, he would make the shot of his life.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Steadying himself, he waited until the bear was
exactly in the place and position mentioned by the
experienced old hunter, who stood behind him. Then
he fired. As the report rang out, there was also
heard the dull thud that told that somewhere the
fierce brute had been struck, but, to Alec's mortifica-
tion, he gave some desperate bounds, and finally
reached the shore. There, among the rocks, he sud-
denly dropped as in a heap. A few seconds after,
some of the Indians, with their guns, jumped over-
board and cautiously waded towards him through the
shallow water. Their caution, however, was alto-
gether unnecessary. Alec's bullet had done its work,
and the bear was stone dead. The Indians found,
when cutting up the body, that the ball had gone
completely through him. The wonder was, that the
great brute had been able to move at all after being
so struck. But bears have an immense amount of
vitality, as hunters who shoot them often find out to
their own cost. So here was the first bear killed,
and Alec was the hero of the hour. While modestly
he received the congratulations, he naturally felt
very proud over the accuracy of the shot that had
brought down a great black bear.

Speedily did some of the Indian hunters get out
their knives and begin skinning the great animal.
While doing this they made a discovery that very
much pleased Frank, and that was that his bullet
had gone clean through the ear of the bear, and had
thus caused those howls and the angry shakings of
his head which had been observed by all after Frank
had fired. As a bear's head is very small, Frank's
shot was an exceedingly good one, when we take
into consideration that he fired from a movinc: boat
and at some distance.

'In

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

" First blood, anyway for Frank," said Alec.

So it had turned out to be, although Alec's had
been the shot that had brought down the game.

The beautiful black robe and the meat were soon
carried by the stalwart men to the boats, and the
journey resumed. That evening at the camp fire all
had abundance of bear's meat for their supper. It
was very much enjoyed, for the meat of these
animals is good, tasting something like young pork
with a gamey flavour.

1)! i

Eij

CHAPTER V

Robinson's Portage — Gunpowder Transportation — Hole in
the Keg — A Frightfu) Explosion — Ensconced at
Headquarters — Delightful Home in the Wilderness —
Sturgeon Fishing — Involuntary Plunges.

At Robinson's Portage there occurred a startling
accident of quite a unique character. It caused
much consternation both among the boys and the
Indians.

In one of the boats, most carefully guarded,
were a number of barrels of gunpowder for
the different trading posts. Large quantities of
this dangerous material are required for the Indians
all over the country. The Company is very par-
ticular in its transportation, and only the most
experienced men are allowed to have charge of the
powder boat.

When the brigade reached Robinson's Portage,
which is a long one, the men who had charge of
the powder carefully rolled or dragged the barrels
across the portage, which has over its whole length
a fairly good forest road. The rest of the men with
their carrying straps conveyed as usual the many
pieces and piled them close to the landing-stage.
Three boat-loads of supplies as well as the cargo of

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

gunpowder liad been taken across and piled up
ready for re-shipment. Before brint^ing over the
other cargoes and dragging the great boats, wliich
were as usual to be hauled overland by the united
strength of all the men, it was resolved to have
dinner at the place where they had landed, and then
go on with their work. Wood was gathered, a fire
kindled and dinner prepared.

While the men were at dinner it was noticed
that the fire had spread, and had reached the place
in the dry grass where the powder kegs had
been placed when they had been taken out of
the boats, and before they had been carried to
the other end of the portage. Soon the Indians
and boys were interested in seeing a fuse-like run-
ning of fire, spluttering and flashing as it hurried
on and on along the road, until at length it dis-
appeared ov^er the hill leading to the other end of
the portage where the barrels of powder and bales
of goods were now piled. For a moment or two
the men continued their dinners ; then suddenly
there was a report so loud and deafening that those
who were standing were nearly thrown to the ground,
and all were so shaken that it seemed as thoufrh a
small earthquake had occurred.

In an instant the cause was surmised, and away
they hurried as rapidly as possible to the other
end of the portage. A strange sight, indeed,
met their gaze. Some of the trees were badly
shattered, aud parts of those left standing, instead
of being covered with green foliage, were decorated
with coloured calicoes, ribbons, tattered blankets,
men's clothing and many other things. The well-
piled - up bundles and pieces had disappeared, and
the contents seemed to be anywhere within the

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Ji [

radius of half a mile. A large quantity had been
blown out into the river and had gone floating
down the stream.

Where the piles of powder kegs had stood there
was an excavation in the ground, but, alas ! no
powder was left. All had gone to cause the great
explosio.i that had seemed so like an earthquake.
Of course Big ^J^om and his men were a humiliated
lot, for there is a great deal of ambition among these
hardy boatmen to deliver their cargoes in as good
condition to the Hudson Bay Company's officials as
possible. But here was a disaster. Three boat-loads
of supplies, as well as a cargo of gunpowder, were
annihilated, or nearly so.

Quickly did they set to work to secure what was
in the water, but that was now of little value. Some
of the most adventurous climbed the liio;li trees and
managed to pull off a few of the garments there
securely lodged, but much was beyond their reach,
and for several years these articles fluttered in the
winds of winter and of summer, and vividly reminded
all who passed of that singular disaster.

And how had it come about ?

This was easily found out. One of the powder
barrels had a little unnoticed hole in it, and from
this had silted out a tiny little stream of powder
all along the whole length of the portage. When
the flre was kindled, at the other end where the
dinner was cooked, it spread to the beginning of
this strangely-laid fuse, which iu running along
had so i iterested those who had seen it at the
commencement, but who had had no idea of there
being any danger in it, or of the damage it would
inflict upon the supplies.

" vVell," said Big Tom, in his quiet way, "I am

■

THKEE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

re
Id

sorry for John Company to lose so much property,
but he is rich and it will not hurt him. I am glad
we did not, as is our general way — come over here
and have our dinner near our loads. If we had
done so, perhaps some of our arms or legs might be
now hanging up there in the branches where those
red calicoes and other things are."

So, while all regretted the great misfortune, they
were very thankful that there had been no loss
of life or limb. With a will they set to work,
and soon the other cargoes were carried over, and
the boats were dragged across by the united crews,
quickly launched and re-loaded, some with only half
cargoes on recount of the disaster, and then the
journey was resumed.

How Big Tom explained the story of the ex-
plosion to the Hudson Bay officials, and what were
their answers, we know not ; suffice it to say Big
Tom w^as vory glum for some time after, and was
not anxious to have many questions put to him in
reference to the interview.

To the residence of Mr Ross the boys were
escorted bv a party of the Forts' clerks, after they
had dined at Norw^ay House. All their outfit,
w^hich fortunately, like themselves, had escaped the
explosion, was brought over a few hours later by
some of the servants of the Company.

The hearty welcome which the boys received from
Mr Ross and his family at Sagastaweekee we have
already mentioned.

During the evening the chief factor and some of
the other officials of the Fort, who had had advices
of the coming of our three young gentlemen, Frank,
Alec and Sam, came over to meet them. They most
cordially welcomed them to the country, stating at

48 THREE IJOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

tlie same time that they had received, via Montreal
and Fort Garry, advance letters in reference to them,
and would gladly carry out the instructions con-
tained, and do all they could to make the year's so-
journ as pleasant and interesting as possible.

This was good news to the boys, and also to Mr
Ross, who, now that he was no longer actively in
the employ of the Company, was a little nervous
about the reception which would be accorded to these
young hunters, who had come into the country at
his personal invitation.

Strange as it may now appear, it is a well-known
fact that this great fur-trading Company looked with
jealous eye upon any persons coming into these terri-
tories, unless they came on the Company's own ex-
clusive invitation, and kept themselves completely
under the Company's direction and guidance. How-
ever, the old despotic rules were being relaxed, and
in the case of our boys, thoughtful friends at home,
who had influence with the London directors, had so
arranged matters that everything favoured their
having: a deliijfhtful time.

That they had it these pages will surely testify.

As we have stated, very cordially were they
received and welcomed by their host, whose home
was on the mighty Nelson River, a few miles away
from Norway House Fort. This great establishment
of the Hudson Bay Company was for many years
the great distributing centre for the supplies sent
out from England to the many smaller posts
throughout the country. The houses were very
substantially built of hewn logs, boarded over and
painted white. They occupied the four sides of a
hollow square, room only being left for two or
three massive gateways. The interior was, during

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NOKTH LAND

41)

the summer months, kept beautifully green, and was
the favourite resort alike of the Company's officials,
employees and servants, and their white and Indian
visitors.

The relations between Mr Ross and the officials
from this large establishment were most cordial ;
visits were frequently interchanged, and the boys
were always welcome guests.

The house which Mr Ross had built was as good
as the materials of the country afforded. The walls
were of squared logs, the interstices between them
being made as nearly frost-tight as possible. The
outsides were well boarded and so was the interior.
As there is no limestone in that part of the country,
the partitions dividing the rooms were all made of
timber.

In the fall of the year, ere the ground froze hard,
the house was banked up to the lower edges of the
windows. Double sashes were placed in every
window. As there is no coal to be had, wood
is used altogetlier in its place. Great iron stoves
are employed, in which roaring fires are kept burning
continuously from October until May. In this
genuine native house the three boys soon settled
down and felt themselves to be as members of its
delightful family.

Shortly after their arrival there were eager con-
versations as to the various excursions that could
be made, and the different hunting expeditions that
would be possible. While they expectod to have
some good times hunting the bears, beavers, wolves,
reindeer and other animals that were within easy
reach of their present liead(|uarters, they were
also ambitious enough to hope that they would be
able to get to the haunts of the buffalo on the

THRRK ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

ill

1 I

j^reat western prairies, of the musk ox in the far
north, and even of the j^rizzly bear in the mountain
ravines.

In tlic meantime tliey had much to interest and
amuse themselves with in studying the habits and
customs of the Indians who were constantly comint^
to see Mr Ross, who was a universal favourite, and
the wis^ counsellor and adviser of all in trouble or
-norplexity. With the twelve or fifteen splendid dogs
xvliiii: he owned they soon became fast friends, and
had m • 7 a run, either in the forests or along the
shores of the great water stretches that were near.
Each boy soon had his favourite dog, and naturally
did all he could to develop its intelligence and bring
out all its latent sagacity. While in a measure they
succeeded, they also found, in some instances, that
in some dogs dowmright mischief and trickery
could be as easily developed as the more noble
qualities.

The canoes, of course, were tackled, and after a
few laughable upsets they quickly became experts
in their use, and had many a glorious trip and
many an exciting adventure. Often did they go,
in the company of their host and some experienced
Indians, to the place still retaining the name of the
Old Fort, although the buildings were destroyed long
ago. There the accumulated waters of some scores
of rivers that pour into Lake Winnipeg rush out
in one great volume to form the mighty Nelson
River.

In this picturesque region, rich in Indian legends,
and the resort of various kinds of game and a favourite
spot for fishermen, many happy days were spent by
our young friends in fishing and hunting. Then,
when wearied with the varied sport, delightful hours

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

go,
iced
the
ong
)res
lout
Ison

ids,
nte

len,
»urs

were passed away aa, gathered round tlic bright,
blazing camp firca, they listened to tales of bygone
days and stories of adventure told b^ white or
Indian.

These excursions often lasted for a number of days
at a time. So the party, which sometimes consisted of
from eight to a dozen persons, carried with them in
their canoes not only their guns and ammunition, but
their kettles, food supplies and blankets. When the
day's hunting was ended, the supper was cooked at
a fire made on the r .ks, its principal item being
usually some of the ^ar j just shot or fish just
caught.

As the boys' dexterity in the use of the canoes in-
creased, they became niore adventurous in their ex-
cursions, and one d. /, in company with experienced
Indians, they struck out from the Old Fort, and
went as far as to the mouth of the great Saskat-
chewan River. The long trip across the north-
western end of Lake Winnipeg was most exhilarating.
Up to that time they had no idea that birch canoes
could ride in safety such enormous waves, or be pro-
pelled along continuously with such rapidity.

They camped on the shores of the great river,
near the foot of the rapids, the only ones to be
found in it for a thousand miles. Here they
cooked their evening meal and lay down to sleep.
The music of the rapids was a pleasant lullaby
that soothed them into refreshing slumber.

Early next morning they were visited by a
number of friendly Indians, who informed them
that the sturgeon were very numerous at the foot
of the rapids, and that excellent sport could be
had in killing some of them.

While the usual method of capturing the sturgeon

TIIKKE T^OYS TN TTIK WILD NORTTf LAND

I T

' I

is with large gil-ncts, a more exciting way is by
spearing tlicm below the rapius, where at times
they gather in large numbers, or by shooting them
as they spring into the air. To spear a large
sturgeon from a birch canoe, and not get an upset,
is a difficult matter. For a time the Indians alone
did the spearing, but after the boys had watched
them at it, they imagined that it was not such a
very difficult affair after all, and so asked to be al-
lowed to try for themselves. The Indians at first
hesitated, as they well knew how ditHcult it really
was, and thought that the boys had better keep at
the safer sport of trying to shoot those that sprang,
porpoise-like, out of the water. This itself afforded
great amusement, but, while exciting, was not very
successful, as it is extremely difficult to hit a
sturgeon with gunshot, so rapid are its move-
ments.

• The boys had done fairly well, and as the
great fish — from five to eight feet long — floated
down the rapid current when shot, some old
Indian men and women, on the look-out in their
canoes, were made the richer and happier by being
allowed to take possession of the spoil. This was
the thought ever in the minds of the boys —
that, whenever possible, no matter v/hat they
caught in the waters or ^ shot in the forests or
elsewhere, if they could not use it all themselves,
to have it reach some old or feeble Indians who
would be thankful for the gifts thus bestowed.
This kindly feeling was most commendable, and
everywhere secured them the goodwill of the
Indians, never jealous of those who, visiting
their lands merely for sport and adventure,
do not kill the animals simply for the love of

or
ves,

ved.
and
the

ting

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NOHTH LAND

killiii<^', Itut arc also dcsiroua that aonuibody may
he heuetited by having for their uae what is thus
slaughtered.

But tlie boys were still anxious for an opportunity
of trying their skill in spearing, and at length they
induced the Indians to let them make tlr attempt,
even if it should not be very successful.

To be ready for any emergency, the cautious Indians
arranged their canoes so that if an accident should
occur to these adventurous lads, they could prevent
anything taking place more serious than a good duck-
ing. In this method of capturing the sturgeon, the
one using tlie spear takes his position in the front
of the canoe, while the others noiselessly paddle
the boat against the current to the spot where stur-
geon are seen to be quietly resting or rooting in
the gravelly bottom of the shallow places in the
current.

Alec was the first to make the attempt at this new
and rather uncertain sport. In a good canoe, manned
by a couple of skilled Indians, he took his position
in the bow, and with a good, strong fishing-spear
in his hands he steadied himself carefully in the
cranky boat, while the men silently paddled him
to a spot where the occasional appearance of part of
a sturgeon above the water betrayed its presence.
The sun, shining gloriously, made the day very de-
lightful, but its very bHghtness was the cause of
Alec's discomfiture.

Nothing more quickly disturbs a sturgeon than a
sudden shadow throwm on the water. Alec, not
knowing this, was being (piietly paddled against
the current, thus facing towards the west. It was
now about noon, and the bright sun w^as on his left.
In this position he ought only to have attempted

TiniKi: novs in tiik wild noktii land

! I

I
f,

' I.

to spear tlie fish on the ]vSt side of liis canoe, where
he would liave tlirown no shadow. I^^norant of this,
as soon uh lie observed a lari^e sturmon nut far
ahead, he (juietly indicated by si^niH to the canoenien
which way he wished them to paddle so as to brin<^
him close enou<^h to spear the fish. The men, not
bein^ able to see the stur<^eon from their positions,
paddled as directed, and Alec was broui,dit close
enougli to make the attempt. Tlie sturgeon seemed
to be an enormous one, and Alec, knowin<^' that only
a most desperate lunge would enable him to drive
the spear through tlie thick hide oi the iish,
now just a little before him on the right, made
the attempt with all the strength that he could
muster.

But, alas ! how different the result from what was
expected ! As Alec threw himself forward to plunge
the sharp spear into the body of the fish, he found
that it met with no firmer substance than the water,
and instead of the spear being buried in the body of
the fish, the momentum of his great effort threw him
out of the boat, and down he went head first into the
river. Fortunately, the water was not deep, and as
the other canoes were not far behind, he was soon
pulled into one of them, a bit frightened, but none the
worse for his involuntary plunge.

Nothing daunted, Sam was the next to volunteer
to try his skill, and on being informed that Alec's
trouble was that he had raised his arm with the spear
so as to cast a shadow which had frightened the fish,
he resolved not to make a similar mistake. Taking
his position as directed in the front of the canoe, his
men paddled him where he would be able to strike
the fish without casting his shadow. Soon the ap-
pearance of the fins of a great sturgeon were seen,

i I-

III

peer

iiig
his
ike
ip-

ili

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NOllTH LAND

and noiselessly the Indians paddled Sam's canoe close
up to it. He was resolved if possible to succeed
where Alec had signally failed. When close enough
to the large lish, which seemed to be utterly un-
conscious of the canoe's jDresence, Sam, taking the
spear in both hands, plunged it well and true into the
body of the great sturgeon, that up to that instant
seemed to have been sound asleep. But there was
a great awakening w4ien it felt that spear-thrust.
Giving a great spring, so strong and sudden that
it seemed fairly to lift Sam, spear and all, out of the
canoe, it started for the great lake. Sam let go the
spear when he found himself being dragged over the
side of the boat, but the Indians afterwards declared
that he huno; on for some time and had a ride on the
back of the great tish.

Like Alec had been before him, he was quickly
picked up and pulled into another canoe.

The Indians imagined that now that two of the
boys had come to grief, the third would not wish to
attempt this risky sport. But these lads were not
easily daunted, and, without any hesitancy, Frank
asked to be allowed to see what he could do. He
had this advantage, that he had observed what had
caused Alec and Sam to fail in their attempts.
Arming himself with a sharp spear, he took the
position assigned to him, and was paddled up to a
place where the fish were numerous. The spear
that he had selected, instead of being one of the
three-pronged variety, was more of a chisel-shape,
and exceedingly sharp. With this in his hands,
he Urmly braced himself in the narrow front of the
canoe, while the now intensely-interested company
watched his efforts. Some sturgeon were observed
very near; but Frank, even in tlie excitement of tlie

l!:|.

^'■^h

\i v!

THREE BOYS IN TJIE WILD NORTH LAND

i I

If I.

moment, was not to be diverted from liis resolve.
He bade tlie Indians paddle him on and on, until
they brouf^ht him close to an enormous fellow
lying (|uiet and still on the gravelly bottom.

Then with all his strens^th Frank struck a blow, so
quick and strong that the first intimation of danger
to the fish was the sharp spear crashing through the
strong, bony scales, through flesh and vertebrae into
the spinal cord, just behind the head. So instan-
taneous was death under this fatal stroke, tliat
there was not even the usual spasmodic spring.
Like as a log might have lain on the water,
so did the great tish. Its only movement was, as
in the case with most large fish thus killed, to
roll over and at once begin to float away on the
current.

"Well done, Frank!" shouted the dripping boys
who pluckily had refused to be taken ashore until
Frank had made the attempt in which he had f o well
succeeded. The Indians were delighted, and, in
their way, were quite demonstrative, and for long
after at many a canq^ fire the story of that
strong, true, successful spear-thrust had to be de-
scribed and acted out.

Thoroughly satisfied with these first experiments at
sturgeon-fishing the party went ashore, and at a large
camp fire. Alec and Sam dried their garments as well
as possible Changes, of course, they had not on such
an excursion. However, they suffered but little in-
convenience, and no bad results followed from their
immersions.

They spent |hother day or two at the mouth of
this great Saskatchewan River, and in the canoes
of some of the experienced Indians who there reside,
they, several times, ran tlie rapids. This w^as wild

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD XDRTII LAND

and exhilarating^ sport, and was vastly enjoyed.
During the return trip, nothing of very great
importance occurred. They shot a number of wild
ducks as they paddled along, and in due time
they reached Sagastawcekee, tired and bronzed,
and full of the adventures of their first outing
from the home of their kind host.

1<1

i'- i:

'i ." *"■:

CHAPTER VI

Indian Implements — Canoeinf^ Excursion — Gunpowder versus
Jack-iish— Loon Shooting — Sam's Successful Shot.

Tpie Indians were originally very skilful in the
manufacture of the few articles tliat were abso-
lutely necessary for their use. The style and
curves of their graceful canoes, altliough only made
of the bark of the birch tree, and strengthened by
supple bands of cedar or balsam, iinA made water-
tight by the gum of the pine or other resinous trees,
have never been improved in any modern boat-
builder's yard. True, fancy canoes are being
turned out for the pleasure and enjoyment of
canoeists in safe waters, but whenever the experi-
ment has been tried of using such canoes in the
dangerous rive^- <i the Indian country they are
found to be not at all equal to those manufactured
by the natives. In the manufacture of their paddles,
and in the spring and lightness of their oars, they
liave never been surpassed, and many a skilful
white 'artisan has had to admit that, after all his
eflbrts to imitate it, there was a something of com-
pleteness and. exact fitness for the work recjuired
about the Indian's production that was somehow
lacking in his owm handiwork.

To the Indian women and clever old men were
left the duties of making the canoes. Our boys
were very much interested in watching them at the

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD yoRTIl T>AN1)

5f>

1
I

work, but were naturally «miioyed at the sj.asr iodic
v.'ay in which tiiey carried on their opci'.vr'ori ., iis
while perhaps for some days they w<« Id w<jrl<
incessantly from early dawni to dark, t'!-;y would
then lay off' for days and do nothino- but lOunge
around and smoke.

As the weeks rolled on, and tlio boys became
}nore and more ac^juainted with the natives, and
acclimated and accustomed to the new methods of
travel, a more ambitious trip for their pleasure was
arran^^c<.l by Mr Ross.

It was decided to go to tlie Old Fort, and after
shooting and lishing there in the vicinity of the place
previously visited, to push on to Sjiider Islands, and
after a short stay in order to enjoy the beauties of
that romantic place, to push on across the north-
eastern part of the great Lake Winnipeg to Montreal
Point, and there to hunt along the coast as far south
as Poplar Point, if the sport w^as good and the
necessary supplies of annnunition an'^- other -essentials
held out. The boys were wild w'bh ^^elight at
the prospect, and were anxious t io aii in their
power to expedite the undertaking.

The Indians of all these re<:ions do not now
give much prominenc ; to the old pictui'es({ue style
of dress with which we have formerly been so
familiar. Feathers and paints are now quite out
of date, still their coats, pants, leggings and moc-
casins are principally made of the beautifully-
tanned skins of the moose and reindeer, an<l
handsomely ornamented with bead woi"k, at v.hich
the Cree women are most skilful. Of course
Frank, Alec and Sam were speedily fitted out in
the dress of the country, and were quite proud of
their appearance. They were also very anxious to

•I H I

;* --'»

*#s

f >

TIIRKi: r.OYS IX TirK WILT) NOKTII LAND

have tlio natives (^ivo them Iii<lian names, as is quite
customary. Tlie Indians, liowevcr, alter some con-
sideration, in wliich a lar<;e (juantity of tobacco
was smoked, decided that as tlie 1)oys were to
remain for a time in the country, they liad better
w^ait for the development of their special pecuh'arities,
or until some ^reat event occurred that would suf,^-
gest appropriate names. While disappointed witli
this decision, the boys liad to rest content.

At first tliey found t)ic use of the soft, pliable
moccasin very strano-c after the heavy ])oots of
civilisation, and for a little while complained of a
soreness in the soles of their feet. These, however,
soon hardened, and then they much preferred the soft
Indian shoes to all others.

(Jn the contemplated trip, Mr Ross decided that, in
addition to some younger Indians, he would take with
liim two old, experienced men, who were perhaps the
most famous hunters of their tribe. One of these
was our old friend VA^ Tom, the other was called
Mustagaii. lie was almost as larg'e as Big Tom, and
hud a wonderful record. We shall hear nnich about
him as these pages advance, and will be delighted to
have him with us in many an exciting hour.

Three canoes were employed on this excursion.
Mr Ross had Mustagan, two Indians, and one of the
boys with him, wliile the other two canoes, which
were not quite so large as his, had in each, one of
the coys and two Indians to paddle them. 80 when
the party starte<l, it consisted of ten persons. Every-
one was well supjjtlied with guns and ^imnuiuition.
The guns used were the nuizzle-loaders of the
country, as, after some experiment with breech-
loaders, there was found to be a good deal of
ditBculty in reference to the supplies of cartridges.

¥1.^

TIIKKK r.OVS IN TIIK WIM) N'oKTIl LAND

•

Tlie usual camping outfit, and necessaries for a
month's outing, were also taken along with them.

While passing through IMay (li-een Lake they amused
themselves one day l»y catching some vary large jack-
fish or pike in the usual Indian fashion. It seemed
very sur])rising that the mere concussion of the air,
caused by the tiring of blank charges of gunpowder,
coukl stun or paralyze such enormous tish.

As they joui'neyed on, a ([uiet "Hush" from Mus-
tagan caused them to look toward the shore, and
there, not far up from tlie sandy bead), were to be

YOUNG UEEi: ON THE SIIOKt:.

seen four beautiful young deer. JMr Ross was
anxious to get on, and nothing special was to be
gained by hunting these beautiful young creatures,
so they were not even disturbed or friiihtened. The
boys watched them for some time and were delighted
with their graceful movements, as like young lambs
they gandjolled on the shore. Genuine sport is not
the useless butchery of inoti'ensivc creatures.

They had some rare spcjrt in trying to shoot the
great northern diver, called in this country the loon.

TTIREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

J' I

It is a bird as larf]^c and licavy as the wild goose. Its
feathers are so tliick and close that they easily turn
aside ordinary shot. Its bill is long and sharp, and
with it, in battle, it can inflict a most ugly wound.
The feathers on its breast are of snowy whiteness,
whiio on the rest of the body they are of a dark
brown colour, approaching to black, llecked With
white. Its peculiar legs are w^ide and thin ; its
webbed feet are so large that it can swim witir
amazing rapidity. On land it is a very awkward
and ungainly bird, and can hardly move along,
but in the water it is a thing of beauty. It has
a strange, mournful cry, and seems to utter its
melancholy notes more frequently before an ap-
proaching storm than at any other time. The
Indians, wlio are most excellent judges of the
weather, and quick to notice any change, have great
confidence in the vaiied cries of the loon. It is a
marvellous diver, having, perhaps, in this no ccjual,
and when pursued, is able to swim great distances
under water with amazing rapidity, only coming
up to breathe for an instant at long intervals.

The loon is very hard to kil). A chance long-
distance bullet, or a shot in the eye does occasionally
knock one over ; but, as a general thing, the Indians,
none too well supplied with ammunition, let them
alone, because when shot they are of but little
worth. Their flesh is tough and tasteless. The
only thing at all prized is the beautiful skin, out
of which the Indian women manufacture very
picturesque fire-bags.

Several of these loons were seen swimming in Play
Green Lake as our party paddled along, and Mr Ross
decided to give the boys a chance to show their skill
and quickness in firing at them, although he hardly

THREE nOYS IV TTIE WILD NORTH LAND

imacrined <iny of them would be struck. As we have
stated, when hunted they swim for long distances
under the water, only comir.^ up for an instant to
brenthe.

The sportsman who would strike them must have
an alert eye and (juick aim, and must tire the moment
they are up, as they <ro down a<^^ain suddenly, only
to re-appcar some hundreds of yards otl' in the most
unexpected place.

The three canoes w^ere paddled to positions about a
third of a mile apart, at the points, as it van'e, of
an ecpiilateral triangle. In this large space thus en-
closed, several loons were surrounded, and the work
of try i no- to shoot them bcixan. Before be<j:innin<r
to tire, the bo^'s had been warned never, under any
circumstance,- to pull a trigger if one of the other
boats should be in line, no matter though a})parently
distant. Bullets, even from an ordinary shot-gun, will
sometimes so bound over the waves as to go innnense
distances, and very serious injuries have resulted. As
it is almost impossible to kill a loon with ordinary
shot, it was decided here to use either buck-shot or
bjillets, as the hunters preferred.

Part of the fun of loon hunting is in the absolute
uncertainty as to the spot where the bird, after
diving, will next show itself. It may appear a
quarter of a mile away, or it may suddenly pusli up
its bright head, and look at you out of its brilliant
eyes not five yards from the side of your canoe. It
has when hunted a certain dogged stubbornness
against leaving the vicinity it was in when first
assailed, and will remain in a small area, even of
a large lake, although repeatedly fired at.

Hardly liad the canoe, in which w^ere Mr Ross and
Frank with their two canoemen, taken its position

! J

( i

THHKK noYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

when a beautiful loon rose up about a liuncbcd yanls
awa}^ and not liavin<( ))een fri<,ditene(l, as no f(un liad
as yet been tired, lie sat there in all his beauty on tlu;
water watching thoni.

" Fire at him," said Mr Koss to Frank.

No sooner said than done, and away -j'lod tlie
bullet well and true on its messaw, and f .irlv and
scjuarely hit the water exactly where the l)ir(l luuU
been; but no bird was there. Quicker than that
bullet could speed acioss those hundred yards the
bird had dived, and ere Frank could recover from his
chagrin, its brilliant eyes were looking at him from
a spot not twenty yards aw^ay. Tlie loon had been
facing the canoe when fired at, and in diving had
come on in a straight line towards them, and now
here he was, so close to them, and looking so intently,
that he seemed to say by his appearance, " I've come
to see what all that noise was about."

So sudden was his appearance that no one in the
boat was ready for him, and ere a gun could be
pointed, he was down again, and, swimming directly
under the boat, rose again on the other side more
than a hundred yards away.

While this had been Frank's experience, the others
had not been idle. As was quite natural, there w^as
a great deal of good-natured rivalry among them as
to which canoe would secure the honour of kill-
ing the first loon. Mustagan, who had charge of
one, was an old hand at this work, and, as he
was a keen hunter, he had caught this spirit
of rivalry that had arisen. He determined to pit
his long experience with these birds against their
cleverness, and it w^as interesting to watch the
contest between him and them. For a time his
efforts met with complete failure, and the birds

TIIUKE HOVS I\ THE WILD NORTK LAND

I'liirly outwitted him, and seemed to enjoy the
t'un.

Mustsi^an, however, was not discouracred, and he
resolved on one more etibrt. lie had learned
from observation that the loon, with its marvel-
lously brilliant eye, seemed to be able to see the
Hash of the gun, and so (|uick were its move-
ments that it could dive ere the bullets or other
missiles reached it. Actin^- on this knowledr^e, he
ri<(i^'ed u]i in the canoe a kind of a barrier, behind
which Sam was seated concealed fro ii the sharp-
sighted bin I.

For a time they were not able to get a successful
shot, although a great deal of anununition was ex-
pended. Alec, with ]5ig Tom and his other Indian
canoemen, was eciually unsuccessful. The loons
themselves seemed to have entered into the spirit
of the thing, and kept bobbing up here and there at
most unexpected places, taking good care, however,
to be out of the way each time a bullet arrived.
It was at first strange to the boys that the bullets
did not follow them beneath the water, but went
bounding ofi' and skipping over the surface, often
for great distances.

At length, when Mr Ross began to fear that the
ammunition had suffered enough, and that the boys
had had sufficient of this kind of shooting — which,
after all, was a most capital drill at quick firing — and
was about to stop the sport, Mustagan pleaded for time
to try one more experiment. He had been watching
the movements of a splendid loon that had saucily
and successfully challenged the guns from each boat
in succession. For some time his quick eye had
noticed that the bird was not (juite so vigilant as
it had been, and he resolved that it should be shot

i*^

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)

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150 ^^" ■■■

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Corporation

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^^^^

''/

«'

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

and thcat Sam should have that lionour. Strange as
it may seem to those who have not had the fun of
trying to shoot loons, these birds get to know that
the hunters they are to watch are those who handle
the guns. Knowing this, Mustagan bade Sam load
his gun with buck-shot and slug. Swinging the
canoe so that Sam -would be completely hidden by the
barrier prepared, he jumped up with his gun in a
conspicuous manner, flourished his weapon, and thus
kept the eyes of the bird on himself every time it
arose. This went on for some minutes, until at length,
as Mustagan did not fire, although brandishing his
gun about, the loon seemed to lose his caution, and
remained up longer each time he came to the
surface.

This was what the wily old Indian was expecting,
and so speaking to Sam, he told him to be on the
watch, and soon he would have a successful shot.
Sam, however, had to wait for quite a time, so erratic
were the loon's movements, and in such unexpected
places did he suddenly come up. But success
generally comes to those who have patience to wait
long enough, and so it was in this case. The
fortunate oppoiMnity came at last, for there, right in
front of the canoe, not fifty yards away, rose up that
beautiful bird, and the same instant, from the unseen
gun and lad behind that little barrier, rang out the
report which followed the fatal missiles that had done
their work, for one of them had cut clean through
the loon's neck, severing the vertebrae, and there
he lay in the water with the snowy-white breast
uppermost.

A rousing cheer told of the successful shot, and at
once, when the bird was secured, the canoes were
headed for the shore. There a dinner was quickly

If 'j

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

prepared, and in glorious picnic style it was enjoyed
by all. The loon was skinned by one of the Indian
men, and subsequently was tanned in native fashion,
and a beautiful fire-bag was made from it, of which
in after years Sam was justly proud.

1 :

ii'

i' : ■

II :'

i.' ' .

CHAPTER VII

The Old Fort Camp— Sam's Eace with the Bear — Indian

Conmients.

A.S the day was now advancing, and they had
already had so much sport, they decided not to try
to reach the old fort on Lake Winnipeg, where
the Nelson River begins, that evening. So they
paddled their canoes to the shore and there formed
a camp. While the older members of the party re-
mained at the lire, some of the younger and more
eager ones took their guns and went ott" to see what
they could shoot.

Frank succeeded in bringing down a great pelican
that, with some others, had been gorging itself with
gold-eyes — a beautiful kind of fish, similar in appear-
ance to large herring, but with eyes so bright and
golden that the appropriateness of the name is at
once evident to all the first time they see it. Frank
carried to the camp his great bird, but was disap-
pointed when told that, as an article of food, it was
worthless. One of the Indians, however, pleased him
when he said that a very beautiful ornamental bag
could be made of the great sac that hung down from
its enormous bill. Alec was more successful, and re-
turned soon after Frank with a number of fine ducks,
which he carried hanging around him, with their
heads crowded under his belt, in real Indian fashion.

«8

THREE BOYS TN THE WILD NORTH LAND

»i

11*

The different Indians who had also gone oft' hunt-
ing returned one after another, and when supper
was ready at the camp fire, about sunset, all had
come back but Sara.

"Where was he?" " Who had seen him last ? " These
were the questions put, but no one seemed able to
give any satisfactory aiiswer.

As it was supposed he might return any minute,
the supper, which consisted principally of the fish they
had caught, and game they had shot, was eaten and
much enjoyed. "

Still no signs of Sam. Mr Ross began to feel un-
easy, and as the shadows of the coming night were
beginning to fall around theni, he called Mustagan
and some of the older Indians to him, and asked
what had better be done. Promptly they responded
that the truant must be found ere the last glimmer-
ing light faded away and the auroras began to
dance and play in the northern sky.

" Let us once get on his trail," said an old Indian
" and we will soon find him."

So the question was again asked, " Who had last
seen him ? "

But there was little need for an answer, as Sam,
pale, excited and panting for breath, suddenly dashed
into their m'dst.

" What is the matter ? " said Mr Ross, while all the
rest, with intense interest, waited for his answer.

All poor Sam could say was, " The bear ! the bear ! "
as he lay panting on the ground.

Mustagan, quick to read signs, was the first to
see what had happened ; and hastily catching up his
gun, and crowding down the barrel a bullet on the
top of the buck-shot with which it was already loaded,
he slipped out from the circle of light around the

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

camp fire and disappeared in the direction from
which Sam had come.

He was not five minutes gone ere the report of his
gun rang out. With all the imperturbable nature of
an Indian, be returned to within easy calling distance
of the camp fire, and asked for a couple of Indians to
join him. Quickly they glided away in the dark-
ness. It was not for long, however, that they were
required. Soon their voices were heard asking that
additional wood might be thrown upon the fire, in
order that they might have a better light. Why they
needed it was evident when they shortly afterward^
appeared, dragging into the camp a splendid bear —
the sight of which at first made Sam jump again, as
though he would continue the journey he had so
abruptly ended at the camp fire.

When Sam had quieted down, he told the story of
his exciting adventure.

Like the others, he had taken his gun and gone off"
to see what he could shoot. At first, he did not
meet with much success. He pushed on and on until
he reached a long stretch of sandy beach, on which he
detected the fresh footprints of a bear. Putting a
bullet into his gun, he bravely started off" to get that
bear. On and on he hurried, reckless and excited,
until at length he saw the fine fellow, not two
hundred yards away, sitting on a flat rock a little
way out from the shore, busily engaged in capturing
fish.

Without any fear, Sam advanced until he was, as
he thought, near enough to kill the bear, who was sit-
ting on his haunches, with his back towards him,
utterly unconscious of his presence.

Raising his gun, he fired. That he bit him, he was
sure, as he said he saw the fur fly from a spot on his

t'.

i 1

SAM h RACK U ITU A IJKAR.

TiiRKK noys i\ Tin: wir.n xokth land

h:>

':h\

%-^

back. The instant the boar felt the wound he pive a
roar of pain, and, turning around, witliout a moment's
hesitation d; -^hed into the water and came for him.

" All at once,' said Sam, in a most comical manner,
"as I saw what a bit; felhnv lie was, and liis re-
solve to try and cultivate a closer ac((uaintance, I
thought I had had hunting enough, and would like
to go home and see my mother, l^ut, as this was
impossible, I decided that tlie next best thing was
to get back to the camp as soon as possible. So I
dropped my gun and started at a great rate. How-
ever, it did not take the bear long to get across that
bit of water, and then on he came.

" M;/, but he did run, and quickly gained upon me.
Then I dropped my brightly coloured beaded Indian
cap, hoping that that would delay him, but he only
seemed to give it a sniff and a tear, and then on he
came. Finding he was still gaining on me, I pulled
otr my leather coat and dropped it on the trail, and
hurried on. Glancing behind me, I noticed that that
seemed to ma,ke him suspicious for a time, as he
carefully examined it. This delay was fortunate
for me ; but soon, to my alarm, I found he was once
more coming on after me.

" It was now getting dark, but fortunately I knew
the way and so dashed in upon you in the manner
I did, just abouc used up."

The recital of Sam'^ adventure and narrow escape
very much excited Frank and Alec, and Mr Ross
looked grave and anxious, and seemed to be thinking
of what would have been felt and said in the home
lands if, during the first few weeks after the boys
had arrived in the Wild North Land, one of them
had been killed by a bear.

The Indians smoked their pipes and listened in

• \

:ji|

1 ■

TIIPEE IIOVS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

.silence to Sam's story, v/liich was translated for
those who did not understand iinf^liHli. It was
evident by their clouded faces that they were not
pleased.

Their actions said, even before they uttered a
word, " The young white brave should not have run
away from a bear. Suppose that the bear had not
been killed, and, after chasing the white hunter into
the protection of the camp fire, had escaped and gone
and told the other bears of his success, what a
rejoicing there would have been among the other
bears, and how bold and saucy all the bears would
have been ever after."

Thus the Indians thought, for they have queer
ideas about bears. Because of the hand-like appear-
ance of the paws of the bear they say there is a
good deal of the human in them. So they talk
about them as holding councils, and taking advice
one from another. And when they attack them,
especially the Indians of these great Algonquin
tribes, they always address them as Mr Bear, and
apologise to them for being under the necessity of
killing them.

Therefore the Indians at this camp fire were simply
disgusted with Sam for running away from that
black bear.

After a good smoke and much cogitation, one
of them, who was a paddler in Sam's canoe, turned
to him and said:

'' You have a good knife ? "

" Yes," said Sam, and he drew the keen, sharp,
double-edged weapon from its sheath in his leather
belt, and handed it to him to examine.

The Indian took it and, after carefully examin-
ing it, passed it on to the other Indians, who all

.^f

•^.>

•7/'*

TUPEE nOYS TX THE WII.H NOUTM LAND

♦ >

«.y*

adiniie<l it. But it was noticed that, in their low
utterances among themselves, there was much of
sarcasm, and even contempt.

After some more smokin*^, another Indian turned
to Sam, and said :

** No tree along the trail where the bear chase
you ? "

" Oh, yes," said Sam, " plenty of them, but I was
afraid to take time enough to try and climb up into
one of them."

This answer, which Sam gave in all honesty, was
too much for the Indians, and the look of disgust
that passed over their faces was a study. However,
the one who had asked the question about the tree
spoke up and said :

" No good cjimbing a tree. Bear better climber
than any huiuer. Tree only good for you to fight
bear at the bottom. Put back against tree. Black
bear rise up and come to hug you to death. He then
never bite or tear, only hug. He try to squeeze the
life out of you. So with good knife, and your back
against a tree^keep cool, let bear come, and when he
stand up on his hind legs and try to hug, you just
give him your good knife straight in the heart.
Bear fall ov^r dead. You not hurt at all. All
needed, keep cool all the time. No brave white
boy, with good knife and plenty trees, must ever run
away from black bear any more."

Thus he went on, in his broken English, to the
mortification of Sam, who found that in using his good
legs, that had often carried him in first in many a
race at school, he had gone down very much in the
estimation of the Indians, who think it is simply
foolishness, as well as cowardice, if armed with any-
thing like a decent knife, to refuse to give battle to

THREE noYS IN THE WILD NOUTH LAND

a bear from the trunk of tlie nearest tree. Thus the
boys were getting hints, and learning lessons by
experience, in reference to hunting.

Mr Ross did not chide the lad, but thought that it
would have been better if, when he discovered tlie
fresh track of the bear, he had immediately returned
to the camp for assistance. I'he fact is, he was very
thankful that nothing worse had happened.

Frank and Alec listened with intense interest to
Sam's account of his race back to the camp, with
the bear at his heels, and both declared that they
would have done likewise. Later on we will find
that they were able to adopt successfully the Indians'
method, much to their delight.

i.#

]

I'y

CHAPTER VIII

Prcservin«f >rt'at — Cunnin<,' Paitiid^'os — (Vlostial Pheno-
menon — Th«^ Fearful Huirieane— Cuii^'ht in the Storm
— DifiUHter — The Mischievous Wolverine — Alec's Shot.

The sun was shining brightly next morning ore tlie

musical " Koos-koos-kah " rang out, calling them from

their slumbers. When the boys arose they found

the big bear already skinned, and some portions of

liis hams, cut as steaks, were being broiled, while his

sparo, ribs were skidded on a couple of sticks, and

were being roasted a nice brown colour in front of

the fire, which burned so brightly on the rocks. The

savoury odour of the cooking breakfast was very

welcome.

A hasty plunge in the fresh water of tlie lake

aftbrded a refreshing bath, and soon they were ready

for their morning meal. " Indians, if they have tlie

chance, are not bad cooks, especially when working

for those whom they respect, so, naturally under the

eye of Mr Ross, whom they loved, they did their

best. Thus, with some of the supplies from home

added to the fish, duck, bear-steaks and spare ribs,

they had a breakfast of which any hunters might

be proud. The delicious, bracing air, the wild,

romantic surroundings, the congenial company, the

picturesque, attentive, red men, gave to this meal

on the rocks, under the blue sky, such an exhilarat-

( i
i I

i I

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

ing effect tliat the boys were fairly wild with delight.
Even Sam had forgotten, in some degree, his excit-
ing race and fright in the rare enjoyment of the
hour.

Soon after, preparations were begun for continu-
ing the journey. The question was, What was to
be done with all the bear's meat, as there was
too much to carry in their caii.jes with the other
more necessary supplies ? So the Indian plan of
preserving meat fresh and sweet was adopted. A
hole was dug in the earth to a depth of three
or four feet, and in it the meat, well wrapt up in
the bear's skin, was deposited. Meat will keep fresh
and good in this way fov many days. The hole
was then carefully covered up and packed down
by the Indians. On the top a large fire was
kindled and then allowed to burn itself out. This
was done to destroy the scent and thus save the
"cache" from being discovered by prowling wolves
and wolverines, that would, in all probability, visit
the camp not long after the hunters had left.

