The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Settlers in Canada, by Frederick Marryat
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Title: The Settlers in Canada
Author: Frederick Marryat
Release Date: January 7, 2008 [EBook #24211]
Language: English
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SETTLERS IN CANADA ***
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
The Settlers in Canada, by Captain Marryat.
________________________________________________________________________
"The Settlers in Canada" was published in 1844, the twenty-first book to
flow from Marryat's pen. Marryat's later books were written for a
juvenile readership. This book is notable because it is not in
Marryat's earlier style, in that the narrative flows forward in a steady
style, without the introduction of the usual asides which make his
nautical books so readable. The subject material, set in the Canadian
wilderness, is very well treated: in fact one might almost say that he
had read the works of the later masters of Canadian wilderness writing,
Ballantyne or Egerton Ryerson Young. Another feature which is unusual
for him is the shortness and evenness of the chapters; nor are there any
of the long paragraphs normal for his earlier works. This helps to make
the book so suitable as a children's book.
________________________________________________________________________
THE SETTLERS IN CANADA, BY CAPTAIN MARRYAT.
CHAPTER ONE.
AN UNEXPECTED FORTUNE.
It was in the year 1791, that an English family went out to settle in
Canada. This province had been surrendered to us by the French, who
first colonised it more than thirty years previous to the year I have
mentioned. It must, however, be recollected that to emigrate and settle
in Canada was, at that time, a very different affair to what it is now.
The difficulty of transport, and the dangers incurred, were much
greater, for there were no steamboats to stem the currents and the
rapids of the rivers; the Indians were still residing in Upper and many
portions of Lower Canada, and the country was infested with wild animals
of every description--some useful, but many dangerous: moreover, the
Europeans were fewer in number, and the major portion of them were
French, who were not pleased at the country having been conquered by the
English. It is true that a great many English settlers had arrived, and
had settled upon different farms, but, as the French settlers had
already possession of all the best land in Lower Canada, these new
settlers were obliged to go into or towards Upper Canada, where,
although the land was better, the distance from Quebec and Montreal and
other populous parts was much greater, and they were left almost wholly
to their own resources, and almost without protection. I mention all
this because things are so very different at present, and now I shall
state the cause which induced this family to leave their home, and run
the risks and dangers which they did.
Mr Campbell was of a good parentage, but, being the son of one of the
younger branches of the family, his father was not rich, and Mr
Campbell was, of course, brought up to a profession. Mr Campbell chose
that of a surgeon, and, after having walked the hospitals (as it is
termed), he set up in business, and in a few years was considered as a
very able man in his profession. His practice increased very fast, and
before he was thirty years of age he married.
Mr Campbell had an only sister, who resided with him, for their father
and mother were both dead. But about five years after his own marriage,
a young gentleman paid his addresses to her, and, although not rich, as
his character was unexceptionable, and his prospects good, he was
accepted. Miss Campbell changed her name to Percival, and left her
brother's house to follow her husband.
Time passed quickly; and, at the end of ten years, Mr Campbell found
himself with a flourishing business, and, at the same time, with a
family to support; his wife having presented him with four boys, of whom
the youngest was but a few months old.
But, although prosperous in his own affairs, one Heavy misfortune fell
upon Mr Campbell, which was the loss of his sister, Mrs Percival, to
whom he was most sincerely attached. Her loss was attended with
circumstances which rendered it more painful, as, previous to her
decease, the house of business in which Mr Percival was a partner,
failed; and the incessant toil and anxiety which Mr Percival underwent,
brought on a violent fever, which ended in his death. In this state of
distress, left a widow with one child of two years old--a little girl--
and with the expectation of being shortly again confined, Mrs Percival
was brought to her brother's house, who, with his wife, did all he could
to soften down her grief; but she had suffered so much by the loss of
her husband, that when the period arrived, her strength was gone, and
she died in giving birth to a second daughter. Mr and Mrs Campbell of
course, took charge of these two little orphan girls, and brought them
up with their own children. Such was the state of affairs about ten or
eleven years after Mr Campbell's marriage, when a circumstance occurred
as unexpected as it was welcome.
Mr Campbell had returned from his round of professional visits; dinner
was over, and he was sitting at the table with his wife and elder
children (for it was the Christmas holidays, and they were all at home),
and the bell had just been rung for the nurse to bring down the two
little girls and the youngest boy, when the postman rapped at the door,
and the parlour-maid brought in a letter with a large black seal. Mr
Campbell opened it, and read as follows:--
Sir,--We have great pleasure in making known to you, that upon the
demise of Mr Sholto Campbell, of Wexton Hall, Cumberland, which took
place on the 19th ultimo, the entailed estates, in default of more
direct issue, have fallen to you, as nearest of kin; the presumptive
heir having perished at sea, or in the East Indies, and not having
been heard of for twenty-five years. We beg to be the first to
congratulate you upon your accession to real property amounting to
14,000 pounds per annum. No will has been found, and it has been
ascertained that none was ever made by the late Mr Sholto Campbell.
We have, therefore, put seals upon the personal property, and shall
await your pleasure. We can only add, that if in want of professional
advice, and not being already engaged, you may command the services of
Your most obedient, Harvey, Paxton, Thorpe, and Co.
"What can be the matter, my dear?" exclaimed Mrs Campbell, who had
perceived most unusual agitation in her husband's countenance.
Mr Campbell made no reply, but handed the letter to his wife.
Mrs Campbell read it, and laid it down on the table.
"Well, my dear!" exclaimed Mr Campbell, joyfully, and starting up from
his chair.
"It is a sudden shock, indeed," observed Mrs Campbell thoughtfully and
slowly. "I have often felt that we could bear up against any adversity.
I trust in God, that we may be as well able to support prosperity, by
far the hardest task, my dear Campbell, of the two."
"You are right, Emily," replied Mr Campbell, sitting down again; "we
are, and have long been, happy."
"This sudden wealth cannot add to our happiness, my dear husband; I feel
it will rather add to our cares; but it may enable us to add to the
happiness of others; and with such feelings, let us receive it with
thankfulness."
"Very true, Emily; but still we must do our duty in that station of life
to which it has pleased God to call us. Hitherto I have by my
profession been of some benefit to my fellow-creatures; and if in my
change of condition I no more leave my warm bed to relieve their
sufferings, at all events, I shall have the means of employing others so
to do. We must consider ourselves but as the stewards of Him who has
bestowed this great wealth upon us, and employ it as may be acceptable
to His service."
"There my husband spoke as I felt he would," said Mrs Campbell, rising
up, and embracing him. "Those who feel as you do can never be too
rich."
I must not dwell too long upon this portion of my narrative. I shall
therefore observe that Mr Campbell took possession of Wexton Hall, and
lived in a style corresponding to his increased fortune; but, at the
same time, he never let pass an opportunity of doing good, and in this
task he was ably assisted by his wife. They had not resided there three
or four years before they were considered as a blessing to all around
them--encouraging industry, assisting the unfortunate, relieving the
indigent, building almshouses and schools, and doing all in their power
to promote the welfare and add to the happiness of those within many
miles of the Hall. At the time that Mr Campbell took possession, the
estate had been much neglected, and required large sums to be laid out
upon it, which would much increase its value.
Thus all the large income of Mr Campbell was usefully and
advantageously employed. The change in Mr Campbell's fortune had also
much changed the prospects of his children. Henry, the eldest, who had
been intended for his father's profession, was first sent to a private
tutor, and afterwards to college. Alfred, the second boy, had chosen
the navy for his profession, and had embarked on board a fine frigate.
The other two boys, one named Percival, who was more than two years old
at the time that they took possession of the property, and the other,
John, who had been born only a few months, remained at home, receiving
tuition from a young curate, who lived near the Hall; while a governess
had been procured for Mary and Emma Percival, who were growing up very
handsome and intelligent girls.
Such was the state of affairs at the time when Mr Campbell had been
about ten years in possession of the Wexton estate, when one day he was
called upon by Mr Harvey, the head of the firm which had announced to
him his succession to the property.
Mr Harvey came to inform him that a claimant had appeared, and given
notice of his intent to file a bill in Chancery to recover the estate,
being, as he asserted, the son of the person who had been considered as
the presumptive heir, and who had perished so many years back. Mr
Harvey observed, that although he thought it his duty to make the
circumstance known to Mr Campbell, he considered it as a matter of no
consequence, and in all probability would turn out to be a fraud got up
by some petty attorney, with a view to a compromise. He requested Mr
Campbell not to allow the circumstance to give him any annoyance,
stating that if more was heard of it, Mr Campbell should be immediately
informed. Satisfied with the opinion of Mr Harvey, Mr Campbell
dismissed the circumstance from his mind, and did not even mention it to
his wife.
But three months had not passed away before Mr Campbell received a
letter from his solicitor, in which he informed him that the claim to
the estate was carrying on with great vigour, and, he was sorry to add,
wore (to use his own term) a very ugly appearance; and that the opposite
parties would, at all events, put Mr Campbell to very considerable
expense. The solicitor requested Mr Campbell's instructions, again
asserting, that although it was artfully got up, he considered that it
was a fraudulent attempt. Mr Campbell returned an answer, in which he
authorised his solicitor to take every needful precaution, and to incur
all necessary expense. On reflection, Mr Campbell, although much
annoyed, determined not to make Mrs Campbell acquainted with what was
going on; it could only distress her, he thought, and he therefore
resolved for the present to leave her in ignorance.
CHAPTER TWO.
WHAT BECAME OF THE FORTUNE.
After a delay of some months, Mr Harvey called upon Mr Campbell, and
stated to him that the claim of the opposite party, so far from being
fraudulent, as he had supposed, was so clear, that he feared the worst
results.
It appeared that the heir to the estates, who had remained between Mr
Campbell's title, had married in India, and had subsequently, as it had
been supposed, died; but there was full and satisfactory proof that the
marriage was valid, and that the party who claimed was his son. It was
true, Mr Harvey observed, that Mr Campbell might delay for some time
the restoration of the property, but that eventually it must be
surrendered.
As soon as Mr Campbell received this letter, he went to his wife and
acquainted her with all that had been going on for some months, and with
the reasons which induced him to say nothing to her until the receipt of
Mr Harvey's letter, which he now put into her hands, requesting her
opinion on the subject. Mrs Campbell after having read the letter,
replied--
"It appears, my dear husband, that we have been called to take
possession of a property, and to hold for many years that which belongs
to another. We are now called upon to give it up to the rightful owner.
You ask my opinion; surely there is no occasion to do that. We must of
course now, that we know that the claim is just, do as we would be done
by."
"That is, my dearest, we must surrender it at once, without any more
litigation. It certainly has been my feeling ever since I have read Mr
Harvey's letter. Yet it is hard to be beggars."
"It _is_ hard, my dear husband, if we may use that term; but, at the
same time, it is the will of Heaven. We received the property,
supposing it to have been our own; we have, I hope, not misused it
during the time it has been intrusted to us; and, since it pleases
Heaven that we should be deprived of it, let us, at all events, have the
satisfaction of acting conscientiously and justly, and trust to Him for
our future support."
"I will write immediately," replied Mr Campbell, "to acquaint Mr
Harvey, that although I litigated the point as long as the claim was
considered doubtful, now that he informs me that the other party is the
legal heir, I beg that all proceedings may be stopped, as I am willing
to give immediate possession."
"Do so, my dear," replied his wife, embracing him. "We may be poor, but
I trust we shall still be happy."
Mr Campbell sat down and wrote the letter of instructions to his
solicitor, sealed it, and sent a groom with it to the post.
As soon as the servant had closed the door of the room, Mr Campbell
covered his face with his hands.
"It is, indeed, a severe trial," said Mrs Campbell, taking the hand of
her husband; "but you have done your duty."
"I care not for myself; I am thinking of my children."
"They must work," replied Mrs Campbell. "Employment is happiness."
"Yes, the boys may get on; but those poor girls! what a change will it
be for them!"
"I trust they have been not so badly brought up, Campbell, but that they
will submit with cheerfulness, and be a source of comfort to us both.
Besides, we may not be absolutely beggars."
"That depends upon the other party. He may claim all arrears of rent;
and if so, we are more than beggars. However, God's will be done.
Shall we receive good, and shall we not receive evil?"
"There's hope, my husband," replied Mrs Campbell, in a cheering tone;
"let us hope for the best."
"How little do we know what is for our good, short-sighted mortals as we
are!" observed Mr Campbell. "Had not this estate come to us, I should,
by following up my profession as surgeon, in all probability, have
realised a good provision for my children; now, this seeming good turn
of fortune leaves me poor. I am too old now to resume my profession,
and, if I did, have no chance of obtaining the practice which I left.
You see that which appeared to us and everyone else the most fortunate
occurrence in my life, has actually proved the contrary."
"As far as our limited view of things can enable us to judge, I grant
it," replied Mrs Campbell; "but who knows what might have happened if
we had remained in possession? All is hidden from our view. _He_ acts
as He thinks best for us; and it is for us to submit without repining.
Come, dearest, let us walk out; the air is fresh, and will cool your
heated brow."
Two days after this conversation, a letter was received from Mr Harvey,
informing them that he had made known Mr Campbell's determination to
resign the property without further litigation; that the reply of the
other party was highly honourable, stating that it was not his intention
to make any claim for the back rents, and requesting that Mr Campbell
and family would consider Wexton Hall at their disposal for three
months, to enable them to make arrangements, and dispose of their
furniture, etcetera.
The contents of this letter were a great relief to the mind of Mr
Campbell, as he was now able to ascertain what his future means might
be, and was grateful for the handsome behaviour of the new proprietor in
not making any claim for the back rents, which would have reduced him at
once to penury. He wrote immediately to Mr Harvey, requesting him to
send in his account of legal expenses, that it might be liquidated as
early as possible. In three days it arrived, and a letter with it, in
which Mr Harvey acquainted him that it was in consequence of his having
so handsomely surrendered the property as soon as the claim was
substantiated, together with the knowledge how much the estate had been
improved during the ten years in which it had been in his possession,
which induced the new proprietor to behave in so liberal a manner. This
was very gratifying to Mr Campbell, but the legal expenses proved
enormous, amounting to many thousand pounds.
Mr Campbell read the sum total, and threw the huge heap of papers down
on the table in despair.
"We are still ruined, my dear," said he, mournfully.
"Let us hope _not_," replied Mrs Campbell. "At all events, we now know
the worst of it, and we must look it boldly in the face."
"I have not so much money as will pay this bill by nearly a thousand
pounds, my dearest wife."
"It may be so," replied Mrs Campbell; "but still there is the
furniture, the horses, and carriages; surely, they are worth much more."
"But we have other bills to pay; you forget them."
"No, I do not; I have been collecting them all, and they do not amount
to more than 300 pounds, as near as I can judge; but we have no time to
lose, dearest, and we must show courage."
"What then do you advise, Emily?" said Mr Campbell.
"We must incur no more expense; our present establishment must be
dismissed at once. Send for all the servants to-morrow morning, and
explain what has occurred. This evening I will make it known to the two
girls and Miss Paterson, who must of course be discharged, as we can no
longer afford a governess. We must retain only the cook, housemaid, one
footman, and a groom to look after the horses until they are sold. Send
a letter to Mr Bates, the auctioneer, to give notice of an early sale
of the furniture. You must write to Henry; of course, he can no longer
remain at college. We have plenty of time to consider what shall be our
future plans, which must depend much upon what may prove to be our
future means."
This judicious advice was approved of by Mr Campbell. Miss Paterson
was greatly distressed when the news was communicated to her by Mrs
Campbell. Mary and Emma Percival felt deeply for their kind
benefactors, but thought nothing of themselves. As Mrs Campbell had
truly observed, they had been too well brought up. As soon as they were
informed of what had happened, they both ran to Mr Campbell's room, and
hung upon his neck, declaring that they would do all they could to make
him happy, and work for him, if necessary, from morning till night.
The next day the whole household were summoned into the dining-room, and
made acquainted by Mr Campbell with what had taken place, and the
necessity of their immediate removal. Their wages had been calculated,
and were paid them before they quitted the room, which they all did with
many expressions of regret. Miss Paterson requested leave to remain
with them as a friend for a few days longer, and as she was deservedly a
favourite, her request was acceded to.
"Thank heaven, that is over!" said Mr Campbell, after all the household
had been dismissed. "It is quite a relief to my mind."
"Here's a letter from Alfred, uncle," said Emma Percival, entering the
room. "He has just arrived at Portsmouth, and says the ship is ordered
to be paid off immediately, and his captain is appointed to a fifty-gun
ship, and intends to take him with him. He says he will be here in a
few days, and--"
"And what, dearest?" said Mrs Campbell.
"He says his time will be short, but he hopes you won't object to his
bringing two of his messmates down with him."
"Poor fellow! I am sorry that he will be disappointed," replied Mr
Campbell. "You must write to him, Emma, and tell him what has
happened."
"_I_ must write to him, uncle?"
"Yes, dear Emma, do you write to him," replied Mrs Campbell; "your
uncle and I have much to attend to."
"I will, since you wish me," said Emma, the tears starting in her eyes
as she quitted the room.
"Mr Bates, the auctioneer, wishes to see you, sir," said the footman,
as he came in.
"Request that he will walk in," replied Mr Campbell.
Mr Bates, the auctioneer, came in and presented a letter to Mr
Campbell, who requested him to take a chair while he read it. It was
from Mr Douglas Campbell, the new proprietor of the estate, requesting
Mr Bates would ascertain if Mr Campbell was willing that the
furniture, etcetera, should be disposed of by valuation, and if so,
requesting Mr Bates to put a liberal value on it, and draw upon him for
the amount.
"This is very considerate of Mr Douglas Campbell," observed Mrs
Campbell; "of course, my dear, you can have no objection?"
"None whatever; return my best thanks to Mr Douglas Campbell for his
kindness; and, Mr Bates, if you can possibly value by to-morrow or next
day, I should esteem it a favour."
"It shall be done, sir," replied Mr Bates, who then rose and took his
leave.
As soon as the valuation was finished, Mr Campbell was enabled to make
an estimate of what remained to them out of the property, and found that
the whole sum amounted to between seventeen and eighteen hundred pounds.
CHAPTER THREE.
ALFRED'S ADVICE.
It may appear strange that, after having been in possession of the
estate for ten years, and considering that he had younger children to
provide for, Mr Campbell had not laid up a larger sum; but this can be
fully explained.
As I before said, the estate was in very bad order when Mr Campbell
came into possession, and he devoted a large portion of the income to
improving it; and, secondly, he had expended a considerable sum in
building almshouses and schools, works which he would not delay, as he
considered them as religious obligations. The consequence was, that it
was not until a year before the claim was made to the estate that he had
commenced laying by for his younger children; and as the estate was then
worth 2,000 pounds per annum more than it was at the time that he came
into possession of it, he had resolved to put by 5,000 pounds per annum,
and had done so for twelve months. The enormous legal expenses had,
however, swallowed up this sum, and more, as we have already stated; and
thus he was left a poorer man by some hundreds than he was when the
property fell to him. The day after the valuation the eldest son,
Henry, made his appearance; he seemed much dejected, more so than his
parents, and those who knew him, would have supposed. It was, however,
ascribed to his feeling for his father and mother, rather than for
himself.
Many were the consultations held by Mr and Mrs Campbell as to their
future plans; but nothing at all feasible, or likely to prove
advantageous, suggested itself to them. With only sixteen or seventeen
hundred pounds, they scarcely knew where to go or how to act. Return to
his profession Mr Campbell knew that he could not, with any chance of
supporting his family. His eldest son, Henry, might obtain a situation,
but he was really fit for nothing but the bar or holy orders; and how
were they to support him till he could support himself? Alfred, who was
now a master's mate, could, it is true, support himself, but it would be
with difficulty, and there was little chance of his promotion. Then
there were the two other boys, and the two girls growing up fast; in
short, a family of eight people. To put so small a sum in the funds
would be useless, as they could not live upon the interest which it
would give, and how to employ it they knew not. They canvassed the
matter over and over, but without success, and each night they laid
their heads upon the pillow more and more disheartened. They were all
ready to leave the Hall, but knew not where to direct their steps when
they left it; and thus they continued wavering for a week, until they
were embraced by their son Alfred, who had made all speed to join them
as soon as the ship had been paid off. After the first joy of meeting
between those who had been separated so long was over, Mr Campbell
said, "I'm sorry, Alfred, that I could not give your messmates any
fishing."
"And so am I, and so were they, for your sakes, my dear father and
mother; but what is, is--and what can't be helped, can't--so we must
make the best of it; but where's Henry and my cousins?"
"They are walking in the park, Alfred: you had better join them; they
are most anxious to see you."
"I will, mother; let us get over these huggings and kissings, and then
we shall be more rational: so good-bye for half an hour," said Alfred,
kissing his mother again, and then hastening out of the room.
"His spirits are not subdued, at all events," observed Mrs Campbell.
"I thank God for it."
Alfred soon fell in with his brother and his cousins, Mary and Emma, and
after the huggings and kissings, as he termed them, were over, he made
inquiries into the real state of his father's affairs. After a short
conversation, Henry, who was very much depressed in his spirits, said,
"Mary and Emma, perhaps you will now go in; I wish to have some
conversation with Alfred."
"You are terribly out of heart, Harry," observed Alfred, after his
cousins had left them. "Are things so very bad?"
"They are bad enough, Alfred; but what makes me so low-spirited is, that
I fear my folly has made them worse."
"How so?" replied Alfred.
"The fact is, that my father has but 1,700 pounds left in the world, a
sum small enough; but what annoys me is this. When I was at college,
little imagining such a reverse of fortune, I anticipated my allowance,
because I knew I could pay at Christmas, and I ran in debt about 200
pounds. My father always cautioned me not to exceed my allowance, and
thinks that I have not done so. Now, I cannot bear the idea of leaving
college in debt, and, at the same time, it will be a heavy blow to my
poor father, if he has to part with 200 pounds, out of his trifling
remainder, to pay my debt. This is what has made me so unhappy. I
cannot bear to tell him, because I feel convinced that he is so
honourable, he will pay it immediately. I am mad with myself, and
really do not know what to do. I do nothing but reproach myself all
day, and I cannot sleep at night. I have been very foolish, but I am
sure you will kindly enter into my present feelings. I waited till you
came home, because I thought you had better tell my father the fact, for
I feel as if I should die with shame and vexation."
"Look you, Harry," replied Alfred, "as for outrunning the constable, as
we term it at sea, it's a very common thing, and, all things considered,
no great harm done, when you suppose that you have the means, and intend
to pay; so don't lay that to heart. That you would give your right hand
not to have done so, as things have turned out, I really believe; but,
however, there is no occasion to fret any more about it, I have received
three years' pay, and the prize-money for the last eighteen months, and
there is still some more due, for a French privateer. Altogether it
amounts to 250 pounds, which I had intended to have made over to my
father, now that he is on a lee-shore; but it will come to the same
thing, whether I give it to you to pay your debts, or give it to him, as
he will pay them, if you do not; so here it is, take what you want, and
hand me over what's left. My father don't know that I have any money,
and now he won't know it; at the same time he won't know that you owe
any; so that squares the account, and he will be as well off as ever."
"Thank you, my dear Alfred; you don't know what a relief this will be to
my mind. Now I can look my father in his face."
"I hope you will; we are not troubled with such delicate feelings on
board ship, Harry. I should have told him the truth long before this.
I couldn't bear to keep anything on my conscience. If this misfortune
had happened last cruise, I should have been just in your position; for
I had a tailor's bill to pay as long as a frigate's pennant, and not
enough in my pocket to buy a mouse's breakfast. Now, let us go in again
and be as merry as possible, and cheer them up a little."
Alfred's high spirits did certainly do much to cheer them all up; and
after tea, Mr Campbell, who had previously consulted his wife, as soon
as the servant had quitted the room, entered on a full explanation of
the means which were left to them; and stated that he wished in his
difficulty to put the question before the whole family, and ascertain
whether any project might come into their heads upon which they might
decide and act. Henry, who had recovered his spirits since the
assistance he had received from Alfred, was desired to speak first. He
replied:
"My dear father and mother, if you cannot between you hit upon any plan,
I am afraid it is not likely that I can assist you. All I have to say
is, that whatever may be decided upon, I shall most cheerfully do my
duty towards you and my brothers and sisters. My education has not been
one likely to be very useful to a poor man, but I am ready to work with
my hands as well as with my head to the best of my abilities."
"That I am sure of, my dear boy," replied his father.
"Now, Alfred, we must look to you as our last hope, for your two cousins
are not likely to give us much advice."
"Well, father, I have been thinking a good deal about it, and I have a
proposal to make which may at first startle you, but it appears to me
that it is our only, and our best resource. The few hundred pounds
which you have left are of no use in this country, except to keep you
from starving for a year or two; but in another country they may be made
to be worth as many thousands. In this country, a large family becomes
a heavy charge and expense; in another country, the more children you
have, the richer man you are. If, therefore, you would consent to
transport your family and your present means into another country,
instead of being a poor, you might be a rich man."
"What country is that, Alfred?"
"Why, father, the purser of our ship had a brother, who, soon after the
French were beaten out of the Canadas, went out there to try his
fortune. He had only three hundred pounds in the world; he has been
there now about four years, and I read a letter from him which the
purser received when the frigate arrived at Portsmouth, in which he
states that he is doing well, and getting rich fast; that he has a farm
of five hundred acres, of which two hundred are cleared; and that if he
only had some children large enough to help him, he would soon be worth
ten times the money, as he would purchase more land immediately. Land
is to be bought there at a dollar an acre, and you may pick and choose.
With your money, you might buy a large property; with your children, you
might improve it fast; and in a few years, you would, at all events, be
comfortable, if not flourishing, in your circumstances. Your children
would work for you, and you would have the satisfaction of knowing that
you left them independent and happy."
"I acknowledge, my dear boy, that you have struck upon a plan which has
much to recommend it. Still there are drawbacks."
"Drawbacks!" replied Alfred; "yes, to be sure there are. If estates
were to be picked up for merely going out for them, there would not be
many left for you to choose; but, my dear father, I know no drawbacks
which cannot be surmounted. Let us see what these drawbacks are.
First, hard labour; occasional privation; a log-hut, till we can get a
better; severe winter; isolation from the world; occasional danger, even
from wild beasts and savages. I grant these are but sorry exchanges for
such a splendid mansion as this--fine furniture, excellent cooking,
polished society, and the interest one feels for what is going on in our
own country, which is daily communicated to us. Now, as to hard labour,
I and Henry will take as much of that off your hands as we can; if the
winter is severe, there is no want of firewood; if the cabin is rude, at
least we will make it comfortable; if we are shut out from the world, we
shall have society enough among ourselves; if we are in danger, we will
have firearms and stout hearts to defend ourselves; and, really, I do
not see but we may be very happy, very comfortable, and, at all events,
very independent."
"Alfred, you talk as if you were going with us," said Mrs Campbell.
"And do you think that I am not, my dear mother? Do you imagine that I
would remain here when you were there, and my presence would be useful?
No, no! I love the service, it is true, but I know my duty, which is,
to assist my father and mother: in fact, I prefer it; a midshipman's
ideas of independence are very great--and I had rather range the wilds
of America free and independent than remain in the service and have to
touch my hat to every junior lieutenant, perhaps for twenty years to
come. If you go, I go, that is certain. Why, I should be miserable if
you went without me; I should dream every night that an Indian had run
away with Mary, or that a bear had eaten up my little Emma."
"Well, I'll take my chance of the Indian," replied Mary Percival.
"And I of the bear," said Emma. "Perhaps he'll only hug me as tight as
Alfred did when he came home."
"Thank you, Miss, for the comparison," replied Alfred, laughing.
"I certainly consider that your proposal, Alfred, merits due
reflection," observed Mrs Campbell. "Your father and I will consult,
and perhaps by to-morrow morning we may have come to a decision. Now we
had better all go to bed."
"I shall dream of the Indian, I am sure," said Mary.
"And I shall dream of the bear," added Emma, looking archly at Alfred.
"And I shall dream of a very pretty girl that I saw at Portsmouth," said
Alfred.
"I don't believe you," replied Emma.
Shortly afterwards Mr Campbell rang the bell for the servants; family
prayers were read, and all retired in good spirits.
The next morning they all met at an early hour; and after Mr Campbell
had, as was his invariable rule, read a portion of the Bible, and a
prayer of thankfulness, they sat down to breakfast. After breakfast was
over, Mr Campbell said--
"My dear children, last night, after you had left us, your mother and I
had a long consultation, and we have decided that we have no alternative
left us but to follow the advice which Alfred has given; if, then, you
are all of the same opinion as we are, we have resolved that we will try
our fortunes in the Canadas."
"I am certainly of that opinion," replied Henry.
"And you, my girls?" said Mr Campbell.
"We will follow you to the end of the world, uncle," replied Mary, "and
try if we can by any means in our power repay your kindness to two poor
orphans."
Mr and Mrs Campbell embraced their nieces, for they were much affected
by Mary's reply.
After a pause, Mrs Campbell said--
"Now that we have come to a decision, we must commence our arrangements
immediately. How shall we dispose of ourselves? Come, Alfred and
Henry, what do you propose doing?"
"I must return immediately to Oxford, to settle my affairs, and dispose
of my books and other property."
"Shall you have sufficient money, my dear boy, to pay everything?" said
Mr Campbell.
"Yes, my dear father," replied Henry, colouring up a little.
"And I," said Alfred, "presume that I can be of no use hers; therefore I
propose that I should start for Liverpool this afternoon by the coach,
for it is from Liverpool that we had better embark. I shall first write
to our purser for what information he can procure, and obtain all I can
at Liverpool from other people. As soon as I have anything to
communicate, I will write."
"Write as soon as you arrive, Alfred, whether you have anything to
communicate or not; at all events, we shall know of your safe arrival."
"I will, my dear mother."
"Have you money, Alfred?"
"Yes, quite sufficient, father. I don't travel with four horses."
"Well, then, we will remain here to pack up, Alfred; and you must look
out for some moderate lodgings for us to go into as soon as we arrive at
Liverpool. At what time do the ships sail for Quebec?"
"Just about this time, father. This is March, and they will now sail
every week almost. The sooner we are off the better, that we may be
comfortably housed in before the winter."
A few hours after this conversation, Henry and Alfred left the Hall upon
their several destinations. Mr and Mrs Campbell and the two girls had
plenty of employment for three or four days in packing up. It was soon
spread through the neighbourhood that they were going to emigrate to
Canada; and the tenants who had held their farms under Mr Campbell, all
came forward and proffered their waggons and horses to transport his
effects to Liverpool, without his being put to any expense.
In the meantime a letter had been received from Alfred, who had not been
idle. He had made acquaintance with some merchants who traded to
Canada, and by them had been introduced to two or three persons who had
settled there a few years before, and who were able to give him every
information. They informed him what was most advisable to take out; how
they were to proceed upon their landing; and what was of more
importance, the merchants gave him letters of introduction to English
merchants at Quebec, who would afford them every assistance in the
selecting and purchasing of land, and in their transport up the country.
Alfred had also examined a fine timber-ship, which was to sail in three
weeks; and had bargained for the price of their passage, in case they
could get ready in time to go by her. He wrote all these particulars to
his father, waiting for his reply to act upon his wishes.
Henry returned from Oxford, having settled his accounts, and with the
produce of the sale of his classics and the other books in his pocket.
He was full of spirits, and of the greatest assistance to his father and
mother.
Alfred had shown so much judgment in all he had undertaken, that his
father wrote to him stating that they would be ready for the ship which
he named, and that he might engage the cabins, and also at once procure
the various articles which they were advised to take out with them, and
draw upon him for the amount, if the people would not wait for the
money. In a fortnight they were all ready; the waggons had left with
their effects some days before. Mr Campbell wrote a letter to Mr
Douglas Campbell, thanking him for his kindness and consideration to
them, and informing him that they should leave Wexton Hall on the
following day. He only begged, as a favour, that the schoolmaster and
schoolmistress of the village school should be continued on, as it was
of great importance that the instruction of the poor should not be
neglected; and added, that perceiving by the newspapers that Mr Douglas
Campbell had lately married, Mrs Campbell and he wished him and his
wife every happiness, etcetera, etcetera.
Having despatched this letter, there was nothing more to be done,
previous to their departure from the Hall, except to pay and dismiss the
few servants who were with them--for Mrs Campbell had resolved upon
taking none, out with her.
That afternoon they walked round the plantation and park for the last
time. Mrs Campbell and the girls went round the rooms of the Hall to
ascertain that everything was left tidy, neat, and clean. The poor
girls sighed as they passed by the harp and piano in the drawing-room,
for they were old friends.
"Never mind, Mary," said Emma; "we have our guitars, and may have music
in the woods of Canada without harp or piano."
The following morning, the coach, of which they had secured the whole of
the inside, drove up to the Hall door, and they all got in, the tenants
and poor people standing round them, all with their hats in their hands
out of respect, and wishing them every success as they drove away
through the avenue to the park gates. The Hall and the park itself had
been long out of sight before a word was exchanged.
They checked their tears, but their hearts were too full for them to
venture to speak.
The day afterwards they arrived at Liverpool, where Alfred had provided
lodgings. Everything had been sent on board, and the ship had hauled
out in the stream. As they had nothing to detain them on shore, and the
captain wished to take advantage of the first fair wind, they all
embarked, four days after their arrival at Liverpool; and I shall now
leave them on board of the _London Merchant_, which was the name of the
vessel, making all their little arrangements previous to their sailing,
under the superintendence of Alfred, while I give some little more
insight into the characters, ages, and dispositions of the family.
CHAPTER FOUR.
THE CONVOY ATTACKED.
Mr Campbell was a person of many amiable qualities. He was a
religious, good man, very fond of his wife, to whose opinions he yielded
in preference to his own, and very partial to his children, to whom he
was inclined to be over indulgent. He was not a person of much energy
of character, but he was sensible and well-informed. His goodness of
heart rendered him very liable to be imposed upon, for he never
suspected any deceit, notwithstanding that he was continually deceived.
His character was therefore that of a simple, good, honest man.
Mrs Campbell was well matched with him as a wife, as she had all that
energy and decision of character which was sometimes wanting in her
husband. Still there was nothing masculine in her manners or
appearance; on the contrary, she was delicate in her form, and very soft
in her manners. She had great firmness and self-possession, and had
brought up all her children admirably. Obedience to their parents was
the principle instilled into them after their duty to God--for she knew
too well that a disobedient child can never prosper. If ever there was
a woman fitted to meet the difficulty and danger which threatened then,
it was Mrs Campbell, for she had courage and presence of mind, joined
to activity and cleverness.
Henry, the eldest son, was now nearly twenty years of age. He possessed
much of the character of his father, was without vice, but rather
inclined to inaction than otherwise. Much was to be ascribed to his
education and college life, and more to his natural disposition.
Alfred, the sailor, was, on the contrary, full of energy, and active in
everything, patient and laborious, if required, and never taking
anything in hand without finishing it, if possible.
He was rough, but not rude, both in his speech and his manners, very
kind-hearted, at the same time very confident in himself and afraid of
nothing.
Mary Percival was a very amiable, reflective girl, quiet without being
sad, not often indulging in conversation, except when alone with her
sister Emma. She was devotedly attached to her uncle and aunt, and was
capable of more than she had any idea of herself, for she was of a
modest disposition, and thought humbly of herself. Her disposition was
sweet, and was portrayed in her countenance. She was now seventeen
years old, and very much admired.
Her sister Emma, who was but fifteen, was of a very different
disposition, naturally gay, and inclined to find amusement in
everything; cheerful as a lark, and singing from morning to night. Her
disposition, owing to Mrs Campbell's care and attention, was equally
amiable as her sister's, and her high spirits seldom betrayed her into
indiscretion. She was the life of the family when Alfred was away: he
only was her equal in high spirits.
Percival, the third boy, was now twelve years old; he was a quiet,
clever lad, very obedient and very attentive to what was told him, very
fond of obtaining information, being naturally very inquisitive.
John, the fourth boy, was ten years old; a sturdy, John Bull sort of
boy, not very fond of learning, but a well-disposed boy in most things.
He preferred anything to his book; at the same time, he was obedient,
and tried to keep up his attention as well as he could, which was all
that could be expected from a boy of his age. He was very slow in
everything, very quiet, and seldom spoke unless first spoken to. He was
not silly, although many people would have thought him so, but he
certainly was a very strange boy, and it was difficult to say what he
would turn out.
I have now described the family as they appeared at the time that they
embarked on board of the _London Merchant_; and have only to add, that
on the third day after their embarkation, they made sail with a fair
wind, and ran down the Irish Channel.
The _London Merchant_ sailed for Cork, where the North American convoy
were to assemble. At the time we speak of, the war had recommenced
between this country and the French, who were suffering all the horrors
of the Revolution. On their arrival at Cork, our party recovered a
little from the sea-sickness to which all are subject on their first
embarkation. They found themselves at anchor with more than a hundred
merchant-vessels, among which were to be perceived the lofty masts and
spars of a large fifty-gun ship, and two small frigates, which were
appointed to convoy them to their destination.
The rest of the party, still suffering, soon went down below again, but
Alfred remained on deck leaning against the bulwarks of the vessel, his
eyes and his thoughts intently fixed upon the streaming pennants of the
men-of-war, and a tear rolled down his cheek, as he was reminded that he
no longer could follow up his favourite profession. The sacrifice that
he had made to his family was indeed great. He had talked lightly of it
before them, not wishing them to believe that it was so. He had not
told his father that he had passed his examination for lieutenant before
he had been paid off at Portsmouth; and that his captain, who was very
partial to him, had promised that he should soon be advanced in the
service. He had not told them that all his wishes, all his daily hopes,
the most anxious desire of his existence, which was to become a
post-captain, and in command of a fine frigate, were blighted by this
sacrifice he had made for them and their comfort. He had concealed all
this, and assumed a mirth, which he did not feel; but now that he was
alone, and the pennant was once more presented to his view, his regrets
could not be controlled. He sighed deeply, and turning away with his
arms folded, said to himself, "I have done my duty. It is hard, after
having served so long, and now just arrived at the time in which I have
reason to expect my reward--to rise in the service--distinguish myself
by my zeal, and obtain a reputation, which, if it pleased God, I would
have done very hard, to have to leave it now, and to be hid in the
woods, with an axe in my hand; but how could I leave my father, my
mother, and my brothers and sisters, to encounter so much difficulty and
privation by themselves, when I have a strong arm to help them. No,
no!--I have done my duty to those who ever did their duty to me, and I
trust that my own conscience will prove my reward, and check that
repining which we are too apt to feel when it pleases Heaven to blight,
what appear to be, our fairest prospects... I say, my good fellow,"
said Alfred, after a while, to a man in a boat, "what is the name of
that fifty-gun ship?"
"I don't know which ship has fifty guns, or which has a hundred;"
replied the Irishman, "but if you mean the biggest, she is called the
_Portsmouth_."
"The _Portsmouth_! the very ship Captain Lumley was appointed to," cried
Alfred. "I must go on board."
Alfred ran down to the cabin, and requested the captain of the
transport, whose name was Wilson, to allow him the small boat to go on
board the man-of-war. His request was granted, and Alfred was soon up
the side of the _Portsmouth_. There were some of his old messmates on
the quarter-deck, who welcomed him heartily, for he was a great
favourite. Shortly afterwards, he sent down a message by the steward,
requesting that Captain Lumley would see him, and was immediately
afterwards ordered to go into the cabin.
"Well, Mr Campbell," said Captain Lumley, "so you have joined us at
last; better late than never. You're but just in time. I thought you
would soon get over that foolish whim of yours, which you mentioned in
your letter to me, of leaving the service, just after you had passed,
and had such good chance of promotion. What could have put it in your
head?"
"Nothing, sir," replied Alfred, "but my duty to my parents. It is a
most painful step for me to take, but I leave you to judge whether I can
do otherwise."
Alfred then detailed to Captain Lumley all that had occurred, the
resolution which his father and mother had taken, and their being then
on board the timber-ship, and about to proceed to their new destination.
Captain Lumley heard Alfred's story without interruption, and then,
after a pause, said, "I think you are right, my boy, and it does you
honour. Where you are going to, I have no doubt that your courage and
your protection will be most important. Yet it is a pity you should be
lost to the service."
"I feel most sincerely, sir, I assure you, but--"
"But you sacrifice yourself; I know that. I admire the resolution of
your father and mother. Few could have the courage to have taken such a
step--few women, especially. I shall call upon them, and pay my
respects. In half an hour I shall be ready, and you shall accompany me,
and introduce me. In the meantime you can go and see your old
messmates."
Alfred left the cabin, much flattered by the kindness of Captain Lumley,
and went down to his former messmates, with whom he remained until the
boatswain piped away the crew of the captain's barge. He then went on
deck, and as soon as the captain came up, he went into the boat. The
captain followed, and they were soon on board of the _London Merchant_.
Alfred introduced Captain Lumley to his father and mother; and in the
course of half an hour, being mutually pleased with each other, an
intimacy was formed, when Captain Lumley observed--"I presume, that much
as you may require your son's assistance on your arrival at Canada, you
can dispense with his presence on board of this vessel. My reason for
making this observation is, that no chance should ever be thrown away.
One of my lieutenants wishes to leave the ship on family concerns. He
has applied to me, and I have considered it my duty to refuse him, now
that we are on the point of sailing, and I am unable to procure another.
But for your son's sake, I will now permit him to go, and will, if you
will allow him to come on board of the _Portsmouth_, give Alfred an
acting lieutenant's order. Should anything occur on the passage out,
and it is not at all impossible, it will insure his promotion; even if
nothing occurs, I will have his acting order confirmed. At Quebec, he
shall, of course, leave the ship, and go with you. I don't pretend to
detain him from his duty; but you will observe, that if he does obtain
his rank, he will also obtain his half-pay, which, if he remains in
Canada with you, will be a great assistance; and if things should turn
out so well, that you can, after a year or two, do without him, and
allow him to return to the service, he will then have already gained the
most important step, and will, I have no doubt, soon rise to the command
of a ship. I will give you till to-morrow to decide. Alfred can come
on board in the morning, and let me know."
"I think I may say, Captain Lumley," replied Mrs Campbell, "that my
husband could have but one reason in hesitating a moment, and that is,
to ascertain whether I would like to part with my son during our passage
out. I should, indeed, be a very weak woman, if I did not make such a
trifling sacrifice for his benefit, and at the same time, feel most
grateful to you for your kind intentions towards him. I rather think
that Mr Campbell will not find it necessary to have till to-morrow
morning to consider the proposal; but I leave him to answer for
himself."
"I can assure you. Captain Lumley, that Mrs Campbell has only
expressed my own feelings, and, as far as we are concerned, your offer
is most gratefully accepted."
"Then," replied Captain Lumley, "Alfred has only to make his appearance
on board of the _Portsmouth_ to-morrow morning, and he will find his
acting order ready for him. We sail, I believe, the day after, if the
weather is at all favourable; so, if I have not another opportunity to
pay my respects to you, you must allow me to say farewell now. I shall
keep my eye upon your vessel during the passage; at all events, Alfred
will, I'm very sure."
Captain Lumley shook hands with Mr and Mrs Campbell, bowed to the rest
of the cabin party, and quitted the ship. As he went over the side, he
observed to Alfred, "I perceive you have some attractions in your party.
It is quite melancholy to think that those pretty cousins of yours
should be buried in the woods of Canada. To-morrow, at nine o'clock,
then, I shall expect you.--Adieu!"
Although the idea of Alfred leaving them during the passage out was not
pleasant, Mr and Mrs Campbell were most happy at the chance which had
offered itself for their son's advantage, and seemed in good spirits
when he took leave of them on the following morning.
"Captain Wilson, you sail so well, that I hope you will keep close to us
all the passage out," observed Alfred, as he was taking leave.
"Except you happen to come to action with an enemy, and then I shall
haul off to a respectful distance, Mr Alfred," replied Captain Wilson,
laughing.
"That, of course. Cannon-balls were never invented for ladies, although
they have no objection to balls--have they, Emma? Well, good-bye! once
more. You can often see me with the spy-glass, if you feel inclined.
Recollect that."
Alfred shoved off in the boat, and was soon on board of the
_Portsmouth_. The following day they sailed with a fair wind and
moderate weather, the convoy now increased to 120 vessels.
We must leave Mr and Mrs Campbell and family on board the _London
Merchant_, and follow Alfred in the _Portsmouth_, during the passage to
Quebec.
For several days the weather was moderate, although the wind was not
always fair, and the convoy was kept together, and in good order. The
_London Merchant_ was never far from the _Portsmouth_, and Alfred
employed a large portion of his time, when he was not keeping his watch,
in keeping his spy-glass upon the vessel, and watching the motions of
his cousins and the rest of the family. On board of the _London
Merchant_ they were similarly occupied, and very often a handkerchief
was waved by way of salute and recognition.
At last they arrived off the banks of Newfoundland, and were shrouded in
a heavy fog, the men-of-war constantly firing guns, to inform the
merchant-ships in what direction they were to steer, and the
merchant-vessels of the convoy ringing their bells to warn each other,
that they might not be run foul of.
The fog lasted two days, and was still continuing when the party on
board the _London Merchant_, just as they were sitting down to dinner in
the cabin, heard a noise and bustle on deck. Captain Wilson ran hastily
up, and found that his vessel had been boarded by a French boats crew,
who had beaten down the men and taken possession. As there was no help,
all he could do was to go down to the cabin, and inform his passengers
that they were prisoners. The shock of this intelligence was very
great, as may be supposed, but still there was no useless lamentation or
weeping. One thing is certain, that this news quite spoilt their
appetite for their dinner, which, however, was soon despatched by the
French officer and his men, after the boat had left, and the vessel's
head had been put in an opposite direction.
Captain Wilson, who had returned on deck, came down in about a quarter
of an hour, and informed the party, who were silently brooding over this
sudden change in their prospects, that the wind was very light, and that
he thought the fog was clearing off a little, and that if it did so
before it was dark, he was in great hopes that they should be
recaptured. This intelligence appeared to revive the hopes of Mr and
Mrs Campbell, and they were still more encouraged when they heard the
sounds of guns at no very great distance. In a few minutes afterwards
the cannonading became very furious, and the Frenchmen who were on board
began to show strong signs of uneasiness.
The fact was, that a French squadron, of one sixty-gun ship and two
corvettes, had been on the look-out for the convoy, and had come in
among them during the fog. They had captured and taken possession of
several vessels before they were discovered, but the sixty-gun ship at
last ran very near to the _Portsmouth_, and Alfred, who had the watch,
and was on a sharp look-out, soon perceived through the looming fog,
that she was not one of the convoy. He ran down to acquaint the
captain, and the men were immediately ordered to their quarters, without
beating the drum, or making any noise that might let the enemy know they
were so near. The yards were then braced in, to check the way of the
_Portsmouth_, so that the strange vessel might come up with her.
Silence was kept fore and aft, not a whisper was to be heard; and as the
Frenchmen neared them, they perceived a boat putting off from her to
board another vessel close to them, and also heard the orders given to
the men in the French language. This was sufficient for Captain Lumley:
he put the helm down, and poured a raking broadside into the enemy, who
was by no means prepared for such a sudden salute, although her guns
were cast loose, ready for action, in case of accident. The answer to
the broadside was a cry of "_Vive la Republique_!" and in a few seconds
both ships were hotly engaged--the _Portsmouth_ having the advantage of
lying upon the bow of her antagonist.
As is often the case, the heavy cannonading brought on a dead calm, and
the two ships remained in their respective positions, except that the
_Portsmouth's_ was the more favourable, having drawn ahead of the French
vessel, so that her broadside was poured into her opponent, without her
being able to return the fire from more than four or five of her guns.
The fog became more opaque than ever; the two ships had neared each
other considerably or it would have been impossible to distinguish. All
that they could see from the deck of the _Portsmouth_ was the jibboom
and cap of the bowsprit of the Frenchman; the rest of her bowsprit, and
her whole hull, were lost in the impenetrable gloom; but that was
sufficient for the men to direct their guns, and the fire from the
_Portsmouth_ was most rapid, although the extent of its execution was
unknown. After half an hour of incessant broadsides, the two vessels
had approached each other so close, that the jibboom of the Frenchman
was pointed between the fore and main rigging of the _Portsmouth_.
Captain Lumley immediately gave orders to lash the Frenchman's bowsprit
to his main-mast, and this was accomplished by the first lieutenant,
Alfred, and the seamen, without any serious loss, for the fog was still
so thick that the Frenchmen on their forecastle could not perceive what
was doing at their bowsprit's cap.
"She is ours now," said Captain Lumley to the first lieutenant.
"Yes, sir,--fast enough. I think, if the fog were to clear away, they
would haul down their colours."
"Not till the last, depend upon it," replied Captain Lumley. "Fire away
there, on the main-deck, give them no time to take breath. Mr
Campbell, tell the second lieutenant to let the foremost lower deck guns
be pointed more aft. I say, not till the last," repeated Captain Lumley
to the first lieutenant; "these Republicans will take a great deal of
beating, even upon the water."
"It's clearing up, air, to the northward a little," said the master.
"I see--yes, it is," replied Captain Lumley.
"Well, the sooner the better; we shall see what has become of all the
shot we have been throwing away."
A white silvery line appeared on the horizon, to the northward;
gradually it increased, and as it rose up, became broader, till at last
the curtain was lifted up, and a few feet were to be seen above the
clear blue water. As it continued to approach, the light became more
vivid, the space below increased, and the water was ruffled with the
coming wind, till at last the fog rolled off as if it had been gradually
furled, and sweeping away in a heavy bank to leeward, exposed the state
and position of the whole convoy, and the contending vessels. The
English seamen on board of the _Portsmouth_ cheered the return of
daylight, as it might truly be termed. Captain Lumley found that they
had been contending in the very centre of the convoy, which was still
lying around them, with the exception of fifteen vessels, which were a
few miles apart, with their heads in an opposite direction. These were
evidently those which had been captured. The two frigates, which had
been stationed in the rear of the convoy, were still two or three miles
distant, but making all sail to come up and assist the _Portsmouth_.
Many of the convoy, which had been in the direction of the fire,
appeared to have suffered in their masts and sails; but whether any
injury had been received in their hulls it was not possible to say. The
French line-of-battle ship had suffered dreadfully from the fire of the
_Portsmouth_. Her main-mast and mizen-mast were over the side, her
forward ports were many of them almost beat into one, and everything on
board appeared to be in the greatest confusion.
"She can't stand this long," observed Captain Lumley. "Fire away, my
lads."
"The _Circe_ and _Vixen_ are coming down to us, sir," observed the first
lieutenant; "we do not want them, and they will only be an excuse for
the Frenchmen to surrender to a superior force. If they recaptured the
vessels taken, they would be of some service."
"Very true. Mr Campbell, make their signal to pursue captured
vessels."
Alfred ran aft to obey the orders. The flags had just flown out at the
mast-head, when he received a bullet through his arm; for the French,
unable to use the major portion of their guns, had, when the fog cleared
up, poured in incessant volleys of musketry upon the decks of the
_Portsmouth_. Alfred desired the quarter-master to untie his
neck-handkerchief for him, and bind up his arm. Having so done, he
continued to do his duty. A bold attempt was now made by the French to
clear their vessel by cutting the fastening of the bowsprit, but the
marines of the _Portsmouth_ were prepared for them, and after about
twenty gallant fellows had dropped down on the booms and gangways of the
_Portsmouth_, the attempt was given up, and four minutes afterwards the
French colours were hauled down. She was boarded from her bowsprit by
the first lieutenant and a party of seamen. The lashings were cast off,
and the vessels cleared of each other, and then the English seamen gave
three cheers in honour of the victory.
CHAPTER FIVE.
LANDING IN CANADA.
The French sixty-gun ship proved to be the _Leonidas_; she had been sent
out with two large frigates on purpose to intercept the convoy, but she
had parted with her consorts in a gale of wind. Her loss of men was
very great; that on board of the _Portsmouth_ was trifling. In a couple
of hours the _Portsmouth_ and her prize in tow were ready to proceed
with the convoy, but they still remained hove to, to wait for the
frigates which were in chase of the captured vessels. All of these were
speedily come up with except the _London Merchant_, which sailed so
remarkably well. At last, to the great joy of Alfred (who as soon as
the bullet had been extracted and his arm dressed, had held his
telescope fixed upon the chase), she hove to, and was taken possession
of. Before night, the convoy were again collected together, and were
steering for their destination. The next morning was clear, and the
breeze moderated. Mrs Campbell, who, as well as the rest, was very
anxious about Alfred, requested Captain Wilson to run down to the
_Portsmouth_, that they might ascertain if he was safe. Captain Wilson
did as she requested, and writing in chalk "all well" in large letters
upon the log-board, held it over the side as he passed close to the
_Portsmouth_. Alfred was not on deck--fever had compelled him to remain
in his hammock--but Captain Lumley made the same reply on the log-board
of the _Portsmouth_, and Mr and Mrs Campbell were satisfied. "How I
should like to see him," said Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, madam," observed Captain Wilson, "but they have too much to do on
board of the _Portsmouth_ just now; they have to repair damages and to
look after the wounded; they have a great quantity of prisoners on
board, as you may see, for a great many are now on the booms; they have
no time for compliments."
"That is very true," replied Mr Campbell, "we must wait till we arrive
at Quebec."
"But we did not see Alfred," said Emma.
"No, miss, because he was busy enough below, and I dare say no one told
him. They have said that `all's well,' and that is sufficient; and now
we must haul off again, for with such a heavy ship in tow, Captain
Lumley will not thank me if I am always coming so close to him."
"I am satisfied, Captain Wilson; pray do nothing that will displease
Captain Lumley. We shall soon see Alfred, I dare say, with the
spy-glass."
"I see him now," said Mary Percival, "he has his telescope, and he is
waving his hat to me."
"Thank God!" replied Mrs Campbell; "now I am satisfied."
The _Portsmouth_ cast off the French line-of-battle ship, as soon as
they had jury-masts up and could make sail on them, and the convoy
proceeded to the mouth of the Saint Lawrence.
"Captain Wilson," said Percival, whose eyes were fixed on the water,
"what animals are those, tumbling about and blowing,--those great white
things?"