Nothing of much importance occurred during the
trip to the old fort. Their favourite camping-ground
was reached in due time, and the boys had a couple
of hours' duck and partridge shooting ere they sat
down on the rocks to dinner. Each had something
to say, but Frank most amused the party by a
description of an old partridge that kept tumbling
down ahead of him, and acting in the queerest
manner. In fact, so amused was he by the queer
antics of the bird, that he could not find it in
his heart to shoot her. When Mr Koss heard
Frank's story he said he was delighted to hear
that he had not tried to shoot that partridge, as
it w^as undoubtedly a mother bird, with a brood

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

the
)und
|)uple

sat
Ihing

^ling
;rest
leer
in
iard
lear
as
bod

of little ones not far off. Ho went on to tell
not only of the clever tricks he had often
witnessed in V ' old mother birds themselves, but
also how cuniiingly the little ones acted when
suddenly disturbed. They would make themselves
invisible. Some would quickly disappear in little
openings or under leaves, others would cleverly
catch up old brown leaves in their mouths and
suddenly turn over on their backs and lie
still and quiet, thus hidden under the leaves. Mr
Ross said he had seen them do this so quickly
that he could hardly believe his eyes until he
went and picked up the brown leaf and the little
partridge that had so cleverly hidden itself beneath,
and not until the little fellow was in his hands
did it show any sign of life. Then, indeed, it
was wild enough.

During the afternoon the sky became hazy and
slightly overcast. The boys were treated to one
of the peculiar phenomena not un frequently seen
in those high latitudes. First a great circle sur-
rounded the sun, and at the east, west, top and bottom
of it were seen very vivid mock suns. Shortly
after another ring appeared inside this first one,
and then another one on the outside of all, and
in each circle there appeared four mock suns, clear,
distinct and startling. In all, there was the sun
himself in a beautiful halo in the centre, and
around him were visible no less than twelve mock
suns.

While this sight very much interested our lads,
the older Indians were somewhat troubled, and at
onc^ proposed to Mr Ross the removal of their
camp to a sheltered spot, where some dense forests
of balsam and spruce would be a barrier against the

1 J

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THREE BOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

coming storm, which, they said, was not more than an
hour off. Marvellously clever are the Indians in
reading these signs in the heavens, and very rarely
do they make mistakes.

To the boys there was not in these beautiful appear-
ances in the sky anything that portended a storm,
and they were disappointed when told that in all
probability there would be but little hunting for
perhaps some days. While this was not pleasant
news, they willingly fell to work and did their share
in removing to the place appointed. They were very
much interested to see how skilfully the Indians cut
poles, and, taking the oilcloths from the canoes, im-
provised a water-tight roof over a " lean-to," as they
called it, against the storm that, they said, would soon
be on them from a certain point indicated. Large, dry
logs were cut and rolled into position to make a fire
in the front of this improvised tent, under which they
would have to find shelter. Kettles, food and blankets
were brought up to this camp, and the canoes were
carried to a sheltered spot, and turned over and
fastened down w 1th heavy logs and stones.

Very busily were the men employed, and yet more
rapid were the changes that were taking place in the
heavens above and around them. One by one the
circles with the mock suns disappeared. Dark clouds
began to appear in the north-western horizon, and
rapidly they came up in the heavens. Vivid flashes
of lightning were seen, and the rumbling thunder was
heard from the rapidly-darkening clouds all around.
The birds, that had been singing, now flew ofl" to
thick coverts and uttered only frightened cries. A
dense, stufly sensation seemed to be in the air;
for a few moments every sound was hushed, and
a calm, the most profound and ominous, fell upon

I
THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 79

the whole face of nature. Not a blade of grass
or a tall reed in the marshy places near the shore
made the slightest movement. Nature was absolutely
still. It was the dead, weird quiet before the awful
hurricane — the quietude of death before the elemental
war.

Only for a short time did it last ; and, to judge
by the feverish haste with which the Indians
worked, it was evident they knew the meaning
of this calm, and what would speedily follow.
Large logs were piled up as a barrier behind
the improvised tent, while every rope available
was used to secure the poles which held up the
roof of canvas and oilcloth. Poles were lashed
across the top and tied down with the fishing nets,
which had to do as substitutes for something better.
Guns were well wrapped up in the oilcloth covers,
and, with the axes, were placed at a distance from
the camp.

" Get under cover, and hold on to something fixed
and strong," shouted Mustagan, who had been on the
lookout, and saw that the storm was about to burst.

And it was a storm !

A strange, greenish appearance came into the
north-western sky, and then suddenly there was
heard and seen, far away, the oncoming tornado.
The clouds that during the calm had apparently
become motionless in the heavens, all at once be-
came strangely broken and twisted, and then, as
though impelled by some irresistible impulse,
started, with a speed that seemed incredible,
on their wild career. There seemed to roll up
before them the strange colour in the sky, which
now appeared like a great monster on the crest
of the coming clouds. Blacker, denser and darker,

■I

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

>*l

I 3 f

on they came. Far away the sound of the storm
could be heard, while now the forked lightnings
and peals of thunder were almost incessant.

Crouching under the shelter of the tent, Mr
Ross and the three boys stood in the centre, while
the stalwart Indians took the outside positions,
each man with a grip of iron upon the poles and
canvas.

Very strange and very different were the sensa-
tions of the boys. " This is glorious," said Alec,
who had often, with his Highland friends, been
caught in storms amidst the hills of his beloved
Scotland.

" Wait until it is over," said the other boys, " and
then we will tell you whether it is 'glorious' or
not."

" Hold on," shouted Mr Ross. And in almost an
instant a darkness like midnight was on them,
broken only by a vivid flash of lightning, while
the very ground seemed to shake under the awful
thunder. Then the storm in all its fury burst
forth. How they escaped seemed a miracle.
Great trees all around them were bent and twisted
and broken, and went down in scores, until the
air seemed full of the falling trunks and branches.
Large pieces fell upon the frail roof under
which they were sheltered, but fortunately, while
some holes were made, none was large enough to
break through. or injure them; indeed those that
did fall on the tent were really a benefit, as
they helped to hold down the canvas over
them. : . ' ' -

These American tornadoes are not of long
duration. With a speed of perhaps over a hun-
dred miles an hour, they sweep along with irre-

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

re-

sistible power in their wild career. Their fury
is soon spent, and years may pass ere they occur
again. As a very heavy fall of rain immediately
followed this Imrricane, or tornado, onr party was
obliged to remain under their frail tent, which,
in spite of the fury of the winds, thanks to the
skill and strong arms of the Indians, had not
been blown away. However, some of the larger
branches that had fnllen upon it had pierced the
roof in some places, and now, as if out of the
spout of a funnel, about a gallon of water sud-
denly struck Alec on the back of the neck, and-
nearly knocked him over, while he fairly howled
at the suddenness of the dousing.

" Is that sousing ' glorious,' Alec ? " asked Frank,
who was doing his best to dodge the little streams
that, through some other rents, were trying to
reach him.

" Well, no, not exactly," was Alec's answer ;
" this beats anything I ever saw or heard of in
the Highlands, and, now that the w^orst is over,
I would not have missed such a thing for a good
deal."

" What do you think of it, Sam ? " said
Frank.

Sam had cuddled down between Mr Ross and
Mustagan, and at the advice of the latter had
taken the precaution to double up a blanket like
a shawl, and throw it over his head and snoulders.
Very little wet had reached him, yet he had to
confess that he had been terrified by this storm,
which had excelled auy dozen he had ever witnessed
before.

Think of it ! " said he. " Faith, I have just

« rni

ill

I ,

ife.i

THREE HOYS TN THE WILD NORTH LAND

• I-

> i

frVl

been thinking which is the worst — being chase'l
by a fierce old bear, or frightened out of a year's
growth by a tornado. Next time, if I am to choose
between the two, I'll tackle the bear."

This answer caused a hearty laugh, and even the
Indians, who had remained so quiet yet so alert
to watch for any change in the storm, smiled
and exchanged significant glances, and said that
the boy would yet redeem himself.

After a time the rain ceased, the blue sky ap-
peared and the sun shone out again. But what
a change met their gaze as they came out from
under their quickly impt, vised tent, and wandered
around. The beautiful forests seemed about ruined.
In one direction, just as though a great reaper
had gone through a .Splendid mealow and cut clean
to the ground a great swarth of grass, so had this
cyclone gone through the forest. In the centre
of its path not a tree had been left standing.
Every one had gone down before this irresistible
force. Fortunately, it had swerved a little to the
right as it passed by our friends, or they would
not have escaped so easily. As it was. great trees
had fallen all around, and it was a providential
escape that had been theirs ; and for this they
were more than grateful, as they saw on inves-
tigation the effects of the fury displayed by the
tempest as it passed. The spot where the canoes
had been hidden away was, of course, one of
the first to which their steps were directed. A
great tree had fallen across one of them that
had not been placed low enough in the hollow
between the rocks, and it was so crusjjied and
broken as to be absolutely worthless. The others,
however, had escaped, and were none the worse

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

for the storm, although prostrate trees were all
around tiiem.

Blankets, supplies and other things were over-
hauled, in'^ everything that had caught the rain
was soon drying in the warm sun, which was
no'.v smiling serenely upon them. The mock-
suns, or " sun - dogs," as they were commonly
called, all disappeared with the storm, of which
they seemed to have been the harbinger. Beauti-
ful as had been their appearance, the boys agreed
that if their coming was to be so speedily fol-
lowed by such a storm, they would gladly dis-
pense with them in the future ; nor did they see
them again until when in the depth of winter,
they showed up in their weird splendour, and
hti aided forth a blizzard storm, which played its
wild p}'anks most thoroughly. But we must not
anticipate.

Mr Ross and the Indians quickly shifted the
camp to a more pleasant place. A fire was kindled,
and a meal was cooked and eaten, and then there
was a consultation as to the future. One canoe
was destroyed. Could the whole party go in
the other two, or had they better return to Sagas-
taweekee ? As Mr Ross was anxious to hear
whether the cyclone had done any damage at home,
although he had not much fear, for it had appar-
ently come from another direction, it was eventu-
ally decided that three of the Indians should return
there, and bring back with them another canoe
and all the news. They were also to call at the
camp to take home the bear's robe and meat,
which l^d been " cached " in the ground, as we have
described. When ready to start. Alec to the sur-
prise of all, asked to be permitted to go with

It I

THKEL nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

1 1

l fi i

til

•I

them. This recjuest was readily granted, and soon,
in one canoe, with their four paddles at work, they
were speedino along at a great rate.

They pushed on without stopping until they
began to round the point of a narrow tongue
of land V/^hich would bring them into full view
of their camp, although still some hundreds of
yards away. The instant the point was turned,
and the distant camping place came in sight,
the Indian in the front of the canoe suddenly
ducked down his head and whispered a sharp,
quick " Hist ! " and at once arrested the forward
movement of the boat. Noiselessly and quickly
was the canoe paddled back out of sight.

" Whet is the matter ? " said Alec, who was sur-
prised by the suddenness of this quick retrograde
movement, and the quiet, suppressed excitement of
the Indians.

" Wolverine " was the only word he heard, which
was whispered from one Indian to the other. The
utterance of this one word made Alec no wiser,
until one of the men, who understood a little
English, said, " Wolverine find the camp ; smell
the meat ; dig him up ; carry him away ; we kill
him."

This was no easy matter, as the wolverine is, with-
out exception, the most cunning animal in the woods.
He far outstrips in this respect the fox, or wolf, or
bear. What these Indians were going to do must be
done quickly. The first thing was to see that their
guns were well loaded with bullets. The next was tt
find out if the wolverine's quick eyes had seen them,
when for the few seconds they must have been visible
as they rounded the point. The wind was in their
favour, as it was blowing from him to them. The

* * ,

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

or
be
eir
k
m,
ble
eir
'he

oldest of t)ie crew was r-ppointed the leader ; the rest
vere to follow his directions. First of all, he quietly
went ashore, and noiselessly crawling through the
underbrush across the point, was able to see that
the w^olverine was still at work. Evidently the
animal had not the slightest suspicion that his
enemies, the hunters, were near him. Returning to
the canoe, the leader gave orders that they were to
paddle back inf/O the deep bay, so that there would
be a possibility of their landing and getting in behind
him, as their old camp, which he was robbing, was
close to the sliore.

Very noiselessly and yet rapidly did they hurry
back, and land as quietly as possible at a suit-
able spot. It was here decided that three of them,
with their guns, should try and get into the rear of
the camp, while Alec, who had not yet the ability
to travel with the speed and quietness essential to
success, was to take his place just across the neck of
land, where with his gun he could command the
shore, if the wolverine, disturbed by those in the
rear, should attempt to escape over the rocks in
that direction. Before leaving, the leader said to
Alec:

" Do not fire until you see the whi ,es of his eyes,
and then hit him, if possible, between them, or, if it is
a side shot, strike him behind the fore shoulders."

Alec was excited, but he soon conquered his nerv-
ousness, and prepared to play his part well. His
instructions were to wait for a few minutes ere he
began to crawl to his assigned position. He thus
liad an opportunity of witnessing the cleverness and
alertness of the three Indians starting on their critical
work. Making a deep detour, they were soon out
of sight in the forest, without as much noise as

■I

THREE ROYS IN THE WIT.D NORTH LAND

rt 1 1

J-iH

the breaking of a single twig beneatli their moccasined
feet. More like phantoms they seemed, as so quietly
they flitted away. When hr 'bought it was time for

him to move, lie began, Ii i like, to advance to his

assigned position, imitating as far as possible the
movements he had witnessed in the Indians. To his
great satisfaction he reached the designated spot
without any trouble.

Carefully looking over the rocks and through some
underbrush, lie was able to see, through a pocket-
telescope which he fortunately had with him, the
busy wolverine still at work. Yery interesting it
was to watch him, even if it meant the destruction of
all the meat. The wolverine was about as large as a
first-class retriever dog. His legs, though short, were
exceedingly muscular, and he had quite a bushy tail.
These animals are very powerful, and, in breaking
into an Indian's cache, can remove logs and stones
much larger and heavier than one man can lift.
They are very destructive when they find a cache
of this description. They not only have an enormous
capacity for devouring the meat cached by the Indians,
but they will carry away and cunningly hide large
quantities. Over the whole they emit an odour so
pungent and so disagreeable that neither hungry
men nor starving dogs will touch it. The Indians
simply detest the wolverine on account of its thievish
propensities and its great cunning. There is always
great rejoicing when one is killed. As Alec, through
his telescope, watched the mischievous, busy animal,
he became very much interested. He was amazed
at the strength which enabled him to dig out from
the ground a hind quarter of the bear, and easily
carry it away to another place, where he cunningly
hid it. His next effort, which much amused Alec,

4'^

TIIUEE noVS IX THE WILD NoKTIl LAND

was to take the bear's skin in liis mouth and at-
tempt to climb up into a tree that he mi«;ht hide it
amonj^ tlie branches. It was i^reat fun to see the
skin slippinpr under his feet, and tlius causing him to
lose his grip, so that he fell heavily to the ground.
Failure, however, was not in his vocabulary. Again
and again he seized the robe in liis mouth and
endeavoured to carry the awkward thing up that
tree. But, alas for him ! his very determination
proved his destruction. So absorbed had he become
in his efforts to succeed that he was for once in his
life caught off his guard. The three Indians had
succeeded in getting behind him, and had thus cut
off his retreat into the forest. The first consciousness
he had of his enemies was when three simultaneous
shouts, from different parts of the forest behind him,
told him of his danger. Cunning as he was, the
Indians had clearly outwitted him. They knew that
the loud shout from different pt ts at the same time
was about the only way in which he could be puzzled,
and this plan they had successfully adopted.

For an instant only he waited, and then as rapidly
as possible he started along the only route that seemed
open to him, which was the one from which no sound
had come, but which would lead him exactly in the
direction where Alec was waiting for him. This
was just what tho Indians were anticipating. Their
hope was that Alec would make the successful shot ;
even if he failed, so narrow was the tongue of
land or which the wolverine was running, that they
felt that, by spreading out, they had him securely
hedged in, and that it would be an impossibility for
him to escape.

In the meantime Alec had been watching him
through his glass until there fell upon his ears the

riii

■ f

TIIUKK HOYS IN THK WILD N'ORTM T.Wn

Bhouts of the IiKlijiuM. Whon lie saw tlio i'iYvct upon
tho Wolverine, he wuh aniused at the sudden chanj^e.
While busy robbing tho rarho he seemed, by his
saucy appearance, *' tlie inonarcli of all he surveyed."
Now he looked and acted as a craven coward,
whose one thought was to escape. Alec, watching
him, saw him spring upon a fallen log, and for an
instant look in difierent directions towards the deep
forest. The prospect did not seem to satisfy him, for
springing down he at once began his journey directly
towards where Alec was in hiding. When Alec saw
this he quickly put away his telescope, and, seiz-
ing his gun, prepared for his opportunity. It was
fortunate that the distance over which the wolverine
had to travel was considerable, as this enabled Alec to
get his nerves steady and his hands firm. When the
wolverine had come about half the distance, his
cunning susp^ jiousness seemed to return, and fearing
some danger ahead, he stopped and acted as though
he would like to retrace his steps and try some other
plan. Fortunately for Alec the wind was still blow-
ing toward him, and so the wolverine had not caught
his scent. While thus halting and undecided, he
was startled by another shout, which told him that
his retreat was cut off, and so he quickly resumed
his journey.

Knowing the cleverness of these animals. Alec
had taken his position behind a rock, and there,
with trigger drawn back, awaited his oncoming.
" Wait until you see the white of his eyes," had
been his instruction, and faithfully did he obey.

With his strange, slouching gait, along came the
treacherous, cunning brute, until he reached a point
where he stood fairly exposed on the lower of some
step-like rocks. W^ith eye keen, and nerve firm

Al.liC SHOOTS niE WOLVKRINR.

hi
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n fr

■

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Alec stepped out from behind liis cover, and ere
the animal could get over the surprise at his sudden
appearance, the report of the gun rang out and the
wolverine fell dead, struck by the bullet fairly and
squarely between the eyes.

Alec's shout of triumph brouglit the Indians to him
on the run, and they in their quiet way congratulated
him on doing what but few white hunters have ever
done. He had had the honour of shooting one of the
largest wolverines that had been killed in the country
for a long time.

While one of the Indians hurried across the tongue
of land for the canoe, and paddled it around to the
camp, the rest of the party dragged the dead wolver-
ine back to the scene of his depredations. Here they
had the opportunity of seeing the destructiveness
of this animal. Every pound of meat had been
removed from the cache, and so cunningly hidden
away, that not one piece could be found, except the
one which Alec had seen him hide as he watched him
through his telescope. And this piece was so per-
meated with the offensive odour that it was worthless.
Fortunately the bear's skin was none the worse for
its overhauling. While waiting for the coming of
the canoe, the men set to work, and speedily skinned/
the wolverine. The fur is not very valuable, but to
encourage the Indians to do all they can to destroy
them, as they are so destructive to hunters' traps as
well as to supplies, the Hudson Bay Company always
give a good price for their pelts.

A few hours* paddling brought them to Sagasta-
weekee. Here they found all well. Fortunately the
cyclone ha(] passed some miles to the west of them,
and they had escaped its fury. Hunters, however,
had come in who had been exposed to its power and

liii

THREE IJOYS IN THE Wli.D NORTH LAND

had exciting tales to tell of narrow escapes and
strange adventures.

Mrs Ross had become alarmed when she heard
from some Indians, of the march of the cyclone in
the direction in which her husband and his party
had gone. She was pleased and delighted to welcome
Alec back, and to hear from him and the Indians
the story of their deliverance from serious accidents
during the great storm.

The skins of the bear and wolverine were opened
out, and much admired, and then handed over to
some clever Indian women to dress carefully for
their home going. The story of Sam's race from
the bear very much amused them all. Nothing,
however, so much delighted the Indian hunters,
who gathered in, as the destruction of that old
wolverine. It seems that same fellow had haunted
that region of country for some years, destroying
traps, robbing fish scaffolds and meat cachcft, and
playing with all the steel traps that the cleverest
hunters could set for him. Now, however, his reign
was over, and here was his hide, and a big one it
was. Alec was the hero, and although he modestly
disclaimed all the honour except the first-class shot,
the Indians were very proud of him, and showed
it in various expressive ways.

■

CHAPTER IX

Montreal Point — The Governor and the Iroquois — The
Herd of Deer — Ominous Sounds — Pack of Wolves —
A Fierce Battle — Welcome Reinforcements — Victory
— " Playing Possum."

Alec and the liulians started on their return
journey early the next morning, taking with them
a new canoe to replace the one that had been
destroyed by 'Jie falling tree. They tarried not
on the way, except to shoot a few ducks that
were directly in their route. The result was that
they arrived early in the forenoon at the Old Fort,
and were glad to bring the good news that all
were well at Sagastaweekee, and that the storm
had passed by several miles away from them.

Of course, the story of the destruction of the
cache by the wolverine, and of his being killed
had to be told, much to the delight of Fra. k and
Sam, as well as to the satisfaction of the older
members of the party, who all rejoiced that at
length the cunning fellow, that had so long been
a terror and a nuisance, had been killed.

As the storm had completely died away, and the
weather seemed fine and settled, it was decided to
have an early dinner, then push on to Spider Islands

' v.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

1**1 ]

III

and there camp for the night. The re-arrangement
of their outtit was soon completed and the journey
commenced.

Lake Winnipeg is nearly three hundred miles
long, and about eighty wide in its northern part.
It is thus a great inland sea. Storms sweep over
it at times with tremendous fury; it has many
shallows and sunken rocks. The result is that it
requires careful navigation for vessels drawing any
considerable depth of water.

There are some laughable stories afloat about the
nervous, excitable captain of the first schooner, who
carefully came up to the northern end of the lake
from Red River and pushed on as far as Norway
House. He had secured as a guide an old Hudson
Bay voyageur, who had piloted many a brigade of
boats from Fort Garry to York Factory on the Hud-
son Bay. Of course the small boats to which the
pilot was accustomed did not draw nearly as many
feet of water as this three-masted schooner. Still,
he imagined he knew where all the rocks and shoals
were, and quickly accepted the offered position as
guide for the first schooner.

In spite of his skill and care, several times the

vessel bumped against a rock, much to the terror

and alarm of the captain, but all the satisfaction he

could get out of the imperturbable old native was,

^ as they repeatedly struck, —

" Ah, captain, I told you there were many rocks,
and there is another of them."

Fortunately these rocks arc very smooth, and
as the vessel was moving along slowly she was
not at all injured by thus merely touching them.
When, however, she had, in passing over some
sunken ones, nearly stranded on one or two, the

THREE BOYS KT THE WILD NORTH LAND

peppery old captain could stand it no longer, and
so he shouted to the guide :

" Look here, old fellow, I'll not have my boat's
bottom scratched any more like this."

All the answer he could <xet from the stolid man
was :

" Um, bottom all right ; only a few more rocks."

And these few more rocks they managed to get
over, much to the delight and amazement of the In-
dians, who had never seen such a large vessel before.

With birch canoes our friends had no such
trouble. As the wind was fair, the clever Indians
fastened two paddles and improvised a sail f^or
each canoe out of a blanket, and they were able to
sail along at a great rate. But it requires careful
steering, as the canoe is a cranky vessel at the best,
and only those thoroughly accustomed to vhem oughl;
to try to sail them.

The trip across to the Spider Islands was safely
accomplished. The boys were pleased with their
run, w^hich was m* st exhilarating. Those who travel
on the water in great ships only, miss much of the
healthful excitement and delight that is the portion
of those who are brave and adventurous enough to
take some of these trips in the light canoes of the
Indians.

The boys w^ere charmed with the few pictur-
esque islands, and had a joyous time of it, for
the weather was most glorious, yet as there was
no game, except some passing ducks that alighted
at times in the little indentations that served as
harbours, it was decided to push on to Montreal
Point, which is the first landing-stage on the main-
land on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. The point
derived its name from the fact that, in the old days

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

''\

of loiig trips made by Sir George Simpson in the
great birch canoes, manned by the famous Iroquois
Indians, this was the first stopping place from Nor-
way House, on their return voyage to Montreal, some
two thousand miles away. Marvellous are the stories
told of the skill and endurance of those matchless
crews of Indians. Sir George Simpson was a hard
master, and pushed them to their very utmost. No
dallying along the road was allowed when he was
on board. He would put his hand over the side
of the canoe into the water, and if the water did
not fly perpendicularly before him with a swish,
he would reprove in language that could not be
misunderstood.

Very strange does it now appear when we read
or talk to old men who were active participants
in those events of the time, when the ofl[icials
of the Company, from the despotic governor him-
self, down to the lowest clerk, travelled over half
the continent in birch canoes, manned by Indians
or half-breeds looking after the interests of the
greatest fur-trading Company the world has ever
seen. It is, after all, no wonder that they were
in a hurry when the weather was favourable,
as there were times when storms swept over the
lakes with such fury that, in spite of all their
skill and anxiety to push on, they were detained
for days and days together. The wonder was
that more lives were not lost in the daring reck-
lessness that was often displayed. A characteristic
story of Sir George Simpson, so long the energetic
governor of the Company, is still repeated at many
a camp fire.

It seems that on one of his return voyages to
Montreal from Norway House, he was, if possible,

THRKE r.OYS T\ THE WILD NORTH LAND

more arbitrary .and doniineering than ever, and
especially seemed to single out for his spleen a big,
burly fellow, a half French and half Iroquois
voyageur. This half-breed, who was making his
first trip, stood all this abuse good-naturedly for
a time, and tried to do his best, but- one day, at
one of the camping places, where Sir George had
been unusually abusive and sarcastic, the big fellow
turned on him and gave him one of the handsomest
thrashings a man ever received. The rest of the
canoemen pretended to be so horror-stricken that
they could not or would not interfere, until the
thrashing had been well administered to the
governor, and then they made a noisy show of
delivering the tyrant out of the clutches of their
enraged comrade.

Of course, when the governor recovered his voice,
and w^as able to get the better of his anger and
indignation at the fact that he, the great Sir
George Simpson, had been treated with such in-
dignity by a miserable voyageur, he vented, in
not very polished French, his threats upon his
assailant. He said, —

" Just wait until we reach Montreal, and I will
soon clap this villain into prison, and have him
kept there until the flesh rots off his bones."

With this, and other threats of what he would do,
the governor worked off his passion. The imper-
turbable canoeman having obtained his satisfaction
in the thrashing administered, returned to his
duties, and paid no more attention to the threats
of Sir George. What cared he ? It would be many
days ere Montreal was reached, and there were
many rapids to run, and portages to cross, and so
there was no need of worrying about what was

;

I I

' ■

THREE l»)YS IN TFTE WILD NOUTII LAND

distant. But the governor, although he had ceased
to scold, was very glum and distant, and the voy-
ageur began to think that perhaps it would go
badly with him, and he would have to suffer for
his deed. His fears were not allayed or lessened
by his chums, who conjured up all sorts of dire
calamities tliat would befall him, and invented any
amount of stories of pains and penalties that had
been inflicted on others who had dared to resent
the governor's tyrannies.

Tims the days passed, and at length they reached
La Chine, at the end of the Ottawa River, not
very far from Montreal. Here the Company had,
in those days, a large trading establishment. Shortly
after they landed, and Sir George, who was met
by the officials of the Company there stationed,
went with them into the principal building, and
was in close consultation, while the feelings of the
voyageur were not enviable. The big men were
not long in consultation, ere the delinquent's name
was called out in a loud, stern voice. There was
nothing for him but to obey, and so he marched up
into the building and met the officials and Sir George.

To his surprise and astonishment, Sir George
held out his hand, and n^ade a full apology for
his hasty words and petulant temper, and stated
that the thrashing he had received had been richly
deserved, and that it had done him good, as it had
opened his eyes to see that he had grown tyrannical
and overbearing, and was expecting more than
possibilities of the men. Then, to show the genuine-
ness of his apology, he ordered the clerk to give to
this man the best outfit of clothing, and other
handsome presents, and to charge the whole to his^
Sir George's, private personal account.

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

A couple of hours were quite sufficient to take
the boys and Indians across the wide, open expanse
of lake that lay between Spider Island and Montreal
Point on Lake Winnipeg. When drawing near
the coast they were pleased to see some deer sporting
on the shore. It is a peculiarity of some animals
when on the edge of a lake that, wdiile they are
exceedingly alert and w^atchful against any surprise
from the land, they seem to have no idea of danger
from the water. The result is, the experienced In-
dians can, by cautious stalking, get quite near to
them.

This is true of some of the deer tribe, and the
boys now had an illustration of it. These deer are
called in that country by the Indians, Wa-was-ka-
sew. They are very graceful in their movements,
and full of play. The canoes were halted two or
three hundred yards from the shore, and the move-
ments of the small herd were watched with great
interest. Then Mr Ross quietly passed the word
that an effort would be made to get a successful shot
or two. As the guns they used w^ere not to be
depended upon to carry a bullet accurately more
than a hundred yards, it was decided to back up
and make a long detour, and land some hunters
ahead of the deer, in a clump of timber towards
which they seemed to be moving.

Noiselessly the paddles were plied, and when they
were several hundreds of yards out, the Indians
rapidly paddled on to the spot selected, which was
perhaps half-a-mile ahead of the deer. As Alec
had had such a successful time v^^ith the wolverine,
it was decided that this was Frank's and Sam's
opportunity, and so they, with one of the younger
Indians h'om each boat, under the leadership of

TIIHKE HOYS L\ THE WILD XoliTII LAND

tlie famous Musta^^an, wore cautiously landed, each
one witli his ^un, knife, and liunting hatchet. Then
the boats put out a<^ain fioin the shore to watch the
pro<(ress of events.

Not lon^ were they kept waiting, For hardly had
they reached a position where they iina<i^ined their
presence would not be observed, before they saw
that the deer had become very much excited, and
had all huddled close together on the shore. Mr
Ross and the rest at first thought that they must
have observed the canoes, or had caught the scent
of those who had landed. A moment's observation
revealed that this was not the case. The very
position of the deer showed that their fears were
caused by enemies behind them, and they had not
long to wait ere those enemies were first heard and
then seen. For faintly coming on the wind sounded
the long, weird, doleful howls of a pack of wolves.
At first the deer seemed to think of defence. The
bucks formed a compact line, with their antlered
heads down towards the point from which the rapidly-
increasing howls were coming, while the does and
young deer crowded in behind, but net long did
they thus remain. A louder chorus of horrid sounds
reached them, which seemed to tell of triumph
at having struck the warm scent of their victims.
These dreadful bowlings were too much for the
timid deer, and with a rush they were off with
the speed of the wind, running directly towards
the point where Mustagan had placed the two boys
and the Indians. It was very fortunate for them
that, in this hour of peril, they had the cool-headed
and courageous Mustagan in command.

He had been watching the deer from his hiding
place, and had observed their sudden fear and

TnuKi: novs i\ the wild noutii land

precipitate retreat. His lonfj experience at once came
to liis lielp, and before his iciite ear had caut^lit
the sound of the distant howl in (js of the wolves, he
was certain of their coniin*^. With a celerity most
marvellous, he <^athered in the boys and Indians and
([uiclvly explained liow matters stood, and told them
that their bullets would probably be recjuired for
other ^ame than deer.

Taking a hasty survey of the <;round alont; which
he was sure the deer would i\y, pursued by the
wolves, lie arranged his men, keeping the boys with
himself.

His instructions \vere to let the deer go by un-
alarmed ; then, as the wolves followed, for each to
pick out one and tire. If attacked by the rest of
the pack, they were to close in together and tight
them with their axes and their knives. If, how-
ever, they were not attacked after they had tired
they were to load their guns again as quickly as
possible.

"Down to your p)*^ces," sternly spoke Mustagan.

And hardly a moment passed ere the herd of deer
Hew by, some of them so close to the hidden hunters
that they could almost have touched them with their

guns.

fing
md

" Steady, boys ! " were Mustagan's whispered words
to the white lad, crouching down near him with fin-
gers on the triggers of their guns ; but they had caught
his cool, brave spirit, and, although the blood-curdling
howls of the wolves were now distinctly heard, they
flinched not in the strain of those trying moments.

As Frank's and Sam's guns were, on this excursion,
only single barrelled, while the rest were double
barrelled, Mustagan said :

" When tirst wolf reach that stone, Frank, kill him.

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THKEK HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I f

Then Sam hit the next one, then I kill .some. Then
other IndituiH tire. PerhapH other wolves run away.
PerhapH not, ho have axes handy." This advice wan
not ne<(lected, for each axe, keen edged and Hervice-
able, was at the side of its owner.

" Now here they come," sliouted Muatagan.

Nothinf^ can be more trying to brave hunters
tlian such a position as this. Travellers in Russia,
and elsewhere, who have been assailed by packs
of tierce wolves sending out tlieir merciless, blood-
curdling bowlings, can appreciate the position of
1^'rank and Sam. Yet they were true as steel, and
when the word was given by the old Indian, in whom
they had sucli implicit confidence, the guns were
raised, and, with nerves firm and strong, they fired
with unerring accuracy, and two great grey wolves
fell dead, pierced by the death-dealing bullets.

Then Mustagan fired. He was too wise a hunter to
waste a bullet on a single wolf, if, with it, there were
a possibility of killing two, and, so as the two leaders,
who had boen a little in advance of the pnck, had
fallen, he fired at two that were running side by
side. His bullet first went through the body of the
one nearer to him, and then broke the back of the
second.

In an instant there rang out the reports of the
other guns, and as many more of the wolves lay
dead or dying on the ground. Now was the crisis of
the battle. Wolves are the most treacherous and
erratic animals to hunt. Sometimes they are the
most arrant cowards, and will turn and run away at
the slightest appearance of resistance or attack. At
other time's they will continue to advance against all
odds. Their courage and ferocity seem to increase
with their numbers, and are, of course, greatest when

Ip}^'

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THE FIGHT WITH THE WOLV

ES.

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

101

U--

'"'i^

they are half famished for food. Gaunt and half
starved these fierce ones seemed to be. And so when
tlie guns suddenly rang out, and numbers of them fell,
the others were at first .somewhat disconcerted, but
the hot scent of the deer was so close, and the fact
that their enemies were invisible, made them deter-
mined not to yield at this first alarm.

With a rush the survivors, perhaps about twenty-
in number, dashed into the thickets into which the
deer had disappeared, and from which their enemies
had fired upon them. Sudden as was this rush, it was
not quicker than the movements of the hunters, who
had closed in together, and, with axe in hand, were
ready for their wild, mad attack. Mustagan and his
three Indians were in front, while the two boys were
l^laced a little in the rear.

As the pack came on, some of them seemed discon-
certed by the appearance of the hunters, and especially
by the loud shouts which, at Mustagan's orders, they
now made. All wild animals seem to have a dread
of the human voice. Thus it was on this occasion.
Some of the wolves were startled, and fell back, but
numbers of them resolutely dashed on to the attack.
Then it was axe against teeth, and one wolf after
another fell dead, or badly wounded, under the heavy,
skilful blows. Frank and Sam each had the satis-
faction of finishing oft' some of the wounded ones.

The conflict, was a fierce ono, and how it would
have gone with them eventually is hard to say, but it
was victoriously ended by a welcome arrival of addi-
tional forces. Mr Ross, and the others in the canoes,
had also been watching the deer, and had seen their
startled movements and sudden fiight. This had
caused them to use their paddles as vigorously as
possible, and make for the shore. Ere they reached

102

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

It; I

ji '

it the howling of the wolves fell on their ears. Then
they had seen the rapid flight of the herd, and soon
after the wild rush of the wolves not far behind them.
So as speedily as possible Mr Ross and the party had
landed in the rear and hastened on.

The firing of the guns of Mustagan and his party
plainly told them of the position of their friends,
and they cautiously hurried along, and were in
good time to pour a side volley into the wolves
that were now making a fierce attack on the men
and boys.

This was too much for the wolves, and with howls
of baffled rage they turned to the east and disap-
peared in the forest, to be seen no more.

Many and sincere were the congratulations of all
at the success and deliverance.

This was the largest pack of wolves that had been
seen or heard of in that part of the country for
years. The great northern wolves do not as a
general thing hunt in very large numbers as do
the smaller wolves of the prairies, or of the steppes
of Russia, or as the brown wolf used to do in the
new settlements of Canada and in some parts of the
United States. A pack of eight or ten of these
big, fierce northern wolves was considered by the
Indians as many as generally hunted together.
Although, sometimes, when a few got on the trail
of a large moose or reindeer that led them for a
long time, they were apt to be joined by others,
until they mustered quite a number. Mustagan's
idea was, that a number of small, separate packs
had for days been on the trail of the different
deer which had at length gathered into this herd.
All they could do, of course, was thus to conjecture,
but here was the startling fact — they had seen and

^.:

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

103

encountered the largest pack of great northern wolves
e\er seen in that land.

There was still somethincr to be done. While a
dozen or so lay dead where they were shot, others,
badly wounded, were making desperate efforts to
escape. These had to be killed, and while some
were being despatched with axes by the Indians, to
the boys was given the pleasure of sending the
deadly bullets into others, and thus quickly putting
them out of misery.

" Be careful," said Mustagan, " as you move around
among the apparently dead ones. Wolves are most
treacherous brutes, and sometimes badly-wounded
ones will feign to be dead when very far from
it. By this they hope to escape the extra bullet
or fatal blow of the axe that would quickly finish
them. Then when the hunters are off' their guard,
or night comes on, they hope to be able to skulk
away."

This cunning feigning of death, when wounded
or captured, is not confined to wolves. There are
several other animals that often try to play " possum "
in like manner.

The warning of the old Indian did not come too
soon, and fortunate indeed it was for one of the
patty.

The skins of some fur-bearing animals are not
considered prime when they are killed in the summer
months ; the bitter cold of winter very much
thickens and improves the fur. However, sometimes
the bears and wolves are almost as good then as
in the colder months, and bring nearly as high a
price in some foreign markets. As soon as the
work of killing the wounded ones was apparently
over, Mr Ross began feeling their fur as they lay

1)1 ;

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104

TTFREK ROYS IN THE WILD NOKTH LAND

around, ere the Indians commenced the work of
skinning them. To the boys, who were closely
following him, he explained the difference between
what they called, in the fur trade, a ^)?'i'J7ie skin,
and one of inferior value. After several had been
tested in this way, and all signs of movement on
the part of any of the wolves had ceased, thoy
happened to come to one very large fellow, settled
out flat on its belly, apparently stone-dead.

" Here is the finest one we have seen thus far,"
said Mr Ross, as he stooped down and began pulling
at the dark grey fur, while the boys stood around
with their guns held by the barrels and resting on
the ground.

While listening to Mr Ross's explanations in
reference to the different grades of skins, Sam's
sh^rp eyes fancied they detected a slight quiver
in the eyelids of the fierce b^-ute, that was apparently
unconscious of the thorough way in which Mr Ross
was pulling its fur, and testing it in various places.
Not wishing to be laughed at, Sam said nothing
about the suspicion that life was still there, but
nevertheless, withouo attracting attention, he so
changed the position of his loaded gun that it
would not take him long to fire if necessity arose.
And very soon the occasion came. As Mr Ross
moved around to the front of the animal, he stooped
down to feel the thickness of the fur that grows
between the short ears. No sooner had he done
this than, with the fury of a demon, the wolf sprang
up at him, and made a desperate attempt to seize
him by the throat.

He was completely thrown off his guard, but
fortunately, as the brute sprang at him, he threw
up his arm, and thus saved his throat. The arm

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

105

so
it

ise.
>ss

\ed

was pierced by the sharp teeth that seemed to
penetrate through the clothing and flesh to the
very bone. However, that was a last spring, and
a last bite, for before even Mustagan or any one
else could seize a weapon, the report of Sam's gun
rang out, and the wolf fell, dead enough this time.
Sam had put the muzzle within a yard of its side,
and the charge had fairly torn its way through.

So savage had been the attack, and so viciously
had the wolf fastened on to the arm of Mr Ross,
that when the brute fell over dead, the jaws re-
mained set with the teeth in the flesh, and Mr
Ross fell, or was dragged to the ground by the
Ai *ght of the animal. Mustagan and others had
to use the handle of an axe to force open the jaws
before the wounded arm could be released.

" Well done, Sam ! " was the chorus that rang out
from all. After Mr Ross's arm had been stripped
and bathed in some decoction of Indian herbs, which
were quickly gathered and steeped, Sam told of his
suspicions when the eyelids quivered, and of his
precaution in getting his gun ready. Of course it
would have been better if he ha ' mentioned it at
the time, but he feared to be laughed at as he
thought at the time, that perhaps the wolf's eyelids
had the same habit as a snake's tail, of moving for
some time after the animal is dead.

The dead w^olf was examined for other wounds, and
was found to be shot through the body behind the
ribs, where no vital organ had been touched. This shot
had given it a momentary paralysis which had caused
it to drop so flat upon the ground. The Indians'
idea was that it recovered itself w^hile they w^ere
all around it, and cunningly lay still, hoping to get
away when they left, but Mr Ross's handling it

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THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

was too much of an insult to be ignored, and so it
suddenly sprang at him as described.

Of course the wounded arm needed to be promptlj^
attended to more t}iorou<rhly than it could be on
that wild spot, and so every Indian was set to work
to skin the wolves ; and then the liome trip began.

k i

::i

ork

CHAPTER X

Eoniantic Courtship — The Happy Family — A Canoe Picnic
— Miiatagan— A Prowlin<^ Bear — A Woman's Shot.

When the full details of the battle with the wolves
and the prominent part that Sam had played in
the rescue of his friend became known, Mr Ross's
family were at first very much excited at his narrow
escape, and then full of congratulations for Sam's
shrewdness and the promptitude with which he
had acted.

We have as yet said but little about this family,
and so we will use some of the time, while Mr
Ross is recovering from his wounds, in giving a
few details which we are sure will be most inter-
esting, as some of them partake most decidedly of
the romantic.

Mr Ross, like many a Hudson Bay official, was
rather late in choosing a wife. His busy Ui'e in the
service, where on each promotion he was removed
from one post to another, made it almost impossible
to set up a home. When he decided to do so, his
plan was decidedly romantic. In those remote, lonely
regions there are not many white families from which
the young gentlemen in the service can select wives.
The result is many of them marry native women, or
the daughters of mixed marriages on the part of the
older officials. These women make excellent wives
und mothers, and being ambitious to learn, they often

107

108 THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

\ • '

H'l

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V. :

become as clever and bright as their white sisters,
to many of whom they are superior in personal ap-
pearance. Into many a cosy home can the adven-
turous tourist go, and never would he dre.-.m that the
stately, refined, cultured woman at the head of the
home, honoured by her husband, and beloved by
lier children, was, if not of pure Indian blood, at
least the daughter or grand - daughter of a pure
Indian.

Very romantic is the story of Mr Ross's love
adventure, and it is given here for the first time.
Long years before this, when Mr Ross was compara-
tively a young man, he saw in one of the Indian
villages a little dark-eyed native girl who looked to
him as beautiful as a poet's dream. Although she
was only ten or twelve years old, and he over thirty,
he fell desperately in love with her and said she must
one day be his wife. He knew her language, and
soon found that the bright and beautiful child was
willing, some time in the future, to become his bride.

So it was arranged that she should be sent to the
old land to be educated. Fortunately good Bishop
Anderson was returning to England, in connection
with his work in the Red River Settlement, going by
the Hudson Bay Company's ship. Wenonah was
placed in charge of his family on the voyage, and at
the journey's end was sent to a first -class school.
Here, at Mr Ross's expense, she was kept for several
years until she was highly educated as a student,
and then loving, interested ladies taught her, in
their kindness, the things essential for a good house-
keeper to know.

When she was about twenty years of age, she
returned to the Hudson Bay territories, and was
married by the missionary to Mr Ross, who had so

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

109

5he

r&s

well deserved the skilful, loving wife she ever proved
to be. Over twenty years of wedded life had been
theirs before Mr Ross retired from the service, and
several more had passed ere our story opened. Two
sons were away from home as clerks in the Com-
pany's service, at some remote stations similar to
those in which most of the officials had begun their
apprenticeship.