"They are what are called the white whale, Percival," replied Captain
Wilson; "they are not often seen, except about here."
"Then what is the colour of the other whales?"
"The northern whales are black--they are called the black whales; but
the southern, or spermaceti whales, are not so dark in colour."
Captain Wilson then, at Percival's request, gave him an account of how
the whales were caught, for he had been several voyages himself in the
northern whale-fishery.
Percival was never tired of asking questions, and Captain Wilson was
very kind to him, and always answered him. John, generally speaking,
stood by when Captain Wilson was talking, looking very solemn and very
attentive, but not saying a word.
"Well, John," said Emma to him after the conversation had been ended,
"what was Captain Wilson telling you about?"
"Whales," replied John, walking past her.
"Well, but is that all you can tell me, John?"
"Yes," replied John, walking away.
"At all events, Miss Emma, he keeps all his knowledge to himself,"
observed Captain Wilson, laughing.
"Yes; I shall know nothing about the whale-fishery, unless you will
condescend to tell me yourself, that is evident," replied Emma, taking
the offered arm of Captain Wilson, who, at her request, immediately
resumed the subject.
In three weeks from the day of the action they had anchored off the town
of Quebec.
As soon as they had anchored, Alfred obtained leave to go on board of
the _London Merchant_, and then, for the first time, his family knew
that he had been wounded. His arm was still in a sling, but was healing
fast.
I shall pass over the numerous inquiries on his part relative to their
capture and recapture, and on theirs, as to the action with the French
ship.
While they were in conversation, Captain Lumley was reported to be
coming on board in his boat. They went on the deck of the vessel to
receive him.
"Well, Mrs Campbell," said Captain Lumley after the first salutations
were over, "you must congratulate me on my having captured a vessel
somewhat larger than my own; and I must congratulate you on the conduct
and certain promotion of your son Alfred. He has richly deserved it."
"I am very thankful, Captain Lumley, and do most heartily congratulate
you," replied Mrs Campbell; "I only regret that my boy has been
wounded."
"The very thing that you should, on the contrary, be thankful for, Mrs
Campbell," replied Captain Lumley. "It is the most fortunate wound in
the world, as it not only adds to his claims, but enables me to let him
join you and go to Canada with you, without it being supposed that he
has quitted the service."
"How so, Captain Lumley?"
"I can discharge him to sick-quarters here at Quebec. If they think
anything about it at all at home, it will be that his wound is much more
severe than it really is; and he can remain on half-pay as long as he
pleases. There are plenty ready to be employed. But I cannot wait any
longer. I am going on shore to call upon the Governor, and I thought I
would just see you in my way. You may assure yourselves that if I can
be of any use to you, I will not fail to exert any little influence I
may have."
Captain Lumley then took a cordial leave of the whole party, telling
Alfred that he might consider himself as discharged from the ship, and
might rejoin his family.
"Heaven sends us friends when we most need them and least expect them,"
said Mrs Campbell, as she watched the boat pulling away. "Who would
have imagined, when we anchored at Cork, that such good fortune should
have awaited us; and that, at the very time Alfred had given up his
profession for our sake, his promotion in the service was awaiting him?"
Shortly afterwards Mrs Campbell and Henry went on shore with Captain
Wilson to look out for lodgings, and present the letters of introduction
which he had received for some Quebec merchants. As they were looking
for lodgings in company with a Mr Farquhar, who had kindly volunteered
to assist them, they met Captain Lumley on his return from the Governor.
"I am glad to have met you, Mrs Campbell," said Captain Lumley; "I
found, on paying my respects to the Governor, that there is what they
call the Admiralty House here, which is kept furnished by Government for
the senior officers of his Majesty's ships. It is at my disposal; and
as the Governor has requested me to take up my abode at Government
House, I beg you will consider it at your service. You will find better
accommodation there than, in lodgings, and it will save you considerable
expense."
"We need look no further, Mrs Campbell," said Mr Farquhar.
Mrs Campbell expressed her acknowledgments to Captain Lumley, and
returned on board with this pleasing intelligence.
"Oh, Alfred, how much we are indebted to you, my dear boy," said Mrs
Campbell.
"To me, mother?--to Captain Lumley, I should rather think."
"Yes, to Captain Lumley, I grant; but still it has been your good
conduct when under his command which has made him attached to you; and
it is to that we owe his acquaintance, and all the kindness we have
received from him."
The next day the family disembarked and took possession of the Admiralty
house. Mr Farquhar procured them a female servant, who, with a man and
his wife left in charge of the house, supplied all the attendance they
required.
Mrs Campbell settled with Captain Wilson, who very generously refused
to take any money for Alfred's passage, as he had not remained on board
of the _London Merchant_: promising, however, to accept their invitation
to come to them whenever he could find leisure, he took leave of them
for the present, and they were left alone in their new residence.
In a few days the Campbells found themselves comfortably settled in the
Admiralty House, but they had no intention of remaining there longer
than was necessary; as, notwithstanding the accommodation, their
residence at Quebec was attended with expense, and Mr Campbell was
aware that he had no money to throw away.
On the fourth day after their landing Captain Lumley called to take
leave; but the day previous he had introduced them to the Governor, who
returned Mr Campbell's call, and appeared to be much interested in
their welfare, owing of course to the representations of Captain Lumley.
It was not, therefore, surprising that they should part with regret
from one who had proved himself such a kind friend; and many were the
expressions of gratitude which were made by the whole party. Captain
Lumley shook hands with them all; and, assuring Alfred that he would not
lose sight of his interests, wished them every success and left the
house. An hour afterwards the _Portsmouth_ was under weigh, and running
out with a fine breeze.
On the following day the Governor requested Mr Campbell would call upon
him; and when they met he pointed out to him that he would have great
difficulties, and, he was fearful, great hardships, to encounter in
following up his plan of settling in Upper Canada. He did not dissuade
him from so doing, as he had nothing more promising to offer, which
might induce him to change his mind, but he thought it right to forewarn
him of trials, that he might be well prepared.
"I feel, of course, a strong interest in any English family so well
brought up, and accustomed as I find yours has been, to luxury, being
placed in such a situation; and the interest which my old friend,
Captain Lumley, takes in you, is quite sufficient to induce me to offer
you every assistance in my power: that you may depend upon, Mr
Campbell. The Surveyor-General is coming here immediately; I must first
introduce you to him, as it is from him that the land must be obtained,
and of course he can advise you well on the point of locality; but you
must recollect that it is not much more than thirty years since these
provinces have been surrendered to Great Britain, and that not only the
French population, but the Indians, are very hostile to the English, for
the Indians were, and still are, firm allies to the French, and detest
us. I have been reflecting upon the affair, and I hope to be of some
service to you; if I am not, it will not, I assure you, be from any want
of will; under every advantage which may be procured for you, at all
events, you will require stout hearts and able hands. Your son Alfred
will be of great service, but we must try and procure you some other
assistance that can be trusted."
A long conversation took place between the Governor and Mr Campbell,
during which the latter received much valuable information: it was
interrupted, however, by the arrival of the Surveyor-General, and the
topic was resumed.
"The land that I would propose to Mr Campbell," observed the
Surveyor-General, after a time, "if there is no objection to part with
it, is a portion of what has been laid aside as Government reserve on
this part of the Lake Ontario; there are lands to be obtained nearer to
Montreal, but all the land of good quality has been purchased. This
land, you will observe, Mr Campbell, is peculiarly good, having some
few acres of what we call prairie, or natural meadow. It has, also, the
advantage of running with a large frontage on the beach, and there is a
small river on one side of it; besides, it is not a great distance,
perhaps four or five miles, from Fort Frontignac, and it might be easy
to obtain assistance if required."
The Surveyor-General pointed to a part of the map, near to Presqu' Ile
de Quinte, as he made this observation to the Governor.
"I agree with you," replied the Governor, "and I observe that there is
already a settler on the other side of the stream."
"Yes, sir," replied the Surveyor; "that allotment was granted before it
was decided that the rest should be a Government reserve; and if proof
were required of the goodness of the land, it would be found in the
person who took it. It was taken four years ago by the old hunter,
Malachi Bone; he has been over every part of it, of course, and knows
what it is. You recollect the man, don't you, sir? He was a guide to
the English army before the surrender of Quebec; General Wolfe had a
high opinion of him, and his services were so good that he was allowed
that tract of 150 acres."
"I now remember him," replied the Governor, "but as I have not seen him
for so many years, he had escaped my recollection."
"It will be a great advantage to you, Mr Campbell, having this man as a
neighbour."
"Now," continued the Governor, addressing the Surveyor-General, "do you
know of any person who would be willing to serve Mr Campbell, and who
can be depended on; of course one who understands the country, and who
would be really useful?"
"Yes, Governor, I do know a very good man, and you know him also; but
you know the worst part of him, for he is generally in trouble when you
see him."
"Who is that?"
"Martin Super, the trapper."
"Why, that is the young fellow who breeds such disturbances, and who, if
I recollect right, is now in prison for a riot."
"The very same, sir; but Martin Super, although a troublesome fellow at
Quebec, is worth his weight in gold when he is out of the town. You may
think it strange, Mr Campbell, that I should recommend a man who
appears to be so unruly a character; but the fact is, that the trappers,
who go in pursuit of game for their skins, after having been out for
months, undergoing every privation that can be imagined, return home
with their packages of skins, which they dispose of to the merchants of
this town; and as soon as they have their money, they never cease their
revelry of every description until their earnings are all gone, and then
they set off again on their wild and venturous pursuit. Now Martin
Super, like all the rest, must have his fun when he comes back, and
being a very wild fellow, he is often in scrapes when he has drank too
much, so that he is occasionally put into prison for being riotous; but
I know him well, he has been with me surveying for months, and when he
is on service, a more steady, active, and brave man I do not know."
"I believe you are right in recommending him," observed the Governor,
"he will not be sorry to get out of gaol, and I have no doubt but that
he will conduct himself well if he once agrees to take your service, Mr
Campbell, for one or two years. As for the Canadians, they are very
harmless, but at the same time very useless. There are exceptions, no
doubt; but their general character is anything but that of activity and
courage. As I said before, you will require stout hearts, and Martin
Super is one, that is certain. Perhaps you can arrange this for Mr
Campbell?"
The Surveyor-General promised to do so; shortly after which, Mr
Campbell, with many thanks, took his leave of the Governor.
Mr Campbell, who had gained every possible information relative to what
would be most necessary for him to take with him, was actively employed
for a fortnight in making his purchases. During this time much
attention was shown to them both by the English and French residents at
Quebec.
Alfred, whose wound was now nearly healed, was as active as usual, and
Henry was of great assistance to his father in taking inventories and
making out lists, etcetera. Nor were Mrs Campbell and the two girls
unemployed; they had purchased the coarse manufactures of the country,
and were very busy making dresses for themselves and for the children.
Mr Campbell had been one morning at Mr Farquhar's, the merchant's, to
make inquiries about a conveyance up to his new purchase (for he had
concluded his arrangements with the Surveyor-General), when the Governor
sent a message by one of his aides-de-camp, to say that it was his
intention in the course of ten days to send a detachment of soldiers up
to Fort Frontignac--news have been received that the garrison was
weakened by a fever which had broken out; and that if Mr Campbell would
like to avail himself of the opportunity, he and his family, and all his
luggage, should go under the escort of the officer and troops. This
offer was, of course, joyfully accepted, and on Mr Campbell's calling
upon the Governor to return his thanks, the latter told him that there
would be plenty of room in the _bateaux_ and canoes for them and all
their luggage, and that he need not give himself further trouble, or
incur any further expense.
CHAPTER SIX.
MARTIN, THE TRAPPER.
The next day the Surveyor-General called, bringing with him Martin
Super, the trapper.
"Mr Campbell," said the surveyor, "this is my friend Martin Super; I
have spoken to him, and he has consented to take service for one year,
and he will remain, if he is satisfied. If he serves you as well as he
has served me when I have travelled through the country, I have no doubt
but you will find him a valuable assistant."
Martin Super was rather tall, very straight-limbed, shewing both
activity and strength. His head was smaller than usually is the case,
which gave him the appearance of great lightness and agility. His
countenance was very pleasing, being expressive of continual good
humour, which was indeed but corresponding to his real character. He
was dressed in a sort of hunting-coat of deer-skin, blue cloth leggings,
a cap of racoon's skin, with a broad belt round his waist, in which he
wore his knife.
"Now, Martin Super, I will read the terms of the agreement between you
and Mr Campbell, that you may see if all is as you wish."
The Surveyor-General read the agreement, and Martin Super nodded his
head in acquiescence.
"Mr Campbell, if you are satisfied, you may now sign it; Martin shall
do the same."
Mr Campbell signed his name, and handed the pen to Martin Super, who
then for the first time spoke.
"Surveyor, I don't know how my name is spelt; and if I did, I couldn't
write it, so I must do it Indian fashion, and put my totem to it?"
"What is your name among the Indians, Martin?"
"The Painter," replied Martin, who then made, under Mr Campbell's
signature, a figure like--saying, "There, that's my name as near as I
can draw it."
"Very good," replied the Surveyor-General; "here is the document all
right, Mr Campbell. Ladies, I fear I must run away, for I have an
engagement. I will leave Martin Super, Mr Campbell, as you would
probably like a little conversation together."
The Surveyor-General then took his leave, and Martin Super remained.
Mrs Campbell was the first who spoke:
"Super," said she, "I hope we shall be very good friends, but now tell
me what you mean by your--totem, I think you called it?"
"Why, ma'am, a totem is an Indian's mark, and you know I am almost an
Indian myself. All the Indian chiefs have their totems. One is called
the Great Otter; another the Serpent, and so on, and so they sign a
figure like the animal they are named from. Then, ma'am, you see, we
trappers, who almost live with them, have names given to us also, and
they have called me the Painter."
"Why did they call you the Painter."
"Because I killed two of them in one day."
"Killed two painters?" cried the girls.
"Yes, miss; killed them both with my rifle."
"But why did you kill the men?" said Emma; "was it in battle?"
"Kill the men, miss; I said nothing about men; I said I killed two
painters," replied Martin, laughing, and showing a row of teeth as white
as ivory.
"What is a painter, then, Super?" inquired Mrs Campbell.
"Why, it's an animal, and a very awkward creature, I can tell you,
sometimes."
"The drawing is something like a panther, mamma," exclaimed Mary.
"Well, miss, it may be a panther, but we only know them by the other
name."
Mr Farquhar then came in, and the question was referred to him; he
laughed and told him that painters were a species of panther, not
spotted, but tawny-coloured, and at times very dangerous.
"Do you know the part of the country where we are going to?" said Henry
to Super.
"Yes, I have trapped thereabouts for months, but the beavers are scarce
now."
"Are there any other animals there?"
"Yes," replied Martin, "small game, as we term it."
"What sort are they?"
"Why, there's painters, and bears, and cat-a'-mountains."
"Mercy on us I do you call that small game? Why, what must the large
be, then?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Buffaloes, missus, is what we call big game."
"But the animals you speak of are not good eating, Super," said Mrs
Campbell; "is there no game that we can eat?"
"Oh, yes, plenty of deer and wild turkey; and bear's good eating, I
reckon."
"Ah! that sounds better."
After an hour's conversation, Martin Super was dismissed; the whole of
the family (except Alfred, who was not at home) very much pleased with
what they had seen of him.
A few days after this, Martin Super, who had now entered upon service,
and was very busy with Alfred, with whom he had already become a
favourite, was sent for by Mr Campbell, who read over to him the
inventory of the articles which they had, and inquired of him if there
was anything else which might be necessary or advisable to take with
them.
"You said something about guns," replied Martin, "what sort of guns did
you mean?"
"We have three fowling-pieces and three muskets, besides pistols."
"Fowling-pieces--they are bird-guns, I believe--no use at all; muskets
are soldiers' tools--no use; pistols are pops, and nothing better. You
have no rifles; you can't go into the woods without rifles. I have got
mine, but you must have some."
"Well, I believe you are right, Martin; it never occurred to me. How
many ought we to have?"
"Well, that's according--how many be you in family?"
"We are five males and three females."
"Well, then, sir, say ten rifles; that will be quite sufficient. Two
spare ones in case of accident," replied Martin.
"Why, Martin," said Mrs Campbell, "you do not mean that the children
and these young ladies and I are to fire off rifles?"
"I do mean to say, ma'am, that before I was as old as that little boy,"
pointing to John, "I could hit a mark well; and a woman ought at least
to know how to prime and load a rifle, even if she does not fire it
herself. It is a deadly weapon, ma'am, and the greatest leveller in
creation, for the trigger pulled by a child will settle the business of
the stoutest man. I don't mean to say that we may be called to use them
in that way, but it's always better to have them, and to let other
people know that you have them, and all ready loaded too, if required."
"Well, Martin," said Mr Campbell, "I agree with you, it is better to be
well prepared. We will have the ten rifles, if we can afford to
purchase them. What will they cost?"
"About sixteen dollars will purchase the best, sir; but I think I had
better choose them for you, and try them before you purchase."
"Do so, then, Super. Alfred will go with you as soon as he comes back,
and you and he can settle the matter."
"Why, Super," observed Mrs Campbell, "you have quite frightened us at
the idea of so many firearms being required."
"If Pontiac was alive, missus, they would all be required, but he's gone
now; still there are many out-lying Indians, as we call them, who are no
better than they should be; and I always like to see rifles ready
loaded. Why, ma'am, suppose now that all the men were out in the woods,
and a bear should pay you a visit during our absence, would it not be
just as well for to have a loaded rifle ready for him; and would not you
or the young misses willingly prefer to pull the trigger at him than to
be hugged in his fashion?"
"Martin Super, you have quite convinced me; I shall not only learn to
load a rifle but to fire one also."
"And I'll teach the boys the use of them, ma'am, and they will then add
to your defence."
"You shall do so, Martin," replied Mrs Campbell; "I am convinced that
you are quite right."
When Super had quitted the room, which he did soon afterwards, Mr
Campbell observed--"I hope, my dear, that you and the girls are not
terrified by the remarks of Martin. It is necessary to be well armed
when isolated as we shall be, and so far from any assistance; but it
does not follow, because we ought to be prepared against danger, that
such danger should occur."
"I can answer for myself, my dear Campbell," replied his wife; "I am
prepared, if necessary, to meet danger, and do what a weak woman can do;
and I feel what Martin says is but too true--that, with a rifle in the
hand, a woman or a child is on a par with the strongest man."
"And I, my dear uncle," said Mary Percival, "shall, I trust, with the
blessing of God, know how to do my duty, however peculiar the
circumstances may be to a female."
"And I, my dear uncle," followed up Emma, laughing, "infinitely prefer
firing off a rifle to being hugged by a bear or an Indian, because of
two evils one should always choose the least."
"Well, then, I see Martin has done no harm; but, on the contrary, he has
done good. It is always best to be prepared for the worst, and to trust
to Providence for aid in peril."
At last all the purchases were completed, and everything was packed up
and ready for embarkation. Another message from the Governor was
received, stating that in three days the troops would be embarked, and
also informing Mr Campbell that if he had not purchased any cows or
horses, the officer at Fort Frontignac had more cattle than were
requisite, and could supply him; which, perhaps, would be preferable to
carrying them up so far. Mr Campbell had spoken about, but not finally
settled for, the cows, and therefore was glad to accept the Governor's
offer. This message was accompanied with a note of invitation to Mr
Campbell, the ladies, and Henry and Alfred, to take a farewell dinner at
Government House the day before their departure. The invitation was
accepted, and Mr Campbell was introduced to the officer commanding the
detachment which was about to proceed to Fort Frontignac, and received
from him every assurance of his doing all he could to make them
comfortable. The kindness of the Governor did not end here; he desired
the officer to take two large tents for the use of Mr Campbell, to be
returned to the fort when the house had been built, and they were
completely settled. He even proposed that Mrs Campbell and the Misses
Percival should remain at Government House until Mr Campbell had made
every preparation to receive them; but this Mrs Campbell would not
consent to, and, with many thanks, she declined the offer.
CHAPTER SEVEN.
THE STORY OF PONTIAC.
Although it was now the middle of May, it was but a few days before
their departure that there was the least sign of verdure, or the trees
had burst into leaf; but in the course of the three days before they
quitted Quebec, so rapid was the vegetation, that it appeared as if
summer had come upon them all at once. The heat was also very great,
although, when they had landed, the weather was piercing cold; but in
Canada, as well as in all Northern America, the transitions from heat to
cold, and from cold to heat, are very rapid.
My young readers will be surprised to hear that, when the winter sets in
at Quebec, all the animals required for the winter's consumption are at
once killed. If the troops are numerous, perhaps three or four hundred
bullocks are slaughtered and hung up. Every family kill their cattle,
their sheep, pigs, turkeys, fowls, etcetera, and all are put up in the
garrets, where the carcases immediately freeze hard, and remain quite
good and sweet during the six or seven months of severe winter which
occur in that climate. When any portion of meat is to be cooked, it is
gradually thawed in lukewarm water, and after that is put to the fire.
If put at once to the fire in its frozen state, it spoils. There is
another strange circumstance which occurs in these cold latitudes; a
small fish, called the snow-fish, is caught during the winter by making
holes in the thick ice; and these fish, coming to the holes in thousands
to breathe, are thrown out with hand-nets upon the ice, where they
become in a few minutes frozen quite hard, so that, if you wish it, you
may break them in half like a rotten stick. The cattle are fed upon
these fish during the winter months. But it has been proved--which is
very strange--that if, after they have been frozen for twenty-four hours
or more, you put these fish into water and gradually thaw them as you do
the meat, they will recover and swim about again as well as ever. To
proceed, however, with our history.
Mr Campbell found that, after all his expenses, he had still three
hundred pounds left, and this money he left in the Quebec Bank, to use
as he might find necessary. His expenditure had been very great.
First, there was the removal of so large a family, and the passage out;
then he had procured at Liverpool a large quantity of cutlery and tools,
furniture, etcetera, all of which articles were cheaper there than at
Quebec. At Quebec he had also much to purchase: all the most expensive
portion of his house; such as windows ready glazed, stoves, boarding for
floors, cupboards, and partitions; salt provisions, crockery of every
description, two small waggons ready to be put together, several casks
of nails, and a variety of things which it would be too tedious to
mention. Procuring these, with the expenses of living, had taken away
all his money, except the three hundred pounds I have mentioned.
It was on the 13th of May that the embarkation took place, and it was
not until the afternoon that all was prepared, and Mrs Campbell and her
nieces were conducted down to the _bateaux_, which lay at the wharf,
with the troops already on board of them. The Governor and his
aides-de-camp, besides many other influential people of Quebec, escorted
them down, and as soon as they had paid their adieux, the word was
given, the soldiers in the _bateaux_ gave three cheers, and away they
went from the wharf into the stream. For a short time there was waving
of handkerchiefs and other tokens of good-will on the part of those who
were on the wharf; but that was soon left behind them, and the family
found themselves separated from their acquaintances and silently
listening to the measured sound of the oars, as they dropped into the
water.
And it is not to be wondered at that they were silent, for all were
occupied with their own thoughts. They called to mind the beautiful
park at Wexton, which they had quitted, after having resided there so
long and so happily; the hall, with all its splendour and all its
comfort, rose up in their remembrance; each room with its furniture,
each window with its view, was recalled to their memories; they had
crossed the Atlantic, and were now about to leave civilisation and
comfort behind them--to isolate themselves in the Canadian woods--to
trust to their own resources, their own society, and their own
exertions. It was, indeed, the commencement of a new life, and for
which they felt themselves little adapted, after the luxuries they had
enjoyed in their former condition; but if their thoughts and
reminiscences made them grave and silent, they did not make them
despairing or repining; they trusted to that Power who alone could
protect--who gives and who takes away, and doeth with us as He judges
best; and if hope was not buoyant in all of them, still there was
confidence, resolution, and resignation. Gradually they were roused
from their reveries by the beauty of the scenery and the novelty of what
met their sight; the songs, also, of the Canadian boatmen were musical
and cheering, and by degrees, they had all recovered their usual good
spirits.
Alfred was the first to shake off his melancholy feelings and to attempt
to remove them from others; nor was he unsuccessful. The officer who
commanded the detachment of troops, and who was in the same _bateaux_
with the family, had respected their silence upon their departure from
the wharf--perhaps he felt as much as they did. His name was Sinclair,
and his rank that of senior captain in the regiment--a handsome, florid
young man, tall and well made, very gentleman-like, and very gentle in
his manners.
"How very beautiful the foliage is on that point, mother," said Alfred,
first breaking the silence, "what a contrast between the leaves of the
sycamore, so transparent and yellow, with the sun behind them, and the
new shoots of the spruce fir."
"It is indeed very lovely," replied Mrs Campbell; "and the branches of
the trees, feathering down as they do to the surface of the water--"
"Like good Samaritans," said Emma, "extending their arms, that any
unfortunate drowning person who was swept away by the stream might save
himself by their assistance."
"I had no idea that trees had so much charity or reflection, Emma,"
rejoined Alfred.
"I cannot answer for their charity, but, by the side of this clear
water, you must allow them reflection, cousin," replied Emma.
"I presume you will add vanity to their attributes?" answered Alfred;
"for they certainly appear to be hanging over the stream that they may
look and admire themselves in the glassy mirror."
"Pretty well that for a midshipman; I was not aware that they use such
choice language in a cockpit," retorted the young lady.
"Perhaps not, cousin," answered Alfred; "but when sailors are in the
company of ladies, they become refined, from the association."
"Well, I must admit, Alfred, that you are a great deal more polished
after you have been a month on shore."
"Thank you, cousin Emma, even for that slight admission," replied Alfred
laughing.
"But what is that," said Mary Percival, "at the point, is it a village--
one, two, three houses--just opening upon us?"
"That is a raft, Miss Percival, which is coming down the river," replied
Captain Sinclair. "You will see when we are nearer to it, that perhaps
it covers two acres of water, and there are three tiers of timber on it.
These rafts are worth many thousand pounds. They are first framed with
logs, fastened by wooden tree-nails, and the timber placed within the
frame. There are, perhaps, from forty to a hundred people on this raft
to guide it down the stream, and the houses you see are built on it for
the accommodation of these people. I have seen as many as fifteen
houses upon a raft, which will sometimes contain the cargoes of thirty
or forty large ships."
"It is very wonderful how they guide and direct it down the stream,"
said Mr Campbell.
"It is very dexterous; and it seems strange that such an enormous mass
can be so guided, but it is done, as you will perceive; there are three
or four rudders made of long sweeps, and as you may observe, several
sweeps on each side."
All the party were now standing up in the stern-sheets of the _bateaux_
to look at the people on the raft, who amounted to about fifty or sixty
men--now running over the top to one side, and dragging at the sweeps,
which required the joint power of seven or eight men to each of them--
now passing again over to the opposite sweeps, as directed by the
steersman.
The _bateaux_ kept well in to the shore, out of the way, and the raft
passed them very quickly. As soon as it was clear of the point, as
their course to Quebec was now straight, and there was a slight breeze
down the river, the people on board of the raft hoisted ten or fifteen
sails upon different masts, to assist them in their descent; and this
again excited the admiration of the party.
The conversation now became general, until the _bateaux_ were made fast
to the shores of the river, while the men took their dinners, which had
been prepared for them before they left Quebec. After a repose of two
hours, they again started, and at nightfall arrived at Saint Anne's,
where they found everything ready for their reception. Although their
beds were composed of the leaves of the maize or Indian corn, they were
so tired that they found them very comfortable, and at daylight arose
quite refreshed, and anxious to continue their route. Martin Super,
who, with the two youngest boys, had been placed in a separate boat, had
been very attentive to the comforts of the ladies after the debarkation;
and it appeared that he had quite won the hearts of the two boys by his
amusing anecdotes during the day.
Soon after their embarkation, the name of Pontiac being again mentioned
by Captain Sinclair, Mrs Campbell observed--
"Our man Super mentioned that name before. I confess that I do not know
anything of Canadian affairs; I know only that Pontiac was an Indian
chief. Can you, Captain Sinclair, give us any information relative to a
person who appears so well known in the province?"
"I shall be happy, Mrs Campbell, as far as I am able, to satisfy you.
On one point, I can certainly speak with confidence, as my uncle was one
of the detachment in the fort of Detroit at the time that it was so
nearly surprised, and he has often told the history of the affair in my
presence. Pontiac was chief of all the Lake tribes of Indians. I will
not repeat the names of the different tribes, but his own particular
tribe was that of the Ottawas. He ruled at the time that the Canadas
were surrendered to us by the French. At first, although very proud and
haughty, and claiming the sovereignty of the country, he was very civil
to the English, or, at least, appeared so to be; for the French had
given us so bad a reputation with all the northern tribes, that they had
hitherto shown nothing but the most determined hostility, and appeared
to hate our very name. They are now inclined to quiet, and it is to be
hoped their fear of us, after the several conflicts between us, will
induce them to remain so. You are, perhaps, aware that the French had
built many forts at the most commanding spots in the interior and on the
lakes, all of which, when they gave up the country, were garrisoned by
our troops, to keep the Indians under control.
"All these forts are isolated, and communication between them is rare.
It was in 1763 that Pontiac first showed his hostility against us, and
his determination, if possible, to drive us from the lakes. He was as
cunning as he was brave; and, as an Indian, showed more generalship than
might be expected--that is, according to their system of war, which is
always based upon stratagem. His plan of operation was, to surprise all
our forts at the same time, if he possibly could; and so excellent were
his arrangements, that it was only fifteen days after the plan was first
laid, that he succeeded in gaining possession of all but three; that is,
he surprised ten out of thirteen forts. Of course, the attacks were
made by other chiefs, under his directions, as Pontiac could not be at
all the simultaneous assaults."
"Did he murder the garrisons, Captain Sinclair?" said Alfred.
"The major portion of them: some were spared, and afterwards ransomed at
high prices. I ought to have mentioned, as a singular instance of the
advance of this chief in comparison with the other Indians, that at this
time he issued bills of credit on slips of bark, signed with his totem,
the otter; and that these bills, unlike many of more civilised society,
were all taken up and paid."
"That is very remarkable in a savage," observed Mrs Campbell; "but how
did Pontiac contrive to surprise all the forts?"
"Almost the whole of them were taken by a singular stratagem. The
Indians are very partial to, and exceedingly dexterous at, a game called
the `Baggatiway': it is played with a ball and a long-handled sort of
racket. They divide into two parties, and the object of each party is
to drive the hall to their own goal. It is something like hurly in
England, or golf in Scotland. Many hundreds are sometimes engaged on
both sides; and the Europeans are so fond of seeing the activity and
dexterity shown by the Indians at this game, that it was very common to
request them to play it, when they happened to be near the forts. Upon
this, Pontiac arranged his plan, which was that his Indians should
commence the game of ball under the forts, and after playing a short
time, strike the ball into the fort: of course, some of them would go in
for it; and having done this two or three times, and recommenced the
play to avoid suspicion, they were to strike it over again, and follow
it up by a rush after it through the gates; and then, when they were all
in, they would draw their concealed weapons, and overpower the
unsuspicious garrison."
"It was, certainly, a very ingenious stratagem," observed Mrs Campbell.
"And it succeeded, as I have observed, except on three forts. The one
which Pontiac directed the attack upon himself, and which was that which
he was most anxious to obtain, was Detroit, in which, as I have before
observed, my uncle was garrisoned; but there he failed, and by a
singular circumstance."
"Pray tell us how, Captain Sinclair," said Emma; "you don't know how
much you have interested me."
"And me, too, Captain Sinclair," continued Mary.
"I am very happy that I have been able to wear away any portion of your
tedious journey, Miss Percival, so I shall proceed with my history.
"The fort of Detroit was garrisoned by about three hundred men, when
Pontiac arrived there with a large force of Indians, and encamped under
the walls; but he had his warriors so mixed up with the women and
children, and brought so many articles for trade, that no suspicion was
created. The garrison had not heard of the capture of the other forts
which had already taken place. At the same time the unusual number of
the Indians was pointed out to Major Gladwin, who commanded the fort,
but he had no suspicions. Pontiac sent word to the major, that he
wished to `have a talk' with him, in order to cement more fully the
friendship between the Indians and the English; and to this Major
Gladwin consented, appointing the next day to receive Pontiac and his
chiefs in the fort.
"Now it so happened, that Major Gladwin had employed an Indian woman to
make him a pair of mocassins out of a very curiously marked elk-skin.
The Indian woman brought him the mocassins with the remainder of the
skin. The major was so pleased with them, that he ordered her to make
him a second pair of mocassins out of the skin, and then told her that
she might keep the remainder for herself. The woman having received the
order, quitted the major; but instead of leaving the fort, remained
loitering about till she was observed, and they inquired why she did not
go. She replied, that she wanted to return the rest of the skin, as he
set so great a value on it; and as this appeared strange conduct, she
was questioned, and then she said, that if she took away the skin then,
she never would be able to return it.
"Major Gladwin sent for the woman, upon hearing of the expressions which
she had used, and it was evident that she wanted to communicate
something, but was afraid; but on being pressed hard and encouraged, and
assured of protection, she then informed Major Gladwin, that Pontiac and
his chiefs were to come into the fort to-morrow, under the plea of
holding a talk; but that they had cut the barrels of their rifles short,
to conceal them under their blankets, and that it was their intention,
at a signal given by Pontiac, to murder Major Gladwin and all his
officers who were at the council; while the other warriors, who would
also come into the fort with concealed arms, under pretence of trading,
would attack the garrison outside.
"Having obtained this information, Major Gladwin did all he could to put
the fort into a state of defence, and took every necessary precaution.
He made known to the officers and men what the intentions of the Indians
were, and instructed the officers how to act at the council, and the
garrison how to meet the pretended traders outside.
"About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his thirty-six chiefs, with a train of
warriors, came into the fort to their pretended council, and were
received with great politeness. Pontiac made his speech, and when he
came forward to present the wampum belt, the receipt of which by the
major was, as the Indian woman had informed them, to be the signal for
the chiefs and warriors to commence the assault, the major and his
officers drew their swords half out of their scabbards, and the troops,
with their muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, appeared outside and in
the council-room, all ready to present. Pontiac, brave as he really
was, turned pale: he perceived that he was discovered, and consequently,
to avoid any open detection, he finished his speech with many
professions of regard for the English. Major Gladwin then rose to reply
to him, and immediately informed him that he was aware of his plot and
his murderous intentions. Pontiac denied it; but Major Gladwin stepped
to the chief, and drawing aside his blanket, exposed his rifle cut
short, which left Pontiac and his chiefs without a word to say in reply.
Major Gladwin then desired Pontiac to quit the fort immediately, as
otherwise he should not be able to restrain the indignation of the
soldiers, who would immolate him and all his followers who were outside
the fort. Pontiac and his chiefs did not wait for a second intimation,
but made all the haste they could to get outside of the gates."
"Was it prudent in Major Gladwin to allow Pontiac and his chiefs to
leave, after they had come into the fort with an intent to murder him
and his men?" said Henry Campbell. "Would not the major have been
justified in detaining them?"
"I certainly think he would have been, and so did my uncle, but Major
Gladwin thought otherwise. He said that he had promised safe conduct
and protection to and from the fort before he was aware of the
conspiracy; and, having made a promise, his honour would not allow him
to depart from it."
"At all events, the major, if he erred, erred on the right side,"
observed Alfred. "I think myself that he was too scrupulous, and that I
in his place should have detained some of them, if not Pontiac himself,
as a hostage for the good behaviour of the rest of the tribes."
"The result proved that if Major Gladwin had done so, he would have done
wisely; for the next day Pontiac, not at all disarmed by Major Gladwin's
clemency, made a furious attack upon the fort. Every stratagem was
resorted to, but the attack failed. Pontiac then invested it, cut off
all their supplies, and the garrison was reduced to great distress. But
I must break off now, for here we are at Trois Rivieres, where we shall
remain for the night. I hope you will not find your accommodation very
uncomfortable, Mrs Campbell: I fear as we advance you will have to put
up with worse."
"And we are fully prepared for it, Captain Sinclair," replied Mr
Campbell; "but my wife and my nieces have too much good sense to expect
London hotels in the wilds of Canada."
The _bateaux_ were now on shore, and the party landed to pass the night
at the small stockaded village of Trois Rivieres.
CHAPTER EIGHT.
THE ASCENT OF THE RIVER.
Captain Sinclair having stated that they would have a longer journey on
the following day, and that it would be advisable to start as soon as
possible, they rose at daylight, and in half an hour had breakfasted and
were again in the boats. Soon after they had pushed into the stream and
hoisted the sails, for the wind was fair, Mr Campbell inquired how far
they had to go on that day?
"About fifty miles if we possibly can," replied Captain Sinclair. "We
have made seventy-two miles in the first two days; but from here to
Montreal, it is about ninety, and we are anxious to get the best part
over to-day, so that we may land on a cleared spot which we know of, and
that I feel quite sure in; for, I regret to say, you must trust to your
tents and your own bedding for this night, as there is no habitation
large enough to receive us on the river's side, anywhere near where we
wish to arrive."
"Never mind, Captain Sinclair, we shall sleep very well, I dare say,"
replied Mrs Campbell; "but where do all the rest of the party sleep?--
there is only one tent."
"Oh! never mind the rest of the party; we are used to it, and your
gentlemen won't mind it; some will sleep in the _bateaux_, some at the
fire, some will watch and not sleep at all."
After some further conversation, Mary Percival observed to Captain
Sinclair: "You had not, I believe, Captain Sinclair, quite finished your
account of Pontiac where you left off yesterday, at the time when he was
blockading the Fort of Detroit. Will you oblige us by stating what
afterwards took place?"
"With great pleasure, Miss Percival. There was great difficulty in
relieving the fort, as all communication had been cut off; at last the
governor sent his aide-de-camp, Captain Dalyell, who contrived to throw
himself in the fort with about two hundred and fifty men. He shortly
afterwards sallied out to attack the intrenchments of the Indians, but
Pontiac having received intelligence of his intention, laid an ambuscade
for him, beat back the troops with great loss, and poor Dalyell fell in
the combat that took place near a bridge which still goes by the name of
Bloody Bridge. Pontiac cut off the head of Captain Dalyell, and set it
upon a post."
"So much for Major Gladwin's extreme sense of honour," exclaimed Alfred;
"had he detained Pontiac as a prisoner, nothing of this would have
happened."
"I agree with you, Mr Alfred," replied Captain Sinclair? "it was
letting loose a wolf; but Major Gladwin thought he was doing what was
right, and therefore cannot be well blamed. After this defeat, the
investment was more strict than ever, and the garrison suffered
dreadfully. Several vessels which were sent out to supply the garrison
fell into the hands of Pontiac, who treated the men very cruelly. What
with the loss of men and constant watching, as well as the want of
provisions, the garrison was reduced to the greatest privations. At
last a schooner came off with supplies, which Pontiac, as usual,
attacked with his warriors in their canoes. The schooner was obliged to
stand out again; but the Indians followed, and by their incessant fire,
killed or wounded almost every man on board of her, and at length
boarded and took possession. As they were climbing up the shrouds and
over the gunnel of the vessel, the captain of the vessel, who was a most
determined man, and resolved not to fall into the hands of the Indians,
called out to the gunner to set fire to the magazine, and blow them all
up together. This order was heard by one of Pontiac's chiefs acquainted
with English; he cried out to the other Indians, and sprang away from
the vessel; the other Indians followed him, and hurried away in their
canoes, or by swimming as fast as they could from the vessel. The
captain took advantage of the wind and arrived safe at the fort; and
thus was the garrison relieved and those in the fort saved from
destruction by the courage of this one man."
"You say that Pontiac is now dead, at least Martin Super told us so.
How did he die, Captain Sinclair?" inquired Mrs Campbell.
"He was killed by an Indian, but it is difficult to say why. For many
years he had made friends with us and had received a liberal pension
from the government; but it appears that his hatred against the English
had again broken out, and in a council held by the Indians, he proposed
assailing us anew. After he had spoken, an Indian buried his knife in
his heart, but whether to gratify a private animosity or to avoid a
further warfare with those who had always thinned their tribes, it is
difficult to ascertain. One thing is certain, that most of the Indian
animosity against the English is buried with him."
"Thank you, Captain Sinclair," said Mary Percival, "for taking so much
trouble. I think Pontiac's history is a very interesting one."
"There was much to admire and much to deplore in his character, and we
must not judge the Indian too harshly. He was formed for command, and
possessed great courage and skill in all his arrangements, independent
of his having the tact to keep all the Lake tribes of Indians
combined,--no very easy task. That he should have endeavoured to drive
us away from those lands of which he considered himself (and very
correctly, too) as the sovereign, is not to be wondered at, especially
as our encroachments daily increased. The great fault of his character,
in our eyes, was his treachery; but we must remember that the whole art
of Indian warfare is based upon stratagem."
"But his attacking the fort after he had been so generously dismissed
when his intentions were known, was surely very base," remarked Mrs
Campbell.
"What we consider a generous dismissal, he probably mistook for folly
and weakness. The Indians have no idea of generosity in warfare. Had
Pontiac been shot, he would have died bravely, and he had no idea that,
because Major Gladwin did not think proper to take his life, he was
therefore bound to let us remain in possession of his lands. But
whatever treachery the Indians consider allowable and proper in warfare,
it is not a portion of the Indian's character; for at any other time his
hospitality and good faith are not to be doubted, if he pledges himself
for your safety. It is a pity that they are not Christians. Surely it
would make a great improvement in a character which, even in its
unenlightened state, has in it much to be admired.
"When the form of worship and creed is simple, it is difficult to make
converts, and the Indian is a clear reasoner. I once had a conversation
with one of the chiefs on the subject. After we had conversed some
time, he said, `You believe in one God--so do we; you call him one
name--we call him another; we don't speak the same language, that is the
reason. You say, suppose you do good, you go to land of Good Spirits--
we say so too. Then Indians and Yangees (that is, English) both try to
gain same object, only try in not the some way. Now I think that it
much better that, as we all go along together, that every man paddle his
own canoe. That my thought.'"
"It is, as you say, Captain Sinclair, difficult to argue with men who
look so straightforward and are so practical in their ideas.
Nevertheless," said Mrs Campbell, "a false creed must often lead to
false conduct; and whatever is estimable in the Indian character would
be strengthened and improved by the infusion of Christian principles and
Christian hopes--so that I must still consider it very desirable that
the Indians should become Christians,--and I trust that by judicious and
discreet measures such a result may gradually be brought about."
It was two hours before sunset when they arrived at the spot at which
they intended to pass the night: they landed, and some of the soldiers
were employed in setting up the tent on a dry hillock, while others
collected logs of wood for the fire. Martin Super brought on shore the
bedding, and assisted by Alfred and Henry, placed it in the tent.
Captain Sinclair's canteen provided sufficient articles to enable them
to make tea, and in less than half an hour the kettle was on the fire.
As soon as they had partaken of these refreshments and the contents of a
basket of provisions procured at Trois Rivieres, the ladies retired for
the night. Captain Sinclair stationed sentinels at different posts as a
security from any intruders, and then the remainder of the troops with
the other males composing the party lay down with their feet towards a
large fire, composed of two or three trunks of trees, which blazed for
many yards in height. In a short time all was quiet, and all were in
repose except the sentinels, the sergeant and corporal, and Captain
Sinclair, who relieved each other.
The night passed without any disturbance, and the next morning they
re-embarked and pursued their course. Before sunset, they arrived at
the town of Montreal, where it had been arranged that they should wait a
day. Mr Campbell had a few purchases to make here, which he completed.
It had been his intention, also, to procure two of the small Canadian
horses, but by the advice of Captain Sinclair he abandoned the idea.
Captain Sinclair pointed out to him, that having no forage or means of
subsistence for the animals, they would be a great expense to him during
the first year without being of much use; and further, that in all
probability, when the garrison was relieved at Fort Frontignac in the
following year, the officers would be too glad to part with their horses
at a lower price than what they could be purchased for at Montreal.
Having a letter of introduction to the Governor, they received every
attention. The society was almost wholly French; and many of the
inhabitants called out of politeness, or to satisfy their curiosity.
The French ladies shrugged up their shoulders, and exclaimed, "Est-il
possible?" when they heard that the Campbells were about to proceed to
such a distant spot and settle upon it. The French gentlemen told the
Miss Campbells that it was a great sacrifice to bury so much beauty in
the wilderness; but what they said had little effect upon any of the
party. Captain Sinclair offered to remain another day if Mr Campbell
wished it; but, on the contrary, he was anxious to arrive as soon as
possible at his destination; and the following morning they again
embarked, having now about three hundred and sixty miles to ascend
against the current and occasional rapids. It would take too much space
if I were to narrate all that took place during their difficult ascent;
how they were sometimes obliged to land and carry the cargoes of the
boats; how one or two _bateaux_ were upset and some of their stores
lost; and how their privations increased on each following day of the
journey. I have too much to relate to enter into this portion of the
narrative, although there might be much interest in the detail; it will
be sufficient to say that, after sixteen days of some peril and much
fatigue, and of considerable suffering, from the clouds of mosquitoes
which assailed them during the night, they were landed safely at Fort
Frontignac, and treated with every attention by the commandant, who had
received letters from the Governor of Quebec, desiring him to do all
that he possibly could to serve them. The commandant, Colonel Forster,
had shewn Mr Campbell and his party the rooms which had been provided
for them, and now, for the first time after many days, they found
themselves all together and alone.
After a short conversation, in which they canvassed and commented upon
the kindness which they had received, and the difficulties which they
had, in consequence, surmounted, during their long and tedious journey
from Quebec, Mr Campbell observed:--
"My dear wife and children, we have thus far proceeded without serious
casualty: it has pleased the Almighty to conduct us safely over a
boisterous sea, to keep our spirits up by providing us with unexpected
friends and support, and we have now arrived within a few miles of our
destination. But let us not suppose that our perils and difficulties
are terminated; on the contrary, without wishing to dishearten you, I
feel that they are about to commence. We have much privation, much
fatigue, and, perhaps, much danger to encounter, before we can expect to
be in comfort or in security; but we must put our trust in that gracious
Providence which has hitherto so mercifully preserved us, and at the
same time not relax in our own energy and industry, which must ever
accompany our faith in the Divine aid. It is long since we have had an
opportunity of being gathered together and alone. Let us seize this
opportunity of pouring out our thanks to God for His mercies already
vouchsafed, and praying for a continuance of His protection. Even in
the wilderness, let us walk with Him, trust in Him, and ever keep Him in
our thoughts. We must bear in mind that this entire life is but a
pilgrimage; that if, during its course, we should meet with affliction
or distress, it is His appointment, and designed undoubtedly for our
good. It is our wisdom, as well as our duty, to submit patiently to
whatever may befall us, never losing our courage or becoming
disheartened by suffering, but trusting to the mercy and power of Him
who can and will, at his own good time, deliver us from evil."
Mr Campbell knelt down, surrounded by his family, and, in a fervent and
feeling address, poured forth his thanksgiving for past mercies, and
humble solicitation for further assistance. So powerful and so eloquent
were his words, that the tears coursed down the cheeks of his wife and
nieces; and when he had finished, all their hearts were so full, that
they retired to their beds without further exchange of words than
receiving his blessing, and wishing each other good night.
CHAPTER NINE.
AT THE SETTLEMENT.
The party were so refreshed by once more sleeping upon good beds, that
they were up and dressed very early, and shortly after seven o'clock
were all collected upon the rampart of the fort, surveying the land
which was indeed very picturesque and beautiful. Before them, to their
left, the lake was spread, an inland sea, lost in the horizon, now quite
calm, and near to the shores studded with small islands covered with
verdant foliage, and appearing as if they floated upon the transparent
water. To the westward, and in front of them, were the clearings
belonging to the fort, backed with the distant woods: a herd of cattle
were grazing on a portion of the cleared land; the other was divided off
by a snake-fence, as it is termed, and was under cultivation. Here and
there a log building was raised as a shelter for the animals during the
winter, and at half a mile's distance was a small fort, surrounded by
high palisades, intended as a place of retreat and security for those
who might be in charge of the cattle in case of danger or surprise.
Close to the fort, a rapid stream, now from the freshets overflowing its
banks, poured down its waters into the lake, running its course through
a variety of shrubs and larches and occasional elms which lined its
banks. The sun shone bright--the woodpeckers flew from tree to tree, or
clung to the rails of the fences--the belted kingfisher darted up and
down over the running stream--and the chirping and wild notes of various
birds were heard on every side of them.
"This is very beautiful, is it not?" said Mrs Campbell; "surely it
cannot be so great a hardship to live in a spot like this?"
"Not if it were always so, perhaps, Madam," said Colonel Forster, who
had joined the party as Mrs Campbell made the observation. "But Canada
in the month of June is very different from Canada in January. That we
find our life monotonous in this fort, separated as we are from the rest
of the world, I admit, and the winters are so long and severe as to tire
out our patience; but soldiers must do their duty whether burning under
the tropics, or freezing in the wilds of Canada. It cannot be a very
agreeable life, when even the report of danger near to us becomes a
pleasurable feeling from the excitement it causes for the moment.
"I have been talking, Mr Campbell, with Captain Sinclair, and find you
have much to do before the short summer is over, to be ready to meet the
coming winter; more than you can well do with your limited means. I am
happy that my instructions from the Governor will permit me to be of
service to you. I propose that the ladies shall remain here, while you,
with such assistance as I can give, proceed to your allotment, and
prepare for their reception."
"A thousand thanks for your kind offer, Colonel--but no, no, we will all
go together," interrupted Mrs Campbell; "we can be useful, and we will
remain in the tents till the house is built. Do not say a word more,
Colonel Forster, that is decided; although I again return you many
thanks for your kind offer."
"If such is the case, I have only to observe that I shall send a fatigue
party of twelve men, which I can well spare for a few weeks, to assist
you in your labours," replied Colonel Forster. "Their remuneration will
not put you to a very great expense. Captain Sinclair has volunteered
to take charge of it."
"Many thanks, sir," replied Mr Campbell; "and as you observe that we
have no time to lose, with your permission we will start to-morrow
morning."
"I certainly shall not dissuade you," replied the commandant, "although
I did hope that I should have had the pleasure of your company a little
longer. You are aware that I have the Governor's directions to supply
you with cattle from our own stock, at a fair price. I hardly need say
that you may select as you please."
"And I," said Captain Sinclair, who had been in conversation with Mary
Percival, and who now addressed Mr Campbell, "have been making another
collection for you from my brother-officers, which you were not provided
with, and will find very useful--I may say absolutely necessary."
"What may that be, Captain Sinclair?" said Mr Campbell.
"A variety of dogs of every description. I have a pack of five; and
although not quite so handsome as your pet dogs in England, you will
find them well acquainted with the country, and do their duty well. I
have a pointer, a bull-dog, two terriers, and a fox-hound--all of them
of good courage, and ready to attack catamount, wolf, lynx, or even a
bear, if required."
"It is, indeed, a very valuable present," replied Mr Campbell, "and you
have our sincere thanks."
"The cows you had better select before you go, unless you prefer that I
should do it for you," observed Colonel Forster.
"They shall be driven over in a day or two, as I presume the ladies will
wish to have milk. By-the-bye, Mr Campbell, I must let you into a
secret. The wild onions which grow so plentifully in this country, and
which the cattle are very fond of, give a very unpleasant taste to the
milk. You may remove it by heating the milk as soon as it has been
drawn from the cows."
"Many thanks, Colonel, for your information," replied Mr Campbell, "for
I certainly have no great partiality to the flavour of onions in milk."
A summons to breakfast broke up the conversation. During the day, Henry
and Alfred, assisted by Captain Sinclair and Martin Super, were very
busy in loading the two _bateaux_ with the stores, tents, and various
trunks of linen and other necessaries which they had brought with them.
Mr and Mrs Campbell, with the girls, were equally busy in selecting
and putting on one side articles for immediate use on their arrival at
the allotment. As they were very tired, they went to bed early, that
they might be ready for the next day's re-embarkation; and after
breakfast, having taken leave of the kind commandant and the other
officers, they went down to the shore of the lake, and embarked with
Captain Sinclair in the commandant's boat, which had been prepared for
them. Martin Super, Alfred, and Henry, with the five dogs, went on
board of the two _bateaux_, which were manned by the corporal and twelve
soldiers, lent by the commandant to Mr Campbell. The weather was
beautifully fine, and they set off in high spirts. The distance by
water was not more than three miles, although by land it was nearly
five, and in half-an-hour they entered the cove adjoining to which the
allotment lay.
"There is the spot, Mrs Campbell, which is to be your future
residence," said Captain Sinclair, pointing with his hand; "you observe
where that brook runs down into the lake, that is your eastern boundary;
the land on the other side is the property of the old hunter we have
spoken of. You see his little log-hut, not much bigger than an Indian
lodge, and the patch of Indian corn now sprung out of the ground which
is inclosed by the fence. This portion appears not to be of any use to
him, as he has no cattle of any kind, unless indeed they have gone into
the bush; but I think some of our men said that he lived entirely by the
chase, and that he has an Indian wife."
"Well," said Emma Percival, laughing, "female society is what we never
calculated upon. What is the man's name?"
"Malachi Bone," replied Captain Sinclair. "I presume you expect Mrs
Bone to call first?"
"She ought to do so, if she knows the _usage_ of society," replied Emma;
"but if she does not, I think I shall waive ceremony and go and see her.
I have great curiosity to make acquaintance with an Indian squaw."
"You may be surprised to hear me say so, Miss Emma, but I assure you,
without having ever seen her, that you will find her perfectly
well-bred. All the Indian women are; their characters are a compound of
simplicity and reserve. Keep the boat's head more to the right, Selby,
we will land close to that little knoll."
The commandant's boat had pulled much faster, and was a long way ahead
of the _bateaux_. In a few minutes afterwards they had all disembarked,
and were standing on the knoll, surveying their new property. A portion
of about thirty acres, running along the shore of the lake, was what is
termed natural prairie, or meadow of short fine grass; the land
immediately behind the meadow was covered with brushwood for about three
hundred yards, and then rose a dark and impervious front of high timber
which completely confined the landscape. The allotment belonging to the
old hunter, on the opposite side of the brook, contained about the same
portion of natural meadow, and was in other respects but a continuation
of the portion belonging to Mr Campbell.