At home were two bright girls about ten and
eight years of age, and a younger brother hardly six,
whose name was Roderick. The names of the girls
were Minniehaha and Wenonah. A delightful home
was theirs, even if in a place so remote from
civilisation. Mrs Ross had devoted much of her time
to the education of her children. The house was
furnished with a splendid library, which Mr Ross
himself had gathered with a great deal of care.
For music, the piano and harp were the favourite
instruments, and several members of the family
were able to play exceedingly well. So well cultured
were they that they would be considered a well-
educated and intellectual family in any land.

There was for a time some anxiety about the
wounds which Mr Roi:^'' had received when the wolf
savagely sprang at him. However, he was under
the careful treatment of Memotas, the Christian
Indian doctor, whose fame was in all the land, not
only for his marvellous skill but for his noble, upright
character.

During the days of convalescence, when it was
thought best for him to keep quiet, so that there
might be the more rapid healing of the wounds, there
were no long excursions made by the boys. The
fact was, they had been so surfeited with excitement
that they were quite contented to remain at Sagasta-

}

Ir !

iii|i '

1 ^•

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THUEK HOYS IN TlfE WILD NORTH LAND

wcekoe and rcvol in its library, in which tliey found
many an interesting vohnne.

Of course this did not mean that they were not
much out 1^1 the canoes, and among the wigwams of
the Indians, who were camped about on the various
points within easy reaching distances. Tlie natives
were always deliglited to see the boys, and utilised
what little English they possessed in order to impart
to them as much information as possible. The visits
to Big Tom and Mustagan were always a great
pleasure. As Mustagan talked English, they were
not obliged to have an interpreter, and they enjoyed
liis company vevy much and were always delighted
when they could set him talking on his Arctic
adventures and narrow escapes in Polar regions.
He was a man with a marvellous history, as he
had been employed in no less than five Arctic
expeditions. He was with Sir John Richardson and
Dr Ray on their desperate expeditions when they
so courageously and persistently endeavoured to
make the sullen North reveal the story of the
destruction of Sir John Franklin and his gallant
comrades. Some of his wonderful adventures w^e
' must have from his own lips after a while.

Although Mrs Ross was, as has been stated, a
refined and cultured woman, still she had all her
nation's love for the canoe and outdoor life. The
result was, many short excursions were undertaken
by her, and her children, to various beautiful, and
picturesque spots within a few miles from home.

On these excursions one or two faithful, well-
armed old Indians were always takeu, as it might
happen that a fierce old bear or prowling wolf
would unexpectedly make his appearance. That this
precaution was necessary was clearly proved by an

DO
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TIIHKK IJOys IN TlIK WILD NoUTll LAND

111

adventure that had occurred some time before tlie
arrival of the boy.s. Mrs Koss, accompanied by her
three youngest children, had taken a large canoe,
manned by a couple of Indians, and had gone to
S2)end the day at Playgreen Point, which was
ever, as its name would imply, a favourite spot
for old and young, Indians and whites. They
liad witli them a large basket of supplies,
and anticipated a very pleasant outing. They
reached their destination in good time, and in
various w^ays were enjoying their holiday. They
had all wandered some distance from the spot
where they had landed, and where the canoe had
been drawn up on the beach by the Indians. These
men, after seeing that everything was made right,
and that there were no signs of prowling wild
beasts around, had, as Mrs Ross had suggested,
^'iken their axes and penetrated some distance into
the interior of the forest, to see if they could find
any large birch trees, the bark of which would be
suitable for a new canoe.

After the young folks had amused themselves
for a time with their spor^.s, they began to think
it was time for a raid upon the luuch-basket, and
Mrs Ross, who had been sitting on a rock read-
ing, shut her book and accompanied them back
to the canoe, where they had left their supplies.
An abrupt turn in the path brought them in
plain sight of the canoe, which was about a
hundred yards directly in front of them. There
was a sight at which they had to laugh, although
there was a spice of danger mixed with it, for
seated in the canoe, with the large hamper in
his lap, was a good-sized black bear, deliber-
ately helping himself to the contents. Gravely

112

TIIIIKK nOVS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

A»

ho lifted to his mouth, in liis hand - like paws,
thn HjindwichcH and cakes, and then he cleared
out with great satisfaction a largo bowl of
jelly, spilling, however, a good deal of it on his
face. Mrs lloss would have endeavoured to retreat
noiselessly with the children, hut the sight of
their dinner disappearing down the bear's throat
was too much for them ; and ere the mother could
restrain them, a simultaneous shout from them
alarmed the bear and (juickly brought his meal
to • a close. The sudden shouting, and the appari-
tion of these people were too much for him, so
jamming what food he had at that instant in his
paws into his mouth he sprang out of the canoe
into the water, and began swimming at a great
rate towards a small island that was directly
out from the mainland. Seeing him thus retreat-
ing, and wishing to keep him at it, Mrs Ross and
the children, with all the display and noise they
could make, rushed forward, and thus caused him
to redouble his efibrts to get away.

This was the wisest thing they could have done.
A bear is quick to notice whether his presence
causes alarm or not. A bold front will generally
cause him to retreat, while on the other hand, if
he sees any signs of cowardice, or thinks he can
terrify his enemies and cause them to fly from
him, he is not slow in being the aggressor and
making the attempt.

Mrs Ross, knowing well some of the characteristics
of bears, and their habits, was not to be taken oft'
her guard, and she was resolved to be prepared
for every emergency. Her first precaution was to
take out one of the guns and load it well with ball.
Then she explored the lunch-basket to find out the

TIIKKK nOVS IN THE WILP NdUTH I.AND

113

extent of the bear's raid upon it. To the chil<]ren's
sorrow tliey found that, from their standpoint, tlie
})est part of the contents of tlie lianipor was ^one.
The cakes and most of the Jam, wliich in that
country is sucli a hixury, as it has to be imported all
the way from Enoland, liad disappeared. However,
there were some packa^^es of bread and butter, and
cold meats, and so they did not starve.

But what about the l^ear. The island which he
had now readied was not more than a quarter
of a mile away. No other one was near, and a
frightened bear dislikes to be on an island. He
seems to be conscious of the fact that he is at
a disadvantage, and he will endeavour to leave
it for the mainl.ind as quickly as possible. Mrs
Ross knew tliis, und she felt, after she had thought
it over, that in all probability, very soon after the
bear had reached the island and observed its
limited area and lack of dense forest in which lie
could hide himself, he would take it into his head,
for his own personal safety, to return quickly
to the mainland. With this knowledge of the
bear's habits, she resolved to be ready for him in
case he made the attempt. The first thing, how-
ever, was to endeavour to recall the men who
were at work in the forest. This she did by
taking the other gun from the boat and heavily
loading it with powder; this when fired made a
very loud report. Three times in f[uick succes-
sion did Mrs Ross thtis heavily load the gun and
fire. She knew that, if the men were within
hearing, the sounds of these three reports, when
there were only two guns, would indicate that
something was wrong, and that it was necessary
for them at once to return.

114

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

But while the reports were heard by the men,
and caused them to start on their leturn at once,
as was desired, they also startled the bear, and so
alarmed and frightened him that he immediately
sprang into the water and began swimming for
the mainland. The ituation was most exciting:.
Here on the mainland was a lady and three
young children. Their Indian protectors were
a couple of miles or so away in the rear, and
directly in front, swimming towards them, was a
great black bear. When half-way across from the
island, he veered a little in order to reach a point
of rock that proiected a little from the main-
land, not two hundred yards away from where
Mrs Ross and the children were. The majority of
people would gladly have let the animal escape.
Mrs Ross and her children, however, were not of
that opinion. His ski'i v/ould make a beautiful
robe. His flesh w^n good for food, and his fat
was the substitute for lard in that land, and was
therefore valuable.

Then, worst of all, had lie not eaten the cakes,
and especially the jam, so, of course, mother must
shoot him when he comes near the shore, if the
Indians do not arrive in time.

Mrs Ross took the precaution to load both guns
with bullets, then launching the canoe she bade
her children get into it, and giving the two elder
their paddles, which, young as they were, they
could handle like the Indian children, she gave
them their orders. She would go to that point
towards which the bear was swimming, keeping
herself well hidden from the bear. When, he
was near to the shore she would fire ; if she
did not kill him with the two shots, or only

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THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

115

badly wound him, she would, after firing, hurry
to where they were waiting for her in the canoe,
and then, embarking with them, they would all
be safe on the water, as they could paddle much
faster than the bear could swim, even if he should
try to catch them.

These were wise precautions in case things
did not go as anticipated. Everything was soon
arranged, and then Mrs Ross, taking the guns,
dropped back a little in the rear, and (juietly and
quickly reached a good position behind a rock,
not far from where it was now evident the bear
intended to land. Carefully arranging her guns,
she waited until the animal was about fifty or
sixty yards away, when, resting one of the guns
on the rock, she took deliberate aim at the spot
between the eyes, and fired.

No second ball was necessary, for suddenly the
head went down and a lifeless body rose and fell
on the shining waves. The bear was stone dead,
and all danger was at once over.

A shout from the children caused her to look
round, and she saw it was caused by the arrival of
the two Indians, who, almost breathless, had at that
moment ajppeared in sight.

As though it were a matter of everyday occurrence,
she said to her men, as they reached her :

" Please carry the guns back to the inading-placc ;
tell the children to come ashore, and then you two
take the canoe and go and bring in that dead bear."

The anxiety that had been in the minds of these
two Indians during the last twenty minutes, while
the}^ had been running two or three miles, quickly
left them, and there was a gleam of pride in their
dark eyes, to think that this cool, brave woman,

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116

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

l^''

whose unerring shot had thus killed the bear, was
of their own race and tribe. Mrs Ross, although the
wife of a great white man, was always the loving
friend of her own people, and did very much for
their comfort and happiness. Here was a deed that
would, if possible, still more exalt her in their esti-
mation; and so this story, with various startling
additions, was long a favourite one in many a wig-
wam and at many a camp fire.

The bear was soon dragged ashore and skinned.
It was then cut up and the meat packed away in the
canoe. And the children rejoiced that he would
never, never steal any more jam.

CHAPTER XI

The Wonderful Stoiy of Ai)etak, the Grateful Indian, and '
the Description of the Trip to, and View of the
Silver Cave, as told bv Mr Ross at Safjastaweekee.

" Tell us a true story to-night," said little Roderick,
the youngest in the family and the pet of all, as he
climbed up on his father's knee.

" Yes, please, Mr Ross," said Sam, " tell us that
wonderful story your father told you about the old
Indian and the silver cave."

It was a capital night for a good story. The rain
was pattering against the window panes, while the
winds, fierce and wild, were howling around the build-
ing, making it vastly more pleasant to be inside than
out, even on a first-class hunting excursion.

As Sam's request was re-echoed by all, Mr Ross
cheerfully consented, and when the^^ had gathered
around him, and taken their favourite places, he
began :

" My father was in the service of the Hudson Bay
Company for many years. He began as a junior
clerk, and worked his way up until he became a
chief factor, which is the highest position next to that
of the governor. During his long career in the
service, he was moved about a good deal from one
station or post to another. The result was he became
acquainted with various parts of the country and
with different tribes of Indians.

117

118

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

a k

" Many years ago, when lie had been promoted to
the charge of a fairly good post, the incident I am
about to tell you took place. As master in charge
my father was, of course, as all H. B. Company's
officers are, very anxious to make large returns of
fur each year. The dividends were greater when
the sales were largest.

" Father had perhaps a hundred hunters at his
post, all were more or less skilful and successful in
this fur hunting.

"There was one old Indian, whom we will call
Apetak, who was by odds the most skilful hunter
father had. Not only was he successful in bringing
thrj greatest quantity of furs to the post, but he
was most fortunate in being able to capture more
of the valuable black and silver foxes, and other
of the richest fur-bearing animals. His great
success as a hunter made him very much of a
favourite with my father. In addition, he had
many very excellent qualities, which made him
respected and trusted by all, both whites and
Indians.

" One winter, however, he nearly lost his life. It
happened in this way. Shortly after the ice had
formed on one of the great lakes in his hunting
grounds, he shot at and wounded a great moose.
The animal, mad with the pain of the w^ound, dashed
out of the forest and made for the lake, on which
was a covering of thin ice. He was only able to
run on it a few yards ere it broke under him, and
let him through into the water. Apetak did not
like to lose the animal, as there was enough good
meat on him to keep his pot boiling for weeks,
no he made a noose in a lasso, and tried to get
near enough to throw it over the moose's head, and

THREE BOys IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 119

thus to buoy him up until he could get help to drag
the body out.

''Unfortunately, he ventured too far out on the
poor ice, and broke in. He managed to get out,
but the day was bitterly cold, and he suffered very
much. A bad cold settled upon his lungs, and it
seemed as though he must die. When my father
heard of this, he sent his own dog-sledge and plenty
of blankets to Apetak's wigwam, and brought him
to the trading post, and had him put into a warm,
comfortable bed, and well-cared for. He kept him
there all winter, but it was not until spring that
he got strong and well. He had thus lost that
winter's hunt, as he had not been able to set a trap
or fire a gun. However, my father gave him the
nececGdry supplies in view of his past services, and
charged him nothing for them. For this he was
very grateful.

" With the bright spring weather he regained his
usual health, and once more entered upon his work.
But he could never forget my father's kindness, and
was anxious in some way to show his gratitude.
Money there was none then in the country, as every-
thing in the way of trade was done by barter. He
could not give a present of the rich and valuable
furs, as he well knew father would not be allowed
to accept them, as the Company had made a very
strict rule against anything of the kind. They
demanded that all furs should go int^ their sale
shops, and not one of their officials, from the
governor to the lowest clerk, dare accept as much
as a beaver-skin as a present from an Indian.

"Thus Apetak was troubled, because he had no
way of showing his gratitude. The spring passed
away, and the summer was about half gone, when

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THREE r.OYS TN THE WTLD NORTH LAND

one evening Apetak, wlio had not been seen around
the trading post for some weeks, suddenly returned.

" During the evening he asked for the privilege of
having a few minutes' talk with my father. This
of course was readily granted. To my father's greab
surprise, he had a strange request to make. And it
was this. He wanted my father to allow him to
blindfold his eyes, and in that condition take him
on a journey of several days' duration, into the more
remote wilderness. There would be travelling both
by canoe and on land. Then at the right time he
would uncover his eyes, and show him a sight that
would please him very much indeed.

" This was a very strange proposition, and for a
time my father hesitated ; but knowing so well the
reliable character of Apetak, and having in his con-
stitution a good deal of the spirit of adventure, he
at length consented. Apetak imposed some conditions
upon him that were very stringent. One was, that
he was under no circumstances to divulge to any
one the fact that he was going away blindfolded.
Another was, that when the journey was completed,
and he was safely back at home, he was not to try
and get there again. And the last was, that for so
many years he was never even to mention the
matter to anyone, white or Indian. These seemed
rather hard conditions, but as father's curiosity had
now been aroused, he at length consented, and in a
day or two he said to his head clerk :

" * I think I will go off on a bit of an excursion for
a few days.'

" As such trips were of frequent occurrence, there
was no stir or curiosity excited. So leaving orders
to the business during Irs absence, he and Apetak
started off with their guns, blankets and usual outfit,

/v.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

121

in a birch canoe. When away from the post, Apctak
^ot out the mask, with which lie blindfolded my
father. It was a most thorough one. Not a ray
of light penetrated it. When it was fastened on,
Apetak said:

" * It will be all right, and you will not be sorry
for this trip.'

" Taking up his paddle again, Apetak really began
the journey. At first be paddled the canoe round
and round until my father was completely bewildered,
and knew not the north from the south. Then on
and on the strong Indian paddled for hours. Of
course, he and my father talked to each other,
and laughed and chatted away at a great rate.
They landed at some portages, and Apetak helped
father across. Then he went back for the canoe
and supplies. Thus on they went for several days.
At the camp fire, long after the sun was down,
Apetak would remove the mask that blindfolded
father, and leave it off* until nearly daybreak. But
he never took it off" until he had so confused him,
that when his eyes were uncovered he could not
tell which way they had come. Early in the after-
noon of about the fourth day, Apetak said :

" * We are nearly at our journey's end. Soon I
will show you what I have brought you so far to
see.'

" This was good news to my father, who had begun
to feel this travelling so long, with the close cover-
ing on his face, very irksome.

" Shortly afterwards Apetak stopped paddling, and
helping my father to land, he lifted his canoe out
of the water and hid it carefully among the bushes.
Then placing a large bundle on his back, including
his axe and gun, he started on a land journey of

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122 THREE HOYS IN THE WILT) NoKTH lASV)

some miles. As my father was led along, although
lie could see nothing, he knew by the rush of the
air, and the way they went up and down hill, that
they were in a very broken country.

" ' Here is the place,' said Apetak. ' Now very soon
I will uncover your eyes, but before I do it you must
follow me into the earth.'

" Then he led my father into what seemed to be
an opening in the side of a great hill or mountain.
Entering in first, he told my father to walk close
behind him, and keep his hand on him, so that he
would not be lost. Sometimes the opening was so
low that they had to stoop down, and in other places
they had to squeeze through between the rocks.

"Alter a time, they stopped.

" * Now,' said Apetak, * I will take off the covering
from your face, but you will see nothing till I make
a light.'

" It was just as Apetak said. When the covering
was removed from the eyes, so dense was the dark-
ness that my father saw no better than when he
had the mask on.

" However, that great bundle on Apetak's back
was composed of torches for this place. And
when the Indian struck a light with his flint and
steel, and lit up some of these torches, they could
both see very well. At first, what my ftXher saw
was a great cave, like a large church or cathedral,
in the hill or mountain. Strangely broken was
it in places, and great columns like stalactites were
very numerous. There were others that looked like
filigree woi'k. Said Apetak :

" ' Look at these great things that seem like old lead
bullets.'

" ' Sure enough,' said my father, ' as my eyes

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THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

123

became accustomed to the place, lit up by these
flaming torches, I discovered that a <^reat deal tlmt
I thought was native rock, was metal. At first I
thought it was lead, as, so long exposed there, it
looked like old lead piping. But when I tried to
scrape it with my knife, I found it was too hard.
Then Apetak used his axe, and managed to cut
down a little for me, and to scrape or hack it in
some other places, and lo, it was pure silver ! '

" * At this discovery,' said my father, * I was amazed,
for here, visible to the eye, were thousands of pounds
of silver.'

" We both continued to look around, and examine
it, until we had burnt all but the last torch. It
seemed in some places as though the softer rocks
had gradually dissolved and left the silver here
just as we found it. In other parts it looked as
though, at some remote period, intense fires had
melted it, and it had run down and then hardened
in these ^strange formations. Anyvray, there it was,
in vast quantities and in various forms.

" ' How did you find it?' asked my father of Apetak.

" His answer was, ' I was hunting in this part ' f
the country, and I caught a fine silver fox by one
hind leg in a trap. Just as I came up. he succeeded
in cutting off his leg with his teeth, and thus got
away. I, of course, ran after him, when he suddenly
disappeared in the mouth of this cave. As his skin
was so valuable, I hurried and got some birch bark
and balsam gum and made a large torch, and tracked
him by the blood from his leg into this place. My
torch wont out before I caught him, and I was very
much frightened for fear I would die here, but I
managed to find the opening, and got out. Then
I made plenty of torches, and came in again. I had

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124

THREE BOYS T\ THE WILD NORTH LAND

to Hcarch (juitc a while before I I'ound my fox, and
succeeded in Icilling him. Then I looked around
to Hec what kind of a phice it was into which he
liad led me. For the first time I now saw all this
metal. I thought first it was lead, and would supply
me with bullets. I tried to cut it with my knife,
but could not succeed ; then I saw that it was j^ood
metal, which you call " silver," and 1 knew you would
be pleased to see it. So that is the reason that I
have brought you here.'

"Soon after my father was again blindfolded, and
brought safely back to his home. He was very much
pleased with his wonderful adventure, and honour-
ably carried out his part of the agreement. He never
in after years attempted to find the cave, nor did he
even speak about it for many years. But it is there
nevertheless, and some day the world will be startled
by the story of its discovery, and of the richness
of its hidden stores."

With intense interest the boys, as well as the
others present, listened to this wonderful story.
When it was concluded, very many were their
(questions and comments.

Then Sam, springing up, said :

" I move a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Ross for
this splendid story about the cave, and when it is
again discovered, may I be on hand."

Alec seconded the motion, and added :

" With great pleasure do I second this motion, and
may I be a good second, close at hand, when Sam
re-discovers the cave."

Frank put the motion, and it was carried unani-
mously.

Mr Ross duly responded, and as they listened to
the fierce storms still raging without, and to the

TFIIlFi: IU)YS IN THK WFLI) NOFITH LANH 125

howlings of the winrls, their thoucrhts wont out to
those who were upon tlie stormy seas, and they
heartily sanj^ the beautiful hymn, wherein is tlie
expressive prayer :

"O hoar us when wo try to Thcf,
['\m thuso in poril on tlio sou."

n^'

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the

CHAPTER XII

till I :

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I'

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Novel Fishing — Guns and Oaff-hooks — Frank's Plunge —
LiL'ht-hearted Sam and His Stoiv — Strange Battle —
Pugnacious Jack-tish.

The boys were quite fascinated by tlie wonderful
and undoubtedly true story of the silver cave.
Their imaginations were fired, and they lopgcd
to start off to tind thoSvO treasures of silver, that,
in that hidden cave, somewhere in the foot-
hills of the Northern Rockies, are still concealed
from man's curious, greedy gaze. Uncertain as
the wliereabouts of Captain Kidd's long-sought-for
treasures, is the location of this cave of silver.

Long years ago Apetak, tlie Indian, died, and
carried with him to the grave the knowledge of
its whereabouts, and old Mr Ross made no attempt
to find it. Neither did he state liis impressions
as to its ocality, beyond w)iat is mentioned in his
recital of the story.

But it shows how a good Providence has His
treasures of wealth for the generations to come.
By -and -by, when it is needed, it will be found
and utilised, as will the vast resources of otiior
mineral wealth which this great new country has
in reserve, when the supplies in older lands begin
to be exiiausted.

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THREE I'.OVS IN THE WILD X(mTH LAND

127

However, in a few short days, the story of tlie
silver cave was less and less talked about, and
the lads, with Indian attendants, were more or
less busily employed in various undertakings.

Sam, who was an enthusiastic fly fisherman,
was quiie amazed and disappointed on finding
that there was so little of his favourite kind
of fishing in this part of the country. However,
although thore was a lack of fl}' fishing, there were

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PECULIAR NET FISHING.

many other methods that were very successful.
One plan that very much interested them was
fishing with a net attached to the small end
of a pole. This they used in the water in the
same manner in which they had been accustomed
to catch moths and butterflies with their licjhter
and frailer nets. They felt quite elated when a
large white fish or lively trout was brought up in
the almost invisible net. And they watched with

128 THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

great interest the clever natives, who were most
skilful in landing their fish.

One day Mr Ross organised a fishing excursion
for them, equipping three canoes, with a couple of
Indians in each to paddle them. He placed one
boy in charge of each of the canoes, and sent them
off in high spirits to see which canoe would return
with the largest load of fish. To the boys alone
was to be left the work of securing the fish. The
Indians were to attend only to the paddling, and
as the men in the canoe that succeeded in securing
the greatest load were to receive, in addition to
their wages, a flannel shirt apiece, they all entered
keenly into the spirit of the expedition.

All that was needed in each boat for this kind
of fishing was a good gun and a gaff'-hook with a
long handle. The boys decided to go to Jack
River, which took its name from the number of
jack-fish that used to swarm in its waters. Not
many hours' paddling brought them to their des-
tination, and then the fun began.

To start even, they drew up side by side and theu,
at a given word, aw^ay they all paddled towards
a distant spot where the Indians knew the fish
were likely to be found in large numbers. So
evenly matched were the canoemen that they were
not far apart when they arrived at the destined
locality. So they widened the space between their
canoes, and noiselessly paddled up to where the
disturbed waters and many back and tail fins told
of the presence of the gamey fish.

The first firing, it was decided, should be simul-
taneous, and after that, it was each canoe for itself,
and they were not to meet till they reached Mr
Ross's launch.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

129

This method of fishing is very novel. The guns,

heavily loaded with powder, are fired as nearly

over the fish as is possible from the canoe. 'J'he

concussion of the air seems so to stun them that

they stiffen out on their backs, and there lie for

a minute or so, apparently dead. The instant the

men hunting them have fired, they immediately

set to work with their long-handled gaflf-hooks, and

gather in as many as they can ere the fish return

to consciousness ; those not captured quickly swim
off.

When all the captured have been secured, as the
result of that one heavy discharge of the gun, the
canoe is paddled away to another spot where it
is observed that the fish are plentiful near the sur-
face, and the process is repeated. So, for this kind
of fishing, all that is necessary is a gun, a plenti-
ful supply of powder, and the gaff - hook. A
good deal of skill is required for the efficient man-
agement of the hook in seizing the fish, so that it
can be successfully landed over the side into the
canoe.

For a time the success of the boys was about equal,
but they did not capture, after each shot, anything
like the number of fish that their able-bodied, ex-
perienced Indians would have done. It is no easy
matter to lift a twenty or thirty pound fish by a
hook over the side of a canoe. The boat itself is so
cranky, and the fish are generally so full of life and
fight, that there is a good deal of risk and excite-
ment, after ail, about this kind of sport It is no
uncommon thing for an upset to occur, in the glorious
uncertainty of capturing a large, gamey fellow who
makes a stubborn fight.

The three canoes gradually separated, and to judge

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130

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

by the frequent reports of the guns, they were
having a good deal of sport. About eight p.m.
they were all back at Sagastaweekee, and each
had a different story to tell.

Frank had over a score of very fine fish, and had
had only one fall into the water. He had hooked in
his gaff a large, vigorous fish, and was making the
most careful efforts to hang on to him, and to lift
him over the side of the canoe. Just as he had
him nicely out of the water, the fish, by a sudden,
furious struggle, wrenched himself off the hook and
fell back into the water.

Frank had been so firmly holding on that, when
the weight of the fish was suddenly removed, he
could not maintain bis balance, and so, before an
Indian could seize hold of him, he tumbled head
first intc the water on the other side of the canoe,
and the last the Indians saw of him for some seconds
were the bottom.s of his moccasins. But he re-
appeared quickly, and was soon helped into the canoe,
yet while he pluckily stuck to the sport for some
time, the prudent Indians persuaded him to allow
them to paddle him home early. So he had been
the first to arrive.

Sam's canoe arrived somewhat later. He also had
a goodly supply of fish. A.s he was saturated with
water, the question v/as at once asked, " What had
happened ? "

At first he was a little glum about it, but tho
cry of, " Tell us all abc tt it," had to be responded
to. ■

It had been decided some time before that, on their
returninp" from their different excursions, each one
was to give, fairly aid squarely, the story of his mis-
adventures, blunders and failures, as well as of his

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

131

triumphs and successes. So Sam had to own up,
and he began by the question :

" Have you any whales in these lakes or rivers ? "

This odd question was met by a hearty laugh all
round.

" Well, then, I'm after thinking you must have
plenty of porpoises, or such things, for I am certain
that it was one of these gentry I struck to-day."

Happy, light-hearted Sam ; bright and cheery he
ever was. It was a joy to hear him when, with a
twinkle in his bright eye, he came out with his
quaint remarks.

His question only excited the curiosity of his
listeners the more, and so, amidst the laughter and
call for the story of his mishaps, he had to let them
have it.

" Well, the fact is, we were having a good time,
and at every discharge of my gun I stunned
quite a number, and succeeded in getting some of
them into our canoe with the gafF-hook all right.
Getting a little careless with my success, I asked
the Indian sitting before me to let me stand in the
very front of the canoe. At one place where I saw
a big beauty, I stood up and reached out as far as I
could, and, getting the gaff-hook under him, I gave
him a great jerk to be sure and have it well hooked
into him, when, lo and behold, before I could say
' Jack Robinson,' I was out head first into the water,
hanging on to my end of the pole, while the monster
of a fish was at the other, on his way to York
Factory, it seemed to me."

" Why didn't you let go ? " said Alec.

"Let go," he replied, with a comical look; "sure,
the creature didn't give me time to let go, and then
when I came to my senses, didn't I remember that

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132 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH L\ND

the gaflf-hook, pole and all, belonged to Mr Ross ; and
how could I face him, and his gafF-hook on its way
to York Factory ? "

No one laughed more heartily than Mr Ross at
the quaint answer. He had thoroughly entered into
the enjoyment of this novel adventure.

" Well, where is the gaff - hook now ? " he
asked.

" Sure it's in the boat, sir, and the iish too," said
Sam. " Do you think I'd have had the face to come
home so early without it ? "

This answer only more deeply interested the
party, and Sam had to give the full account of his
doings after his sudden jerk over the front of the
canoe.

Some of these jack-fish grow to be six feet in length,
and are very strong. It seems it was one of the very
largest that Sam had the good, or ill, fortune to
hook.

With a tremendous jerk he was fairly lifted out
of the boat, and seemed to skim along on the water,
with the fish, like a small tug in front, towing him
along. Fortunately, it was in a large, shallow place,
where the water was not more than four feet
deep, and the fish being unable to dive, had to keep
near the surface. As rapidly as possible the Indians
used their paddles, and they were soon able to
seize hold of Sam. They found him holding on
to the one end of the gafi'-hook, while the now
almost exhausted fish was still securely fastened on
the other. This was the Indians' statement of the
adventure.

Sam's account was, that when he went out of that
canoe so suddenly, he resolved to hang on at his end
of that gaflf-hook as long as the fish did at the

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THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

133

other. It was a new sensation, and he enjoyed it
amazingly, to be thus ploughing along through the
water, towed by a fish. He felt sure that the fish
.ould not keep it up very long, and the canoe would
not be far off. So he resolved to hang on until the
men picked them both up. After the first shock
of the ducking, he said he much enjoyed the fun.
The water was warm, and he knew that if he had to
let go, he could easily swim until the canoe came to
his assistance.

Alec had had no accidents or ad' ^ntures. He
had often gone out with older people fis Ing in the
streams of his native country, where he had helped
to land the spent salmon after they had been well
played by the fishermen, and this traiiiing had come
to his assistance here ; so he had th^ greatest number
of the finest fish and the largest — excepting, of
course, this one monster that had played Sam such a
trick.

Only for a short time in each summer can these
jack-fish be successfully captured in this way. So
during the next few days the boys went out several
times, and had some rare sport without any very
startling adventures.

One day, however, when resting on a high rock
that overhung the deep waters of the lake they
were visiting, they were spectators of a battle be-
tween two fierce jack-fish, that fought and grappled
and tore each other with all the ferocity of bull-
dogs.

As such sights are extremely rare, we will give a
description of this marine battle. A number of the
female fish were first observed slowly passing through
the clear waters, and depositing their roe on the
gravelly bottom. Following in the rear were several

134

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

:j|

of the maleH. TheHe were, as usual, extremely jealous
ot' each other, but for a time made no attempt at
hostilities.

It is a well-known fact that a person situated
some height directly over water can see much further
down into it than those who are close to it. So
in this case the boys could see the fish distinctly,
and also the gravelly ottom of the lake. While
interested in watching their movements, suddenly
there was a commotion among the fish, and the
boys were excited and amazed to see two of the
largest jack-fish quickly seize each other in their
enormous jaws and make the most determined
efforts to conquer. So securely locked together
were their jaws that, in their desperate struggles,
they several times rolled over and over in the
water.

After a minute or two of this fierce struggling,
they separated, and seemed to be in distress. But
their fury was not spent, for, after circling around
in the water a little, they again rushed at each other
with the greatest speed — almost like two fierce rams.
Then, with open mouths, they bit and tore each
other, until, once more locking their jaws, they each
exerted all his strength to conquer. Thus it went
on, until they had had several fierce rounds in this
way. How it would have ended we know not. As
they fought they moved along the coast, and in order
to see them to advantage the boys had to shift their
position. One of them unfortunately rose up so high,
that, the sun being behind him in the heavens, his
shadow was cast on the waters over the two tierce
combatants. As quick as a flash they let go their
grip on each other, and dashed ofi* in opposite
directions.

i f

THREE l{()VS IN TKE WILD NORTH LAND 105

The lads were iimcli disappointed that the battle
caino to such an abrupt termination. They would
have liked to have seen the strange conflict fou<;ht
out to the end.

■' \'

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CHAPTER XIII

PJi.i

■^1
.1

'I 'I

Missicni Villa<,'e— Self-dt'iiyiiij,' Toik'iH — Pleasant Visits —
FluuiiHliin^' School — Syllabic ( "haracters— Competi-
tive Sports — Aiclieiy — Foot Races — Wrestling —
Swimming— Canoe Kaces.

Not many miles from Sagastaweckce was an Indian
mission village. There a devoted missionary, Mr
Evans, with his brave wife, and a lady teacher,
Miss Adams, were nobly toiling, and not unsuccess-
fully, in their efforts to christianise, and then to
civilise the Indians. They were pursuing the right
method in trying to christianise first. It has ever
seemed an impossibility to get much of an abiding
civilisation out of a pagan Indian. However, this
devoted man with his helpers was not toiling in vain.
It is true that they had not many encouragements
in their efforts to civilise in a land where hunting
and fishing were nearly the only w^ays by which a
livelihood could be obtained.

One day there came from the mission an invita-
tion to all the residents at Mr Ross's to attend
the annual examination of the village school, and to
observe the progress made by the Indian children
in their studies, both in the Indian and English
languages.

Mr Ross had taken, since the beginning of the
mission, a great interest in the school, and not only
attended these examinations but gave prizes for com-
petition among the children.

136

.<J

TnnEF, noYs in the wild north laxd

137

Frank, Alec and Sam were delighted to be included
amon<j those invited, as their curiosity was aroused
to see the Indian youngsters in the school. They had
seen them at tlieir sports, and had admired their
cleverness with their bows and arrows, and had
almost envied the skill and dai-ing with which they
could manage their light canoes in rapids, or on
stormy v'^^ors.

When the morning arrived for the visit, Mr Ross
sent on ahead a canoe well loaded with supplies for a
substantial lunch for the children when the examina-
tions were over, and he gave a hint to the boys that
if they had anything extra lying around that they
did not specially need, they would doubtlessly have an
opportunity to make some little, dark-eyed, sv/arthy-
faced Indian children rejoice. The hint was gladly
taken, and in due time they all embarked in their
canoes, and, adding tlieir own strokes to those of the
strong Indians who had been secured by Mr Ross,
they were at the mission village before nine o'clock.
They met with a very cordial greeting from Mr and
Mrs Evans, and also from Miss Adams.

It was a great pleasure to the boys to see the
Indian children in the school. Very frecpientl;, when
the weather was line, Mr Ross had brought his family
and guests to church on Sunday mornings, but as up
to the present time the young white gentlemen had
u.>t visited the mission on a week-day all they saw
now was novel and interesting. It was arranged
that the school examinations should take place in the
forenoon, then, after they had partaken of the hand-
some lunch which Mr and Mrs Ross had prepared f^r
them, they were to have the usual games and spc ;S
in the afternoon.

A number of prizes were to be contended for by the

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138

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

young Indians. It is true that from a civilised stand-
poiiit tliese prizes would not be considered of much
value, but by these young Indian:, they were much
coveted. And then the honour of being the winner
is just as much prized by them as it has ever been
in more highly-favoured lands.

The missionary had the worthy idea in his mind
that, as these native races have so little literature in
their own language, the sooner they learned English
the better for them. The result was that all the
lessons were in the two languages, with a decided
preierence for English as their studies advanced.

This was the first opportunity the boys had had of
seeing tlie methods by which Mr Evans's syllabic
cliaracters were taught to the Indians. With a
home-made blackboard, and a very white kind of clay
as a substitute for chalk, these syllabic characters were
put down upon the board, like tlie alphabet, and there
studied like the a, b, c's, and committed to memory.
The peculiarity about it, as its name " syllabic " im-
plies, is that each character is a syllable, and so there
is really no sj)elling in the language.

These are phonetic in character, and so when the
thirty-six characters are impressed upon the memory
all that nnnains to do is to open the book, be it Bible,
Testament, hymn-book, prayer-book or catechism, and
begin to read. No long, tedious etforts at learning to
spell first words of one syllable, then of two syllables,
and 80 on; each character is a syllable, and the
method is so simple that the intelligent boys and girls
learn to read in their own language in a few weeks.
Even many of the old people, when they renounce
their pagan life and become Christians, readily get
to understand tiiese characters and learn to read.

With the mastery of English, and reading in the

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

139

ordinary way, the work is very much slower. Still
even here there was some progress, and the visitors
were all pleased with the intelligence and aptitude
of the scholars, both boys and girls. Mr Ross, who
understood their language perfectly, at Mr Evans's
request, conducted the examinations, and Mrs Ross
presented the prizes.

After the hearty lunch, which was very much en-
joyed by the youngsters, for Indians have glorious
appetites, the sports and competitions for various
prizes began.

I'he highest prize, a good gun, presented by Mr
Ross for archery, was won by a son of Mamanoma-
tum, " Big Tom," and richly did he deserve it. At a
hundred yards he sent every arrow of his well-filled
quiver whizzing through a paper hoop not two feet in
diameter. For this prize there were several com-
petitors, and some of the lads did well, but only the
winner sent every one through, so this contest was
easily decided. The junior prize for archery was won
by the sturdy little son of the chief.

The " many arrowy " prize was not so easily won,
as tliere were many competitors, and they were
evenly matched. This is a competition to see who
can get the greatest number of arrows into the
air at the same time. The method is this : Each
archer, in turn, fills his quiver with arrows, and
places it on his back, as he would to carry it in hunt-
ing. Then he steps out a few feet in front of the
crowd, who, to escape accident from falling arrows,
are all behind him. He is allowed to feather the
first arrow in the bow string, and then at a given
signal, he shoots. His object is to see how many
arrows he can shoot into the air before the one first
fired reaches the ground. It is a very interesting

140

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Iff i
m '

! ' iJ

sight to watch a contest of this kind. The eye can
hardly follow not only the arrows but the rapid
movements of the archer as he draws the arrows
and shoots them with all his might up into the
blue sky above. Eight, ten, j^cs, sometimes even a
dozen arrows, are thus sent with wonderous rapidity,
sometimes following so closely that it seems as though
some succeeding one would catch up to the ones just
on ahead. The greater rapidity of the arrow just

THE STURDY SOX Ol" THE CHIEF.

leaving the bow than that of those some hundreds of
feet up, adds to this illusion.

This was ever with the Indians, ere the intro-
duction of guns, a very favourite sport, not only
in these forest regions, but among the wild, war-
like tribes of the prairies. Exciting contests were
numerous, and sometimes rivals from dilferent tribes
contended for the honours in this and other kinds
of archery practice, and feats of skill with bow and
arrow.

ill

THREE BOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

141

Catlin's brush has given us one of these exciting
scenes.

After the various kinds of archery competitions,
the foot-races bes^an. The first was the lonjx race
over a course that liad been marked out for two
miles along a shore and back. It was not all an un-
broken sandy beach, but in some places there were
rocky obstructions, and in others dense underbrush.
It was a course that could well be st^\ed good,
bad and indifferent. It was one, not only to test
the endurance of the lads, but to develop their
judgment and quickness of decision when in a part
full of difficulties. About a dozen competitors
entered for this race, and there were three prizes
that were well earned.

Then there were races for shorter distances, which
were ■'veil run, especially those by the little boys and
girls.

When the half-mile race, which was open to all
comers, was about to be run, Alec rather mis-
chievously suggested to Sam that he ought to enter
for it, as his practice in that famous escapade
with the bear, where he ran with such marvellous
rapidity might have turned out a good training for
this occasion. Frank added his baiiter to that of the
others, and to the surprise of all, Sam sprang up, and
asked permission from Mr Ross, who was somewlmt
amused at the request. But though he felt sure
Sam would be hopelessly beaten, he readily granted
liis desire. Surprises often come from unexpected
quarters. Sam quickly stripped off his outer gar-
ments, and, much to the Indians' delight, took
his place among them. Over twenty competitors
started. The race -was a spurt from the beginning.
To the astonishment and delight of the whites.

1 J

jtmmmntam

142

THREE ROrS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I-

fii

: .s

Sam eame in second, being only beaten hy E-yah-
po rjs, a noted ranner, and whose name means " ila-,
young deer."

Old Kapastick, the chief, was so delighted with
Sam's success that he presented to him a second
prize, a pair of beautiful Indian moccasins.

After these races came the wrestling matches, and
as Sam's success had fired the ardour of both Alec
and Frank, and had raise 1 him so in the eyes of the
Indians, they asked permission to try their sturdy
English and Scottish strength against the supple
agility of these lithe Indians. For good reasons Mr
Ross permitted only one of them to enter into this
competition, and as Frank had a school reputation
among his chums at home, he was selected to uphold
the honour of the pale-face against the dark-skins.
Eight wrestlers entered the lists, so there were four
pairs, and the conquerors in each bout had to wrestle
with each other, so that eventually the prize-winner
would have thrown three competitors.

At this time there was great interest in wrestling
contests, but in these later year'-', being objected to
by so many, they have almost ^i^ appeared.

The four competitors were placed in pairs upon
the green soft grass, and warned not to get angry,
but each to do the best he could to throw his op-
ponent. It was " catch as you can," and get your
opponent down until both of his shoulders, at the
same time, touch the ground.

Face to face, and with their hands extended, so
that they just touched their antagonists', they waited
the " Ho A " of the chief to begin the exciting
struggle.

Frank was matclied against a splendid young
fellow, iithe and supple as an eel. So quick was

TflREE BOYS IN THE WILD \ORTH LAXD

143

he, that, as FiTiTik afterwardi: said, f)L4ore he had
more than hoard tlie word for " ' f^o,' the fellow
seemed to wind himself around me, and twist all
over me ! " But Frank had what English hoys know
as the power to hold his feet, and, in spite of
the cyclonic attack, he stood hrm and solid, merely
on the defen'^ive, until he got a homo o^rip that
suited him, and then with one ({uick, skill'ul twist
he laid out his opponent so neatly on the ^rass
that the crowd gave him quite a cheer, a di:^Hcult
thing for an Indian crowd to do.

The other three pairs of contestants being Indians,
and up to all Indian wiles, struggled much longer
ere the victors were announced. Then the four
conquerors in these struggles were again matched,
two against two.

AVhen Frank tried his favourite trick which had
won him his first victory, he found that his second
antagonist had, although busy at the time with
his first opponent, observed it, and w^as not to be
so easily caught. Then Frank, after they had each
tried v^arious schemes well-known to good wrestlers
very suddenly seized him, fair and S(juare arouu-i
the waist, as they stood face to face, and by what
the boys know as the " back-hold," he threw him
neatly and cleverly on his back. Thus Frank, by
throwing these two, had won the right to contend
in the final struggle for the prize with the other,
who, like himself, had thrown two opponents.

Very excited, yet very good-humoured were the
people, whites and Indians. There was no betting,
nor anything else to make anyone mad or angry.
It was a friendly tussle of strength, between young
lads, under the eye of the missionary, who was
ever at the front in their sports, and hence

M^''-

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144 THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

strengthened his niarv^ellous influence over them
for good.

The final struggle was a very close and pro-
longed one. Each had his clever tricks and plans,
but they were well met by the other. After a
time Frank thought he had a splendid back hold,
and suddenly tried to finish the contest as he
had the second one, but he had a difi'erent lad this
time. His supple vis-a-vis so quickly turned around
in his grasp, that when Frank landed him on the
ground, th:^ laughing Indian lad was fair on his
face, instead of on his shoulders. Mr and Mrs
Ross and the mission party led in tlie applause,
as they witnessed the clever trick. Up again they
were and at it v,nth varying success. There was one
m3thod (sometimes tried elsewhere) that Frank had
in his mind, when he had failed in his other plans,
which he had before, but not often, been success-
ful in trying; He hesitated to try it here, from the
fact that his supplf f)pponent was so slightly clothed,
there was but little upon which to get much of a
grip. All these Indian lads had stripped to their
7noccasins, leggings, and loin cloths, while Frank
had only taken oflT hi.s coat and vest. However,
as he was not able to succeed in other ways, he
determined to try it, but to ensure success he must
not let iiis opponent have any suspicion of it. So
as they stri^ggl-^d in various ways, Frank several
times so grippes] him that he lifted him off' his
feet in a way tbat, after the first few times, the
Indian seemed to be amused at. This was just
what Frank Avanted, and he let him have his
laugh, w^hile, alert against any surprise, he watched
for the right moment, and then suddenly, when it
came, he gripped hi.n by the loin cloth, and so

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iii

THREK IJOVS TX THE WILD NOIITH LAND

145

completely threw liini over his head, that he had
him on liis back, with both .shoulderH on th^ cri-ound,
ere the crowd, ([uick and watchful as they were,
could realise how it had been done. A cheer trreeted
this well-earned victory, and Frank said he had
had enougli for one day.

Frank was the idol of the Indian lads from that

hour, and to

had he to show h

that

many a one naa iie to snow now
clever feat had been performed, until they were
able to do it tliemselves, to the astonishment of
Indian boys from other villages, with whom they
competed.

As the spirit of emulation was up in every heart,
Frank and his comrades went in for the swinnning
contest, which took place in the beautiful bay not
far from the spot where stands the school-house.

The white lads held their own for a time, but as
the course marked out was new to them, and they
were out of practice, the Indian lads, who had been
in almost daily drill for the event, until they were
as much at home in the water as otters, gradually
forged ahead, and not being so lieshy as their white
competitors, nearly all of them came in as victors.

However, our boys were glad to have had the
glorious swim, and only regretted that, amidst the
many other sports in which they had had such
pleasure since their arrival, they had not given more
attention to swimming. Alec was not slow in say-
ing that he believed if they had been in practice
for a few days they would not have all been at
the tail-end of the string at the tinish.

The closing contests were the canoe races. For
them the prizes were given by the Hudson Bay
Company's officials. These gentlemen were present
at the previous contests, and had been very much

U()

THKEK nOYS IN THE WILD NOllTfi' LAND

lii

i\''-

interested. I'^irHt, there were races where only one
lad WHH in each canoe. In addition to paddling
out to, and around, a certain island, they were, when
out in deep water, twice to upset their canoes,
and, unaided, get into them again. This was I'are
sport, and while to persons unacijuainted with these
youngsters who are as much at home out and in
the water as beavers, it would seem dangerous,
such a thing as any of them coming to harm is
unknown. The cleverness with which they would
turn over and upset the canoe, and then get into
it — never over the side but at the end — was mar-
vellous.

These various races, some with one and two, and
others with four Indian lads in them, were well-,
contested, and gave great pleasure to all the
spectators.

At the close, the Indian boys, who, perhaps, were
none too well satisfied with the white lads for
having carried off' both a first and second prize,
went to Mr Ross, and through him challenged the
white boys to a canoe race. This our lads promptly
accepted, but, of course, demurred to the canoe up-
setting process, and climbing in again. This was
agreed to by the Indian boys, and it was decided
the race was to be to a large, rocky island about
a mile '^ut, and back. They were to paddle twdce
around the island ere they returned on the home
stretch.

Two canoes were selected, and the Hudson Bay
chief factor was appointed the judge. Ever sincQ
the arrival of the boys in the country they had
been learning how to manage the frail but beautiful
birch canoe, and so were no unworthy competitors
with these young Indians, whose summer lives were

-•e

TFIUFK IJOYS IN Tin: WILD NOIlTll LAND

147

almost all spent in paddling tlu'ir li;^dit canoes.
A goud start was made, and while the alert Indians
secured the advantajj^e, the stron*^, steady paddling
of the heavier white boys enabled them, ere the
island was reached, to get their craft a good half
length ahead of their dusky opponents'. But here
at the island, the long practice of the Indians in
the management of the canoe gave them a decided
advantage. While Alec, who plied the stern ])addle,
and was responsible tor the turning round the island,
was cautiously and safely doing his work, tlie
Indians, with a Hash and a laugh, went round and
round, cutting ott* corners, where he never dreamed
there was sufficient depth of water, and were away
on the home stretch with so many lengths to their
advantage that, in spite of a magniticent tinish, our
boys were utterly unable to catch them up. .

The Indians winning this race put everybody
in the best of humour, and when our party paddled
home in the long summer gloaming, it was voted to
have been one of the most delightful of days.

Good resulted from this visit in various ways.
From that day forward, Frank and his comrades
were very much more interested in mission work.
Although their families were of diflerent churches in
the home land, they were all interested in missionary
operations for the benefit and uplifting of earth's
millions who were yet in the darkness of paganism,
and here for the first time the boys had the oppor-
tunity of seeing for themselves something that was
being done. for these once degraded red men, around
whom a halo of such romantic interest has ever
gathered. Here were unmistakable evidences of
good efiected, both to the bodies, and to the souls
of these interesting people.

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TEST TARGET (MT-S)

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Hiotographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) C72-4503

,»• I

148 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Then it was instructive to these sturdy, active,
white boys to come in contact with young Indians
in their sports and hunting, and to observe the
points in which each excelled, and to study the
reasons why.

In the management of the canoe, white boys
never learn to equal Indian lads ; neither could it be
expected that they could attain to the accuracy with
which the Indians use their bows and arrows ; but
in all trials of physical strength, the Anglo-Saxon
ever excels, and surprising as it may appear to
some, in shooting contests with gun or rifle, the
pale faces are always able to hold their own.

be
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CHAPTER XIV

Conjurers — Old Tapastaniim — Boasting — Challenge
accepted — Medicine Man's Tent — Bogus Bullet —
Detected — Conjurer's Defeat and Fall.

Not long after the visit to the mission and the
school, Mr Ross was visited by a number of old
Pagan medicine men and conjurers, the most noted
of them being old Tapastanum, who, having heard
of the arrival of the young gentlemen from across
the sea to the family at Sagastaweekee, were
anxious to niake them a visit of ceremony. Tapasta-
num's principal reason for a ceremonial visit was
that he should not be eclipsed by " the black-coat
man with the Book."

Mr Ross, while receiving these old men, as he
received all Indians, in a civil manner, was not at
all kindly disposed towards them, as he knew their
influence was harmful, and that they were an oppres-
sion and a curse to the people. Their very presence
in an Indian village is a source of terror and fear.
They never hunt or fish themselves as long as they
can frighten other people into being blackmailed by
them.

The coming of these men much excited Sam and

Alec, who had heard such extraordinary things

about them. Some firmly believe that they are in

league with the devil, and by his direct assistance

are able to perform all the wonderful things of

149

150

TH^EE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

4 1!

which they boast. Others, however, believe that
they are rank impostors. The boys, who had heard
so many conflicting things about these conjurers,
tried to coax their host to get them to show off some
of their pretended power.

For a time Mr Ross, who considered them only
clever scoundrels, or unmitigated humbugs, objected,
as he did not wish to seem in any way to encourage
them. However, as they, from his reluctance to put
them to the test, became exceedingly boastful of their
power to do wonderful things, it was one day decided
to give them an opportunity.

" What do you say you can do ? " asked Frank of
old Tapastanum.

"Do?" he replied. "I can so conjure that you
cannot hit me with a bullet, or tie me so that I
cannot spring up loose, and fire will not burn me nor
water drown me."

" All right," said Frank, " one thing at a time. We
will try the first and see if we cannot hit you with a
bullet."

" What you give ? " was the request of the old
fellow.

"Oh, indeed, that is what you are after. Well,
what do you want?"

At first his demands were very unreasonable, but
after some bickering it was decided that if he stood
the ordeal he was to get an agreed amount of flour,
tea, sugar and tobacco. It was also settled that the
ordeal should come off the next day. The conjurer
said he would spend the night with his medicine
drum and sacred medicine bag to call back his
familiar spirit, who might be away hunting.

The boys discussed the coming contest very much,
and of course were profoundly interested. They had

.»

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

151

'tr

learned much since their coming into the country
about these strange, wild, fearsome people, and this,
with what they had read in other days, filled them
with great curiosity to see what would be the
outcome.

With Mr Ross and the family the matter was well
talked over, and it was determined, as Mr Ross
considered the conjurer who was to go through the
ordeal, an unmitigated fraud, that he should be
taught a lesson that he and his cronies would
never forget. When the morning arrived the old
fellows were there in good time, and the ordeal,
which was to be by bullet, was decided upon.

The conjurer selected for the ordeal had not pro-
ceeded far in his talk before he asked to see his pay
laid down at his wife's feet. This- was brought out
and measured to his satisfaction, with the under-
standing that it was not to be his unless he succeeded.
His preparations were soon completed. Aided by his
comrades, a small conjuring tent was made by stick-
ing som- long, green limber poles in the ground
and bending them over like bows until the other
ends were also made fast in the earth. Then over
th3?e poles a cover, macjie by sewing a number of
dressed deer-skins together, was thrown. Taking
his medicine bag and magic drum into this tent,
the coujurer disappeared. Soon the monotonous
drumming began. In addition there v/ere heard
the barks and howls and cries of nearly all the
animals of the forest and prairies. The sounds
were like those proceeding from a wild beast show
when all the animals are let loose and are uttering
their discordant notes. The tent quivered as though
in a cyclone. Thus for a time it went on, the drum
beating, the beasts howling, the tent quivering, until

152 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

it seemed utterly inexplicable how one man could
create such a din. Of the boys, Sam was most
excited at these strange proceedings, and much to
the amusement of those around, he said :

"I'm thinking the safest place would be on the
top of the house if all of those reptiles should
break loose."

In the meantime the conjurer now began crying
out in his own language.

" To help me, he is coming, my own familiar spirit.
3oon the bullet cannot pierce me ; soon waters cannot
drown me ; soon fires cannot burn me. To help me
he is coming ! coming ! coming ! ! "

Thus on he went, while the drumming and bowl-
ings were almost incessant.

Mr Ross, who had resolved that there should be
no nonsense, had asked one of his servants, who was
an unerring shot, to do the firing. In the meantime
one of the conjurer's associates had asked to see the
gun that was to be used, and kindly offered to load
it. Suspicions were at once aroused by this request,
but wishing to see through the man's trick, Mr Ross
did not oppose his wish. A good gun w^as sent for,
and also some powder and bullets. Full measure
of powder was poured into the gun, and the usual
wadding was well driven down upon it. When Mr
Ross had selected a bullet, the friend of the conjurer,
with a grep-t pretence of awe, asked to see it, and
holding it in his hand, said :

" This is the bullet that the familiar spirit will turn
aside."

Mr Ross let him look at it, and saw him handling
it with great apparent reverence, but he also saw him
quickly and deftly change it for another bullet.

That's your game is it," said Mr Ross, but not

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

153

not

aloud. After a little more humbug, the bullet was
handed back to be dropped into the muzzle ot* the
gun.

If Mr Rosa's thoughts could have been heard, they
would have been something like this :

" I have seen through that little trick, and will
show you that two can play at that game."

And so, without exciting the suspicion cf the
Indian, whose trick he had detected, he changed the
bullet for anotlier, which he dropped into the gun.
When the wadding was driven in and packed upon
it, the confederate of the conjurer asked for the privi-
lege of being allowed also to help to ram it down.
Mr Ross saw his meaning, and cheerfully granted it.
The weapon was now loaded and ready for use. All
this time ihe drumming and the conjuring had con-
tinued, with all their accompaniments of howls and
shrieks.

In a short time a shrill, low whistle, like the call
of some bird, was heard, and Mr Ross observed that
it was from the lips of the old Indian who had
pretended to examine the bullet with such awe, but
who had in reeJity exchanged it for a perfectly harm-
less one. He and the conjurer were associates in the
trickery. The sham bullet had been made in this
way. A pair of bullet moulds had been heated quite
hot, and then some bear's fat, which is like lard,
had been put inside of them. Holding the moulds
shut, and placing them in very cold water, they kept
turning them round until the melted fat had hardened
into a thin shell exactly the size of a bullet. Then a
small puncture was made through this thin casing of
fat, and the interior carefully filled up with fine sand.
It was not difficult to stop up the little orifice with
some more fat. It w^as then carefully coloured like

154 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD N«.»RTH LAND

a bullet, and at a distance could hardly be distin-
'guished from one. When put in a gun and well
pounded with a ramrod, of course it would break
all to pieces, and, when fired, at anything like an
ordinary distance for ball firing, would be perfectly
harmless.

But Mr Ross's cleverness had been too much for
the rogues, and so he had changed the bogus affair
for a genuine bullet of lead. To his servant who
was to fire he had explained exactly how matters
were, and had said to him :

" Do not kill the rascal, but give him a wound that
will forever stop his boastings and break his power
over the poor, deluded people, who firmly believe
he can do what he has so boastfully declared."

The low, shrill whistle -call had made a great
change upon the conjurer in the tent. He was now
all bo£istfulness, and his cries were like the shouts
of triumph.

" Waters cannot drown me ; buUijts cannot pierce
me; fires cannot burn me."

" Are you sure you are ready ? " said Mr Ross.

Shouting his defiance, the conjurer came out from
the tent, and, walking to a place where he knew the
fine sand in the bullet of bear's grease could not hurt
him, he boldly stood up, and, stretching out his hands,
defied the shooter to do his best.

" You are sure, are you, that bullets will not hurt
you ? " said Mr Ross.

Very haughty was the conjurer's reply. Then said
Mr Ross again :

" If you are hurt no one will be to blame."

" No, indeed," was the conjurer's reply, " for I have
given the challenge, and my familiar spirit has told
me that bullets cannot pierce me."

Itin-
rell

leak
an

itly

for
fair

ters

!•!/•

1, 1

jel^'s"'^"

DKFK.Vr OF THK MEDICINE MAN.

]

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

155

f ♦

'tt

"If you are struck then you will give up your
conjuring, and go and liunt for your own living like
other people T'

He hesitated for a moment, but tlie low, shrill
whistle was once more heard, and so he fairly shouted
out :

" If bullets can pierce me I will forever give up my
conjuring, and destroy my magic drum and medicine
bag."

"All right," said Mr Ross; then, turning to his
servant, he said, " Now, Baptiste, fire."

Taking deliberate aim, the man fired, and, as the
report rang out, from one of the uplifted hands of
the conjurer, who was standing about fifty yards
away, there fell i finger, as neatly cut off by the
bullet as though a surgeon's knife had done the
work.

With a howl of rage and pain, most decidedly un-
Indian-like, the conjurer began dancing about, much
to the amusement of the boys, who a moment before
were pale with a pent-up excitement. For it was
indeed trying to look on and see in the hands of a
skilful marksman a gun loaded with ball, and pointed
at this boastful man who was willing to put his magic
against the skill of the finest shot of the country.

Much to the surprise of all but Mr Ross and one op
two others, who saw through the trick, the old fellow,
with his wounded hand still profusely bleeding, rushed
over to his confederate and began abusing him most
thoroughly for having deceived him. .

This attack the man resented, and a first-class
quarrel was the result. Around them gathered
numbers of Indians, and, in the mutual recrimina-
tions of these two, the truth came out, and the
people saw that they had long been deluded by a

150 THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

pair of impostors. From that clay tliey were dis-
credited men, and never after regained any power
or influence.

That evening Mr Ross explained the whole affair
to the boys. He showed them the bogus bullet,
and explained to them how it was made. The boys
admitted that it was a clever trick, and were not
satisfied until they had made several themselves in
the manner described.

Thus ended their first and last experience with
Indian conjurers, and it thoroughly convinced them
that they are only cunning impostors.

■

» •

dis-
owor

iflfair
illet,
boys
not
)3 in

with
iliem

CHAPTER XV

Outing at the Old F( rt — Alec and MuHtaijan's Sliooting
Contest ; or, Gun venun Bow and Arrow — Sliooting
the Swans — Was Sam Cross-eyed — The Return Trip —
The Escape of the Doe and F^awn from the Wolf.

As Mr Ross had quite recovered, it was resolved to
go again on an extended trip to the hind in the
region of Montreal Point, and have some hunting
in that section of country. Some Indian hunters
had come in from that place, and reported the entire
absence of wolves. This was not to be wondered
at, from the number that had been shot in the
fierce conflict which there took place. It is also a
fact well known to wolf hunters that, when a pack
has been severely defeated, the survivors at once
retreat to some distant region.

As the weather was very flne, Mrs Ross and the
younger members of the family accompanied them
as far as to the Old Fort. They travelled in a large
and roomy canoe especially made for them. It was
manned by four Indians, who were very proud of
their charge. Frank and Sam, with an Indifl,n
hunter, occupied another canoe, while Mr, Ross had
with him Alec and Mustagan.

The ducks and other gamey birds w^ere numerous,
and they had some good shooting from their canoes
as they paddled along. At times they were able to

157

158

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

fire into large flocks, then again they tried their skill
on a single bird as it rapidly flew by.

Said Mustagan to Alec :

" You take gun, I take bow and arrow, and we see
who shoot best."

" All right," said Alec, " I'll try."

So it was decided that they were to fire alter-
nately, and Alec was to try first ; if he missed, Mus-
tagan was to shoot. Next time Mustagan was to fire
first, and then Alec. The one who killed five ducks
or othor game fi^'st was to be considered victor. Mr
Ross, who entered heartily into the spirit of the con-
test, took the steering paddle while the white lad and
the old Indian tried their skill. It was a contest
between gun and powder versus bow and arrow.

Soon a fine Mallard duck came flying along. Alec
let drive at it, and missed. Quick as a flash Mus-*
tagaii'j: bow was up, and his arrow sighted and sent
after it with such accuracy that it caught the duck
fairly under one of the wings, killing it instantly.

"The best shot I ever saw," shouted Alec, in
genuine admiration.

The head of Mustagan's arrow was the thigh bone
of a wild swan, which is almost solid, and makes a
capital arrow head for duck shooting, as it is heavy
and can be made so sharp as to pierce easily the body
of the game.

The next object was a solitary beaver sitting on a
baak, quite unconcerned. Mr Ross said afterwards
that in all probability it was an old, sullen fellow
that had been driven away by the others from
some distant beaver house and had come and dug
a burrow somewhere in that bank and was living
there alone.

As it was Mustagan's turn to shoot first, he caife-

THREE BOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

159

fully selected his heaviest arrow, the head of which
was a piece of barbed steel. Having examined the
shaft to see that it was perfectly straight, lie shot
it with all his str< orth. No need for Alec to fire,
for deep down into the skull of the animal had the
steel head gone, instantly killing him. When it was
lifted into the canoe, Alec was surprised at the size
of its tail, and more than aina^iftd when told that it
was one of the luxuries of the country. It was one
of the favourite dishes at the supper that evening.
The other luxuries Mr Ross added were the bear's
paws and the moose's nose.

As they paddled on, Mustagan suddenly shaded
his eyes for a moment, then quickly said, " Wap-i-sew!
Wap-i-sew ! " (Swans, swans.)

Word was quickly shouted to the other boats of
trheir coming, and to try and shoot some of them if
possible. Swans' feathers are much prized in that
land for beds. Their meat, however, is not considered
equal to that of the wild goose. As they fly with
great rapidity, they were not long in coming within
range. There was a, large flock of them, and they
were flying, as they usually do, in a straight line.
This flock must have risen up very recently, as they
were not more than fifty feet above the water.

" I killed beaver. Your turn first now," said Mus-
tagan to Alec. " But I fire just after you."

Alec had, at Mr Ross's suggestion, dropped a half-
dozen big buck-shots in the barrel of his gun on the
top of the charge of duck-shot. The instant the
first swan of the loug, straight line of them was in
range he fired. To his amazement, while the first
and second passed on unhurt, the third swan droppea
suddenly into the water. And a second or two after
an-^ther, about the twentieth in the line, also fell.

160

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Soon reports from other guns were heard as the
friends in the other canoes in the rear fired; and
Mrs Ross was delighted to have the feathers of six
beautiful white swans to take home with her when
she returned.

The most perplexed one in the party for the time
being was Alec. Mr Ross had observed it, and half
suspecting the cause, asked what it was that was
bothering him. His answer was :

"I cannot understand how it should have happened,
that when I aimed and fired at the first swan, it and
the second should pass on unhurt, and the third
fall dead.

He was very much surprised when Mr Ross ex-
plained that he had not calculated for the speed
with which the wild swan flies. Although such a
large and heavy bird, it flies with a rapidity excelled
by very few. Wild ducks and geese are easily left
behind by the beautiful and graceful swans.

When the birds were picked up, the journey was
resumed, and the friendly contest between Alec and
Mustagan continued.

Soon a large flock of ducks flew over them. It
being Mustagan's turn, ho shot, and as his arrow re-
turned it was in the heart of a splendid duck. Alec,
watching his opportunity, fired where a number were
flying closely together, and had the good fortune to
bring down four at the one shot. This of course gave
him the victory — and no congratulations could have
been more kindly or sincere than were those of the
big-hearted Mustagan.

In the meantime, those in the other canoes had their
own adventures and excitements. Sam had the good
fortune to kill one of the swans, although he said
after that he thought he must have been cross-eyed

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

161

when he fired, as the one which fell was the third or
fourth behind the one at which he aimed.

In his amusing way, Sam's irrepressible spirit was
up, and in a half-moralising strain, at such erratic
shooting, he said :

" Indeed, when I saw that swan fall, I began to think
I must have been like the old schoolmaster of whom
my father used to tell in the old times, when he
was a boy, that when he was angry would shout out,
* Will that boy I am looking at stand up.' And do
you believe it, ten or a dozen would rise, trembling,
to their feet, in different parts of the schoolhouse."

The Old Fort was reached early in the afternoon,
and at one of the favourite camping places on the
western side of the rushing waters of the great river
that comes pouring out of Lake Winnipeg, they went
ashore. The active Indians soon had abundance of
dry wood cut and gathered. The fires were soon
brightly burning, and the meal prepared. Around it
clustered the happy hungry ones, and very much did
they enjoy their dinner in the sunshine, amidst the
beauties of this romantic spot.

Mrs Ross and the children, escorted by Mr Ross
and our three lads, went for a long ramble through
the woods, looking for some rare and beautiful ferns
which here abound. They succeeded in getting quite
a number of fine specimens, which they carefully dug
up, to be planted in the grounds around Sagasta-
weekee. Some lovely wild flowers were also found,
and several small, young, mountain-ash trees were
dug up and carried home.

After this delightful ramble, which was without
any exciting adventure, they all returned to the
camp, where they found that tea had been prepared
for them by the thoughtful Indian canoemen. When

162

THREE IJOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

i I

I' ^

this was partaken of, Mrs Ross and the young people
embarked in their capacious canoe for the return trip,
and under the vigorous paddling of their four canoe-
men reached Sagastaweekee before midnight.

The only excitement they had on the way was the
seeing a beautiful deer and its young fawn swimming
in the water a long way out from the shore. They
gave chase and caught up to the beautiful, frightened
creatures. Mrs Ross would not allow the men to kill
either of them, as she did not want the children to be
shocked by the death of such beautiful, timid animals,
especially as the solicitude manifested by the mother
deer was very interesting to observe.

At first, even the experienced Indians were per-
plexed at the sight of ihe deer, with her young fawn,
in this broad water, so far from land. Generally,
while the fawns are so small, the mother deer keeps
them hidden in the deep, dark forests, only going to
them when it is necessary to suckle them.

It was not very long before these Indians had an
idea of the cause of the unusual conduct of this deer.
So they began watching very carefully the distant
shore, from which the deer had come, and, after a
while, one who had been shading his eyes gave a start
and whispered earnestly :

"Wolf! wolf!"

And sure enough it was, for there, trotting up and
down on the shore, was a great, fierce, northern grey
wolf.

He must have got on the trail of the deer, and
alarmed her, but not before she had time to rush from
her retreat with the fawn, and spring into the water.
They must have got quice a distance out from shore
before the wolf reached the water, as the Indians said,
judging by the way the wolf ran up and down on the

THREE BOYS IX THE WILD NOUTH LAND

103

beach, tiyinjj to find the trail, he had not seen them
enter the water.

Wolves do not take to water like bears. It is true,
they can swim when necessary, but they cannot make
much of a fight in the water. A full-grown deer can
easily drown a wolf that is rash enough to dare to
attack him in the deep water. The Indians would
have liked to have gone ashore and make an eftbrt
to get in the rear of the wolf, and have a shot at
him, but this was at present out of the question. So
they paddled in between the swimming deer and
fawn and the shore from whence they had come,
thus enabling them to escape to the side opposite
from the wolf. Shortly after, as the wolf, angry
at being baffled of his prey while the scent was so
hot on the shore, came running along in plain
sight, the Indians fired a couple of bullets at him.
These, while not killing him, went near enough to
cause him to give a great jump of surprise and alarm,
and to disappear suddenly into the forest.

" Some time soon we get that wolf," said one of
the Indians.

How he did get it, we will have him tell us later
on.

md
irey

tnd
fom
Iter.
lore
dd,
Ithe

CHAPTER XVI

The Old Fort again — Aurora Eorealis— Camp Annoyances —
Unexpected Arrivals — Fur-Traders — Head Winds —
Camp-fire Yarns.

We must now return to our other friends whom we
left at the Old Fort, Some lays were spent at this
favourite old hunting-ground.

With Mr Ross the boys visited the site of their
former camp, where the cyclone wrought such havoc,
and where they had such a narrow escape. They
were all amazed, as they examined the trunks of the
trees twisted of, and saw how, like a swath of grass
cut through a meadow, they had fallen before the
irresistible hurricane which had swe{)t through the
dense fo)"8st.

Never had any of them seen anything to equal this,
and they were very grateful for providential deliver-
ance. They investigated the rocks and boulders, and
Mr Ross gave them his ideas as to the formation of
the great prairies of the West, over which he had so
often wandered, and where Sam, Alec and Frank ex-
expected in a year or so to spend some happy
months.

To the boys, the evening camp fiies on the rocks,
the rippling waters of lake or river at their
feet, and dark background of unexplored forest,
the picturesque Indians, the preparations for the
evening meal (to satisfy such glorious appetites) were

164

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

105

:s,
jir
1st,
he
k'e

intensely interesting, "i'hen, after the sun had gone
down m splendour, and tlie long twilight began to
fade away, they watched the stars come out from
their hiding places one by one, until the whole
heavens seemed aglow with them, as they shone with
a radiance and beauty simply indescribable.

If not too tired to wait for their arrival, how
fascinating often were the auroral displays — the
mysterious Northern Lights. Even if sleepy and
tired when some of these field - night displays
began, they soon forgot their weariness as they
gazed, at times fairly fascinated by the wondrous
visions that were theii*s to witness. Never did
they see a glorious display exactly repeated. There
was always a kaleidoscopic change. Yet each was
very suggestive and beautiful. Sometimes the lights
mounted up, and up, from below the horizon, like
vast arrays of soldiers, rank following rank in
quick succession, arranged in all the gorgeous hues
of the rainbow. They advanced, they receded ; they
fought, they conquered ; they retreated, and then
faded away into oblivion. Then great arches of
purest white spanned the heavens, from which
streamers, red as blood, hung quivering in the sky
Then, after other transformations, a corona filled the
zenith, and became a perfect crown of dancing,
flashing splendour that long hung suspended there
above them — a fit diadem, they thought, for the
head of liim who was the Creator of all these in-
describable glories.

Thus, in the beauties of the night visions and in
other sights peculiar to the North, there were com-
pensations for some of the privations incident to
being so remote from the blessings of civilisation.
These new scenes both by night and by day were

1 1 .;

II 1

lOfi THREE TOYS TN TTTE WILD NOTITTI LAND

sources of great pleasure to the boys, as their
natures were fortunately such as to feel the peculiar
charm of them. Then, with their full programme of
delightful sports, they were indeed having a most
joyous holiday.

But our readers are not to understand that during
all these months there was nothing but continued
enjoyment, without any genuine hardships. There
were at times some very serious drawbacks, and the
boys had to muster up all their courage and face
some annoyances that were exasperating in the
extreme. And these hardships and trials were as
likely to meet them when they would have rejoiced
in refreshing slumber, as during the weariness
of a heavy day, marching on the trail of some
game.

One of the great drawbacks to quiet slumber, during
the sultry hours of the hot summer nights, was those
intolerable pests, the mosquitoes. At times they were
simply unendurable. They came in such multitudes
that they were irresistible. They presented their
bills so importunately that the payment had to be
made promptly in blood. Some nights the boys
could hardly sleep at all. Every expedient was
tried to drive them off. Smoke fires were kindled,
and all other known remedies were tried, but in
vain. Blistered hands, swollen faces, eyes that would
only half open, some mornings told of the long-con-
tinued, unsuccessful battles that durixig the night
past had been fought, and, to judge from appearances,
the lads most thoroughly defeated.

Said Sam one morning, after a night of misery
with the insatiable pests:

" I see now why the rascals are called * pious
animals' — because they have been singing over us

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

167

and preying on us all the night ; but, in spite of all
their efibrts, I am sure I am none the better, but
mucli the worse, both in body and spirits."

" I say, Big Tom," said Alec, " what is the good of
mosquitoes, anyway ? "

" To teach young white gentlemen patience, and
to see what stulf they are made of," said the old man,
while all were amused at his apt reply.

** We hardly notice them," continued Big Tom, in
his slow, tioliberate manner, " and so it will be with
you all after a time. Mosquitoes are peculiar, and
liave their likes and dislikes, and one of their likes is
to be fond of fresh blood, and so they go for the latest
arrivals. And one of their dislikes is for tough old
Injun. When you have been here some time, and
have been bitten by a great many, you will not mind
them so much."

" How many ? " said Frank.

* About a million," replied Big Tom, ** though I
don't know how many that is."

This answer was too much for Sam^ so he sprang
up in a hurry, and, in a semi-tragic manner, ex-
claimed :

" When does the next train start for home ? I
want to see my mother."

This inquiry from the irrepressib ' e Sam provoked
roars of laughter, and caused them to forget the
mosquitoes and their bills.

When the boys arose one morning they were
surprised to find a whole brigade of boats drawn
up on the shore, and the men at various camp
fires busily preparing their breakfasts. They had
slept so well that they had not heard the slightest
sound. Mr Ross and the men had been up quite
a long time, and had gone over to chat with the two

J I

168 THREE liOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

officers of the Hudson Bay Coi^ipany who had charge
of the brigade, whicli was foi' Cumberhind House
and Swan River district, and was now on its way
up from York Factory w^^' ts cargo of goods for
the next winter's trade.

As breakfast was now ready, Mr Ross invited the
two officers of the Company, Mr Hamilton and Mr
Rolanger, to eat with them. This invitation was
gladly accepted. Frank, Alec and Sam became very
much interested in the visitors, and in the recital
of their adventures and reminiscences of trading
with the Indians in various parts of the great
country.

The officers, on their part, were anxious to
hear all about the gunpowder explosion that had
occurred in Robinson's Portage, as all sorts of
rumours had gone abroad throughout the country
about it, and especially a story that many persons
were killed, among them some young English gentle-
men, who, for a bit of a lark, had laid the train
of gunpowder, which caused the general flare up.
The boys were amazed at first, then vastly amused, as
they saw by the twinkle in Mr Ross's eye that he was
well acquainted with the fondness for banter which
was a strong characteristic of some of those H. B.
gentlemen.

At first the boys hardly knew how to reply to
this absurd reflection. Sam was the first to grasp
the situation, and, in the richest brogue of his own
Green Isle, which we will not try to produce in all
its perfection, he said :

"Oh, then, it's right ye are, av course. An'
wasn't it too -bad intirely for Frank, the spalpeen,
to do the like, an'- he an Englishman too. Shure,
thin, an' didn't he tire the powdher through down

THIIKK HOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

160

r..

right invy. Do you believe me now, didn't ho
and Alec, the Scotchman sitting there forninst ye,
wish to blow John Company, body and breeches,
all at wanst into the Nelson Kiver, for your rascally
chating the poor Injuns, that they might bo after
starting a Company thimselves."

This sally created roars of laughter, and even the
slap he gave them about their close dealings with
the Indians was much enjoyed. Soon all were on
the best of terms, and it was a mutual pleasure in
that lonely place to meet and interchange the news,
as well as to have the flashings of wit and fun,
and happy, pleasant raillery.

Of course the men of the brigade were anxious to
get on, as they still had a long journey before them.
They had only come from Norway House, a distance
of twenty miles, the previous day. They had started,
as was customary, quite late in the afternoon, but the
wind was anything but favourable, and so they were
obliged to remain where they lad drawn up their
boats. Their old guide, after scanning the heavens
and watching the movements of the different strata
of clouds, declared that a fierce south wind was brew-
ing, and that if they dared to start they would soon
be driven back again. This was bad news to all
especially to the young officers, who were very
anxious to proceed, and much disliked to be delayed
on their journey, because it is always in the favour
of an officer seeking promotion in the service, if it
is known that he has a good record for making
speedy trips with his brigades. '* »

Here, however, were weather reports^ from one
whose word was law, and so there was no help for
it, but to remain until the wind changed. As the
indication was for high winds, with perhaps heavy

■■1

170 TMIIKK HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

raiiiH, orderH woro iHsued lor the coinplutc safety
of tlio boats and cargoes. In makinj; their prepara-
tions for a Hevere Htorni, the crews of two or three of
the boats seized hold of the stronrf rope which was
attached to the stem of eacli boat, and, by their
united strength, dragged them one after another well
up on the sand, out of the reach of the waves. As there
are no tides in these great American lakes the boats
have not generally to bo shifted. Heavy tarpaulins
were carefully lashed down over the cargo, thus
preventing the rain from doing any damage. These
precautions turned out to be quite unnecessary, as
the threatened storm either did not appear or
passed round them. Still the wind blew constantly
from the south for a number of days, and the
brigade was obliged to remain. So long indeed
was it detained that the officers had to order the
removal of the cargo from one of the boats, which
was sent back to Norway House for an additional
supply of food.

This delay of the brigade made a glorious time for
the boys, for among the men were some remarkable
characters from the great prairies and the distant
mountains. Some of them were full of thrilling
adventures and wonderful stories; and, while wait-
ing during the long days for the wind either to
change or go down, many a capital yam was told at
the pleasant camp fires. Some of them were narrated
with wondrous dramatic power. Indians are true
sons of Nature, and, though not taught in the
schools of oratory,, have, in many instances, a kind
of eloquence that is most effective, and a dramatic
way of speaking that is most telling.

There were stories of war parties and of scalping
scenes, as well as of thrilling horse-stealing escapades.

iti

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NOUTII LAND

171

In addition there were the narrations of varioiia
kinds of huntinjj julveiiture, from tl»o.se bronzed old
ImnterH, wlio had fre(|Uently mot in deadly contiict
all kinds of Horce animals, from the mountain lion to
the t^rizzly bear.

■ \

! i

CHAPTER XVII

The Stoiy of Pukumakuii — Unloosing His Tongue — His
Early Days — Excursion for Buffalo — Treacherous
Quicksands — Sinking Mother — Sagacious Horse —
Sneaking Wolves — Rattlesnake and Prairie-T)og.

One old Indian with a splendid physique much
excited their curiosity. They were specially anxious
to know the story of that fearful scar across his face.
He was evidently getting on in years, and was treated
with much respect by his comrades. However, he
was so quiet, and at times so reticent, that hardly a
word could be got out of him. That there was some
thrilling adventure associated with that scar the boys
were very confident. The question among them was
how to get him to tell it. They made friends with
some of his Indian associates, and tried to get from
them his history, but all the information they would
impart was :

" Yes, he has a great story. It very much please
you. You get him tell it."

This of course only increased their anxiety to hear

his narrative. For a time all their efforts met with

poor success. At length Alec, the shrewd Scottish lad,

said :

. - 172

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

173

« y

"I have an idea that I can break through his
reserve and get him to talk."

" Let us hear what your scheme is," said
Frank.

"It is this,'' replied Alec; "I have been watching him,
and I have noticed that the only two things he seoms
to have any love for are his red-beaded leggings and
his brilliant red neckerchief. So I have been think-
ing that if I offer him that red tartan shirt of mine
it will so please him that he will break through his
reserve and we will get his story."

" A capital plan," shouted Sam, " and if you succeed
in getting the adventure out of him we will gladly
pay for the shirt."

The question now was how to find out if this plan
would be successful. Some of the Indians are very
sensitive, and require careful handling. However,
Mustagan, their famous guide, who had become
very friendly with this Indian, undertook, at the
boys' desire, to present their request, and, as it
were incidentally, to hint at the present of the
brilliant shirt.

The scheme worked admirably, and here is his
narrative.

His name was Puk-um-a-kun, which means a club,
or a hammer. He was a Kinistenaux Indian, and,
when he was a boy, his family and people lived a part
of each year on the banks of the Assiniboine River.
Here he grew up as other young Indian lads, and
was early taught the use of the bow and arrow, and
how to throw the lasso skilfully. He had his share
of excitements and dangers, living itt those days when
warlike tribes were not far away. The war-whoop
was no unusual sound, and so they were in a state of
constant expectation of attack.

-■^

174 THREE BOYS IN THE W,ILD NORTH LAND

IPC I.,

!■

i '
1 .

Living on the prairies, he was, as soon as he was
big enough, taught how to ride the fiery native
horses until he could manage the wildest of them.
In such a wild life, he naturally had many ad-
ventures. The one that is most vividly impressed on
his mind, and the constant reminder of which he
carries in the great scar on his face, is the one that
the boys drew forth.

It was many years ago, when, as a boy of about
twelve years of age, he was living with his father
and mother in an Indian village not far from the
Assiniboine. As game was not very plentiful that
season in their part of the country, it was decided
that they should break camp and go on a great
buffalo hunt, which would last for several weeks.
While the men went to kill the buffalo, the women
had to accompany them to dry and pack the meat,
and to make pemmican. The buffalo herds were
far away, and it was many days' journey before
they were found.

One day, while they were travelling along over
the prairies, Pukumakun had the misfortune to be
bitten on the leg by a poisonous snake. His mother
havino: first killed the snake, then sucked the wound
until she had drawn out nearly all the poison. By
this brave act she undoubtedly saved his life. How-
ever, there was still enough of the poison left in his
system to make him very sick and cause his leg to
swell greatly. The result was he could not travel as
fast as the buffalo - hunters, who were anxious to
reach the herds, and it was decided that he should
be left with his mother to follow as rapidly as they
could. So painful became his leg from the exercise
of the riding, that at length he was unable to mount
his horse. But his brave mother stuck to him and

THREE BOi^S IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

175

continued to help him along for some days. To
make matters worse, one of their two horses dis-
appeared one night. Still on they pushed as well
as they could with the remaining one, and at length
reached a river with many sand bars. Here the
noble woman, in trying to carry him across, got
into the quicksands and began to sink. In vain
she tried to pull her feet out of the treacherous
sands. When she lifted up one foot the other
only sank deeper and deeper. Failing to succeed
in this way, she lifted him off her shoulders,
and placing him gently beside her, she tried again
to struggle from the sands. But it was all
in vain. She was held with too tight a grip.
Seeing this, and fearing that Pukumakun might
also begin to sink, she again put him upon
her shoulders and then both of them shouted
and called loudly for help. But no help came.
No human beings were within many miles of
them. Some prairie wolves heard their voices and
came to the bank to see what it meant. They
found the bundle of meat there and quickly
devoured it, but they did not dare to attack the
horse that was eating the grass not two hundred
yards away. When they had fought over and de-
voured the food they came to the bank again, and
their howls and yelps seemed to mock the cries for
help of the perishing ones, as deeper and deeper
they sank in the treacherous quicksands. But
that woman never wept, for she was the daughter
of a chief. We must let Pukumakun tell the rest
of the story, which fairly thrilled and fascinated
the boys.

■ By - and - by my feet began to touch the water,
which ran a few inches deep over the bad sands,

' 'i'

n^r

i^-^-

170

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

whicli had so caught hold of my mother, that
she was now nearly sunk up to her waist. Still
she cried not, but spake brave words to mo.
Hoping some Indians might be near we called and
called, but only the wolves answ^ered with their
mocking howls. Deeper and deeper we sank until
the waters were up to my mother's neck, and my
fecu were beginning to feel the grip of the treacherous
sands.

"All at once I saw the horse coming down to
the water to drink. He had, tied around his neck,
the long Indian lariat made of braided deerskin,
and therefore very strong. As I saw the horse,
hope sprang up in my breast, and I began to feel
that we were going to be saved. The water was
now close up to my mother's lips, but we both
called to the horse, which had been in our camp
for years. He raised his head and seemed startled
at first, and then he plunged into the river. It did
not take him long to get through the deep w^ater,
but as his feet began to touch the quicksands,
he seemed at once to know it was not right,
so he kept lifting up his feet, one after the other
very rapidly. Still on he came until he was
so close that I was able to seize hold of the
lariat.

" Then spake my mother, ' My son, you will
escape. Tie the lariat quickly around your waist
and the horse will be able to drag you out. Here
I must die. The spirits of my ancestors call me
away to the happy hunting-grounds and I must
obey. Remember your mother tried hard to save
you, and only failed with her life. Tell my people
how I perished, and give my inessage to the
avengers of blood, and tell them not to be angry

-i.:':%.

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and my
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e other
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angry

^ «.

SINKING IN IHK (,)U1CKSAM)S.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

177

towards you. Farewell, remember you are the
grandson of a chief.'

"At first I wanted to die with my mother. It
seemed so dreadful to leave her alone, but she
would not hear of it. As the waters were coming
into her mouth, she cried, * Obey me, my son, obey
me; and do it quickly, for the horse is impatient
and knows the place is dangerous.'

" So I called sharply to the horse, and he sprang
forward and with a great wrench jerked me otf
from my mother's shoulders, and out through the
quicksands and dashed through the water with
me to the shore.

" As soon as I could loose myself from the
lariat, I turned round to look^ and there I saw
my mother's head just sinking out of sight. I
was wild with terror and sorrow, and bitterly
chided myself for not having died with her. But
I had the consolation that she herself had in-
sisted on my escaping wlien the strange chance
offered itself.

" What was I to do now ? My fatlier and
other friends were far away. My mother had
perished, and here I was, an almost helpless
cripple, on the great prairies, and night was
rapidly approaching. Fortunately my horse stuck
to me, and I saw that I must keep him close
by me all night or the wolves that were prowl-
ing around would, in the darkness, make short
work of me. So, miserable and wet though I
was, I tied the loose end of the lariat around
my waist, and selecting a spot where the grass
was good I sat down in the middle of it, there
to pass the night.

" It was indeed

of all
M

nisfhts the saddest

178

THREE nOYS TN THE WILD NORTH LAND

and most miserable. I could not sleep. I was
full of sorrow. If I tried to shut my eyes there
was before me the sight of my mother sinking,
sinking down, down in that treacherous quick-
sand.

" The wolves were very troublesome. They
would sit out iu the gloom and howl in their
melancholy way. Then they would rouse them-
selves and try to get hold of me. But my horse,
well accustomed to fighting these animals, would
rush at them as far as his lariat would allow,
and would either strike at them with his fore-
feet, or, swinging around quickly, would so vigor-
ously lash out with his hind legs that the
cowardly brutes would quickly skulk back into
the gloom.

" The long night ended at length, and the wel-
come morning came. 1 found that my poor leg,
which had caused all the trouble, was much better.
Perhaps this was from having been so long in the
water. I was able to ride, and so I hurried away
from the sight of the river that had so cruelly
swallowed up my mother. My faithful horse, that
had already been my deliverer, was very patient
while, in my crippled state, I managed to get up
on his back. I had not eaten since yesterday,
but I thought nothing ot that ; I only wanted
to get my sinking mother out of my eyes and
away from that dreadful river which we had to
cross.

" Horses are very wise about these quicksands,
and so I just held on to the lariat, which I had
made into a kind of a halter, and let him choose
his own course. Quickly and safely did he
convey me across, and soon did we find the

•

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

179

the

} \

trail along which my father and the other hunt-
ers had travelled. We hurried on rapidly until
my horse was tired, and then we stopped for a
few hours in a ravine, where we were well
sheltered from hostile Indians, if any shoulc'
be lurking about. The grass was luxuriant
and abundant, and my horse enjoyed it
much.