"Well," said Martin Super, as soon as he had come up to the party on the
knoll, for the _bateaux_ had now arrived, "I reckon, Mr Campbell, that
you are in luck to have this piece of grass. It would have taken no few
blows of the axe to have cleared it away out of such a wood as that
behind us. Why, it is as good as a fortune to a new settler."
"I think it is, Martin," replied Mr Campbell.
"Well, sir, now to work as soon as you please, for a day is a day, and
must not be lost. I'll go to the wood with fire or six of the men who
can handle an axe, and begin to cut down, leaving you and the captain
there to decide where the house is to be; the other soldiers will be
putting up the tents all ready for to-night, for you must not expect a
house over your heads till next full moon."
In a quarter of an hour all were in motion. Henry and Alfred took their
axes, and followed Martin Super and half of the soldiers, the others
were busy landing the stores and pitching the tents, while Captain
Sinclair and Mr Campbell were surveying the ground, that they might
choose a spot for the erection of the house. Mrs Campbell remained
sitting on the knoll, watching the debarkation of the packages, and
Percival, by her directions, brought to her those articles which were
for immediate use. Mary and Emma Percival, accompanied by John, as they
had no task allotted to them, walked up by the side of the stream
towards the wood.
"I wish I had my box," said John, who had been watching the running
water.
"Why do you want your box, John?" said Mary.
"For my hooks in my box," replied John.
"Why, do you see any fish in this small stream?" said Emma.
"Yes," replied John, walking on before them.
Mary and Emma followed him, now and then stopping to pick a flower
unknown to them: when they overtook John, he was standing immovable,
pointing to a figure on the other side of the stream, as fixed and
motionless as himself.
The two girls started back as they beheld a tall, gaunt man, dressed in
deer-hides, who stood leaning upon a long gun with his eyes fixed upon
them. His face was bronzed and weather-beaten--indeed so dark that it
was difficult to say if he were of the Indian race or not.
"It must be the hunter, Emma," said Mary Percival; "he is not dressed
like the Indians we saw at Quebec."
"It must be," replied Emma; "won't he speak?"
"We will wait and see," replied Mary. They did wait for a minute or
more, but the man neither spoke nor shifted his position.
"I will speak to him, Mary," said Emma at last. "My good man, you are
Malachi Bone, are you not?"
"That's my name," replied the hunter in a deep voice; "and who on earth
are you, and what are you doing here? Is it a frolic from the fort, or
what is it, that causes all this disturbance?"
"Disturbance!--why we don't make a great deal of noise, no, it's no
frolic; we are come to settle here, and shall be your neighbours."
"To settle here!--why, what on earth do you mean, young woman? Settle
here!--not you, surely."
"Yes, indeed, we are. Don't you know Martin Super, the trapper? He is
with us, and now at work in the woods getting ready for raising the
house, as you call it.--Do you know, Mary," said Emma in a low tone to
her sister, "I'm almost afraid of that man, although I do speak so
boldly."
"Martin Super--yes, I know him," replied the hunter, who without any
more ceremony threw his gun into the hollow of his arm, turned round,
and walked away in the direction of his own hut.
"Well, Mary," observed Emma, after a pause of a few seconds, during
which they watched the receding form of the hunter, "the old gentleman
is not over-polite. Suppose we go back and narrate our first
adventure?"
"Let us walk up to where Alfred and Martin Super are at work, and tell
them," replied Mary.
They soon gained the spot where the men were felling the trees, and made
known to Alfred and Martin what had taken place.
"He is angered, miss," observed Martin; "I guessed as much; well, if he
don't like it he must squat elsewhere."
"How do you mean squat elsewhere?"
"I mean, miss, that if he don't like company so near him, he must shift
and build his wigwam further off."
"But, why should he not like company? I should have imagined that it
would be agreeable rather than otherwise," replied Mary Percival.
"You may think so, miss, but Malachi Bone thinks other, wise; and it's
very natural; a man who has lived all his life in the woods, all alone,
his eye never resting, his ear ever watching; catching at every sound,
even to the breaking of a twig or the falling of a leaf; sleeping with
his finger on his trigger and one eye half open, gets used to no company
but his own, and can't abide it. I recollect the time when I could not.
Why, miss, when a man hasn't spoken a word perhaps for months, talking
is a fatigue, and, when he hasn't heard a word spoken for months,
listening is as bad. It's all custom, miss, and Malachi, as I guessed,
don't like it, and so he's _rily_ and angered. I will go see him after
the work is over."
"But he has his wife, Martin, has he not?"
"Yes; but she's an Indian wife, Master Alfred, and Indian wives don't
speak unless they're spoken to."
"What a recommendation," said Alfred, laughing; "I really think I shall
look after an Indian wife, Emma."
"I think you had better," replied Emma. "You'd be certain of a quiet
house,--when _you_ were out of it,--and when at home, you would have all
the talk to yourself, which is just what you like. Come, Mary, let us
leave him to dream of his squaw."
The men selected by the commandant of the fort were well used to handle
the axe; before dusk, many trees had been felled, and were ready for
sawing into lengths. The tents had all been pitched: those for the
Campbells on the knoll we have spoken of; Captain Sinclair's and that
for the soldiers about a hundred yards distant; the fires were lighted,
and as the dinner had been cold, a hot supper was prepared by Martin and
Mrs Campbell, assisted by the girls and the younger boys. After supper
they all retired to an early bed; Captain Sinclair having put a man as
sentry, and the dogs having been tied at different places, that they
might give the alarm if there was any danger; which, however, was not
anticipated, as the Indians had for some time been very quiet in the
neighbourhood of Fort Frontignac.
CHAPTER TEN.
MALACHI AND JOHN.
The next morning, when they assembled at breakfast, after Mr Campbell
had read the prayers, Mary Percival said, "Did you hear that strange and
loud noise last night? I was very much startled with it; but, as nobody
said a word, I held my tongue."
"Nobody said a word, because everybody was fast asleep, I presume," said
Alfred; "I heard nothing."
"It was like the sound of cart-wheels at a distance, with whistling and
hissing," said Mary.
"I think I can explain it to you, as I was up during the night, Miss
Percival," said Captain Sinclair. "It is a noise you must expect every
night during the summer season; but one to which you will soon be
accustomed."
"Why, what was it?"
"Frogs,--nothing more; except, indeed, the hissing, which, I believe, is
made by the lizards. They will serenade you every night. I only hope
you will not be disturbed by anything more dangerous."
"Is it possible that such small creatures can make such a din?"
"Yes, when thousands join in the concert; I may say millions."
"Well, I thank you for the explanation, Captain Sinclair, as it has been
some relief to my mind."
After breakfast, Martin (we shall for the future leave out his surname)
informed Mr Campbell that he had seen Malachi Bone, the hunter, who had
expressed great dissatisfaction at their arrival, and his determination
to quit the place if they remained.
"Surely, he hardly expects us to quit the place to please him?"
"No," replied Martin; "but if he were cankered in disposition, which I
will say Malachi is not, he might make it very unpleasant for you to
remain, by bringing the Indians about you."
"Surely, he would not do that?" said Mrs Campbell.
"No, I don't think he would," replied Martin; "because, you see, it's
just as easy for him to go further off."
"But why should we drive him away from his property any more than we
leave our own?" observed Mrs Campbell.
"He says he won't be crowded, ma'am; he can't bear to be crowded."
"Why, there's a river between us."
"So there is, ma'am, but still that's his feeling. I said to him that
if he would go, I daresay Mr Campbell would buy his allotment of him,
and he seems quite willing to part with it."
"It would be a great addition to your property, Mr Campbell," observed
Captain Sinclair. "In the first place, you would have the whole of the
prairie and the right of the river on both sides, apparently of no
consequence now, but as the country fills up, most valuable."
"Well," replied Mr Campbell, "as I presume we shall remain here, or, at
all events, those who survive me will, till the country fills up, I
shall be most happy to make any arrangement with Bone for the purchase
of his property."
"I'll have some more talk with him, sir," replied Martin.
The second day was passed as was the first, in making preparations for
erecting the house, which, now that they had obtained such unexpected
help, was, by the advice of Captain Sinclair, considerably enlarged
beyond the size originally intended. As Mr Campbell paid the soldiers
employed a certain sum per day for their labour, he had less scruple in
employing them longer. Two of them were good carpenters, and a sawpit
had been dug, that they might prepare the doors and the frames for the
window-sashes which Mr Campbell had taken the precaution to bring with
him. On the third day a boat arrived from the fort bringing the men's
rations and a present of two fine bucks from the commandant. Captain
Sinclair went in the boat to procure some articles which he required,
and returned in the evening. The weather continued fine, and in the
course of a week a great deal of timber was cut and squared. During
this time Martin had several meetings with the old hunter, and it was
agreed that he should sell his property to Mr Campbell. Money he
appeared to care little about--indeed it was useless to him; gunpowder,
lead, flints, blankets, and tobacco, were the principal articles
requested in the barter; the amount, however, was not precisely settled.
An intimacy had been struck up between the old hunter and John; in what
manner it was difficult to imagine, as they both were very sparing of
their words; but this was certain, that John had contrived to get across
the stream somehow or another, and was now seldom at home to his meals.
Martin reported that he was in the lodge of the old hunter, and that he
could come to no harm; so Mrs Campbell was satisfied.
"But what does he do there, Martin?" said Mrs Campbell, as they were
clearing the table after supper.
"Just nothing but look at the squaw, or at Malachi cleaning his gun, or
anything else he may see. He never speaks, that I know of, and that's
why he suits old Malachi."
"He brought home a whole basket of trout this afternoon," observed Mary;
"so he is not quite idle."
"No, miss, he's fishing at daylight, and gives one-half to you and the
other to old Bone. He'll make a crack hunter one of these days, as old
Malachi says. He can draw the bead on the old man's rifle in good style
already, I can tell you."
"How do you mean, Martin," said Mrs Campbell.
"I mean that he can fire pretty true, ma'am, although it's a heavy gun
for him to lift; a smaller one would be better for him."
"But is he not too young to be trusted with a gun, uncle?" said Mary.
"No, miss," interrupted Martin, "you can't be too young here; the sooner
a boy is useful the better; and the boy with a gun is almost as good as
a man; for the gun kills equally well if pointed true. Master Percival
must have his gun as soon as I am at leisure to teach him."
"I wish you were at leisure now, Martin," cried Percival.
"You forget, aunt, that you promised to learn to load and fire a rifle
yourself," said Mary.
"No, I do not; and I intend to keep my word, as soon as there is time;
but John is so very young."
"Well, Mary, I suppose we must enlist too?" said Emma.
"Yes; we'll be the female rifle brigade," replied Mary, laughing.
"I really quite like the idea," continued Emma; "I will put up with no
impertinence, recollect, Alfred; excite my displeasure, and I shall take
down my rifle."
"I suspect you will do more execution with your eyes, Emma," replied
Alfred, laughing.
"Not upon a catamount, as Martin calls it. Pray, what is a catamount?"
"A painter, miss."
"Oh! now I know; a catamount is a painter, a painter is a leopard or a
panther.--As I live, uncle, here comes the old hunter, with John
trotting at his heels. I thought he would come at last. The visit is
to me, I'm sure, for when we first met he was dumb with astonishment."
"He well might be," observed Captain Sinclair; "he has not often met
with such objects as you and your sister in the woods."
"No," replied Emma; "an English squaw must be rather a rarity."
As she said this, old Malachi Bone came up, and seated himself, without
speaking, placing his rifle between his knees.
"Your servant, sir," said Mr Campbell; "I hope you are well."
"What on earth makes you come here?" said Bone, looking round him. "You
are not fit for the wilderness! Winter will arrive soon; and then you
go back, I reckon."
"No, we shall not," replied Alfred, "for we have nowhere to go back to;
besides, the people are too crowded where we came from, so we came here
for more room."
"I reckon you'll crowd me," replied the hunter, "so I'll go farther."
"Well, Malachi, the gentleman will pay you for your clearing."
"I told you so," said Martin.
"Yes, you did; but I'd rather not have seen him or his goods."
"By goods, I suppose you mean us about you?" said Emma.
"No, girl, I didn't mean you. I meant gunpowder and the like."
"I think, Emma, you are comprehended in the last word," said Alfred.
"That is more than you are, then, for he did not mention lead," retorted
Emma.
"Martin Super, you know I did specify lead on the paper," said Malachi
Bone.
"You did, and you shall have it," said Mr Campbell. "Say what your
terms are now, and I will close with you."
"Well, I'll leave that to Martin and you, stranger. I clear out
to-morrow."
"To-morrow; and where do you go to?"
Malachi Bone pointed to the westward.
"You'll not hear my rifle," said the old hunter, after a pause; "but I'm
thinking you'll never stay here. You don't know what an Ingen's life
is; it an't fit for the like of you. No, there's not one of you, 'cept
this boy," continued Malachi, putting his hand to John's head, "that's
fit for the woods. Let him come to me. I'll make a hunter of him;
won't I, Martin?"
"That you will, if they'll spare him to you."
"We cannot spare him altogether," replied Mr Campbell, "but he shall
visit you, if you wish it."
"Well, that's a promise; and I won't go so far as I thought I would. He
has a good eye; I'll come for him."
The old man then rose up and walked away, John following him, without
exchanging a word with any of the party.
"My dear Campbell," said his wife, "what do you intend to do about John?
You do not intend that the hunter should take him with him?"
"No, certainly not," replied Mr Campbell; "but I see no reason why he
should not be with him occasionally."
"It will be a very good thing for him to be so," said Martin. "If I may
advise, let the boy come and go. The old man has taken a fancy to him,
and will teach him his wood craft. It's as well to make a friend of
Malachi Bone."
"Why, what good can he do us," enquired Henry.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed, sir; and a friend in the
wilderness is not to be thrown away. Old Malachi is going further out,
and if danger occurs, we shall know it from him, for the sake of the
boy, and have his help too, if we need it."
"There is much good sense in Martin Super's remarks, Mr Campbell,"
observed Captain Sinclair. "You will then have Malachi Bone as an
advanced guard, and the fort to fall back upon, if necessary to
retreat."
"And, perhaps, the most useful education which he can receive to prepare
him for his future life will be from the old hunter."
"The only one which he will take to kindly, at all events," observed
Henry.
"Let him go, sir; let him go," said Martin.
"I will give no positive answer, Martin," replied Mr Campbell. "At all
events, I will permit him to visit the old man; there can be no
objection to that:--but it is bedtime."
CHAPTER ELEVEN.
VISIT TO MALACHI'S WIFE.
We must pass over six weeks, during which the labour was continued
without intermission, and the house was raised of logs, squared and well
fitted; the windows and doors were also put in, and the roof well
covered in with large squares of birch-bark, firmly fixed on the
rafters. The house consisted of one large room, as a dining-room, and
the kitchen, with a floor of well-beaten clay, a smaller room, as a
sitting-room, and three bed-rooms, all of which were floored; one of the
largest of them fitted all round with bed-places against the walls, in
the same way as on board of packets; this room was for the four boys,
and had two spare bed-places in it. The others, which were for the two
girls and Mr and Mrs Campbell, were much smaller. But before the
house was half built, a large outhouse adjoining to it had been raised
to hold the stores which Mr Campbell had brought with him, with a rough
granary made above the store-room. The interior of the house was not
yet fitted up, although the furniture had been put in, and the family
slept in it, rough as it was, in preference to the tents, as they were
very much annoyed with mosquitoes. The stores were now safe from the
weather, and they had a roof over their heads, which was the grand
object that was to be obtained. The carpenters were still very busy
fitting up the interior of the house, and the other men were splitting
rails for a snake-fence, and also selecting small timber for raising a
high palisade round the premises. Martin had not been idle. The site
of the house was just where the brushwood joined to the prairie, and
Martin had been clearing it away and stacking it, and also collecting
wood for winter fuel. It had been decided that four cows, which had
been driven round from the fort, should be housed during the winter in a
small building on the other side of the stream, which had belonged to
Malachi Bone, as it was surrounded with a high snake-fence, and
sufficiently large to hold them and even more. The commandant had very
kindly selected the most quiet cows to milk, and Mary and Emma Percival
had already entered upon their duties: the milk had been put into the
store-house until a dairy could be built up. A very neat bridge had
been thrown across the stream, and every morning the two girls,
generally attended by Henry, Alfred, or Captain Sinclair, crossed over,
and soon became expert in their new vocation as dairy-maids.
Altogether, things began to wear a promising appearance. Henry and Mr
Campbell had dug up as fast as Martin and Alfred cleared away the
brushwood, and the garden had already been cropped with such few
articles as could be put in at that season. The commandant had some
pigs ready for the settlers as soon as they were ready to receive them,
and had more than once come up in the boats to ascertain their progress,
and to offer any advice that he might consider useful.
We must not, however, forget Malachi Bone. The day after Bone had come
to Mr Campbell, Emma perceived him going away into the woods with his
rifle, followed by her cousin John; and being very curious to see his
Indian wife, she persuaded Alfred and Captain Sinclair to accompany her
and Mary to the other side of the stream. The great point was to know
where to cross it, but as John had found out the means of so doing, it
was to be presumed that there was a passage, and they set off to look
for it. They found that, about half a mile up the stream, which there
ran through the wood, a large tree had been blown down and laid across
it, and with the assistance of the young men, Mary and Emma passed it
without much difficulty; they then turned back by the side of the stream
until they approached the lodge of old Malachi. As they walked towards
it, they could not perceive any one stirring; but at last a dog of the
Indian breed began to bark; still nobody came out, and they arrived at
the door of the lodge where the dog stood; when, sitting on the floor,
they perceived the Indian girl whom they were in search of. She was
very busy sewing a pair of mocassins out of deer leather. She appeared
startled when she first saw Alfred; but when she perceived that the
young ladies were with him, her confidence returned. She slightly bowed
her head, and continued her work.
"How very young she is," said Emma; "why she cannot be more than
eighteen years old."
"I doubt if she is so much," replied Captain Sinclair.
"She has a very modest, unaffected look, has she not, Alfred?" said
Mary.
"Yes, I think there is something very prepossessing in her countenance."
"She is too young a wife for the old hunter, at all events," observed
Alfred.
"That is not unusual among the Indians," said Captain Sinclair; "a very
old chief will often have three or four young wives; they are to be
considered more in the light of his servants than anything else."
"But she must think us very rude to talk and stare at her in this
manner; I suppose she cannot speak English."
"I will speak to her in her own language, if she is a Chippeway or any
of the tribes about here, for they all have the same dialect," said
Captain Sinclair.
Captain Sinclair addressed her in the Indian language, and the Indian
girl replied in a very soft voice.
"She says her husband is gone to bring home venison."
"Tell her we are coming to live here, and will give her anything she
wants."
Captain Sinclair again addressed her, and received her answer.
"She says that you are beautiful flowers, but not the wild flowers of
the country, and that the cold winter will kill you."
"Tell her she will find us alive next summer," said Emma; "and, Captain
Sinclair, give her this brooch of mine, and tell her to wear it for my
sake."
Captain Sinclair gave the message and the ornament to the Indian girl,
who replied, as she looked up and smiled at Emma, "That she would never
forget the beautiful Lily who was so kind to the little
Strawberry-plant."
"Really her language is poetical and beautiful," observed Mary; "I have
nothing to give her--Oh! yes, I have; here is my ivory needle-case, with
some needles in it. Tell her it will be of use to her when she sews her
mocassins. Open it and shew her what is inside."
"She says she will be able to work faster and better, and wishes to look
at your foot, that she may be grateful; so put your foot out, Miss
Percival."
Mary did so; the Indian girl examined it, and smiled and nodded her
head.
"Oh, Captain Sinclair, tell her that the little boy who is gone with her
husband is our cousin."
Captain Sinclair reported her answer, which was, "He will be a great
hunter and bring home plenty of game by-and-bye."
"Well, now tell her that we shall always be happy to see her, and that
we are going home again! and ask her name, and tell her our own."
As Captain Sinclair interpreted, the Indian girl pronounced after him
the names of Mary and Emma very distinctly.
"She has your names you perceive; her own, translated into English, is
the Strawberry-plant."
They then nodded farewell to the young Indian, and returned home. On
the second evening after their visit, as they were at supper, the
conversation turned upon the hunter and his young Indian wife, when
John, who had, as usual, been silent, suddenly broke out with "Goes away
to-morrow!"
"They go away to-morrow, John; where do they go to?" said Mr Campbell.
"Woods," replied John.
John was correct in his statement. Early the next morning, Malachi
Bone, with his rifle on his shoulder and an axe in his hand, was seen
crossing the prairie belonging to Mr Campbell, followed by his wife,
who was bent double under her burden, which was composed of all the
property which the old hunter possessed, tied up in blankets. He had
left word the night before with Martin that he would come back in a few
days, as soon as he had squatted, to settle the bargain for his
allotment of land made over to Mr Campbell. This was just before they
had sat down to breakfast, and then they observed that John was missing.
"He was here just before prayers," said Mrs Campbell. "He must have
slipped away after the old hunter."
"No doubt of that, ma'am," said Martin. "He will go with him and find
out where he puts up his wigwam, and after that he will come back to
you; so there is no use sending after him; indeed, we don't know which
way to send."
Martin was right. Two days afterwards, John made his appearance again,
and remained very quietly at home during the whole week, catching fish
in the stream or practising with a bow and some arrows, which he had
obtained from Malachi Bone; but the boy appeared to be more taciturn and
more fond of being alone than ever he was before; still he was obedient
and kind towards his mother and cousins, and was fond of Percival's
company when he went to take trout from the stream.
It was of course after the departure of the old hunter, that his log-hut
was taken possession of, and the cows put into the meadow in front of
it.
As the work became more advanced, Martin went out every day, accompanied
either by Alfred or Henry, in pursuit of game. Mr Campbell had
procured an ample supply of ammunition, as well as the rifles, at
Quebec. These had been unpacked, and the young men were becoming daily
more expert. Up to the present, the supply of game from the fort, and
occasional fresh beef, had not rendered it necessary for Mr Campbell to
have much recourse to his barrels of salt-pork, but still it was
necessary that a supply should be procured as often as possible, that
they might husband their stores. Martin was a certain shot if within
distance, and they seldom returned without a deer slung between them.
The garden had been cleared away and the pigsties were finished, but
there was still the most arduous portion of the work to commence, which
was the felling of the trees to clear the land for the growing of corn.
In this they could expect no assistance from the garrison; indeed, from
the indulgence of the commandant, they had already obtained more than
they could have expected. It was in the last days of August, and the
men lent from the garrison were about to be recalled; the houses were
completed, the palisade had been raised round the house and store-house,
and the men were now required at the fort. Captain Sinclair received
several hints from the commandant that he must use all convenient
despatch, and limit his absence to a few days more, which he trusted
would be sufficient. Captain Sinclair, who would willingly have
remained in society which he so much valued, and who had now become
almost one of the family, found that he could make no more excuses. He
reported that he would be ready to return on the 1st of September, and
on the morning of that day the _bateaux_ arrived to take back the
soldiers, and bring the pigs and fowls which had been promised. Mr
Campbell settled his account with Captain Sinclair, by a draft upon his
banker at Quebec, for the pay of the soldiers, the cows, and the pigs.
The Captain then took leave of his friends with mutual regret, and many
kind adieux, and, accompanied by the whole of the family to the beach,
embarked with all his men and pulled away for the fort.
CHAPTER TWELVE.
JOHN'S EDUCATION.
The Campbells remained for some time on the shore of the lake watching
the receding _bateaux_ until they turned round the point and were hidden
from their sight, and then they walked back to the house. But few words
were exchanged as they returned, for they felt a sensation of loneliness
from having parted with so many of their own countrymen; not that they
were, with the exception of Captain Sinclair, companions, but that,
accustomed to the sight of the soldiers at their labour, the spot now
appeared depopulated by their departure. Martin, too, and John, were
both absent; the latter had been two days away, and Martin, who had not
yet found time to ascertain where old Malachi Bone had fixed his new
abode, had gone out in search of it, and to mention to him Mr
Campbell's wishes as to John's visits to him, which were becoming more
frequent and more lengthened than Mr Campbell wished them to be.
When they entered the house, they all sat down, and Mr Campbell then
first spoke.
"Well, my dearest wife, here we are at last, left to ourselves and to
our own resources. I am not at all doubtful of our doing well, if we
exert ourselves, as it is our duty to do. I grant that we may have
hardship to combat, difficulties to overcome, occasional
disappointments, and losses to bear up against; but let us recollect how
greatly we have, through Providence, been already assisted and
encouraged, how much help we have received, and how much kindness we
have experienced. Surely we ought to feel most grateful to Heaven for
blessings already vouchsafed to us, and ought to have a firm and lively
faith in Him who has hitherto so kindly watched over us. Let us not
then repine or feel dispirited, but with grateful hearts do our duty
cheerfully in that state of life to which it has pleased Him to call
us."
"I agree with you, my dear husband," replied Mrs Campbell; "nay, I can
say with sincerity, that I am not sorry we are now left to our own
exertions, and that we have an opportunity of proving that we _can_ do
without the assistance of others. Up to the present, our trial has been
nothing; indeed, I can fancy to myself what our trials are to be. Come
they may, but from what quarter I cannot form an idea: should they come,
however, I trust we shall shew our gratitude for the past blessings, and
our faith derived from past deliverances, by a devout submission to
whatever the Almighty may please to try or chasten us with."
"Right, my dear," replied Mr Campbell; "we will hope for the best; we
are as much under His protection here in the wilderness, as we were at
Wexton Hall; we were just as liable to all the ills which flesh is heir
to when we were living in opulence and luxury as we are now in this
log-house; but we are, I thank God, not so liable in our present
position to forget Him who so bountifully provides for us and in His
wisdom ordereth all our ways. Most truly has the poet said, `Sweet are
the uses of adversity.'"
"Well," observed Emma, after a pause, as if to give a more lively turn
to the conversation, "I wonder what my trials are to be! Depend upon
it, the cow will kick down the pail, or the butter won't come!"
"Or you'll get chapped fingers in the winter time, and chilblains on
your feet," continued Mary.
"That will be bad; but Captain Sinclair says that if we don't take care
we shall be frost-bitten and lose the tips of our noses."
"That would be hard upon you, Emma, for you've none to spare," said
Alfred.
"Well, you have, Alfred, so yours ought to go first."
"We must look after one another's noses, they say, as we cannot tell if
our own is in danger; and if we see a white spot upon another's nose, we
must take a bit of snow and rub it well; a little delicate attention
peculiar to this climate."
"I cannot say that I do not know what my trials are to be," said
Alfred--"that is, trials certain; nor can Henry, either. When I look at
the enormous trunks of these trees, which we have to cut down with our
axes, I feel positive that it will be a hard trial before we master
them. Don't you think so, Henry?"
"I have made up my mind to have at least two new skins upon my hands
before the winter comes on," replied Henry; "but felling timber was not
a part of my university education--"
"No," replied Alfred; "Oxford don't teach that. Now, my university
education--"
"Your university education!" cried Emma.
"Yes, mine; I have sailed all over the universe, and that I call a
university education; but here come Martin and John. Why, John has got
a gun on his shoulder! He must have taken it with him when he last
disappeared."
"I suppose that by this time he knows how to use it, Alfred," said Mrs
Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am," replied Martin, who had entered; "he knows well how to use
and how to take care of it and take care of himself. I let him bring it
home on purpose to watch him. He has fired and loaded twice as we came
back, and has killed this wood-chuck," continued Martin, throwing the
dead animal on the floor. "Old Malachi has taught him well, and he has
not forgotten his lessons."
"What animal is that, Martin; is it good to eat?" said Henry.
"Not very good, sir; it's an animal that burrows in the ground, and is
very hurtful in a garden or to the young maize, and we always shoot them
when we meet with them."
"It's a pity that it's not good to eat."
"Oh! you may eat it, sir; I don't say it's not fit to eat, but there are
other things much better."
"That's quite sufficient for me, Martin," said Emma, "I shall not taste
him; at all events not this time, whatever I may have to do by-and-bye."
"I spoke to old Bone, sir, and he says it's all right; that he won't
keep him more than a day without first sending him to you to ask leave."
"That's all I require, Martin."
"They have been out these two days, and had only just come home when I
arrived there. The game was still in the wood."
"I shot a deer," said John.
"You shot a deer, John!" said Alfred; "why, what a useful fellow you
will be by-and-bye."
"Yes, sir; old Malachi told me that the boy had shot a deer, and that he
would bring it here to-morrow himself."
"I'm glad of that, for I wish to speak with him," said Mr Campbell;
"but, John, how came you to take the rifle with you without leave?"
"Can't shoot without a gun," replied John.
"No, you cannot; but the rifle is not yours."
"Give it me, and I'll shoot everything for dinner," replied John.
"I think you had better do so, father," said Henry, in a low voice; "the
temptation will be too strong."
"You are right, Henry," replied Mr Campbell, aside. "Now, John, I will
give you the rifle, if you will promise me to ask leave when you want to
go, and always come back at the time you have promised."
"I'll always tell when I go, if mamma will always let me go, and I'll
always come back when I promise, if I've killed."
"He means, sir, that if he is on the track when his leave is out, that
he must follow it; but as soon as he has either lost his game, or killed
it, he will then come home. That's the feeling of a true hunter, sir,
and you must not baulk it."
"Very true; well then, John, recollect that you promise."
"Martin," said Percival, "when are you to teach me to fire the rifle?"
"Oh, very soon now, sir; but the soldiers are gone, and as soon as you
can hit the mark, you shall go out with Mr Alfred or me."
"And when are we to learn, Mary," said Emma.
"I'll teach you, cousins," said Alfred, "and give a lesson to my
honoured mother."
"Well, we'll all learn," replied Mrs Campbell.
"What's to be done to-morrow, Martin?" said Alfred.
"Why, sir, there are boards enough to make a fishing-punt, and if you
and Mr Henry will help me, I think we shall have one made in two or
three days. The lake is full of fish, and it's a pity not to have some
while the weather is so fine."
"I've plenty of lines in the store-room," said Mr Campbell.
"Master Percival would soon learn to fish by himself," said Martin, "and
then he'll bring as much as Master John."
"Fish!" said John with disdain.
"Yes, fish, Master John," replied Martin; "a good hunter is always a
good fisherman, and don't despise them, for they often give him a meal
when he would otherwise go to sleep with an empty stomach."
"Well, I'll catch fish with pleasure," cried Percival, "only I must
sometimes go out hunting."
"Yes, my dear boy, and we must sometimes go to bed; and I think it is
high time now, as we must all be up to-morrow at daylight."
The next morning, Mary and Emma set off to milk the cows--not, as usual,
attended by some of the young men, for Henry and Alfred were busy, and
Captain Sinclair was gone. As they crossed the bridge, Mary observed to
her sister, "No more gentlemen to attend us lady milkmaids, Emma."
"No," replied Emma; "our avocation is losing all its charms, and a
pleasure now almost settles down to a duty."
"Alfred and Henry are with Martin about the fishing-boat," observed
Mary.
"Yes," replied Emma; "but I fancy, Mary, you were thinking more of
Captain Sinclair than of your cousins."
"That is very true, Emma; I was thinking of him," replied Mary, gravely.
"You don't know how I feel his absence."
"I can imagine it, though, my dearest Mary. Shall we soon see him
again?"
"I do not know; but I think not for three or four weeks, for certain.
All that can be spared from the fort are gone haymaking, and if he is
one of the officers sent with the men, of course he will be absent, and
if he is left in the fort, he will be obliged to remain there; so there
is no chance of seeing him until the haymaking is over."
"Where is it that they go to make hay, Mary?"
"You know they have only a sufficiency of pasture round the fort for the
cattle during the summer, so they go along by the borders of the lake
and islands, where they know there are patches of clear land, cut the
grass down, make the hay, and collect it all in the _bateaux_, and carry
it to the fort to be stacked for the winter. This prairie was their
best help, but now they have lost it."
"But Colonel Forster has promised papa sufficient hay for the cows for
this winter; indeed, we could not have fed them unless he had done so.
Depend upon it, Captain Sinclair will bring the hay round, and then we
shall see him again, Mary; but we must walk after our own cows now. No
one to drive them for us. If Alfred had any manners he might have
come."
"And why not Henry, Emma?" said Mary, with a smile.
"Oh! I don't know; Alfred came into my thoughts first."
"I believe that really was the case," replied Mary. "Now I'm even with
you; so go along and milk your cows."
"It's all very well, miss," replied Emma, laughing; "but wait till I
have learnt to fire my rifle, and then you'll be more cautious of what
you say."
On their return home, they found the old hunter with a fine buck lying
before him. Mr Campbell was out with the boys and Martin, who wished
his opinion as to the size of the punt.
"How do you do, Mr Bone?" said Mary. "Did John shoot that deer?"
"Yes; and shot it as well as an old hunter, and the creature can hardly
lift the gun to his shoulder. Which of you is named Mary?"
"I am," said Mary.
"Then I've something for you," said old Malachi, pulling from out of his
vest a small parcel, wrapped up in thin bark, and, handing it to her;
"it's a present from the Strawberry."
Mary opened the bark, and found inside of it a pair of mocassins, very
prettily worked in stained porcupines' quills.
"Oh! how beautiful, and how kind of her! Tell her that I thank her, and
love her very much. Will you?"
"Yes; I'll tell her. Where's the boy?"
"Who, John? I think he's gone up the stream to take some trout; he'll
be back to breakfast, and that's just ready. Come, Emma, we must go in
with the milk."
Mr Campbell and those who were with him soon returned.
Malachi Bone then stated that he had brought the buck killed by John;
and that, if it suited, he would carry back with him a keg of gunpowder
and some lead; that he wished Mr Campbell to calculate what he
considered due to him for the property, and let him take it out in
goods, as he required them.
"Why don't you name your own price, Malachi?" said Mr Campbell.
"How can I name a price? It was given to me and cost nothing. I leave
it all to you and Martin Super, as I said before."
"You shew great confidence in me, I must say. Well Bone, I will not
cheat you; but I am afraid you will be a long while before you are paid,
if you only take it out in goods from my store-house."
"All the better, master; they will last till I die, and then what's left
will do for the boy here," replied the old hunter, putting his hand upon
John's head.
"Bone," said Mr Campbell, "I have no objection to the boy going with
you occasionally; but I cannot permit him to be always away. I want him
to come home on the day after he has been to see you."
"Well, that's not reasonable, master. We go out after the game; who
knows where we may find it, how long we may look for it, and how far it
may lead us? Must we give up the chase when close upon it, because
time's up? That'll never do. I want to make the boy a hunter, and he
must learn to sleep out and do everything else as concerns a hunter to
do. You must let him be with me longer, and, if you please, when he
comes back keep him longer; but if you wish him to be a man, the more he
stays with me the better. He shall know all the Indian craft, I promise
you, and the winter after this he shall take beavers and bring you the
skins."
"I think, sir," observed Martin, "it's all in reason, what the old man
says."
"And so do I," said Alfred; "after all, it's only sending John to
school. Let him go, father, and have him home for the holidays."
"I'll always come to you, when I can," said John.
"I am more satisfied at John's saying that than you might imagine," said
Mrs Campbell; "John is an honest boy, and does not say what he does not
mean."
"Well, my dear, if you have no objection, I'm sure I will not raise any
more."
"I think I shall gain more by John's affection than by compulsion, my
dear husband. He says he will always come when he can, and I believe
him; I have, therefore, no objection to let him stay with Malachi Bone,
at all events, for a week or so at a time."
"But his education, my dear."
"He is certain to learn nothing now that this fever for the woods, if I
may so call it, is upon him. He will, perhaps, be more teachable a year
or two hence. You must be aware that we have no common disposition to
deal with in that child; and however my maternal feelings may oppose my
judgment, it is still strong enough to make me feel that my decision is
for his benefit. We must not here put the value upon a finished
education which we used to do. Let us give him every advantage which
the peculiarity of his position will allow us to do; but we are now in
the woods, to a certain degree returned to a state of nature, and the
first and most important knowledge is to learn to gain our livelihoods."
"Well, my dear, I think you are correct in your views on the subject,
and therefore, John, you may go to school with Malachi Bone; come to see
us when you can, and I expect you to turn out the Nimrod of the west."
Old Malachi stared at the conclusion of this speech; Alfred observed his
surprise, and burst into a fit of laughter. He then said, "The English
of all that is, Malachi, that my brother John has my father's leave to
go with you, and you're to make a man of him."
"He who made him must make a man of him," replied Bone: "I can only make
him a good hunter, and that I will, if he and I are spared. Now,
master, if Martin will give me the powder and lead, I'll be off again.
Is the boy to go?"
"Yes, if you desire it," replied Mrs Campbell; "come, John, and wish me
good-bye, and remember your promise." John bade farewell to the whole
party with all due decorum, and then trotted off after his schoolmaster.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
CAPTAIN SINCLAIR'S WARNING.
In the course of a week or two, things found their places, and the
family began to feel more comfortable; there was, also, a degree of
regularity and order established, which could not be effected during the
time that the soldiers were employed. Mrs Campbell and Percival took
upon them all the work inside and round the house during the morning;
the latter attending to the pigs and fowls, bringing water from the
stream, etcetera. Mary and Emma milked the cows, and then assisted
their mother during the day in washing, etcetera. Mr Campbell
instructed Percival, worked in the garden, and assisted as much as he
could where he might be found most useful; but he was too advanced in
years to be capable of much hard work. Alfred, Henry, and Martin Super
were employed during the whole day clearing the ground and felling the
timber; but every other day, one or the other went out with Martin into
the woods to procure food, bringing home with them deer, wild turkeys,
or other game, which, with an occasional piece of salt-pork, and the
fish caught, were sufficient for the family consumption. Percival was
now permitted to accompany the hunting-parties, and became somewhat
expert with his rifle. He required only a little more practice to be a
good shot.
They rose at half-past five,--were all assembled to prayers at half-past
seven, previous to going to breakfast. They dined at one, and had a
combined tea and supper at seven o'clock. At nine o'clock they went to
bed. Before two months had passed away, everything went on like
clockwork. One day passed away so like another, that the time flew
imperceptibly, and they wondered that the Sundays came round so quick.
They had now time to unpack everything, and the books which Mrs
Campbell had selected and brought with her had been arranged on shelves
in the parlour; but they had not as yet much time to read, and were
generally too tired before the day was over not to long for their beds.
Indeed, the only interval of leisure during the whole day was between
supper and bedtime, when they would all assemble in the kitchen and talk
over the little matters which had occurred either during the chase or at
home. But they were now in the middle of October, the winter was fast
approaching, and they looked forward to it with some degree of anxiety.
John had kept his word very sacredly. He was occasionally absent for
three or four days, but, if so, he invariably came to the house and
remained a day or two at home. Alfred and Martin had long finished the
fishing-punt, and as it was light and easily handled, Henry and Percival
went out in it together, and when he was at home, John with Percival
would pull half a mile out into the lake, and soon return with a supply
of large fish. Mrs Campbell, therefore, had salted down sufficient to
fill a barrel for the winter's use.
One day they were agreeably surprised by Captain Sinclair making his
appearance. He had walked from the fort, to communicate to them that
the hay had been gathered in, and would be sent round in a day or two,
and also to inform Mr Campbell that the commandant could spare them a
young bullock, if he would wish to have it for winter provision. This
offer was gladly accepted, and, having partaken of their dinner, Captain
Sinclair was obliged to return to the fort, he being that night on duty.
Previous, however, to his return, he had some conversation with Martin
Super, unobserved by the rest of the party. Afterwards he invited
Alfred to walk back to the fort with him and return on the following
morning.
Alfred agreed to do so; and two hours before it was dark they set off,
and as soon as they were on the opposite side of the brook they were
joined by Martin Super.
"My reasons for asking you to come back with me were twofold," said
Captain Sinclair to Alfred. "In the first place, I wish you to know the
road to the fort, in case it should be necessary to make any
communication during the winter; secondly, I wished to have some
conversation with you and Martin relative to information we have
received about the Indians. I can tell you privately what I was
unwilling to say before your mother and cousins, as it would put them in
a state of restlessness and anxiety, which could avail nothing, and only
annoy them. The fact is, we have for some time had information that the
Indians have held several councils. It does not appear, however, that
they have as yet decided upon any thing, although it is certain that
they have gathered together in large numbers not very far from the fort.
No doubt but they have French emissaries inciting them to attack us.
From what we can learn, however, they have not agreed among themselves,
and, therefore, in all probability, nothing will be attempted until next
year, for the autumn is their season for sending out their war-parties.
At the same time, there is no security, for there is a great difference
between a junction of all the tribes against us and a common Indian war
party. We must, therefore, be on the alert, for we have a treacherous
foe to deal with. And now, for your portion of interest in this affair.
If they attack the fort, which they may do, notwithstanding our
treaties with them, you of course would not be safe where you are; but,
unfortunately, you may not be safe even if we are not molested; for when
the Indians collect (even though the main body decide upon nothing),
there are always bands of five to ten Indians, who, having left their
homes, will not return if they can help it without some booty; these are
not regular warriors, or if warriors, not much esteemed by the tribe, in
fact, they are the worst classes of Indians, who are mere robbers and
banditti. You must, therefore be on the look-out for the visits of
these people. It is fortunate for you that old Bone has shifted his
abode so many miles to the westward, and that you are on such good terms
with him, as it is not very likely that any party of Indians can
approach you without his meeting with them or their track during his
excursions."
"That's true, Captain," observed Martin, "and I will go myself and put
him on his guard."
"But, will they not attack him before they attack us?" said Alfred.
"Why should they?" replied Sinclair. "He is as much an Indian almost as
they are, and is well known to most of them. Besides, what would they
gain by attacking him? These straggling parties, which you have to
fear, are in quest of booty, and will not expect to find anything in his
wigwam except a few furs. No, they will not venture near his rifle,
which they fear, when there is nothing to be obtained by so doing. I
mention this to you, Alfred, that you may be prepared, and keep a sharp
look-out. It is very possible that nothing of the kind may occur, and
that the winter may pass away without any danger, and I mention it to
you and Martin, as I consider that the probabilities are not sufficient
to warrant your alarming the other members of the family, especially the
female portion of it. How far you may consider it advisable to
communicate what has now passed to your father and Henry, it is for you
to decide. As I said before, I do not imagine you have much to fear
from a general attack; it is too late in the year, and we know that the
councils broke up without coming to any decision. You have only to fear
the attempts of small parties of marauders, and I think you are quite
strong enough, both in numbers and in the defences of your habitation,
to resist them successfully, if you are not suddenly surprised. That is
all that you have to fear; and now that you are warned, half the danger
is over."
"Well, Captain, I'll leave you now," said Martin, "I shall go over to
old Malachi's to-night; for it occurs to me that any attack is more
likely to be made between the fall of the leaf and the fall of the snow
than afterwards; so the sooner I put Malachi on his guard the better.
Good evening, sir."
Captain Sinclair and Alfred continued on their way to the fort. They
had contracted a strong friendship, and were unreserved in their
communication with each other.
"You have no idea, Alfred," said Captain Sinclair, "how the peculiar
position of your family occupies my thoughts. It really appears almost
like madness on the part of your father to bring out your mother and
cousins to such a place, and expose them to such privations and dangers.
I can hardly sleep at night when I reflect upon what might happen."
"I believe," replied Alfred, "that if my father had known exactly what
his present position would have been, he would have decided upon not
leaving England; but you must remember that he came out with much
encouragement, and the idea that he would only have to surmount the
hardships of a settler in clearing his land. He fancied, at least, I'm
sure _we_ all did, that we should be surrounded by other farmers, and
have no particular danger to incur. When at Quebec, he found that all
the good land near to civilisation was bought up or possessed by the
French Canadians; he was advised to come further westward by those who
ought to have been aware of what he would have to encounter by so doing,
but who probably considered that the danger we now apprehend no longer
existed; and he has followed that advice, which I have no doubt was
conscientiously given. I think myself, even now, that the advice was
good, although we are accompanied by females who have been brought up in
so different a sphere, and for whose welfare such anxiety is shown; for
observe now, Sinclair, suppose, without having made our acquaintance,
you had heard that some settlers, men and women, had located themselves
where we have done; should you have considered it so very rash an
undertaking, presuming that they were merely farmers and farmers'
wives?"
"I certainly should have troubled myself very little about them, and
perhaps not thought upon the subject."
"But supposing that the subject had been brought up at the fort, and you
heard that the parties had a stockaded house and four or five good
rifles to depend upon, with the fort to fall back upon if necessary?"
"I admit that I should most probably have said that they were in a
position to protect themselves."
"Most assuredly, and therefore we are equally so; your feelings of
interest in us magnify the danger, and I therefore trust that in future
you will not allow our position to interfere with your night's rest."
"I wish I could bring myself to that feeling of security Alfred. If I
were only with you, to assist in protecting them, I should sleep sound
enough."
"Then you would not be of much use as a watch," replied Alfred,
laughing. "Never fear, Sinclair, we shall do well enough," continued
he, "and if we require assistance, we will apply for you and a party of
soldiers."
"There would be much difficulty about that, Alfred," replied Captain
Sinclair; "if there were sufficient danger to make that demand upon the
commandant, the same danger would require that he should not weaken his
force in the fort; no, you would have to retreat to the fort, and leave
your farm to the mercy of the Indians."
"It certainly would be the wisest plan of the two," replied Alfred; "at
all events, we could send the women. But the Indians have not come yet,
and we must hope that they will not."
The conversation was then changed, and in half-an-hour more they arrived
at the fort.
Alfred was welcomed at the fort by Colonel Forster, with whom he was a
great favourite. The Colonel could not refrain from expressing his
opinion that Mr Campbell and his family were in a position of some
danger, and lamenting that the female portion of the family, who had
been brought up with such very different prospects, should be so
situated. He even ventured to hint that if Mrs Campbell and the two
Misses Percival would pass the winter in the fort, he would make
arrangements to accommodate them. But Alfred at once replied that he
was convinced no inducement would persuade his mother or cousins to
leave his father; they had shared his prosperity, and they would cling
to him in his adversity; that they all were aware of what they would
have to risk before they came out, and his father preferred a life of
honourable independence attended with danger, to seeking the assistance
of others.
"But still I cannot perceive any reason for the ladies remaining to
encounter the danger."
"The more we are, the stronger we are to repel danger."
"But women, surely, will only be an incumbrance!"
"I think differently," replied Alfred. "Young and delicate as my
cousins are, they will not shrink any more than my mother when their
services are required. They now can all of them use a rifle, if
required, and to defend a house, a determined woman is almost as
effective as a man. Depend upon it, if it comes to the necessity, they
will do so. You see, therefore, Colonel, that by taking away our
ladies, you will weaken our force," continued Alfred, laughing.
"Well, I will press it no more. Only recollect that I shall always be
ready to send you any assistance when required."
"I have been thinking, Colonel Forster, that, as we have no horses at
present, if you have any rockets, they might be useful in such a case.
At the distance we are from you a rocket would be seen immediately if
fired at night, and I promise you, that it shall not be fired without
great necessity."
"I am glad that you have mentioned it, Alfred; you shall have a dozen to
take with you. You go back with the boats that carry the hay to-morrow
morning, do you not?"
"Yes; I shall take that opportunity, to save wearing out my shoes, as we
have no cobbler near to us. I presume it will be the last trip made by
the boats this season."
"Yes," replied the Colonel, "the frost will soon set in now. In another
fortnight we shall probably be visited with a heavy fall of snow, and
the ground will then be covered till the spring. But I suppose we shall
see or hear from you occasionally?"
"Yes; as soon as I can push along in my snow-shoes, I will pay you a
visit," replied Alfred, "but I have that art to learn yet."
The following morning the sky was clear and the day brilliant. The sun
shone upon the dark scarlet-tinged foliage of the oaks, and through the
transparent yellow leaves of the maple. A slight frost had appeared for
two or three mornings about a month back, and now they were enjoying
what was termed the Indian summer, which is a return of fair and rather
warm weather for a short time previous to the winter setting in. The
soldiers were busy carrying the hay down to the _bateaux_, and, before
noon, Alfred bade farewell to Colonel Forster and the other officers of
the fort, and, accompanied by Captain Sinclair, went down to embark.
All was ready, and Alfred stepped into the boat; Captain Sinclair being
on duty and not able to accompany him back.
"I shall not fail to give directions to the sentries about the rockets,
Alfred," said Captain Sinclair, "and so tell your mother and cousins;
and mind to shew them how to fire them off from out of the barrel of a
musket. Good-bye; God bless you, my dear fellow."
"Good-bye," replied Alfred, as the boats pulled from the shore.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
LETTERS FROM ENGLAND.
After Alfred's return from the fort, a few days passed away without any
incident: Martin had paid a visit to Malachi Bone, who had promised that
he would be on the look-out and would give immediate information and
assistance in case of any hostile measures on the part of the Indians.
He told Martin, that in a few days he would discover what had taken
place and what might be looked forward to. When Martin returned with
this communication, Alfred was satisfied, and did not acquaint anybody
except his brother Henry with the information which he had received from
Captain Sinclair.
The monotony of their life was, however, broken in upon by the arrival
of a corporal from the fort, who was the bearer of the first dispatches
which they had received since their arrival at the settlement. Letters,
yes, letters, not only from Quebec but from England, were announced.
The whole house was in confusion, all crowding round Mr Campbell while
he unsealed the large packet. First a bundle of English newspapers from
the Governor of Quebec--these were laid aside; a letter from Mr
Campbell's agent at Quebec--this was on business and could wait his
leisure; then the letters from England--two long well-filled double
letters from Miss Paterson to Mary and Emma; another from Mr Campbell's
agent in England, and a large one on foolscap paper with "On His
Majesty's Service," directed to Mr Alfred Campbell. Each party seized
upon their letters, and hastened on one side with them. Mrs Campbell
being the only one who had no correspondent, anxiously watched the
countenance of Alfred, who, after a hasty glance, cried out, "I am
confirmed to my rank, my dear mother; I am a lieutenant in his Majesty's
service--huzza! Here's a letter inclosed from Captain Lumley; I know
his handwriting." Alfred received the congratulations of the whole
party, handed the official letter to his mother, and then commenced the
perusal of the one from Captain Lumley. After a short silence, during
which they were all occupied with their correspondence, Mr Campbell
said, "I also have good news to communicate to you; Mr H. writes to me
to say, that Mr Douglas Campbell, on finding the green-houses and
hot-houses so well stocked, considers that he was bound to pay for the
plants; that they have been valued at seven hundred pounds, and that he
has paid that money into my agent's hands. This is extremely liberal of
Mr Douglas Campbell, and I certainly did not expect, as I found plants
there on my taking possession, that I was entitled to any remuneration
for what I left. However, I am too poor to refuse his offer from any
feelings of delicacy, and shall therefore write and thank him for his
generous behaviour." Alfred had read the letter from Captain Lumley,
which made him very thoughtful. The fact was, that his promotion and
the observations in Captain Lumley's letter had brought back all his
former regret at having quitted the service, and he was very melancholy
in consequence; but as his cousins read their letters aloud, he
gradually recovered his spirits.
At last, all the letters were read, and then the newspapers were
distributed. No more work was done that day, and in the evening they
all sat round the kitchen fire and talked over the intelligence they had
received until long after their usual time of retiring to bed.
"I have been thinking, my dear Emily," said Mr Campbell the next
morning, before they quitted their sleeping-room, "what a very
seasonable supply of money this will be. My funds, as you have seen by
the account of my Quebec agent, were nearly exhausted, and we have many
things yet to procure. We shall require horses next year, and we must
increase our stock in every way; indeed, if we could have another man or
two, it would be very advantageous, as the sooner we clear the ground,
the sooner we shall be independent."
"I agree with you, Campbell; besides, we shall now have Alfred's
half-pay, poor fellow, which will help us very much; I have been
thinking more of him than anything else this night: I watched him when
he read Captain Lumley's letter, and I well understood the cause of his
seriousness for some time afterwards; I almost feel inclined to let him
return to his profession; it would be painful parting with him, but the
sacrifice on his part is very great."
"Still it's his duty," replied Mr Campbell, "and, moreover, absolutely
necessary at present, that he should remain with us. When we are more
settled and more independent of his assistance we will talk over the
subject."
In the meantime, Mary and Emma had gone out as usual to milk the cows.
It was a beautiful clear day, but there was a bracing air which cheered
the spirits, and the sunshine was pleasantly warm in situations
sheltered from the winds; one of the few fine days just before the
rushing in of winter. They had milked their cows, and had just turned
them out again, when they both sat down with their pails before them on
a log, which was in front of Malachi's lodge, now used as a cow-house.
"Do you know, Mary," said Emma, after a pause, "I'm almost sorry that I
have received a letter from Miss Paterson."
"Indeed, dear Emma!"
"Yes, indeed, it has unsettled me. I did nothing but dream all last
night. Everything was recalled to my mind--all that I most wished to
forget. I fancied myself again engaged in all the pursuits of our
much-loved home; I was playing the harp, you were accompanying on the
piano as usual; we walked out in the shrubberies; we took an airing in
the carriage; all the servants were before me; we went to the village
and to the almshouses; we were in the garden picking dahlias and roses;
I was just going up to dress for a very large dinner-party, and had rung
the bell for Simpson, when I woke up, and found myself in a log-hut,
with my eyes fixed upon the rafters and bark covering of the roof,
thousands of miles from Wexton Hall, and half-an-hour longer in bed than
a dairy-maid should be."
"I will confess, my dear Emma, that I passed much such a night; old
associations will rise up again when so forcibly brought to our
remembrance as they have been by Miss Paterson's letters, but I strove
all I could to banish them from my mind, and not indulge in useless
repining."
"Repine, I do not, Mary, at least, I hope not, but one cannot well help
regretting; I cannot help remembering, as Macduff says, that `such
things were.'"
"He might well say so, Emma; for what had he lost? his wife and all his
children, ruthlessly murdered; but what have we lost in comparison?
nothing--a few luxuries. Have we not health and spirits? Have we not
our kind uncle and aunt, who have fostered us--our cousins so attached
to us?