" When the hottest part of the day was over
we again found the trail and pushed on until
sundown. Where the grass was good I tethered
my horse with the lariat, and for the first time
began to feel hungry. But I had nothing to
eat, neither had I bow nor arrow. However, I
noticed that the burrows of the prairie dogs
were quite numerous where we had left the
trail. So I took the strings of my moccasins,
and making in the ends of each a running noose
I fastened each one over the burrows that seemed
freshest. Then returning to my horse I there
waited for a time, and then went back to see
if anything had been caught. I was much startled
to find in the first noose a large rattlesnake.
He was lashing the ground at a great rate,
while his rattles kept up a constant buzz. With
a pole from some dried willows I soon killed him,
for I wanted the moccasin string with which he
was trapped.

" I was more fortunate with the other noose,
for in it w^as caught by the neck a fine, young,
plump, prairie dog. Quickly killing him, I carried
him and the two strings back to the protec-
tion of my horse. I had my knife, and it did
not take me long to skin the prairie dog, but
as I had no fire, I had to eat him raw. It

180 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

tasted good, for I was now feeling very hungry.

As I had done the night before, I slept with

my horse close to me, as protection from the

wolves." '

. t

gry-

vith
the

CHAPTER XVIII

Pukumaknn's Stoiy continued : St arching' for Frionds--
Pathless Prairie —Angry Kelationa — Avengers of Blood
Unappeased — Race for Life — Overtaken — First ConHict
— Arrow against Tomahawk — Opportune Arrival.

" Thus I travelled on for some days. At times it was
difficult for me to keep the trail, but my horse was
wise, and somehow he seemed to know that he was
following up his comrades.

" I was often very hungry, as I had nothing else to
depend upon with which to hunt except my two
strings, and I could only use them when my horse
was resting. However, I caught a few more prairie
dogs, and one night I caught a prairie chicken, which
was very good.

" One day, as I rode over a big swell, like a hill in

the prairies, I saw not very far away a herd of

buffaloes. So I knew I must be near my friends.

While I was pleased at the sight, I began to feel

much alarmed. They will say at once, * Where

is your mother ? ' Then, if they do not believe my

story — What then ? So I was much troubled in my

mind, and while looking for my people I dreaded to

meet them. I felt that my father would believe my

story, but I was afraid of my mother's brothers, the

181

^W'

182 THUEK HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

HoiiH of the chiol:'. They had never had any love tor
me, nor I much for them. Why this was I found
out one day wlien tliey were upbraidinj^ my mother
in the wigwam for marrying my father instead of
a chief of another village to whom they had promised
lier. They thouglit I was asleep, or they would not
have spoken as they did. I remember that my
mother spoke up and said that she was the daughter
of a chief who had given her the right to choose
her own husband, and that she was contented and
happy in her choice. Just then their sharp eyes
seemed to know that I was not very sound asleep
and so their strong words ceased ; for Indian men
and women do not let children hear their quarrels.

" I now remembered their words and was afraid.
Not long after I saw some of the hunters, and when
I met one whom I knew I inquired for my father.
He told me where I would find him, and I rode on.
My father was resting with some others after a great
run, in which they had killed many butlaloes. When
I drew near to him, although I was the grandson of
a chief, I lifted up my voice and wept. At this he
was very much surprised and hurt, for as yet he
knew not of our great loss. Others jeered and
laughed at seeing a young Indian weeping. Then
my father arose and led me away and began to
upbraid me, for he knew not the cause of my sorrow,
but supposed my mother had joined the other women
who were very busy cutting up and preserving the
meat of the buffalo. But I could only continue my
weeping, and at length was able to cry out, 'My
mother, my mother.'

" At this my father quickly ceased his reproofs, and
becoming alarmed, cried out, ' Tell me what is the
matter.'

THREE BOYS IN THE Wn.I) XOUTH T,A\n 183

" So I told him all. And as I saw his sorrow
as hi) listenod to my story, I knew how great had
been his love for my mother, who in her love for
him had preferred him to the chief whom her
brothers wished her to marry, lie was crushed to
the ground and speechless, and as I saw him so
overwhelmed with his grief, I v/ished again I had
died with my mother.

" For a time he thus remained, while I, most
miserable, could only sit by and look at him. No
words or tears came from him, but the great sorrow
had taken such a hold upon him that he seemed as
one who would there have died.

" Suddenly, voices were heard and we both knew
that some persons were coming near ; he turned to
me and with a great effort said :

"'My son, you must flee at once. Your mother's
brothers, wlio love us not, will not believe your story,
and, as they are the nearest of kin, the avengers of
blood, they will seek your life. You have no witness
to your story, not even the body or a grave to show.
When they find your mother has not arrived, their
suspicions will be aroused. I believe your story,
strange as it is. When they demand of me the cause
of your mother's non-arrival, I will tell them as you
have told me. But they will not believe it, and
you must not meet them, or in all probability they
will kill you in spite of all that I can do. So you
must flee away from the avengers. You, my only
son of your mother, must not fall by the hands of her
brothers. Meet me here to-night, when the moon is
at her brightest, and I will then have decided what
you must do. Flee quickly.'

" It was indeed time for me to go, for hardly had I
slipped away and hidden in the deep grass ere I heard

wssaa

184 THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

angry voices in reply to my father's quiet words.
But I could make out nothing at the time of what
was said. For hours I remained there. The day
passed on and the night followed, and yet I waited
until the old moon came up to its brightest point.
Then returning to the appointed spot, I found my
father waiting for me. His great sorrow was still
on him, but his love for the son of her whom he had
loved so well had shown itself in his acts. He had
with him a good horse, and a warrior's bow and
quiver of arrows. In addition, he had a supply of
food, and some other necessary things. He embraced
me more tenderly than I ever remember his having
done before, and then for an instant his strong Indian
nature broke, and, with one convulsive sob, he said,
* Kah-se-ke-at, my beloved,' which was his pet name
for my mother. But quickly he regained his com-
posure and, pointing to the north star, he said I
was to direct my course west of that, and try to
reach the friendly band of Maskepetoon, the great
chief of the land of the Saskatchewan. He com-
manded me to ride fast as he feared trouble, for my
uncles, to whom he had told my story in the presence
of all the relatives, would not be pacified, but had
demanded that I be delivered up. So I was armed
and mounted, but ere my father would let me go, he
drew me down to him and kissed me, and said :

" * Be brave, my son. Never begin a quarrel, ]but if
the story of your mother's death is true, and I believe
you for you have never deceived me, then in your
innocence, if you are followed and attacked, use your
weapons, and if you must die, fall bravely fighting,
as does the true warrior.'

" In the moonlight there I left him, and dashed away
in the direction pointed out. .

«:j

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

185

" My horse was a good one, and carried me along
witliout any stumbling, although the prairie was
rough and uneven. It was well for me that he was
so steady and true, for I was only a boy, and so
crushed by my great sorrow that I was hardly able
to care for myself. With this good horse I managed
to get on rapidly. However, in spite of all the
progress I had made, I discovered, about the time the
day dawn was coming, that I was being followed.
My pursuers were my fierce uncles, who had never
forgiven my mother for marrying my father, and, now
that they had heard that she was dead, resolved to
take vengeance on me, whom they had always hate4.
They knew that, as was the custom of our people,
they, as the nearest relatives, were the avengers of
blood. In vain had my father pleaded for me, that I
was not guilty of her death. They would not be ap-
peased, even although he had offered almost all of his
possessions as gifts. When, in anger and sorrow at
their unrelenting spirit, he left them, they cunningly
watched him that they might find out where I was
hidden away.

" But my father was too quick for them, and was
able to get me off, as I have mentioned, before they
found my hiding-place. However, they were soon
on my trail, but they had to ride many a mile before
they overtook me, as I had sped on as rapidly aa I
could. Although I was only a boy, I was able to see,
when I detected them lollowing after me, that they
were not coming as friends. Then also my father's
words had put me on my guard. They seeried so
sure of being able to kill me easily that they resorted
to no trick or disguise to throw me off my guard.
I remembered my father, and being conscious
that I was innocent of my mother's death, I

186 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

resolved to die as a warrior. Carefully stringing
my bow, I fixed my quiver of arrows so that I
could draw them easily as I needed them. For-
tunately, my father had taught me the trick vl
riding on the side of my horse and shooting back
from under his neck. Soon, with the yells and war-
whoops of my pursuers, the arrows began to fly
around me. One of their sharp arrows wounded
my horse, but instead of disabling him it put such
life into him that for the next few miles we were
far beyond reach of their shafts. But their horses
were more enduring than mine, and they gradually
gained on me once more. I did not shoot an arrow
until I could hear the heavy breathings of their horses
which, like mine, were feeling the effects of this fearful
race. Then swinging quickly to my horse's side, I
caused him, by the pressure of my knee, to swerve
a little to the left, and, drawing my bow with all
my might I fired back from under his neck at the
horse nearest to me. Fortunately for me my arrow
struck him in the neck, and cut some of the great,
swollen veins; he was soon out of the race. The
uncle on the other horse stopped for a moment to see
if he could be of any service, but when he found that
the wounded horse would soon bleed to death he
sprang again upon his own and came on, if possible,
more furiously than ever. His brief halt had given
me time to get another arrow fixed in my bow as
on I hurried, but my horse was exhausted and soon
again the arrows began to sing about me. One un-
fortunately struck my horse in a mortal place and
brought him down. I could only spring to the ground
as he fell, and with my bow and arrow quickly turn
and face my pursuer.

" Very sudden was the eud. He drew his tomahawk

tte
im

ot
ve
he
3e

ff,

' 5|

'llUi AVIiNGER OF lU.OOD.

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i \

:l. '

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

187

and threw it with all the fury of his passionate
nature. I did not try to dodge it, but facing him
1 drew my bow with all my strength and shot
straight into his face. Our weapons must have
crossed each other, for while he fell dead with the
arrow in his brains, I fell senseless. The blade
of the tomahawk, cutting clean through my bow,
had buried itself in my face. When I returned
to consciousness my father was beside me. He had
sewn up the wounds with sinew, and had succeeded
in stopping the flowing of the blood. How he came
there seemed strange to me. He told me all about
it when I was better. He had found out that the two
uncles, well armed and on good horses, had discovered
my trail and had started after me. He was not long
in following, and as he had their trail in addition to
mine he was able to push on without any delay, and
so caught up to the one whose horse I had shot in
the neck.

" They had no words with each other. They kuew
as they joined in battle that it was to be a fight unto
the death. My father killed my uncle and came out
of the battle unwounc'ed. Then he hurried on as
quickly as he could, anu from a distance saw the
light between my uncle and me. When he dashed
up he thought I was dead, but soon he discovered
that life was still in me. He at once set to work
to help me, but months passed away ere the great
wound made by the tomahawk healed up.

".This great scar remains with me to this day, and
reminds me of that flerce tight and tells of how
terrible in those days were some of the doings of
our people."

>ife

CHAPTER XIX

" Fair Wind ! " - Fish Spearing by Torchlight - The
Shining Eyes — Death of the Deer — Abundance of
Game — Additional Excursions — Tradition of Nanali-
boozoo and the Flood — Was Nanahboozoo Noah ?

The boys listened with excited interest to this
thrilling story. The camp fire had partly burned
down, and the stars had come out in their splendour,
but none seemed to observe the "^ things.

The dramatic action with which Pukumakun
accompanied his narrative, his genuine sorrow at
the tragic death of his mother, and his fierce
excitement as he described the last long race and
its end, simply fascinated our young friends and
they declared it was the most wonderful story
they had ever heard.

Of course the bright tartan shirt, with some other
gifts, was handed over, and then all wrapped them-
selves in their blankets and lay down on the rocks
to sleep.

During the night, the strong south wind veered
around to the north - east, and the alert Indians
in charge were quick to observe the change.
Soon the cry of " Meyoo Nootin " — " fair wind "
— was heard, and in a time so brief that it would
seem almost incredible to persons who have not

188

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

189

<.»

witnessed it, the boats were afloat, tl masts
stepped, the sails hoisted, and the journey so long
delayed was gladly resumed. In the earliest dawn
the last of the sails were seen by our friends
to be sinking below the horizon, as they sped
along towards the mouth of the great Saskat-
chewan. For the rest of the day they were
quite lonesome, after the departure of the brigade.
As the wind was in a bad quarter for them, they
decided to rest during the day and tc go out
spearing fish when night fell. The Indians were
set to work preparing the inflammable torches
which would be necessary for success. These were
made of various things. The best were of fine
resinous strips of spruce, or balsam, taken from
those parts of the tree that are saturated with
.asinous gum. They were secured in handles,
which prevented the hot, melted pitch from running
down and burning the heads, as well as the hands,
of those who held them. Other torches were made
of strips, or rolls, of birch bark saturated in the
balsam gum which is gathered by the Indians,
and used so generally in keeping their canoes
watertight.

The three - pronged, barbed spears were fastened
in long, light handles, and every other preparation
was r ade for a successful expedition.

On account of the long twilight, they had to
wait for some hours after supper ere it was
dark enough to hope for any measure of success.
However, the experienced Indians knew when it
was best to start, and after the inevitable cup
of tea, and the additional pipe for the smokers,
the -three canoes were carried down and carefully
placed in the water. In each was one of our

190

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NOHTH LAND

boys, and they were of course excited at the
prospect of this night adventure.

It seemed so weird to embark in this ghostly
way, and to leave tlie bright camp fire on the
rocks, with the few watchers who remained,
Mr Ross being one of them, and to get into
their light canoes and go paddling out in the
gloom.

Their destination was the western part of Play-
green Lake, where they expected to find abundance
of fish, of the varieties that afford excellent sport
when caught in this way.

After several miles of careful paddling in the
darkness, through rocks and rapids, they reached
a place that seemed familiar to the Indians.
They easily found a sheltered cove, where they
went ashore. Then groping around in the dark-
ness, they soon gathered some dry wood and
kindled a fire. Fortunately the wind had nearly
died away, and they anticipated a successful
night's sport. The inflammable torches were care-
fully arranged, and a couple of them for each
boat were ignited. Then all again took their
assigned positions in their canoes, and noiselessly
paddled to the places were the fish where supposed
to be.

At first, all the boys could see were dark, shadow-
like objects in the water that, after remaining a
moment under the glare of the lights, suddenly
dashed away into the gloom.

For fear of accident, it was decided that the
experienced Indians should begin the spearing,
while the boys looked on, and aided with the
paddles or helped to hold the torches. The Indian
spearmen stood up in the canoe and, gazing intently

THREE IJOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

191

the

the
iian

into the water where it was brilliantly lit up by
the blazing torches, were able to see the fish at
a depth of several feet. Some varieties of fish
are not attracted by the light, and so are not to
be caught in this way. Other kinds, however,
seem quite fascinated by the bright light, and will
remain perfectly still in its glare, as though under
some power they cannot withstand.

The experienced spearmen, with a vigorous thrust,
are generally very successful in securing large
numbers of these. Still, in spite of all their skill,
many escape. Apart from the excitement in
this method of fishing, it is not to be compared
with the ordinary way of capturing them with
gill nets, as regards the quantities obtained. The
spear cruelly w^ounds many that escape, and even
the Indians only adopt this form for the sake of
its exciting sport, and for the capture of some
varieties of fish that are not easily obtained in
any other way.

After the boys had watched the successful opera-
tions of the Indians for a time, they made their
first attempt, but they could not understand how
it was thjt, when they made a vigorous thrust
at a great, big, quiet fish, the spear seemed to
strike some place a couple of feet or so away from
the spot aimed at. Then they found that the law
of refraction had to be considered, and after a few
experiments, they did better. Each was successful
in securing fine fish. Some, indeed, were so large,
that after the boys had plunged their spears into
them, they required the help of the Indians to get
them into the canoe.

When the torches burnt down, others were
lighted, and thus the sport continued until the

jk.

102 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

boats began to feel the additional weight of the
fish ^>hu8 secured. The boys were loth to think
of stopping, and no wonder, for everything was so
strange and weird.

The three canoes with their picturesque occupants,
lit up by the blazing torches, the waters so trans-
parent under the light, and phosphorescent on every
wave, made a picture not to be forgotten. And
close around them was the deep, dense darkness of
the solemn forests that stretched away and away
for miles in all directions.

No wonder the hearts of the lads were thumping,
and no thoughts of sleep there troubled them in
the suppressed excitement of such surroundings.

" Oh, if our friends could only see us here," said
Frank, *' wouldn't they be pleased with the sight ? "

"Ay," said Alec, "and what would not the boys
of the old school give to be here for a few hours
with us ? "

" Hush, what is that ? " said Sam, as he 'pointed
his finger to a spot in the dense, dark forest of trees
that hung down low to the water's edge, not many
yards from where they were slowly floating along
on the stream.

That there was something was very evident, for
there were to be seen two great, shining eyes, that,
owing to the dense darkness around them, seemed to
be strangely large and brilliant.

" Will-o'-the-wisp," said Frank.

" Jack-o'-Lantern," said Alec.

" A banshee," said Sam.

" A big deerj^ said Mustagan ; " keep still, and we
soon shoot him." Quietly and quickly a gun was lifted
up, and, with a word to the men to steady with their
paddles the canoe in which Mustagan stood, he fired.

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

193

.J
o

o
O

and tlie report was followed by the splash of the
body of a great deer, as it fell headlong in the
water, not thirty yards away. The sound of the gun-
shot broke the death-like solitudes and aroused many
a wild sleeper. And for a long time the cry of the
bittern and the loon mingled with the (juacking of
ducks and the wakeful calls of the sentinel wild
goose.

More torches were lit, the carcase of the deer
was secured with a rope, and as the night was far
spent, it was decided to go ashore, if they could find
a safe place, and there rest until morning, for it was
utterly impossible, with the heavy load of fish, to
think of returning through the darkness with the
additional weight of this splendid stag.

The tliree canoes had kept together as closely as
possible. This made it more sociable in the gloom,
and was much approved by the boys, as they could
thus freely chat with each other, and watch each
other's success or failure.

The locality was familiar to some of the Indians, and
a sheltered, little, sandy beach was soon discovered,
and here the now tired party drew up and lauded.
A fire was speedily built, and a kettle of tea and a
supper prepared, and enjoyed by the hungry ones.
Then they quickly rolled themselves up in their
blankets, and were soon away in the land of
dreams. Nothing softer had they under them than
the rocks, and no roof over them but the starry
heavens, yet they slept in a way that thousands
of excited, weary, restless ones, tossing about in
comfortable beds, might well envy but could not
command.

Very early next morning the boys were aroused
for the home trip; but early as it was, the Indiana

1
\

194 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

had already skinned and cut up the deer, and distri-
buted it among the boats.

Part of the fish was given to some Indian
women and children who were encamped on the
islands near which they passed, on the route back to
the canp. 1 iiey also called and left some venison,
and a number of fish, with the old, white-haired
centenarian Indian, whose encampment of tents and

L *"*

r^5

. '«•

^S^^

1 '

^^^

^^■B^^^E "^i^ ^1^^^ -.-i-SLH

Ij^^A^^^^^^Hv ''^^^^1

CENTENARIAN INDIAN ENCAMPMENT.

birch canoes made a picture not destitute (A
charm.

Mr Ross was much pleased with the glowing
accounts which the boys gave of the night's adven-
tures, and due praise was given to Sam for having
seen the great, luminous eyes of the deer even before
any of the Indians had observed them.

Mr Ross, in answer to the boys' inquiries, explained
how some deer, like fish, seemed to be fascinated by
a bright light, and will allow hunters to approach

V,,

tri-

lian
the
: to
son,
ired
and

LVlPg

lefore

lined
|dby
:oach

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 195

very near> especially if they are on the water, ere
they will try to get away.

The weather proving favourable, the camp was
struck, the canoes loaded, and all proceeded on
the way to Montreal Point once more. They only
stopped for an hour or so at Spider Islands to melt
some pitch and mend a crack which had opened in
the bottom of one of the canoes.

The boys, who in their own land had seen
great iron ships being repaired in dry docks, were
quite amused and interested at the primitive way in
which these Indians made their light canoes water-
tight. When this was done, they were all soon
under weigh again, and, not long after, the shores
of the' mainland began to loom up plainly before
them.

They remembered the last visit, and the battle
with the wolves. So they were naturally on the
lookout for a herd of deer or a pack of ravening
wolves ; but not even a Whisky Jack was seen or
heard. The entire absence of visible life made the
land appear quite desolate.

Selecting a favourable spot, they landed, and
while some of the Indians made a fire and pre-
pared the supper, Mr Ross, with Frank, Alec, Sam
and Mustagan, visited the scene of the great fight.
They took the precaution to carry their guns with
them, for who could tell wbeve the rest of those
wolves might be, or what other game might not
suddenly appear in sight ?

Sam and Frank took special pride in pointing out
to Alec and Mr Ross where they had stood, when,
under Mustagan 's directions, they had brought down
the two leading wolves in that memorable and
exciting battle, and then where they fought in the

196

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I i

I I

terrible hand-to-hand encounter, where it was hunt-
ing-axe against teeth.

But little was left to tell of the fray. A few
whitened, well-picked bones were to be seen here
and there, but nothing more. So they returned to
the camp fire, where their supper was now prepared,
and ready, indeed, were they for it.

As thej'- had made such a long trip that day, Mr
Ross, who was ever mindful of the welfare of his
canoemen, decided that there should be no hunting
that evening or night. So they gathered round the
camp fire, and with bright and pleasant chat the
happy hours passed away, one of them being speci-
ally interesting, as Mr Ross, who had made the
gathering up of Indian legends a favourite study,
when not absorbed in heavier work, was asked to be
the story-teller.

To this request he cheerfully responded, and not
only were the boys interested listeners, but the In-
dians of the party gathered round, curious to hear
how well a white man was able to tell one of their
favourite tales. '

Mr Ross began by stating that among nearly all
the tribes of the red men legendary stories were very
numerous. Some of them were significant and beauti-
ful, others very senseless and without meaning. Many
of them had reference to their religions, and so were
of spirits and superstitious. Others referred to every-
day circumstances and surroundings, and professed
to give the correct solution of the existence and pecu-
liarities of everything, great and small, just as we
see them.

These legends were transmitted orally from gener-
ation to generation, as perfectly as possible, by the
story-tellers of the different tribes, who were generally

=1^

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

197

i
f

old men gifted with good memories. At the yearly
councils, where the people met to deliberate on the
various matters pertaining to the welfare of the tribe,
these old men — the story-tellers — were expected to
rehearse the legends and traditions over and over to
each other, and io the people, who always listened to
them with great delight and interest, and were quick
to detect and severely criticise any inaccuracy.

The following is the tradition of Nanahboozoo and
the flood : —

*' Before the general deluge there lived two enormous
creatures, each possessed of vast power. One was an
animal with a great horn on its head ; the other was
a huge toad. The latter had the whole management
of the waters, keeping them secure in his own body
and emitting only a certain quantity when needed
for the watering of the earth. Between these two
creatures there arose a quarrel which terminated in a
great fight. The toad in vain tried to swallow its
antagonist, but the latter rushed upon it and with his
horn pierced a hole in its side, out of which the waters
rushed in floods and soon overflowed the face of the
earth.

" Nanahboozoo was living at this time on the earth.
Observing the water rising higher and higher, he fled
to the loftiest mountain for refuge. Perceiving that
even this retreat would soon be inundated, he selected
a large cedar tree which he purposed to ascend should
the waters come up to him. Before the floods reached
him, he caught a number of animals and fowls and put
them into his bosom. At length the waters covered
the mountain. Nanahboozoo then ascended the cedar
tree, and as he went up he plucked its branches and
stuck them in the belt which girdled his waist.

" When he reached the top of the tree he sang, and

198 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

beat the tune with his arrow upon his bow, and as he
sang* the tree grew and kept pace with the water for
a long time. At length he abandoned the idea of
remaining any longer on the tree. So he took the
branches he had plucked, and with them constructed
a raft on which he placed himself with the animals
and fowls. On this raft he floated about for a long
time till all the mouatains were cover ', and all the
beasts of the earth and fowls of the air, except those
he had with him, had perished.

" At length Nariahboozoo thought of forming a
new world, but how to accomplish it without a ly
materials he knew not. Then the idea occurred to
him that if he could only obtain a little of the
earth which was under the water, he might succeed
in making a new world out of the old one. He
accordingly employed the different animals he had
with him that were accustomed to diving. First
he sent the loon down into the water in order to
bring up some of the old earth, but it was not able
to reach the bottom and, after remaining in the water
some time, came up dead. Nanahboozoo then took
it, blew upon it, and it came to life again. He next
sent the otter, which, also failing to reach the bottom,
came up dead, and was restored to life in the same
manner as the loon. He then tried the skill of the
beaver, but without success. Having failed with
all these diving animals he, last of all, took the
musk rat. On account of the distance it had to go
to reach the bottom it was gone a long time and
came up dead. On taking it up, Nanahboozoo found,
to his great joy, that it had reached the earth, and
had retained some of the soil in each of its paws
and in its mouth. He then blew upon it, and brought
it to life again, at the same time pronouncing many

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 199

blessings on it. He declared that as long as the world
he was about vo make should endure the musk rat
should never become extinct.

" This prediction of Nanahboozoo is still spoken of
by our people when referring to the rapid increase
of the musk rat.

"N> nahboozoo then took the earth which he found
in the musk rat's paws and mouth, and having
rubbed it with Ms hands to fine dust, he placed
it on the waters and blew upon it. Very soon it
began to grow larger and larger until it was beyond
the reach of his eye. Thus was spread out the new
world after the great flood. In order to ascertain
the size of this newly-created world, and the progress
of its growth and expansion, he sent a wolf to run
to the end of it, measuring its extent by the time
consumed in the journey. The first journey he per-
formed in one day. The second trip took him five
days ; the third consumed ten days ; the fourth a
month ; then a year ; then five years. Thus it went
on until the world became so large that Nanahboozoo
sent a young wolf that could just run. This animal
died of old age before he could accomplish his
journey. Nanahboozoo then decided that the world
was large enough, and commanded it to cease from
growing.

" Some time after this Nanahboozoo took a journey
to view the new world he had made, and, as he
travelled, he created various anj^als suitable for the
ditFerent parts of the new world. He then experi-
mented in making man. The first one he burnt too
black, and was not satisfied. Then he tried again
and was no better pleased, as this one was too white.
His third attempt satisfied him, and he left him in
this country, while the first two he had made he

^~"=r=rs

200

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

lii

placed far away. He then gave to the men he
had created their various customs and habits and
beliefs.

" Nanahboozoo, having finished his work, now
sits at the North Pole, which we Indians used to
consider the top of the earth. There he sits, over-
looking all the transactions and affairs of the people
he has placed on the earth.

" The northern tribes say that Nanahboozoo always
sleeps during the winter, but, previous to his falling
asleep, he fills his great pipe and smokes for several
days, and it is the smoke rising from the mouth
and pipe of Nanahboozoo which at that season
of the year produces what is called the Indian
summer."

The boys listened to this Indian tradition of the
flood with a great deal of interest, and they got
out their Bibles and tried to see the points of resem-
blance between the account given by Noah and that
given by !t^anahboozoo. .

They decided that Nanahboozoo was the Indian
name for Noah, and that the raft was the substitute
for the ark. The sending out of the various animals
to discovei and bring some earth stood for the send-
ing forth of the raven and the dove. In some other
conversations with Indians on the dift'erent traditions
about the flood, Mustagan told them that in some
of the tribes he had visited they had, in addition
to what has here been narrated, a story of a bird
coming with a little twig and sticking it in the
newly-formed world of Nanahboozoo. This little
twig took root and rapidly grew into a large tree,
and from it all the other trees and shrubs had come.

CHAPTER XX

The Call of the Moose— Preparations for Capture — Midnight
March — Rival Bulls — A Royal Battle — Frank's Shot
— Big Tom, the Successful Moose Hunter — Young
Moose Calves — Their Capture — Sam's Awkward
Predicament.

S 1

In the morning the boys were informed that during
the night the call of a great moose bull was heard,
and that an effort would be made the next night
to kill him.

The moose is the largest animal that roams in
these northern forests, and is exceedingly diflScult
to kill. His eyes are small and not very good, but
he has the most marvellous powers of hearing and
smelling given to almobt any animal. Then he is
so cunning and watchful, that very few Indians
are able, by fair stalking him in his tracks, to get
a shot at him. He does not eat grass, but browses
on the leaves or branches of several kinds of trees.
His horns are often of enormous proportions, and yet
the speed and ease with which he can dash safely
through the dense forests is simply marvellous.

There are various ways of killing him in addi-
tion to the sportsman-like way of following on the
trail, and thus by skill and endurance getting within

range.

201

202 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

(',

In the winter, when the snow is deep, of course,
}ie has a poor chance against the hunters, who, on
their light snowshoes, can glide on the top of the
deep snow, while the great, heavy moose goes floun-
dering in the drift.

Moose have a great weakness for the large, long
roots of the water lily, and are often killed while
they are out from the shore wallowing in the
marshy places for these succulent dainties. But the
most exciting sport was afforded by the method
which the Indians were now going to use to try to
bring down this big fellow whose bellowings the
night before had arrested the attention of those who
had been awakened by him.

Mr Ross explained that these bellowings of the
previous night were his calls to his mates in the
forest. Perhaps they had been alarmed by some
hunters, or chased by wolves, and had become
widely separated. Nature has not only given
to the moose of both sexes this wonderful power
of hearing, but to the males this great voice, which,
in the stillness of the night in those northern
solitudes, can be heard for a number of miles. The
reply call of the female moose is much softer, and
the Indians have a plan by which they can so
successfully imitate it, that they can often call
the old male moose close enougVi to them to be
shot, and cases are known where the infuriated
beast, maddened by the deception played upon him,
has rushed upon his deceiver, and made it lively
work for him to get beyond the reach of his great
antlers.

For fear of driving the moose out of the neigh-
bourhood, it was decided that there was to be no
firing of guns that day, as the Indians were certain

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

203

•"

there had been no answer to the call of the male
on the part of any of the other sex, and judging
from their knowledge of the habits of the animal
they decided that, if not alarmed, he would be
within hearing distance about ten o'clock that
evening.

The question then was — How are we to spend the
day ? This was speedily answered when the Indians
reported that any number of sturgeon had been
seen jumping in the shallows, among the rocks,
not far out from the shore. The method of securing
them was by spearing them from the canoes. A
good deal of calculation was required in managing
the canoes, so that they should not be upset in the
excitement of the sport; and then a great deal of
strength had to be exerted to hold on to the spears
when once the great, big sturgeon, from four to
six feet long, was transfixed.

There were some amusing upsets, and the boys
in turn came back to the camp drenched, but happy
with the varied adventures of the day. Nearly
a score of fine sturgeon rewarded them for their
eflforts. These the Indians cut into flakes, and
dried, while the valuable oil was distilled and put
away in most ingeniously-constructed vessels, made
out of the skin of the sturgeon themselves.

But in spite of the fun and success of the
fishing, the boys were simply wild in anticipa-
tion of the events of the coming night. The very
uncertainty and weirdness of the sport had a fas-
cination for them, that made it impossible to
shut their eyes and have a short sleep in the
early hours of the evening, as Mr Ross suggested.
The very idea of sleeping seemed out of the ques-
tion. So they kept awake, and were alert and

' 1]

204

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

watchful of the movements of the Indians, as they
made their final preparations to take advantage of
the natural instincts of these great animals.

These preparations were not very many. From
the birch trees that grew near they stripped oft* long
rolls of new bark. These they carefully made into
a horn-shaped instrument, one end of which was
much wider tlia^i the other. Then they put on their
darkest garments, as the appearance of anything
white would alarm the wary game, and frighten
them away.

The evening was exceedingly favourable, as but
little wind was bh zing, and that was from the land
towards the lake. The scent, therefore, would not be
towards the moose, if they appeared.

The next question was — Who were to go, and where
had they better be stationed ? It was decided that
as Mr Koss had caught the contagion of the hour,
he and Alec should take a position at a certain
rock, both well armed, while, out nearer the lake,
one of the clever Indians, armed with one of the
oddly - constructed, birch -bark horns, should be
placed. The reason of this was the expectation
that if the old moose heard the call, and was too
wary to come within range of the man sounding it,
he might be near enough for a good shot from
Mr Ross and Alec. In the same manner Frank was
stationed with Mustagan, and Sam with Big Tom,
while two other Indians, acting the part of trum-
peters to them, were stationed in the rear, near the
water's edge.

For a coupls of hours very eerie and weird seemed
everything to these excited boys. No moon was in
the heavens, but the stars shone down upon them
with a splendour and a beauty unknown in a land

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

205

of fogs and mists. No conversation was allowed,
as the hearing of the moose is most acute. For
a time the silence was almost oppressive, and each
boy as he graspod his gun had not to be told a
second time to keep close up to his older
companion.

After watching at their different stations for
about half-an-hour, there wailed out on the silent
air a cry so wild, so startling, so blood - curdl-
ing that it filled with terror and dismay the hearts
of our three boys, v;ho had never heard anything like
ik Strung up as they were to such teusioix by
their surroundings, in the gloom of that quiet
night, it was no wonder that, when startled by such
a cry, each lad clutched his gun, and instinctively
pressed closer to his experienced companion. Yet
such was their confidence in their elders that the boys
remained silent, and were soon relieved when they
were told in a whisper that it was only the cry of
the lynx, and that unearthly though it was, it
was really a good sign. When this harsh, doleful
sound had died away in the distance, from a tree
near them some great owls began their strange
hootings, and the Indians again said, " Good
signs."

About midnight, the first note of the call for
which they were listening was heard. It was far
away in the forest, directly east from them, with
the wind coming from the same direction. The
Indians remained perfectly still until the roaring
became somewhat louder, and then the boys were
somewhat startled at hearing, but in a much softer
key, a sound very similar in their rear. This latter
call was made by the men through the queer,
birch -bark horns they had been so industriously

206

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

, ■(

working at during the day. These artiticial sounds
were not long unanswered. Louder and louder
still were the roarings that came at intervals from
the deep forest. More soft and varied were the
responses as the Indian in the rear of Mr Ross
and Alec blew his inviting notes, while in the rear
of the others sounded out their Indian's enticing
strains.

" Listen I " said Mr Ross ; " there is the roar
of another old moose, and we are in for a
battle."

Fortunately the wondrous Auroras came shoot-
ing up from below the horizon, and, flashing and
dancing along the northern sky, they almost dis-
pelled the darkness and lit up the landscape with
a strange, ghostly light. This necessitated a quick
change of base on the part of the hunters, and so
as soon as possible they retired under the shadows
of some dense balsam trees. Hardly were they
well hidden from view, before a great moose showed
himself in full sight in a wide opening, where the
fire, years before, had burned away the once dense
forest. In response to his loud calls, the thret-
Indians, with their horns, replied, and this seemed
strangely to confuse him. He moved first a little
in one direction, and then in another, and then
hesitated, and sent out his great roar again.
Quickly, and in a lower strain, did the Indians
closely imitate the female's call. Before there
could be the responsive answer on his part, there
dashed into the open space from the forest, not
many hundreds of yards from him, another moose
bull, who roared out a challenge that could not be
mistaken.

The Indians with their birch horns again imitated

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

207

the calls of the female moofie. TIiIh they did with
the purpose of bringing the bulls within range before
they engaged in battle.

It is a singular characteristic of many wild aninuils
that when the rival males battle for the possession
of the females, they like to do it in the presence of
those for whom they fight. Their presence seems to
be a stimulus to nerve theni to greater courage. It is
thus with the moose and other deer species. And
now, by the light of the dancing Auroras, the three
boys, and those with them, watched these two great
moose, each standing at the fore-shoulders over six-
teen hands high, seeking the females and coming
on towards the spot where Mr Ross and Alec stood
— well hidden from observation — and behind whom
the Indian kept lowing softly.

In their hurried movements they had gradually
approached each other, until, when not far from
Mr Ross and Alec's hiding-place, they suddenly
appeared in a clear, elevated spot, and supposing they
were now close to their companions, they turned
suddenly and gave battle. And a royal battle it
was ! A moose bull at the best is not handsome,
but an angry, infuriated moose bull, when his
temper is up, is one of the most hideous of monsters.
The long, coarse hair of his head and neck seems to
be all turned in the wrong direction. His small eyes
have a most wicked gleam ; and taking him alto-
gether, we know of no figure more likely to visit,
next night as a nightmare, a person who first sees
him in this angry mood.

With a roar, they rushed at each other, and as
their great antlered heads met in the shock of battle,
it was a sight not to be forgotten. They each seemed
as though they were resolved to conquer iii the first

208

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

: I

round, and appeared surprised when not able to
succeed.

It undoubtedly would have been interesting to
some people to have witnessed the battle between
these two well-matched moose bulls to a finish, but
the practical Indians know a thing or two about their
meat, and one is that the meat of a moose that
has been fighting for a couple of hours, is apt to
be so soft and spongy and full of air-bubbles, that
a hungry dog will hardly eat it. They also know,
on the other hand, that moose meat, when in prime
condition, is the finest venison in the world. The
Indians were also well aware that the bulls now
engaged in battle would take but little heed of any
other foes. They therefore, with Frank and Sam,
quickly gathered in to the spot where Mr Ross
and Alec were hidden, and in quiet whispers
arranged their plans for the killing of the two
great moose ere the fierce battle had lasted much
longer.

The Indians were anxious that the boys should
have the honour of the deed, -mt Mr Ross hesi-
tated to expose any one of them to the fierce
rush of an infuriated, wounded moose bull, in case
the bullet should not do its work. The Indians,
cautious though they are, however, saw here an
opportunity such as might not for a long time be
the lads' again, and they pleaded for them and pro-
mised to place themselves so as to be ready with a
reserve fire, if it should be necessary.

To Frank and Alec the honour of the first fire
was given. If this did not immediately bring both
the moose down, Mr Ross and Sam were to fire,
while the Indians would be as a reserve in case of
emergency. Mustagan was given a general charge

r ■

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

209

in case of any need arising. After a short survey
of the fierce conflict, it was decided that they must
quietly work round the combatants and fire at them
from the forest side. Under the guidance of Mus-
tagan the whole party drew back accordingly, and
making a detour, were nearly in the rear of the
fighting animals, when a quick, sharp word from
Mustagan caused them all to drop flat upon the
ground. There, clearly visible in the light of the
dancing Auroras, not two hundred yards away, was
a large moose cow with two young calves at her side.
So intently was she watching the battle, that she
had not the slightest suspicion of the presence of
the hunters.

This was a new complication. What was to be
done ? If possible, she must be killed. The meat
of a cow moose is very much superior to that of the
males. Gliding past the boys like a panther went
Big Tom from the front to consult with Mustagan,
who was at the rear. Soon it was settled that
Big Tom was to get the cow, while the bulls were
to be killed as arranged.

But a few seconds for consultation were needed
between these two Indian hunters, and then to
the eyes of the boys it seemed as though Big
Tom, the largest man in the party, literally sank
into the ground, so small did he seem to make him-
self, as in the fickle light, with his gun he silently
glided away. Mustagan, with the party close be-
hind him, moved on again to the scene of the
battle, which was still fiercely raging. The ground
was very uneven, and as every advantage was taken
of it, the boys were able to secure an advantage-
ous position not more than fifty yards from the
combatants.

< I

210

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

S:i

The fierce contest was a sight sufficient to try
the nerves of much older persons than our boys.
The bulls seemed simply wild with rage, and
as in their mad rushes their horns strack to-
gether, Frank and Alec declared that they saw fire
flash from them. Others, however, said it was
only auroral reflection as they turned at certain
angles. Mustagan beckoned to the two boys who
were to have the honour of the first fire, and placing
them side by side, he quietly said :

"Wait until in their fighting they turn their
sides to you, then aim to strike them behind
the fore-shoulders."

They had not long to wait ere the double
report rang out on the midnight air, and, as
an echo to it, another one was heard not far
away. That the bulls were struck was evident,
for the thud of the bullets was heard distinctly
by all, so close were they to their game. The
effect of the shot on one of the bulls was
seen to be immediate, for although his huge
horns seemed almost locked in those of his an-
tagonist, he slowly sank to the ground. The other
moose, although badly wounded, gave a last vicious
plunge at his opponent. Then proudly lifting up
his head, and seeing for the first time his new an-
tagonists, and being still mad with the excitement
of battle, he without any hesitancy rushed to attack
them.

" Fire straight at the centre of his head," were
Mustagan's words. Hardly were they uttered,
ere from the guns of Mr Ross and Sam the
death-dealing bullets flew on their mission, and
the great, fierce animal stumbled forward a few
more yards and fell dead, pierced to the brain

3 try
boys.

and
;: to-
ir lire
J was
3rtain

who
lacing

their
)ehind

iouble
ad, as
)t far
i^ident,
jinctly
The
3 was
huge
is an-
other
vicious
ng up
iw an-
ement
attack

were
ttered,
mi the
a, and
a few
brain

A ROYAL BATTLE.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 211

by both the balls. In a few minutes they were
joined by Big Tom, who quickly said :

"Moose cow shot and little calves run into
woods; catch um next day, if wolves not too
quick."

It was the report of his unerring gun that
rang out so quickly after Frank and Alec had
fired.

The reaction after the complete silence and the
long tension, together with the tierce battle witnessed
and the decisive ictory, was very great. No need of
silence now : the boys were so excited they hardly
knew whether to laugh or cry.

Frank said he " wanted to howl."

Alec said he " wanted to dance."

Sam said he "wanted to swing a shillalah."

And they all said, " What would not the boys at
home give to be here ? "

A fire was quickly kindled, and a couple of
Indians remained as watchers while the rest re-
turned to the not very distant camp. The Indian
in charge had supper ready for them, after which,
as speedily as posrible, they were wrapped up in
their blankets and doubly wrapped in sweet, refresh-
ing sleep. Very few were their hours of slumber.
Daylight comes early in the summer time in high
latitudes, and when the boys heard the Indians mov-
ing about, and preparing breakfast, they sprang up
also, and, after a hasty bath in the lake, were ready
for their breakfast and eager to be off, not only to
see where their bullets had struck the moose bulls,
but to find out why, while one dropped so quickly,
the other was able to make that fierce charge
towards them.

When they reached the scene of last night's adven-

212 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NOF,TH LAND

\, :

tares they hardly recognised the locality, so different
does a place look in daylight from what it does when
illumined by the ever-changing Auroras.

However, here was the place sure enough, for
some Indians had already nearly skinned the
great animals, and had traced the bullets that
had been fired. Frank's bullet had pierced the
heart of the bull that had so quickly dropped
in the fight. Alec's had gone through the lungs,
and, though the wound was a mortal one, it did
not so suddenly result in death ; hence the bull's
ability to make that fearful charge, which was
so promptly stopped by Mr Ross and Sam, both of
whose bullets were taken out of his brain. This
was very satisfactory to the boys, and they were
bracketed with equal honours all round by Mr
Ross, much to their delight, for three more unself-
ish lads never chummed together. The success of
one w^as the success of all, and when one seemed
to fail or make a miss, the others were uneasy
until he was at the head in the next adventure.

But the question now was — Where are those
young moose calves ? The Indian watchers could
give the boys but little information. All they knew
was that, after the Auroras faded away, in the
dark hour just before dawn, they heard them
moving about, but they did not frighten them,
as Mr Ross had left orders that they were not
to be disturbed unless some prowling wolves
should appear as though on their trail. None, how-
ever, were heard, and so the Indians had remained
very quiet. -

Now a search for the young moose immediately
began, but although it was prosecuted with a good
deal of vigour, not a sign of the young animals

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

213

was discovered. At length Mustagan, who had
watched the younger members of the party at work,
said :

"You want to see those calves quick — just wait."

Quietly taking up one of the birch-bark horns,
he began softly blowing into it. The sounds he
made were like those of the mother cow when
she calls her young from the secluded retreat,
where she has cunningly hid it away from its
many enemies while she is off feeding.

Now high, now low, now prolonged and now
short, the peculiar notes came out from that great
birch-bark horn. Some of them were not unlike the
sounds made by the domestic cow when separated
from her calf. For once in his life Mustagan was
a complete failure. For blow as much as he would,
and great were his exertions, no calf appeared in
answer to his calls.

Said Big Tom, who was a famous moose hunter,
and who had listened to Mustagan with a good
deal of interest and some amusement:

" Let me have that horn, and I will show you
how it ought to be done. You boys watch the
woods and be ready to run."

Then putting the birch horn to his mouth, he
fairly cooed out such a tender " raoo-oo-o-o " that
the boys were startled by the similarity of its
sound to the familiar notes in the barn-yards
at home. But soon other things excited them, for
hardly had the echoes of Big Tom's mooings
died away, before there came rushing out from
the forest the two moose calves. On the}^ came
directly towards the spot where Big Tom had
uttered his call. So sudden was their appear-
ance, that all remained perfectly still to watch

J i

AY:

U •

■•,

^1'

214 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

their movements. Certain that they had heard
their mother, they were now anxiously looking
for Ixer. They were a pair of fine-looking
calves, about three months old, and it was
resolved, if possible, to capture them alive, and
tame them. It turned out not as easy a matter
as had been anticipated. With as little display

YOUNG MOOSE.

{IS possible, the boys and Indians tried to sur-
round them before they became alarmed. So
confident did the young creatures seem that they
had heard their mother, that it was some time
before they became suspicious of danger, and
then only when they were almost encircled by
the hunters. Now the fun began. Turning to-
wards the point in the forest from which they
had emerged, they made a dash for liberty.
Frank and Alec threw themselves on one, and
getting their arms around its neck made a des-
perate effort to hold it. They were amazed at
its strength, as it easily carried them along, and

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

215

not until they succeeded in tripping it up, and
^jhrowing it on the ground, were they able to
detain it.

Sam and a young Indian tackled the other, an<!
found him much more pugnaciorus. With a vicious
kick he struck the Indian in the stomach ; the lad
at once decided that he had had enough of that sport
and retired, leaving Sam to struggle alone. Sam at
first seized him by his long ears, but was unable to
bring force enough to arrest his progress in that way.
Then he tried to grasp him by he neck, but a few
strong blows from the calf's foie- ;et made that a
difficult and dangerous task, anu Sam had to let go.
This seemed to interest the calf, and from being the
one attacked he became the aggressor. His pugna-
city, and the lively way in > iiich he butted his op-
ponent, caused great amusement to the onlookers.
Sam could not stand this, and so he threw himself
desperately upon the animal, and hugging him around
the neck, held him so closely that he could neither
use the hard little head nor the fore-feet, with which
he had been fighting so vigorously. But Sam was in
an awkward predicament. Gladly would a number of
Indians have rushed to his help, but Mr Ross wanted
him to have the honour of capturing that young
moose alone, and so held them back ; but all watched
the odd struggle, which was particularly amusing.

Sara still pluckily held on, but the calf evidently
considered himself the aggressor, for he tried hard
to shake Sam from him, his object being then to
strike him with his head or feet. This Sam en-
deavoured to prevent, until at length he was afraid to
let go his grip for fear of the now vicious young
animal, and so in his desperation he called out most
comically:

♦

216

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

" Will somebody please come and help me to
let go of this calf ? " Help was soon there, and
strong arms quickly captured the spirited yOung
creature. It, as well as its companion, was
securely tied and taken back with the party
when they returned to Sagastaweekee.

So great was the quantity of meat and other
things secured, tuat a canoe was hastily sent back
home, and the next day a large boat, similar to those
used by the Hudson Bay Company in the fur trade,
arrived with a good crew. Everything was placed
on board, including the two young moose, already so
quiet as to eat the young branches gathered for them
by the boys. A strong yard, enclosed with planks
and logs was made for them at home, and they
soon became very tame and gentle.

Harnessed to a cariole or dog-sledge they travelled
with great speed and seemed to enjoy the fun,
but they drew the line at the saddle, and no
Texas buck -jumper could more easily rid himself
of a tender-foot than these lively animals with
their enormous fore-quarters could send their
would-be riders into the snow or grass.

Our illustration gives us a good idea of how
they looked when ready the next spring to be
shipped by the Hudson Bay ship to one of the
big zoological gardens in Great Britain.

CHAPTER XXI

. »■

Excur.sion to Sea-Tfiver Falls — Tlie (hanl)onv Pit kin<r
Wenonah and Roderick LoHt — Muatagan'a Startling
Discovery.

Thus pleaHantly passed away the bright weeks at
Sagaataweekee. Every day liad its duties and amuse-
ments. Mr Ross, although the best of masters, was
almost a martinet in his affairs, both in the home
circle and among those in his employment. This
strict disciplinary method is absolutely essential for
comfort and success in such a land. If there is a lax
method of living and conducting business, everything
is soon in confusion and wretchedness.

Yet while everything went on with almost military
precision in the home life, there was nothing about it
to make it otherwise than pleasant and enjoyable.
So the boys ever returned to this happy home with
delight, from the excitements of their various hunting
and fishing excursions.

One of the great deprivations of living in a land
where the summer is so short, and the winter so
long* and cold, is the lack of native fruit. No
apples, pears, cherries, or peaches grow in that
northern land. These fruits must be brought in from
warmer countries in a preserved or dried condition.
. In some sections wild plums are to be found, in
others cranberries grow most luxuriantly. A few

217

218 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I ' i

ttii

wild Htrawbcrrics spring up in the clearings where
great fires have destroyed the forests. A sweet
cranberry also abounds in some parts of the country.
This fruit was prized hy the Indians, and frequently
mixed with dried meat in the manufacture of their
finest pemmican. The Indian women in the neigh-
bourhood of white settlements or trading posts bring
in large quantities of cranberries, which they gather
in the marshes and forests, and sell to those who are
able and willing to purchase.

Sometimes cranberry parties were organised, and
nearly all the members of the post, and families
interested, would join together and go off on an
excursion of several days to places where the berries
were abundant, and thus secure large quantities,
which were an acceptable addition to their rather
meagre bill of fare.

This year, as the berries were reported by the
Indian women to be abundant, Mr and Mrs Ross,
at the urgent request of their own children, as well
as to give the boys the unique experience, decided to,
have a cranberry outing on quite an extensive scale,
and one that would last for several days. It turned
out to be indeed unique and memorable in various
ways.

It was decided that they should go into camp below
Sea-River Falls on the Nelson River, and pick berries
at their leisure in the great section of country lying
north-west from that point, as the Indians had reported
the berries to be there in large quantities.

For the comfort and convenience of the family, a
couple of large tents were sent on and pitched by
Indians. The various utensils and supplies necessary
for a good time were also forwarded, so that, when
Mr and Mrs Ross, with Minniehaha, Wenonah and

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

210

Roderick anr^. our tliree lads all arrived, they found
everythinfij arranged for their pleasure.

It was an ideal place for an outing. Before them
was the great river, with the music of its ru.shing,
roaring rapids, down which it was so exciting to run
in the canoes, under the skilful guidance of the
cautious, experienced Indians. Great granite rocks
in picturesque beauty were everywhere to be seen.
Back of the sandy beach and grassy sward, where
stood the tents and camp tires, was the deep, dark,
unbroken forest, that stretched away and away for
liundreds of miles.

So delightful were the surroundings, so good the
fishing, and so novel and interesting this running
the rapids, that two or three days were spent ere any
definite arrangements about the cranberry picking
were thought of.

To aid in gathering a large quantity of berries,
Mrs Ross had engaged a number of Indian women,
who were famous for their skill. These women
brought with them large Indian vessels, called rogans.
A rogan is made out of birch bark, and is generally
capable of holding about twenty quarts of berries.
But some are very much smaller.

There are two kinds of cranberries in this land ;
one is called the high-bush variety, while the other
is known as the moss cranberry, as it is generally
found where moss is abundant, and grows on a
small vine on the ground. It was this latter kind
that here abounded, and that they had come to
gather.

As the outing was not merely for the pur )se of
gathering berries, they did not pick very acoadily
Mrs Ross w^ell knew that her faithful Indian women
would see that she had her full supply. So the

ili

iui

t i

220

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

:. j

i ■

;i i

4 J J.

ill

i.
i '

members of the family picked berries, went fishing^,
or huntin^^, or canoeing, more or less frequently, as
their inclinations prompted them. Several days thus
passed in varied sport and work. One evening, as
th ; Indian women came in with their heavy loads,
they reported finding, not very far distant, a splendid
place where berries were very plentiful, and the
ground dry, and mossy, and free from muskegs and
rocks. So it was decided that, with the exception of
some of the servants who should remain and take
care of the camp, all should go and have a big
day of it at berry-picking, and then they would
make arrangements for returning home.

The preparations necessary were soon made.
A number of large and small rogans were got
ready, and, in addition, the men took the pre-
caution to carry with them their guns and am-
munition.

Minniehaha and Wenonah were very happy and
proud of the honour of taking charge of their litcle
brother Roddie, as they loved to call him. As the
children were anxious to do their share of the
picking, they were each supplied with a little birch-
bark vessel, and with great delight did they gather
quite a number of the bright red berries that were
so abundant.

As they had left the camp early in the morning,
they were able to do a capital forenoon's work. At
mid-day they all assembled at a designated place,
and much enjoyed the dinner that the servants
had prepared. Then again they separated, and
men, women and children were once more very
busily employed in gathering the fruit, while
pleasant chat and merry laugh could be heard,
around.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD XORTH LAND 221

To add a little zest and excitement to the pleasant
work, the whole party had been divided into two
companies, and between them there was a lively
contest as to which should succeed in gathering the
greater quantity of berries.

Little Roderick and Wenonah were placed on one
side, as being equal in their picking abilities to their
older sister Minniehaha. Very proud were the little
folks as they filled their dishes, and came and emptied
them into the large vessels. Thus the contest raged,
and as the two parties were about equal, the excite-
ment rose high, and all exerted themselves to the
utmost, that their side might be victorious.

It had been previously arranged that the contest
was to cease at sundown, so as to give them plenty
of time to return to the camp in the beautiful
gloaming.

Able-bodied Indian men w^ere employed to carry
the large birch rogans to the selected spots where
the berries were to be measured and the victors
announced. Some time was spent in this work
amidst general excitement, as the contest was a
close one.

" Where is Roderick ? " said Mrs Ross.

" Oh, he is with Wenonah," said Minniehaha.

" And where is Wenonah ? " was the next question.

No one seemed to know. And so the cry of the
sweet, musical name rang out on the air.

" Wenonah ! Wenonah ! "

But to that call, and also to that of the name of
the little Roderick, there was no response.

At once there was anxiety and alarm.

" Who saw them last ? And where were they ? *'

And many more such questions were uttered, while
some ran one way and some another. Several young

f \

222

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

m.f

f f i

U1-

/!•

iM'.l

men seized their guns, and fii-ed shots in rapid
succession, but Mr Ross stopped them as quickly as
possible.

Mr Ross, although alarmed, was the first to get
order restored, and, on the closest questioning, it
came out that none were certain that thev had seen
the children since about three o'clock, when they
were emptying their little dishes of berries into the
larger receptacle. Then, eager in the contest, they
had rushed off for more.

A rumbling of thunder in the west warned them
that their movements must be prompt. To the
point where the little ones were last seen a dozen
or more had hurried, and, ere they scattered in the
forest to begin the search, they were told that the
firing of guns would be the signal of success or
failure. One report meant they were not found ;
two reports close together was the signal that they
had been found, and for the sco-xchers to return.
Immediately all those who were able to act as
searchers, without themselves becoming lost, scat-
tered to their work. On account of the vastness
of the forest, Mr Ross positively refused to allow
Frank, Alec, or Sam to go any distance away.
This was a keen disappointment to the boys, but
the decision was a wise one. The searchers had very
little to assist them in their task. There were any
number of signs, where the busy feet had w^alked,
but the trouble was there had been so many pickers
at work, and they had travelled so far, that it was
impossible to single out the tracks of the two lost
children.

Only for an hour or so were the searchers able to

For the thunderstorm was

lythi

night.

on them, and, in spite of all they could do, they were

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

223

drenched through and through. Mrs Ross, til hough
stricken with grief, kept firm control over herself,
and, surrounded and comforted by Minniehaha and
the three boys, huddled under the slight protection
which some Indian women had hastily prepared
against the fierce storm. Mr Ross had done all
that was possible in directing the watchers er..
they brought their Indian experience to their aid.
Thus the hours passed. The storm spent its fury in
the heavy downpour of rain, and then was gone.
The stars came out from behind the flying clouds,
and the night again became one of beauty. Still
there were no signs of the children. Somewhere
out in the forest alone were those little ones whom
none as yet had been able to find. The heavy rain
had completely obliterated every vestige of a trail,
and the searchers, sad and quiet, came in one after
another, grieved and vexed at their failure.

Mr Ross tried to induce his wife to return to the
camp with Minniehaha, and obtain refreshment and
rest ; but she most positively refused.

" My children are out in the wild forest, exposed
to many dangers, and I cannot go to bed until they
are found," she passionately exclaimed.

So a great fire was built up out of dry logs.
Blankets were sent for from the tents, and the
saddest and longest night to those terrified ones
slowly passed away. Mr Ross had not only sent
for food and blankets for all, but he had also
dispatched swift runners to go by land and water,
and cease not unti^ they had found Mustagan and
Big Tom, and tell them of his loss and sorrow.

Soon after sunrise, these grand old men walked
into the camp.

A hasty council was summoned, and the new

11
f

"vp',.'

224

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LaNIj

( J t:

t\r

comers closely questioned the Indians who h.*d been
present the previous day, and who had &earciied
until the storm and darkness stopped them.

When they were told that a number of guns
had been fired off in quick succession, they wee
mucli annoyed, and said, —

" Great mistake ; lost children in the w^oods alw ays
hide when they liear guns."

But no time must be wasted. The country must
be marked out, and a code of signals arranged, by
which they could communicate with each other as
soon as any trail was found. Not in straight lines
were they to go, but in enlarging circles until they
should cross the trail of the children. When that
was found, they were to report as speedily as pos-
sible, that there might be a concentration on that
point, and thus no waste in fruitless search.

Not until about noon was the first sign struck;
it was a number of miles away from ilie camp.
It is simply marvellous the distances that k;st per-
sons, even little childreii, will travel. The clue
discovered by Big Tom •. ; s where the children liad*
quitted the dry, rocky lands which left no trail of the
little feet, and had crossed a small, shallow stream.
Here the sands were clearly marked by the little
footsteps, and Tom's big heart gave a great thump
of joy as he saw the signs so clearly indicated
before him. At first he feared to fire the signal,
lest he should add to the terror of the lost children,
but as soon as he examined the footprints, he saw
thjit they had been made the evening before, and
by little onef. who were hurrying on as rapidly as
posp/'ble.

As quickly as he could, he followed them up
until they were lost again on the dry rocks on the

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAVT> «>$>5

other ?ide ; then he fired his gun, and while waiting
the coming of others, he kept dihgentl}'' searching
for some other signs of the wanderers.

He had not long to wait ere he was joined b;y
Mr Ross, Mustagan and others. They were all
cheered to see the footprints, but judged by the
hardness of the sand in the steps that the children
had passed over the creek some hours before dark
the previous evening. This being the case, they
might have travelled some miles further before they
were stopped by the storm and darkness. But no
time was spent in needless surntises and conjecturing.

A new starting point had been found, and from
it the search was again renewed with all the vigour
possible.

If Wenonah and Roderick had been pure wliite
children brouojht up in a civilised land, with the

ox '

ignorance incident to such regions, they would have
been found long ere this; but their Indian blood
and thorough tndning in that Wild North Lan ; weT-e
now really to them a misfortune. First, br < lase
they had the strength and training to push ■, wdth
such wonderful speed and endurance; secondly, be-
cause it made them wary and cunning, and so fearTul
of being tracked by wild beasts or hostile Indians,
that they carefully but rapidly moved along in a
way that children not brought up in such a land
would never have dreamed of.

So, while the Indians were looking for traces of
the children, the wandering lost ones w^ere doing
all they could not to leave behind them a vestige of
a track. Thus hours passed on, the sun went down
in beauty, the shadows of night began to fall ;
still not another sign of the wanderers had been
'found,

^ ■ 111

22G

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

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Discouraged and annoyed at failure, one after
another of the searchers returned to the spot where
the footprints had been discovered. Here the camp
had been made, and here had come Mrs Ross, with
the boys and others.

The sight of the tiny footprints of the hurrying
feet of her little darlings nearly broke her heart.
But she crushed down her great sorrow so that
nothing in her should divert anyone, even her hus-
band, fi'om the search for those who were exposed
to so many dangers, lost in the great forest of so
many thousands of square miles.

The last to come in was Mustagan. His face was
that of a man who has bad news, but makes intense
effort to show it not in his countenance, but keep
it locked up in his heart. Few and yet searching
were the words uttered at the camp fire, as each
one declai'cd to MusLaoran that there had been
no fresh signs. He himself had made no, report,
and by asking questions of the others had thrown
off' attention from himself. But, nevertheless, he
had seen something, and what he had seen had
nearly driven him wild. But darkness had come
on him almost suddenly from the rising up of a
black cloud in the west., and, in spite of all his
experience and anxiety, he had been compelled
to roLiu-n shortly after making his startling dis-
covei'y What he had sren so alarmed him that he
dare not loll it even to Mr Ross.

\ cry sad indeed was that second night around
the ciiuip fire. Mr and Mrs Ross were nearly broken-
hearted. Frank, Alec and Sam spent the night
in sleepless sorrow. The Indians, who all dearly
loved the lost little ones, sat back in the gloom,
and were still and quiet. A kind of stupor seemed

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

227

to be over them all, with one exception, and, strange
to 8ay, that one was Mustagan. Sharp eyes were
on him, and some wondered why he was so strangely
agitated, so restless and uneasy.

A little after midnight he sprang up abruptly,
and speaking to Big Tom, and a couple of other
Indians, tliey all withdrew some distance back into
the darkness of the forest. In quiet tones, so as not
to be heard by the sorrowing ones at the camp tire,
Mustagan told them what he had seen just as the
darkness set in.

When they heard his story, they were as much
excited as he was.

His story was this : —

He had pushed on in tlie direction he had selected
in the hunt for the children, and towards evening
he had reached a part of the country where the
berries were very plentiful. Here he had found
traces that bears were numerous, and, as they are
fond of these berries, they had been feasting on
them. This very much alarmed him, and he
cautiously began making a circle around this place,
and at length, in a depression in the forest, found
the dried-up channel of a creek. Cautiously he
hurried along on tlie dry sands, and, after going
on only a few hundreds of yards, he found a number
of fresh tracks, not only of bears that had recently
crossed, but among them also the footsteps of the
lost children !

■I

I:!

' f

night

I- •■

CHAPTER XXII

Searcli for the Lost Children continued — In the Coni])any
of Bears— The Bird Call -The Keacue.

it : * fi

This was terrible news. And only Indians that
have such perfect control over themselves could
have heard it without making an outcry. As
it was, Mustagan had to utter some warning
words to maintain the silence that was desired.
In a few sentences he quietly stated that the
children v/ere not then running, and judging by
their footsteps and the broken branches of berry
Vasiies from which they had been picking the
fruit, they were not frightened. He judged also
from the tracks that there were four bears — two
large ones and two that were quite small — and
what astonished him most of all was that the
tracks were so numerous seemed to say to him
that both the bears and the children had crossed
and re-crossed the place several times. When he
made this discovery he drew back a little and
hid himself at once for fear his presence might
anger the bears and cause them to destroy the
children. He listened but could hear no sound.

After waiting quietly for a time he returned
to the trail and followed it until it entered
among the dense bushes and great rocks. If tlic

228

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

229

\\ir]\t had not so quickly faded he could have
easily followed further ; as it was, ^ 2 v/as perplexed
and knew not what to do. If he should come up to
them in such company, he was not sure what the
result would be. So he thought the best thing
lie could do was not to anger the bears, who
evidently wore not disposed to hurt the children,
and he quietly withdrew and came back to the
camp.

Old hunters as they were, here was a new
experience to everyone of them. Big Tom was
the first to speak when MusUgan had finished
his remarkable story.

"My words are," said he, "that we go and
tell the ni.'ister and mistress at once. It will
comfort them to know the little ones are alive,
even if they are in such company. We shall
yet get the children. As the bears did not kill
them at first, and there are plenty of berries,
they will not kill them soon."

To this suggestion of Big Tom's they all agreed,
and immediately returned to the camp fire, where
Mustap-an in his simple, yet picturesque, way tohl
the story of his discovery.

The poor mother could only say :

"Thank God. He will yet restore to me my
children 1 "

Mr Ross's lips quivered, but crushing down his
own fears, he said as he comforted his sorrow-
stricken wife :

" Yes, thank God ! perhaps He has made even
the wild animals of the forest to be their guardian
angels."

Frank, Alec, and Sam had listened to Mustagan
with bated breath. As Alec said afterwards:

ii\

'ii

■iCf!

U r

230 TIIItKE r.OYS IN Tin: WILD NORTH LAND

" My licart accmcd to stop beating while I
listened."

When it came out that the hears were friendly,
nnd not disposed to injure the cliildren, the lads
could hardly restrain the hearty cheers that
somehow, in spite ol* themselves, would try ^
burst out.

There was no more sleep that ni^ht. As it
was at least five miles to the spot where the
tracks had been discovered, the strict orders of
silence were cancelled, and soon there was noise
and activity. Food was piepared and eaten with
an appetite unknown since Wenoiiah and Roderick
had left the happy party.

The absorbing consideration with the parents
in consultation with ]\Iustagnn and Big Tom, was,
how were they to proceed when the morning
came ?

To follow them up and rush in upon them
might anger the bears, and the children might
sutler. To stalk them so quietly as to be able
to p^et within ranofe and shoot the bears miMit
terrify the children, or they might be wounded
by the bullets. There was much talking and many
suggestions. A remark from Mustagan gave Mrs
Ross a hint, and her woman's (luick intuition solved
t)ie perplexing question.

Mustagan had said that as he carefully examined
the tracks he found that the children had evi-
dently filled their birch dishes v>nth berries and fed
the little bears, whose many tracks had shown that,
like young dogs, they had gambolled and played
around them.

Said Mrs Ross as she heard this:

" Those bears seem well disposed towards chil-

CHILDRKN IN THL CUSTODV CH i;KARS.

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THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 231

dren, so the brave boys will go on ahead with
similar dishes of berries, aud they will find that
the animals will rather eat the fruit than do them
any harm.

This suggestion so delighted the boys that,
without a moment's thought of the risks they
would run, they gladly consented and were eager
to be off.

But Mr Ross and the Indians w^ere old bear-
hunters, and they could not at first think that any
such plan would be at all feasible. However, think
and plan as much as they would, they found it
utterly impossible to settle on any other scheme
that appeared to them either safe or suitable.
The result was that daylight found them still in
perplexity, alto,oether undecided as to the correct
method to adopt m this novel expedition, so unique
in all of their experiences.

Mrs Ross, how^ever, and the boys along with her,
pleaded that her plan might be attempted. As no-
thing else was suggested, the Indians and Mr Ross
at length consented. However, they took many
precautions to save the lads from harm, and prevent
disaster either to them or to the children.

The preparations were soon made, even to the
rogans of berries, and, heavily armed with their
guns, the party set out under the guidance of

Ross went with them, as her
great for the rescue of her

Mustagan. Mrs
anxiety was so

darlings.

When within a half mile or so of the spot
where the tracks had been seen, they halted, and,
after consultation, Mustagan and Big Tom decided
to go on and see if there were any further de-
velopments. Very cautiously and yet rapidly did

232

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

they advance from covert to covert until they
were so close to the sand of the dried-up stream
that it was quite visible to them, although they
themselves were well hid from observation.

Here for a time they waited, for they shrewdly
conjectured, from Mustagan's description of the
numerous tracks crossing and re-crossing, that for
the present, at least, the bears were abiding in
that vicinity.

Before long they had convincing proof of the
correctness of these conjectures, for, coming out
of the forest, on the other side of the dried-up
stream, were to be seen four hears and the two
lost children.

Crouching down low on the ground, and peer-
ing through the dense bushes behind which chey
were hidden, our two Indians watched them for
a time, that they might decide on the best
method of rescuing the little ones. The wind
was blowing from the bears towards the Indians,
and so there was little fear of the animals scent-
ing danger at that distance, a good quarter of a
mile.

Why the children had remained so long with
the bears was perplexing to those hunters, until
the mystery was Sulved by the fact, now evi-
dent to their eyes — that the children were really
prisoners, and the bears would not let them escape.
As the men watched, they saw Wenonah seize
Roderick's hand in hers, and, starting on a run,
try to go up the channel on the sands. This move-
ment was stopped by one of the large bears, as
speedily as possible putting himself in the chil-
dren's way. Then the children, still hand in hand,
turned to the opposite direction, and, when try-

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

233

with

ing to escape there, were stopped by the other
large bear. In the meantime, the little bears
played around them like lively young dogs.

Foiled in their efforts to go either up or down
in the dried-up channel of the stream, after some
time spent on the sands, the children and bears
came up, and, entering among the berry bushes,
began to eat of the abundant fruit.

They were now much nearer to the Indians,
and it w^as evident that the young bears were
looking to the children to help them in picking
their breakfast of berries.

When convinced of this, the Indians' eyes
brightened, and they said :

" The mistress is right. The boys will feed
the young bears, and we will shoot the old

ones.

Noiselessly they withdrew from their hiding-
place, and rejoined the rest of the party, who
had, with almost feverish impatience, awaited
their return. Rapidly they reported what they
had seen, and then the final preparations were
made.

Quickly they all moved on, and soon were at
.the brow of the last hill, from the top of which
the whole of the great plain, densely covered
with berry bushes, could be seen, with, in the dis-
tance, the thread of shining sand already frequently
referred to.

Here on the hill top Mr and Mrs Ross seated them-
selves behind some dense bushes, through which
they could look without creating suspicion. Then
the Indians, taking the boys along wuth them,
started on their dangerous course. Like panthers
they moved quietly along, keeping as close to

234 THREE I30YS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

the ground as possible, until they reached a ledge
of rocks. At this spot the Indians, with their
guns loaded with ball, were place J, while the
boys, with nothing but their baskets of berries, in
company with Mustagan, v/ent on a little farther.
Then Mustagan, giving the boys their final instruc-
tions, and urging them to keep cool and be brave,
no matter what might occur, withdrew with his
gun and hid himself behind a rock a little way
in the rear.

It was a critical time for the boys, but they
had learned to have such confidence in these
grand old red men, that fear was now a thing
unknown to any of them, even at the most trying
moments.

In a few moments they were startled by a
shrill bird call from not far behind them. They
could hardly believe their ears when they found
it came from the lips of Mustagan. In a minute
or two it was repeated, and then again and again,
with short intervals between. T

To their surprise, another bird call was heard,
some hundreds of yards ahead of them, and after a
time that was repeated. Then the blackbird's notes
rang out from behind, and then another note came
from the front. Ere the voice behind could
again reply, a solemn " Hoot-a-hoot-a-hoo " came
from the front.

For a time all was still, and then the song of
the robin w^as heard in front, and only a chirp was
heard in the rear.

Sharp and quick was the mding.

Soon after this chirp the boys heard the bushes
rustling in front of them, not fifty yards away.
Then they saw in the opening the two children,

was

THREE nOYS TX THE WILD NORTH LAND

235

closely followed by two youn^ bears. As the
children slowly moved aloncij, they kept pluck-
ing the beri'ies and giving them to the greedy
young animals. The children were ragged and
sadly changed. As from their still hidden position
the boys watched them, they could see that
Wenonah, at least, seemed to knew that she
must act cautiously, and they observed tliat fre-
quently she spoke to the little fellow at her
side.

It w^as her bird notes that had answ^ered Mus-
tagan. Little did they realise, a year or so before,
when he taught her these calls of the birds, and
what they meant, that her very life would so soon
depend upon her knowledge of them.

Still cautiously advancing, with little Roderick
at her side, and both of them feeding the young
bears, she at length reached a spot where she
caught a glimpse of the boys. Without at all
raising her voice, she said :

'* Crouch down as well as you can, and bring the
berries."

This they quickly did.

" Feed these greedy young ones, while 1 give
a basket to the old ones, so that whilo they are
eating them, we can get away."

Poor girl, she knew not of the number of guns
that were now within range of anything that w^ould
dare to harm her, and the boys were warned not
to speak.

Taking one of the baskets of berries, she quickly
disappeared among the dense bushes, while the
boys, with the other full baskets, had made friends
with the young bears. When Wenonah returned,
she found the young bears were filling themselves

236 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

with the fruit. So thoroughly unnerved had the
children become through fear of the bears, that,
although the boys by expressive signs urged them
to hurry at once in the direction of safety and
deliverance, they hesitated, and, even when they
started, kept looking back in fear.

The instant they reached Mustagan, he shouted
to the boys to return, and not a moment too soon,
for crashing through the bushes came the two old
bears, fierce and savage, and showing that in some
way they had become suspicious of danger.

Coolly picking up the baskets which the two
young bears had upset, the boys, keeping their
faces to the fierce, savage brutes, slowly retreated.
The bears, at first seeing only the boys, came
rushing towards them, but when they reached
their young ones they stopped for a moment, and
"then renewed the attack.

To the ledge of rocks Muotagan had carried
the rescued children. They had almost smothered
"dear old Mustagan," as they loved to call him,
with their kisses. Wild indeed were they with
joy as father and mother rushed forward and
received them as from the dead. They could
only lie clinging to them while they sobbed out
their delight.

At this moment a volley rang out from the guns,
and two great, fierce bears rolled over, each shot in
more than one vital spot.

" Capture the little fellows alive," was now the
cry.

And, after a lively chase and some sharp strug-
gling, two four-months' old cubs were so tied up
as to be unable to do any injury either with teeth
or claw.

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

2ri7

The children's ftccount. of their adventures and
hardships will be {(iven in another chapter. Suffice
here to say that the return to the camp on the
banks at Sea-River Falls, and then to Sagasta-
weekee, was soon made after the half-famished
little ones had been fed, for they had had nothing
but berries to eat, and as Roderick put it :

" Naughty bears, they kept me all the time pick-
ing berries for them."

Great were the rejoicings both at the Mission
and at the Hudson Bay Company's fort, when the
news of the finding of the lost ones r*^ached them.
A special thanksgiving service was held next Sun-
day at the Mission Church, nt which whites and
Indians from near and far gathered, and entered
heartily into the spirit of the service.

'tl

CHAPTER XXIII

Wenonali's Narrative of Her, and Roderick'n, Marvellous
Adventures and Deliverance.

It was wisely decided that, as the children were
so exhausted, at least a couple of days should be
allowed to pass before they were asked to give
anythin<^ like a full account of their adventures.

Wenonah, of course, was the principal speaker,
but Roderick often put in some quaint remark,
which gave additional interest to the story.

Seated in her father's arms, Roderick monopolising
those of his mother, while Minniehaha and the boys
with some friends from the fort and Mission gathered
round, Wenonah told, in her own way, the story of
what had befallen: —

" Roderick and I were to try to gather as many

berries as Minniehaha. So we took our rogans, and

went where the berries were thickest, and once we

came back and emptied our dishes, and then we

hurried away where we liad seen a good many.

But we did not find as many there as we hoped,

and so we went on and on, and it took us a long

time to fill our rogans, and when we did, we started

to come back, but we did not find the way, and we

hurried away, on and on. Then, after a while, we

called and called, and nobody answered us. Roddie

238

tiiret: hoys in the wild north land

230

and I said wo would not cry, and wo hurried
on and on to try and ^vX back. Then wo camo to
somo liif^li rocks, and we climbed up as Idi^h as
we could, and when wo called attain we thout^ht we
hoard voices answerin^^ us from somo other rocks,
and so we liurried over there ; l)ut there was nobo<ly,
and no voice ; then we pushed on and on, and soon
we lieard tlic thunder, but we never stopped, but
just tried to ((et back before the rain.

Soon we left the rocky land and went down a long
hill, where we saw a little stream. This we crossed
where the water was not deep.

We wanted to get home, so we tried not to feel
tired or to cry. But although we tried t'ver so hard,
wo could not 11 nd the way. We had held on to our
dishes, but now they were not half full, and so we
stopped and ate some of the berries. Soon after, it
began to thunder very hard, and there was lightning,
and we hurried up to some big trees, and while
we were standint; under the branches to be out of
the rain, we saw one old tree that was all hollow on
one side, and as the rain was cominsj down throufjh
the branches, we went and got into this hollow tree.
I made Roderick go in Hr.st, so that I could keep him
dry, and I stood at the outside."

Here Roderick spoke up and said :

" I wanted to stand outside, because I was a
boy, but Wenonah said she had better, because she
was the biggest."

" Then," continued Wenonah, " as it soon got very
dark and none of you came for us, we began to
cry, and we could not help it, for there we were
all alone in that hollow tree in the dark.
After a while, a big owl in one of the trees began
to call. I knew what it was, for Mustagan had

240 THREE IIOVS IN TIFE WILD NOIITH LAND

■i

•^1

taujrht me. At first Roddio said it was Homebody
calling him."

Again lloddie, who waa now nestling in his mother's
arms, spoke up and said :

"I thought it was somebody saying to me
' Who ! who ! who ! ' and I said, ' We are Roddy
and Wenonah Ross, and we are lost ! ' Then, when
it called again, it only said, * Oo I Oo I Oo ! ' so
then we knew what it was, as we had often heard
it at night here at home."

" We were glad to hear it," said Wenonah, " for
all was now so dark and lonely. We could not
lie down ; we just had to stand up there all night.
I held Roddy up as well as I could. Once we
heard the cry of the wild cat, and that made us
keep very still. I must have nodded a bit as I
leaned against the inside of that old tree, but it
was an awful long night, and we were glad when
it was light enough to see. Then we left the
hollow tree, and took up our dishes, and as wo
were very hungry, we went out among the berry
bushes and ate some of the berries. We were care-
ful to leave no tracks because of that wild cat.
We ate a lot of berries, but we did miss our good
breakfast at home. We tilled our dishes, and then
started for home, but we could not find it. While
we were going on among the bushes, we came out
into a small opening, and there were the two little
bears. We thought at first they were two little
black dogs. They came right up to us, and when
they sat up so funnily on their little hind legs, we
saw they were bears, and of course we were afraid.

" Then they came and smelled our baskets of
berries, and as we held them out to them, they
seemed very hungry, and at once began eating.

TIIllKE HOYS IN Tin: will) Noinil I.ANh

211

" My, but tlicy were so greedy, they were vvorse
than little pit^t^ies," said Roderick : "they nuide
such funny little noises all the time they were
eatiiiff."

" But," continued Wenonah, " that sound of theirs
seemed to call the old bears that we had not yet
seen. They came rushiii<; through tlie bushes, and
we were so frif^htened we could not even cry out
or let ^o o\U' baskets.

" Wlien they rushed at us, the little bears that
were between them and us i-eemed to think that
all the old bears wanted to do was to <;et at the
berries too, and so they kept funnily twisting their
little bodies between the old ))ears and us, while
all the time they were eating the berries. When
the old bears saw this, they st()p{)ed looking so
fierce and savage, and just sat down on their
hind legs and looked at us feeding their young
ones.

"Then we began to wonder what would happen
when the little bears had eaten all the berries
that Vv^ere in our baskets. Little Koddy seemed to
know just what to do, for as there were some
berries growing close to him, while he held liis
basket in one hand he picked some more berries
and gave them to the little bear. Then I did the
same to the one that had been eating out of my
dish. Soon we began moving slowly among the
bushes for more berries so as to find plenty of them
for the greedy little fellows ; but we kept them
as well as we could between the old bears and
us.

" As the old bears were moving around, we could
not manage this for very long, and so by-and-by th(;y
came close up to us, but they did not now seem to

!:!

SI ^

IV M

■ 242 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

be angry. One of them got close to Roddy, and
there lie stood up and looked so big beside my
little brother that I almost screamed out, I was
A so frightened ; b :t I did not do it for fear the
bear might hurt him. He only moved a little, and
when he came down again on all his four legs,
he held his mouth close to Roddy, who just put
a handful of berries in it. After that there was
no more trouble with him, except to get berries
enough."

" Yes," said Roderick ; " I just thought that if
big bears like berries as well as little bears, per-
haps thev would rather eat them than eat us
little children, so I just chucked that handful into
his mouth and he just did like them."

" I was slower in making such good friends with
the other bear," continued Wenonah, "because the
little one I was feeding was such a greedy little
pig. He would not for a long time let me gather
a handful to give to the big bear, that once or
twice got so close to me as to put its cold nose
against my face. My, it made me shiver. But I
said in my heart, * I will be brave, for I want to
save Roddy,' " and the child's voice broke.

"I did want to see my father and my mother
and Minniehaha again. But we did not cry here,
did we ? " said Roderick.

But the memory of that time was too much for
them now, and throwing themselves in each other's
arms, they burst out in a passionate tit of w^eeping,
which was so contagious that no eyes remained dry
in that group of loved ones gathered there to hear
their patheMc tale.

When calm, Wenonah went on again with the
story.

Yy and
ie my
I was
ar the
le, and
■ legs,
st put
-e was
berries

that if
•s, per-
eat us
ul into

3s with

ise the

Y little

gather

mce or

nose

But I

ant to

nother
here,

ch for
other's
ieping,
d dry
hear

h the

THREE BOYS IN THE Wn.D NORTH LAND 243

" After a while the little ones had enough, and
then they began wrestling and playing with each
othf . They acted as if they wanted Roddy to play
with them, and I told him to do so, but not to hurt
them, and perhaps the old father and mother bears
would not hurt us before we could run away."

" Yes," said Roddy, " I had great times with
them; but they always wanted to wrestle with me
more than any other kind of sport."

" I kept gathering berries," said Wenonah, " while
Roddy played with the young bears. The old ones
kept me busy now, and were just about as greedy
as the young ones had been.

"After a while I said to Roddy, *We must try
and get away from here,' for we did want to come
home and see you all.

" We did not talk very much to each other, for our
voices seemed to make them angry. But we found
that when we tried to get away, they got right in
front of us and stopped us with their great bodies.
This made me feel very bad, but I did not tell Roddy.
Some time early in the day I heard someone call ag,
and I tried to answer ; but one of the bears strutK me
such a blow with his paw, and showed his dreadful
teeth in such a way that I was so frightened that I
dared not call again."

Said little Roddy, "When I saw that naughty
bear hit my sister with his paw, I wanted to hit
him with a stick."

" Tne voice of whoever it was seemed to frighten
the bears, and off" they started," said Wenonah,
"and they made us go along with them. We had
to go, for if we stopped or tried to go some other
way, they growled at us and pushed us with their
noses, and so we had to go with them. Soon they

1 1

if.

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244

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

came out of the bushes and crossed over the sand,
and went up on the other side into the dark woods.
We were very much afraid ; but we whispered that
we would not cry, but just bo brave, for we knew
you would soon come and fight those great big
bears.

"The way the bears made us go wns this. One
big bear went on before. Then the little ones
followed next; then they made Roddy and me
follow next. We had to do it, for just behind us
was the other big bear, and he w^ould growl at us
if w^e did not just walk right along.

"Then after we had travelled some time, we came
out of the dark forest among some — oh, such big
rocks ! bigger than houses. Among them we had to
go until we came to a dark opening like a big door,
and into this we had to go. It must have been the
home of the bears.

" Roddy cried out with fear, but the bears growled
again and showed their great teeth, and we had to
go in."

"I didn't want to go in," said the poor boy, as
he put his arms around the neck of his mother; "it
was worse than a cellar, it looked so dark. But
the old bear behind just kept pushing me along
with his nose, so I had to."

"It w^as not such a bad place after all," said
Wenonah, "when we once got into * it. It seemed
dark at first as we w^ent in out of the sunshine ;
but w^hen w^e were in it and looked back, there
was a good deal of light. In it were big piles of
leaves and dry grass, and on them the bears soon
lay down. One of the big bears lay down be-
tween us and the door, so we could not get out.
We sat down by the little bears, and I whispered

A •

■, as
., "it

But
along

said
eemed
shine ;
there
lies of

scon
n be-
lt out.
ipered

\ •

RODKRICK AND WENONAU IN Tllli UKAR S CAVK

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

245

to Roddy to be brave, for God would take care of
us, and our friends would surely tind us. Then wo
lay down on the dry grass, and, being very weary,
we soon went to sleep with our arms around each
other.

"How long we slept we knew not, but we were
suddenly roused up by the little bears playing and
tumbling over and around us. So we got up, and
the bears made us 20 back acjain across the sands
into the berry bushes, and there we all ate berries
as there was nothinfj else to eat. The little ones
kept poking their noses into our hands, and thus
begged us to pick berries for them."

" The lazy little fellows/' siid Roderick, nov/ smil-
ing as he thought of them. " Little greedy piggies,
that never had enough."

" There we stayed in the bushes," said Wenonah,
" until nearly night, and then they mad^ us go b ick
again with them in the same way to the same place.
It seemed so dreadful to have to spend the night in
that place with those wild bears. But we whispered,
' We will be brave,' and so we lay down between
the little bears; for in some way or other we
felt the little ones were our best friends, and
it was because of them the old ones did not kill
us.

"I thought we could never spend the night in
such a place; but we did. We just whispered our
prayers as we lay there, and ended with —

' Now I lay me down to sleep.'

And sleep we did, until the little bears woke us up
again the next morning.

"The old bears were now so friendly that they
let us pat them. And I thought that perhaps

I 1

246 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NOKTH LAND

i ^>J

they would let us go ; aud ao, when we came to
the sand, I whispered to Roddy, *Let us try and
get away.' But those wicked bears would not let
us go, for when we tried to go along the sand
in one direction, one of them got in our way
and made us go back. Then we tried to go the
other way, and they stopped us there. I now felt
that we were like prisoners, and that we had to
stay with them. Tiiey led us again into the berry
bushes, and Roddy and I ate a good many, for we
were very hungry, and the litth bears teased us
so much w ^ had to pick a lot for them. It was
when I was feeling the worst, and fearing that
perhaps they would never let us leave them, that
I heard the bird-*3ote. Oh, how sweet it sounded !
For I knew it was from Mustagan, and that it
meant we should soon be free. But I saw that
the bears had heard it, and were very uneasy, as
they had been at all sounds. For a time they
stopped eating berries and stood up and listened.
However, when it came again and again, so bird-
like, they lost their fear and again began eating
the berries.

"I was afraid to answer, for the bears had
always been so angry at us when we made any
noise. But I knew that sweet call meant rescue
and home, and must be answered; and so, while
putting a big handful of berries in the mouth
of the fiercest old bear, I gave the answering call.
Then came the reply.

"I must have been trembling, for, in my reply,

my voice shook; and the bears were angry and

growled at me. However I knew I could give

1 correctly the owl call, which Mustagan knew was

our signal of danger. So, when I passed behind

[ime to
ry and

not let
e sand
ir way
go the
)w felt
liad to

berry
for we
3ed us
It was
f that
I, that
mded !
hat it
7 that
isy, as
! they
jtened.

bird-
eating

} had
e any
rescue
while
[nouth
r call.

reply,

r and
i give
^' was
>ehind

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 247

a tree, I gave it as loud as I could, as though
from an owl in the tree above me. When all was
right again, I gave the robin song — and you all
know the rest."

:ir 1

h:u

;in i

•I

; m',

CHAPTER XXIV

Conffi'atulations — Other Incidents of Lost Children — Lonff
Excursion by Boys — Indian Legend — " Wliy is the
liear Tailless?" — Oxford Lake— Black Bears as
Fisher i.»?n — The Lookout from the Trees — Fish-
stealin;? Bears — The Conflict — Bears versus Bovs
and Indians— Sam's Successful Thrust — Plenty of
Bear's Meat.

The thrilling adventures and escape of Wenonah
and Roderick were, of course, tlie subjects that
were most talked about for many a day. Chil-
dren have wonderful recuperative powers, and the
two little ones recovered from the effects of their
strange mishaps long before Mr and Mrs Ross or
even Minniehaha did. But time is a great healer,
and soon all were well and in good spirits again.
The event produced a deep impression on Frank,
Sara and Alec, and drew out, from the older
servants at home and from some of the Indians,
many very interesting stories. It is simply amazing
what a difference there is in people in respect, to
their ability to find their way out of a forest when
once the trail is lost. Some people invariably get
lost in as small an area as a hundred-acre forest,
and are almost sure to come out on the side opposite
to the one desired. Indians, perhaps on account
of their living much in the woods, are not so

218

that
Chil-
id the
their

TIIIIEE BOYS IK THE WILT) NOUTII LAND 2l0

liable to get bewildered and lost as white people.
Still some of them are easily perplexed.