"Had it not been for the kindness of our uncle and aunt, who have
brought us up as their own children, should we, poor orphans, have ever
been partakers of those luxuries which you now regret? Ought we not
rather to thank Heaven that circumstances have enabled us to shew some
gratitude for benefits heaped upon us? How much greater are these
privations to my uncle and aunt now that they are so much more advanced
in years, and have been so much longer accustomed to competence and
ease; and shall we repine or even regret, unless it is on their account?
surely, my dear Emma, not on our own."
"I feel the truth of all you say, Mary," replied Emma; "nay, all that
you have now said passed in my own mind, and I have argued to myself in
almost the same words, but I fear that I am not quite so much of a
philosopher as you are; and, acknowledging that what you say is correct,
I still have the same feeling--that is, I wish that I had not received
the letter from Miss Paterson."
"In that wish there can be no harm, for it is only wishing that you may
not be tempted to repine."
"Exactly, my dear Mary; I am a daughter of Eve," replied Emma, laughing,
and rising from her seat; "I will put away Miss Paterson's letter, and I
daresay in a day or two shall have forgotten all about it. Dear Alfred,
how glad I am that he is promoted; I shall call him Lieutenant Campbell
till he is sick of it. Come, Mary, or we shall be keeping my uncle
waiting; come, Juno."
Emma's calling Juno to follow her, reminds me that I have not yet
introduced the dogs to my little readers, and as they will have to play
their parts in our history, I may as well do so at once. Captain
Sinclair, it may be remembered, had procured five dogs for Mr Campbell
from the officers of the fort,--two terriers, which were named Trim and
Snob; Trim was a small dog and kept in the house, but Snob was a very
powerful bull-terrier, and very savage; a fox-hound bitch, the one which
Emma had just called Juno; Bully, a very fine young bull-dog, and
Sancho, an old pointer. At night, these dogs were tied up; Juno in the
store-house; Bully and Snob at the door of the house within the
palisade; Trim indoors, and old Sancho at the lodge of Malachi Bone,
where the cows were put in at night. Mr Campbell found it rather
expensive at first feeding these dogs, but as soon as Martin and his
companions brought home game, there was always plenty for them all.
They were all very sharp and high-couraged dogs, for they had been born
in the fort and had been brought up to hunting every kind of game
indiscriminately; and I need hardly add that they were excellent
watch-dogs, and considered by Mr Campbell as a great protection. For
the next two days, the family remained rather unsettled; there was so
much news in the newspapers; so many recollections brought up by their
perusal; so much to talk about and discuss, that very little work was
done. The weather, however, was now becoming much colder, and, for the
last two days the sun had not shone. The sky was of one uniform murky
solemn grey; and everything announced that the winter was close at hand.
Martin who had been hunting, when he came home bid them prepare for an
immediate change in the weather, and his prediction was speedily
verified.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
DANGEROUS NEIGHBOURS.
It was on the Saturday evening, when they had all assembled round the
fire, for it was more cold than it had hitherto been, that the moaning
of the wind among the trees of the forest announced a gale of wind from
the northward.
"We shall have it soon," observed Martin, "winter mostly comes in with a
gale."
"Yes; and this appears as if it would be a strong gale," replied Alfred.
"Hark! how the boughs of the trees are sawing and cracking against each
other."
"I reckon we may get our snow-shoes out of the store-house, John," said
Martin, "and then we shall see how you can get over the ground with them
when you go out hunting. You have not shot a moose yet."
"Is the moose the same as the elk, Martin?" said Henry.
"I do not think it is, sir; yet I've heard both names given to the
animal."
"Have you ever shot any?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am; many a one. They're queer animals; they don't run like the
other deer, but they trot as fast as the others run, so it comes to the
same thing. They are very shy, and difficult to get near, except in the
heavy snow, and then their weight will not allow them to get over it, as
the lighter deer can; they sink up to their shoulders, and flounder
about till they are overtaken. You see, Master Percival, the moose
can't put on snow-shoes like we can, and that gives us the advantage
over the animal."
"Are they dangerous animals, Martin?" inquired Mary.
"Every large animal is more or less dangerous when it turns to bay,
miss. A moose's horns sometimes weigh fifty pounds, and it is a strong
animal to boot; but it can't do anything when the snow is deep. You'll
find it good eating, at all events, when we bring one in."
"I'll bring one," said John, who was cleaning his rifle.
"I daresay you will, as soon as you can manage your snow-shoes," replied
Martin. "The wind is getting up higher. I guess you'll not find your
way back to Malachi's lodge, Master John, as you thought to do to-morrow
morning."
"It is certainly a dreadful night," observed Mrs Campbell; "and I feel
the cold very sensibly."
"Yes, ma'am; but as soon as the snow is down, you'll be warmer."
"It is time to go to bed," observed Mr Campbell, "so put away your
work; and, Henry, give me down the bible."
During that night the gale increased to almost a hurricane; the trees of
the forest clashed and crackled, groaned and sawed their long arms
against each other, creating an unusual and almost appalling noise; the
wind howled round the palisades and fluttered the strips of bark on the
roof, and as they all lay in bed, they could not sleep from the noise
outside, and the increased feeling of cold. It was also the first trial
of this new house in severe weather, and some of the wakeful party were
anxiously watching the result. Towards the morning the storm abated,
and everything was again quiet. In consequence of the restless night
which they had passed they were not so early as usual. Emma and Mary,
when they came out of their room, found Martin and Alfred up and very
busy with shovels; and, to their astonishment, they perceived that the
snow was at least three feet deep on the ground, and in some places had
been drifted up higher than their heads.
"Why, Alfred!" cried Emma; "how shall we be able to go after the cows
this morning? This is, indeed, winter come on with little warning."
"It still snows," observed Mary; "not much, indeed, but the sky is very
black."
"Yes, miss, we shall have some more of it yet," observed Martin. "Mr
Campbell and Mr Henry have gone to the store-house for more shovels,
for we must work hard, and clear a footpath, and then get the snow up
against the palisades."
"What a sudden change," said Emma; "I wish the sky would clear, and then
I should not care."
"It will to-morrow, Miss Emma, I dare say; but the snow must come down
first."
Martin and Alfred had only time to clear a path to the store-house. Mr
Campbell and Henry returned with more shovels, and as soon as breakfast
was over, they commenced work. As for Mary and Emma going to milk the
cows, that was impossible. Martin undertook that task until they had
cleared a pathway to the hunter's lodge, in which the animals were shut
up every night.
By the advice of Martin, the snow next the palisades was piled up
against the palings like a wall, as high as they could reach or throw
it, by which means they got rid of the snow about the house, and at the
same time formed a barrier against the freezing winds which they had to
expect. All worked hard; Percival and John were of great use, and even
Mrs Campbell and the girls assisted collecting the remainder of the
snow, and clearing it off the window-sills and other parts. By noon the
snow left off falling, the sky cleared up, and the sun shone bright,
although it gave out but little warmth.
After dinner they renewed their labours, and commenced clearing away a
path to the lodge, where the cows were locked in, and before nightfall
they had accomplished their task as far as the bridge over the stream,
which was about half-way.
It had been a day of great fatigue, and they were glad to retire to
rest. Mrs Campbell and the girls had put an additional supply of
blankets and skins upon the beds, for the cold was now intense, and the
thermometer stood far below the freezing point.
The following morning they resumed their task; the sky was still
unclouded, and the sun shone out clear and bright. By dinnertime the
path to the cow-house had been completed; and the men then employed
themselves in carrying as much firewood as they could, before it was
dark, within the palisades.
"Well," observed Alfred, "now things may go on as usual within doors;
and what have we to do out, Martin?"
"You must first get on your snow-shoes, and learn to walk in them,"
observed Martin; "or, otherwise, you'll be a prisoner as well as the
ladies. You see, John, you're not at Malachi's lodge."
"Go to-morrow," replied John.
"No; not to-morrow, for I must go with you," said Martin; "I cannot
trust you for finding your way; and I cannot go to-morrow nor the next
day either. We must kill our beef to-morrow; there's no fear but it
will keep all the winter now, and we shall save our hay."
"My larder is but poorly furnished," observed Mrs Campbell.
"Never mind, ma'am, we'll soon have something in it, which will save our
beef. In another week you shall have it well stocked."
"John," said Mr Campbell, "recollect you must not go away without
Martin."
"I won't," replied John.
All the game in the larder having been consumed, they sat down to
salt-pork and some of the fish which had been cured. The latter was
pronounced to be excellent.
"What is the name of this fish, Martin?"
"It is called the white-fish," replied Martin, "and I have heard gentry
from the old country say that they have none better, if any so good."
"It is certainly most excellent," replied Mr Campbell, "and we will not
forget to have a good provision for next winter, if it pleases God to
spare our lives."
"Where were you born, Martin?" said Henry as they were sitting round the
kitchen fire, as usual in the evening.
"Why, Mr Henry, I was born at Quebec. My father was a corporal in the
army under General Wolfe, and was wounded in the great battle fought
between him and the Frenchman Montcalm."
"In which both generals were killed, but the victory was to us."
"So I've heard, sir," replied Martin. "My mother was an Englishwoman,
and I was born about four years after the surrender of Quebec. My
mother died soon afterwards, but my father was alive about five years
ago, I believe. I can't exactly say, as I was for three or four years
in the employ of the Fur Company, and when I returned, I found that he
was dead."
"And you have been a hunter all your life?"
"Not all my life, and not exactly a hunter. I call myself a trapper,
but I still am both. I first was out with the Indians when I was about
fourteen, for you see my father wanted to make me a drummer, and I could
not stand that; so I said to him, `Father, I won't be a drummer.'
`Well,' says he, `Martin, you must help yourself, for all my interest
lies in the army.' `So I will,' says I; `father, I'm off for the
woods.' `Well,' says he, `just as you like, Martin.' So one fine day I
wished him good-bye, and did not see him again for more than two years."
"Well, and what took place then?"
"Why, I brought home three or four packages of good skins, and sold them
well. Father was so pleased, that he talked of turning trapper himself,
but, as I told the old man, a man with a lame leg--for he had been
wounded in the leg, and halted--would not make his livelihood by hunting
in the woods of Canada."
"Was your father still in the army?"
"No, ma'am, he was not in the army; but he was employed in the
storekeeper's department; they gave him the berth on account of his
wound."
"Well; go on, Martin."
"I haven't much more to say, ma'am. I brought home my furs, sold them,
and father helped me to spend the money as long as he was alive, and
very welcome he was to his share. I felt rather queer when I came back
from the Fur Company and found that the old man was dead, for I had
looked forward with pleasure to the old man's welcome, and his enjoying
his frolic with me as usual."
"I'm afraid those frolics were not very wise, Martin."
"No, sir, they were very foolish, I believe; but I fear it will always
be the case with us trappers. We are like sailors, we do not know what
to do with money when we get it; so we throw it away, and the sooner the
better, for it is our enemy while we have it. I assure you, sir, that I
used to feel quite happy when all my money was gone, and I was setting
off to the woods again. It is a hard life, but a life that unfits me
for any other; a life which you become very fond of. I don't mind being
here with you by way of a change; indeed, as long as there is hunting,
it is almost as good as if I were in the woods, but else I think I shall
die a trapper."
"But, Martin," said Mr Campbell, "how much more wise it would be to put
your money by, and after a time purchase a farm and settle down a steady
man with property, perhaps married and the father of a family."
"Perhaps it might be; but if I do not like it so well as trapping, I
don't see why I should do so; it would be changing my life to please
others and not myself."
"That's very true, Martin," said Alfred, laughing.
"Perhaps Martin may change his mind before he is an old man," replied
Mrs Campbell. "Dear me! what noise was that?" exclaimed Mrs Campbell,
as a melancholy howl was heard without.
"Only a rascally wolf, ma'am," said Martin: "we must expect the animals
to be about us now that the snow has fallen, and the winter has set in."
"A wolf! are they not dangerous, Martin?" inquired Mary Percival.
"That depends, miss, how hungry they may be; but they are not very fond
of attacking a human being; if we had any sheep outside, I fancy that
they would stand a bad chance."
The howl was repeated, when one or two of the dogs which had been
admitted into the house and were stretched before the fire, roused up
and growled.
"They hear him, ma'am, and if we were to let them out, would soon be at
him. No, no, John, sit still and put down your rifle: we can't afford
to hurt wolves; their skins won't fetch a half-dollar, and their flesh
is not fit for a dog, let alone a Christian. Let the vermin howl till
he's tired; he'll be off to the woods again before daylight."
"There is certainly something very melancholy and dreadful to me in that
howl," said Emma; "it frightens me."
"What, Emma, afraid?" said Alfred, going to her; "why yes, really she
trembles; why, my dear Emma, do you recollect how frightened you and
Mary were at the noise of the frogs when you first came here; you got
used to it very soon, and so you will to the howl of a wolf."
"There is some difference, Alfred," replied Emma, shuddering as the howl
was repeated. "I don't know how it is," said she, rallying her spirits,
"but I believe it was reading Little Red Riding Hood when I was a child,
which has given me such a horror of a wolf; I shall get over it very
soon, I have no doubt."
"I must say, that it does not create the most agreeable sensation in my
mind," observed Mrs Campbell, "but I was aware of what we were to
encounter when we came here, and if it is only to be annoyed with the
cry of a wild beast, we may consider that we get off very cheaply."
"I should feel much more at ease, if all the rifles were loaded," said
Mary Percival, in her usual quiet way.
"And I too," said Emma.
"Well, then, if that will at all relieve your minds, it is easily done,"
said Mr Campbell; "let us all load our rifles, and put them back in
their rests."
"Mine's loaded," said John.
"And the rest soon shall be," said Alfred, "even the three appropriated
for your use, mother and cousins. Now don't you feel some satisfaction
in knowing that you can load and fire them yourselves? the practice you
had during the fine weather has not been thrown away, has it, dear
Emma?"
"No, it has not, and I am very glad that I did learn it; I am a coward
in apprehension, Alfred, but, perhaps, if I were put to the test, I
should behave better."
"That I really believe," replied Alfred; "a gale of wind at sea sounds
very awful when down below jerking about in your hammock, but when on
deck, you don't care a fig about it. Now the rifles are all loaded, and
we may go to bed and sleep sound." They did retire to rest, but all
parties did not sleep very sound; the howling of one wolf was answered
by another; Emma and Mary embraced each other, and shuddered as they
heard the sounds, and it was long before they forgot their alarm and
were asleep.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
SEASONS FOR CONTENTMENT.
The next morning was bright and clear, and when Emma and Mary went out,
attended by Alfred, to go and milk the cows, although the cold was
intense, everything looked so brilliant and sparkling in the sunshine
that they regained their spirits. The lake was still unfrozen, and its
waters, which were of an azure blue, contrasted with the whole of the
country covered with snow, and the spruce firs with their branches
loaded presented an alternate layer of pure white and of the darkest
green. Birds there were none to be seen or heard. All was quiet, so
quiet that as they stepped along the path which had been cleared away to
the cow-house, they almost started at the sound of their own voices,
which the atmosphere rendered more peculiarly sonorous and ringing.
Alfred had his rifle on his shoulder, and walked in front of his
cousins.
"I have come to prove that all your fears are groundless, my dear Emma,
and that you need not have any alarm about a skulking, cowardly wolf,"
said Alfred.
"Well, that may be," replied Emma, "but still we are very glad of your
company."
They arrived at the cow-house without any adventure, let loose Sancho,
who had been tied up, as it was decided that the dog should remain at
home with the others, and proceeded to milk the cows. Having finished
that task and supplied them with fodder, Mary Percival observed, as they
were retracing their steps, "I must say that it would not only be more
convenient, but more agreeable if the cows were kept nearer to the
house."
"It would be, certainly," replied Alfred. "It is a pity that there is
not a cow-shed within the palisades; but we have no means of making one
at present. Next year, when my father has purchased his horses and his
sheep, which he talks of doing, we are to build a regular yard and sheds
for all the animals close to the house, and palisaded round as the house
now is, with a passage from one palisade to the other. Then it will be
very convenient; but `Rome was not built in one day,' and we must,
therefore, wait another winter."
"And be devoured by the wolves in the meantime," replied Emma, laughing.
"Why, you are getting over your fright already, Emma."
"Yes; I feel bold, now there is nothing to be afraid of." The remainder
of the week was passed away in practising upon the snow-shoes by the
males of the party, the women scarcely ever venturing out of doors, as
the cold was very severe. Mary and Emma were accompanied by Alfred for
the first three or four days; and after that, notwithstanding that the
howling of the wolves was heard every night, they took courage when they
found that the animals never made their appearance by daylight, and went
as before to milk the cows by themselves. On the Saturday, they were in
the hopes of seeing old Malachi Bone, but he did not make his
appearance, and John, who could now get on very well in his snow-shoes,
became very impatient. Alfred and Martin were also very anxious to see
the old man, that they might ascertain if he had made any discoveries
relative to the Indians. Sunday, as usual, was a day of rest from
labour; the services were read by Mr Campbell, and the evening passed
in serious conversation. Mr Campbell, although usually in good
spirits, was certainly not so on that evening. Whether it was that the
severity of the winter which had set in and the known long duration of
it which they had to encounter had an effect upon his spirits, he was
melancholy as well as serious. He more than once referred to their
former residence when in England, which was a very unusual thing for him
to do, and by degrees the conversation was turned in that direction,
and, although no one said so, they all felt what a change there was in
their present position from that which they had been forced to leave.
Mrs Campbell, who perceived that a gloom was gathering over the whole
party, made several remarks tending to reconcile them to their present
lot, and, after a time Mr Campbell observed, "Perhaps, my dear
children, it may be a divine mercy which has sent you here to this
wilderness; true it is that we are removed from civilisation, and shut
up here by a severe winter, deprived of the enjoyments and pleasures
which were to be found in the society which we were compelled to leave;
but let us also bear in mind that we are removed from the many
temptations which might have there assailed us."
"But still, papa, you would be very glad if circumstances would permit
us to return to England; would you not?" said Percival.
"Yes, my child, I should, and even if I had remained here so long as to
have become attached to the place and to the isolation which at first is
felt so irksome, I would still return to England and to society, if I
had the means. As Christians, we are not to fly from the world and its
temptations, but to buckle on our armour, and, putting our trust in Him
who will protect us, fight the good fight; that is, doing our duty in
that state of life to which it shall please God to call us."
"But if ever we were to return to England, there would be no chance of
our living as we did before we left it, would there, papa?"
"I see none, my dear boy; but we never know what is in store for us.
Should any of us ever return, I presume it would be to live in a more
humble way; and for my part, I should prefer that it were so, for
although I trust I did not greatly misuse that wealth which I so long
supposed to be mine, I should not be sorry to have much less, and
therefore less responsibility."
"Indeed, my dear Campbell, imperfect as we all are, I do not believe
that many could have made a better use of it than you did."
"I thought so at the time, my dear," replied Mr Campbell, "but since it
has been lost to me, I have often thought that I might have done more
good with it. But the fact is, my dear children, there is nothing so
dangerous to our eternal welfare as great wealth; it tends to harden the
heart by affording the means of constant self-indulgence:--under such
circumstances, man is apt to become selfish, easily satisfied with his
own works, and too proud to see his errors. Did you observe in the
Litany, which I read at this morning's service, how very appropriately
is inserted the prayer for deliverance under the perils of wealth?
"`In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our _wealth_, in the
hour of death, and in the day of judgment, good Lord deliver us.'
"Examine this, my dear children: in all time of our tribulation,--that
is in poverty and distress, and perhaps famishing from want (and in few
positions are people so incited to crime), _then_ in all time of our
wealth, evidently and distinctly placing wealth as more dangerous to the
soul's welfare than the extremest poverty and its accompanying
temptations; and observe, only exceeded by the most critical of all
dangerous positions, when all has been done and nothing can be undone,--
the hour of death, followed by the day of judgment." Mr Campbell
ceased speaking, and there was a pause for a minute or two in the
conversation, when Mary Percival said, "What, then, my dear uncle, do
you consider as the most enviable position in life?"
"I consider a moderate independence as the most enviable; not occupied
in trade, as the spirit of barter is too apt to make us bend to that
which is actually fraud. I should say, a country gentleman living on
his own property and among his own tenants, employing the poor around
him, holds a position in which he has the least temptation to do wrong,
and the most opportunities of doing good."
"I agree with you, my dear Campbell," said his wife; "and yet how few
are satisfied even with that lot."
"Because the craving after wealth is so strong, that everyone would have
more than he hath, and few men will be content. This desire of
aggrandisement overcomes and masters us; and yet, what can be more
absurd than to witness the care and anxiety of those to gain riches, who
have already more, perhaps, than is necessary for their wants,--thus
`heaping up riches, not knowing who may gather them,' and endangering
the soul to obtain that which they must leave behind them when they die.
Others amass wealth, not actuated by the avarice of hoarding it up, but
by the appetite for expending it; who collect unjustly that they may
lavish profusely; these are equally foolish, and how important is that
lesson given in the Scriptures." Mr Campbell opened the Bible which
lay before him and read--
"`And he spake a parable unto them. The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth plentifully.
"`And he said, What shall I do? because I have no room where to bestow
my fruits.
"`And he said: This will I do; I will pull down my barns and build
greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
"`And I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many
years, take thine ease; eat, drink, and be merry.
"`But God said unto him: Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be
required of thee.'"
After a short silence, Mr Campbell observed, "I have often reflected
since I have been here upon what might have been our position had we
decided upon remaining in England. We might at this moment have been in
the greatest distress, even wanting a meal; and I have, therefore, often
thanked God that he left us the means of coming here and providing for
ourselves as we have done, and as I have no doubt shall, with His
blessing, continue to do. How much better off are we at this moment
than many thousands of our countrymen who remain in England? How many
are starving? How many are driven into crime from want? while we have a
good roof over our heads, sufficient clothing and more than sufficient
food. We have, therefore, great reason to thank God for the mercies He
has vouchsafed to us; He has heard our prayer, `Give us this day our
daily bread.' Yes," continued Mr Campbell, "`Give us this day our
daily bread,' is all that we are taught to ask for; and it comprehends
all; and yet how heartlessly is this pronounced by many of those who do
repeat their daily prayers. So is the blessing asked at meals, which is
by too many considered as a mere matter of form. They forget, that He
who gives can also take away; and in their presumption, suppose their
own ability and exertion to have been the sole means of procuring
themselves a daily supply of food; thanking themselves rather than the
Giver of all good. How many thousands are there who have been supplied
with more than they require from their cradle down to their grave,
without any grateful feeling towards Heaven; considering the butcher and
baker as their providers, and the debt cancelled as soon as the bills
are paid. How different must be the feeling of the poor cottager, who
is uncertain whether his labour may procure him and his family a meal
for the morrow, who often suffers privation and hunger, and, what is
more painful, witnesses the sufferings of those he loves. How earnest
must be his prayer when he cries, `Give us this day our daily bread.'"
This conversation had a very strong effect upon the party, and when they
retired to rest, which they did shortly after, they laid their heads
upon their pillows not only with resignation, but with thankfulness for
the mercies which had been vouchsafed to them, and felt that in the
wilderness, they were under the eye of a watchful and gracious
Providence.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
ATTACKED BY A WOLF.
On the Monday morning, Alfred and Martin went to the cow-house, and
slaughtered the bullock which they had obtained from the commandant of
the fort. When it was skinned it was cut up, and carried to the
store-house, where it was hung up for their winter consumption.
As the party were sitting down to dinner, they were greeted by Captain
Sinclair and a young lieutenant of the garrison. It hardly need be said
that the whole family were delighted to see them. They had come
overland in their snow-shoes, and brought some partridges, or grouse, as
they are some times called, which they had shot on their way. Captain
Sinclair had obtained leave from the commandant to come over and see how
the Campbells were getting on. He had no news of any importance, as
they had had no recent communication with Quebec or Montreal; all was
well at the fort, and Colonel Forster had sent his compliments, and
begged, if he could be useful, that they would let him know. Captain
Sinclair and his friend sat down to dinner, and talked more than they
ate, asking questions about everything.
"By-the-bye, Mr Campbell, where have you built your pigsties?"
"Inside the palisade, next to the fowl-house."
"That is well," replied Captain Sinclair, "for otherwise you may be
troubled by the wolves, who are very partial to pork or mutton."
"We _have_ been troubled with them," replied Emma; "at least with their
howlings at night, which make me tremble as I lie awake in bed."
"Never mind their howling, Miss Emma; we have plenty of them round the
fort, I can assure you; unless attacked, they will not attack you, at
least I never knew an instance, although I must confess that I have
heard of them."
"You will, of course, sleep here to-night?"
"Yes, we will, if you have a bear or buffalo skin to spare," replied
Captain Sinclair.
"We will manage it, I have no doubt," said Mr Campbell.
"And if you could manage, Captain Sinclair," said Emma, somewhat archly,
"as you say that they are not dangerous animals, to bring us in a few
skins to-night, it would make the matter easy."
"Emma, how can you talk such nonsense?" cried Mary Percival. "Why
should you ask a guest to undertake such a service? Why have you not
proposed it to Alfred or Henry, or even Martin?"
"We will both try, if you please," replied Alfred.
"I must put my veto on any such attempts, Alfred," said Mr Campbell.
"We have sufficient danger to meet, without running into it voluntarily,
and we have no occasion for wolves' skins just now. I shall, however,
venture to ask your assistance to-morrow morning. We wish to haul up
the fishing-punt before the ice sets in on the lake, and we are not
sufficiently strong-handed."
During the day, Captain Sinclair took Alfred aside to know if the old
hunter had obtained any information relative to the Indians. Alfred
replied, that they expected him every day, but as yet had not received
any communication from him. Captain Sinclair stated that they were
equally ignorant at the fort as to what had been finally arranged, and
that Colonel Forster was in hopes that the hunter would by this time
have obtained some intelligence.
"I should not be surprised if Malachi Bone were to come here to-morrow
morning," replied Alfred. "He has been away a long while, and, I am
sure, is as anxious to have John with him as John is impatient to go."
"Well, I hope he will; I shall be glad to have something to tell the
Colonel, as I made the request upon that ground. I believe, however, he
was very willing that I should find an excuse for coming here, as he is
more anxious about your family than I could have supposed. How well
your cousin Mary is looking."
"Yes; and so is Emma, I think. She has grown half a head since she left
England. By-the-bye, you have to congratulate me on my obtaining my
rank as Lieutenant."
"I do indeed, my dear fellow," replied Captain Sinclair. "They will be
pleased to hear it at the fort. When will you come over?"
"As soon as I can manage to trot a little faster upon these snow-shoes.
If, however, the old hunter does not come to-morrow, I will go to the
fort as soon as he brings us any news."
The accession to their party made them all very lively, and the evening
passed away very agreeably. At night, Captain Sinclair and Mr Gwynne
were ushered into the large bedroom where all the younger male portion
of the family slept, and which, as we before stated, had two spare
bed-places.
The next morning, Captain Sinclair would have accompanied the Misses
Percival on their milking expedition, but as his services were required
to haul up the fishing-punt, he was obliged to go down, with all the
rest of the men, to assist; Percival and John were the only ones left at
home with Mrs Campbell. John, after a time, having, as usual, rubbed
down his rifle, threw it on his shoulder, and, calling the dogs which
lay about, sallied forth for a walk, followed by the whole pack except
old Sancho, who invariably accompanied the girls to the cow-house.
Mary and Emma tripped over the new-beaten snow-path to the cow-house,
merry and cheerful, with their pails in their hands, Emma laughing at
Captain Sinclair's disappointment at not being permitted to accompany
them. They had just arrived at the cow-house, when old Sancho barked
furiously, and sprang to the side of the building behind them, and in a
moment afterwards rolled down the snow heap which he had sprung over,
holding on and held fast by a large black wolf. The struggle was not
very long, and during the time that it lasted the girls were so
panic-struck, that they remained like statues within two yards of the
animals. Gradually the old dog was overpowered by the repeated snapping
bites of the wolf, yet he fought nobly to the last, when he dropped
under the feet of the wolf, his tongue hanging out, bleeding profusely
and lifeless. As soon as his adversary was overpowered, the enraged
animal, with his feet upon the body of the dog, bristling his hair and
showing his powerful teeth, was evidently about to attack the young
women. Emma threw her arm round Mary's waist, advancing her body so as
to save her sister. Mary attempted the same, and then they remained
waiting in horror for the expected spring of the animal, when of a
sudden the other dogs came rushing forward, cheered on by John, and flew
upon the animal.
Their united strength soon tore him down to the ground, and John coming
up, as the wolf defended himself against his new assailants, put the
muzzle of his rifle to the animal's head, and shot it dead.
The two sisters had held up during the whole of this alarming struggle;
but as soon as they perceived the wolf was dead and that they were safe,
Mary could stand no longer, and sank down on her knees, supporting her
sister, who had become insensible.
If John showed gallantry in shooting the wolf, he certainly showed very
little towards his cousins. He looked at Mary, nodded his head towards
the wolfs body, and saying "He's dead," shouldered his rifle, turned
round and walked back to the house.
On his return, he found that the party had just come back from hauling
up the punt, and were waiting the return of the Misses Percival to go to
breakfast.
"Was that you who fired just now, John?" said Martin.
"Yes," replied John.
"What did you fire at?" said Alfred.
"A wolf," replied John.
"A wolf! where?" said Mr Campbell.
"At the cow-lodge," replied John.
"The cow-lodge!" said his father.
"Yes; killed Sancho!"
"Killed Sancho! why, Sancho was with your cousins!"
"Yes," replied John.
"Then, where did you leave them?"
"With the wolf," replied John, wiping his rifle very coolly.
"Merciful Heaven!" cried Mr Campbell, as Mrs Campbell turned pale; and
Alfred, Captain Sinclair, Martin, and Henry, seizing their rifles,
darted out from the house, and ran with all speed in the direction of
the cow-house.
"My poor girls!" exclaimed Mr Campbell.
"Wolfs dead, father," said John.
"Dead! Why didn't you say so, you naughty boy?" cried Mrs Campbell.
"I wasn't asked," replied John.
In the meantime the other party had gained the cow-house; and, to their
horror, beheld the wolf and dog dead, and the two young women lying on
the snow, close to the two animals; for Mary had fainted away shortly
after John had walked off. They rushed towards the bodies of the two
girls, and soon discovered that they were not hurt. In a short time
they were recovered, and were supported by the young men to the house.
As soon as they arrived, Mrs Campbell took them into their room, that
they might rally their spirits, and in a quarter of an hour returned to
the party outside, who eagerly inquired how they were.
"They are much more composed," replied Mrs Campbell; "and Emma has
begun to laugh again; but her laugh is rather hysterical and forced;
they will come out at dinnertime. It appears that they are indebted to
John for their preservation, for they say the wolf was about to spring
upon them when he came to their assistance. We ought to be very
grateful to Heaven for their preservation. I had no idea, after what
Martin said about the wolves, that they were so dangerous."
"Why, ma'am, it is I that am most to blame, and that's the fact,"
replied Martin. "When we killed the bullock I threw the offal on the
heap of snow close to the cow-lodge, meaning that the wolves and other
animals might eat it at night, but it seems that this animal was hungry,
and had not left his meal when the dog attacked him, and that made the
beast so rily and savage."
"Yes; it was the fault of Martin and me," replied Alfred. "Thank Heaven
it's no worse!"
"So far from its being a subject of regret, I consider it one of
thankfulness," replied Mr Campbell. "This might have happened when
there was no one to assist, and our dear girls might have been torn to
pieces. Now that we know the danger, we may guard against it for the
future."
"Yes, sir," replied Martin; "in future some of us will drive the cows
home, to be milked every morning and evening; inside the palisade there
will be no danger. Master John, you have done well. You see, ma'am,"
continued Martin, "what I said has come true. A rifle in the hands of a
child is as deadly a weapon as in the hands of a strong man."
"Yes, if courage and presence of mind attend its uses," replied Mr
Campbell. "John, I am very much pleased with your conduct."
"Mother called me naughty," replied John rather sulkily.
"Yes, John, I called you naughty, for not telling us the wolf was dead,
and leaving us to suppose that your cousins were in danger; not for
killing the wolf. Now I kiss you, and thank you for your bravery and
good conduct."
"I shall tell all the officers at the fort, what a gallant little fellow
you are, John," said Captain Sinclair; "there are very few of them who
have shot a wolf, and what is more, John, I have a beautiful dog, which
one of the officers gave me the other day in exchange for a pony, and I
will bring it over, and make it a present to you for your own dog. He
will hunt anything, and he is very powerful--quite able to master a
wolf, if you meet with one. He is half mastiff and half Scotch
deerhound, and he stands as high as this," continued Captain Sinclair,
holding his hand about as high as John's shoulder.
"I'll go to the fort with you," said John, "and bring him back."
"So you shall, John, and I'll go with you," said Martin, "if master
pleases."
"Well," replied Mr Campbell, "I think he may; what with Martin, his own
rifle, and the dog, John will, I trust, be safe enough."
"Certainly, I have no objection," said Mrs Campbell, "and many thanks
to you, Captain Sinclair."
"What's the dog's name?" said John.
"Oscar," replied Captain Sinclair. "If you let him walk out with your
cousins, they need not fear a wolf. He will never be mastered by one,
as poor Sancho was."
"I'll lend him sometimes," replied John.
"Always; when you don't want him yourself, John."
"Yes, always," replied John, who was going out of the door.
"Where are you going, dear," said Mrs Campbell.
"Going to skin the wolf," replied John, walking away.
"Well, he'll be a regular keen hunter," observed Martin. "I dare say
old Bone has taught him to flay an animal. However I'll go and help
him, for it's a real good skin." So saying, Martin followed John.
"Martin ought to have known better than to leave the offal where he
did," observed Captain Sinclair.
"We must not be too hard, Captain Sinclair," said Alfred. "Martin has a
contempt for wolves, and that wolf would not have stood his ground had
it been a man instead of two young women who were in face of him.
Wolves are very cunning, and I know will attack a woman or child when
they will fly from a man. Besides, it is very unusual for a wolf to
remain till daylight, even when there is offal to tempt him. It was the
offal, the animal's extreme hunger, and the attack of the dog--a
combination of circumstances--which produced the event. I do not see
that Martin can be blamed, as one cannot foresee everything."
"Perhaps not," replied Captain Sinclair, "and `all's well that ends
well.'"
"Are there any other animals to fear?" inquired Mrs Campbell.
"The bear is now safe for the winter in the hollow of some tree or under
some root, where he has made a den. It will not come out till the
spring. The catamount or panther is a much more dangerous animal than
the wolf; but it is scarce. I do think, however, that the young ladies
should not venture out, unless with some rifles in company, for fear of
another mischance. We have plenty of lynxes here; but I doubt if they
would attack even a child, although they fight when assailed, and bite
and claw severely."
The Misses Percival now made their appearance. Emma was very merry, but
Mary rather grave. Captain Sinclair, having shaken hands with them
both, said--
"Why, Emma, you appear to have recovered sooner than your sister!"
"Yes," replied Emma; "but I was much more frightened than she was, and
she supported me, or I should have fallen at the wolf's feet. I yielded
to my fears; Mary held up against hers; so, as her exertions were much
greater than mine, she has not recovered from them so soon. The fact
is, Mary is brave when there is danger, and I am only brave when there
is none."
"I was quite as much frightened as you, my dear Emma," said Mary
Percival; "but we must now help our aunt, and get dinner ready on the
table."
"I cannot say that I have a wolfish appetite this morning," replied
Emma, laughing; "but Alfred will eat for me and himself too." In a few
minutes dinner was on the table, and they all sat down without waiting
for Martin and John, who were still busy skinning the wolf.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
THE ANGRY SNAKE.
"Here come Martin and John at last," said Mr Campbell, after they had
been about a quarter of an hour at table.
But he was mistaken; instead of Martin and John, Malachi Bone made his
appearance, and, to their surprise, he was accompanied by his young
squaw, the Strawberry-Plant.
Everyone rose to welcome them, and the Misses Percival went to their
little female acquaintance, and would have made her sit down with them,
but she refused, and took her seat on the floor near the fire.
"She an't used to chairs and stools, miss; let her be where she is,"
said old Bone, "she'll be more comfortable, and that's what you want her
to be, I'm sure. I brought her with me, because I could not carry all
the venison myself, and also to shew her the way in and out of the
house, and how it is fastened, in case of sending a message by night."
"Of sending a message by night," said Mrs Campbell, with surprise,
"why, what possible occasion could there be for that?"
Captain Sinclair and Alfred, who perceived that the old hunter had said
too much, were quite at a loss what to say.
They did not like to frighten Mrs Campbell and the girls about the
Indians, especially as they had just been so much alarmed with the
accident of the morning. At last Alfred replied, "The fact is, my dear
mother, that `forewarned is being forearmed,' as the saying is; and I
told Martin to request Malachi Bone, if he should hear of any Indians
being about or near us, to let us know immediately."
"Yes, ma'am, that is the whole story," continued Malachi. "It's the
best plan when you're in the woods always to have your rifle loaded."
Mrs Campbell and the girls were evidently not a little fluttered at
this fresh intimation of danger. Captain Sinclair perceived it, and
said, "We have always spies on the look-out at the fort, that we may
know where the Indians are and what they are about. Last month, we know
that they held a council, but that it broke up without their coming to
any determination, and that no hostile feeling was expressed so far as
we could ascertain. But we never trust the Indians, and they, knowing
that we watch them, have been very careful not to commit any outrages;
they have not done so for a long while, nor do I think they will venture
again. At the same time, we like to know where they are, and I
requested Alfred to speak to Malachi Bone, to send us immediately word
if he heard or saw anything of them: not, however, that I intended that
the ladies should be wakened up in the middle of the night," continued
Captain Sinclair, laughing; "that was not at all necessary."
Malachi Bone would have responded, but Alfred pinched his arm; the old
man understood what was meant, and held his tongue; at last he said,
"Well, well, there's no harm done; it's just as well that the Strawberry
should know her way about the location, if it's only to know where the
dogs are, in case she comes of a message."
"No, no," replied Mr Campbell, "I'm glad that she is come, and hope she
will come very often. Now, Malachi, sit down and eat something."
"Well, but about the Indians, Captain Sinclair," said Mrs
Campbell;--"that you have not told us all I am certain, and the
conviction that such is the case, will make me and the girls very
uneasy; so pray do treat us as we ought to be treated; we share the
danger, and we ought to know what the danger is."
"I do not think that there is any danger, Mrs Campbell," replied
Captain Sinclair, "unless Malachi has further information to give us. I
do, however, perfectly agree with you, that you ought to know all that
we know, and am quite ready to enter upon the subject, trifling as it
is."
"So I presume it must be, my dear," observed Mr Campbell, "for I have
as yet known nothing about the matter. So pray, Captain Sinclair,
instruct us all."
Captain Sinclair then stated what he had before mentioned to Alfred, and
having so done, and pointed out that there was no occasion for alarm, he
requested Malachi Bone would say if he had any further information.
"The Injuns did meet as you say, and they could not agree, so they broke
up, and are now all out upon their hunting and trapping for furs. But
there's one thing I don't exactly feel comfortable about, which is that
the `Angry Snake,' as he is called, was at the `talk,' and was mighty
venomous against the English, and has squatted for the winter somewhere
about here."
"The Angry Snake," said Captain Sinclair. "Is that the chief who served
with the French, and wears a medal?"
"The very same, sir. He's not a chief, though; he was a very good
warrior in his day, and the French were very partial to him, as he
served them well; but he is no chief, although he was considered as a
sort of one from the consequence he obtained with the French. He is an
old man now, and a very bitter one. Many's the Englishman that he has
tied to the stake, and tortured during the war. He hates us, and is
always stirring up the Injuns to make war with us; but his day is gone
by, and they do not heed him at the council now."
"Then, why are you uncomfortable about him?" said Mr Campbell.
"Because he has taken up his quarters for the winter hunting not far
from us, with six or seven of the young warriors, who look up to him,
and he is mischievous. If the Injun nation won't make war, he will do
something on his own account, if he possibly can. He's not badly named,
I can tell you."
"Will he attack you?"
"Me! no, no; he knows better. He knows my rifle well; he has the mark
on his body; not but that he would if he dared, but I am Injun myself,
and know Injun craft. Then you see, these people have strange ideas.
During the whole war they never could even hit me with their rifles, and
they think I am not to be hurt--that's their superstition--and my rifle,
they think, never misses (they're almost right there, for it does not
once in a hundred times), so what with this and that, they fear me as a
supernatural, as we call it. But that's not the case with you all here;
and if the Snake could creep within these palisades, he might be
mischievous."
"But the tribes know very well that any attack of this kind would be
considered as a declaration of hostilities," said Captain Sinclair, "and
that we should retaliate."
"Yes; but you see the Snake don't belong to these tribes about us; his
nation is much farther off,--too far to go for redress; and the tribes
here, although they allow him to join the `talk' as an old warrior who
had served against the English and from respect to his age, do not
acknowledge him or his doings. They would disavow them immediately and
with truth, but they cannot prevent his doing mischief."
"What, then, is the redress in case of his doing any mischief?" said
Henry.
"Why, upon him and his band, whenever you can find them. You may
destroy them all, and the Injuns here won't say a word, or make any
complaint. That's all that can be done; and that's what I will do; I
mean to tell him so, when I meet him. He fears me, and so do his men;
they think me medicine."
"Medicine! What is that?" said Henry.
"It means that he has a charmed life," replied Captain Sinclair. "The
Indians are very superstitious."
"Yes, they be; well, perhaps, I'll prove medicine; and I'll give them a
pill or two out of my rifle," said Malachi, with a grim smile.
"Howsomever, I'll soon learn more about them, and will let you know when
I do. Just keep your palisade gates fast at night and the dogs inside
of them, and at any time I'll give you warning. If I am on their trail
the Strawberry shall come, and that's why I brought her here. If you
hear three knocks outside the palisade at any hour of the night, why it
will be her, so let her in."
"Well," said Mrs Campbell, "I'm very glad that you have told me all
this; now I know what we have to expect I shall be more courageous and
much more on my guard."
"I think we have done wisely in letting you know all we knew ourselves,"
said Captain Sinclair. "I must soon take my leave, as I must be at the
fort before sunset. Martin and John are to come with me, and bring back
the dog."
"An't the boy going with me?" said Malachi.
"Yes; to-morrow morning he may go, but after his return from the fort it
will be too late."
"Well, then, I may as well stay here," replied Malachi. "Where is he?"
"He is gone to skin a wolf, which he shot this morning," replied Alfred.
"He will soon be here."
Mrs Campbell shortly related to Malachi the adventure of the wolf. The
old hunter listened in silence, and then gave a nod of approbation.
"I reckon he'll bring home more skins than that this winter," said he.
The party then rose just as Martin and John made their appearance.
Captain Sinclair conversed with the Misses Percival, while the old
hunter spoke to the Strawberry-Plant in her own dialect; the others
either went out or were busy in clearing the table, till Captain
Sinclair took his departure with John and Martin, each armed with a
rifle.
"Well, this has been an exciting day," observed Mr Campbell, a little
before they retired to bed. "We have much to thank God for, and great
reason to pray for His continued protection and assistance. God bless
you all, my children; good night."
CHAPTER NINETEEN.
EMMA SHOOTS A WOLF.
The next morning, a little after daybreak, Martin and John made their
appearance, leading the magnificent dog which Captain Sinclair had given
to John. Like most large dogs, Oscar appeared to be very good-tempered,
and treated the snarling and angry looks of the other dogs with perfect
contempt.
"It is, indeed, a noble animal," said Mr Campbell, patting its head.
"It's a fine creature," observed Malachi, "a wolf would stand no chance
against him, and even a bear would have more on its hands than it could
well manage, I expect; but, come here, boy," said the old hunter to
John, leading the way outside of the door.
"You'd better leave the dog, John," said Malachi, "the crittur will be
of use here, but no good to us."
John made no reply, and the hunter continued, "I say it will be of use
here, for the girls might meet with another wolf, or the house might be
attacked; but good hunters don't want dogs. Is it to watch for us, and
give us notice of danger? Why that's our duty, and we must trust to
ourselves, and not to an animal. Is it to hunt for us? Why no dog can
take a deer so well as we can with our rifles; a dog may discover us
when we wish to be hidden; a dog's track will mark us out when we would
wish our track to be doubted. The animal will be of no utility ever to
us, John, and may do us harm, 'specially now the snow's on the ground.
In the summer-time, you can take him and teach him how to behave as a
hunter's dog should behave; but we had better leave him now, start at
once."
John nodded his head in assent, and then went indoors.
"Good-bye," said John, going up to his mother and cousins; "I shall not
take the dog."
"Won't take the dog! well, that's very kind of you, John," said Mary,
"for we were longing to have him to protect us."
John shouldered his rifle, made a sign to Strawberry-Plant, who rose,
and looking kindly at Mrs Campbell and the girls, without speaking,
followed John out of the hut. Malachi certainly was not very polite,
for he walked off, in company with John and the squaw, without taking
the trouble to say "Good-bye." It must, however, be observed that he
was in conversation with Martin, who accompanied them on the way.
The winter had now become very severe. The thermometer was twenty
degrees below freezing point, and the cold was so intense, that every
precaution was taken against it. More than once Percival, whose
business it was to bring in the firewood, was frost-bitten, but as Mrs
Campbell was very watchful, the remedy of cold snow was always
successfully applied. The howling of the wolves continued every night,
but they were now used to it, and the only effect was, when one came
more than usually close to the house, to make Oscar raise his head,
growl, listen awhile, and then lie down to sleep again. Oscar became
very fond of the girls, and was their invariable companion whenever they
left the house.
Alfred, Martin, and Henry went out almost daily on hunting excursions;
indeed, as there were no crops in the barn, they had little else to do.
Mr Campbell remained at home with his wife and nieces; occasionally,
but not very often, Percival accompanied the hunters; of Malachi and
John they saw but little; John returned about every ten days, but
although he adhered to his promise, his anxiety to go back to Malachi
was so very apparent, and he was so restless, that Mrs Campbell rather
wished him to be away, than remain at home so much against his will.
Thus passed away the time till the year closed in; confined as they were
by the severity of the weather, and having little or nothing to do, the
winter appeared longer and more tedious than it would have done if they
had been settled longer, and had the crops to occupy their attention;
for it is in the winter that the Canadian farmer gets through all his
thrashing and other work connected with his farm, preparatory for the
coming spring. This being their first winter, they had, of course, no
crops gathered in, and were, therefore, in want of employment. Mrs
Campbell and her nieces worked and read, and employed themselves in
every way that they could, but constantly shut up within doors, they
could not help feeling the monotony and _ennui_ of their situation. The
young men found occupation and amusement in the chase; they brought in a
variety of animals and skins, and the evenings were generally devoted to
a narration of what occurred in the day during their hunting excursions,
but even these histories of the chase were at last heard with
indifference. It was the same theme, only with variations, over and
over again, and there was no longer much excitement in listening.
"I wonder when John will come back again," observed Emma to her sister,
as they were sitting at work.
"Why he only left two days ago, so we must not expect him for some
time."
"I know that. I wonder if Oscar would kill a wolf, I should like to
take him out and try."
"I thought you had had enough of wolves already, Emma," replied Mary.
"Yes, well, that old Malachi will never bring us any more news about the
Indians," continued Emma, yawning.
"Why I do not think that any news about them is likely to be pleasant
news, Emma, and therefore why should you wish it."
"Why, my dear Mary, because I want some news; I want something to excite
me, I feel so dull. It's nothing but stitch, stitch, all day, and I am
tired of always doing the same thing. What a horrid thing a Canadian
winter is, and not one-half over yet."
"It is very dull and monotonous, my dear Emma, I admit, and if we had
more variety of employment, we should find it more agreeable, but we
ought to feel grateful that we have a good house over our heads, and
more security than we anticipated."
"Almost too much security, Mary; I begin to feel that I could welcome an
Indian even in his war-paint, just by way of a little change."
"I think you would soon repent of your wish, if it were gratified."
"Very likely, but I can't help wishing it now. When will they come
home? What o'clock is it? I wonder what they'll bring, the old story I
suppose, a buck; I'm sick of venison."
"Indeed, Emma, you are wrong to feel such discontent and weariness."
"Perhaps I am, but I have not walked a hundred yards for nearly one
hundred days, and that will give one the blues, as they call them, and I
do nothing but yawn, yawn, yawn, for want of air and exercise. Uncle
won't let us move on account of that horrid wolf. I wonder how Captain
Sinclair is getting on at the fort, and whether he is as dull as we
are."
To do Emma justice, it was seldom that she indulged herself in such
lamentings, but the tedium was more than her high flow of spirits could
well bear. Mrs Campbell made a point of arranging the household, which
gave her occupation, and Mary from natural disposition did not feel the
confinement as much as Emma did; whenever, therefore, she did shew
symptoms of restlessness or was tempted to utter a complaint, they
reasoned with and soothed, but never reproached her.
The day after this conversation, Emma, to amuse herself, took a rifle
and vent out with Percival. She fired several shots at a mark, and by
degrees acquired some dexterity; gradually she became fond of the
exercise, and not a day passed that she and Percival did not practise
for an hour or two, until at last Emma could fire with great precision.
Practice and a knowledge of the perfect use of your weapon gives
confidence, and this Emma did at last acquire. She challenged Alfred
and Henry to fire at the bull's-eye with her, and whether by their
gallantry or her superior dexterity, she was declared victor. Mr and
Mrs Campbell smiled when Emma came in and narrated her success, and
felt glad that she had found something which afforded her amusement.
It happened that one evening the hunters were very late; it was a clear
moonlight night, but at eight o'clock they had not made their
appearance; Percival had opened the door to go out for some firewood
which had been piled within the palisades, and as it was later than the
usual hour for locking the palisade gates, Mr Campbell had directed him
so to do. Emma, attracted by the beauty of the night, was at the door
of the house, when the howl of a wolf was heard close to them; the dogs,
accustomed to it, merely sprang on their feet, but did not leave the
kitchen fire; Emma went out, and looked through the palisades to see if
she could perceive the animal, and little Trim, the terrier, followed
her. Now Trim was so small, that he could creep between the palisades,
and as soon as he was close to them, perceiving the wolf, the courageous
little animal squeezed through them and flew towards it, barking as loud
as he could. Emma immediately ran in, took down her rifle and went out
again, as she knew that poor Trim would soon be devoured. The
supposition was correct, the wolf instead of retreating closed with the
little dog and seized it. Emma, who could now plainly perceive the
animal, which was about forty yards from her, took aim and fired, just
as poor Trim gave a loud yelp. Her aim was good, and the wolf and dog
lay side by side. Mr and Mrs Campbell, and Mary, hearing the report
of the rifle, ran out, and found Percival and Emma at the palisades
behind the house.
"I have killed him, aunt," said Emma, "but I fear he has killed poor
little Trim; do let us go out and see."
"No, no, my dear Emma, that must not be; your cousins will be home soon,
and then we shall know how the case stands; but the risk is too great."
"Here they come," said Percival, "as fast as they can run."
The hunters were soon at the palisade door and admitted; they had no
game with them. Emma jeered them for coming back empty-handed.
"No, no, my little cousin," replied Alfred, "we heard the report of a
rifle, and we threw down our game, that we might sooner come to your
assistance if you required it. What was the matter?"
"Only that I have killed a wolf, and am not allowed to bring in my
trophy," replied Emma. "Come, Alfred, I may go with you and Martin."
They went to the spot, and found the wolf was dead, and poor Trim dead
also by his side. They took in the body of the little dog, and left the
wolf till the morning, when Martin said he would skin it for Miss Emma.
"And I'll make a footstool of it," said Emma; "that shall be my revenge
for the fright I had from the other wolf. Come, Oscar, good dog; you
and I will go wolf-hunting. Dear me, who would have thought that I
should have ever killed a wolf--poor little Trim!"
Martin said it would be useless to return for the venison, as the wolves
had no doubt eaten it already; so they locked the palisade gate, and
went into the house.
Emma's adventure was the topic of the evening, and Emma herself was much
pleased at having accomplished such a feat.
"Well," said Martin, "I never knew but one woman who faced a wolf except
Miss Emma."
"And who was that, Martin?" said Mrs Campbell.
"It was a wife of one of our farmers, ma'am; she was at the outhouse
doing something, when she perceived a wolf enter the cottage-door, where
there was nobody except the baby in the cradle. She ran back and found
the wolf just lifting the infant out of the cradle by its clothes. The
animal looked at her with his eyes flashing; but having its mouth full,
it did not choose to drop the baby, and spring at her; all it wanted was
to get clear off with its prey. The woman had presence of mind enough
to take down her husband's rifle and point it to the wolf, but she was
so fearful of hurting the child, that she did not put the muzzle to its
head, but to its shoulder. She fired just as the wolf was making off,
and the animal fell, and could not get on its feet again, and it then
dropped the child out of its mouth to attack the mother. The woman
caught the child up, but the wolf gave her a severe bite on the arm, and
broke the bone near the wrist. A wolf has a wonderful strong jaw,
ma'am. However, the baby was saved, and neighbours came and despatched
the animal."
"What a fearful position for a mother to be in!" exclaimed Mrs
Campbell.
"Where did that happen?"
"On the White Mountains, ma'am," replied Martin. "Malachi Bone told me
the story; he was born there."
"Then he is an American."
"Well, ma'am, he is an American because he was born in this country, but
it was English when he was born, so he calls himself an Englishman."
"I understand," replied Mrs Campbell, "he was born before the colonies
obtained their independence."
"Yes, ma'am, long before; there's no saying how old he is. When I was
quite a child, I recollect he was then reckoned an old man; indeed, the
name the Indians gave to him proves it. He then was called the `Grey
Badger.'"
"But is he so very old, do you really think, Martin?"
"I think he has seen more than sixty snows, ma'am; but not many more;
the fact is, his hair was grey before he was twenty years old; he told
me so himself, and that's one reason why the Indians are so fearful of
him. They have it from their fathers that the Grey Badger was a great
hunter, as Malachi was more than forty years ago; so they imagine as his
hair was grey then, he must have been a very old man at that time back,
and so to them he appears to live for ever, and they consider him as
charmed, and to use their phrase `great _medicine_.' I've heard some
Indians declare that Malachi has seen one hundred and fifty winters, and
they really believe it. I never contradicted them, as you may imagine."
"Does he live comfortably?"
"Yes, ma'am, he does; his squaw knows what he wants, and does what she
is bid. She is very fond of the old man, and looks upon him, as he
really is to her, as a father. His lodge is always full of meat, and he
has plenty of skins. He don't drink spirits, and if he has tobacco for
smoking, and powder and ball, what else can he want?"
"Happy are they whose wants are so few," observed Mr Campbell. "A man
in whatever position in life, if he is content, is certain to be happy.
How true are the words of the poet:--
"Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long!"
"Malachi Bone, is a happier man than hundreds in England who live in
luxury. Let us profit, my dear children, by his example, and learn to
be content with what Heaven has bestowed upon us. But it is time to
retire. The wind has risen, and we shall have a blustering night.
Henry, fetch me the book."
CHAPTER TWENTY.
THE SQUAW SAVED.
Alfred and Martin brought in the wolf which Emma had killed, but it was
frozen so hard, that they could not skin it. Poor little Trim was also
carried in, but the ground was too hard frozen for them to bury the
body, so they put it into the snow until the spring, when a thaw would
take place. As for the wolf, they said nothing about it, but they
remained up when the rest of the family retired, and after the wolf had
been some time before the fire, they were able to take off the skin.
On the following morning, when the hunters went out, they were
particularly desired to shoot a wild turkey if they could, as the next
day was Christmas-day.
"Let us take Oscar with us," said Alfred; "he is very swift, and may run
them down; we never can get up with them in our snow-shoes."
"I wonder whether they will get a turkey," said Emma, after the hunting
party had left.
"I think it will be difficult," said Mrs Campbell; "but they will try
all they can."
"I hope they will; for Christmas-day without a turkey will be very
un-English."
"We are not in England, my dear Emma," said Mr Campbell; "and wild
turkeys are not to be ordered from the poulterer's."
"I know that we are not in England, my dear uncle, and I feel it too.
How was the day before every Christmas-day spent at Wexton Hall! What
piles of warm blankets, what a quantity of duffel cloaks, flannels, and
worsted stockings were we all so busy and so happy in preparing and
sorting to give away on the following morning, that all within miles of
us should be warmly clothed on that day. And, then, the housekeeper's
room with all the joints of meat, and flour and plums and suet, in
proportion to the number of each family, all laid out and ticketed ready
for distribution. And then the party invited to the servants' hall, and
the great dinner, and the new clothing for the school-girls, and the
church so gay with their new dresses in the aisles, and the holly and
the mistletoe. I know we are not in England, my dear uncle, and that
you have lost one of your greatest pleasures--that of doing good, and
making all happy around you."
"Well, my dear Emma, if I have lost the pleasure of doing good, it is
the will of Heaven that it should be so, and we ought to be thankful
that, if not dispensing charity, at all events, we are not the objects
of charity to others; that we are independent, and earning an honest
livelihood. People may be very happy, and feel the most devout
gratitude on the anniversary of so great a mercy, without having a
turkey for dinner."
"I was not in earnest about the turkey, my dear uncle. It was the
association of ideas connected by long habit, which made me think of our
Christmas times at Wexton Hall; but, indeed, my dear uncle, if there was
regret, it was not for myself so much as for you," replied Emma, with
tears in her eyes.
"Perhaps I spoke rather too severely, my dearest Emma," said Mr
Campbell; "but I did not like to hear such a solemn day spoken of as if
it were commemorated merely by the eating of certain food."
"It was foolish of me," replied Emma, "and it was said thoughtlessly."
Emma went up to Mr Campbell and kissed him, and Mr Campbell said,
"Well, I hope there will be a turkey, since you wish for one."
The hunters did not return till late, and when they appeared in sight,
Percival, who had descried them, came in and said that they were very
well loaded, and were bringing in their game slung upon a pole.
Mary and Emma went out of the door to meet their cousins. That there
was a heavy load carried on a pole between Martin and Alfred was
certain, but they could not distinguish what it consisted of. As the
party arrived at the palisade gates, however, they discovered that it
was not game, but a human being, who was carried on a sort of litter
made of boughs.
"What is it, Alfred!" said Mary.
"Wait till I recover my breath," said Alfred, as he reached the door,
"or ask Henry, for I'm quite knocked up."
Henry then went with his cousins into the house, and explained to them
that as they were in pursuit of the wild turkeys, Oscar had stopped
suddenly and commenced baying; that they went up to the dog, and, in a
bush, they found a poor Indian woman nearly frozen to death, and with a
dislocation of the ankle, so severe that her leg was terribly swelled,
and she could not move. Martin had spoken to her in the Indian tongue,
and she was so exhausted with cold and hunger, that she could just tell
him that she belonged to a small party of Indians who had been some days
out hunting, and a long way from where they had built their winter
lodges; that she had fallen with the weight which she had to carry, and
that her leg was so bad, she could not go on with them, that they had
taken her burden, and left her to follow them when she could.
"Yes," continued Alfred; "left the poor creature without food, to perish
in the snow. One day more, and it would have been all over with her.
It is wonderful how she can have lived through the two last nights as
she was. But Martin says the Indians always do leave a woman to perish
in this way, or recover as she can, if she happens to meet with an
accident."
"At all events, let us bring her in at once," said Mr Campbell. "I
will first see if my surgical assistance can be of use, and after that
we will do what we can for her. How far from this did you find her?"
"About eight miles," replied Henry; "and Alfred has carried her almost
the whole way; Martin and I have relieved each other, except once, when
I took Alfred's place."
"And so you perceive, Emma, instead of a wild turkey, I have brought an
Indian squaw," said Alfred.
"I love you better for your kindness, Alfred," replied Emma, "than if
you had brought me a waggon-load of turkeys."
In the meantime, Martin and Henry brought in the poor Indian, and laid
her down on the floor at some distance from the fire, for though she was
nearly dead with the cold, too sudden an exposure to heat would have
been almost equally fatal. Mr Campbell examined her ankle, and with a
little assistance reduced the dislocation. He then bound up her leg and
bathed it with warm vinegar, as a first application. Mrs Campbell and
the two girls chafed the poor creature's limbs till the circulation was
a little restored, and then they gave her something warm to drink. It
was proposed by Mrs Campbell that they should make up a bed for her on
the floor of the kitchen. This was done in a corner near to the
fireplace, and in about an hour their patient fell into a sound sleep.
"It is lucky for her that she did not fall into that sleep before we
found her," said Martin; "she would never have awoke again."
"Most certainly not," replied Mr Campbell. "Have you any idea what
tribe she is of, Martin?"
"Yes, sir; she is one of the Chippeways; there are many divisions of
them, but I will find out when she wakes again to which she belongs; she
was too much exhausted when we found her, to say much."
"It appears very inhuman leaving her to perish in that way," observed
Mrs Campbell.
"Well, ma'am, so it does; but necessity has no law. The Indians could
not, if they would, have carried her, perhaps, one hundred miles. It
would have, probably, been the occasion of more deaths, for the cold is
too great now for sleeping out at nights for any time, although they do
contrive with the help of a large fire to stay out sometimes."
"Self-preservation is the first law of nature, certainly," observed Mr
Campbell; "but, if I recollect right, the savages do not value the life
of a woman very highly."
"That's a fact, sir," replied Martin; "not much more, I reckon, than you
would a beast of burden."
"It is always the case among savage nations," observed Mr Campbell;
"the first mark of civilisation is the treatment of the other sex, and
in proportion as civilisation increases, so are the women protected and
well used. But your supper is ready, my children, and I think after
your fatigue and fasting you must require it."
"I am almost too tired to eat," observed Alfred. "I shall infinitely
more enjoy a good sleep under my bear skins. At the same time I'll try
what I can do," continued he, laughing, and taking his seat at table.
Notwithstanding Alfred's observation, he contrived to make a very hearty
supper, and Emma laughed at his appetite after his professing that he
had so little inclination to eat.
"I said I was too tired to eat, Emma, and so I felt at the time; but as
I became more refreshed my appetite returned," replied Alfred, laughing,
"and notwithstanding your jeering me, I mean to eat some more."
"How long has John been away?" said Mr Campbell.
"Now nearly a fortnight," observed Mrs Campbell; "he promised to come
here on Christmas-day. I suppose we shall see him to-morrow morning."
"Yes, ma'am; and old Bone will come with him, I dare say. He said as
much to me when he was going away the last time. He observed that the
boy could not bring the venison, and perhaps _he_ would if he had any,
for he knows that people like plenty of meat on Christmas-day."
"I wonder whether old Malachi is any way religious," observed Mary. "Do
you think he is, Martin?"
"Yes, ma'am; I think he feels it, but does not shew it. I know from
myself what are, probably, his feelings on the subject. When I have
been away for weeks and sometimes for months, without seeing or speaking
to anyone, all alone in the woods, I feel more religious than I do when
at Quebec on my return, although I do go to church. Now old Malachi
has, I think, a solemn reverence for the Divine Being, and strict
notions of duty, so far as he understands it--but as he never goes to
any town or mixes with any company, so the rites of religion, as I may
call them, and the observances of the holy feasts, are lost to him,
except as a sort of dream of former days, before he took to his hunter's
life. Indeed, he seldom knows what day or even what month it is. He
knows the seasons as they come and go, and that's all. One day is the
same as another, and he cannot tell which is Sunday, for he is not able
to keep a reckoning. Now, ma'am, when you desired Master John to be at
home on the Friday fortnight because it was Christmas-day, I perceived
old Malachi in deep thought: he was recalling to mind what Christmas-day
was; if you had not mentioned it, the day would have passed away like
any other; but you reminded him, and then it was that he said he would
come if he could. I'm sure that now he knows it is Christmas-day, he
intends to keep it as such."
"There is much truth in what Martin says," observed Mr Campbell; "we
require the seventh day in the week and other stated seasons of devotion
to be regularly set apart, in order to keep us in mind of our duties and
preserve the life of religion. In the woods, remote from communion with
other Christians, these things are easily forgotten, and when once we
have lost our calculation, it is not to be recovered. But come, Alfred,
and Henry, and Martin must be very tired, and we had better all go to
bed. I will sit up a little while to give some drink to my patient, if
she wishes it. Good night, my children."
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.
CHRISTMAS IN CANADA.
Christmas-Day was indeed a change, as Emma had observed, from their
former Christmas; but although the frost was more than usually severe,
and the snow filled the air with its white flakes, and the north-east
wind howled through the leafless trees as they rasped their long arms
against each other, and the lake was one sheet of thick ice, with a
covering of snow which the wind had in different places blown up into
hillocks, still they had a good roof over their heads, and a warm,
blazing fire on the hearth; and they had no domestic miseries, the worst
miseries of all to contend against, for they were a united family,
loving and beloved; shewing mutual acts of kindness and mutual acts of
forbearance; proving how much better was "a dish of herbs where love is,
than the stalled ox with hatred therewith." Moreover, they were all
piously disposed; they were sensible that they owed a large debt of
gratitude to Heaven for all its daily mercies in providing them with
food and raiment, forwarding off from them sickness and sorrow, and
giving them humble and contented hearts; and on this day, they felt how
little were all worldly considerations, compared with the hopes which
were held out to them through the great sacrifice which the goodness and
mercy of God had made for them and all the world. It was, therefore,
with cheerful yet subdued looks that they greeted each other when they
met previous to the morning prayers. Mr Campbell had already visited
his patient and readjusted the bandage; her ankle was better, but still
very much swelled, the poor creature made no complaints, she looked
grateful for what was done and for the kindness shewn to her. They were
all arrayed in their best Sunday dresses, and as soon as prayers were
over, had just wished each other the congratulations so general, so
appropriate, and yet too often so thoughtlessly given upon the
anniversary, when Malachi Bone, his little squaw the Strawberry, and
John, entered the door of the hut, laden with the sports of the forest,
which they laid down in the corner of the kitchen, and then saluted the
party.
"Here we are all together on Christmas-Day," said Emma, who had taken
the hand of the Strawberry.
The Indian girl smiled, and nodded her head.
"And, John, you have brought us three wild turkeys; you are a good boy,
John," continued Emma.
"If we only had Captain Sinclair here now," said Martin to Emma and Mary
Percival, who was by Emma's side, shaking hands with the Strawberry.
Mary coloured up a little, and Emma replied, "Yes, Martin, we do want
him, for I always feel as if he belonged to the family."
"Well, it's not his fault that he's not here," replied Martin; "it's now
more than six weeks since he has left, and if the colonel would allow
him, I'm sure that Captain Sinclair--"
"Would be here on this day," said Captain Sinclair, who with Mr Gwynne,
his former companion, had entered the door of the house without being
observed; for the rest of the party were in conversation with Malachi
Bone and John.
"Oh, how glad I am to see you," cried Emma; "we only wanted you to make
our Christmas party complete; and I'm very glad to see you too, Mr
Gwynne," continued Emma, as she held out a hand to each.
"We had some difficulty in persuading the Colonel to let us come,"
observed Captain Sinclair to Mary; "but as we have heard nothing further
about the Indians, he consented."
"You have nothing more to fear from the Indians this winter, Captain,
and you may tell the Colonel so from me," said Malachi. "I happened to
be on their hunting ground yesterday, and they have broken up and gone
westward, that is, Angry Snake and his party have; I followed their
track over the snow for a few miles just to make sure; they have taken
everything with them, but somehow or other I could not find out that the
squaw was with them--and they had one in their party. They carried
their own packs of fur, that I'll swear to, and they had been thrown
down several times; which would not have been the case, if they had not
been carried by men; for you see, the Injun is very impatient under a
load, which a squaw will carry the whole day without complaining. Now
that party is gone, there is no other about here within fifty miles,
I'll be bound for."
"I'm very glad to hear you say so," replied Captain Sinclair.
"Then, perhaps, this poor woman whom you succoured, Alfred, is the squaw
belonging to the party," observed Mr Campbell. Mr Campbell then
related to Malachi Bone what had occurred on the day before; how the
hunting party had brought home the woman, whom he pointed to in the
corner where she had remained unnoticed by the visitors.
Malachi and the Strawberry went up to her; the Strawberry spoke to her
in the Indian tongue in a low voice, and the woman replied in the same,
while Malachi stood over them and listened.
"It's just as you thought, sir; she belongs to the Angry Snake, and she
says that he has gone with his party to the westward, as the beavers
were very scarce down here; I could have told him that. She confirms my
statement, that all the Indians are gone, but are to meet at the same
place in the spring, to hold a council."
"Is she of the same tribe as the Strawberry?" inquired Henry.
"That's as may be," replied Malachi; "I hardly know which tribe the
Strawberry belongs to."
"But they speak the same language."
"Yes; but the Strawberry learnt the tongue from me," replied Malachi.
"From you," said Mrs Campbell; "how was that?"
"Why, ma'am, it's about thirteen or fourteen years back, that I happened
to come in upon a skirmish which took place on one of the small lakes
between one of the tribes here and a war party of Hurons who were out.
They were surprised by the Hurons, and every soul, as far as I could
learn, was either scalped or carried away prisoner. The Hurons had gone
about an hour or two, when I came up to the place where they fought, and
I sat down looking at the dead bodies, and thinking to myself what
creatures men were to deface God's image in that way, when I saw under a
bush two little sharp eyes looking at me; at first, I thought it was
some beast, a lynx, mayhap, as they now call them, and I pointed my
rifle towards it; but before I pulled the trigger, I thought that
perhaps I might be mistaken, so I walked up to the bush, and there I
discovered that it was an Indian child which had escaped the massacre by
hiding itself in the bush. I pulled it out; it was a girl about two
years old, who could speak but a few words. I took her home to my
lodge, and have had her with me ever since, so I don't exactly know what
tribe she belongs to, as they all speak the same tongue. I called her
the `Strawberry,' because I found her under a bush close to the ground,
and among strawberry-plants which were growing there."
"And then you married her," said Percival.
"Married her! no, boy, I never married her; what has an old man of
nearly seventy to do with marrying? They call her my squaw, because
they suppose she is my wife, and she does the duty of a wife to me; but
if they were to call her my daughter, they would be nearer the mark, for
I have been a father to her."
"Well, Malachi, to tell you the truth, I did think that she was too
young to be your wife," said Emma.
"Well, miss, you were not far wrong," replied the old man. "I do wish I
could find out her tribe, but I never have been able, and indeed, from
what I can learn, the party who were surprised came a long way from
this, although speaking the same language; and I don't think there is
any chance now, for even if I were to try to discover it, there have
been so many surprises and so much slaughter within these last twenty
years, that it's scarcely possible the search would be attended with
success."
"But why do you wish to find out her tribe?" said Mary.
"Because I'm an old man, miss, and must soon expect to be gathered to my
fathers, and then this poor little girl will be quite alone, unless I
can marry her to some one before I die: and if I do marry her, why then
she will leave _me_ alone; but that can't be helped, I'm an old man, and
what does it matter?"
"It matters a great deal, Malachi," said Mr Campbell; "I wish you would
live with us; you would then be taken care of if you required it, and
not die alone in the wilderness."
"And the Strawberry shall never want friends or a home while we can
offer her one, Malachi," said Mrs Campbell; "let what will happen to
you, she will be welcome to live here and die here, if she will remain."
Malachi made no reply; he was in deep thought, resting his chin upon his
hands which held his rifle before him. Mrs Campbell and the girls were
obliged to leave to prepare the dinner. John had sat down with the
Strawberry and the Indian woman, and was listening to them, for he now
understood the Chippeway tongue. Alfred, Sinclair, and the other
gentlemen of the party, were in conversation near the fire, when they
were requested by Mrs Campbell to retreat to the sitting-room, that the
culinary operations might not be interfered with. Malachi Bone still
continued sitting where he was, in deep thought. Martin, who remained,
said to the Misses Percival in a low voice--
"Well, I really did think that the old man had married the girl, and I
thought it was a pity," continued he, looking towards the Strawberry,
"for she is very young and very handsome for a squaw."
"I think," replied Mary Percival, "she would be considered handsome
everywhere, Martin, squaw or not; her features are very pretty, and then
she has a melancholy smile, which is perfectly beautiful; but now,
Martin, pluck these turkeys, or we shall not have them ready in time."
As soon as the dinner was at the fire, and could be left to the care of
Martin, Mrs Campbell and the Misses Percival went into the
sitting-room. Mr Campbell then read the morning service of the day,
Henry officiating as clerk in the responses. Old Malachi had joined the
party, and was profoundly attentive. As soon as the service was over,
he said--
"All this puts me in mind of days long past, days which appear to me as
a dream, when I was a lad and had a father and a mother, and brothers
and sisters around me; but many summers and many winters have passed
over my head since then."
"You were born in Maine, Malachi, were you not?"
"Yes, ma'am, half-way up the White Mountains. He was a stern old man,
my father; but he was a righteous man. I remember how holy Sunday was
kept in our family; how my mother cleaned us all, and put on our best
clothes, and how we went to the chapel or church, I forget which they
called it; but no matter, we went to pray."
"Was your father of the Established Church, Malachi?"
"I can't tell, ma'am; indeed, I hardly know what it means; but he was a
good Christian and a good man, that I do know."
"You are right, Malachi; when the population is crowded, you find people
divided into sects, and, what is still worse, despising, if not hating
each other, because the outward forms of worship are a little different.
Here in our isolated position, we feel how trifling are many of the
distinctions which divide religious communities, and that we could
gladly give the right hand of fellowship to any denomination of
Christians who hold the main truths of the Gospel. Are not all such
agreed in things essential, animated with the same hopes, acknowledging
the same rule of faith, and all comprehended in the same divine mercy
which was shown us on this day? What do all sincere Christians believe
but that God is holy, great, good, and merciful, that his Son died for
us all, and that through his merits and intercession if we conform to
his precepts--whether members of the Church of England, or any other
communion--we shall be saved, and obtain the blessedness of heaven? We
may prefer, and reasonably prefer, our own mode of worship, believing it
to be most edifying; but we have no right to quarrel with those who
conscientiously differ from us about outward forms and ceremonies which
do not involve the spirit of Christianity."
After a pause, Mary Percival said, "Malachi, tell us more about your
father and your family."
"I have little to tell, miss; only that I now think that those were
pleasant days which then I thought irksome. My father had a large farm
and would have had us all remain with him. In the winter we felled
timber, and I took quite a passion for a hunter's life; but my father
would not allow me to go from home, so I stayed till he died, and then I
went away on my rambles. I left when I was not twenty years old, and I
have never seen my family since. I have been a hunter and a trapper, a
guide and a soldier, and an interpreter; but for these last twenty-five
years I have been away from towns and cities, and have lived altogether
in the woods. The more man lives by himself, the more he likes it, and
yet now and then circumstances bring up the days of his youth, and make
him hesitate whether it be best or not to live alone."
"I am glad to hear you say that, Malachi," said Mr Campbell.
"I little thought that I should ever have said it," replied the old man;
"when I first saw that girl by the side of the stream," (looking at
Emma), "then my heart yearned towards the boy; and now this meeting to
praise God and to keep Christmas-Day--all has helped."
"But do you not pray when you are alone?" said Mary.
"Yes, in a manner, miss; but it's not like your prayers; the lips don't
move, although the heart feels. When I lie under a tree watching for
the animals, and I take up a leaf and examine it, I observe how curious
and wonderful it is, I then think that God made it, and that man could
not. When I see the young grass springing up, and how, I know not,
except that it does so every year, I think of God and His mercy to the
wild animals in giving them food; and then the sun reminds me of God,
and the moon, and the stars, as I watch, make me think of Him; but I
feel very often that there is something wanting, and that I do not
worship exactly as I ought to do. I never have known which is Sunday,
although I well recollected how holy it was kept at my father's house,
and I never should have known that this was Christmas-Day, had it not
been that I had met with you. All days are alike to a man that is alone
and in the wilderness, and that should not be--I feel that it should
not."
"So true is it," observed Mr Campbell, "that stated times and seasons
are necessary for the due observance of our religious duties; and I am
glad to hear Malachi say this, as I trust it will occasion his being
with us more than he has been."
"Come to us every Sunday, Malachi," said Mrs Campbell.
"I think I will, ma'am, if I can--indeed, why I say _if I can_, I know
not; it was wrong to say so."
"I wish you to come not only on your own account, but for John's sake;
suppose you come every Sunday morning, and leave us every Monday. You
will then have the whole week for your hunting."
"Please God, I will," replied Malachi.
"And bring the Strawberry with you," said Mary.
"I will, miss; it cannot but do her good."
Dinner was now announced, and they all sat down; a happy party. Mr
Campbell on this occasion produced two or three bottles of his small
store of wine, which he kept rather in case of illness than for any
other reason, for they had all been so long without wine or spirits,
that they cared little about it. Their dinner consisted of white-fish
(salted), roast venison, boiled salt beef, roast turkey, and a
plum-pudding, and they were all very merry, although they were in the
woods of Canada and not at Wexton Hall.
"My children," said Mr Campbell, after dinner, "I now drink all your
healths, and wish you as much happiness as the world affords, and at the
same time accept my most hearty thanks and my dearest love. You have
all been good, obedient, and cheerful, and have lightened many a heavy
load. If, when it pleased Providence to send us into this wilderness,
it had been part of my lot to contend with wilful and disobedient
children; if there had been murmuring and repining at our trials;
discontent and quarrelling among yourselves, how much more painful would
have been our situation. On the contrary, by your good humour and
attention, your willing submission to privations, and your affectionate
conduct towards me, my wife, and each other, you have not allowed us to
feel the change of position to which we have been reduced. I say again,
my dear children all, you have my thanks, and may the Almighty bless and
preserve you!"
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.
THE BEAVERS.
When we left off our narrative, our Canadian settlers were enjoying
themselves on Christmas-Day. On the following morning, Malachi Bone,
the Strawberry, and John, set off for their abode to the westward, and
Captain Sinclair and his companion went back to the fort. The Indian
woman was better, and the family resumed their usual occupations. We
must now briefly narrate a few events which occurred during the
remainder of the long winter. Malachi and John made their appearance,
accompanied by the Strawberry, almost every Sunday, and the old hunter
appeared gradually to become more reconciled to the society of others,
and sometimes would remain for a day or two over the Sunday. The Indian
woman, in the course of three weeks, was quite recovered, and signified,
through the Strawberry, her wish to leave and join her tribe. To this,
of course, no objection was raised; and having received a supply of
provisions, she took her leave at the latter end of the month of
January.
February,--March followed, and the winter still continued, but the sun
became more powerful, and the weather was not so severe. It was not
till the middle of April that the lake was clear of ice and the thaw
commenced, and then it was so rapid, that the little stream became quite
an impetuous torrent, and a large portion of the prairie land was under
water.
A few days, however, sufficed to change the scene; the snow which had
covered the ground for so many months had all disappeared; the birds
which had been mute or had migrated during the winter, now made their
appearance, and chirped and twittered round the house; the pleasant
green of the prairie was once more presented to their view, and Nature
began to smile again. Other ten days passed, and the trees had thrown
out their leaves, and after one or two storms, the weather became warm
and the sky serene.
Great was the delight of the whole party at this change; and now the
cows were put out to their pasture, and Emma and Mary went milking as
before, no longer afraid of meeting with the wolves. The boat was
launched, and Percival and John went out to procure fish. Alfred,
Henry, and Martin were very busy picking up the cleared ground, to sow
the first crop. Mr Campbell worked all day in the garden; the poultry
were noisy and bustling, and soon furnished an abundant supply of eggs;
and as now the hunting season was over for a time, Malachi and the
Strawberry were continually coming to visit them.
"Oh! how delightful this is," exclaimed Emma, as she stopped at the
bridge and looked on the wide blue lake; "is it not, Mary, after having
been cooped up for so many dreary months?"
"It is, indeed, Emma; I do not wonder at your flow of spirits; I feel
quite another person myself. Well, if the winter is long and dreary, at
all events, it doubly enhances the value of the spring."
"I think it's very odd that Captain Sinclair has not come to see us;
don't you, Mary?"
"I certainly did expect him before this," replied Mary; "I presume,
however, his duty will not permit him to come."
"Surely he could get leave, now that the weather is fine; there was some
reason for his not coming during the winter. I hope he is not ill."
"I hope so too, most sincerely, Emma," replied Mary; "but come, sister,
we must not loiter; hear how the calves are bleating for us to let them
have their breakfasts; we shall have more of them very soon; yes, and
plenty of milk, and then we shall have plenty of churning; but I like
work when the weather is fine."
After breakfast, Emma expressed her surprise to Alfred at Captain
Sinclair's not having made his appearance, and her fear that he was not
well. Alfred, at her request, promised to walk to the fort in the
afternoon, and ascertain how matters were.
John, who had not forgotten the advice of Malachi, brought in a basket
of fine trout from the stream almost every day, and the supply of fish
and eggs proved very acceptable, for the beef had all been consumed, and
the family would otherwise have been reduced to salt-pork.
Alfred, as he had promised Emma, set off for the fort, accompanied by
Martin. He returned the next morning, full of news. Captain Sinclair
was, as Emma had imagined, unable to come, having had a severe fall, by
which he had injured his knee, and was laid up for a time: he was,
however, in very good spirits, and the medical officer had promised that
he should be well again in a fortnight; he sent his kind regards to all
the family. The Commandant also sent his compliments to Mr Campbell,
and desired to acquaint him that, in a week or ten days, it was his
intention to send a boat to Montreal, and if Mr Campbell had any
purchases to make, or wished to send any one by the opportunity, he
might do so, and the boat would bring back the articles he required.
They had no further communication with Quebec, but expected a runner to
come every day with the letters from England and newspapers; and
further, that he hoped soon to be able to pay his respects in person.
Such was the information brought by Alfred; Emma made many inquiries
relative to Captain Sinclair as Mary stood by, and Alfred laughed at her
extreme inquisitiveness. The proposition of the Commandant relative to
the trip to Montreal was then discussed. Old Malachi had several
packages of furs to dispose of. Martin had five, Alfred three, and
Henry two; for, although we made no mention of it, on their hunting
excursions, whoever killed the animal, was entitled to the skin. The
packages of Malachi were, however, of some value, as he had many beaver
and other skins, while those of Martin and the others consisted chiefly
of deer-skins. The question was, whom to send down with them. Malachi
was not inclined to go, Martin could not well be spared, and, moreover,
would very probably get into some scrape if he went to Montreal; whereas
Henry and Alfred did not know anything about the value of skins;
otherwise, Mr Campbell, who wished to purchase flour and pork, besides
several other articles, would have preferred sending one of them. But
the difficulty was soon removed by old Malachi, who observed, that he
had made a valuation of his skins, and that the others could be valued
also before they were packed up; and that if not sold for what they
ought to fetch, or nearly so, they had better be brought back. Mr
Campbell was satisfied with this arrangement, and Henry was appointed to
undertake the journey. Mr Campbell made out his inventory of articles;
Mrs Campbell added her list, and all was ready as soon as they received
notice that the boat was to leave. Martin did not appear at all annoyed
at not being selected for the expedition; since Malachi Bone had
informed them that the Strawberry was not his wife, as they had
supposed, Martin was continually by her side. She began to speak a few
words of English, and had become a great favourite with everybody. Mr
Campbell, as soon as he perceived that Malachi no longer avoided them,
thought it but his duty to offer him his land back again, but Malachi
would not consent to accept it. He said he did not want the land,
although, perhaps, he might raise his lodge a little nearer to them than
it was; at present, things had better remain as they were; after which
Mr Campbell did not renew the subject. Malachi soon acted upon his
remark, that perhaps he might raise his lodge a little nearer, for, a
few days afterwards, he made his appearance with the Strawberry and
John, all three loaded with his household utensils, and in a very short
time he had erected another wigwam within sight of the house at the
western end of Mr Campbell's prairie. This gave great satisfaction to
Mrs Campbell, because John was now always near to them; indeed, he no
longer slept in the lodge, but at the house, in the room with his
brothers. The major part of the day he passed at the lodge, or in
company with the old hunter; but, by this new arrangement, they
gradually became, as it were, one family; not a day passed that the
Strawberry did not come to their house and make herself useful,
assisting in everything that she could, and rapidly learning what she
did not know.
One or two evenings after the message from the fort, Mr Campbell asked
Malachi some questions relative to the habits of the beaver, as she had
heard much of the sagacity of that animal.
"Well, ma'am," said Malachi, "it's a most reasonable animal, certainly,
and I will say, I never was tired with watching them; I've even forgot,
in the summer-time, what I came out for, from having fallen in with them
at work."
"And so have I," said Martin. "I once was lying down under a bush by
the side of a stream, and I saw a whole council of them meet together,
and they talked after their own fashion so earnestly, that I really
think they have a language as good as our own. It's always the old ones
who talk, and the young ones who listen."
"That's true," replied Malachi. "I once myself saw them hold a council,
and then they all separated to go to work, for they were about to dam up
a stream and build their lodges."
"And what did they do, Malachi?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Why, ma'am, they did all the same as Christians would have done. The
Injuns say that beavers have souls as well as themselves, and certainly,
if sense gave souls, the Injuns would be in the right. The first thing
that they did was to appoint their sentinels to give notice of danger;
for the moment anyone comes near them, these sentinels give the signal
and away they all dive, and disappear till the danger is over."
"There are many beasts as well as birds that do the same," observed Mr
Campbell; "indeed, most of those which are gregarious and live in
flocks."
"That's true, sir," replied Martin.
"Well, ma'am, the beavers choose a place fit for their work. What they
require is a stream running through a flat or bottom, which stream of
water they may dam up so as to form a large pond of a sufficient depth
by the water flowing over and covering the flat or bottom several feet;
and when they have found the spot they require, they begin their work."
"Perhaps," observed Mr Campbell, "this choice requires more sagacity
than the rest of their labour, for the beavers must have some
engineering talent to make the selection; they must be able to calculate
as exactly as if they took their levels, to secure the size and depth of
water in the pond which is necessary. It is the most wonderful,
perhaps, of all the instincts, or reasoning powers rather, allotted to
them."
"It is, sir; and I've often thought so," replied Malachi; "and then to
see how they carry all their tools about them; a carpenter's basket
could not be better provided. Their strong teeth serve as axes to cut
down the trees; then their tails serve as trowels for their mason's
work; their fore-feet they use just as we do our hands, and their tails
are also employed as little carts or wheelbarrows."
"Pray go on, Malachi," said Mary; "I am quite interested already."
"Well, miss, I have known these little creatures as they are, raise
banks four or five hundred paces in length, and a matter of twenty feet
high in some parts, besides being seven or eight feet thick; and all in
one season,--perhaps five or six mouths' work."
"But how many of them do you reckon, are at the work?" said Henry.
"Perhaps a hundred; not more, I should say."
"Well; but how do they raise these banks, Malachi?" said Emma.
"There, miss, they shew what sense they have. I've often watched them
when they have been sawing through the large trees with the front teeth;
they could not carry the tree, that's sartain, if the whole of them were
to set to work, so they always pick out the trees by the banks of the
stream, and they examine how the trees incline, to see if they will fall
into the stream; if not, they will not cut them down; and when they are
cutting them down, and they are nearly ready for falling, if the wind
should change and be against the fall, they will leave that tree till
the wind will assist them. As soon as the trees are down, they saw off
the branches and arms, and float the log down to where the dam is to be
made; they lay them across, and as they lay them one upon the other, of
course the water rises and enables them to float down and place the
upper ones. But before that, as soon as the lower logs are in their
places, the animals go and fetch long grass and clay, which they load
upon their flat tails, and drag to the dam, filling up the holes between
the timber till it is as strong as a wall, and the water is completely
stopped."
"Yes," said Martin; "I have heard them at night working away so hard,
and flapping and spattering with their tails, that I could imagine there
were fifty men at work instead of a hundred of those small animals, but
they work by day and by night, and never seem tired, till the dam is
sound and their work is complete."
"But the raising of the dam is only preparatory, is it not, to their
building their own houses?" observed Mrs Campbell.
"Nothing more, ma'am; and I think the rest of the work is quite as
wonderful."
"But it is time to go to bed," observed Mr Campbell, "and we must,
therefore, leave the remainder of Malachi's story till another evening."
"I am sure that there is not one of the party who is more anxious to
hear it than I am," replied Mrs Campbell, rising, "but as you say, it
is past ten o'clock, and Malachi and the Strawberry have to go home, so,
good night."
"Oh, dear! what a pity!" cried Percival, "I shall dream of beavers all
night, I'm sure I shall."
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.
MALACHI'S STORY OF A BEAR.
For two or three days, Mr Campbell was very busy making out an
inventory of the articles which he required. His funds at Quebec were
rather low, but the communication which his agent had made to him of Mr
D. Campbell's intention of paying for the green-house and hothouse
plants, made him feel very easy on that score; and he now determined to
procure a small flock of sheep, and one or two of the Canadian ponies or
galloways, as they would soon be required for the farm, as well as two
carts or light waggons used in the country. In the meantime, Alfred,
Martin, and Henry were very busy putting the seed in between the stumps
of the felled timber, merely hoeing up the earth and raking it in, which
was all that was required. The quantity of land cleared was about
twelve acres, half of which was sowed with oats, and the other with
wheat; the piece cleared on the other side of the stream by Malachi
Bone, and railed in, was sown with maize, or Indian corn. As soon as
the seed was in, they all set to putting up a high fence round the
cleared land, which was done with split rails made from the white cedar,
which grew in a swamp about half a mile distant, and which, it may be
remembered, had in a great measure been provided by the soldiers who had
been lent to assist them on their arrival. The piece of prairie land,
on the side of the stream next to the house, was put apart for an early
crop of hay, and as soon as they could, they intended to turn the cows
into the bush, that is, to feed in the forest, that they might obtain
hay from the other side, which had belonged to Malachi; but the prairie
required to be fenced in, and this was the job that they took in hand as
soon as the seeds were sown.
"I hope, when the Colonel comes over," observed Martin to Alfred, "that
we shall persuade him to let us have some soldiers this summer, for we
shall want them both for the fencing and getting the hay-crop in. Our
summers are not very long, and there is plenty to do."
"I think my father intends to make the request," replied Alfred.
"Ah, sir; he will now see the value of this bit of prairie land to a new
settler; instead of having to go in search of hay, as they must do at
the fort now, we have plenty for hay, and plenty for feed. So we are to
have some sheep, I find?"
"Yes, and I suppose we must build a winter-yard for them."
"To be sure we must, for the wolves are very partial to mutton; I think,
on the whole, that they like pigs better. I wish we could get the fence
up round the prairie, but that we never can do this year without we have
help from the fort."
"But will it be safe to turn the cows into the bush?"
"Oh, yes, sir, they will not be hurt by anything in the summer-time;
sometimes we have trouble to find them again, but not when they have
calves; they are certain to come home every evening to their young
ones."
"We shall have quite a herd of cattle; eight calves and eight cows."
"We must only bring up the cow calves, unless your father intends to
have oxen for the yoke. We shall require them about the time they are
fit to break in, that is, in two or three years."
"Yes, we shall be great farmers by-and-bye," replied Alfred, with a
sigh; for at the moment he was thinking of Captain Lumley and his
nautical profession.
In the evening of the day on which this conversation took place, Malachi
Bone was requested to resume his observations upon the beavers.
"Well, ma'am, as I said the other night, as soon as they have dammed up
the river and made the lake, they then build their houses; and how they
manage to work under water and fix the posts in the ground is a puzzle
to me, but they do fix six posts in the ground, and very firmly, and
then they build their house, which is very curious; it is in the form of
a large oven, and made of clay and fat earth, mixed up with branches and
herbs of all sorts; they have three sets of rooms one above the other,
so that if the water rises from a freshet or sudden thaw, they may be
able to move higher and keep themselves dry. Each beaver has his own
little room, and the entrance is made under the water, so that they dive
down to go into it, and nothing can harm them."
"How very curious, and what do they live upon, Malachi?"
"The bark of what we call asp-wood, ma'am, which is a kind of sallow;
they lay up great quantities of it in the autumn as a provision for
winter, when they are frozen up for some months."
"Well, but how do you take them, Malachi?"
"There are many ways, ma'am; sometimes the Indians break down the dam,
and let off the water, and then they kill them all except a dozen of the
females and half a dozen males; after which they stop up the dam again,
that the animals may breed and increase; sometimes, when the beaver lake
is frozen hard, they break into the beaver house from the top; when they
do that, the beavers all dive and escape, but as they must come up to
breathe at the holes in the ice, they place nets and take them in that
way, but they always leave a sufficient number to keep up the stock;
they also take them in traps baited with the asp-wood, but that is more
difficult."
"But there is another sort of beaver, ma'am, called the land-beaver,
which is more easily taken," observed Martin; "they make holes in the
earth like rabbits. The Indians say that these beavers are those who
are lazy and idle, and have been driven out by the others for not
working."
"Now, tell us what you do when you go out to hunt the beaver in the
winter, Malachi?"
"We never hunt the beaver only, ma'am; we go out to hunt everything; we
go to the beaver lakes, and then we set our traps for beaver, otter,
martin, mynx, cats, foxes, and every other animal, some traps large and
some small. We build our hut, and set our traps all about us, and
examine them every day; we cut what flesh is good, and we employ
ourselves skinning the animals which we take."
"Is the beaver flesh good?"
"Yes, ma'am, very tolerable eating; perhaps the best we find at that
time."
"But what a miserable life that must be," said Mrs Campbell.
"Well, ma'am, you may think so, but we hunters think otherwise," replied
Malachi; "we are used to it, and to being left alone to our own
thoughts."
"That's true," observed Martin; "I'd rather pass the winter hunting
beavers, than pass it at Quebec, miserable as you may imagine the life
to be."
"There must be a charm in the life, that is certain," observed Mr
Campbell; "for how many are engaged in it who go out year after year,
and never think of laying up any of their earnings."
"Very true, sir," replied Martin; "what they make from their skins is
spent as soon as they get to Quebec, as I know well, and then they set
off again."
"Why they are like sailors," observed Alfred, "who, after a long cruise,
spend all their wages and prize-money in a few days, and then go to sea
again for more."
"Exactly," replied Malachi; "and what's the use of money if you keep it?
A trapper can always take up as much powder and ball as he wants upon
credit, and pay with a portion of his skins on his return. What does he
want with the rest? It's of no use to him, and so of course he spends
it."
"But would it not be better to put it by until he had sufficient to buy
a farm, and live comfortably?"
"But does he live comfortably, ma'am?" said Malachi; "has he not more
work to do, more things to look after, and more to care for with a farm,
than when he has nothing?"
"It's very true philosophy, after all," observed Mr Campbell; "happy is
the man who is content to be poor. If a man prefers to live entirely
upon flesh, as the hunters do, there is no reason why he should work
hard and till the ground to procure bread; when the wants are few, the
cares are few also; but still, even the savage must feel the necessity
of exertion when he has a wife and family."
"Yes, sir, to be sure he does, and he works hard in his own way to
procure their food; but trappers seldom have wives; they would be no use
to them in the woods, and they have no one to provide for but
themselves."
"It appears to me like a savage life, but a very independent one," said
Mrs Campbell, "and I presume it is the independence which gives it such
charms."
"That's it, depend upon it, ma'am," replied Martin.
"But what do you do all the summer-time, Malachi?"
"Why, ma'am, we take to our rifles then, there are the deer, and the
lynx, and the wild cats, and squirrels, and the bear, and many other
animals to look after, and then some times we go bee-hunting for the
honey."
"Pray tell us how you take the honey, Malachi."
"Why, ma'am, the bees always live in the hollows of the old trees, and
it's very difficult in a forest to find them out, for the hole which
they enter by is very small and very high up sometimes; however, when we
get a lead, we generally manage it."
"Tell us what you mean, Malachi."
"We catch the bees as they settle upon the flowers to obtain honey, and
then we let them go again. The bee, as soon as it is allowed to escape,
flies straight towards its hive; we watch it till we can no longer see
it, and walk in that direction and catch another, and so we go on till
we see them settle upon a tree, and then we know that the hive and honey
must be in that tree, so we cut it down."
"How very clever," said Percival.
"It requires a sharp eye, though," said Martin, "to watch the bee far;
some of the trappers catch the bees and give them sugar mixed with
whisky. This makes the bee tipsy, and he cannot fly so fast, and then
they discover the hive much sooner, as they can run almost as fast as
the bee flies."
"That's capital," cried Percival; "but tell me, Martin, how do you kill
the bears?"
"Why, Master Percival, with our rifles, to be sure; the easiest way to
kill them is when they are in their holes in the hollow trees."
"How do you get them out?"
"Why, we knock the tree with our axes, and they come out to see what's
the matter, and as soon as they put their heads out, we shoot them."
"Are you in earnest, Martin?"
"Yes, ma'am; quite in earnest," replied Martin.
"It's all true, ma'am," said the hunter; "the bears about here are not
very savage. We had much worse down in Maine. I've seen the Indians in
a canoe on a river watching the bears as they swam across, and kill in
the water six or seven in one day."
"Still a hear is an awkward sort of animal when it's angry," replied
Martin; "and, as we may have them down here in the autumn, it is as well
not to let them be thought too lightly of."
"Indeed, there's no fear of that," said Emma; "as for Malachi, he thinks
nothing dangerous; but I have no wish to see a bear. You say we may
expect them, Martin. Why so?"
"Because, miss, they are very fond of maize, and we have a field of it
sown, which may tempt them."
"Well, if they do come, I must trust to my rifle," replied Emma,
laughing; "at all events, I do not fear them so much as I did when I
first came here."
"Don't fire, miss, without you're sure of killing," said Malachi. "The
creatures are very dangerous when wounded."
"Don't be afraid; I'll only fire in self-defence, Malachi; that is, when
I have no other chance left. I had rather trust to my heels than my
rifle. Were you ever hugged by a bear?"
"Well, I wasn't ever hugged; but once I was much closer to one than ever
I wish to be again."
"Oh! when was that? Do, pray, tell us," said Emma.
"It was when I was young, that one day I sounded a tree in the forest
with my axe, and I was certain that a bear was in it; but the animal did
not shew itself, so I climbed up the tree to examine the hole at the
top, and see if the bear was at home, as, if so, I was determined to
have him out. Well, miss, I was on the top of the hollow trunk, and was
just putting my head down into the hole, when, all of a sudden, the edge
of the tree which I kneeled upon gave way, like so much tinder, and down
I went into the hollow; luckily for me I did not go down head foremost,
or there I should have remained till this time, for the hole in the
middle of the tree, as I found, was too narrow for me to have turned in,
and there I must have stuck. As it was, I went down with the dust and
crumbles smothering me almost, till I came right on the top of the bear,
who lay at the bottom; and I fell with such force, that I doubled his
head down, so that he could not lay hold of me with his teeth, which
would not have been pleasant; indeed, the bear was quite as much, if not
more, astonished than myself, and there he lay beneath me, very quiet,
till I could recover a little. Then I thought of getting out, as you
may suppose, fast enough, and the hollow of the tree, providentially,
was not so wide but that I could work up again with my back to one side
and my knees to the other. By this means I gradually got up again to
the hole that I fell in at, and perched myself across the timber to
fetch my breath. I had not been there more than a quarter of a minute,
and I intended to have remained much longer, when I perceived, all of a
sudden, the bear's head within a foot of me; he had climbed up after me,
and I saw that he was very angry, so in a moment I threw myself off my
perch, and down I went to the ground at the foot of the tree, a matter
of nearly twenty feet, even faster than I went down inside of it. I was
severely shaken with the fall, but no bones were broken; in fact, I was
more frightened than hurt; I lay quite still for a little while, when
the growl of the bear put me in mind of him; I jumped on my legs, and
found that he was coming down the tree after me, and was within six feet
of the ground. There was no time to lose; I caught up my rifle, and had
just time to put it to his ear and settle him, as he was placing his
fore foot on the ground."
"What a narrow escape!"
"Well, perhaps it was; but there's no saying, miss, which beats till the
fight is over."
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.
CAPTAIN SINCLAIR LEAVES CANADA.
A notice arrived that the departure of the boat to Montreal would take
place on the next morning. When the boat came up, it brought Captain
Sinclair, to the great delight of the whole party, who had felt very
anxious about one with whom they had so long been intimate and who had
shewn them so much kindness. His knee was almost well, and, as soon as
the first interrogations were over, he made known to them that he had
obtained six weeks' leave of absence, and was about to proceed to
Quebec.
"To Quebec!" cried Emma, "and why are you going to Quebec?"
"To confess the truth, Emma," said Captain Sinclair, "my journey to
Quebec is but the preparatory step to my return to England, for perhaps
two or three months."
"To England! Oh! how I wish--" but here Emma stopped; she was going to
say how much she wished that she was going also, but her uncle and aunt
were present, and, recollecting that it might pain them and induce them
to think that she was discontented, she added, "that you would bring me
out all the new fashions."
"All the new fashions, my dear Emma?" said Henry. "Why, do you wish to
be fashionably dressed in the woods of Canada?"
"Why not?" exclaimed Emma, who felt that she must appear to be very
foolish, but could not get out of her scrape.
"I can look at myself in the glass at all events."
"I will try to bring you out something which will give you pleasure,"
replied Captain Sinclair, "but as for the fashions, I know you are only
joking, by your trusting a person so incompetent as I am to select
them."
"Well, I do not think you would execute my commission very well, so I
will not trouble you," replied Emma; "and now let us know why you are
going to England."
"My dear Emma," said Mr Campbell, "you ought not to put such questions;
Captain Sinclair has his own reasons, I have no doubt."
"It is very true that I have my own reasons," replied Captain Sinclair,
"and, as I have no secrets, I will with pleasure gratify Emma's
curiosity. I do not know whether you are aware that I was an orphan at
a very early age, and have been under the charge of a guardian. When my
father died, he left directions in his will that I was not to take
possession of my property till I was twenty-five years of age. I was
twenty-five years old last year, and my guardian has written requesting
me to come home, that he may be relieved of his responsibility, by
making over to me the trust which has been confided to him."
"Will it detain you long?" inquired Mr Campbell.
"It must not. It is very difficult to obtain leave of absence from your
regiment in time of war. It is only through interest that I do so now.
On my arrival at Quebec, the Governor will put me on his staff, and then
he will give me leave. I shall not stay longer than is necessary, as I
am anxious to be with my regiment again. You may, therefore, be certain
that, if I am spared, I shall be with you again before the winter, if
not much sooner. So now if you have really any commission for me to
execute, I can only say I shall be most happy to comply with your wishes
to the best of my ability."
"Well," observed Emma, "we really were not aware that Captain Sinclair
was a man of fortune. You think now you will come back," continued she,
gravely, "but if once you get to England, you will remain, and forget
all about Canada."
"My fortune is not very large," replied Captain Sinclair; "in England,
hardly sufficient to induce a young lady of fashion to look upon me,
although enough, perhaps, for a sensible woman to be happy upon. My
fortune, therefore, will not detain me in England, and, as I said
before, my greatest wish is to rejoin my regiment."
"Whether you come back or remain," observed Mr Campbell, "you will
always have our best wishes, Captain Sinclair. We are not ungrateful
for your kindness to us."
"Nor shall I forget the many happy hours I have passed in your society,"
replied Captain Sinclair; "but we shall be melancholy if we talk too
long upon the subject. The boat cannot remain more than two hours, and
Henry must be ready by that time. The Commandant is anxious that we
should start for Montreal this very evening."
"Then, indeed, we have no time to lose," observed Mr Campbell; "Henry,
get your trunk ready, and Martin will take it down into the boat before
we sit down to dinner. It will be a long while before we have you to
dine with us again," continued Mr Campbell to Captain Sinclair; "but I
wish you your health and much happiness till you return. Come, girls,
look after the dinner. Mary! where's Mary?"
"She went into the room a few minutes ago," said Emma, "but I'm here,
and can do all that is required without her or my aunt either. Come,
Percival, lay the cloth; Alfred, come and help me, this is almost too
heavy for me. Oh, here comes my aunt; now you may go away, Alfred; we
can get on better without you."
"There's gratitude," said Alfred, laughing.
As Henry had been in daily expectation of the summons, he was not long
in his preparations, and in a few minutes, made his appearance,
accompanied by Mary Percival. They then sat down to dinner, not very
cheerful, for Captain Sinclair's unexpected departure had thrown a gloom
over them all; however, they rallied a little towards the close of the
meal, and Mr Campbell produced one of his bottles of wine to drink
success and happiness to the travellers. It was then time to start.
Captain Sinclair and Henry shook hands with Mr Campbell and the Misses
Percival, and, accompanied by the gentlemen of the party, walked down to
the beach.
"I can't bear parting with any one that I have been so intimate with,"
said Emma, after they were left alone. "I declare I could sit down and
have a hearty cry at Captain Sinclair's departure."
Mary sighed, but made no answer.
"I am not surprised to hear you say so, Emma," said Mrs Campbell. "In
England, when we were surrounded with friends, parting was always
painful; but here where we have so few, I might almost say only Captain
Sinclair, it is of course most painful. However, it's only for a time,
I hope."
"It must be very dull to be on duty at the fort," said Mary; "I should
not be surprised at Captain Sinclair's not returning."
"I should be most exceedingly surprised," replied Emma; "I am sure that
he will come back, if he is not unavoidably prevented."
"Since he has expressed so much desire to rejoin his regiment, I should
be surprised as well as you, Emma," said Mrs Campbell. "He is not a
volatile young man; but, come, we must clear away the dinner-table."
Mr Campbell, Alfred, Percival, and Martin soon returned, for Captain
Sinclair was obliged to push off immediately, that he might return in
time to the fort, in obedience to his orders. Malachi and John had gone
out on a hunting expedition, and the Strawberry was at her own lodge.
The party that sat in the kitchen in the evening was, therefore, much
reduced, and the taking farewell of Captain Sinclair did not dispose
them to be very lively. A few words were exchanged now and then, but
the conversation drooped. Emma spoke of Captain Sinclair's expectations
and projects.
"We never know what may come in this world of change, my dear Emma,"
said Mr Campbell. "All Captain Sinclair's plans may be overthrown by
circumstances over which he has no control. How seldom do we meet with
results equal to our expectations. When I was practising in my
profession, I little expected that I should be summoned to take
possession of Wexton Hall; when once in possession, as little did I
expect that I should be obliged to quit it, and to come to these
desolate wilds. We are in the hands of God, who does with us as He
thinks fit. I have been reading this morning, and I made the
observation not only how often individuals, but even nations, are out in
their expectations. I do not know a more convincing proof of this than
the narration of events, which from their recent occurrence, can hardly
yet be considered as history, has offered to me. Perhaps there never
was so short a period in which causes have produced effects so rapidly,
and in which, in every case, the effects have been directly opposite to
what short-sighted mortals had anticipated. It was in 1756, scarcely
forty years ago, that the French, being in possession of the provinces,
attempted to wrest from us those portions of America which we occupied.
What was the result? After a war which, for cruelty and atrocity, is
perhaps unequalled in history, both parties employing savages, by whom
the French and English were alternately tortured and burnt to death,
France, in attempting to obtain all, lost all, and was compelled, in
1760, to surrender its own provinces to Great Britain. Here is one
instance in which affairs turned out contrary to the expectations of
France.
"Now again: At no period was England more prosperous or more respected
by foreign nations than at the close of the war. Her prosperity made
her arrogant and unjust. She wronged her colonies. She thought that
they dared not resist her imperious will. She imagined that now that
the French were driven from the Canadas, America was all her own,
whereas it was because the French were driven from the Canadas that the
colonies ventured to resist. As long as the French held this country,
the English colonists had an enemy on their frontiers, and consequently
looked up to England for support and protection. They required aid and
assistance, and as long as they did require it, they were not likely to
make any remonstrance at being taxed to pay a portion of the expense
which was incurred. Had the French possessed an army under Montcalm
ready to advance at the time that the Stamp Act, or the duty upon tea,
salt, etcetera, was imposed, I question very much if the colonists would
have made any remonstrance. But no longer requiring an army for their
own particular defence, these same duties induced them to rise in
rebellion against what they considered injustice, and eventually to
assert their independence. Here, again, we find that affairs turned out
quite contrary to the expectations of England.