One of this class went out huntinij and lost
himself so completely that hin friends became
alarmed and went searching for him. When they
fortunately found him, one chaffing him said :

" Hello, are you lost ? "

To this he indignantly replied :

" No, Indian not lost, Indian here ; but Indian's
wigwam lost ! "

It would never do for him to admit that
such a thing could possibly happen as his being
lost.

So beloved were Mr Ross and his family, that
the congratulations on the recovery of the chil-
dren came, not only from the Hudson Bay officials
and other white people far and near, but In-
dians of other tribes, as well as the Crees, who
had known Mr Ross in tlie years gone by when
he was in the Company's service, came from great
distances, and in their quiet but expressive way
indicated their great pleasure at the restoration
of the little ones to their parents. Mustagan was,
of course, the hero of the hour, and he re-
ceived the congratulati "»ns with his usual modesty,
and gave great credit to Big Tom. He also had
nothing but kind words for the brave white lads,
who had so coolly and unflinchingly played their
part in the closing scene of the rescue. His only
regret was that he had not made them take their
guns with them when they went to the front with
the berries, so that they might have had a share
in the grand fusilade that so suddenly stopped the
rush of the furious bears.

The action of the bears in sparing the chil-

;

250 THREE l^vlYS IK THE WILD NORTH LAND

dren's lives brought out from the Indians several
remarkable stories of similar conduct known to
have occurref^ '^Isewhere. One Indian told of an
old mothci ar that boldly attacked an Indian
woman who with her yount^ babe had gone out
into the forest to gather wood. The mother fought
for her child until unconscious. When she came
to herself, both the bear and the papoose were
gone. She returned to her wigwam and gave the
alarm, but as the men were away hunting, several
days passed ere they could begin the search.

When at length they discovered the bear's den,
they found the child there, still alive. In killing
the bear they had to take the greatest care lest
they might hurt the babe, as the bear seemed in
its ferocity to think more of defending it from
them than of saving its own life. The child
when rescued was perfectly naked, but fat and
healthy, and it cried bitterly when taken away
from the warm den and the dead bear that had
suckled it.

To this and other stories the boys listened
with the greatest delight. The fact is, while the
children were lost they were as miserable a trio
as could be found, and now the I'eaction had
come, they were just bubbling over with delight
and ready for any story that had even in the
remotest degree anything similar to what had so
excited them.

Indians love congenial companions, and they
found them in the boys ; so it was not long
before some of those who had come from Oxford
Lake invited them to return with them, and they
promised them some rare sport. At first Mr Ross
was a bit fearful about letting them go so far,

TFinKK nOYS TN TIIK WILD NOHTH LAND 251

leveral
Ml to
of an
Indian
le out
fought
I came
I were
ve the
several

's den,
killing
re lest
ned in
b from

child
it and

away
at had

stened
ile the
a trio
n had
lelight
in the
lad so

they
t long
Oxford
[1 they
r Ross
so far,

but as Big Tom and Martin I'apanckis offered
to take charge of the two canoes, lie at length
yielded. So, in company with the Indians from
tliat place, they started off in great spirits, well
supplied with guns and ammunition, and all the
camping outfit necessary for a ten days', or two
weeks' excursion.

It was with very great delight that the boys
set off' with their new dusky red companions on
this trip. It was principally down the lakes and
rapid rivers up which the boatmen had gallantly
toiled on their journey from York Factory. The
running of the rapids, especially a wild, danger-
ous one through the Hell's Gate, very much pleased
the boys.

On one of the beautiful islands in Oxford Lake
they pitched their tents, and had some capital
sport in fishing for the gamey trout which there
abound. The o: 'y drawback to the fishing in
such a land as th s, where the fish are so abund-
ant, is that the sportsmen soon get weary on
account of the multitudes of them. The finest
white fish in the world are to be found in Oxford
Lake. They will not take the hook, however, and
are caught only in gill-nets.

Black bears are quite numerous in this part of
the country. They are very fond of fishing, and
it was proposed to try and get a shot at one
or two, as the Indians well knew their favourite
resorts. Indeed, the Indian tradition is that the
bear has such a short tail as the result of his pre-
ference for fish diet.

They say that originally the bear had a beautiful
bushy tail — so long that with it he could easily whisk
the flies from off' his ears. One winter a greedy

252

TKRKi: HOYS IX TlIK WILT) NORTH LAND

V I

boar, not content to stay in his don and wluop, as
bears ou<^lit to do, wandered out on a ^reat frozen
lake. Tliere he met a i'ox hurryin<; alonij with
a line li.sh in his mouth. The bear, bein^ the
hir^er and stronger animal, rushed at liim to
capture the fish. Tiio fox, seeing liim coming,
quietly dropped it upon tlie ice, and putting his
fore-paw upon it, said to the bear, —

" Why bother yourself with such an insignificant
fish as this, when, if you hurry, you can get any
number of fine large ones."

" Where are they to be found ? " said the
bear.

'* Why," said the fox, " did you not hear the
thunder of the cracking ice on tiie lake ? "

*' Yes, I heard it, and trembled," said the bear.

" Well, you need not fear," said the fox, " for
it was only the Froyt King splitting the ice,
and there is a great crack, and the fish are
there in great numbers. All you have to do is
to go and sit across the crack, and drop your
long, splendid tail in the water, and you will
be delighted to see with what pleasure the fish
will seize hold of it. Then all you will have to
do is to just whisk them out on to the ice, and
there you will have them."

The silly bear swallowed this story, and away
he rushed to a .crack in the ice. These cracks
are very frequently found in those northern lakes
in bitter cold weather. They are caused by the
ice contracting and then bursting.

Down squatted the bear on his haunches, and
dropping his beautiful tail into the water, he
patiently waited for the bite.

But the water in those cracks soon freezes

fir

op, as
I'ro/cn
with
^ the
im to

\g liis

ificant
it any

d tl

ir the

ar.

>
h

"for
ice,

are

do is

your

will

e fish

Uve to

2, and

away
cracks

lakes
y the

s, and
ir, he

'reezes

TIIHKK MOYS I\ Tin: WILD NOUTH LAND 253

njijain, especially when it is fifty or sixty below
zero, and it was n(it lon^ hcfore tliis crack
hecanie once more solid. And when {\w h.ar f^ot
tired waiting,' for a hite, or even a nihhle, and
tried to leave the place, ho found it was inipossihie
without leavin<( his tail behind him. This ho
had to do, or freeze or starve to drath, and so
he broke loose, and ever after has been tailless.

This is one of the many lepjends that abound
amon^ the Indians. They have traditions to
account for almost everythin(( in Nature. Some
of them are interesting and int^cinous ; others are
ridiculous and senseless. It is well known,
liowever, that, no matter how the bear lost his
beautiful tail, if he ever had one, he is still
very fond of fish, and often displays a good deal
of ingenuity in capturing even large ones.

It was decided that the boys should have a
chance to see him at his work, and, if possible,
get a shot or two. This was a favourable time,
of the year, as certain kinds of fish were spawning
in the shallows of the streams, and for them he
would be on the lookout. These regions were
the hunting grounds of the Oxford Indians, whom
they had accompanied from Mr Ross's. They
knew every place likely to be frequented by
bears, and so three canoes w^ere fitted out, with
one of our boys in each, and away they started,
full of pleasurable anticipation — not so much just
now to shoot or kill, as to find the place
where they could see bruin at wdiat was his
favourite occupation at this season, namely, that of
catching fish. »

Oxford Lake, when no storms are howling over
it, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the

254

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

> >

I "^ ''

1 11^^'

world. As the weather was now simply perfect,
the boys enjoyed very much the canoe excursions,
and in addition a fair amount of shooting. Ducks,
partridges and other birds were shot on the
wing, or at the points where they stopped to rest
and eat.

They were rewarded in their search by finding
several places where the bears had undoubtedly
been at work at their favourite pastime. The
shrewd Indians were also able to tell whether
success or ill - luck attended the bears in their
fishing efibrts.

At places where only a few bones or fins were
to be seen scattered about, the Indians said :

" Poor fishing here, only catch a few, eat them
all up."

However, they found other places where only
part of the fish had been eaten, and here the
Indians said :

"This looks better. When fish plenty, bear eat
only the best part."

At length, however, they reached a place that
made even the eyes of the generally imperturb-
able Indians flash with excitement. It was on
the north-eastern part of the lake, where the
river that flows from Rat Lake enters into Oxford
Lake. Here, not far from the mouth of the stream,
were some gravelly shallows, which were evi-
dently favourite reports for fish during the spawn-
ing season. Just a little way out from the shore
were several broad, flat granite rocks that rose but
a little above the surface of the water. Between
these rocks and the shore a strong current ran
over a gravelly bed.

On the mainland, opposite this flat ridge of

irfect,
•sions,
)ucks,
I the
) rest

mding

btedly

The

hether

their

s were

) them

3 only
re the

;ar eat

|e that
rturb-
as on
•e the

xford
itream,
evi-
ipawn-

shore
i8e but
letween

t ran

ige of

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 255

granite rocks, was to be seen a large number
of fish, each ranging in weight from four to ten
pounds. What most excited and pleased the
Indians was that while the numerous tracks
indicated that several bears had been there fish-
ing only the night before, yet each fish had had
only one piece bitten out of it, and that was at
the back, just a little behind the head. Bears
are very dainty when they have abundance to
choose from, and when fish are very plentiful, .
especially the white fish, they are content with
biting out only that portion containing the tooth-
some, dainty fat which is, as we have stated, on
the swell of the back just behind the head.

When this discovery was made, the men in
the other canoes were notified, and then plans
were quickly made to not only see the bears
at work, that night, when they would return,
but to have some shots at them ; for, the Indians
said :

"Bears not such fools as to leave such a place
while food so plenty."

The impression among those who knew their
habits was, that even now the bears were sleep-
ing not very far away in the dense forests.

So the place was carefully looked over, and the
best spots for observation were selected. An im-
portant consideration was to form some idea as
to the direction from which the bears would
come, if they returned that night. Indian clever-
ness, sharpened by experience in such matters,
enabled them to solve this very important question
by studying the trail along which the animals
had been cautiously coming and going very re-
cently. This they found to be almost a straight

' U 1

t..

|;,

■ i

256

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

line running directly back into the depths of the
thick forest.

To climb trees as points of observation from
which to view bears, is, as a general thing, a
dangerous experiment, as bears themselves are
such capital climbers. But there are times when,
on account of the flatness of the country, it is
the only course available for those who would
observe their actions. So, as speedily as pos-
sible, the trees were selected that were considered
most suitable. These were situated a little north
and south of the spot where the bears had
thrown their lish on the shore. They were a
little distant from the trail along which it was
likely the bears would come. Three trees were
chosen, and it was decided that Sam, Alec
and Frank should each have an Indian in his
tree with him in case of attack. The other
Indians were to remain out from the shore in
their canoes, sheltered from view by some rocks
that were not far distant. They were not so far
away as to be beyond call if they should be
needed.

All these matters having been decided upon,
they entered their canoes again and quietly
paddled out to one of the rocky isles not far
away ; and on the side opposite to the mainland
they gathered some dry wood and had a good dinner,
for which they had capital appetites. Then the
Indians lit their pipes and curled down on the rocks
for a smoke and rest, and urged the boys also to
try get some sleep. At first they thought they
were too excited to sleep, in view of the coming
night's adventures; but, as the Indians so desired
it, they lay down near the shore, and the rippling

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 257

of the

I from
ling, a
!S are

when,
, it is

would
LS pos-
isidered
3 north
s had
were a

it was
58 were
I, Alec

in his
other
liore in
3 rocks

so far
luld be

upon,
quietly
not far
ainland
dinner,
len the
LC rocks
also to
it they
coming
desired
rippling

waves made such a soothing lullaby that, strange
to say, they were soon in dreamless slumber.

A couple of hours was all that could be allowed
them, for, as the Indians said :

" Sometimes bears move around early, and we
must be all there in the trees before they come."

Their preparations were soon made. The guns
were freshly loaded with ball, and some extra
ammunition was taken in each one's pockets. Their
hunting knives were given a few rubs on the stones
to see that they were keen and sharp. In addi-
tion, much to the boys' surprise, there was given to
each one of them a good solid birch club, about
eighteen inches in length and an inch and a half
thick. As an extra precaution against these being
dropped, the Indian, who had prepared them while
the boys slept, had bored a hole through one end,
and inserted a deer-skin thong to slip over the wrist.
How they were to be used, and the wisdom of
preparing them, we shall see later on. The Indians
were similarly armed, but in addition they stuck
their hunting hatchets in their belts.

A few final instructions were given, signals ar-
ranged, and the boys and their Indian comrades were
noiselessly paddled to the shore. They were landed
as closely as possible to the trees in which they
were to be ensconced, so as to leave but little scent
of their footsteps on the around.

In the two trees selected on itiv; north side were
Frank and Alec, each with an Indian hunter, while Sam
and his attendant took up their station in a fine large
tree on the south side. It was about an hour before
sundown ere they were all quietly stowed away in these
peculiar resting-places. The other Indians quietly
paddled back to the places designated beyond the rocks.

:; :f

•I

258 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

For a couple of hours they had to sit there in
silence, broken only by the singing of the birds
around them, or the call or cry of sohac wild animal
in the forest. They were first aroused by hearing
the crunching of bones where they had noticed the
fish lying. On peering out from their hiding-places
they saw an old black fox, with a litter of half-
grown cubs, making a hasty meal on the fish. The
Indians w^ould have loved to have captured them, as
the skin of the black fox is very valuable. However,
it was not foxes they were now after, but bears,
and, besides this, the skin of the fox is only prime in
the cold wintry months. So they had to be content
with watching them, as there they greedily devoured
the fish. Suddenly they were disturbed in their
repast, and dashed away, each with a piece of fish in
its mouth, and the watchers observed that what had
caused tuMr sudden retreat was a large wolverine
that had quite unexpectedly appeared upon the scene.
He too seemed to be fond of fish, and at once began
to feast upon them.

Not long, however, was he permitted thus to enjoy
himself, for out in the beautiful gloaming a great
black bear was now seen emerging from the dark
forest upon the shore. At his coming, the thievish
wolverine at once slunk off'. The bear did not
attempt to eat any of the fish that still remained,
but after a short survey of the coast, up and down,
to see ihat all was clear, he boldly plunged into the
water, and crossed over to one of the shallow rocks
only a few yards away. Hardly had he reached it
ere another, and then another bear came out from the
forest along the central trail which the men had
discovered earlier in tlie day.

They were not long in joining their comrade on

m^-t-

:here in
le birds
I animal
liearing
iced the
g-places
of half-
;h. The
them, as
[owever,
[t bears,
3rime in
I content
levoured
in their
f fish in
^hat had
plverine
le scene,
e began

THREE ROYS IN THE TVTLD NORTH LAND

250

o enjoy
great
tie dark
thievish
did not
mained,
down,
nto the
rocks
iched it
rom the
len had

rade on

the smooth, wide rocks which we have described.
After tliey had spent a Httki time in inspection, they
lay down on the rocks facing the shore, and as close
to the water as they could without really touching it.
These movements could be distinctly seen by the
boys as they looked out towards the west, where t^'o
sky was still bright, and the few clouds golden.

For a few minutes the bears were very still ;
then there was a quick movement on the part of
one of them as he shot out one of his hand-like
paws in the water under a passing fish, and threw
it from him across the stream, high and dry on
to the shore. Soon the other beav^ were similarly
employed, and fish were being rapidly captured.
The boys excitedly watched these sturdy fishers, and
were astonished at the cleverness and quickness with
which they acted. Although they had to throw the
fish quite a number of yards, they very seldom mis-
calculated or allowed any to fall short and drop back
into the water.

B it before the pile of fish had become very large,
something else happened -to divert the attention of
the spectators from the three four-footed fishers cut
on the flab rocks. Quite suddenly they heard the
sounds of tearing flesh and breaking bones On
looking down to see who were the new intruders,
they were able to make out, not many yards below
them, a couple of other bears that, in their prowling
around and search for food, had found their way
to this capital supply. As the watchers peered down
at them it was evident, by the greedy way in which
they devoured the fish, that they were so hungry as
not to be at all particular.

Their sudden appearance and attack on the food
were not at all appreciated by the industrious trio

iti;

1 1

f .

260

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

that had been so skilfully catching these fish for
their own supper. They had no disposition to
be fishermen for others, and with growls of rage
they dashed into and across the water and sprang
upon the intrudei's. It was a fierce battle, and but
little of it could be distinctly seen, especially when
under the shadows of the trees. When, however,
in their struggles, the bears came out on the bright
sandy shore, there was still enough of tne western
twilight in which to witness a good deal of terrific
fighting. Bears have thick fur and tough hides,
and tlieir battles are generally carried on until one
side is shaken into exhaustion, or knocked into
submission ; but so stubborn was the fight here,
that it continued, with but few intermissions, until
the moon, which was nearly full, had so risen up
that everything was made almost as bright as in
the daytime.

It was evident that the two intruding bears were
so hungry that, although they had been well shaken,
they were loth to consider themselves beaten, or to
leave so sumptuous a supper, and so they again
returned to the conflict. The battle was renewed
in all its fury, and when the three were once more
victorious, the vanquished, instead of again retreat-
ing into the forest, rushed to the two nearest trees
and began to ascend, one followed by two bears and
the other by one.

These trees up which five bears were now climbing,
happened to be the ones in which Frank and Alec
and their two Indian companions were hidden.

Bears are capital climbers, and these two fellows,
stimulated by the cuflfs and bites of their antagonists
behind them, made good time in the ascent. Now
for the first time the boys saw for what purpose

niREE BOVS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

261

sh for

ion to
f rage
sprang
Qcl but

when
iwevcr,
bright
y^estern
terrific

hides,
til one
d into
b here,
3, until
sen up
i as in

•s were
laken,
, or to
again
newed
more
etreat-
trees
trs and

mbing,
d Alec

ellows,
zonists
Now
urpose

they had been armed with those handy birch clubs.
A bear's tendercst spot is his nose. This the Indians
well know, and, when they are chased ' >y a bear, they
always defend themselves by striking him there. A
bear that will stand heavy blows with a club on his
skull; or shoulders, or even paws, gives up the fight
at once when rapped o /er the nose.

Concealment was now no longer possible, and the
word was passed by the Indians to the boys :

" Hit them on the nose whenever you can."

The two angry bears were so taken up with the
attack of their own species below them, tliat they
little imagined that there were enemies above, and
the first intimation they had of the presence of the
boys and Indians was a smart rap on th . nose.

Whack ! whack ! whack ' fell the blows upon their
snouts, and down they dropped suddenly to the
ground, each of them carrying with him the assailant
that happened to 1 a just below him. This sudden
discomfiture of the bears brought out a cheer from
the boys, which, of course, startled and excited the
other bears, that were already in a very pugnacious
mood.

The two first were additionally angry because of
the ugly blo^vs that had met them, and the other
three fishers seemed to imagine that fresh assailants
were there in the trees ready to come down and rob .
them of their supper.

The Indians declare the bears know how to talk
with each other ; anyway, these five seemed for
the present to proclaim a truce amongst them-
selves that together they might attack their common
foes who were ensconced up there in the trees.

Fortunate was it for our friends that the moon
was now so high in the heavens that they

ll-i

?-r

262

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

kl^

could see every movement of the bears as distinctly
as though it had been daylight. For a time the
animals moved about excitedly below them, and oc-
casionally made a feint as though they w^ere about
to climb the trees and again attack them. Then
they hesitated, and kept moving angrily about from
tree to tree. Sam and his comrade in the third tree
were soon discovered, and two or there of the bears
made a pretence of climbing this, but desisted and
dropped back to the ground.

In the meantime, the rest of the Indians out in
the canoes had heard the growling and fighting
among the bears, and had paddled in niuch nearer
to the shore. By their expressive calls, the Indians
in the trees had given those in the canoes some
idea of how the conilict stood, and that they were
able to defend themselves.

The bears at length seemed to have come to some
arrangement among themselves, for they divided
their forces and began attacking the three trees at
once. The two that had come last attacked the
tree in which Sam and his comrade were. Two of
the other three began climbing the tree in which
were Alec and his man, while Frank and his com-
panion had only to face the remaining one.

" Strike them on the nose," was still the cry of
the Indians ; and, although the bears made desperate
efforts to defend their tender nostrils while they still
advanced, they eventually had to give up the attempt
one after another, and drop back to the ground,
fairly howling with rage and pain. But angry bears
have a great deal of perseverance, and this phase
of the fight was not over until each bear had
tried every one of the three trees in succession ere
he gave in. After moving round and round and

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

2G3

stinctly
me the
ind oc-
3 about
Then
at from
rd tree
e bears
ed and

out in
ighting

nearer
[ndians
s some
y were

o some
iivided
rees at
ed the
Cwo of
which
s com-

cry of

operate
ey still
ttempt
ground,
J bears
phase
Eir had
on ere
d and

-••^.

|^rowlin<^ out their indignation, tlicy tried the plan
of several climbing up the same tree together. How-
ever, as the trees were not very large, this scheme
did nut succeed any better, and tlioy were again
repelled.

" What trick will they try next, 1 wonder ] " said
Frank.

" Get your guns handy," was the answer, " fur you
may soon need them."

And sure enough the bears, after talking in
their whining, growling way to each other, again
rushed to the attack, and while three of them
began each to climb one of the trees in which were
our friends, the other two began climbing a couple
of other trees, whose great branches interlaced
with those of the trees in which were two of the
boys.

The Indians were quick to notice this ruse, and
said, —

" The bears must never be allowed to- get up those
trees above us ; for if they do it may go hard wdth
us." •

The brutes were very cunning, for they tried as
much as possible to climb up the trees on the sides
opposite the places where were hidden Frank and '
Alec and their Indians. However, they could not
keep entirely hidden, and at the signal of one of
the Indians there rang out the simultaneous dis-
charge of the four guns. One of the bears instantly
dropped to the ground, but the other one continued
his climbing until he reached a position quite close
to Frank, on a branch of the tree in which he had
ascended. The boy and men had not time to load
again, as their guns were single-barrelled muzzle-
loaders, and in addition to watching this attack of

(

I ;

I
\

264

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

the two bears, they had to use their clubs vigorously
on the noses of the other three.

But, as before, these three were speedily defeated,
and now the excitement was to see how Frank and
his comrade would deal with the big fellow that
had succeeded in reaching the branch that was in a
line with them. They could observe him cautiously
working his way on this great arm of the tree
which he had ascended, and endeavouring to get
into the branches of the tree in which they were
located.

After some clever balancing, he managed to get
hold of a long branch that stretched out horizontally
towards him, and, steadying himself on it, and hold-
ing on to a much smaller one above, he gradually
began making his way towards them. The Indian
at once saw his opportunity, and told Frank, who
was on this upper branch to which the bear was
clinging with his fore-paws, to crawl out bravely
as far as he safely could, and keep up a vigorous
attack with his club on the bear's nose. This Frank
gallantly did, and while he was thus employed the
Indian drew his axe, and began vigorously chopping
the largo limb of the tree on which the bear was
standing. Assailed by Frank's blows he made but
little headway, and, before he knew what was up,
the branch suddenly gave way under him and he
fell to the ground a badly-stunned and much-dis-
couraged bear. -'

This gave time for the guns to be reloaded,
and then the besieged, thinking they had had ex-
citement enough for one night, became the assail-
ants, and began firing down upon the bears below
them.

Sam, in his excitement, had put too much powder

THREE nOYS IN THE WH.D NORTH LAND

2G5

tree

)wder

iu his gun, and when he fired the kick of tlie
weapon caused him to lose his balance, and he
tumbled to the gi'ound. It was fortunate for him
that he fell in a soft place, and was not in the least
liurt or stunned, for the only unwoundcd bear soon
made a rush for him, but was not (juick enough to
find him unprepared.

Sam now knew more about bears than he ditl
when he rushed into the camp with one not far
behind him. Now he had no desire even to try
to regain his position in the tree from the branches
of which he had so suddenly descended. Springing
up from the spot where he had fallen, he drew
his keen-bladed knife, placed his back against
the tree-trunk, and awaited the attack. He had
not long to wait. The bear, maddened by the
battle that had been going on, and doubly excited
by the smell of blood from his wounded comrades,
rushed at him with the intention of making short
work of him by hugging him to death. But he
little knew whnt was before liim. With all the
nerve and coolness of an old Indian hunter, Sam
waited until the big fore-paws, like great, sinewy
arms, were almost around him. Then, with a sud-
den lunge, he drove the knife firm and true iiHo the
very heart of the fierce brute. There was one
great convulsive shiver, and the bear fell over
dead.

The next instant there was a loud shout from
those who had landed from the canoes in time to
witness this brave act. The shout was caught up
by the others, who, when they saw Sam's uncere-
monious descent from the tree, began to descend,
but more slowly, and were in good time to see him
give the deadly thrust. ^

1 '; !

2CG

TIIUKK IIOVS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

ISani luul iudoL'd redoomed his reputation, and
was the hero for many a day. Alec and Fiank
were very proud of liiiii, and hearty were their
con<^ratulations. Sam cheerfully accepted all they
said, but liad his own opinions of himself; first, for
putting too much powder into his gun, and then for
ignominiously tumbling out of the tree.

On looking over the ground they found four dead
bears ; one that was badly wounded had managed
to crawl away into the forest.

V? ■

Ml.

;i "

i.'i'i

•i

SA.M S SLCCKSSl'UI, TM.KUST,

They had had enough excitement for that night,
so they gathered up some dry wood, made a fire,
and cooked some of the fine white fish in thoroucfh
Indian style. They had good appetites for a good
supper, and after it were soon sound asleep. As
usual, the boys were the last to wake up the next
morning, and they found that the Indians had al-
ready tracked and killed the wounded bear that
had escaped in the night.

Some time was spent in skinning them, and then,

THUKF nOYS T\ TIIK WILD NORTFF LAND 207

loaded with the robes and moat, they returned in
ln«,di spirits to wliere they had left Hi<,^ Tom and
Martin Papanekis, and the other Indians.

There were ^^reat rejoicings at their success, and
even quiet Hi;; Tom had some cheery, congratulatory
words to say to Sam, which the latter prized very
much indeed.

dead

ry.

• < ill

]

' 1

. 1 ^

^ •

"a*

CHAPTER XXV

•

111

*^»"_

A Successful Mission — Peculiar Address — The Visit fo
the Beavers — Commodious Houses — Well-constructed
Dams — The Moonlight Sight — Strange Interruption
— Stealthy "Wolverine — Crouching Wolves — More
Cunning Men — A Mixed-up Battle — Delighted Boys
— Return to Sagastaweekee.

They rested that day, and then the next, being
Saturday, they decided to go to the upper end of
the lake, and camp there, so as to be near the
newly - formed mission established by a Rev. Mr
Brooking, and thus be able to attend service on the
Sunday.

They met with a cordial welcome from Mr and
Mrs Brooking, who, living in such a lonely place,
were delighted to welcome visitors — especially white
boys, who were able to give then information about
friends in the old land which they had not visited
for many years. The lads were very much interested
in the mission and school. As they remained camped
in the vicinity for a few days, they saw and heard a
good deal of the genuineness of the work done ; and
always in after years they were strong- advocates for
foreign missions. And yet there were some things,
which showed how wise and patient a missionary has
to be in leading a people up from the darkness and
ignorance of Paganism.

Tlie missionary told them many amusing stories.

268

sit io
ructed
Liption
-More
. Boys

, being
end of
ar the
ev. Mr
on the

Ir and
place,
white
about
visited
erested
samped
eard a
e ; and
es for
things,
vy has
ss and

itories.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

269

Here is a simple one : One of his converts was
anxious to preach to his fellow - countrymen, and
in this laudable desire he was encouraged by the
missionary. As long as he stuck to his subject
and talked about the Gospel he did very well
indeed. But soun his ambition led him to tackle
subjects about which he was not very well in-
formed.

One day, in addressing a company of his country-
men, he exclaimed :

"My friends, the missionary says the world is
round ; but he is mistaken, it is flat ; yes, as flat as
the top of that stove," pointing to the great iron
stove in the centre of the room.

When the missionary heard this, of course he had
to give Metassis a lesson in geography. He showed
him a map of the hemispheres, and, as he thought,
so fully explained the matter that there could be
no further mistake. »

The next time Metassis stood up to speak, he
said :

" Friends, I made a mistake. The world is round ;
but it is flat one way for sure." This he said because
he had seen the flat maps on the wall. It was thus
evident that another lesson in geography was
necessary, and a school globe had to be brought
into requisition before he could be convinced that
it was round. His apology did not much mend
matters. Here it is :

" My friends, I made another mistake. The world
is round, but then it stands on three legs."

This he said because the globe that he had been
shown worked in a frame that was supported by
three legs.

To see beavers at work was one of the sights that

270

THKEE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

'I k

!flr

i ,i

ill

■llUli

had long been desired by the boys, for at many a
camp fire, they had heard the Indians talk about
these most industrious of all animals, and tell such
wonderful stories of their cleverness. So now as
the moon was still bright, it was decided to accept
the invitation of some very friendly Indians, and
go and visit a large beaver dam that they had dis-
covered was being constructed by a colony of these
animals. Nothing could have given greater pleasure
to the boys than this invitation, and it was gladly
accepted.

In view of the fact that the moon was already
waning, it was decided to set off that very afternoon
in order to reach the place by sundown, so as to be
in good positions to see, ere the beavers began their
night's varied occupations.

The many wonderful things which have been
written and told about beavers we need not here
repeat ; suffice it to say that those Indians w^ho most
hunt them, and thus have the best opportunity
of studying their ways and doings, are the ones
who speak most strongly and enthusiastically about
them.

Of the size of the trees they can cut down with
their teeth, and of the length and strength of the
dams they can construct, as well as of the reason and
instinct they seem to exercise in giving the right
curve to these dams at the dangerous places, so
that they will be best able to resist the force of
the current, even when swollen by heavy Hoods,
we need not here speak in detail. It is enough to
say that tree-stumps over two feet in diameter
are still to be found w^ith the marks of the teeth
of the beaver that had cleverly and accurately felled
the great trees that stood there, defying every storm.

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 271

aany a
: aboii.t
ill such
now as
I accept
ns, and
lad dis-
3f these
pleasure
ladly

' g

already
fternoon
as to be
an their

ve been
not here
ho most
ortunity
he ones
ly about

wn with
h of the
ason and
lie right
laces, so
force of
y Hoods,
fiough to
diameter
he teeth
3ly felled
ry storm.

proud monarchs of the forests until these industrious
animals laid them low.

Dams hundreds of yards long, and v/ide enough
and strong enough for great waggons to travel over
easily, and pass each other on, can still be traced
out in regions whence the beaver has long been
exterminated.

Beaver meadows are still prized by the farmers
for the hundreds of acres of richest hay land, formed
by the rich earth brought down in times of freshets
from the high regions beyond, and year after year
deposited in these beaver ponds until at length they
were so filled up, that what was once like a great
inland lake, has become a prairie or meadow of rich
waving grass.

Beavers' houses were in some instances not only
larger, but in every case much more cleverly and
thoroughly built than were the habitations of the
pagan' Indians.

Their forethought in cutting, depositing upon the
bottom of the waters, and ingeniously fastening there,
vast quantities of the birch or willow, the bark of
which was to serve as food during the long winter
months, was far ahead of the habits of the improvi-
dent people, who literally took " no thought for the
morrow," and so w^ere often at starvation point
while the industrious beavers, in their warm, cosy
homes, had enough and to spare.

When it was decided to go, the preparations
were quickly made, and, bidding " farew^ell " to the
missionary and his heroic w^ife, from whom they
parted with regret, the canoes were pointed to the
east again. After some hours of hard paddling they
reached a fairly large river, up which they were to
go as far as a large creek which entered into it, and

272 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

upon which the beaver clam, now being constructed,
was to be found.

At the mouth of the river they went ashore for
a rest and supper. Here the whole programme of
the night was talked over, and all arrangements
made. It was necessary that everything should be
thorouglily understood beforehand, as beavers are
very watchful and timid animals, and the least
alarm sends them to their retreat, and it is a long
time ere they resume their work. As a precaution
against surprise from bears or wolves, or even
wolverines, who are very fond of beaver flesh, the
party decided to take their guns along with them.

The creek, which was more like a small ri^'^er,
ran through a beautiful valley, and on either . ^e
were hills, some of which rose up so precipitately
from the water that they formed admirable positions
from which the cautious sightseers could watch the
operations of the busy toilers when they were at
work in the waters below.

The wind was everything that could be desired,
and our three boys were able to be together, but
they had to wait quite a time in the most complete
silence for the appearance of the industrious, but
timid, beavers.

It is amazing how all animals seem to be ac-
quainted with the natural sounds that come from
the woods or prairies, and are but little disturbed by
them, while a sound that is unnatural is at once
detected. For example. Big Tom was more than
once heard to say, in his quiet way, that when
hunting moose, he noticed that a storm might be
raging, and the great branches of the trees snapping
and breaking in the gale, yet the moose seemed to
pay no attention to any of these sounds. But just

THREE HOYS LV THE WILD NORTH LAND

273

ructcd,

)re for
ime of
ements
uld be
irs are
3 least
a long
caution
r even
!sh, the
L them.
1 ri-^^er,

LSI

pitateiy
lositions
itch the
A^ere at

desired,
ler, but
omp^ete
Dus, but

be ac-
ne from
rbed by

at once
)re than
it when
[light be
mapping
;emed to
But just

let the liunter be careless enough to snap a dry
stick under his moccasined fi)ot, nnd the moose was
alarmed and off like a shot. So it is with the beaver.
The ordinary sounds of night disturb them not, but
the report of a gun, it may bo a mile away, sends
them instantly to their retreats, while the slightest
evidence of hunters so disturbs them that perhaps for
twenty-four hours they wnll keep under cover, with-
out makinor the sliffhtest visible movement.

The moon wa quite high up in the heavens ere
the first rippling sounds were heard upon the w^aters.
The first arrivals seemed to be the w^atchers, who had
come to report. They appeared to swim almost from
end to end of the gr^at pond that had already been
made by the strong dam, which w^as now almost
finished.

As soon as they had, in some way, intimated that
the coast was clear, others appeared upon the scene,
until between twenty and thirty were at the same
time visible. Some w^ere industriously e iployed in
carrying additional stones and mud to the dam, and
carefully filling up every crack and crevice. Others
were guiding great logs down the current, and
fastening them in position where they would
strengthen the dam against possible fioods and
freshets. The majority, and they were principally
the smaller ones, were employed in cutting down
small birch and willows, which they dragged by
their teeth to the edge of the pond, and then
suddenly dived with to the bottom. The pieces
that they could not stick firmly in the mud, they
fastened down at the bottom by piling stones upon
them to keep them from floating.

The boys were too far away to see by the moon's

274

THREE BOYS IN THE WI .J NORTH LAND

. . i

light the beavers actually at work among a clump of
large trees that stood on the shore some way up the
stream, but the crashing down of a couple of trees
into the water told very clearly that some were there
industriously at work. Thus for a cou})le of hours
the whole party watched with great interest these
clever animals, and then came an abrupt conclusion.
It was not caused by any of our party, as the In-
dians, having abundance of food, had no desire now
to kill the beaver. Besides, the skins, so valuable in
winter, were now of but little worth.

As we have stated, beavers have many enemies.
Their flesh is very much prized as food by all the
carnivorous animals of tliat country. And so, while
our party was watching with such pleasure the
varied movements described above, there were other
eyes upon the busy workers, full of evil purposes,
and strange to say, not very far away from where
our boys and Indians were hidden.

As before mentioned, our hunters were on the
top of a hill that rose abruptly up from the pond
caused by the backing up of the waters by the
beaver dam. From this point of observation they
looked out towards the west ; on the left side were
other hills, much smaller and less steep. Just about
the time they were thinking of retiring, the sharp
eyes of one of th^^ Indians noticed a dark object
on the small hill nearest to them. Whispering a
word of caution, they all lay as ^ low as possible,
and watched. On and on, and at length out from
the shadow of some bushes, into the clear moon-
•light, came an animal, and the keen-visioned In-
dians saw that it was a wolverine. Our party
was so high above it that they had not been
detected.

3lump of
y up the
of trees
ere there
of hours
est these
inclusion.
1 the In-
sire now
luable in

enemies.
V all the

so, while
Lsurc the
ere other
purposes,
mi where

THREE BOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

275

e on

the
the pond
by the
tion they
side were
ust about
he sharp
rk object
spcring a
possible,
out from
ar moon-
oncd In-
)ur party
not been

It was evident from it; actions that it was on
a beaver hunt. At every extra noise the busy
animals made in the water, as logs were rolled in
or the beavers plunged in with birch or willow
saplings in their mouths, the wolverine stopped
and listened. There was but little wind, and it
became evident that even when the cruel beast had
nearly reached the shore, and there crouched btOiind
a small rock, the beavers were still unconscious of
his presence. There was 3nly a little strip of land,
about a yard wide, betwee ^ this rock and the water.
But along this narrow strip the beavers had been
coming and going while at their varied duties, and
this, in some way or other, the cunning wolverine
seemed to have discovered.

But while the boys and some of the Indians were
intently watching his movements, others of them, as
the result of long experience, had occasionally cast
searching glances in every direction around them.

" Hist ! " in a quiet whisper, arrested the attention
of all. Without a word, but by a gesture scarcely
perceptible, they were directed to look along the very
trail the wolverine had made, and there, stealthily
moving forward, now in the light and now in the
shadow, they saw two large grey wolves.

This was complicating matters, and makii)g things
interesting indeed. The Indians, leaving the boys
their guns loaded with ball, and enjoining perfect
silence upon them, took up their own weapons,
and noiselessly withdrew. So gloriously bright was
the night in that land where fogs and mists are
almost unknown, and where the rays of the moon
cast a clear and distinct shadow, that everything
passing was distinctly visible.

Out in the waters, and around the shore and on

276

THREE BOYS IN THE ^VILD NORTH LAND

the dam, were perhaps thirty beavers, hard at work.
To the left l)elow them lay crouching-, like a ball
of black wool, the savage, alert wolverine, patiently
waiting until an unsuspcctino- beaver, loaded with
wood, stones, or gravel, should pass along the trail
within reach of his deadly spring.

A couple of hundred yards behind the wolverine,
and high enough up on the hillside to observe his
every movement, and yet not be observed by him,
were the two wolves, now crouching down flat upon
the ground. They remained so quiet that the boys
were surprised, and wondered, if they were after the
wolverine, why they did not attack him. But while
they watched the wolverine, it became evident that
it was not wolverine meat they sought, but beaver.
And their hope was that the wolverine might
obtain it for them. How far their expectations
were realised, we shall see.

" Hush ! " said Alec ; " look ! " And sure enough
there were the Indians some hundreds of yards behind
the wolves, and spread out like a third of a circle,
cautiously moving on towards the two wolves that
were intently watching the wolverine that was
watching the beavers. It was to the hunters an
interesting sight, and so fascinated the boys that
they could hardly keep still.

Soon the tension was broken, and there was a
sudden change. A couple of fine large beavers
came along the trail on the shore, with a large
stone which they evidently wished to take to^the
dam. So intent were they upon their work,
that they knew not of danger until, with a great
spring, the wolverine had fastened his sharp teeth
and claws in- the back of one of them, which
uttering a cry of pain was dashed to the ground.

i work,
a ball
tiently
1 with
e trail

[verinc,
rve his
►y him,
,i upon
10 boys
ter the
t while
nt that
beaver,
might
stations

enough
; behind
circle,
es that
at was
ters an
ys that

was a

beavers

a large

to the

work,

great

•p teeth

which

ground.

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 277

The other beaver instantly sprang into the water,
as did all the rest within sound of that death
cry.

In a few seconds the wolves, with great bounding
leaps, had cleared the space between them and the
wolverine. They attacked him fiercely, and en-
deavoured at once to secure the beaver. But the
wolverine is a plucky animal when thus assailed,
and he made a good tight for his hard-earned supper.

In the meantime, the instant the wolves started,
the Indians, who from their higher ground had
seen their movements, also began to advance, and ere
the wolves and wolverine had settled the matter
as to the ownership of the dead beaver, a volley
of bullets killed the wolves, while the wolverine
turned, and began climbing up the steep place of
the hill where the boys were hidden.

" Shoot hiin ! " shouted the Indians. An answer-
ing volley rang out from the boys' guns, and a dead
wolverine, with three bullets in him, went tumbling
back to the bottom of the hill.

No need for silence now, and so the long-continued
hush was broken with a will, and there were many
shouts and congratulations. The boys speedily and
safely descended the hill on the side that sloped
downwards in the direction of the men, and joined
them at the spot where they weve examining the
dead wolves and beaver. The wolverine had not
had much time to maul the latter, ere the wolves
werq upon him, and so the beaver was not very much
torn. The splendid broad tail was uninjured, and
the boys eagerly examined it. The dead wolverine
was dragged in by the men, and it was decided,
as dry wood was abundant, that some should
make a fire, while others went for kettles, food and

(

278

THREE HOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I'l" '

blankets; and ho there they .spent the rest of the
niVht.

They had two reasons for cainpinf>^ liere. One was
to be on liand to skin the animals early in the morn-
ing, and the other was to have the opportunity of
inspecting the beaver dam, and seeing the size of
some of the stumps, where those wonderful animals,
with their teeth alone, had cut down the great
trees.

A tired, sleepy trio were the boys, even ere
their midnight meal was eaten, and very quickly
afterwards they were rolled up in their blank-
ets, and stretched out on the smooth rock, fast
asleep. '^.

As there are many wild animals in this part of
the country, the Indians, ere they lay Jown to
sleep, took the precaution of rolling on to the fire
some of the logs cut down by the beavers. These
would keep up a blaze until, at least, sunrise,
after which there would be no danger.
' Refreshing and invigorating is the sleep that
comes to those who have the courage and enter-
prise to visit these lands, and live a great deal
in the open air. The nights are seldom close and
sultry. The air seems full of ozone, and scented
with the balm of the great forest. Thus it was
here, as in many similar experiences, with these
hearty, healthy lads, and so soundly did they
sleep, that it was after eight o'clock ere they
opened their eyes. As they sprang up half-
ashamed of themselves, the Indians chided them
not, but one, in broken English, comforted them
when he said:

" Plenty sleep, strong men, clear eye, firm grip ;
good medicine." They were consoled by this, and

of the

lie was
morn-
lity of
size of
niinals,
great

en ere
juickly
blank-
c, fast

part of
3wn to
cl^e fire
These
sunrise,

ip that
enter-
at deal
)se and
scented
it was
li these
i they
e they
p half-
i them
d them

n grip;
his, and

THKEK IIOVS IN THE WILD XOKTII LAND

270

ever after when tliey overslept themselves they called
it "good medicine."

The wolves and wolverine were already skinned,
and as soon as tlie boys had had the breakfasts
whicli had long been waiting them, tliey set off to
visit the beaver dam. When they reached it,
they could hardly realise how it was possible that
animals, not heavier than an ordinary retriever
dog, could build such a structure. It was in shape
like a crescent, with the outer curve up stream. It
was thus able to meet and best resist the force of
the great currents in times of freshets and of
floods.

Many of the logs used in its construction would
have been prized as valuable timber in sawmills,
and, in addition to the large logs, there were great
numbers that were smaller. It would occupy many
men, with horses and carts, for many days to trans-
port the stones, gravel and mud used ; yet here
was all of this material gathered by these animals,
that have no tools but their teeth and paws,
and all piled up and arranged in a manner so
scientific and accurate that the best engineer in
the land would not have lost anything in his re-
putation if he had claimed the work as his own
careful planning.