"Observe again. The American colonists gained their independence, which
in all probability they would not have done had they not been assisted
by the numerous army and fleet of France, who, irritated at the loss of
the Canadas, wished to humiliate England by the loss of her own American
possessions. But little did the French king and his noblesse imagine,
that in upholding the principles of the Americans, and allowing the
French armies and navies (I may say the people of France _en masse_) to
be imbued with the same principles of equality, that they were sowing
the seeds of a revolution in their own country which was to bring the
king, as well as the major part of the nobility, to the scaffold.
"There, again, the events did not turn out according to expectation, and
you will observe that in every attempt made by either party, the result
was, that the blow fell upon their own heads, and not upon that of the
party which it was intended to crush."
"I remember," said Alfred, after Mr Campbell had finished speaking,
"having somewhere read a story of an Eastern king who purchased a
proverb of a dervish, which he ordered to be engraven on all the gold
and silver utensils in the palace. The proverb was, `Never undertake
anything until you have well considered the end.' It so happened, that
there was a conspiracy against the king, and it was arranged that his
surgeon should bleed him with a poisoned lancet. The surgeon agreed,
the king's arm was bound up, and one of the silver basins was held to
receive the blood. The surgeon read the inscription, and was so struck
with the force of it, that he threw down the lancet, confessed the plot,
and thus was the life of the king preserved."
"A very apt story, Alfred," said Mrs Campbell.
"The question now is," continued Alfred, "as two of the parties, France
and England, have proved so short-sighted, whether the Americans, having
thrown off their allegiance, have not been equally so in their choice of
a democratical government?"
"How far a modern democracy may succeed, I am not prepared to say,"
replied Mr Campbell; "but this I do know, that in ancient times, their
duration was generally very short, and continually changing to oligarchy
and tyranny. One thing is certain, that there is no form of government
under which the people become so rapidly vicious, or where those who
benefit them are treated with such ingratitude."
"How do you account for that, sir?" said Alfred.
"There are two principal causes. One is, that where all men are
declared to be equal (which man never will permit his fellow to be if he
can prevent it), the only source of distinction is wealth, and thus the
desire of wealth becomes the ruling passion of the whole body, and there
is no passion so demoralising. The other is, that where the people, or,
more properly speaking, the mob govern, they must be conciliated by
flattery and servility on the part of those who would become their
idols. Now flattery is lying, and a habit equally demoralising to the
party who gives and to the party who receives it. Depend upon it, there
is no government so contemptible or so unpleasant for an honest man to
live under as a democracy."
"It is my opinion, sir, and I believe a very general one," said Alfred.
"How far the Americans may disprove such an opinion," continued Mr
Campbell, "remains to be seen; but this is certain, they have commenced
their new form of government with an act of such gross injustice, as to
warrant the assumption that all their boasted virtues are pretence. I
refer to their not liberating their slaves. They have given the lie to
their own assertions in their Declaration of Independence, in which they
have declared all men equal and born free, and we cannot expect the
Divine blessing upon those who, when they emancipated themselves, were
so unjust as to hold their fellow-creatures in bondage. The time will
come, I have no doubt, although perhaps not any of us here present may
see the day, when the retribution will fall upon their heads, or rather
upon the heads of their offspring; for the sins of the fathers are
visited upon the children, even to the third and fourth generation. But
it is time for us to think of retiring--good night, and God bless you
all."
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.
THE MILLS PROPOSED.
In two days Malachi and John returned, bringing with them the skins of
three bears which they had killed--but at this period of the year the
animals were so thin and poor, that their flesh was not worth bringing
home. Indeed, it was hardly worth while going out to hunt just then, so
they both remained much at home, either fishing in the lake, or taking
trout in the stream. Alfred and Martin were still occupied with the
farm; the seed had come up, and they were splitting rails for the
prairie fence. About a fortnight after Captain Sinclair's departure,
Colonel Foster came in a boat from the fort, to pay them a visit.
"I assure you, Mr Campbell," said he, "I was very anxious about you
last winter, and I am rejoiced that you got over it with so little
difficulty. At one time we had apprehensions of the Indians, but these
have passed over for the present. They meet again this summer, but the
Quebec government are on the alert, and I have no doubt but that a
little conciliation will put an end to all animosity. We expect a large
supply of blankets and other articles to be sent up this spring, as
presents to the tribes, which we hope will procure their good-will; and
we have taken up several French emissaries, who were working mischief."
"But still we shall be liable to the assaults of straggling parties,"
said Mr Campbell.
"That is true," replied the Colonel, "but against them you have your own
means of defence. You would, in so isolated a position, he equally
liable to a burglary in England--only that in England you would have the
laws to appeal to, whereas here you must take the law into your own
hands."
"It certainly is not pleasant to be in a continual state of anxiety,"
observed Mr Campbell, "but we knew what we had to expect before we came
here, and we must make the best of it. So you have lost Captain
Sinclair, Colonel; he is a great loss to us."
"Yes, he is to go to England for a short time," replied the Colonel,
"but we shall soon have him back again. He must be very fond of his
profession to remain in it with his means."
"He told us that he was about to take possession of a small property."
"A property of nearly 2,000 pounds per annum," replied the Colonel. "He
may consider it a small property, but I should think it otherwise if it
had fallen to my lot."
"Indeed, I had no idea, from what he said, that it was so large," said
Mrs Campbell. "Well, I have a high opinion of him, and have no doubt
but that he will make a good use of it."
"At all events, he can afford the luxury of a wife," said the Colonel,
laughing, "which we soldiers seldom can."
The Colonel then entered into conversation with Mr Campbell, and after
many questions, he observed:
"I have been thinking, Mr Campbell, that it will be very advantageous
to the government as well as to you, when your farm is cleared and
stocked, if, with the water-power you possess here, you were to erect a
flour-mill and a saw-mill. You observe that the government has to
supply the fort with flour and provisions of all kinds at a very heavy
expense of carriage, and the cattle we have at the fort will cost us
more than they are worth, now that we have lost your prairie farm, so
conveniently situated for us. On the other hand, your produce will be
almost useless to you, at the distance you are from any mart; as you
will not find any sale for it. Now, if you were to erect a mill, and
grind your own wheat, which you may do in another year, if you have
funds sufficient; and as you may have plenty of stock, you will be able
to supply the fort with flour, beef, pork, and mutton, at a good profit
to yourself, and at one-half the price which government pays at present.
I have written to the Governor on the subject, stating that we have not
the means of keeping our stock, and pointing out to him what I now point
out to you. I expect an answer in a few days, and should he authorise
me, I may make arrangements with you even now, which will be
satisfactory, I have no doubt."
Mr Campbell returned the Colonel many thanks for his kindness, and of
course expressed himself willing to be guided by his advice. He stated
that he had funds not only sufficient to erect a mill, but also, if he
were permitted, to pay for the labour of any party of men which the
Commandant would spare during the summer season.
"That is the very point which I wished to ascertain; but I felt some
delicacy about making the inquiry. Now I consider that there will be no
difficulty in our arrangements."
The Colonel remained for some time looking over the farm and conversing
with Mr Campbell, and then took his leave.
In the meantime, Alfred and his cousins went out to walk; the weather
was now beautifully clear, and in the afternoon the heat was not too
oppressive. As they sauntered by the side of the stream, Mary said,
"Well, Alfred, what do you think of the Colonel's proposition?"
"Yes," observed Emma, "you are a party deeply concerned in it."
"How so, dear coz?"
"Why, don't you perceive that if the mill is erected, you will be the
proper person to have charge of it? What a change of professions, from
a sailor to a miller. I think I see you in your coat, all white with
flour, coming in to dinner."
"My dear Emma, you don't intend it, I am sure, but you do not know that
you are inflicting pain upon me. When the Colonel made the proposition,
I felt the importance of it, as it would be a source of great profit to
my father; but at the same time, I don't know how it is, I have always
indulged the idea that we may not stay here for ever, and this plan
appeared so like decidedly settling down to a residence for life, that
it made me low-spirited. I know that it is foolish, and that we have no
chance of ever removing--but still I cannot, even with this almost
certainty before my eyes, keep my mind from thinking upon one day
returning to my profession, and the idea of becoming a miller for life
is what I cannot as yet contemplate with any degree of composure."
"Well, Alfred, I only did it to tease you a little, not to hurt your
feelings, believe me," replied Emma. "You shall not be a miller if you
don't like it, Henry will do better, perhaps, than you; but as for our
quitting this place, I have no idea of its being ever possible. I have
made up my mind to live and die in the Canadian woods, considering it my
wayward fate that all `my sweetness should be wasted on the desert
air.'"
"Repining is useless, if not sinful," observed Mary Percival. "We have
much to be thankful for; at least we are independent, and if we are ever
to repay the kindness of our uncle and aunt, who must feel their change
of condition so much more than we do, it must be by cheerfulness and
content. I have been thinking as well as you, Alfred, and I'll tell you
what was in my thoughts. I looked forward to a few years, by which
time, as the country fills up so fast, it is very probable that we shall
have other settlers here as neighbours, in every direction. This will
give us security. I also fancied that my uncle's farm and property
became of value and importance, and that he himself became a leading man
in the district; not only at his ease, but, for a settler, even wealthy;
and then I fancied that, surrounded by others, in perfect security, and
in easy and independent circumstances, my uncle would not forget the
great sacrifice which my cousin Alfred so nobly made, and would insist
upon his returning to that profession, to which he is so much attached,
and in which I have no doubt but that he will distinguish himself."
"Well said, my sweet prophet," said Alfred, kissing his cousin, "you
have more sense than both of us."
"Answer for yourself, Alfred, if you please," said Emma, tossing her
head as if affronted. "I shall not forget that remark of yours, I can
assure you. Now, I prophesy quite the contrary; Alfred will never go to
sea again. He will be taken with the charms of some Scotch settler's
daughter; some Janet or Moggy, and settle down into a Canadian farmer,
mounted on a long-legged black pony."
"And I too," replied Alfred, "prophesy, that at the same time that I
marry and settle as you have described, Miss Emma Percival will yield up
her charms to some long-legged black nondescript sort of a fellow, who
will set up a whisky-shop and instal his wife as barmaid to attend upon
and conciliate his customers."
"Emma, I think you have the worst of this peeping into futurity," said
Mary, laughing.
"Yes, if Alfred were not a false prophet, of which there are always many
going about," replied Emma; "however, I hope your prophecy may be the
true one, Mary, and then we shall get rid of him."
"I flatter myself that you would be very sorry if I went away; you would
have no one to tease, at all events," replied Alfred, "and that would be
a sad loss to yourself."
"Well, there's some sense in that remark," said Emma; "but the cows are
waiting to be milked, and so, Mr Alfred, if you are on your good
behaviour, you had better go and bring us the pails."
"I really pity Alfred," said Mary, as soon as he was out of hearing;
"his sacrifice has been very great, and, much as he must feel it, how
well he bears up against it."
"He is a dear, noble fellow," replied Emma; "and I do love him very
much, although I cannot help teasing him."
"But on some points you should be cautious, my dear sister; you don't
know what pain you give."
"Yes I do, and am always sorry when I have done it, but it is not until
afterwards that I recollect it, and then I am very angry with myself.
Don't scold me, dear Mary, I will try to be wiser; I wonder whether what
you say will come to pass, and we shall have neighbours; I wish we had,
if it were only on account of those Indians."
"I think it very probable," replied Mary; "but time will shew."
Alfred then returned with the pails, and the conversation took another
turn.
A few days afterwards, a corporal arrived from the fort, bringing
letters and newspapers; the first that they had received since the
breaking up of the winter. The whole family were in commotion as the
intelligence was proclaimed; Mary and Emma left the fowls which they
were feeding; Percival threw down the pail with which he was attending
the pigs; Alfred ran in from where he and Martin were busy splitting
rails; all crowded round Mr Campbell as he opened the packet in which
all the letters and papers had been enveloped at the fort. The letters
were few; three from Miss Paterson, and two other friends in England,
giving them the English news; one to Alfred from Captain Lumley,
inquiring after the family, and telling him that he had mentioned his
position to his friends at the Board, and that there could be no call
for his services for the present; one from Mr Campbell's English agent,
informing him that he had remitted the money paid by Mr Douglas
Campbell for the plants, etcetera, to his agent at Quebec; and another
from his Quebec agent, advising the receipt of the money and inclosing a
balance-sheet. The letters were first read over, and then the news
papers were distributed, and all of them were soon very busy and silent
during the perusal.
After a while, Emma read out. "Dear uncle, only hear this, how sorry I
am."
"What is it, my dear?" said Mr Campbell.
"`Mrs Douglas Campbell, of Wexton Hall, of a son, which survived but a
few hours after birth.'"
"I am very sorry too, my dear Emma," replied Mr Campbell; "Mr Douglas
Campbell's kindness to us must make us feel for any misfortune which may
happen to him, and to rejoice in any blessing which may be bestowed upon
him."
"It must have been a serious disappointment," said Mrs Campbell; "but
one which, if it pleases God, may be replaced; and we may hope that
their expectations, though blighted for the present, may be realised on
some future occasion."
"Here is a letter from Colonel Foster, which I overlooked," said Mr
Campbell; "it was between the envelope. He says that he has received an
answer from the Governor, who fully agrees with him in his views on the
subject we were conversing about, and has allowed him to take any steps
which he may think advisable. The Colonel says that he will call upon
me again in a few days, and that if, in the meantime, I will let him
know how many soldiers I wish to employ, he will make arrangements to
meet my views as far as lies in his power. We have to thank Heaven for
sending us friends, at all events," continued Mr Campbell; "but at
present, we will put his letter aside, and return to our English news."
"Dear England!" exclaimed Emma.
"Yes, dear England, my good girl; we are English, and can love our
country as much now as we did when we lived in it. We are still
English, and in an English colony; it has pleased Heaven to remove us
away from our native land, but our hearts and feelings are still the
same, and so will all English hearts be found to be in every settlement
made by our country all over the wide world. We all glory in being
English, and have reason to be proud of our country. May the feeling
never be lost, but have an elevating influence upon our general
conduct!"
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.
THE STRAWBERRY'S WEDDING.
It was very nearly five weeks before Henry returned from his expedition
to Montreal. During this time, the Colonel had repeated his visit and
made arrangements with Mr Campbell. A party of twenty soldiers had
been sent to work at felling timber and splitting rails, for whose
services Mr Campbell paid as before. The winter house and palisade
fence for the sheep were put in hand, and great progress was made in a
short time, now that so many people were employed. They had also
examined the stream for some distance, to ascertain which would be the
most eligible site for the water-mill, and had selected one nearly half
a mile from the shore of the lake, and where there was a considerable
fall, and the stream ran with great rapidity. It was not, however,
expected that the mill would be erected until the following year, as it
was necessary to have a millwright and all the machinery from either
Montreal or Quebec. It was intended that the estimate of the expense
should be given in, the contract made, and the order given during the
autumn, so that it might be all ready for the spring of the next year.
It was on a Monday morning that Henry arrived from the fort, where he
had stayed the Sunday, having reached it late on Saturday night. The
_bateaux_, with the stock and stores, he had left at the fort; they were
to come round during the day, but Henry's impatience to see the family
would not allow him to wait. He was, as may be supposed, joyfully
received, and, as soon as the first recognitions were over, he proceeded
to acquaint his father with what he had done. He had obtained from a
Canadian farmer forty ewes of very fair stock, although not anything
equal to the English; but the agent had worked hard for him, and
procured him twenty English sheep and two rams of the best kind, to
improve the breed. For the latter he had to pay rather dear, but they
were worth any money to Mr Campbell, who was quite delighted with the
acquisition. In selecting the sheep, of course Henry was obliged to
depend on the agent and the parties he employed, as he was no judge
himself; but he had, upon his own judgment, purchased two Canadian
horses, for Henry had been long enough at Oxford to know the points of a
horse, and as they turned out, he had made a very good bargain. He had
also bought a sow and pigs of an improved breed, and all the other
commissions had been properly executed; the packages of skins also
realised the price which had been put on them. As it may be supposed,
he was full of news, talking about Montreal, the parties he had been
invited to, and the people with whom he had become acquainted. He had
not forgotten to purchase some of the latest English publications for
his cousins, besides a few articles of millinery, which he thought not
too gay, for their present position. He was still talking, and probably
would have gone on talking for hours longer, so many were the questions
which he had to reply to, when Martin came in and announced the arrival
of the _bateaux_ with the stores and cattle, upon which they all went
down to the beach to see them disembarked and brought up by the
soldiers, who were at work. The stores were carried up to the door of
the store-house, and the sheep and horses were turned into the prairie
with the cows. A week's rations for the soldiers were also brought up
from the fort, and the men were very busy in the distribution, and
carrying them to the little temporary huts of boughs which they had
raised for their accommodation, during the time they worked for Mr
Campbell. Before the evening set in everything was arranged, and Henry
was again surrounded by the family and replying to their remaining
interrogatories. He told them that the Governor of Montreal had sent
them an invitation to pass the winter at Government House, and promised
the young ladies that no wolf should venture to come near to them, and
that the aides-de-camp had requested the honour of their hands at the
first ball which should be given after their arrival, at which they all
laughed heartily. In short, it appeared that nothing could equal the
kindness and hospitality which had been shewn to him, and that there was
no doubt, if they chose to go there, that it would be equally extended
to the other members of the family.
There was a pause in the conversation, when Malachi addressed Mr
Campbell.
"Martin wishes me to speak to you, sir," said Malachi.
"Martin," said Mr Campbell, looking round for him, and perceiving that
he was not in the room; "why, yes, I perceive he is gone out. What is
it that he cannot say himself?"
"That's just what I said to him," replied Malachi; "but he thought it
were better to come through me; the fact is, sir, that he has taken a
liking to the Strawberry, and wishes to make her his wife."
"Indeed!"
"Yes, sir; I don't think that he would have said anything about it as
yet, but you see, there are so many soldiers here, and that makes him
feel uncomfortable till the thing is settled; and as he can't well marry
while in your service without your leave, he has asked me to speak about
it."
"Well, but the Strawberry is your property, not mine, Malachi."
"Yes, sir, according to Injun fashion, I am her father; but I've no
objection, and shan't demand any presents for her."
"Presents for her! why we in general give presents or money with a
wife," said Emma.
"Yes, I know you do, but English wives an't Injun wives; an English wife
requires people to work for her and costs money to keep, but an Injun
wife works for herself and her husband, so she is of value and is
generally bought of the father; I reckon in the end that it's cheaper to
pay for an Injun wife than to receive money with an English one; but
that's as may be."
"That's not a very polite speech of yours, Malachi," said Mrs Campbell.
"Perhaps it an't, ma'am, but it is near the mark, nevertheless. Now I
am willing that Martin should have the Strawberry, because I know that
he is a smart hunter, and will keep her well; and somehow or another, I
feel that if he made her his wife, I should be more comfortable; I shall
live with them here close by, and Martin will serve you, and when he has
a wife he will not feel inclined to change service and go into the
woods."
"I think it is an excellent proposal, Malachi, and am much pleased with
it, as we now shall have you all together," said Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am, so you will, and then I'll be always with the boy to look
after him, and you'll always know where we are, and not be frightened."
"Very true, Malachi," said Mr Campbell; "I consider it a very good
arrangement. We must build you a better lodge than the one that you are
in."
"No, sir, not a better one, for if you have all you want, you can't want
more; it's big enough, but perhaps not quite near enough. I'm thinking
that when the sheep-fold is finished, it might be as well to raise our
lodge inside of the palisades, and then we shall be a sort of guard to
the creatures."
"A very excellent idea, Malachi. Well, then, as far as I am concerned,
Martin has my full consent to marry as soon as he pleases."
"And mine, if it is at all necessary," observed Mrs Campbell.
"But who is to marry them?" said Emma; "they have no chaplain at the
fort; he went away ill last year."
"Why, miss, they don't want no chaplain; she is an Injun girl, and he
will marry her Injun fashion."
"But what fashion is that, Malachi?" said Mary.
"Why, miss, he'll come to the lodge, and fetch her away to his own
house."
Alfred burst out into laughter. "That's making short work of it," said
he.
"Yes, rather too short for my approval," said Mrs Campbell. "Malachi,
it's very true that the Strawberry is an Indian girl; but we are not
Indians, and Martin is not an Indian, neither are you who stand as her
father; indeed, I cannot consent to give my sanction to such a
marriage."
"Well, ma'am, as you please, but it appears to me to be all right. If
you go into a country and wish to marry a girl of that country, you
marry her according to the rules of that country. Now, Martin seeks an
Injun squaw, and why not, therefore, marry her after Injun fashion?"
"You may be right, Malachi, in your argument," said Mrs Campbell; "but
still you must make allowances for our prejudices. We never should
think that she was a married woman, if no further ceremony was to take
place."
"Well, ma'am, just as you please; but, still, suppose you marry them
after your fashion, the girl won't understand a word that is said, so
what good will it do?"
"None to her at present, Malachi; but recollect, if she is not a
Christian at present, she may be hereafter; I have often thought upon
that subject, and although I feel it useless to speak to her just now,
yet as soon as she understands English well enough to know what I say to
her, I hope to persuade her to become one. Now, if she should become a
Christian, as I hope in God she will, she then will perceive that she
has not been properly married, and will be anxious to have the ceremony
properly performed over again; so why not do it now?"
"Well, ma'am, if it pleases you, I have no objection; I'm sure Martin
will have none."
"It will please me very much, Malachi," replied Mrs Campbell.
"And although there is no chaplain at the fort," observed Mr Campbell,
"yet the Colonel can marry in his absence; a marriage by a commanding
officer is quite legal."
"Yes," replied Alfred, "and so is one by a Captain of a man-of-war."
"So be it then," replied Malachi; "the sooner the better, for the
soldiers are very troublesome, and I cannot keep them out of my lodge."
Martin, who had remained outside the door, and overheard all that
passed, now came in; the subject was again canvassed, and Martin
returned his thanks for the permission given to him.
"Well," said Emma, "I little thought we should have a wedding in the
family so soon; this is quite an event. Martin, I wish you joy; you
will have a very pretty and a very good wife."
"I think so too, miss," replied Martin.
"Where is she?" said Mary.
"She is in the garden, miss," said Malachi, "getting out of the way of
the soldiers; now that the work is done, they torment her not a little,
and she is glad to escape from them; I'd tell them to go away, but they
don't mind me; they know I must not use my rifle."
"I should hope not," replied Mrs Campbell; "it would be hard to shoot a
good man merely because he wished to marry your daughter."
"Why, yes, ma'am, it would," replied Malachi; "so the sooner she is
given to Martin, the sooner we shall have peace."
As the boat was continually going backwards and forwards between the
fort and the farm, Mr Campbell wrote to the Colonel, stating what they
wished him to do, and the Colonel appointed that day week, on which he
would come and perform the ceremony. It was a little fete at the farm.
Mrs Campbell and the Misses Percival dressed themselves more than
usually smart, so did all the males of the establishment; and a better
dinner than usual was prepared, as the Colonel and some of the officers
were to dine and spend the day with them. Martin was very gaily
attired, and in high spirits. The Strawberry had on a new robe of young
deer-skin, and had a flower or two in her long black hair; she looked as
she was, very pretty and very modest, but not at all embarrassed. The
marriage ceremony was explained to her by Malachi, and she cheerfully
consented. Before noon the marriage took place, and an hour or two
afterwards they sat down to a well-furnished table, and the whole party
were very merry, particularly as the Colonel, who was most unusually
gay, insisted upon the Strawberry sitting at the table, which she had
never done before. She acquitted herself, however, without
embarrassment, and smiled when they laughed, although she could
understand but little of what they said. Mr Campbell opened two of his
bottles of wine, to celebrate the day, and they had a very happy party;
the only people who were discontented were three or four of the soldiers
outside, who had wanted to marry the Strawberry themselves; but the
knowledge that their Colonel was there, effectually put a stop to
anything like annoyance or disturbance on their parts. At sunset the
Colonel and officers departed for the fort, the family remained in the
house till past ten o'clock, by which time all the soldiers had gone to
bed. Mr Campbell then read prayers, and offered up an additional one
for the happiness of the newly married couple, after which they all
saluted the Strawberry and wished her good night; she was then led to
the lodge by Martin, accompanied by Alfred, Henry, Malachi, Percival,
and John, who all went home with them as a guard from any interruption
on the part of the disappointed suitors.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.
THE INDIAN'S VISIT.
"How cheerful and gay everything looks now," observed Emma to Mary, a
few mornings after the celebration of the marriage. "One could hardly
credit that in a few months all this animated landscape will be nothing
but one dreary white mass of snow and ice, and no sounds meeting the ear
but the howling of the storm and the howling of the wolves."
"Two very agreeable conditions, certainly," replied Mary; "but what you
observe was actually occurring to my own mind at the very moment."
The scene was indeed cheerful and lively. The prairie on one side of
the stream waved its high grass to the summer breeze; on the other the
cows, horses, and sheep were grazing in every direction. The lake in
the distance was calm and unruffled; the birds were singing and chirping
merrily in the woods; near the house the bright green of the herbage was
studded with the soldiers, dressed in white, employed in various ways;
the corn waved its yellow ears between the dark stumps of the trees in
the cleared land; and the smoke from the chimney of the house mounted
straight up in a column to the sky; the grunting of the pigs, and the
cackling of the fowls, and the occasional bleating of the calves,
responded to by the lowing of the cows, gave life and animation to the
picture. At a short distance from the shore the punt was floating on
the still waters. John and Malachi were very busy fishing; the dogs
were lying down by the palisades, all except Oscar, who, as usual,
attended upon his young mistresses; and, under the shade of a large
tree, at a little distance from the house, were Mr Campbell and
Percival, the former reading while the other was conning over his
lesson.
"This looks but little like a wilderness now, Mary, does it?" said Emma.
"No, my dear sister. It is very different from what it was when we
first came; but still I should like to have some neighbours."
"So should I; any society is better than none at all."
"There I do not agree with you; at the same time, I think we could find
pleasure in having about us even those who are not cultivated, provided
they were respectable and good."
"That's what I would have said, Mary; but we must go in, and practise
the new air for the guitar which Henry brought us from Montreal. We
promised him that we would. Here comes Alfred to spend his idleness
upon us."
"His idleness, Emma! surely, you don't mean that; he's seldom, if ever,
unemployed."
"Some people are very busy about nothing," replied Emma.
"Yes; and some people say what they do not mean, sister," replied Mary.
"Well, Alfred, here is Emma pronouncing you to be an idle body."
"I am not likely to be that, at all events," replied Alfred, taking off
his hat and fanning himself. "My father proposes to give me enough to
do. What do you think he said to me this morning before breakfast?"
"I suppose he said that you might as well go to sea again as remain
here," replied Emma, laughing.
"No, indeed; I wish he had; but he has proposed that your prophecy
should be fulfilled, my malicious little cousin. He has proposed my
turning miller."
Emma clapped her hands and laughed.
"How do you mean?" said Mary.
"Why, he pointed out to me that the mill would cost about two hundred
and fifty pounds, and that he thought, as my half-pay was unemployed,
that it would be advisable that I should expend it in erecting the mill,
offering me the sum necessary for the purpose. He would advance the
money, and I might repay him as I received my pay. That, he said, would
be a provision for me, and eventually an independence."
"I told you that you would be a miller," replied Emma, laughing. "Poor
Alfred!"
"Well, what did you reply, Alfred?" said Mary.
"I said `Yes,' I believe, because I did not like to say `No.'"
"You did perfectly right, Alfred," replied Mary. "There can be no harm
in your having the property, and had you refused it, it would have given
pain to your father. If your money is laid out on the mill, my uncle
will have more to expend upon the farm; but still it does not follow
that you are to become a miller all your life."
"I should hope not," replied Alfred; "as soon as Emma meets with that
long black gentleman we were talking of, I'll make it over to her as a
marriage portion."
"Thank you, cousin," replied Emma, "I may put you in mind of your
promise; but now Mary and I must go in and astonish the soldiers with
our music; so good-bye, Mr Campbell, the miller."
The soldiers had now been at work for more than two months; a large
portion of the wood had been felled and cleared away. With what had
been cleared by Alfred, and Martin, and Henry the year before, they now
had more than forty acres of corn-land. The rails for the snake-fence
had also been split, and the fence was almost complete round the whole
of the prairie and cleared land, when it was time for the grass to be
cut down and the hay made and gathered up. This had scarcely been
finished when the corn was ready for the sickle and gathered in, a barn
had been raised close to the sheep-fold, as well as the lodge for
Malachi, Martin, and his wife. For six weeks all was bustle and hard
work, but the weather was fine, and everything was got in safe. The
services of the soldiers were now no longer required, and Mr Campbell
having settled his accounts, they returned to the fort.
"Who would think," said Henry to Alfred, as he cast his eyes over the
buildings, the stacks of corn and hay, and the prairie stocked with
cattle, "that we had only been here so short a time?"
"Many hands make light work," replied Alfred; "we have done with the
help from the fort what it would have taken us six years to do with our
own resources. My father's money has been well laid out, and will bring
in a good return."
"You have heard of the proposal of Colonel Foster, about the cattle at
the fort?"
"No; what is it?"
"He wrote to my father yesterday, saying, as he had only the means of
feeding the cows necessary for the officers of the garrison, that he
would sell all the oxen at present at the fort at a very moderate
price."
"But even if we have fodder enough for them during the winter, what are
we to do with them?"
"Sell them again to the fort for the supply of the troops," replied
Henry, "and thereby gain good profit. The Commandant says that it will
be cheaper to government in the end than being compelled to feed them."
"That it will, I have no doubt, now that they have nothing to give them;
they trusted to our prairie for hay, and if they had not had such a
quantity in store, they could not have fed them last winter."
"My father will consent, I know; indeed, he would be very foolish not to
do so, for most of them will be killed when the winter sets in, and will
only cost us the grazing."
"We are fortunate in finding such friends as we have done," replied
Alfred. "All this assistance would not have been given to perhaps any
other settlers."
"No, certainly not; but you see, Alfred, we are indebted to your
influence with Captain Lumley for all these advantages, at least my
father and mother say so, and I agree with them. Captain Lumley's
influence with the Governor has created all this interest about us."
"I think we must allow that the peculiar position of the family has done
much towards it. It is not often that they meet with settlers of
refined habits and cultivated minds, and there naturally must be a
feeling towards a family of such a description in all generous minds."
"Very true, Alfred," replied Henry; "but there is our mother waiting for
us to go in to dinner."
"Yes; and the Strawberry by her side. What a nice little creature she
is!"
"Yes; and how quickly she is becoming useful. She has almost given up
her Indian customs, and is settling down quietly into English habits.
Martin appears very fond of her."
"And so he ought to be," replied Henry; "a wife with a smile always upon
her lips is a treasure. Come, let us go in."
Another fortnight passed, when an incident occurred which created some
uneasiness. Mr Campbell was busy with Martin and Alfred clearing out
the store-room and arranging the stores. Many of the cases and packages
had been opened to be examined and aired, and they were busily employed,
when, turning round, Mr Campbell, to his great surprise, beheld an
Indian by his side, who was earnestly contemplating the various packages
of blankets, etcetera, and cases of powder, shot, and other articles,
which were opened around him.
"Why, who is this?" exclaimed Mr Campbell, starting.
Martin and Alfred, who had their backs to him at the time of Mr
Campbell's exclamation, turned round and beheld the Indian. He was an
elderly man, very tall and muscular, dressed in leggings and deer-skin
coat, a war-eagle's feather, fixed by a fillet, on his head, and a
profusion of copper and brass medals and trinkets round his neck. His
face was not painted, with the exception of two black circles round his
eyes. His head was shaved, and one long scalp-lock hung behind. He had
a tomahawk and a knife in his belt, and a rifle upon his arm. Martin
advanced to the Indian and looked earnestly at him.
"I know his tribe," said Martin, "but not his name; but he is a chief
and a warrior."
Martin then spoke to him in the Indian tongue. The Indian merely gave
an "Ugh" in reply.
"He does not choose to give his name," observed Martin; "and, therefore,
he is here for no good. Mr Alfred, just fetch Malachi; he will know
him, I dare say."
Alfred went to the house for Malachi; in the meantime the Indian
remained motionless, with his eyes fixed upon the different articles
exposed to view.
"It's strange," observed Martin, "how he could have come here; but to be
sure neither Malachi nor I have been out lately."
Just as he had finished his remark, Alfred returned with Malachi.
Malachi looked at the Indian and spoke to him.
The Indian now replied in the Indian language.
"I knew him, sir," said Malachi, "the moment I saw his back. He's after
no good, and it's a thousand pities that he has come just now and seen
all this," continued Malachi; "it's a strong temptation."
"Why, who is he?" said Mr Campbell.
"The Angry Snake, sir," replied Malachi. "I had no idea that he would
be in these parts before the meeting of the Injun council, which takes
place in another month, and then I meant to have been on the look-out
for him."
"But what have we to fear from him?"
"Well, that's to be proved; but this I can say that he has his eyes upon
what appears to him of more value than all the gold in the universe; and
he's anything but honest."
"But we have nothing to fear from one man," observed Alfred.
"His party an't far off, sir," said Malachi. "He has some followers,
although not many, and those who follow him are as bad as himself. We
must be on the watch."
Malachi now addressed the Indian for some time. The only reply was an
"Ugh."
"I have told him that all the powder and ball that he sees are for our
rifles, which are more than are possessed by his whole tribe. Not that
it does much good, but, at all events, it's just as well to let them
know that we shall be well prepared. The crittur's quite amazed at so
much ammunition; that's a fact. It's a pity he ever saw it."
"Shall we give him some?" said Mr Campbell.
"No, no, sir; he would only make use of it to try to get the rest;
however, I believe that he is the only one of his party who has a rifle.
The best thing is to close the doors and then he will go."
They did as Malachi requested, and the Indian, after waiting a short
time, turned round on his heel, and walked away.
"He is a regular devil, that Angry Snake," observed Malachi, as he
watched him departing; "but never mind, I'll be a match for him. I wish
he'd never seen all that ammunition, nevertheless."
"At all events, we had better not say a word in the house about his
making his appearance," said Mr Campbell. "It will only alarm the
women, and do no good."
"That's true, sir. I'll only tell the Strawberry," said Martin. "She's
an Indian, and it will put her on the look-out."
"That will be as well, but caution her not to mention it to Mrs
Campbell or the girls, Martin."
"Never fear, sir," replied Malachi; "I'll watch his motions,
nevertheless; to-morrow I'll be in the woods and on his trail. I'm glad
that he saw me here, for he fears me; I know that."
It so happened that the Indian was not seen by Mrs Campbell or any of
them in the house, either upon his arrival or departure; and when Mr
Campbell and the others returned to the house, they found that no one
there had any idea of such a visit having been paid. The secret was
kept, but it occasioned a great deal of anxiety for some days. At last
the alarm of Mr Campbell gradually subsided. Malachi had gone out with
John, and had discovered that all the Indians had come down near to
them, to meet in council, and that there were many other parties of them
in the woods. But although the visit of the Angry Snake might have been
partly accidental, still Malachi was convinced that there was every
prospect of his paying them another visit, if he could obtain a
sufficient number to join him, so that he might obtain by force the
articles he had seen and so much coveted.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.
FIRE IN THE WOODS.
Mr Campbell acceded to the offer made by the Commandant of the fort,
and purchased of him, at a moderate price, eighteen oxen, which were all
that remained of the stock at the fort, except the cows. He also took
six weaning calves to bring up. The cattle were now turned into the
bush to feed, that they might obtain some after-grass from that portion
of the prairie on which they had been feeding. The summer passed
quickly away, for they all had plenty of employment. They fished every
day in the lake, and salted down what they did not eat, for winter
provision.
Martin now was a great part of his time in the woods, looking after the
cattle, and Malachi occasionally accompanied him, but was oftener out
hunting with John, and always returned with game. They brought in a
good many bearskins, and sometimes the flesh, which, although approved
of by Malachi and Martin, was not much admired by the rest.
As soon as the after-grass had been gathered in, there was not so much
to do. Henry and Mr Campbell, with Percival, were quite sufficient to
look after the stock, and as the leaves began to change, the cattle were
driven in from the woods, and pastured on the prairie. Everything went
on in order; one day was the counterpart of another. Alfred and Henry
thrashed out the corn, in the shed, or rather open barn, which had been
put up by the soldiers in the sheep-fold, and piled up the straw for
winter-fodder for the cattle. The oats and wheat were taken into the
store-house. Martin's wife could now understand English, and spoke it a
little. She was very useful, assisting Mrs Campbell and her nieces in
the house, and attending the stock. They had brought up a large number
of chickens, and had disposed of a great many to the Colonel and
officers of the fort. Their pigs also had multiplied exceedingly, and
many had been put up to fatten, ready to be killed and salted down. The
time for that occupation was now come, and they were very busy curing
their meat; they had also put up a small shed for smoking their bacon
and hams. Already they were surrounded with comfort and plenty, and
felt grateful to Heaven that they had been so favoured.
The autumn had now advanced, and their routine of daily duty was seldom
interrupted; now and then a visit was paid them from the fort by one or
other of the officers or the Commandant. The Indians had held their
council, but the English agent was present, and the supply of blankets
and other articles sent to the chiefs for distribution had the expected
effect of removing all animosity. It is true that the Angry Snake and
one or two more made very violent speeches, but they were overruled.
The calumet of peace had been presented and smoked, and all danger
appeared to be over from that quarter. Malachi had gone to the council,
and was well received. He had been permitted to speak also as an
English agent, and his words were not without effect. Thus everything
wore the appearance of peace and prosperity, when an event occurred
which we shall now relate.
What is termed the Indian summer had commenced, during which there is a
kind of haze in the atmosphere. One morning, a little before dawn, Mary
and Emma, who happened to be up first, went out to milk the cows, when
they observed that the haze was much thicker than usual. They had been
expecting the equinoctial gales, which were very late this year, and
Mary observed that she foresaw they were coming on, as the sky wore
every appearance of wind; yet still there was but a light air, and
hardly perceptible at the time. In a moment after they had gone out,
and were taking up their pails, Strawberry came to them from her own
lodge, and they pointed to the gloom and haze in the air. She turned
round, as if to catch the wind, and snuffed for a little while; at last
she said, "Great fire in the woods." Alfred and the others soon joined
them, and having been rallied by Emma at their being so late, they also
observed the unusual appearance of the sky. Martin corroborated the
assertion of the Strawberry, that there was fire in the woods. Malachi
and John had not returned that night from a hunting expedition, but
shortly after daylight they made their appearance; they had seen the
fire in the distance, and said that it was to northward and eastward,
and extended many miles; that they had been induced to leave the chase
and come home in consequence. During the remainder of the day, there
was little or no wind, but the gloom and smell of fire increased
rapidly. At night the breeze sprang up, and soon increased to a gale
from the north-east, the direction in which the fire had been seen.
Malachi and Martin were up several times in the night, for they knew
that if the wind continued in that quarter, without any rain, there
would be danger; still the fire was at a great distance; but in the
morning the wind blew almost a hurricane, and before twelve o'clock on
the next day, the smoke was borne down upon them, and carried away in
masses over the lake.
"Do you think there is any danger, Martin, from this fire?" said Alfred.
"Why, sir, that depends upon circumstances; if the wind were to blow
from the quarter which it now does, as hard as it does, for another
twenty-four hours, we should have the fire right down upon us."
"But still we have so much clear land between the forest and us, that I
should think the house would be safe."
"I don't know that, sir. You have never seen the woods afire for miles
as I have; if you had, you would know what it was. We have two chances;
one is, that we may have torrents of rain come down with the gale, and
the other is that the wind may shift a point or two, which would be the
best chance for us of the two."
But the wind did not shift, and the rain did not descend, and before the
evening set in the fire was within two miles of them, and distant
roaring rent the air; the heat and smoke became more oppressive, and the
party were under great alarm.
As the sun set, the wind became even more violent, and now the flames
were distinctly to be seen, and the whole air was filled with myriads of
sparks. The fire bore down upon them with resistless fury, and soon the
atmosphere was so oppressive that they could scarcely breathe; the
cattle galloped down to the lake, their tails in the air, and lowing
with fear. There they remained, knee-deep in the water, and huddled
together.
"Well, Malachi," said Mr Campbell, "this is very awful. What shall we
do?"
"Trust in God, sir; we can do nothing else," replied Malachi.
The flames were now but a short distance from the edge of the forest;
they threw themselves up into the air in high columns; then, borne down
by the wind, burst through the boughs of the forest, scorching here and
there on the way the trunks of the large trees; while such a torrent of
sparks and ignited cinders was poured down upon the prairie, that, added
to the suffocating masses of smoke, it was impossible to remain there
any longer.
"You must all go down to the punt and get on board," said Malachi.
"There's not a moment for delay; you will be smothered if you remain
here. Mr Alfred, do you and Martin pull out as far into the lake as is
necessary for you to be clear of the smoke and able to breathe. Quick,
there is no time to be lost, for the gale is rising faster than before."
There was, indeed, no time to be lost. Mr Campbell took his wife by
the arm; Henry led the girls, for the smoke was so thick that they could
not see the way. Percival and Strawberry followed. Alfred and Martin
had already gone down to get the boat ready. In a few minutes they were
in the boat, and pushed off from the shore. The boat was crowded, but,
being flat-bottomed, she bore the load well. They pulled out about half
a mile into the lake before they found themselves in a less oppressive
atmosphere. Not a word was spoken until Martin and Alfred had stopped
rowing.
"And old Malachi and John, where are they?" said Mrs Campbell, who, now
that they were clear of the smoke, discovered that these were not in the
boat.
"Oh, never fear them, ma'am," replied Martin, "Malachi stayed behind to
see if he could be of use. He knows how to take care of himself, and of
John too."
"This is an awful visitation," said Mrs Campbell, after a pause.
"Look, the whole wood is now on fire, close down to the clearing. The
house must be burnt, and we shall save nothing."
"It is the will of God, my dear wife; and if we are to be deprived of
what little wealth we have, we must not murmur, but submit with
resignation. Let us thank Heaven that our lives are preserved."
Another pause ensued; at last the silence was broken by Emma.
"There is the cow-house on fire--I see the flames bursting from the
roof."
Mrs Campbell, whose hand was on that of her husband, squeezed it in
silence. It was the commencement of the destruction of their whole
property--all their labours and efforts had been thrown away. The
winter was coming on, and they would be houseless--what would become of
them!
All this passed in her mind, but she did not speak.
At this moment the flames of the fire rose up straight to the sky.
Martin perceived it, and jumped up on his feet.
"There is a lull in the wind," said Alfred.
"Yes," replied Martin, and continued holding up his hand, "I felt a drop
of rain. Yes, it's coming; another quarter of an hour and we may be
safe."
Martin was correct in his observation; the wind had lulled for a moment,
and he had felt the drops of rain. This pause continued for about three
or four minutes, during which the cow-house burnt furiously, but the
ashes and sparks were no longer hurled down on the prairie; then
suddenly the wind shifted to the south-east, with such torrents of rain
as almost to blind them. So violent was the gust, that even the punt
careened to it; but Alfred pulled its head round smartly, and put it
before the wind. The gale was now equally strong from the quarter to
which it had changed; the lake became agitated and covered with white
foam, and before the punt reached the shore again, which it did in a few
minutes, the water washed over its two sides, and they were in danger of
swamping. Alfred directed them all to sit still, and raising the blades
of the oars up into the air, the punt was dashed furiously through the
waves, till it grounded on the beach.
Martin and Alfred jumped out into the water and hauled the punt further
before they disembarked; the rain still poured down in torrents, and
they were wet to the skin; as they landed, they were met by Malachi and
John.
"It's all over, and all is safe!" exclaimed Malachi. "It was touch and
go, that's sartain; but all's safe, except the cow-house, and that's
easily put to rights again. You all had better go home as fast as you
can, and get to bed."
"Is all quite safe, do you think, Malachi?" said Mr Campbell.
"Yes, sir, no fear now; the fire hasn't passed the stream, and even if
it had, this rain would put it out, for we only have the beginning of
it; but it was a near thing, that's sartain."
The party walked back to the house, and as soon as they had entered, Mr
Campbell kneeled down and thanked Heaven for their miraculous
preservation. All joined heartily in the prayer, and, after they had
waited up a few minutes, by which time they were satisfied that the
flames were fast extinguishing and they had nothing more to fear, they
took off their wet clothes and retired to bed.
The next morning they rose early, for all were anxious to ascertain the
mischief which had been occasioned by the fire. The cow-house, on the
opposite side of the stream, was the only part of the premises which had
severely suffered; the walls were standing, but the roof was burnt. On
the side of the stream where the house stood, the rails and many
portions were actually charred, and had it not been for the providential
change of the wind and the falling of the rain, must in a few minutes
have been destroyed. The prairie was covered with cinders, and the
grass was burnt and withered.
The forest on the other side of the stream, to a great extent, was burnt
down; some of the largest trees still remained, throwing out their
blackened arms, now leafless and branchless, to the sky, but they were
never to throw forth a branch or leaf again. It was a melancholy and
desolate picture, and rendered still more so by the heavy rain which
still continued to pour down without intermission.
As they were surveying the scene, Malachi and Martin came to them.
"The stock are all right, sir," said Martin; "I counted them, and there
is not one missing. There's no harm done except to the cow-house; on
the contrary, the fire has proved a good friend to us."
"How so, Martin?" asked Mr Campbell.
"Because it has cleared many acres of ground, and saved us much labour.
All on the other side of the stream is now cleared away, and next spring
we will have our corn between the stumps; and in autumn, after we have
gathered in the harvest, we will cut down and burn the trees which are
now standing. It has done a deal of good to the prairie also, we shall
have fine herbage there next spring."
"We have to thank heaven for its mercy," said Mr Campbell; "at one time
yesterday evening I thought we were about to be rendered destitute
indeed, but it has pleased God that it should be otherwise."
"Yes, sir," observed Malachi; "what threatened your ruin has turned out
to your advantage. Next year you will see everything green and fresh as
before: and, as Martin says, you have to thank the fire for clearing
away more land for you than a whole regiment of soldiers could have done
in two or three years."
"But we must work hard and get in the corn next spring, for otherwise
the brushwood will grow up so fast as to become a forest again in a few
years."
"I never thought of inquiring," said Mary, "how it was that the forest
could have taken fire."
"Why, miss," replied Malachi, "in the autumn, when everything is as dry
as tinder, nothing is more easy. The Indians light their fire, and do
not take the trouble to put it out, and that is generally the cause of
it; but then it requires wind to help it."
The danger they had escaped made a serious impression on the whole
party, and the following day, being Sunday, Mr Campbell did not forget
to offer up a prayer of thankfulness for their preservation.
The roof of the cow-house was soon repaired by Alfred and Martin, and
the Indian summer passed away without any further adventure.
The day after the fire a despatch arrived from the fort to ascertain
their welfare, and the Colonel and officers were greatly rejoiced to
learn that comparatively so little damage had been done, for they
expected to find that the family had been burnt out, and had made
arrangements at the fort to receive them.
Gradually the weather became cold and the fires were lighted, and a
month after the evil we have described the winter again set in.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.
JOHN SHOOTS AN INDIAN.
Once more was the ground covered with snow to the depth of three feet.
The cattle were littered down inside the enclosure of palisades round
the cow-house; the sheep were driven into the inclosed sheep-fold, and
the horses were put into a portion of the barn in the sheep-fold which
had been parted off for them. All was made secure, and every
preparation made for the long winter. Although there had been a fall of
snow, the severe frost had not yet come on. It did, however, in about a
fortnight afterwards, and then, according to the wishes of the Colonel,
six oxen were killed for the use of the fort, and taken there by the
horses on a sledge; this was the last task that they had to fulfil, and
then Alfred bade adieu to the officers of the fort, as they did not
expect to meet again till the winter was over. Having experienced one
winter, they were more fully prepared for the second; and as Malachi,
the Strawberry, and John were now regular inmates of the house (for they
did not keep a separate table), there was a greater feeling of security,
and the monotony and dreariness were not so great as in the preceding
winter; moreover, everything was now in its place, and they had more to
attend to--two circumstances which greatly contributed to relieve the
_ennui_ arising from continual confinement. The hunting-parties went
out as usual; only Henry, and occasionally Alfred, remained at home to
attend to the stock, and to perform other offices which the increase of
their establishment required. The new books brought by Henry from
Montreal, and which by common consent had been laid aside for the winter
evenings, were now a great source of amusement, as Mr Campbell read
aloud a portion of them every evening. Time passed away quickly, as it
always does when there is a regular routine of duties and employment,
and Christmas came before they were aware of its approach.
It was a great comfort to Mrs Campbell that she now always had John at
home, except when he was out hunting, and on that score she had long
dismissed all anxiety, as she had full confidence in Malachi; but
latterly Malachi and John seldom went out alone--indeed, the old man
appeared to like being in company, and his misanthropy had entirely
disappeared. He now invariably spent his evenings with the family
assembled round the kitchen fire, and had become much more fond of
hearing his own voice. John did not so much admire these evening
parties. He cared nothing for new books, or indeed any books. He would
amuse himself making mocassins, or working porcupine-quills with the
Strawberry at one corner of the fire, and the others might talk or read,
it was all the same, John never said a word, or appeared to pay the
least attention to what was said. His father occasionally tried to make
him learn something, but it was useless. He would remain for hours with
his book before him, but his mind was elsewhere. Mr Campbell,
therefore, gave up the attempt for the present, indulging the hope that
when John was older he would be more aware of the advantages of
education, and would become more attentive. At present, it was only
inflicting pain on the boy without any advantage being gained. But John
did not always sit by the kitchen fire. The wolves were much more
numerous than in the preceding winter, having been attracted by the
sheep which were within the palisade, and every night the howling was
incessant. The howl of a wolf was sufficient to make John seize his
rifle and leave the house, and he would remain in the snow for hours
till one came sufficiently near for him to fire at, and he had already
killed several when a circumstance occurred which was the cause of great
uneasiness.
John was out one evening as usual, crouched down within the palisades,
and watching for the wolves. It was a bright starry night, but there
was no moon, when he perceived one of the animals crawling along almost
on its belly, close to the door of the palisade which surrounded the
house. This surprised him, as, generally speaking, the animals prowled
round the palisade which encircled the sheep-fold, or else close to the
pigsties which were at the opposite side from the entrance door. John
levelled his rifle and fired, when, to his astonishment, the wolf
appeared to spring up on his hind legs, then fall down and roll away.
The key of the palisade door was always kept within, and John determined
to go in and fetch it, that he might ascertain whether he had killed the
animal or not. When he entered Malachi said, "Did you kill, my boy?"
"Don't know," replied John; "come for the key to see."
"I don't like the gate being opened at night, John," said Mr Campbell;
"why don't you leave it, as you usually do, till to-morrow morning; that
will be time enough?"
"I don't know if it was a wolf," replied John.
"What, then, boy? tell me," said Malachi.
"Well, I think it was an Indian," replied John; who then explained what
had passed.
"Well, I shouldn't wonder," replied Malachi; "at all events the gate
must not be opened to-night, for if it was an Indian you fired at, there
is more than one of them; we'll keep all fast, John, and see what it was
to-morrow."
Mrs Campbell and the girls were much alarmed at this event, and it was
with difficulty that they were persuaded to retire to rest.
"We will keep watch to-night at all events," said Malachi, as soon as
Mrs Campbell and her nieces had left the room.
"The boy is right, I have no doubt. It is the Angry Snake and his party
who are prowling about, but if the boy has hit the Indian, which I have
no doubt of, they will make off; however, it will be just as well to be
on our guard, nevertheless. Martin can watch here, and I will watch in
the fold."
We have before observed that the lodge of Malachi, Martin, and his wife,
was built within the palisade of the sheep-fold, and that there was a
passage from the palisade round the house to that which surrounded the
sheep-fold, which passage had also a palisade on each side of it.
"I will watch here," said Alfred; "let Martin go home with you and his
wife."
"I will watch with you," said John.
"Well, perhaps that will be better," said Malachi; "two rifles are
better than one, and if any assistance is required there will be one to
send for it."
"But what do you think they would do, Malachi?" said Mr Campbell; "they
cannot climb the palisades."
"Not well, sir, nor do I think they would attempt it unless they had a
large force, which I am sure they have not; no, sir, they would rather
endeavour to set fire to the house if they could, but that's not so
easy; one thing is certain, that the Snake will try all he can to get
possession of what he saw in your store-house."
"That I do not doubt," said Alfred; "but he will not find it quite so
easy a matter."
"They've been reconnoitring, sir, that's the truth of it, and if John
has helped one of them to a bit of lead, it will do good; for it will
prove to them that we are on the alert, and make them careful how they
come near the house again."
After a few minutes' more conversation, Mr Campbell, Henry, and
Percival retired, leaving the others to watch. Alfred walked home with
Malachi and his party to see if all was right at the sheep-fold, and
then returned.
The night passed without any further disturbance except the howling of
the wolves, to which they were accustomed.
The next morning, at daybreak, Malachi and Martin came to the house,
and, with John and Alfred, they opened the palisade gate, and went out
to survey the spot where John had fired.
"Yes, sir," said Malachi; "it was an Indian, no doubt of it; here are
the dents made in the snow by his knees as he crawled along, and John
has hit him, for here is the blood. Let's follow the trail. See, sir,
he has been hard hit; there is more blood this way as we go on. Ha!"
continued Malachi, as he passed by a mound of snow, "here's the
wolf-skin he was covered up with; then he is dead or thereabouts, and
they have carried him off, for he never would have parted with his skin,
if he had had his senses about him."
"Yes," observed Martin, "his wound was mortal, that's certain."
They pursued the track till they arrived at the forest, and then,
satisfied by the marks on the snow that the wounded man had been carried
away, they returned to the house, when they found the rest of the family
dressed and in the kitchen. Alfred shewed them the skin of the wolf,
and informed them of what they had discovered.
"I am grieved that blood has been shed," observed Mrs Campbell; "I wish
it had not happened. I have heard that the Indians never forgive on
such occasions."
"Why, ma'am, they are very revengeful, that's certain, but still they
won't like to risk too much. This has been a lesson to them. I only
wish it had been the Angry Snake himself who was settled, as then we
should have no more trouble or anxiety about them."
"Perhaps it may be," said Alfred.
"No, sir, that's not likely; it's one of his young men; I know the
Indian customs well."
It was some time before the alarm occasioned by this event subsided in
the mind of Mrs Campbell and her nieces; Mr Campbell also thought much
about it, and betrayed occasional anxiety. The parties went out hunting
as before, but those at home now felt anxious till their return from the
chase. Time, however, and not hearing anything more of the Indians,
gradually revived their courage, and before the winter was half over
they thought little about it. Indeed, it had been ascertained by
Malachi from another band of Indians which he fell in with near a small
lake where they were trapping beaver, that the Angry Snake was not in
that part of the country, but had gone with his band to the westward at
the commencement of the new year. This satisfied them that the enemy
had left immediately after the attempt which he had made to reconnoitre
the premises.
The hunting-parties, therefore, as we said, continued as before; indeed,
they were necessary for the supply of so many mouths. Percival, who had
grown very much since his residence in Canada, was very anxious to be
permitted to join them, which he never had been during the former
winter. This was very natural. He saw his younger brother go out
almost daily, and seldom return without having been successful; indeed,
John was, next to Malachi, the best shot of the party. It was,
therefore, very annoying to Percival that he should always be detained
at home doing all the drudgery of the house, such as feeding the pigs,
cleaning knives, and other menial work, while his younger brother was
doing the duty of a man. To Percival's repeated entreaties, objections
were constantly raised by his mother; they could not spare him, he was
not accustomed to walk in snow-shoes.
Mr Campbell observed that Percival became dissatisfied and unhappy, and
Alfred took his part and pleaded for him. Alfred observed very truly
that the Strawberry could occasionally do Percival's work, and that if
it could be avoided, he should not be cooped up at home in the way that
he was; and, Mr Campbell agreeing with Alfred, Mrs Campbell very
reluctantly gave her consent to his occasionally going out.
"Why, aunt, have you such an objection to Percival going out with the
hunters?" said Mary. "It must be very trying to him to be always
detained at home."
"I feel the truth of what you say, my dear Mary," said Mrs Campbell,
"and I assure you it is not out of selfishness, or because we shall have
more work to do, that I wish him to remain with us; but I have an
instinctive dread that some accident will happen to him, which I cannot
overcome, and there is no arguing with a mother's fears and a mother's
love."
"You were quite as uneasy, my dear aunt, when John first went out; you
were continually in alarm about him, but now you are perfectly at ease,"
replied Emma.
"Very true," said Mrs Campbell; "it is, perhaps, a weakness on my part
which I ought to get over; but we are all liable to such feelings. I
trust in God there is no real cause for apprehension, and that my
reluctance is a mere weakness and folly. But I see the poor boy has
long pined at being kept at home; for nothing is more irksome to a
high-couraged and spirited boy as he is. I have, therefore, given my
consent, because I think it is my duty; still the feeling remains, so
let us say no more about it, my dear girls, for the subject is painful
to me."
"My dear aunt, did you not say that you would talk to Strawberry on the
subject of religion, and try if you could not persuade her to become a
Christian? She is very serious at prayers, I observe; and appears, now
that she understands English, to be very attentive to what is said."
"Yes, my dear Emma, it is my intention so to do very soon, but I do not
like to be in too great a hurry. A mere conforming to the usages of our
religion would be of little avail, and I fear that too many of our good
missionaries, in their anxiety to make converts, do not sufficiently
consider this point. Religion must proceed from conviction, and be
seated in the heart; the heart, indeed, must be changed, not mere
outward form attended to."
"What is the religion of the Indians, my dear aunt?" said Mary.
"One which makes conversion the more difficult. It is in many respects
so near what is right, that Indians do not easily perceive the necessity
of change. They believe in one God, the Fountain of all good; they
believe in a future state and in future rewards and punishments. You
perceive they have the same foundation as we have, although they know
not Christ; and, having very incomplete notions of duty, have a very
insufficient sense of their manifold transgressions and offences in
God's sight, and consequently have no idea of the necessity of a
mediator. Now it is, perhaps, easier to convince those who are entirely
wrong, such as worship idols and false gods, than those who approach so
nearly to the truth. But I have had many hours of reflection upon the
proper course to pursue, and I do intend to have some conversation with
her on the subject in a very short time. I have delayed because I
consider it absolutely necessary that she should be perfectly aware of
what I say before I try to alter her belief. Now, the Indian language,
although quite sufficient for Indian wants, is poor, and has not the
same copiousness as ours, because they do not require the words to
explain what we term abstract ideas. It is, therefore, impossible to
explain the mysteries of our holy religion to one who does not well
understand our language. I think, however, that the Strawberry now
begins to comprehend sufficiently for me to make the first attempt. I
say first attempt, because I have no idea of making a convert in a week,
or a month, or even in six months. All I can do is to exert my best
abilities, and then trust to God, who, in His own good time, will
enlighten her mind to receive His truth."
The next day the hunting party went out, and Percival, to his great
delight, was permitted to accompany it. As they had a long way to go--
for they had selected the hunting ground--they set off early in the
morning, before daylight, Mr Campbell having particularly requested
that they would not return home late.
CHAPTER THIRTY.
ALFRED SEIZED BY A PUMA.
The party had proceeded many miles before they arrived at the spot where
Malachi thought that they would fall in with some venison, which was the
principal game that they sought. It was not till near ten o'clock in
the morning that they stood on the ground which had been selected for
the sport. It was an open part of the forest, and the snow lay in large
drifts, but here and there on the hill-sides the grass was nearly bare,
and the deer were able, by scraping with their feet, to obtain some
food. They were all pretty well close together when they arrived.
Percival and Henry were about a quarter of a mile behind, for Percival
was not used to the snow-shoes, and did not get on so well as the
others, Malachi and the rest with him halted, that Henry and Percival
might come up with them, and then, after they had recovered their breath
a little, he said, "Now, you see there's a fine lot of deer here, Master
Percival, but as you know nothing about woodcraft, and may put us all
out, observe what I say to you. The animals are not only cute of
hearing and seeing, but they are more cute of smell, and they can scent
a man a mile off if the wind blows down to them; so you see it would be
useless to attempt to get near to them if we do not get to the lee side
of them without noise and without being seen. Now the wind has been
from the eastward, and as we are to the southward, we must get round by
the woods to the westward, before we go upon the open ground, and then,
Master Percival, you must do as we do, and keep behind, to watch our
motions. If we come to a swell in the land, you must not run up, or
even walk up, as you might show yourself; the deer might be on the other
side, within twenty yards of you, but you must hide yourself, as you
will see that we shall do; and when we have found them, I will put you
in a place where you shall have your shot as well as we. Do you
understand, Master Percival?"
"Yes, I do, and I shall stop behind, and do as you tell me."
"Well then, now, we will go back into the thick of the forest till we
get to leeward, and then we shall see whether you will make a hunter or
not."
The whole party did as Malachi directed, and for more than an hour they
walked through the wood, among the thickest of the trees, that they
might not be seen by the animals. At last they arrived at the spot
which Malachi desired, and then they changed their course eastward,
towards the more open ground, where they expected to find the deer.
As they entered upon the open ground, they moved forward crouched to the
ground, Malachi and Martin in the advance. When in the hollows, they
all collected together, but on ascending a swell of the land, it was
either Malachi or Martin who first crept up, and looking over the
summit, gave notice to the others to come forward. This was continually
repeated for three or four miles, when Martin, having raised his head
just above a swell, made a signal to those who were below that the deer
were in sight. After a moment or two reconnoitring, he went down and
informed them that there were twelve or thirteen head of deer scraping
up the snow about one hundred yards ahead of them upon another swell of
the land; but that they appeared to be alarmed and anxious, as if they
had an idea of danger being near.
Malachi then again crawled up to make his observations, and returned.
"It is sartain," said he, "that they are flurried about something; they
appear just as if they had been hunted, and yet that is not likely. We
must wait and let them settle a little, and find out whether any other
parties have been hunting them."
They waited about ten minutes, till the animals appeared more settled,
and then, by altering their position behind the swell, gained about
twenty-five yards of distance. Malachi told each party which animal to
aim at, and they fired nearly simultaneously. Three of the beasts fell,
two others were wounded, the rest of the herd bounded off like the wind.
They all rose from behind the swell and ran forward to their prey.
Alfred had fired at a fine buck which stood apart from the rest, and
somewhat farther off; it was evident that the animal was badly wounded,
and Alfred had marked the thicket into which it had floundered; but the
other deer which was wounded was evidently slightly hurt, and there was
little chance of obtaining it, as it bounded away after the rest of the
herd. They all ran up to where the animals lay dead, and as soon as
they had reloaded their rifles, Alfred and Martin went on the track of
the one that was badly wounded. They had forced their way through the
thicket for some fifty yards, guided by the track of the animal, when
they started back at the loud growl of some beast. Alfred, who was in
advance, perceived that a puma (catamount, or painter, as it is usually
termed) had taken possession of the deer, and was lying over the
carcase. He levelled his rifle and fired; the beast, although badly
wounded, immediately sprang at him and seized him by the shoulder.
Alfred was sinking under the animal's weight and from the pain he was
suffering, when Martin came to his rescue, and put his rifle ball
through the head of the beast, which fell dead.
"Are you hurt much, sir?" said Martin.
"No, not much," replied Alfred; "at least I think not but my shoulder is
badly torn, and I bleed freely." Malachi and the others now came up,
and perceived what had taken place. Alfred had sunk down and was
sitting on the ground by the side of the dead animals.
"A painter!" exclaimed Malachi; "well, I didn't think we should see one
so far west. Are you hurt, Mr Alfred?"
"Yes, a little," replied Alfred, faintly.
Malachi and Martin, without saying another word, stripped off Alfred's
hunting-coat, and then discovered that he had received a very bad wound
in the shoulder from the teeth of the beast, and that his side was also
torn by the animal's claws.
"John, run for some water," said Malachi; "you are certain to find some
in the hollow."
John and Percival both hastened in search of water, while Malachi, and
Martin, and Henry tore Alfred's shirt into strips and bound up the
wounds, so as to stop in a great measure the flow of blood. As soon as
this was done, and he had drunk the water brought to him in John's hat,
Alfred felt revived.
"I will sit down for a little longer," said he, "and then we will get
home as fast as we can. Martin, look after the game, and when you are
ready I will get up. What a tremendous heavy brute that was; I could
not have stood against him for a minute longer, and I had no
hunting-knife."
"It's a terrible beast, sir," replied Malachi. "I don't know that I
ever saw one larger; they are more than a match for one man, sir, and
never should be attempted singlehanded, for they are so hard to kill."
"Where did my ball hit him?" said Alfred.
"Here, sir, under the shoulder, and well placed, too. It must have gone
quite close to his heart; but unless you hit them through the brain or
through the heart, they are certain to make their dying spring. That's
an ugly wound on your shoulder, and will put a stop to your hunting for
five or six weeks, I expect. However, it's well that it's no worse."
"I feel quite strong now," replied Alfred.
"Another ten minutes, sir; let John and me whip off his skin, for we
must have it to show, if we have all the venison spoiled. Mr Henry,
tell Martin only to take the prime pieces and not to mind the hides, for
we shall not be able to carry much. And tell him to be quick, Mr
Henry, for it will not do for Mr Alfred to remain till his arm gets
stiff. We have many miles to get home again."
In the course of ten minutes Malachi and John had skinned the puma, and
Martin made his appearance with the haunches of two of the deer, which
he said was as much as they well could carry, and they all set off on
their return home.
Alfred had not proceeded far when he found himself in great pain, the
walking upon snow-shoes requiring so much motion as to open the wounds
and make them bleed again; but Malachi gave him his assistance, and
having procured him some more water, they continued their route.
After a time the wounds became more stiff, and Alfred appeared to be
more oppressed by the pain; they proceeded, however, as fast as they
could, and at nightfall were not far from home. But Alfred moved with
great difficulty; he had become very faint--so much so, that Martin
requested John would throw down the venison, and hasten before them to
request Mr Campbell to send some brandy or other cordial to support
Alfred, who was scarcely able to move on from weakness and loss of
blood. As they were not more than a mile from the house, John was soon
there, and hastening in at the door, he gave his message in presence of
Mrs Campbell and his cousins, who were in a state of great distress at
the intelligence. Mr Campbell went to his room for the spirits, and as
soon as he brought it out, Emma seized her bonnet, and said that she
would accompany John.
Mr and Mrs Campbell had no time to raise any objection if they were
inclined, for Emma was out of the door in a moment, with John at her
heels. But Emma quite forgot that she had no snow-shoes, and before she
had gone half the distance, she found herself as much fatigued as if she
had walked miles, and she sank deeper and deeper in the snow every
minute that she advanced. At last they arrived, and found the party.
Alfred was lying insensible on the snow, and the others making a litter
of branches that they might carry him to the house.
A little brandy poured down his throat brought Alfred to his senses; and
as he opened his eyes he perceived Emma hanging over him.
"Dear Emma, how kind of you!" said he, attempting to rise.
"Do not move, Alfred; they will soon have the litter ready, and then you
will be carried to the house. It is not far off."
"I am strong again now, Emma," replied Alfred. "But you must not remain
here in the cold. See, the snow is falling again."
"I must remain now till they are ready to carry you, Alfred, for I dare
not go back by myself."
By this time the litter was prepared, and Alfred placed on it. Malachi,
Henry, Martin, and John took it up.
"Where is Percival?" said Emma.
"He's behind a little way," replied John. "The snow-shoes hurt him, and
he could not walk so fast. He will be here in a minute."
They carried Alfred to the house, where Mr and Mrs Campbell and Mary
were waiting at the door in great anxiety; poor Emma was quite knocked
up by the time that they arrived, and went into her own room.
Alfred was laid on his bed, and his father then examined his wounds,
which he considered very dangerous, from the great laceration of the
flesh. Mr Campbell dressed them, and then they left Alfred to the
repose which he so much required. The state of Alfred so occupied their
minds and their attention, that nothing and nobody else was thought of
for the first hour. Emma, too, had been taken very ill soon after she
came in, and required the attention of Mrs Campbell and Mary. It was
not until they were about to sit down to supper that Mr Campbell said,
"Why, where's Percival?"
"Percival! Is he not here?" was the question anxiously uttered by all
the party who had been hunting.
"Percival not here!" exclaimed Mrs Campbell, starting up. "Where--
where is my child?"
"He was just behind us," said John; "he sat down to alter his
snow-shoes: the ties hurt him."
Malachi and Martin ran out of doors in consternation; they knew the
danger, for the snow was now falling in such heavy flakes that it was
impossible to see or direct their steps two yards in any direction.
"The boy will be lost for sartain," said Malachi to Martin; "if he has
remained behind till this fall of snow, he never will find his way, but
wander about till he perishes."
"Yes," said Martin, "he has but a poor chance, that is the truth. I
would have given my right arm this had not happened."
"Misfortune never comes single," replied Malachi; "what can we do?
Madam Campbell will be beside herself, for she loves that boy beyond all
measure."
"It's useless our going out," observed Martin; "we should never find
him, and only lose ourselves; but still we had better go back, and say
that we will try. At all events, we can go to the edge of the forest,
and halloo every minute or so; if the boy is still on his legs, it will
guide him to us."
"Yes," replied Malachi, "and we may light a pine torch; it might be of
some use. Well, then, let's go in, and tell them that we are going in
search of the boy; as long as Madam knows that we are seeking him, she
will not lose hope, and hope will keep up her spirits for the time, till
she is better prepared for her loss."
There was much good sense and knowledge of the human heart in the
observation of Malachi, who, although he was aware that all search would
be useless, could not resolve to destroy at once all hope in the mind of
the afflicted and anxious mother.
They went in, and found Mrs Campbell weeping bitterly, supported by her
husband and Mary. They stated that they were going to search for the
boy, and bring him home if they could, and, taking three or four pine
torches, one of which they lighted, they set off for the edge of the
forest, where they remained for two hours with the light, shouting at
intervals; but the snow fell so fast, and the cold was so intense, for
the wind blew fresh from the northward, that they could remain no
longer. They did not, however, return to the house, but went to their
own lodge to recover themselves, and remained there till daylight. They
then went out again; the snowstorm had ceased, and the morning was clear
and bright; they went back into the forest (on the road by which they
had come home) for three or four miles, but the snow now fallen had
covered all the tracks which they had made the day before, and was in
many places several feet deep. They proceeded to where Percival was
last seen by John, who had described the spot very exactly; they looked
everywhere about, made circuits round and round, in hopes of perceiving
the muzzle of his rifle peeping out above the snow, but there was
nothing to be discovered, and after a search of four or five hours, they
returned to the house. They found Mr Campbell and Henry in the
kitchen, for Mrs Campbell was in such a state of anxiety and distress,
that she was in her room attended by Mary. Mr Campbell perceived by
their countenances that they brought no satisfactory tidings. Malachi
shook his head mournfully, and sat down.
"Do you think that my poor boy is lost, Malachi?" said Mr Campbell.
"He is, I fear, sir; he must have sat down to rest himself, and has been
overpowered and fallen asleep. He has been buried in the snow, and he
will not wake till the day of resurrection."
Mr Campbell covered his face with his hands, and after a time
exclaimed, "His poor mother!"
After a few minutes, he rose and went into Mrs Campbell's room.
"What of my child,--my dear, dear Percival?" exclaimed Mrs Campbell.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away," replied Mr Campbell;
"your child is happy."
Mrs Campbell wept bitterly; and having thus given vent to the feelings
of nature, she became gradually more calm and resigned; her habitually
devout spirit sought and found relief in the God of all comfort.
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.
PERCIVAL LOST.
Thus in one short day was the family of Mr Campbell changed from a
house of joy to one of mourning. And true was the remark of Malachi,
that misfortunes seldom come single, for now they had another cause of
anxiety. Emma, by her imprudent exposure to the intense chill of the
night air and the wetting of her feet, was first taken with a violent
cold, which was followed by a fever, which became more alarming every
day. Thus, in addition to the loss of one of their children, Mr and
Mrs Campbell were threatened with being deprived of two more; for their
nieces were regarded as such, and Alfred was in a very precarious state.
The wounds had assumed such an angry appearance, that Mr Campbell was
fearful of mortification. This accumulated distress had, however, one
good effect upon them. The danger of losing Emma and Alfred so occupied
their minds and their attention, that they had not time to bewail the
loss of Percival; and even Mrs Campbell, in her prayers, was enabled to
resign herself to the Almighty's will in taking away her child, if it
would but please Him to spare the two others who were afflicted. Long
and tedious were the hours, the days, and the weeks that passed away
before either of them could be considered in a state of convalescence;
but her prayers were heard, and, as the winter closed, their recovery
was no longer doubtful. A melancholy winter it had been to them all,
but the joy of once more seeing Emma resume her duties, and Alfred,
supported on cushions, able to be moved into the sitting-room, had a
very exhilarating effect upon their spirits. True, there was no longer
the mirth and merriment that once reigned, but there was a subdued
gratitude to Heaven, which, if it did not make them at once cheerful, at
least prevented anything like repining or complaint. Grateful for the
mercies vouchsafed to them in having Alfred and Emma spared to them, Mr
and Mrs Campbell consoled themselves in reference to Percival, with the
reflection, that at so early an age, before he had lived to be corrupted
by the world, to die was gain--and that their dear boy had become,
through Divine grace, an inhabitant of the kingdom of Heaven. By
degrees the family became again cheerful and happy; the merry laugh of
Emma once more enlivened them, Alfred again recovered his former health
and spirits, and Mrs Campbell could bear the mention of the name of
Percival, and join in the praises of the amiable child.
The spring now came on, the snow gradually disappeared, the ice was
carried down the rapids, and once more left the blue lake clear; the
cattle were turned out to feed off the grass the year before left on the
prairie, and all the men were busy in preparing to put in the seed. As
soon as the snow was gone, Malachi, Martin, and Alfred, without saying a
word to Mrs Campbell, had gone into the forest, and made every search
for the body of poor Percival, but without success, and it was
considered that he had wandered and died on some spot which they could
not discover, or that the wolves had dug his remains out of the snow,
and devoured them. Not a trace, of him could anywhere be discovered;
and the search was, after a few days, discontinued. The return of the
spring had another good effect upon the spirits of the party; for, with
the spring came on such a variety of work to be done, that they had not
a moment to spare. They had now so many acres for corn that they had
scarcely time to get through all the preparatory work, and fortunate it
was that Alfred was so much recovered that he could join in the labour.
Malachi, John, and even Mr Campbell, assisted, and at last the task was
completed. Then they had a communication with the fort, and letters
from Quebec, Montreal, and England: there was none of any importance
from England, but one from Montreal informed Mr Campbell that,
agreeably to contract, the engineer would arrive in the course of the
month with the _bateaux_ containing the machinery, and that the
water-mill would be erected as soon as possible. There was also a
letter from England which gave them much pleasure; it was from Captain
Sinclair to Alfred, informing him that he had arranged all his business
with his guardian, and that he should rejoin his regiment and be at the
fort early in the spring, as he should sail in the first vessel which
left England. He stated how delighted he should be at his return, and
told him to say to Emma that he had not found an English wife, as she
had prophesied, but was coming back as heart-whole as he went. Very
soon afterwards they had a visit from Colonel Foster and some of the
officers of the garrison. The Colonel offered Mr Campbell a party of
soldiers to assist in raising the mill, and the offer was thankfully
accepted.
"We were very much alarmed about you last autumn when the woods were on
fire, Mr Campbell," said the Colonel; "but I perceive that it has been
of great advantage to you. You have now a large quantity of cleared
land sown with seed, and if you had possessed sufficient means might
have had much more put in, as I perceive all the land to the north west
is cleared by the fire."
"Yes," replied Mr Campbell; "but my allotment, as you know, extends
along the beach, and we have sown the seed as far from the beach as the
property extends."
"Then I should recommend you to write to Quebec, and apply for another
grant on each side of the stream; indeed, at the back of and equal to
what you now have."
"But if I do, I have not the means of working the land."
"No, not with your present force, I grant; but there are many emigrants
who would be glad of work, and who would settle here upon favourable
conditions."
"The expense would be very great," said Mr Campbell.
"It would; but the return would indemnify you. The troops at the fort
would take all the flour off your hands, if you had ever so much."
"I am not inclined at present to speculate much further," replied Mr
Campbell; "but I shall see how this year turns out, and if I find that I
am successful I will then decide."
"Of course you will but act prudently. You can send down to your agent
at Quebec, and ascertain what would be the probable terms of the men you
might require. But there is another way, which is to give them the land
to cultivate and the seed, and to receive from them a certain portion of
corn in return as rent; that is very safe, and your land will be all
gradually brought into cultivation, besides the advantage of having
neighbours about you. You might send one of your sons down to Montreal
and arrange all that."
"I certainly will write to my agent and institute inquiries," replied
Mr Campbell, "and many thanks to you for the suggestion; I have still a
few hundreds at the bank to dispose of, if necessary."
About three weeks after this conversation the _bateaux_ arrived with the
engineer and machinery for the flour and saw-mills: and now the
settlement again presented a lively scene, being thronged with the
soldiers who were sent from the fort. The engineer was a very pleasant,
intelligent young Englishman, who had taken up his profession in Canada,
and was considered one of the most able in the colony. The site of the
mill was soon chosen, and now the axes again resounded in the woods, as
the trees were felled and squared under his directions. Alfred was
constantly with the engineer, superintending the labour of the men, and
contracted a great intimacy with him; indeed, that gentleman was soon on
such a footing with the whole family as to be considered almost as one
of them, for he was very amusing, very well-bred, and had evidently
received every advantage of education.
Mr Campbell found that Mr Emmerson, for such was his name, could give
him every particular relative to the emigrants who had come out, as he
was so constantly travelling about the country, and was in such constant
communication with them.
"You are very fortunate in your purchase," said he to Mr Campbell, "the
land is excellent, and you have a good water-power in the stream, as
well as convenient carriage by the lake. Fifty years hence this
property will be worth a large sum of money."
"I want very much to get some more emigrants to settle here," observed
Mr Campbell. "It would add to our security and comfort, and I have not
sufficient hands to cultivate the land which has been cleared by the
fire of last autumn. If not cultivated in a short time, it will be all
forest again."
"At present it is all raspberries, and very good ones too, are they not,
Mr Emmerson?" said Emma.
"Yes, miss, most excellent," replied he; "but you are aware that,
whenever you cut down trees here, and do not hoe the ground to sow it,
raspberry bushes grow up immediately."
"Indeed, I was not aware of it."
"Such is the case, nevertheless. After the raspberries, the seedling
hardwood trees spring up, and, as Mr Campbell says, they soon grow into
a forest again.
"I do not think that you would have much trouble in getting emigrants to
come here, Mr Campbell, but the difficulty will be in persuading them
to remain. Their object in coming out to this country is to obtain land
of their own, and become independent. Many of them have not the means
to go on, and, as a temporary resource, are compelled to act as
labourers; but the moment that they get sufficient to purchase for
themselves, they will leave you."
"That is very natural; but I have been thinking of obtaining a larger
grant than I have now, and I wish very much that I could make an
arrangement with some emigrants. The Colonel says that I might do so by
supplying them with seed, and taking corn in return as rent."
"That would not be a permanent arrangement," replied Mr Emmerson. "How
much land do you propose applying for?"
"Six hundred acres."
"Well, sir, I think it would meet the views of both parties if you were
to offer terms like the following--that is, divide the land into lots of
one hundred acres each, and allow them to cultivate for you the fifty
acres that adjoin your own land, with the right of purchasing the other
fifty as their own property, as soon as they can. You will then obtain
three hundred acres of the most valuable land, in addition to your
present farm, and have fixed neighbours around you, even after they are
enabled to purchase the other fifty."
"I think that a very good arrangement, Mr Emmerson, and I would gladly
consent to it."
"Well, sir, I shall have plenty of opportunities this summer of making
the proposal to the emigrants, and if I find any parties who seem likely
to prove advantageous as neighbours, I will let you know."
"And with such expectations I will apply for the additional grant," said
Mr Campbell, "for to have neighbours in this solitude, I would almost
make them a present of the land."
"I suspect that in a few years you will have neighbours enough, without
resorting to such an expedient," replied Mr Emmerson, "but according to
your present proposal, they may be better selected, and you may make
terms which will prevent any nuisances."
The works at the mill proceeded rapidly, and before the hay-harvest the
mill was complete. Alfred was very careful, and paid every attention to
what was going on, and so did Martin, that they might understand the
machinery. This was very simple. Mr Emmerson tried the mill, and
found it to answer well. He explained everything to Alfred, and put the
mill to work, that he might be fully master of it. As it was a
fortnight after the mill was at work before Mr Emmerson could obtain a
passage back to Montreal, Alfred and Martin worked both mills during
that time, and felt satisfied that they required no further instruction.
The soldiers, at the request of Mr Campbell, were allowed to remain
till the hay-harvest, and as soon as the hay was gathered in, they were
paid and returned to the fort. Captain Sinclair, who, from his letter,
had been expected to arrive much sooner, came just as the soldiers had
left the farm. It need hardly be said that he was received most warmly.
He had a great deal to tell them, and had brought out a great many
presents; those for poor little Percival he kept back, of course. Emma
and Mary were delighted to have him again as a companion, and to resume
their walks with him; a fortnight thus passed away very quickly, when
his leave of absence expired, and he was obliged to return to the fort.
Previous, however, to his going away, he requested a private interview
with Mr and Mrs Campbell, in which he stated his exact position and
his means, and requested their sanction to his paying his addresses to
Mary. Mr and Mrs Campbell, who had already perceived the attentions
he had shewn to her, did not hesitate to express their satisfaction at
his request, and their best wishes for his success; and having so done,
they left him to forward his own suit, which Captain Sinclair did not
fail to do that very evening. Mary Percival was too amiable and
right-minded a girl not at once to refuse or accept Captain Sinclair.
As she had long been attached to him, she did not deny that such was the
case, and Captain Sinclair was overjoyed at his success.
"I have spoken frankly to you, Captain Sinclair," said Mary; "I have not
denied that you have an interest in my affections; but I must now
request you to let me know what are your future views."
"To do just what you wish me to do."
"I have no right to advise, and no wish to persuade. I have my own path
of duty pointed out to me, and from that I cannot swerve."
"And what is that?"
"It is that, under present circumstances, I must not think of leaving my
uncle and aunt. I have been bred up and educated by them; I have as an
orphan shared their prosperity; I have a deep debt of gratitude to pay,
and I cannot consent to return to England to enjoy all the advantages
which your means will afford while they remain in their present isolated
position. Hereafter circumstances may alter my opinion, but such it is
at present."
"But if I am willing to remain with you here to share your fortunes,
will not that satisfy you?"
"No, certainly not; for that would be allowing you to do injustice to
yourself. I presume you do not mean to quit your profession?"
"I had no such intention; but still, if I have to choose between you and
the service, I shall not hesitate."
"I trust you will not hesitate, but determine to adhere steadily to your
profession for the present, Captain Sinclair. It will not do for you to
give up your prospects and chance of advancement for even such a woman
as me," continued Mary, smiling; "nor must you think of becoming a
backwoodsman for a pale-faced girl."
"Then what am I to do if, as you say, you will not leave your uncle and
aunt?"
"Wait, Captain Sinclair; be satisfied that you have my affections, and
wait patiently till circumstances may occur which will enable me to
reward your affection without being guilty of ingratitude towards those
to whom I owe so much. On such terms I accept you, and accept you
willingly; but you must do your duty to yourself, while I must discharge
my duty towards my uncle and aunt."
"I believe you are right, Mary," replied Captain Sinclair; "only I do
not see any definite hope of our being united. Can you give me any
prospect to cheer me?"
"We are both very young, Captain Sinclair," observed Mary; "in a year or
two my uncle and aunt may be less lonely and more comfortable than at
present. In a year or two the war may end, and you may honourably
retire upon half-pay; in fact, so many chances are there which are
hidden from us and come upon us so unexpectedly, that it is impossible
to say what may take place. And if, after waiting patiently for some
time, none of these chances do turn up, you have yet another in your
favour."
"And what is that, Mary?"
"That, perhaps, I may be tired of waiting myself," replied Mary, with a
smile.
"Upon that chance, then, I will live in hope," replied Captain Sinclair;
"if you will only reward me when you consider that my faithful service
demands it, I will serve as long as Jacob did for Rachael."
"Do so, and you shall not be deceived at the end of your services as he
was," replied Mary. "But now let us return to the house."
Captain Sinclair departed the day afterwards, quite satisfied with
Mary's resolution.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.
AN INDIAN LETTER.
As Henry had predicted, during the autumn the whole family were fully
employed. The stock had increased very much; they had a large number of
young calves and heifers, and the sheep had lambed down very favourably.
Many of the stock were now turned into the bush, to save the feed on
the prairie. The sheep with their lambs, the cows which were in milk,
and the young calves only were retained. This gave them more leisure to
attend to the corn harvest, which was now ready, and it required all
their united exertions from daylight to sunset to get it in, for they
had a very large quantity of ground to clear. It was, however, got in
very successfully, and all stacked in good order. Then came the
thrashing of the wheat, which gave them ample employment; and as soon as
it could be thrashed out, it was taken to the mill in the waggon, and
ground down, for Mr Campbell had engaged to supply a certain quantity
of flour to the fort before the winter set in. They occasionally
received a visit from Captain Sinclair and the Colonel, and some other
officers, for now they had gradually become intimate with many of them.
Captain Sinclair had confided to the Colonel his engagement to Mary
Percival, and in consequence the Colonel allowed him to visit at the
farm as often as he could, consistently with his duty. The other
officers who came to see them, perceiving how much Captain Sinclair
engrossed the company of Mary Percival, were very assiduous in their
attentions to Emma, who laughed with and at them, and generally
contrived to give them something to do for her during their visit, as
well as to render their attentions serviceable to the household. On
condition that Emma accompanied them, they were content to go into the
punt and fish for hours; and, indeed, all the lake-fish which were
caught this year were taken by the officers. There were several very
pleasant young men among them, and they were always well received, as
they added very much to the society at the farm. Before the winter set
in the flour was all ready, and sent to the fort, as were the cattle
which the Colonel requested, and it was very evident that the Colonel
was right when he said that the arrangement would be advantageous to
both parties. Mr Campbell, instead of drawing money to pay, this year,
for the first time, received a bill on the Government to a considerable
amount for the flour and cattle furnished to the troops; and Mrs
Campbell's account for fowls, pork, etcetera, furnished to the garrison,
was by no means to be despised.
Thus, by the kindness of others, his own exertions, and a judicious
employment of his small capital, Mr Campbell promised to be in a few
years a wealthy and independent man.
As soon as the harvest set in, Malachi and John, who were of no use in
thrashing out the corn, renewed their hunting expeditions, and seldom
returned without venison. The Indians had not been seen by Malachi
during his excursions, nor any trace of their having been in the
neighbourhood.
All alarm, therefore, on that account was now over, and the family
prepared to meet the coming winter with all the additional precautions
which the foregoing had advised them of. But during the Indian summer
they received letters from England, detailing, as usual, the news
relative to friends with whom they had been intimate; also one from
Quebec, informing Mr Campbell that his application for the extra grant
of land was consented to; and another from Montreal, from Mr Emmerson,
stating that he had offered terms to two families of settlers who bore
very good characters, and if they were accepted by Mr Campbell, the
parties would join them at the commencement of the ensuing spring.
This was highly gratifying to Mr Campbell, and as the terms were, with
a slight variation, such as he had proposed, he immediately wrote to Mr
Emmerson, agreeing to the terms, and requesting that the bargain might
be concluded. At the same time that the Colonel forwarded the above
letters, he wrote to Mr Campbell to say that the interior of the fort
required a large quantity of plank for repairs, that he was authorised
to take them from Mr Campbell, at a certain price, if he could afford
to supply them on those terms, and have them ready by the following
spring. This was another act of kindness on the part of the Colonel, as
it would now give employment to the saw-mill for the winter, and it was
during the winter, and at the time that the snow was on the ground, that
they could easily drag the timber after it was felled to the saw-mill.
Mr Campbell wrote an answer, thanking the Colonel for his offer, which
he accepted, and promised to have the planks ready by the time the lake
was again open.
At last the winter set in, with its usual fall of snow. Captain
Sinclair took his leave for a long time, much to the sorrow of all the
family, who were warmly attached to him. It was now arranged that the
only parties who were to go on the hunting excursions should be Malachi
and John, as Henry had ample employment in the barns; and Martin and
Alfred, in felling timber and dragging up the stems to the saw-mill,
would, with attending to the mill as well, have their whole time taken
up. Such were the arrangements out of doors, and now that they had lost
the services of poor Percival, and the duties to attend to indoors were
so much increased, Mrs Campbell and the girls were obliged to call in
the assistance of Mr Campbell whenever he could be spared from the
garden, which was his usual occupation. Thus glided on the third winter
in quiet and security; but in full employment, and with so much to do
and to attend to, that it passed very rapidly.
It was in the month of February, when the snow was very heavy on the
ground, that one day Malachi went up to the mill to Alfred, whom he
found alone attending the saws, which were in full activity; for Martin
was squaring out the timber ready to be sawed at about one hundred
yards' distance.
"I am glad to find you alone, sir," said Malachi, "for I have something
of importance to tell you of, and I don't like at present that anybody
else should know anything about it."
"What is it, Malachi?" inquired Alfred.
"Why, sir, when I was out hunting yesterday I went round to a spot where
I had left a couple of deer-hides last week that I might bring them
home, and I found a letter stuck to them with a couple of thorns."
"A letter, Malachi!"
"Yes, sir, an Indian letter. Here it is." Malachi then produced a
piece of birch-bark, of which the underneath drawing is a fac-simile.
"Well," said Alfred, "it may be a letter, but I confess it is all Greek
to me. I certainly do not see why you wish to keep it a secret. Tell
me."
"Well, sir, I could not read one of your letters half so well as I can
this; and it contains news of the greatest importance. It's the Indian
way of writing, and I know also whom it comes from. A good action is
never lost, they say, and I am glad to find that there is some gratitude
in an Indian."
"You make me very impatient, Malachi, to know what it means; tell me
from whom do you think the letter comes?"
"Why, sir, do you see this mark here?" said Malachi, pointing to the one
lowest down on the piece of bark.
"Yes; it is a foot, is it not?"
"Exactly, sir; now, do you know whom it comes from?"
"I can't say I do."
"Do you remember two winters back our picking up the Indian woman, and
carrying her to the house, and your father curing her sprained ankle?"
"Certainly; is it from her?"
"Yes, sir; and you recollect she said that she belonged to the band
which followed the Angry Snake."
"I remember it very well; but now, Malachi, read me the letter at once,
for I am very impatient to know what she can have to say."
"I will, Mr Alfred; now, sir, there is the sun more than half up, which
with them points out it is the setting and not the rising sun; the
setting sun therefore means to the westward."
"Very good, that is plain, I think."
"There are twelve wigwams, that is, twelve days' journey for a warrior,
which the Indians reckon at about fifteen miles a day. How much does
fifteen times twelve make, sir?"
"One hundred and eighty, Malachi."
"Well, sir, then that is to say that it is one hundred and eighty miles
off, or thereabouts. Now, this first figure is a chief, for it has an
eagle's feather on the head of it, and the snake before it is his
_totem_, `the Angry Snake,' and the other six are the number of the
band; and you observe, that the chief and the first figure of the six
have a gun in their hands, which is to inform us that they have only two
rifles among them."
"Very true; but what is that little figure following the chief with his
arms behind him?"
"There is the whole mystery of the letter, sir, without which it were
worth nothing. You perceive that the little figure has a pair of
snow-shoes over it."
"Yes, I do."
"Well, that little figure is your brother Percival, whom we supposed to
be dead."
"Merciful heavens! is it possible?" exclaimed Alfred; "then he is
alive!"
"There is no doubt of it, sir," replied Malachi; "and now I will put the
whole letter together. Your brother Percival has been carried off by
the Angry Snake and his band, and has been taken to some place one
hundred and eighty miles to the westward, and this information comes
from the Indian woman who belongs to the band, and whose life was
preserved by your kindness. I don't think, Mr Alfred, that any white
person could have written a letter more plain and more to the purpose."
"I agree with you, Malachi; but the news has so overpowered me, I am so
agitated with joy and anxiety of mind, that I hardly know what I say.
Percival alive! we'll have him if we have to go one thousand miles and
beat two thousand Indians. Oh, how happy it will make my mother! But
what are we to do, Malachi? tell me, I beseech you."
"We must do nothing, sir," replied Malachi.
"Nothing, Malachi!" replied Alfred, with surprise.
"No, sir; nothing at present, at all events. We have the information
that the boy is alive, at least it is presumed so; but of course the
Indians do not know that we have received such information; if they did,
the woman would be killed immediately. Now, sir, the first question we
must ask ourselves is, why they have carried off the boy; for it would
be no use carrying off a little boy in that manner without some object."
"It is the very question that I was going to put to you, Malachi."
"Then, sir, I'll answer it to the best of my knowledge and belief. It
is this: the Angry Snake came to the settlement, and saw our stores of
powder and shot, and everything else. He would have attacked us last
winter if he had found an opportunity and a chance of success. One of
his band was killed, which taught him that we were on the watch, and he
failed in that attempt; he managed, however, to pick up the boy when he
was lagging behind us, at the time that you were wounded by the painter,
and carried him off, and he intends to drive a bargain for his being
restored to us. That is my conviction."
"I have no doubt but that you are right, Malachi," said Alfred, after a
pause. "Well, we must make a virtue of a necessity, and give him what
he asks."
"Not so, sir; if we did, it would encourage him to steal again."
"What must we do then?"
"Punish him, if we can; at all events, we must wait at present, and do
nothing. Depend upon it we shall have some communication made to us
through him that the boy is in their possession, and will be restored
upon certain conditions--probably this spring. It will then be time to
consider what is to be done."
"I believe you are right, Malachi."
"I hope to circumvent him yet, sir," replied Malachi; "but we shall
see."
"Well; but Malachi, are we to let this be known to anybody, or keep it a
secret?"
"Well, sir, I've thought of that; we must only let Martin and the
Strawberry into the secret; and I would tell them, because they are
almost Indians, as it were; they may have someone coming to them, and
there's no fear of their telling. Martin knows better, and as for the
Strawberry, she is as safe as if she didn't know it."
"I believe you are right; and still what delight it would give my father
and mother!"
"Yes, sir, and all the family too, I have no doubt, for the first hour
or two after you have told them; but what pain it would give them for
months afterwards! `Hope deferred maketh the heart sick,' as my father
used to read out of the Bible, and that's the truth, sir. Only consider
how your father, and particularly your mother, would fret and pine
during the whole time, and what a state of anxiety they would be in!
they would not eat or sleep. No, no, sir, it would be a cruelty to tell
them, and it must not be. Nothing can be done till the spring at all
events, and we must wait till the messenger comes to us."
"You are right, Malachi; then do as you say, make the communication to
Martin and his wife, and I will keep the secret as faithfully as they
will."
"It's a great point our knowing whereabouts the boy is," observed
Malachi, "for if it is necessary to make a party to go for him, we know
what direction to go in. And it is also a great point to know the
strength of the enemy, as now we shall know what force we must take with
us in case it is necessary to recover the lad by force or stratagem.
All this we gained from the letter, and shall not learn from any
messenger sent to us by the Angry Snake, whose head I hope to bruise
before I've done with him."
"If I meet him, one of us shall fall," observed Alfred.
"No doubt, sir, no doubt," replied Malachi; "but if we can retake the
boy by other means, so much the better. A man, bad or good, has but one
life, and God gave it to him. It is not for his fellow-creature to take
it away unless from necessity. I hope to have the boy without shedding
of blood."
"I am willing to have him back upon any terms, Malachi; and, as you say,
if we can do it without shedding of blood, all the better; but have him
I will, if I have to kill a hundred Indians."
"That's right, sir, that's right, only let it be the last resort;
recollect that the Indian seeks the powder and ball, not the life of the
boy; and recollect that if we had not been so careless as to tempt him
with the sight of what he values so much, he would never have annoyed us
thus."
"That is true; well then, Malachi, it shall be as you propose in
everything."
The conversation was here finished; Alfred and all those who were
possessed of the secret never allowed the slightest hint to drop of
their knowledge. The winter passed away without interruption of any
kind. Before the snow had disappeared the seed was all prepared ready
for sowing; the planks had been sawed out, and all the wheat not
required for seed had been ground down and put into flower barrels,
ready for any further demand from the fort. And thus terminated the
third winter in Canada.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.
TAPPING THE MAPLE-TREES.
It was now April, and for some days Malachi and John had been very busy,
assisted by the Strawberry; for the time had come for tapping the
maple-trees, to make the maple-sugar, and Mrs Campbell had expressed a
wish that she could be so supplied with an article of such general
consumption, and which they could not obtain but by the _bateaux_ which
went to Montreal. In the evening, when Malachi and John were, as usual,
employed in cutting small trays out of the soft wood of the balsam-fir,
and of which they had already prepared a large quantity, Mrs Campbell
asked Malachi how the sugar was procured.
"Very easily, ma'am; we tap the trees."
"Yes, so you said before; but how do you do it? Explain the whole
affair to me."
"Why, ma'am, we pick out the maple-trees which are about a foot wide at
the bottom of the trunk, as they yield most sugar. We then bore a hole
in the trunk of the tree, about two feet above the ground, and into that
hole we put a hollow reed, just the same as you would put a spigot in a
cask. The liquor runs out into one of these trays that we have been
digging out."
"Well, and then what do you do?"
"We collect all the liquor every morning till we have enough to fill the
coppers, and then we boil it down."
"What coppers will you use, then?"
"There are two large coppers in the store-room, not yet put up, which
will answer our purpose very well, ma'am. They hold about a hogshead
each. We shall take them into the woods with us, and pour the liquor
into them, and boil them down as soon as they are ready. You must come
and see us on the boiling-day, and we can have a frolic in the woods."
"With all my heart," replied Mrs Campbell. "How much liquor do you get
from one tree?"
"A matter of two or three gallons," replied Malachi; "sometimes more and
sometimes less. After we have tapped the trees and set our trays, we
shall have nothing more to do for a fortnight. The Strawberry can
attend to them all, and will let us know when she is ready."
"Do you tap the trees every year?"
"Yes, ma'am, and a good tree will bear it for fifteen or twenty years;
but it kills them at last."
"So I should suppose, for you take away so much of the sap of the tree."
"Exactly, ma'am; but there's no want of sugar-maples in these woods."
"You promised us some honey, Malachi," said Emma, "but we have not seen
it yet. Can you get us some?"
"We had no time to get it last autumn, miss, but we will try this autumn
what we can do. When John and I are out in the woods, we shall very
probably find a honey-tree, without going very far. I did intend to
have looked out for some, if you had not mentioned it."
"I know one," said Martin; "I marked it a fortnight ago, but I quite
forgot all about it. Since the mill has been in hand, I have had little
time for anything else. The fact is, we have all plenty to do just
now."
"That we certainly have," replied Henry, laughing; "I wish I could see
the end of my work in the barn; I doubt if I shall be able to get out
with my rifle this winter."
"No, sir, you must leave the woods to John and me," replied Malachi.
"Never mind, you shan't want for venison. Do you require the sledge
to-morrow, Mr Alfred?"
Malachi referred to a small sledge which they had made in the winter,
and which was now very useful, as they could, with one horse, transport
things from place to place. It was used by Alfred for bringing down to
the store-house the sacks of flour as fast as they were ground in the
mill.
"I can do without it for a day. What do you want it for?"
"To bring all the honey home," said Emma, laughing.
"No, miss, to take the coppers out into the woods," replied Malachi,
"that they may be ready for the liquor. As soon as we have tapped the
trees we will look for the honey."
"Did you send your skins down to Montreal by the _bateaux_?" inquired
Mr Campbell.
"Yes, father," replied Alfred; "Mr Emmerson took charge of them, and
promised to deliver them to the agent; but we have not so many this year
as we had last. John has the largest package of all of us."
"Yes, he beats me this year," said Malachi; "he always contrives to get
the first shot. I knew that I should make a hunter of the boy. He
might go out by himself now, and do just as well as I do."
The next morning Malachi went out into the woods, taking with him the
coppers and all the trays on the sledge; during that day he was busy
boring the trees and fitting the reed-pipes to the holes. Strawberry
and John accompanied him, and by sunset their work was complete.
The next morning, when they went out, only Malachi and John took their
axes with them, for John could use his very well for so young a lad.
They first went to the tree which Martin had discovered; he had given a
description where to find it. They cut it down, but did not attempt to
take the honey till the night, when they lighted a fire, and drove away
the bees by throwing leaves on it, and making a great smoke; they then
opened the tree, and gained about two pails full of honey, which they
brought in just as the family were about to go to bed. When they went
out the next morning they found a bear very busy at the remains of the
comb, but the animal made off before they could get a shot at him.
Every morning the Strawberry collected all the sap which had run out of
the trees, and poured it into the coppers which had been fixed up by
Malachi, ready for a fire to be lighted under them. They continued
their search and found three more hives of bees, which they marked and
allowed to remain till later in the season, when they could take them at
their leisure. In a fortnight they had collected sufficient liquor from
the trees to fill both the coppers to the brim, besides several pails.
The fires were therefore lighted under the coppers, and due notice given
to Mrs Campbell and the girls that the next day they must go out into
the woods and see the operation, as the liquor would, towards the
afternoon, be turned into the coolers, which were some of the large
washing-tubs then in use, and which had been thoroughly cleansed for the
purpose.
As this was to be a holiday in the woods, they prepared a cold dinner in
a large basket, and gave it in charge of Henry. Mr Campbell joined the
party, and they all set off to the spot, which was about two miles
distant. On their arrival, they examined the trees and the trays into
which the juice first ran, the boilers in which the liquor was now
simmering over the fire, and asked questions of Malachi, so that they
might, if necessary, be able to make the sugar themselves; after which
the first cooler was filled with the boiling liquor, that they might see
how the sugar crystallised as the liquor became cold. They then sat
down under a large tree and dined. The tree was at some distance from
the boilers, as there was no shade in the open spot where Malachi had
placed them, and the afternoon was passed very agreeably in listening to
Malachi's and Martin's stories of their adventures in the woods. While
they were still at dinner, Oscar and the other dogs which had
accompanied them, had strayed to about a hundred yards distant, and were
soon very busy scraping and barking at a large hole.
"What are the dogs after?" said Alfred.
"Just what the Strawberry wants, and told me to get for her," replied
Malachi; "we will dig him out to-morrow."
"What is it, Strawberry?" said Mary.
The Strawberry pointed to her mocassins, and then put her finger on the
porcupine-quills with which they were embroidered.
"I don't know the English name," said she, softly.
"A porcupine you mean," said Mary; "the animal those quills come from."
"Yes," replied the Strawberry.
"Is there a porcupine there, Malachi?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am, that is certain; the dogs know that well enough, or they
would not make such a noise. If you like, we will go for the shovels
and dig him out."
"Do, pray; I should like to see him caught," said Emma; "it shall be our
evening's amusement."
Martin got up, and went for the shovels; during his absence, the dinner
was cleared away, and the articles replaced in the basket; they then all
adjourned to where the dogs were still barking and scratching.
It was more than an hour before they could dig out the animal, and when,
at last, it burst away from the hole, they could not help laughing as
they witnessed the way in which one or two of the dogs were pricked with
the quills of the animal, who needed no other defence; the dogs ran
back, pawed their noses, and then went on again. Oscar was too knowing
to attack it in that way; he attempted to turn it over, so that he might
get at its stomach, when he would soon have killed it, but Martin
dispatched the poor beast with a blow on the nose, and the dogs then
rushed in upon it. They amused themselves selecting all the best of the
quills for the Strawberry, and then they went back again to the coolers,
to see the sugar which had been made.
As they neared the spot, Emma cried out, "There is a bear at the cooler;
look at him."
Malachi and John had their rifles ready immediately. Mrs Campbell and
Mary were much alarmed, as the animal was not one hundred yards from
them.
"Do not be afraid, ma'am," said Malachi; "the animal is only after the
sugar. He likes sugar just as well as honey."
"I don't doubt but he's the same beast that you saw at the honeycomb the
other day," said Martin. "Let us stay where we are, and watch him. We
may lose a few pounds of sugar, but I expect he will make you laugh."
"I really see nothing laughable in such a terrific brute," said Mrs
Campbell.
"You are quite safe, ma'am," said Martin, "Malachi and Mr John have
both their rifles."
"Well, then, I will trust to them," said Mrs Campbell; "but I should
prefer being at home, nevertheless. What a great brute it is."
"Yes, ma'am; it is a very large animal, that's certain; but they are not
very fat at this time of the year. See how he's smelling at the liquor,
now he's licking the top of it with his tongue: He won't be satisfied
with that, now that he has once tasted it. I told you so."
The eyes of the whole party, some frightened and some not, were now
fixed upon the bear, who, approving of what he had tasted as a sample,
now proceeded to help himself more liberally.
He therefore placed his paw down into the contents of the cooler, but,
although the surface of the liquor was cool, the lower part was still
scalding hot, and he had not put his paw in for a moment, when he
withdrew it with a loud roar, rearing up and sitting upon his hind legs,
and throwing his burnt paw in the air.
"I said so," observed Malachi, chuckling; "he has found it hotter than
he expected."
John, Alfred, and Martin burst out laughing at the sight; and even Mrs
Campbell and the two girls could not help being amused.
"He'll try it again," said Martin.
"Yes, that he will," replied Malachi. "John, be all ready with your
rifle, for the brute has seen us."
"Why, he won't come this way, will he?" exclaimed Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am, that he most likely will when he is angry; but you need not
fear."
"But I'm afraid, Malachi," said Mary.
"Then perhaps you had better go about fifty yards back with Mr
Campbell, where you will see the whole without danger. There he goes to
it again; I knew he would."
Martin, who had got all the dogs collected together and fast by a piece
of deer's-hide, as soon as they had discovered the bear, went back with
Mr and Mrs Campbell and the girls.
"You need have no fear, ma'am," said Martin; "the rifles won't miss
their mark, and, if they did, I have the dogs to let loose upon him; and
I think Oscar, with the help of the others, would master him. Down--
silence, Oscar--down, dogs, down. Look at the Strawberry, ma'am, she's
not afraid, she's laughing like a silver bell."
During this interval the bear again applied to the cooler, and burnt
himself as before; and this time, being more angry, he now gave another
roar, and, as if considering that the joke had been played upon him by
the party who were looking on, he made directly for them at a quick run.
"Now, John," said Malachi, "get your bead well on him, right between his
eyes."
John kneeled down in front of Malachi, who had his rifle all ready.
Much to the horror of Mrs Campbell, John permitted the bear to come
within twenty yards of him. He then fired, and the animal fell dead
without a struggle.
"A good shot, and well put in," said Malachi, going up to the bear.
"Let the dogs loose, Martin, that they may worry the carcase; it will do
them good."
Martin did so; the dogs were permitted to pull and tear at the dead
animal for a few minutes, and then taken off; in the mean time, Mr
Campbell and the ladies had come up to where the animal lay.
"Well, ma'am, isn't John a cool shoot?" said Malachi. "Could the oldest
hunter have done better?"
"My dear John, you quite frightened me," said Mrs Campbell; "why did
you allow the beast to come so near to you?"
"Because I wanted to kill him dead, and not wound him," replied John.
"To be sure," replied Malachi; "to wound a bear is worse than leaving
him alone."
"Well, Malachi, you certainly have made a hunter of John," said Mr
Campbell. "I could not have supposed such courage and presence of mind
in one so young."
John was very much praised, as he deserved to be, by the whole party;
and then Malachi said, "The skin belongs to John, that of course."
"Is the bear good eating now?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Not very, ma'am," replied Malachi, "for he has consumed all his fat
during the winter; but we will cut off the legs for hams, and when they
are salted and smoked with the other meat, you will acknowledge that a
bear's ham is, at all events, a dish that anyone may say is good. Come,
John, where's your knife? Martin, give us a hand here, while Mr
Campbell and the ladies go home."
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.
MALACHI AND THE INDIAN.