The beaver house was also visited. It was
apparently all built on the land, but it so overhung
the pond at one side that the water ever found
access, and there was abundance of room for the
beavers to swim out or in whenever they desired.
No attempt was made to break in, or in any way
to disturb it, neither would there be in the winter
months, when the Indians would make an attack
upon them.

280 TUUEE ](OVS IN THE WILD N'OUlil I.ANI)

..,.i, .,«

A more clever and successful way for their capture
is well known, and tliis would be put in practice
when the time arrived. IJut we must not anticipate
an interesting adventure at this very spot.

The return to Sa^astaweekee was made in a few
days. With the exception of an upset of a canoe
in one of the rapids, where they were trying to
work up stream instead of making a portat^e,
nothing of a startling nature occurred. Alec was
the boy who was in this canoe, and he was (^uite
carried under by the rapid current, and only
reappeared above the surface a coui)le of liundred
feet lower down. Fortunately there were other
canoes near at hand, and he was ([uickly rescued.
But the accident gave them all a fright. They
lost everything in the canoe that would not float.
They most regretted the loss of three reliable guns.
After this, they were more cautious, and the
boys were taught the lesson that these sports and
adventures were not to be enjoyed without risk,
and that there was at all times as great demand
for caution and watchfulness, as for daring and

courage.

(C was

quite

only

indrcd
other

iseucd.
They

; float.

guns.

CHAPTEU XXVI

An Kxcur.sion into the Keindeei Country — NiuneroUH
Herd.s — The Buttle between Reindeer and Wolves in
the Ijake — Reachinj,' the Herds — A Loii^ Stiilk for
the Lender — Alee's Successful Shot—Consternation of
the Herd — Abundance of V^enison.

To see and, if possible, to hunt a herd of reindeer,
both on land and in the water, was one oi the
ambitions of the boys. They had fre(iuently heard
some remarkable stories of these animals from
northern hunters, whose homes were in regions which
reinrleer occasionally visited in their migiiitions, and
they were much pleased when Mi Hoss, returiiing one
day from the Hudson Vtwy Company's fort, informed
them that a number of the Indians from those
regions had arrived, and that he ha<l obtained the
permission of the Company's officials for the lads
to go back with these Indians for some sport.
He also added that the Indians themselves had
stated that the hei*ds of reindeer this year were
numerous, and that it would be a very great
pleasure to take charge of the young " pale faces,"
who were so highly spoken of by the red men, and
do all they could to assist them in the sports
of their country. •

This was glorious news, and as the weeks were
rapidly going by, no time was to be lost.

281

2S2

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

I ^

Alec deeply regretted the loss of his favourite gun,
but Mr Ross replaced it with another, and so, well
supplied, and with a couple of Indians, as ser-
vants to look after the camp and be on hand in
any emergency, the journey was commenced under
the hapr)iest auspices.

We need not repeat the description of the trip
down or up the rivers and across the portages.
There were several nights when they slept as usual
at the camp fires on the rocks. There was a good
deal of sunshine, and there were a few storms.

They passed through some lakes of rarest beauty,
which simply fascinated the boys and drew from
them the warmest expressions of admiration of which
they were capable. Even Sam lost his powers of
speech for a time at some glimpses on these lovely
..iieets, where the water was so transparent that it
seemed as though they were paddling through the
aii ; then, when the spell was broken, he ex-
ciaime^l, in almost sorrowful tones :

" That beats Killarney."

How glorious must have been the scene, when even
a loyal Irish boy would make such an admission.

The Dominion of Canada has in it more fresh-
water lakes than any other country in the world.
Some of them are equal, if not superior, in the
clearness and purity of their w^aters, in the distinct-
ness of the reflections cast upon their limpid surface
by surrounding hill or forest, and in the wild,
weird beauty of their environment, to any of the
old world's favourite ones, so long praised in song
and story. They are gradually being discovered
and prized, for some of them are as a poet's dream
and a painter's vision.

The lads saw various wild animals, but as the party

,e gun,
D, well

15 ser-
a,nd in

under

16 trip
)rtages.
s usual
a good

beauty,
V from
I which
vers of
lovely
that it
igh the
he ex-

Bii even

on.
fresh-
world,
in the

listinct-
surface

le wild,
of the

in song

covered
dream

•j'

5C
>

le party

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 283

had charge of the trading outfit for the Hudson Bay
Company's post in that region of country, they
were under obligations to push on as rapidly as
possible. The only time they did make a stop of
any length was in Split Lake, where, as they were
rowing their boats along, they observed a great
commotion in the water some distance ahead of
them. When they drew near, they saw it was a
battle between a couple of splendidly-antlered rein-
deer and four wolves.

It was evident that the wolves were being badly
worsted in the fight, as the reindeer were now the
aggressors. From the Indians' idea of it, it looked
, as if the wolves had either chased the deer into the
lake, or, seeing them in there swimming, had plunged
in after them. The deer at first, much alarmed,
had boldly struck out into the lake, and were fol-
lowed by the wolves. Of course it was impossible
to say whether the wolves had been able to reach
them and make the attack, or whether the reindeer,
when they had drawn the wolves a long way out, had
then turned upon them.

The reindeer has large lungs, and so swims high
on the water. He is not only able to use his
antlers, but can turn while swimming and kick most
viciously. A wolf can only swim like a dog, and
as his head is down low he cannot make much of a
fight. And so the boys had the rare sight of
seeing a couple of deer chasing, with great delight,
four of the foes they most dreaded on land.

The combatants passed across the bows of the boat
near enough for them to see quite distinctly the deer
suddenly give a spurt, and then strike the wolves
with their great horns. Every effort of the wolves
to attack seemed to meet with complete failure, until

2S4

THREE 150YS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

Ll :^^ >

I . ■" «

at length their only ambition was to reach the shore,
and in this two were successful ; the other two were
drowned by the deer.

The triumph of the deer over their cruel and re-
lentless foes gave very mucli delight to the Indians,
as well as to Frank, Alec and Sam, and it ^^'as
decided not to fire t'^ the beautiful creatures, but
to leave them to enjoy their victory.

Alter several days more of travel and adven-
ture, they reached the trading post on Burntwood
River, and shortly after started off to Lake Wool-
aston, as the hunters had reported that reindeer
wer:^ there in great herds. To that place they tra-
velled in birch canoes, and the boys were much
happier in them than in the big boats in which,
with the Company's goods, they had come from
Norway House. •

They saw traces of bears, beavers, wild cats and
other animals, but they were after reindeer, and
just now cared but little for any other kind of
game. At a camp fire, where they were having
supper, the old Indian, who had been appointed
captain on account of his experience in this kind
of hunting, gave the boys some instructions how
to act should they discover a large herd. He told
them it would not be very difficult to get within
range of one or more of the deer, but they were to
crawl up as close to the herd as possible, on the
leeward side, and then, from their hiding places,
watch them until they saw the great stag that was
the leader of the herd. They would not have any
trouble in picking him out. They would soon see
how he bossed the rest and was always at the head
whv^n the herd moved.

What they were to do was to keep moving along

3 shore,
^o were

and re-

ndians,

it ^^^as

es, but

aJven-
ntwood

Wool-
eindeer
Ley tra-
} much

which,
) from

its and
jr, and
ind of
havincf
pointed
s kind
»s how
ie told
within
vere to
on the
places,
at was
ve any
)on see
le head

aloncr

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 285

with the deer, skulking from one rock to the shelt^»r
of another, and takin^r advantage of every inequality
in the ground to get within range of the leader,
" but never let him once get siglit of you." It did
not so much matter about the others, as they would
not run until the leader started, unless very
much frightened. The boys were told to take, in
addition to guns and ammunition, some food, small
axvjs in their belts, and their trusty knives. They
were not to be discouraged if hours passed before
they got a shot at the leader. They were to be
patient, and they would succeed, Tlie boys were
amazed when this old Indian told them that some-
times he had followed a great herd for three days
before he got at the leader. " But," he added, " it
well paid me, for I shot twelve deer ere they had
a new leader."

How this could happen was a mystery to the boys,
until the Indian explained to them that when these
herds come down fresh from the great barren lands,
under the guidance of the leader, they have such
confidence in him, or are in such fear of him, that
when he is shot down the whole herd is thrown into
confusion, and run here and there, and jump about
in such a foolish manner, waiting for their leader to
show them the way, that a quick, clever Indian,
hidden behind a rock, or standing in some dense
bushes, can keep loading and firing until he shoots
from six to a d-^zen of them. Ultimately another
great stag gives a snort, and dashes off, and they all
follow him as their new leader. They are now so
frightened that, under his leadership, they will
generally run a great many miles ere they stop.

Early one morning, shortly after this information
had been imparted to the boys by the experienced

2S6

THilEE BOYS IN TIJE WILD NORTH LAND

:..i

rirf!

old Indian, some scouts, wlio had been on the
lookout, came in with the information that two
herds of deer were visible. They were in different
parts, and could be hunted at the same time without
any difficulty.

At once all preparations were made. As but
one boy and one Indian could go tof^ether, it was
decided that Frank and Alec should make the
first attempt to show their skill in this kind of
hunting. The old captain took Alec with him, while
another almost equally experienced hunter accom-
panied Frank.

Sam was left boss of the camp, but be determined
to do a little hunting on his own account, while
the rest were off after the reindeer.

The clothing of the boys '''^as inspected by the
Indians, and everything of a bright nature was
discarded. They were all dressed in smoke-leather
suits, with caps to match. This made them ahnost
the colour of the rocks and dried ferns or bracken,
among which they would have to do a good deal
of crawling. The hunters left the camp about
six o'clock in the morning, Alec and the captain
going in a north-easterly direction, and Frank
and his companion about due w^est. They agreed
to be back, if possible, not later than midnight.
Each Indian, however, took the precaution of
strapping on his back a grey banket, in case of
delay.

We will first follow the adventures of Alec and
the captain.

They started off in a north-easterly direction,
and liad to travel several miles ere, from an eminence,
the herd was sighted far away. They were feed-
ing as they moved along leisurely, and seemed to

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

2«7

Dn tlie
it two
ifFerent
vithout

\.s but
it was
ke the
dnd of
1, while
accoiii-

3rmined
b, while

by the
ire was
leather
almost
Dracken,
od deal
) about
captain
Frank
agreed
lidnight.
ition of
case of

.lee and

ireetion,
minence,
^re feed-
emed to

have no suspicion of danger. It was in our hunters'
favour that the country was \Gry much broken,
with a succession of hills and dales, rocky ridges
and ravines, clumps of spruce forests and long
stretches of marshy lands in which the dried ferns
and bracken were abund^ait. The first thing after
the discovery of the herd in the distance was to
find out the direction in which they seemed to be
moving, and then to notice the direction of the
wind, as it is always best to be on the lee side
on account of the scent.

All arrangements being made, the two started
off rapidly, as it was possible to push on for
a long time without much precaution, owing to
the character of the country. Alec's trips to the
Highlands of his beloved Scotland, and his excur-
sions with an experienced gillie there, stood him
in good service here. After about an hour's swift
travelling, tlie Indian said :

"We are not far from them — stay here a few
minutes while I go to that large rock and see
how they are moving, and if I can make out the
leader. Keep where you can see me when I come
down a little from the side of the rock, and if I
stretch out my arms for a sign, come on and join
me there."

Alec was not kept long waiting, for as soon
as his companion had crawled to the summit of
the rock that rose up before them, he speedily drew
back a little so as to be out of sight of the deer,
and gave the signal to advance. It did not take
Alec long to join him. The Indian informed him
that the herd was a large one, and that some of
the deer were so close that they could easily be
shot from the top of the rock.

1 I

J'? i

^'! t
r

288

THREE I30YS IN TUE WILD NORTH LAND

Very cautiously did they both climb to the
point of observation, and there, before them,
carelessly moving along was a magnificent herd
of several hundred splendid deer. As food was
abundant, they were in prime condition, and were
a beautiful sight. Numbers of them were very
heavily antlered, and as Alec tried to count the
numerous points, lie saw many that would pass
muster as " royals " in the Highlands. It was
evident the leader was not to be distinguished from
that position, and so the keen-eyed Indian watched
the gradually-receding herd for a few minutes
until he was perfectly satisfied of the direction
they intended to keep ; this he indicated to Alec,
and stated that in all probability several hours
must pass ere they would get a shot.

Carefully retreating, they began their march
in a line parallel with the herd, but generally from
two to four hundred yards distant, according
to the cover the country afforded to screen them
from observation. Several times the Indian left
Alec carefully hidden, while he, as we have
before described, took advantage of some high
rock, or steep declivity, to crawl forward and
observe the position of the deer. On one of these
tours of inspection the Indian noticed that before
them was now a long valley, and that the
appearance of the country was as though two hills
came close together, with only a narrow passage
between. Almost as by an intuition — perhaps
it was the result of long experience — the Indian
reasoned : If we can reach that spot ahead of the
herd we are almost sure to be successful ; but
can we do it ?

Rapidly returning to Alec, he told him what he

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 289

had seen and what he tliought might be accom-
plished.

"Let us try," said Alec, excitedly, and off they
started. The Indian was amazed at the endurance
of this Scotch lad, who kept so close up to him
in his rapid march. When well sheltered behind
great rocky ridges, or in ravines, they ran with-
out fear of being discovered ; but on a barren
plain, with scores of deer in sight, it was a dif-
ferent matter. There they had to crawl, snake -like,
along the ground. Thus on they went, the Indian
repeatedly uttering a cheery word of encourage-
ment to Alec, whose pluck and endurance had won
his admiration.

" What is that ? " they both said, as they crouched
as low as possible.

" Wait till I see," said the Indian, and he
crawled forward to discover.

When he came back he said : —

" It is all right ; only a big buck crowded up too
near the front, and the leader turned on him and
they had a battle, in which the intruder was soon
conquered and driven back."

This delay stopped the deer for a time, and so
Alec and his compaTiion were now about in a line
with the front of the herd.

Only about a mile more had they to cover ere
they reached the desired position, and about half-
an-hour before the deer arrived they were well
hidden and ready for action. They had taken
the precaution to get their ammunition ready,
so that if they threw the herd into confusion
they might have several shots ere it dashed
away.

Soon the deer were close to them and they

290

THREE nOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

r:v

could hear them very distinctly. Cautiously the
Indian watched them, and then, as arranged, he
signalled to Alec who was stretched out behind
a rock with a narrow cleft in it. This break
was just large enough as a lookout, and it would
also serve as a good rest for the gun. Alec
peeped through this narrow opening, and his heart
gave a great thump, for there, within fifty yards
of him, was the most magnificent deer he had
ever seen. There was no diflficulty now in picking
out the leader.

Pulling himself together, he waited until he was
ste*" ]y, and then, aiming so as to strike the game im-
mediately behind the fore-shoulder, he fired. The
deer gave one great bound, and dropped dead. In-
stantly there rang out another report as Alec's
comrade fired, and another great deer fell dead.
Immediately followed one of those panics that occur
among reindeer when their leader is suddenly shot
down. Thoy made no attempt to escape. They ran
up to where the fallen stag lay, and then they
retreated a hundred yards or so. Some ran one
way and some another, and then veered around and
returned again.

In the meantime Alec and the Indian were
loading and firing, until, perhaps, between them
a dozen deer had been killed. Then the Indian
gave the signal to stop, but they continued to
watch for several minutes more, while the panic-
stricken and bewildered creatures aimlessly ran
from point to point.

" Look ! " said the Indian. " Quick ! see the new
leader."

And sure enough there was a great, handsome
fellow snorting out his notes of authority and

sly the
ged, he
behind
H break
■j would
Alec
is heart
Y yards
he had
picking

he was
Line im-
d. The
id. In-
i Alec's
1 dead,
^t occur
ly shot
hey ran
n they
an one
nd and

were

them

Indian

lied to

panic-

ly ran

le new

idsome
y and

;|^

7)
T.

ii'}^

THREE H(JYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

201

defiance. None dispntocl his pjuidance, .i»id so ofT
ho started, and in a few seconds not a deer, with
the exception of those that were sliot, was visible.
No hunters could get within ran<;e then, nor for
many a day to come.

" Why did you give the word to stop firing ? " said
Alec.

" Because," answered the Indian, " we had killed
as many as our people can eat before the meat will
spoil, and we must not kill the deer if we do not
need the meat. The Great Spirit gives us these
things for food. We must not make Him angry
by killing more than we need."

Well done, red man I Would that some white
hunters, when bent on the wholesale destruction of
vp.luable animals just for the mad ambition to kill,
had some of his wisdom and religion.

The deer were bled, and when the entrails v;ere
removed they were placed where they could be
found next day by those who would come for them.
The Indian cut out a splendid haunch, which he
strapped on his back ; then the return trip w^as
begun, and the camp was reached in the small hours
of the next morning. Very tired, but very proud,
was Alec as he strode wntli his Indian companion
into the camp. The fire was burning low, for all
the rest of the party were sound asleep, and it
looked as though they had been so for hours. Alec,
who had been so successful, was anxious to hear
how it had fared with Frank, who had started off
with another Indian after the other herd that had
been sighted.

However, Frank was too tired and sleepy to say
much then, and so he did not trouble him. Alec
enjoyed the hastily-prepared supper, for which he

292

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

had a glorious appetite after such a long, heavy
day's exciting sport. Then he rolled his blanket
around him, cuddled himself between Sam and
Frank, and was soon wrapped in dreamless
slumber.

The chief and favourite part of the breakfast
the next morning was the broiled steaks of that
famous haunch of venison which Alec's comrade had
brought back to the camp.

?;:ii.

leavy
anket
and
mless

-kfast
that
had

CHAPTER XXVII

Frank's Adventures — The Eeindeer followed — Unwelcome
Interlopers — Cowardly Wolves Stalking the Fawn —
Repelled by the Gallant Bucks— Close Quarters —
Successful Shots — Diflerent Game than Reindeer —
Visions of Splendour.

Frank's experience was a very different one from
that of Alec.

He and his companion had gone out in a westerly
direction until they sighted the herd of deer a few
miles away. They followed them up till they came
so near as to have them well within range, but,
like other hunters, they were anxious to kill the
leader so as to throw the herd into confusion. With
this object in view they carefully skulked along,
hiding behind the clumps of bushes and rocky ridges
that were quite numerous.

All at once they heard a snorting and a sound of
rushing hither and thither among the deer, and
they climbed up some rocks and cautiously looked
over to try and find out what was the cause
of the commotion. At first they could not make out
what was the matter, but after a while they saw
that the herd had other hunters than themselves after
them. Thev were attacked by a pack of wolves 1

They were at the front of the herd, and Frank
and the ludlan quickly drew back from the rock
and hurried on to see the battle. Fortunately for

294

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

f>. r

Ir I

'/ftl

1 1.

them the reindeer were so excited by the presence of
the wolves that our two hunters were able to get
among some large, jagged rocks that rose up fifty or
sixty feet not very distant froiii them. Here they
had a capital view of the valley in which were the
deer and the wolves. There seemed to be about a
dozen wolves in the pack, and perhaps two hundred
reindeer in the herd, including about thirty young
ones, from five to six months old.

The object of the wolves seemed to be to evade
the great antlers of the bucks, and to capture those
pretty young fawns. It was very interesting to
watch the skill and couiage with which the bucks
closed up like a company of cavalry and charged
the wolves when they ventured close to the herd.
The wolves never waited to receive the charge, but
ignominiously turned tail and ran for their lives.
They, however, soon returned when no longer pur-
sued. There seemed to be a thorough understanding
among the deer as to the position each should take
while menaced by the wolves. The large - antlered
ones formed the outside circle. Next inside were
the hornless males and the does, while in a compact
body in the centre were the fawns.

Thus they slowly moved on, while the wolves
attempted at various parts to break through, but
always quickly retreated when a company of the
bucks gallantly charged them.

This strange conflict was watched by Frank and
his companion with intense interest, until it came
to an abrupt ending. It happened in this way.
In one of the determined charges made upon the
wolves by perhaps thirty reindeer, they drove
their cowardly enemies right up among the rocks
iust beyond where Frank and his companion had

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 295

hidden themselves. The close proximity of the wolves
so excited Frank that he whispered to the Indian :

"Let us lire at the wolves and never mind the
deer."

The fact was, Frank's sympathies had so gone
out to the deer, as he watched the incessant schem-
ings of the wolves to get at the beautiful fawns, and
the gallant efforts of the old ones to defend them,
that he had no heart to fire into the herd. He could
see that their firing into the herd would so terrify
and disorganise it that the wolves would easily
destroy the little ones.

From where they were hidden the two hunters
noticed that the wolves, now no longer chased by the
reindeer, were again clustering near the rocks, utterly
unconscious of the fact that between them and the
herd were some enemies more dreaded even than
the antlered foes.

" All right," said the Indian, in answer to Frank's
request, "but be sure and kill two with your
bullet."

Simultaneously there rang out the double report,
and four wolves fell dead. The others, terrified by
this attack, so unexpected and so close, fled away

towards the distant forest.

Having made sure that the wolves did not stop
in their flight, they quickly reached a position
where they had the herd of deer again in view.
Frank was delighted to observe that although they
seemed to have been somewhat startled by the
reports of the guns, they had not broken their
formation, and were now quickly hurrying away.
To skin the four wolves and return with their
pelts to the camp was all the sport they had, or
wanted, for that day.

i
!

296

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

m i^: !

M m

i- >f

At first Alec was inclined to boast of a more
successful day in reindeer hunting, but when he
heard the whole story, he was willing to admit that
perhaps after all, Frank's had been the nobler
experience.

San/s characteristic comments were :

" Man, but I would have liked to have had a crack
at that groat leader; but I think I would have
preferred to have had the satisfaction of knocking
over a couple more of those dirty, thievish, murdering
wolves."

One more great excursion was arranged ere they
returned. This was to a large lake, to which
watchers had been sent some days before.

A couple of days after Frank and Alec had had
the adventures with the reindeer, these watchers
came in with word that the deer were numerous
on the shore of the lake, and often seen swimming
but into the water. After two days' much-needed
rest all were fresh and eager to be off again.

Very little time is lost in breaking up camp
when once it is decided to move, and in a short
time the canoes, propelled by the paddles in the
hands of the stalwart Indians, were dancing over
the sunlit waves, to their next destination, some
twenty miles away. Arrived here they found that
the Indians, who had been sent as scouts or watchers,
had already returned and prepared a cosy camp for
their reception. A dinner of venison, bear's meat and
duckt- was ready for them, and after the score of
miles of paddling, for the boys always insisted
on doing their share, they were all ready to do
ample justice to the hungers' fare.

As the sport was expected to prove exciting, and
was generally considered to be more successful in

crack
have

.•

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND 297

the forenoons, it was iiecided to keep quiet that
afternoon and evening. The guns were all cleaned
and oiled, and many pipes of tobacco were smoked
by the Indians, while the boys wandered along the
shores and enjoyed the sights of that picturesque
land. Just a little before sunset they had a display
of colour such as is seldom given to mortals to see
upon this earth of ours. In the west there floated a
cloud that seemed to hang in the sky liko a great
prism. Beyond it, the sun in his splendour was
slo'-ly settling down towards the horizon. Through
this prism -like cloud there were reflected upon the
waters all the colours of the rainbow. Every
dancing wave seemed at one moment to be of
deepest crimson, the next like molten gold, only
to be quickly transformed into some other gorgeous
hue, until the whole lake seemed literally ablaze
with dazzling colours.

The boys were awed and silenced amidst these
glories, and sat down on a rock, entranced and
almost overwhelmed. By-and-by the prism - like
cloud that had hung for perhaps half-an-hour in
that nosition, slowly drifted away and the sun again
shone down in undimmed splendour, and the glorious
vision ended.

Then the spell that had so long held the boys
was broken, and in silence they looked at each
other. Frank was the first to speak, jand his quiet
words were : —

'* I have seen the * sea of glass mingled with fire,'
that John saw in Patmos."

"And I," said Alec, "thought of the city of
mansions where the streets are of gold and the
walls jasper, and the gates pearl."

" And I," said Sam, " thought, if that is a glimpse

298

THREE BOYS IN TJIE WILD NORTH LAND

ii V

of Heaven I can understand why one has said, * Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered
into the lieart of man to conceive the things which
God hath prepared for them that love Him.' "

Quietly, and yet with happy hearts, they then
returned to the camp. -

11 '-^

#• .

Eye
iered
hich

then

CHAPTER XXVIII

Boys' Adventure with Reindeer in the Lake — Gad-FHes
and other Deer Pests — Peculiar Weapons — Dangerous
Antagonists — Hoofs and Horns — Frank's Success —
Attack on the Leader — Canoe smashed — Alec and
the Indians in the Water — Sam's Stratagem — Success
at Last — The Return Trip — Significant Signs — Ducks
and Geese Heading Southward — Indians uneasy —
Journey hastened — Sagastaweekee reached — Summer
ended — Winter begun.

Refreshed and invigorated by the much -needed
rest, the boys, with their Indian companions,
started off the next morning for the lake, which
hBd become the reindeer's favourite bathing resort.
So early did they arrive there, that they had to
wait for some hours ere a deer was to be
seen.

The principal reason why deer spend so much
time in the water seems to be to get rid of the
troublesome flies that very much annoy them.
Some species of gad-fly not only sting them, but
insert their eggs under the skin. These soon
develop into large grub, and some of the skins of
the reindeer are so perforated by these pests that
they are absolutely worthless to the Indi^-ns.

The deer were late in coming out into the lake

299

i ■'!

i; 1«

1., :•

800 THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

this morning because, as the summer was nearly
gone, the nights were now long and cool, and the
gad-flies are only troublesome in the warm hours
of the bright sunsliine.

A herd of reindeer swimming in the water is a
very pretty sight. Having large lungs, and thus
beino; very buoyant, they swim high, and being
such good swimmers, they make, when a number
t '; them are disporting themselves undisturbed, a
very beautiful picture.

While our party of hunters was waiting in their
shady retreat, secluded from observation, the Indians,
with as little noise as possible, cut down some poles
and trimmed them smooth for use. When finished
they were between ten and twelve feet long, and
from one to tw^o inches in diameter. To the larger
end of each was securely lashed, with deer-skin
thongs, a long, sharp, double-edged knife. About
eleven o'clock, the Indian scouts sent out to watch
the movements of the deer, returned with the report
that the greater portion of the herd had taken to
the water. In order to be sure of success in the
hunl, it was decided to carry the canoes through
the woods, and embark as near as possible to the
spot where the deer had plunged into the lake.
This would place the hunters in the rear of their
game, and thus give them a very decided advantage.

As the Indians were anxious to get as many
reindeer as possible, for the sake of the meat, a
large portion of which they desired to make into
pemmican, they decided to send out six canoes on
this day's expedition.

Our boys were each assigned a canoe and some
Indian hunters, who were supposed to be well
versed in this exciting sport. Each canoe was

(

g»

nearly

id the

hours

r is a
I thus
being
umber
3ed, a

their

idians,

B poles

nished

and

larger

3r-skin

About

watch

report

ken to

in the

trough

to the

3 lake.

f their

antage.

many

Qeat, a

:e into

oes on

i some
e well
►e was

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

301

■

furnished with one of those newly - improvised
spears, while each boy and hunter had his gun
and axe.

The six canoes were noiselessly p! xced in the
water at a spot where some great, overhanging
branches reached down to the water's edge. All
were thus enabled to embark without attracting
attention, or in the slightest degree alarming the
deer that were now swimming about in the lake.
Pushing aside the bushes, they all shot out at the
same moment, and, "igorously plying their paddles,
began the attack.

The deer, startL 1 ^nd alarmed by the sudden
appearance of the canoes, at first attempted to
escape by returning to the shore. Finding, how-
ever, that their etreat was cut off, all there was
left for them to do was to strike boldly out from
land, and get, if possible, beyond the reach of their
pursuers. As the lake was a very large one, there
was no possibility of their being able to swim across.
The Indians knew they would not attempt this,
but would return and give battle in the water,
if their endeavours to shake off pursuit were
unsuccessful.

The three canoes, in which were the boys,
started out side by side, and there was a good deal
of excitement and rivalry as to whom should fall
the honour of bagging the first reindeer.

Fast though the reindeer can swim, Indian
canoemen can paddle their canoes much faster;
and it was not long ere the deer, which,
on finding that their retreat was cut ofT,
had boldly struck out from shore, were over-
taken.

" Kill none but those in prime condition, and let no

302

THREE ROYS IN THE WILD NORTir LAND

,; 'li I

canoe kill more than four," were the orders given
to all.

As on some former occasions in similar huntincr
adventures, the boys were each assigned the post
of honour — that was the position in the very
front of the canoe — so that they might be the first
to attack the deer when they came within striking
distance.

As they drew near to the deer and saw how
they swam, the lads were able to see what effective
weapons were these knives bound to the poles.
Of course the terrified deer made the most des-
perate efforts to escape. But, in spite of all
they could do, their pursuers steadily gained upon
them.

" Do not be in a hurry," said one of the Indians in
Frank's canoe to him, when he seemed eager to
throw his newly-formed spear, as though it were a
javelin, at a great antlered fellow who, as though
conscious of their desire to reach his head,
very cleverly, and, for a time, successfully kept
them off.

The Indians know — some by bitter experience
— the ability of the reindeer, when swimming, to
kick out viciously behind, and smash the canoe that
has been paddled up too close to them by over-
eager, excited hunters.

Hence experienced Indians give that end of a
swimming reindeer a wide berth, and endeavour to
get within striking distance of the head only.

"Ready now," the man quickly spoke again, as
this time, by a quick movement, they succeeded in
getting beyond his heels, and came rapidly along-
side of him.

" Strike him just behind the head, and strike hard,"

THREE nOYS IX THE WILD NORTH LAND

303

were the next words Frank lieard, and, with all his
strength, he plunged his spear into the neck of the
great animal. He did nc»^, however, strike across the
spine, and sever the spinal cord, as he should have
done, and so he only inflicted an ugly flesh wound,
which irritated the great deer, and caused him to
turn round and give battle to the canoe and all of its
occupants. But rapidly as he turned, he was not as
. quick as the sharp Indians, who, watching every
movement, and seeing the failure of Frank, sud-
denly paddled back from him. Rendered furious
by the wound, and seeing his enemies retreating,
he came on resolutely and rapidly.

" Try the gun," said one of the Indians ; and
Frank, mortified at his failure with the spear, was
not slow to respond.

Carefully aiming for the curl on the forehead,
between the eyes, he pulled the trigger and, as the
report rang out, the great deer turned over dead in
the water.

A cheer rang out proclaiming the first success.
Alec and his men struck out for a stag of
great size that they supposed was the leader of
the herd. Not only had he a most magnificent
pair of antlers, and, to judge by the way in
which he swam, splendid lungs, but he seemed
to be trying to direct and control the frightened
deer.

When he saw that he was being himself attacked,
he immediately, as became the leader of the herd,
turned to meet the advancing canoe and give
battle.

It was unfortunate for Alec that his Indian
canoemen, while clever hunters, wore inexperienced
in the tactics of an old, wily reindeer. It would

304 TiniEE HOYS TN TFIE WILD NORTH LAND

t i

have been wiser on their part, if, when they saw him
Rwin^ round and boldly come on to the attack,
they liad used their gunn ; but that is con-
sidered the hist resort in this kind of sport. The
great ambition is to kill the deer with their
spears.

Alec and his comrades wished to carry off the
honours in this contest, and when the great fellow
came within reach, they tried with a couple of
spears to kill him. But a clever, rapid twist
of his horns parried their spear thrusts, and
before they fairly knew how it happened, the
side of their canoe was crushed in like an
egg-shell, and they were all struggling in the
water.

It was well for them that they were good swim-
mers when they struck out ! The other canoes,
seeing the disaster, had at once began paddling
to their rescue, for here was the greatest danger
that the infuriated deer would pursue one
or more of them, in which case they would
have a poor chance. It is well known that
a man in the water is no match for an angry
deer. With horns, and sharp, chisel-like hoofs
the deer is able to make a gallant fight, as we
have already seen in the case of this one.

However, it was soon evident that in this
instance there was no danger. The deer kept
venting his displeasure on the canoe and paid not
the slightest notice to those who had so suddenly
sprung out of it on the opposite side from him,
and were now rapidly swimming away. The poor
canoe, however, had to be the butt of his ire as
well as of his horns, and soon all there was left
of it were a few splinters floating on the water.

)

^•' .

THllEE UOVS IN THE WILD NOHTH LAND

;;o5

The ^niiH, axes, .spo.irs and other lieavy articloH wero
at the bottom of tlie lake.

The HwiinnierH were helped into the other canoen,
and the Hport was resumed. When several deer
had been killed they were fastened by long deer-
skin thongs, like lariats, to the stern of a couple
of canoes, and towed through the water to the
shore. Alec and his wet comrades went with them
and, at a great fire built up on the beach, soon dried
themselves and were none the worse for their
involuntary swim.

For a time the great deer that had come off so
victoriously was left swimming around in his glory,
none seeming to care to get to close (juarters with
him except Sam, who, of a different mind, was eager
for a round with him. Of course it would not have
been difficult to shoot him, but, as has been stated,
the Indians think there is no honour or skill in
shooting a deer in the water, because he cannot swim
as fast as they can paddle their canoes. So in each
canoe they were holding back and waiting for some-
one else to tackle the big fellow.

When Sam told the Indians in his canoe that
he wished they would attack him, they admired his
courage and grit, and one of them, with a bit of
a twinkle in his eye, asked;

" You able to swim as well as Alec ? "
• " Yes, indeed," he replied ; " but there will be no
need for my trying."

" How you want to kill him?" asked another Indian.

Sam's quick rejoinder was :

" I want to spear him, of course."

His enthusiasm was conta; ous, and at once the
Indians said :

"All right; we will try."

306

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

IS <i

1 .

Word was then signalled to the other boats that
the one in which Sam was would try the gallant
old fellow.

The men in the other canoes heard this with
pleasure, and ceased, for a time, from their pursuits
to watch the coming struggle.

The Indian in charge of Sam's canoe wisely ex-
plained to him how, if they were possibly able to get
him alongside of the deer, to spear him through the
spinal cord, as near the head as possible. They also
took the precaution to have a couple of guns and
axes handy, where, in case of emergency, they could
be instantly utilised.

When the great reindeer saw them coming down
boldly towards him he at once accepted the situation,
and, leaving a number of deer that had been keeping
with him for some time, he gallantly turned to face
them.

When within twenty or thirty yards, as decided
upon by the Indians, they suddenly veered to the
right, and kept paddling in eccentric circles around
him, keeping him in the centre and, as nearly as pos-
sible, at about the same distance. That he could not
reach the canoe and annihilate it as easily as he did
the other one seemed to irritate him very much, and
for a time he was furious with rage.

But, in spite of his fury, they quietly, yet warily
watched him, and kept up their circular movement
about him. After a time, seeing it was an utter
impossibility to catch them, he turned and en-
deavoured to swim to the shore. Now the attacked
became the aggressors, and the canoe rapidly fol-
lowed in his wake. Several times they tried to
draw up alongside and spear him, but a sudden turn
oi that well-aiitlered head was enough to cause them

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

307

,ts that
gallant

s with
(ursuits

;ely ex-

to get

gh the

also

and

could

f down
iuation,
Leeping
to face

decided
to the
around
as pos-
ald not
he did
eh, and

warily
v^ement
I utter
id en-
itacked
ly fol-
L-ied to
n turn
B them

to draw back hurriedly. But something must be
done, or he w^ould speedily be at the land. So they
signalled another canoe to make a feint to attack him
from the other side.

The one in which Frank was paddling with his
Indians soon came up, and when told what was
desired of them, quickly responded.

The deer, thus worried by the two, had hardly a
fair chance, but he gallantly kept up the unequal
struggle. Sam's canoemen at length saw an un-
guarded place, and dashed in alongside of the big
fellow, and at the right minute the Indian who
steered called out to Sam, who was in the bow,
"Now give it to him in the neck, close up to his
head."

Sam was not quite quick enough, and so his spear,
which he plunged into the deer, with all the force
of which he w^as capable, did not instantly kill, but
so cut down the side of the neck as to sever some
large veins. Unfortunately for Sam, he could not
withdraw the spear from the deer, and as he was
in no humour to lose it, he hung on to it. Before
he knew where he was, a great bound of the deer
jerked him out of the canoe. He fell fairly and
squarely on the back of the great deer, and he
was not such a fool as not to avail iximself of
this opportunity for a ride. Speedily righting
himself on this odd steed, amidst the laughter of
Frank and the* Indians, he prepared for a good
time.

It might have fared badly with him if the deer
had been able to use his horns freely, or to move
with his usual speed in the water. But the addi-
tional weight on his back so sank him down that
he was powerless to do harm. All he could do, after

308

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

<i in^m

i;[^

a few desperate efforts to get rid of his burden,
was to start for the shore and continue speedily-
swimming towards it, as though this was his usual
employment.

Sam hung on without much trouble, but as they
neared the shore he began to wonder w^hat might
happen next.

But when his antlered steed reached the shallow
waters, his strength gave way from the excessive loss
of blood from the severed veins in his neck, and he
dropped stone dead. The great carcase was dragged
ashore, while the bodies of the others killed were
towed in by the canoes. They killed altogether ten
animals, so the first reindeer hunt in the water, con-
sidering the loss of a fine canoe and all its contents,
was not voted an unqualified success.

All the Indians present at the camp, which they
made near the spot from which they had embarked
in the morning, wout to work at the venison,
and in a few hours they had it all cut into strips
and broad flakes, and hung up on stagings of poles
speedily erected. A smokeless fire under, and the
bright sun above it, in a few days made the meat
so hard and dry, that by using the backs of their
axes for hammers, and pounding this meat on the
smooth wooden logs, they thoroughly pulverised
it. Packing it in bags made of the green hides of
the deer, and saturating the whole mass with the
melted fat taken from around the kidneys of the
deer, they had thus prepared a most palatable kind
of pemmican. If well prepared in this way, it is
considered fully equal to that made from the buffalo
on the great plains.

Leaving the majority of the Indians of that
country to continue their pursuit of the reindeer

THREE BOYS IN THE WILD NORTH LAND

309

for the manufacture of pemmican, Frank, Alec tmd
Sam, with their travelling companions, returned to
Oxford House. There they made a visit of a
few days to the home of the missionary. It was a
great joy to meet with this devoted man, and his
equally brave and noble wife, who, for the sake
of the christianisation and the civilisation of the
Indians of this section of the country, had willingly
sacrificed the comforts and blessings of home
civilisation, and come to this land. Only twice
a year did they hear from the outer world ; and
only once every year had they an opportunity
of receiving any of the so-called necessaries of
life at this remote station. Yet they said, and
showed that they were very happy in their work,
and rejoiced at the success which, not only to
themselves, but to any unbiased observer, was so
visibly manifested in the greatly improved lives
and habits of the natives. Missions to such people
are not failures.

The boys would have been delighted to have
lingered longer in this home, and with this de-
lightful missionary and his good wife, but the
Indians who were to take them back to Sagasta-
weekee were uneasy at the appearances in the
heavens, and of the birds in the air, and it was
decided that they must return.

Four days of rapid paddling were sufficient to
make the return journey. At the close of each day,
the boys remarked, as they cuddled up close to the
splendid camp fire, that they seemed to have an
additional liking for its glow and w^armth. For
the first time, they preferred to sleep as close
together as possible, and were thankful that the
thoughtful Indians had in reserve for them an

310

THREE ROYS IN THE W>TA' NORTH LAND

:;:4»vii.

If '

■M m

additional blanket. The laat

journey was quite a cold

exercise of paddling saved them from

comfort. They could not but notice the

r!oA^ of the home

Oiif*, bill the vigorous

any dis-

large

numbers of geese and ducks that wore flying over
them, and all were going south. The boys would
ha%'*^ liked to have stopped where hese were speci-
ally numerous, and have had a few hours' shooting,
but the Indians said :

" Perhaps to-morrow you will see it was best for
us to get home."

So " forward " was the word, and on they went,
till they reached home after an exceedingly rapid
journey from Oxford Lake.

They met with a right Yoyi\\ welcome at Sagas-
taweekee ; Mr and Mrs Ross and the children were
all delighted to have them back again.

The faithful canoemen were well paid, and given a
capital supper in the kitchen, and then dismissed to
their several homes.

Frank, Alec and Sam had each to give some
account his adventures to the household

they wer_ gathered that evening around the
roaring fire, whose warmth and glow was so
pleasant.

Then prayers were offered, and away the boys
went to their rooms. They could not but remark
to each other how much warmer their beds were
than when they last slept in them. However, they
found them none too warm as they cuddled down
in their downy depths and were soon fast asleep.

When they awoke next morninp;, the sleet a,nd
snow were beating with fury against the window
panes, and all nature was white with her unstained
mantle of ermine beauty, •

home
igorous
ly dis-

large
ig over

would
J speei-
looting,

)est for

Y went,
f rapid

Sagas-
n were

THREE BOYS TN THE WILD NORTH LAND 311

Shortly at'tei, the win i went dcwn, an J theD the
ice covered over all the open waters, ard Ihe^ saw-
that that most delightful summer in th Wiivl North
Land was gone, and the winter, wit;^ Ifs ^old and
brightness, and possibilities for other '. .a. lei of sports
and adventures, was theirs without any doubt.

given a
issed to

THE END

e some
usehold
Qd the
was so

le boys
remark
is were
er, they
i down
ep.

eet and
window
Qstained

Colston iif Coy. Limited, Printers, Edinlmrgk.

y .

MESSRS WARD & DOWNEY'S

Illustrated Books for Boys and Girls

A BOOK FOR CHILDREN

THE PILGRIM CHILD. By Miss Theodora C. Ei.msi.ie, Author
of " The Little Lady of Lavender," " Black Pui)py," " Those Mid-
summer Fairies," etc. Imperial i6mo, cloth 'ixtra, gilt top, price
3s. 6d.

This book has six full-page and many smaller Illustrations by Miss
Edith Scannell and H. L, E. , and a specially designed frontispiece
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It is an allegorical story of a little boy who, led by "an Angel
called Faith," passes along the narrow way of daily life, with its "sun-
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It is a book simple enough for a child of nine, yet well suited for
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It is published in this country by Messrs Wtir'. :\> ney, and simul-
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charmingly illustrated." — Scotsman.

"Miss Elmslie has proved herself capable of entering very thoroughly into the
feelings of little ones, and in the approaching festive season it would be difficult to
conceive a more appropriate present." — Dtouiee Courier.

A BOOK FOR BOYS

THE QUEl r OF THE GOLDEN PEARL. By J. R. Hutch-
inson. With eleven Illustrations by Hume NiSBET. Imp. i6mo,
with specially designed cloth cover, gilt top, 3s. 6d.
The story is one of adventure in Ceylon and the adjoining seas.
Two English lads give chase by sea and land to a shark-charmer, who
l.T believed to have abstracted a golden pearl of exceeding value. The
iiarrative is full of thrilling events, and is written by one who is familiar
with the scenery and surroundings amidst which the actors move.

The full-page Illustrations are a feature of interest, as the artist is
well acquainted with the country and its people.

A BOOK FOR CHILDREN

THE REVOLT OF THE YOUNG MACC0RMACK5. By

Miss Vi 'LET G. Finny. With twelve characteristic Illustrations

by Miss Edith Sca.nnel[.. Imp. i6mo, specially designed cloth

cover, gilt top, 3s. 6d.

This is a highly amusing description of a lively family of Irish

children, two brothers and two sisters. The scene is laid in Dublin,

cind then at their grandmother's country seat at which the pet donkey,

"Piper,'' the children's somewhat unwilling assistant in an exciting

enterprise, plays an impovtant part.

A BOOK FOR BOYS
A COLONIAL TRAMP: Travels and Adventures in Australia
and New Guinea. By Hume Nisbet, Author of "The Land of
the Hibiscus Blossom," etc., with over fifty Illustrations by the
Author. I vol., crown 8vo, 480 pages, cloth, price 6s.

The Spectator has described this volume as "One of the most attractive and enter-
taining of modern books of travel."

NEY'S

Girls

I.MSI.IE, Author
" "Those Mid-
i, gilt top, price

rations by Miss
ned frontispiece

by "an Angel
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well suited for

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ling value. The

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istic Illustrations
ly designed cloth

7 family of Irish
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