It was in the first week of June that Malachi, when he was out in the
woods, perceived an Indian, who came to wards him. He was a youth of
about twenty or twenty-one years old, tall and slightly made; he carried
his bow and arrows and his tomahawk, but had no gun. Malachi was at
that time sitting down on the trunk of a fallen tree; he was not more
than two miles from the house, and had gone out with his rifle without
any particular intent, unless it was that, as he expected he should soon
receive some communication from the Indians, he wished to give them an
opportunity of speaking to him alone. The Indian came up to where
Malachi was, and took a seat by him, without saying a word.
"Is my son from the West?" said Malachi, in the Indian tongue, after a
silence of one or two minutes.
"The Young Otter is from the West," replied the Indian. "The old men
have told him of the Grey Badger, who has lived the life of a snake, and
who has hunted with the fathers of those who are now old. Does my
father live with the white man?"
"He lives with the white man," replied Malachi; "he has no Injun blood
in his veins."
"Has the white man many in his lodge?" said the Indian.
"Yes; many young men and many rifles," replied Malachi.
The Indian did not continue this conversation, and there was a silence,
of some minutes. Malachi was convinced that the young Indian had been
sent to intimate that Percival was alive and in captivity, and he
resolved to wait patiently till he brought up the subject.
"Does not the cold kill the white man?" said the Indian at last.
"No; the white man can bear the winter's ice as well as an Injun. He
hunts as well, and brings home venison."
"Are all who came here with him now in the white man's lodge?"
"No, not all; one white child slept in the snow, and is in the land of
spirits," replied Malachi.
Here there was a pause in the conversation for some minutes; at last the
young Indian said, "A little bird sang in my ear, and it said, `The
white man's child is not dead; it wandered about in the woods and was
lost, and the Indian found him, and took him to his wigwam in the Far
West.'"
"Did not the little bird lie to the Young Otter?" replied Malachi.
"No; the little bird sung what was true," replied the Indian. "The
white boy is alive and in the lodge of the Indian."
"There are many white men in the country who have children," replied
Malachi; "and children are often lost. The little bird may have sung of
the child of some other white man."
"The white boy had a rifle in his hand, and snow-shoes on his feet."
"So have all they who go out to hunt in the winter's snow," replied
Malachi.
"But the white boy was found near to the white man's lodge."
"Then why was not the boy taken back to the white man by the Indians who
found him?"
"They were going to their own wigwams and could not turn aside; besides,
they feared to come near to the white man's lodge after the sun was
down; as my father says he has many young men and many rifles."
"But the white man does not raise his rifle against the Injun, whether
he comes by day or by night," replied Malachi. "At night he kills the
prowling wolf when he comes near to the lodge."
The Indian again stopped and was silent. He knew by the words of
Malachi that the wolf's skin, with which the Indian had been covered
when he was crawling to the palisades and had been shot by John, had
been discovered; Malachi, after a while, renewed the conversation.
"Is the Young Otter of a near tribe?"
"The lodges of our tribe are twelve days' journey to the westward,"
replied the Indian.
"The chief of the Young Otter's band is a great warrior?"
"He is," replied the Indian.
"Yes," replied Malachi. "The Angry Snake is a great warrior. Did he
send the Young Otter to me to tell me that the white boy was alive and
in his wigwam?"
The Indian again paused. He perceived that Malachi knew where he came
from, and from whom. At last he said, "It is many moons since the Angry
Snake has taken care of the white boy, and has fed him with venison;
many moons that he has hunted for him to give him food; and the white
boy loves the Angry Snake as a father, and the Angry Snake loves the boy
as his son. He will adopt him, and the white boy will be the chief of
the tribe. He will forget the white men, and become red as an Indian."
"The boy is forgotten by the white man, who has long numbered him with
the dead," replied Malachi.
"The white man has no memory," replied the Indian, "to forget so soon;
but it is not so. He would make many presents to him who would bring
back the boy."
"And what presents could he make?" replied Malachi; "the white man is
poor, and hunts with his young men as the Injun does. What has the
white man to give that the Injun covets? He has no whisky."
"The white man has powder, and lead, and rifles," replied the Indian;
"more than he can use, locked up in his store-house."
"And will the Angry Snake bring back the white boy if the white man
gives him powder, and lead, and rifles?" inquired Malachi.
"He will make a long journey, and bring the white boy with him," replied
the Indian; "but first let the white man say what presents he will
give."
"He shall be spoken to," replied Malachi, "and his answer shall be
brought, but the Young Otter must not go to the white man's lodge. A
red-skin is not safe from the rifles of the young men. When the moon is
at the full I will meet the Young Otter after the sun is down, at the
eastern side of the long prairie. Is it good?"
"Good," replied the Indian, who rose, turned on his heel, and walked
away into the forest.
When Malachi returned to the house, he took an opportunity of
communicating to Alfred what had taken place. After some conversation,
they agreed that they would make Captain Sinclair, who had that morning
arrived from the fort, their confidant as to what had occurred, and
decide with him upon what steps should be taken. Captain Sinclair was
very much surprised, and equally delighted, when he heard that Percival
was still alive, and warmly entered into the subject.
"The great question is, whether it would not be better to accede to the
terms of this scoundrel of an Indian chief," observed Captain Sinclair.
"What are a few pounds of powder, and a rifle or two, compared with the
happiness which will be produced by the return of Percival to his
parents, who have so long lamented him as dead?"
"It's not that, sir," replied Malachi. "I know that Mr Campbell would
give his whole store-room to regain his boy, but we must consider what
will be the consequence if he does so. One thing is certain, that the
Angry Snake will not be satisfied with a trifling present; he will ask
many rifles, perhaps more than we have at the farm, and powder and shot
in proportion; for he has mixed much with white people, especially when
the French were here, and he knows how little we value such things, and
how much we love our children. But, sir, in the first place, you supply
him and his band with arms to use against us at any other time, and
really make them formidable; and in the next place, you encourage him to
make some other attempt to obtain similar presents--for he will not be
idle. Recollect, sir, that we have in all probability killed one of
their band, when he came to reconnoitre the house in the skin of a wolf,
and that will never he forgotten, but revenged as soon as it can be.
Now, sir, if we give him arms and ammunition, we shall put the means of
revenge in his hands, and I should not be surprised to find us one day
attacked by him and his band, and it may be, overpowered by means of
these rifles which you propose to give him."
"There is much truth and much good sense in what you say, Malachi--
indeed, I think it almost at once decides the point, and that we must
not consent to his terms; but then what must we do to recover the boy?"
"That is the question which puzzles me," replied Alfred, "for I
perfectly agree with Malachi, that we must not give him arms and
ammunition, and I doubt if he would accept of any thing else."
"No, sir, that he will not, depend upon it," replied Malachi. "I think
there is but one way that will give us any chance."
"What, then, is your idea, Malachi?"
"The Angry Snake with his band were tracking us, and had we not been too
strong, would have attacked and murdered us all, that is dear. Not
daring to do that, he has stolen Percival, and detains him, to return
him at his own price. Now, sir, the Young Otter has come to us, and
offers to come again. We had given him no pledge of safe conduct, and,
therefore, when he comes again, we must have an ambush ready for him and
make him prisoner; but then you see, sir, we must have the assistance of
the Colonel, for he must be confined at the fort; we could not well keep
him at the farm. In the first place, it would be impossible then to
withhold the secret from Mr and Mrs Campbell; and, in the next, we
should have to be on the look-out for an attack every night for his
rescue; but if the Colonel was to know the whole circumstances, and
would assist us, we might capture the Injun lad, and hold him as a
hostage for Master Percival, till we could make some terms with the
Angry Snake."
"I like your idea very much, Malachi," replied Captain Sinclair, "and
if, Alfred, you agree with me, I will acquaint the Colonel with the
whole of what has passed when I return to-night, and see if he will
consent to our taking such a step. When are you to meet the Indian,
Malachi?"
"In three days, that is on Saturday; it will be the full of the moon,
and then I meet him at night at the end of the prairie nearest to the
fort, so that there will be no difficulty in doing all we propose
without Mr and Mrs Campbell being aware of any thing that has taken
place."
"I think we cannot do better than you have proposed," said Alfred.
"Be it so, then," said Captain Sinclair. "I will be here again
to-morrow--no, not to-morrow, but the day after will be better, and then
I will give you the reply of the Colonel, and make such arrangements as
may be necessary."
"That's all right, sir," replied Malachi; "and now all we have to do is
to keep our own secret; so, perhaps, Captain Sinclair, you had better go
back to the young ladies, for Miss Mary may imagine that it must be
something of very great importance which can have detained you so long
from her presence;" and Malachi smiled as he finished his remark.
"There's good sense in that observation, Malachi," said Alfred,
laughing. "Come, Sinclair."
Captain Sinclair quitted in the evening, and went back to the fort. He
returned at the time appointed, and informed them that the Colonel fully
approved of their plan of holding the young Indian as a hostage, and
that he would secure him in the fort as soon as he was brought in.
"Now, do we want any assistance from the fort? Surely not, to capture
an Indian lad--at least, so I said to the Colonel," continued Captain
Sinclair.
"No, sir, we want no assistance, as you say. I am his match myself, if
that were all; but it is not strength which is required. He is as lithe
and supple as an eel, and as difficult to hold, that I am certain of.
If we were to use our rifles there would be no difficulty; but to hold
him will give some trouble to two of us, and if once he breaks loose he
would be too fleet for any of us."
"Well, then, Malachi, how shall we proceed?"
"Why, sir, I must meet him, and you and Mr Alfred and Martin must be
hid at a distance, and gradually steal near to us. Martin shall have
his deer-thongs all ready, and when you pounce upon him he must bind him
at once. Martin is used to them, and knows how to manage it."
"Well, if you think that we three cannot manage him, let us have
Martin."
"It isn't strength, sir," replied Malachi, "but he will slip through
your fingers if not well tied in half a minute. Now, we will just walk
down to where I intend to meet him, and survey the place, and then I'll
show you where you must be, for we must not be seen together in that
direction to-morrow, for he may be lurking about, and have some
suspicion."
They then walked to the end of the prairie nearest the fort, which was
about a mile from the house, and Malachi having selected his ground, and
pointed out to them where to conceal themselves, they returned to the
house, Alfred having made arrangements when and where he and Martin
would meet Captain Sinclair on the day appointed.
The next day passed, and Malachi, as the sun sank behind the lake,
walked out to the end of the prairie. He had not been there ten minutes
when the young Indian stood before him. He was armed as before with his
tomahawk and bow and arrows; but Malachi had come out expressly without
his rifle.
Malachi, as soon as he perceived the Indian, sat down, as is the usual
custom among them when they hold a talk, and the Young Otter followed
his example.
"Has my father talked to the white man?" said the Indian after a short
silence.
"The white man grieves for the loss of his boy, and his squaw weeps,"
replied Malachi. "The Angry Snake must bring the boy to the white man's
lodge and receive presents."
"Will the white man be generous?" continued the Indian.
"He has powder, and lead, and rifles, and tobacco: will such presents
please the Angry Snake?"
"The Angry Snake had a dream," replied the Indian, "and he told me his
dream. He dreamt that the white boy was put into his mother's arms, who
wept for joy, and the white man gave to the Angry Snake ten rifles, and
two kegs of powder, and as much lead as four men could carry away."
"'Twas a good dream," replied Malachi, "and it will come true when the
white boy comes back to his mother."
"The Angry Snake had another dream. He dreamt that the white man
received his child, and pushed the Angry Snake out from the door of his
lodge."
"That was bad," replied Malachi. "Look at me, my son; say, did you ever
hear that the Grey Badger said a lie?" And Malachi laid hold of the
Indian's arm as he spoke.
This was the signal agreed upon between Malachi and the party concealed,
who rushed forward and seized the Indian.
The Young Otter sprang up in spite of their endeavours to keep him, and
would certainly have escaped, for he had got his tomahawk clear, and was
about to wield it around his head, had not Martin already passed one of
the deer-thongs round his ankle, by which the Indian was thrown again to
the ground. His arms were then secured behind his back with other
deer-skin thongs, and another passed round his ankle, and given to
Alfred.
"You were right, Malachi," said Captain Sinclair. "How he contrived to
twist himself out of our grasp I cannot imagine; but he certainly would
have been off, and probably have broken our heads before he went."
"I know the nature of these Injuns, sir," replied Malachi; "they're
never safe, even when tied, if the thong does not cut into the bone; but
you have him now, sir, fast enough, and the sooner you get to the fort
the better. You have your rifles in the bush?"
"Yes," replied Martin, "you'll find them behind the large oak tree."
"I'll fetch them; not that I think there's much danger of a rescue."
"We have not far to take him," said Captain Sinclair, "for, as I wished
you and Alfred not to be so long away as to induce questions to be
asked, I have a file of men and a corporal about half a mile off,
concealed in the bush. But Malachi, it is as well to let the Indian
know that he is only detained as a hostage, and, will be returned as
soon as the boy is sent back."
Malachi addressed the Indian in his own tongue, and told him what
Captain Sinclair requested.
"Tell him that there are several Indian women about the fort, who will
take any message he may send to the Angry Snake."
The Young Otter made no reply to anything said by Malachi, but looked
around him very impatiently.
"Be off as fast as you can," said Malachi, "for, depend upon it, the
Angry Snake was to meet him after his talk with me; I see it by his
wandering eye, and his looking round for assistance. I will go with
you, and return with Alfred and Martin, for I have no rifle."
"You can take mine, Malachi, as soon as we come up to the soldiers."
This was done in a few minutes. Captain Sinclair then took charge of
the Indian, and set off with his party for the fort. Malachi, Alfred,
and Martin returned to the house, and before they entered the prairie,
Martin detected the tall figure of an Indian at a short distance, in the
shade of the trees.
"Yes, I was sure of it," said Malachi. "It was well that I did not go
back without you. After all, in the woods, a man's no man without his
rifle."
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.
JOHN'S DANGER.
Martin was right when he stated that he perceived the form of the Angry
Snake under the shade of the trees. The chief was then watching what
occurred, and had been witness to the capture of his emissary, and,
following those who had the Young Otter in charge, saw him conveyed to
the fort. In the meantime, Malachi, Martin, and Alfred went home,
without any suspicion being raised among the other branches of the
family of what had occurred. This gave them great satisfaction.
"Well, Malachi," said Alfred the next morning, as they were all busily
employed getting the seed into the cleared land, "what do you imagine
will be the steps now taken by the Angry Snake?"
"It's hard to say, sir," replied Malachi; "for he well deserves the name
of a snake, if, as the Scripture says, it is the subtlest thing on
earth: he will try all he can, you may be sure; and if it were not that
he is afraid of us, he would attack us immediately; but that I have no
idea that he will venture upon."
"No, for your letter says that he has only two rifles in his band, which
are not enough to give him any chance of success."
"Very true, sir. I hear that the _bateaux_ are coming from the fort for
the plank and flour."
"Yes, to-morrow, if there is not so much wind as there is to-day; it
blows very fresh. Where is John?"
"I left him with the Strawberry, sir; they were busy with the sugar."
"By-the-bye, how much have you got, Malachi?"
"About three or four hundred pounds, sir, as near as I can reckon; quite
as much as madam will require."
"Yes, I should think so; now we shall have preserves of all sorts and
the fruit for nothing; the wild raspberries are nearly ripe, and so are
the cherries; my cousins want John to help to gather them."
"Well, sir, I dare say he will do so, although I believe that he would
rather do anything else. He said he was going to fish this morning."
"The water is too rough, and he will not be able to manage the punt by
himself."
"Then that's the very reason why he'll go out," replied Malachi; "he
doesn't like easy jobs like picking raspberries. Is it true, Mr
Alfred, that we are to have some more settlers come here?"
"Yes, I believe so; my father is very anxious to have them; he thinks it
will be a great security, and he has offered them very advantageous
terms. You won't much like that, Malachi?"
"Well, sir, I dare say you may think so, but it is not the case; if any
one had told me, two years ago, that I could have remained here, I would
have said it was impossible; but we are all creatures of habit. I had
been so used to my own company for so long a time that when I first saw
you I couldn't bear the sight of you; no, not even that of your pretty
cousins, Miss Mary and Emma, although, Heaven knows, they might tame a
savage; but now, sir, I feel quite changed; I have first borne with
company because I fancied the boy, and then I felt no dislike to it, and
now I like it. I believe that in my old age I am coming back to my
feelings as a boy, and I think very often of my father's farm, and the
little village that was close to it; and then I often fancy that I
should like to see a village rise up here, and a church stand up there
upon the mount; I think I should like to live on till I saw a church
built, and God worshipped as He ought to be."
"This is indeed a change, Malachi; well, I hope you will see a church on
the mount, and live many years afterwards to be present at the weddings
and christenings."
"As it pleases God, sir. There's one thing, Mr Alfred, that has given
me great content, and more than anything, perhaps, reconciled me to my
new way of living; and that is, that the Strawberry, by the blessing of
God and the labour of your mother and cousins, has become a good
Christian; you don't know how pleased I am at that."
"She's an excellent little creature, Malachi; everyone is fond of her,
and I believe Martin is very strongly attached to her."
"Yes, sir, she's a good wife, for she never uses her tongue, and obeys
her husband in all things. I think Martin has now become quite steady,
and you might send him to Montreal, or anywhere else, without fear of
his getting into the prison for making a disturbance... I see that a
bear has been over into the maize-field last night."
"What! did he climb the snake-fence?"
"Yes, sir, they climb anything; but I have got his tracks, and this
night I think that I shall get hold of him, for I shall lay a trap for
him."
Malachi and Alfred continued to work for two or three hours, when they
were summoned by Emma to go in to dinner. "I cannot find John," said
Emma, as they walked home; "Strawberry says that he left her some time
back, and went to fish; have you seen him pass by the river's, side?"
"No," replied Alfred; "but, Malachi, you said that he was going to fish
in the punt, did you not?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you see the punt on the beach, Emma?"
"No, I do not," replied Emma; "but it may be behind the point."
"Nor can I; I hope he has not been carried away by the wind, for it
blows very hard; I'll run down, and see if he is there."
Alfred ran down to the beach; the punt was gone from the shore, and
after looking for some time to leeward, which was to the eastward, in
the direction of the rapids, Alfred thought that he perceived something
like a boat at a distance of three or four miles; but the water of the
lake was much raffled by the strong wind, and it was not easy to
distinguish.
Alfred hastened back, and said to Emma, "I really am afraid that John is
adrift. I think I see the boat, but am not sure. Emma, go in quietly
and bring out my telescope, which is over my bed-place. Do not let them
see you, or they will be asking questions, and your aunt may be
alarmed."
Emma went to the house, and soon returned with the telescope. Alfred
and Malachi then went down to the beach, and the former distinctly made
out that what he had seen was the punt adrift, with John in it.
"Now, what is to be done?" said Alfred. "I must take a horse and ride
off to the fort, for if they do not see him before he passes he may not
be picked up."
"If he once gets into the rapids, sir," said Malachi, "he will be in
great danger, for he may be borne down upon one of the rocks and upset
in a minute."
"Yes, but he is some way from them yet," replied Alfred.
"Very true, sir; but with this strong wind right down to them, and
helping the current, he will soon be there. There is no time to be
lost."
"No; but I'll go in to dinner, and as soon as I have taken a mouthful,
just to avoid creating any alarm, I will slip out, and ride to the fort
as fast as I can."
"Just so; you will be there in good time, for he is now three miles
above the fort; indeed, he cannot well pass it without their seeing
him."
"Yes he can, now that the water is so rough," replied Alfred; "recollect
that they are soldiers in the fort, and not sailors, who are accustomed
to look on the water. A piece of drift timber and a punt is much the
same to their eyes. Come, let us go in to dinner."
"Yes, sir, I'll follow you," replied Malachi; "but, before I come in
I'll catch the horse and saddle him for you. You can tell Miss Emma to
hold her tongue about it."
Alfred rejoined Emma, whom he cautioned, and then they went in to their
dinner.
"Where's John?" said Mr Campbell; "he promised me some lake-fish for
dinner, and has never brought them in; so you will not have such good
fare as I expected."
"And where's Malachi?" said Alfred.
"I daresay he and John are out together somewhere," observed Henry, who,
with Martin, had come in before Alfred.
"Well he will lose his dinner," said Mrs Campbell.
"That's what I cannot afford to do, mother," said Alfred; "I am very
hungry, and I have not more than five minutes to spare, for that seed
must be put in to-night."
"I thought Malachi was with you, Alfred," said Mr Campbell.
"So he was, father," replied Alfred, "but he left me. Now, mother,
please to give me my dinner."
Alfred ate fast, and then rose from the table and went away from the
house. The horse was all ready, and he mounted and rode off for the
fort, telling Malachi that his father and mother thought John was with
him; and that, therefore, he had better not go in to dinner, but keep
out of the way.
"Yes, sir, that will be best, and then they can ask no questions. Be
quick, sir, for I am not at all easy about the boy."
Their plans, however, to conceal the danger of John did not succeed; for
Mrs Campbell, after the loss of poor little Percival, had become more
than ever solicitous about John, and, a minute or two after Alfred had
left the house, she rose from the table and went to the door, to see if
she could perceive Malachi and John coming in. As it happened, Alfred
had just set off in a gallop, and she saw him, as well as Malachi
standing by himself and watching Alfred's departure. The very
circumstance of Alfred's mysterious departure alarmed her. He had never
said that he was going to the fort, and that John was not with Malachi
was certain. She went into the cottage, and, sinking back into her
chair, exclaimed--"Some accident has happened to John!"
"Why should you say so, my dear?" said Mr Campbell.
"I'm sure of it," replied Mrs Campbell, bursting into tears. "Alfred
is riding away to the fort. Malachi is standing by himself outside.
What can it be?"
Mr Campbell and all the others ran out immediately, except Mary
Percival, who went to Mrs Campbell. Mr Campbell beckoned to Emma, and
from her obtained the real state of the case.
"It will be better to tell her at once," said Mr Campbell, who then
went to his wife, telling her that John was adrift, and that Alfred had
ridden to the fort to pick him up in one of the _bateaux_, but there was
no danger to be apprehended.
"Why should they conceal it, if there was no danger, Campbell?" replied
his wife. "Yes; there must be danger now the water is so rough. My
child, am I to lose you as well as my poor Percival!" continued Mrs
Campbell, again sobbing.
Every attempt was made to console her and assuage her fears, but with
indifferent success, and the afternoon of this day was passed in great
concern by all, and in an extreme state of nervous anxiety on the part
of Mrs Campbell. Towards the evening, Alfred was seen returning on
horseback at full speed. The whole of the family were out watching his
arrival, with beating hearts; poor Mrs Campbell in almost a fainting
state. Alfred perceived them long before he had crossed the prairie,
and waved his hat in token of good tidings.
"All's well, depend upon it, my dear," said Mr Campbell. "Alfred would
not wave his hat if there was any disaster."
"I must have it from his own mouth," said Mrs Campbell, almost
breathless.
"Safe?" cried out Martin to Alfred, as he approached.
"Safe, quite safe!" cried Alfred, in return.
"Thank Heaven!" cried Mrs Campbell, in a low voice, clasping her hands
in gratitude.
Alfred leaped off his saddle, and hastened to communicate the news.
John, trusting too much to his own powers, had gone out into the punt,
and soon found out that he could not manage it in so strong a wind. He
attempted to get back to the beach, but was unsuccessful, and had, as we
have said, been carried away by the wind and current down towards the
rapids; but it so happened, that before Alfred had arrived at the fort,
Captain Sinclair had observed the punt adrift, and, by the aid of a
telescope, ascertained that John was in it, exerting himself very
vigorously, but to no purpose. Captain Sinclair, having reported it to
the Commandant and obtained permission, had launched one of the
_bateaux_, manned by the soldiers, and had brought John and the punt on
shore, about four miles below the fort, and not until they had arrived
in the strong current of the rapids, which in another hour would have,
in all probability, proved fatal. Alfred, from the fort, had seen
Captain Sinclair gain the shore, with John and the punt in tow, and, as
soon as he was satisfied of his brother's safety, had ridden back as
fast as he could, to communicate it.
This intelligence gave them all great delight, and now that they knew
that John was safe, they waited his return with patience.
Captain Sinclair arrived, with John behind him, on horseback, about two
hours afterwards, and was greatly welcomed.
"Indeed, Captain Sinclair, we are under great obligations to you. Had
you not been so active, the boy might have been lost," said Mrs
Campbell. "Accept my best thanks."
"And mine," said Mary, extending her hand to him.
"John, you have frightened me very much," said Mrs Campbell; "how could
you be so imprudent as to go on the lake in such a high wind? See, what
a narrow escape you have had."
"_I_ should have been at Montreal to-morrow morning," said John,
laughing.
"No, never; you would have been upset in the rapids long before you
could get to Montreal."
"Well, mother, I can swim," replied John.
"You naughty boy, nothing will make you afraid."
"Well, ma'am, it's a good fault, that of having confidence in yourself,
so don't check it too much," replied Malachi. "It saves many a man who
would otherwise be lost."
"That's very true, Malachi," observed Alfred; "so, now that he is safe
back, we won't scold John any more. He will know better than to go out
in such rough weather again."
"To be sure I shall," said John; "I don't _want_ to go down the rapids."
"Well, I'm glad to hear you say that," replied Mrs Campbell.
Captain Sinclair remained with them that night. Before daylight, the
family were alarmed by the report of a gun, and it was immediately
supposed that some attack had been made on the lodge occupied by
Malachi, Martin, and his wife. Captain Sinclair, Alfred, Henry, and
John sprang out of bed, and were clothed in a minute. As soon as they
had armed themselves, they opened the door cautiously, and, looking well
round, went through the passage to the sheep-fold where the lodge was
built. Everything, however, appeared to be quiet, and Alfred knocked at
the door. Malachi answered to the inquiry, "What is the matter?"
"We heard the report of a gun close to the house just now, and we
thought something might have happened."
"Oh!" cried Malachi, laughing, "is that all? Then you may all go to bed
again. It's my trap for the bear--nothing more. I forgot to tell you
last night."
"Well, as we are up, we may as well go and see," said Alfred. "The day
is breaking."
"Well, sir, I am ready," said Malachi, coming out with his deer-skin
jacket in one hand and his rifle in the other.
They walked to the maize-field on the other side of the river, and found
that the trap had been successful, for a large bear lay dead at the foot
of the snake-fence.
"Yes, sir, I've got him," said Malachi. "But what was the trap," said
Henry. "You see, sir, I tracked the brute over the rails by his broad
foot-mark, and as I knew he would come the same way, I fixed the rifle
with a wire to the trigger, so that, as he climbed up, he must touch the
wire with his fore-paws, and the muzzle, pointed a little downwards,
would then about reach his heart when the gun went off. You see, sir,
it has happened just as I wished it, and there's another good skin for
Montreal."
"It is a she-bear," said Martin, who had joined them, "and she has cubs;
they can't be far off."
"That's true," replied Malachi; "so now you had better all go back
again. Martin and I will hide, and I'll answer for it, in an hour, we
will bring the cubs home with us."
The rest of the party returned to the house. The Strawberry had already
made known to Mr and Mrs Campbell the cause of the report. About an
hour before breakfast, Malachi and Martin came in, each with a cub of a
few weeks old. The little animals had come in the track of the mother
in search of her, and were pawing the dead body, as if trying to awaken
her, when Malachi and Martin secured them.
"What a charming pet!" said Emma. "I will rear it for myself."
"And I'll have the other," said John.
No objection was raised to this, except that Mr Campbell observed that,
if they became troublesome as they grew up, they must be parted with,
which was agreed to. Emma and John took possession of their pets, and
fed them with milk, and in a few days they became very tame; one being
chained up near the house, and the other at Malachi's lodge. They soon
grew very playful and very amusing little animals, and the dogs became
used to them, and never attempted to hurt them; indeed, very often Oscar
and the bear would be seen rolling about together, the best friends in
the world. But in a few months they became too large for pets, and too
trouble some; so one was despatched by a _bateau_ going to Montreal, as
a present to Mr Emmerson, and the other was taken to the fort by
Captain Sinclair, and became a great favourite of the soldiers.
CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.
MARY CARRIED OFF.
Captain Sinclair was now very constantly at the house, for in the
summer-time the Commandant allowed much more liberty to the officers.
Although the detention of the Young Otter, and the cause of his being
detained, had been made known to the Angry Snake, weeks passed away, and
yet there appeared no intention on the part of the chief to redeem his
young warrior by producing Percival. Every day an overture on his part
was expected, but none came, and those who were in the secret were in a
continual state of suspense and anxiety. One thing had been
ascertained, which was that the Indian fired at by John had been killed,
and this occasioned much fear on the part of Malachi and Martin, that
the Angry Snake would revenge the death upon young Percival. This
knowledge of the Indian feeling, however, they kept to themselves.
Towards the close of the summer they had an arrival of letters and
newspapers, both from England and Montreal.
There was nothing peculiarly interesting in the intelligence from
England, although the newspapers were, as usual, read with great
avidity. One paragraph met the eye of Henry, which he immediately
communicated, observing at the time that they always obtained news of
Mr Douglas Campbell on every fresh arrival. The paragraph was as
follows:--"The Oxley hounds had a splendid run on Friday last;" after
describing the country they passed through, the paragraph ended with,
"We regret to say that Mr Douglas Campbell, of Wexton Hall, received a
heavy fall from his horse, in clearing a wide brook. He is, however, we
understand, doing well." The letters from Montreal, were, however,
important. They communicated the immediate departure from that city of
four families of emigrants, who had accepted the terms offered by Mr
Emmerson, and were coming to settle upon Mr Campbell's property. They
also stated that the purchase of the other six hundred acres of
contiguous land had been completed, and sent the government receipts for
the purchase-money.
The news contained in this letter induced Mr Campbell to send a message
to the Commandant of the fort, by Captain Sinclair, acquainting him with
the expected arrival of the emigrant families, and requesting to know
whether he would allow a party of soldiers to assist in raising the
cottages necessary for their reception, and begging the loan of two or
three tents to accommodate them upon their arrival, until their cottages
should be built. The reply of the Commandant was favourable, and now
all was bustle and activity, that, if possible, the buildings might be
in forwardness previous to harvest time, when they would all have ample
occupation. Indeed, as the hay-harvest was just coming on, without
assistance from the fort they never could have got through the work
previous to the winter setting in, and it would have been very
inconvenient to have had to receive any of the emigrants into their own
house.
The sites of the four cottages, or log-huts, were soon selected; they
were each of them nearly half a mile from Mr Campbell's house, and
while some of the party, assisted by a portion of the soldiers, were
getting in the hay, the others, with another portion, were cutting down
the trees, and building up the cottages. In a fortnight after they had
commenced, the emigrants arrived, and were housed in the tents prepared
for them; and as their labour was now added to that of the others, in a
short time everything was well in advance. The agreement made by Mr
Campbell was, that the emigrants should each receive fifty acres of
land, after they had cleared for him a similar quantity; but there were
many other conditions, relative to food and supply of stock to the
emigrant families, which are not worth the while to dwell upon. It is
sufficient to say that Mr Campbell, with his former purchases, retained
about 600 acres, which he considered quite sufficient for his farm,
which was all in a ring fence, and with the advantage of bordering on
the lake. The fire had cleared a great deal of the new land, so that it
required little trouble for his own people to get it into a fit state
for the first crop.
While the emigrants and soldiers were hard at work, the Colonel paid a
visit to Mr Campbell, to settle his account with him, and handed over a
bill upon government for the planks, flour, etcetera, supplied to the
fort.
"I assure you, Mr Campbell, I have great pleasure," said the Colonel,
"in giving you every assistance, and I render it the more readily as I
am authorised by the Governor so to do. Your arrival and settling here
has proved very advantageous; for, your supplying the fort has saved the
government a great deal of money, at the same time that it has been
profitable to you, and enabled you to get rid of your crops without
sending them down so far as Montreal; which would have been as serious
an expense to you, as getting the provisions from Montreal has proved to
us. You may keep the fatigue party of soldiers upon the same terms as
before, as long as they may prove useful to you, provided they return to
the fort by the coming of winter."
"Then I will, if you please, retain them for getting in the harvest; we
have so much to do that I shall be most happy to pay for their
assistance."
I have said that there were four families of emigrants, and now I will
let my readers know a little more about them.
The first family was a man and his wife of the name of Harvey; they had
two sons of fourteen and fifteen, and a daughter of eighteen years of
age. This man had been a small farmer, and by his industry was gaining
an honest livelihood, and patting by some money, when his eldest son,
who was at the time about twenty years old, fell into bad company, and
was always to be seen at the alehouses or at the fairs, losing his time
and losing his money. The father, whose ancestors had resided for many
generations on the same spot, and had always been, as long as they could
trace back, small farmers like himself, and who was proud of only one
thing, which was that his family had been noted for honesty and upright
dealing, did all he could to reclaim him, but in vain. At last the son
was guilty of a burglary, tried, convicted, and transported for life.
The disgrace had such an effect upon the father, that he never held up
his head afterwards; he was ashamed to be seen in the parish, and at
last he resolved to emigrate to a new country, where what had happened
would not be known.
He accordingly sold off everything, and came to Canada; but by the time
that he had arrived in the country, and paid all his expenses, he had
little money left; and when he heard from Mr Emmerson the terms offered
by Mr Campbell, he gladly accepted them. The wife, his two sons, and
his daughter, who came with him, were as industrious and respectable as
himself.
The second family, of the name of Graves, consisted of a man and his
wife, and only one son--a young man grown up; but the wife's two sisters
were with them. He had come from Buckinghamshire, and had been
accustomed to a dairy farm.
The third family was a numerous one, with a man and his wife, of the
name of Jackson; they had been farmers and market gardeners near London,
and had brought out some money with them. But, as I have mentioned,
they had a very large family--most of them too young to be very useful
for a few years. They had seven children--a girl of eighteen, two boys
of twelve and thirteen, then three little girls, and a boy, an infant.
Jackson had money enough to purchase a farm, but, being a prudent man,
and reflecting that he might not succeed at first, and that his large
family would ran away with all his means, he decided upon accepting the
terms proposed by Mr Campbell.
The fourth and last of the emigrant families was a young couple of the
name of Meredith. The husband was the son of a farmer in Shropshire,
who had died, and divided his property between his three sons. Two of
them remained upon the farm, and paid the youngest brother his
proportion in money, who, being of a speculative turn, resolved to come
to Canada and try his fortune. He married just before he came out, and
was not as yet encumbered with any family. He was a fine young man,
well educated, and his wife a very clever, pretty young woman.
Thus there was an addition of twenty-one souls to the population of Mr
Campbell's settlement, which with their own ten made a total of
thirty-one people, out of whom they reckoned that thirteen were capable
of bearing arms, and defending them from any attack of the Indians.
Before harvest time, the cottages were all built, and the emigrants were
busy felling round their new habitations, to lay up firewood for the
winter, and clearing away a spot for a garden, and for planting potatoes
in the following spring. The harvest being ripe again, gave them all
full employment; the corn was got in with great expedition by the united
labour of the soldiers and emigrants, when the former, having completed
their work, returned to the fort, and the Campbells, with the addition
to their colony, were now left alone. Visiting the emigrants in their
own cottages, and making acquaintance with the children, was now a great
source of amusement to the Misses Percival. Various plans were started
relative to establishing a Sunday-school, and many other useful
arrangements; one, however, took place immediately, which was, that
divine service was performed by Mr Campbell in his own house, and was
attended by all the emigrants every Sunday. Mr Campbell had every
reason to be pleased with their conduct up to the present time; they all
appeared willing, never murmured or complained at any task allotted to
them, and were satisfied with Mr Campbell's arrangements relative to
supplies. Parties were now again formed for the chase; Meredith and
young Graves proved to be good woodsmen and capital shots with the
rifle, so that now they had enough to send out a party on alternate
days, while one or two of the others fished all the day and salted down
as fast as they caught, that there might be a full supply for the
winter.
But although Mr and Mrs Campbell and the Misses Percival, as well as
the major part of the family were fully satisfied and happy in their
future prospects, there were four who were in a state of great anxiety
and suspense. These were Alfred, Malachi, Martin, and the Strawberry,
who, being acquainted with the existence of young Percival, found their
secret a source of great annoyance, now that, notwithstanding the
capture and detention of the Young Otter, no advance appeared to be made
for his exchange, nor any signs of an overture on the part of the Angry
Snake. Captain Sinclair, who was usually at the farm twice during the
week, was also much fretted at finding that every time Malachi and
Alfred had no more information to give him, than he had to impart to
them. They hardly knew how to act; to let a second winter pass away
without attempting to recover the boy, appeared to them to be delaying
too long, and yet to communicate intelligence which might only end in
bitter disappointment, seemed unadvisable; for the Indian chief, out of
revenge, might have killed the boy, and then the grief of the father and
mother would be more intense than before. It would be opening a wound
to no purpose. This question was frequently canvassed by Alfred and
Captain Sinclair, but an end was put to all their debates on the subject
by an unexpected occurrence. Mary Percival had one morning gone down to
a place called the Cedar Swamp, about half a mile from the house to the
westward, near to the shore of the lake, to pick cranberries for
preserving. One of the little emigrant girls, Martha Jackson, was with
her; when one basket was full, Mary sent it home by the little girl,
with directions to come back immediately. The girl did so, but on her
return to the Cedar Swamp, Mary Percival was not to be seen. The basket
which she had retained with her was lying with all the cranberries upset
out of it on a hill by the side of the swamp. The little girl remained
for a quarter of an hour, calling out Miss Percival's name, but not
receiving any answer, she became frightened, imagining that some wild
beast had attacked her; and she ran back as fast as she could to the
house, acquainting Mr and Mrs Campbell with what had happened. Martin
and Alfred were at the mill; Malachi, fortunately, was at his own lodge,
and the Strawberry ran for him, told him what the girl had reported, and
having done so, she looked at Malachi, and said "Angry Snake."
"Yes, Strawberry, that is the case, I have no doubt," replied Malachi;
"but not a word at present; I knew he would be at something, but I did
not think that he dared do that either; however, we shall see. Go back
to the house and tell master and missis that I have gone down to the
Cedar Swamp, and will return as soon as possible, and do you follow me
as fast as you can, for your eyes are younger than mine, and I shall
want the use of them. Tell them not to send anybody else--it will do
harm instead of good--for they will trample the ground, and we may lose
the track."
Malachi caught up his rifle, examined the priming, and set off in the
direction of the swamp, while the Strawberry returned to the house to
give his message to Mr and Mrs Campbell. Leaving Mr and Mrs
Campbell, who were in a state of great alarm, and had sent the little
girl, Martha Jackson, to summon Alfred and Martin (for John and Henry
were out in the woods after the cattle), the Strawberry went down to the
Cedar Swamp to join Malachi, whom she found standing, leaning on his
rifle, near the basket which had contained the cranberries.
"Now, Strawberry, we must find out how many there were, and which way
they have gone," said Malachi, in the Indian tongue.
"Here," said Strawberry, pointing to a mark on the short grass, which
never could have attracted the observation of one unused to an Indian
life.
"I see, child; I see that and two more, but we cannot tell much as yet;
let us follow up the trail till we come to some spot where we may read
the print better. That's her foot," continued Malachi, after they had
proceeded two or three yards. "The sole of a shoe cuts the grass
sharper than a mocassin. We have no easy task just now, and if the
others come they may prevent us from finding the track altogether."
"Here, again," said Strawberry, stooping close to the short dry grass.
"Yes, you're right, child," replied Malachi. "Let us once follow it to
the bottom of this hill, and then we shall do better."
By the closest inspection and minutest search Malachi and the Strawberry
continued to follow the almost imperceptible track till they arrived at
the bottom of the hill, about a hundred yards from where they started.
It had become more difficult, as the print of Mary's foot, which was
more easily perceptible than the others, had served them for a few
yards, after which it was no more to be distinguished, and it was
evident that she had been lifted up from the ground. This satisfied
them that she had been carried off.
When they arrived at the bottom of the hill they could clearly
distinguish the print marks of mocassins, and by measuring very exactly
the breadth and length of the impressions, made out that they were of
two different people. These they continued to follow till they arrived
at the forest, about a quarter of a mile from the swamp, when they heard
the hallooing of Alfred and Martin, to which Malachi answered, and they
soon joined him.
"What is it, Malachi?"
"She has been carried off, sir, I've no doubt," replied Malachi, "by the
Snake. The rascal is determined to have the vantage of us. We have one
prisoner, and he has made two."
Malachi then explained why he was certain that she had been carried
away, and Martin agreed with him immediately.
Alfred then said--"Well, but now, before we act, let us consult what is
best to be done."
"Well, sir," replied Malachi, "the best to do now, at this moment, is
for the Strawberry and me to follow the trail, and try if we cannot
obtain more information; and, when we have got all we can, we must form
a party, and go in pursuit. Let us only get fairly on the trail, and we
shall not lose it, especially if the Strawberry is with us, for she has
a better eye than any Injun I ever knew, be it man or woman."
"Well, that is all right, Malachi; but what shall I do now while you are
following up the trail?"
"Well, sir, you must prepare the party, and get them all ready for a
start; for we must be off in three hours, it possible."
"Captain Sinclair had better come with us. He will be quite frantic if
he does not," said Alfred.
"Well, then, perhaps he had, sir," replied Malachi, coldly; "but I'd
rather he were away. He won't be so cool and calm as he ought to be."
"Never fear; but I must now go to my father and mother, and tell the
whole of the circumstances which have occurred. I must tell them that
Percival is alive."
"Why so, sir?" replied Malachi. "It will only fret them more. It's
quite sufficient that they should have to lament Miss Percival being
carried off, without their knowing what fresh cause for anxiety there is
about the boy. I would only say that Miss Mary has been carried off by
somebody, and leave out all about our having captured the Young Otter,
and why we took him."
"Well, perhaps it will be better," said Alfred. "Then I'll leave Martin
here, and ride off to the fort to Captain Sinclair. Shall I ask for any
soldiers?"
"Yes, sir; if there are any good backwoodsmen among them, we may find a
couple of them of service. We ought to have a larger force than the
Injun; and the latter, if you recollect, is stated at six with the
chief. Now, there are you, Martin, and I, that's three; Captain
Sinclair and two soldiers would be six; young Graves and Meredith make
eight. That's sufficient, sir; more than sufficient does harm. Mr
Henry must stay, and so must Mr John, because he will not be home
before we are away. I'm sorry for that, as I should have liked him to
be with me."
"It can't be helped," replied Alfred. "Well, then, Martin and I will go
back at once; in two hours I will return with Captain Sinclair, if I
possibly can."
"As quick as you please, sir, and Martin will get everything ready for
the journey, for we must not fire our rifles, if we can help it."
Alfred hastened away, and was soon followed by Martin, to whom Malachi
had given some directions. Malachi and the Strawberry then continued to
follow the trail, which they traced through the thickest of the wood for
more than an hour, when they came upon a spot where a fire had been
lighted, and the ground trodden down, evidently showing that the parties
had been living there for some time.
"Here was the nest of the whole gang," resumed Malachi, as he looked
round.
The Strawberry, who had been examining the ground, said, "Here is her
foot again."
"Yes, yes; it's clear enough that two of them have carried her off and
brought her here to where the others were waiting for them, and from
here the whole party have made their start. Now we have the new trail
to find, and that they have taken every care to prevent as I do not
doubt."
The Strawberry now pointed to a mark near where the fire had been
lighted, and said, "The mocassin of a squaw."
"Right; then she is with them; so much the better," replied Malachi;
"for, as she sent me that letter, she may serve us still, if she
chooses."
CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.
THE TRAIL STRUCK.
Previous to his starting for the fort, Alfred had a hasty communication
with his father and mother, in which he informed them simply that it was
evident that Mary had been carried off, and that it was the opinion of
Malachi and Martin that the Angry Snake was the party to be suspected.
"But what cause could he have?" said Emma, weeping.
"Merely to get powder and shot as a reward for bringing her back again,"
replied Alfred; "so there is not anything to fear as to her being
ill-treated; but if he has any other reason for what he has done, it is
well known that an Indian always respects a female. But here comes my
horse."
"But what are you going to do, Alfred?" said Mrs Campbell, who was in a
state of great agitation.
"Ride to the fort for assistance, bring Captain Sinclair, and go in
pursuit as fast as we can, mother. Martin will get all ready by my
return; Malachi is following up the trail with the Strawberry. But
there is no time to be lost; I shall soon be back."
Alfred then sprang upon his horse, which Martin had brought to the door,
and galloped away to the fort.
As it may be supposed, Mr and Mrs Campbell and Emma were in great
distress; this did not, however, prevent them from listening to Martin,
and supplying him with all that he requested, which was salt-pork and
other food for their journey, powder and shot for their rifles,
etcetera. Having specified all that was wanted, Martin then went off to
summon young Graves and Meredith; they were soon found, and when they
heard the intelligence, were ready in a minute for departure. Their
rifles and an extra pair of mocassins each was all that they required
for the journey, and in a few minutes they accompanied Martin to the
house. After they had been occupied for a little time in dividing the
various articles into different packages, that each might carry his
proportion, Mr Campbell said--
"Martin, supposing that you and Malachi are correct in your supposition,
where do you think that they will take my poor niece?"
"Right away to their own wigwams, sir," replied Martin.
"Have you any idea how far that may be?" said Mrs Campbell.
"Yes, ma'am, I have heard that the Angry Snake's quarters are about
twelve days' journey from this."
"Twelve days' journey! how far is a journey?"
"As far as a stout man can walk in a day, ma'am."
"And will my niece have to walk all that way?"
"Why, yes, ma'am; I don't see how it can be otherwise; I don't know of
the Indians having any horses, although they may have."
"But she cannot walk as far as a man," replied Mrs Campbell.
"No, ma'am, and so I suppose they will be twenty days going instead of
twelve."
"Will they ill-treat or ill-use her, Martin?" said Emma.
"No, ma'am, I shouldn't think they would, although they will make her
walk, and will tie her at night when they stop."
"Poor Mary; what will she suffer?" exclaimed Emma; "and if you do come
up with them, Martin, will they give her up to you?"
"We shan't ask their leave, miss," replied Martin; "we shall take her."
"But not without bloodshed, Martin," said Mrs Campbell.
"No, ma'am, certainly not without bloodshed, for either the Indians must
destroy us or we them; if we conquer, not an Indian will be left alive;
and if they master us, it will be about the same thing, I suppose."
"Heaven protect us, but this is dreadful; I was prepared for
difficulties and annoyances when I came out here," exclaimed Mrs
Campbell; "but not for such trials as these."
"Never fear but we'll bring her back, ma'am," said Martin; "Malachi is a
better Indian than them all, and he'll circumvent them."
"How do you mean?"
"I mean, ma'am, that we will, if possible, fall upon them unawares, and
then we'll have the advantage, for half of them will be killed before
they know that they are attacked; we'll fight them Indian fashion,
ma'am."
Mrs Campbell continued her interrogations till Alfred was seen at the
end of the prairie returning at full speed, accompanied by Captain
Sinclair and two other men, also on horseback.
"Here they come," said Martin; "and they have lost no time, that's
certain."
"Poor Captain Sinclair! what must be his feelings, I pity him," said
Mrs Campbell.
"He must take it coolly, nevertheless," observed Martin; "or he may do
more harm than good."
Alfred and Captain Sinclair now dismounted; they had brought with them
two of the soldiers who were well used to the woods, and excellent shots
with the rifle. A hurried conversation of a few minutes took place, but
time was too precious, and Alfred, embracing his father and mother, who,
as they shook hands with Captain Sinclair, expressed in a melancholy way
their hopes for their success, the party of seven which had been
collected set off to rejoin Malachi and the Strawberry.
Malachi and the Strawberry had not been idle; the latter had ran back to
the lodge and procured a bow and arrows, and since that they had tracked
the footmarks through the forest for more than a mile, when they had
come to a small rivulet which ran through the forest. Here the trail
was lost, at least, it was not to be perceived anywhere on the opposite
side of the rivulet, and it was to be presumed that, to conceal their
trail, the Indians had walked in the water, either up or down, for a
certain distance before they put their feet on the other side; but as it
was near the time that they might expect the arrival of Alfred and the
others, Malachi had returned to the spot where Alfred and Martin had
left them, leaving the Strawberry to walk down and up the side of the
rivulet to recover the trail. As soon as the party joined him, they and
Malachi set off to where the trail had been lost, and the latter had
left the Strawberry.
There they waited some time, as the Strawberry was not in sight, and
they took this opportunity of distributing the provisions and ammunition
among them. Captain Sinclair, although his feelings may well be
imagined, was very active in arrangements, and shewed that, if his heart
was smitten, his head was clear. The order of the march was settled by
Malachi and him, and as soon as all was arranged, they waited
impatiently for the return of the Indian girl; she came at last, and
informed them that she had recovered the trail about three miles up the
course of the stream, and they all started immediately. As was agreed,
they kept perfect silence, and followed the newly-discovered trail for
about a mile, when, on their arrival at a clear spot in the woods, where
the grass was very short and dry, they were again at fault. They went
over to the other side of the heath, to see if they could again fall in
with it, but after half-an-hour's search, could not discover it, when
they were summoned by a low whistle from the Strawberry, who had
returned to the spot where the trail had been lost.
"They have turned back again," said the Strawberry, pointing to the
former footmarks; "see the track of the mocassins is both ways."
"That's true," said Malachi, after a close examination; "now then,
Strawberry, to find out where they have left the old trail again. I
told you, sir," continued Malachi to Alfred, "that the Strawberry would
be useful; she has the eye of a falcon."
It was not till another half-hour had elapsed that the spot where they
had left the trail, which, to deceive those who might pursue them, the
Indians had returned upon, was discovered, and then they started again,
and proceeded with caution, led by the Strawberry, until she stopped and
spoke to Malachi in the Indian tongue, pointing at a small twig broken
upon one of the bushes.
"That's true, let us see if it happens again."
In a few moments the Strawberry pointed out another.
"Then all's right," said Malachi; "I said that she could help us again
if she chose, and so she has. The Injun woman who wrote the letter,"
continued Malachi, turning to Captain Sinclair and Alfred, "is our
friend still. See, sir, she has, wherever she has dared to do it
without being seen by the Injuns, broken down a small twig as a guide to
us. Now, if she has continued to do this we shall not have much
trouble."
They continued their course through the woods until the sun went down,
and they could see no longer, having made a journey of about nine miles
from the settlement. They then laid down for the night under a large
tree; the weather was very warm, and they did not light a fire as they
had some cooked provisions.
The next morning, as soon as it was daylight, they made a hasty meal,
and resumed their task. The trail was now pretty clear, and was
occasionally verified by the breaking of a twig, as before. This day
they made sixteen miles' journey, and at the close of it they arrived at
the borders of a lake about ten miles long, and from one and a-half to
two wide; the trail went right on to the shore of the lake and then
disappeared.
"Here they must have taken to the water," said Alfred; "but what means
have they had to cross?"
"That we must discover somehow or another, sir," replied Malachi, "or
else we shall not find the trail again; perhaps, however, we shall see
to-morrow morning; it is too dark now to attempt to find out, and we may
do more harm than good by tracking down the bank. We must bring to for
the night. There is a high rock there on the beach farther up; we had
better go there, as we can light a fire behind the rock without being
discovered by it, supposing the Injuns are on the opposite shore; and
to-night we must cook all our provisions if we possibly can, for, depend
upon it, we have travelled faster to-day than they can have done with
the young lady, and if we can once get well on the trail again we shall
soon be up with them."
"God grant that we may!" exclaimed Captain Sinclair; "the idea of what
poor Mary must suffer almost drives me mad."
"Yes, sir, she will be terribly foot sore, I have no doubt," replied
Malachi; "but the Injuns will not treat her ill, depend upon it."
Captain Sinclair sighed, but made no reply.
As soon as they had arrived at the mass of rock which Malachi had
pointed out they all commenced collecting firewood, and the Strawberry
in a few minutes had a sufficient fire for their purpose. They had not
any cooking utensils with them, but the pork was cut in slices and stuck
upon the ends of small sticks round the fire until it was sufficiently
cooked, and then it was packed up again in parcels, with the exception
of what was retained for their supper. They had finished their meal,
and were sitting round the embers of the fire conversing and calculating
the probabilities as to their overtaking the Indians, when Martin sprang
up, with his rifle ready to bring to his shoulder.
"What is it?" said Alfred in a low tone, as Martin held up his finger as
a sign for silence.
"There's somebody coming this way--he is behind that large tree," said
Martin; "I see his head now, but it is too dark to make out who it may
be."
As Martin said this a low and singular sort of whistle between the teeth
was heard, upon which the Strawberry gently put down Martin's rifle with
her hand, saying--
"It is John."
"John; impossible!" said Alfred.
"It is," replied Strawberry. "I know well that whistle. I go to fetch
him. Have no fear."
Strawberry stepped out from the group, and went up to the tree, calling
John softly by name, and in a few seconds afterwards returned, leading
John by the hand, who, without saying a word, quietly seated himself
down by the fire.
"Well, John, how did you come here?" exclaimed Alfred.
"Followed trail," replied John.
"But how--when did you leave home?"
"Yesterday," replied John, "when I came back."
"But do your father and mother know that you have come?" said Captain
Sinclair.
"I met old Graves, and told him," replied John. "Have you any meat?"
"The boy has had nothing since he left, I'll answer for it," said
Martin, as the Strawberry handed some of the pork to John. "Have you,
John?"
"No," replied John, with his mouth full.
"Let him eat," said Malachi; "it's long for a lad to be two days without
food, for I'll answer he left as soon as he heard we were gone, and did
not wait for yesterday's supper. Indeed, he must have done so, for he
must have followed the trail some time yesterday to be up with us
to-night; so let him eat in quiet."
"What surprises me, Malachi, is how he could have found his way to us."
"Well, sir, I do confess that I'm as much surprised almost as I am
pleased," replied Malachi. "It is really a great feat for a lad to
accomplish all by himself, and I am proud of him for having done it; but
from the first I saw what a capital woodsman he would make, and he has
not disappointed me."
"There are not many who would have been able to do it, that's certain,"
said Martin. "I wonder as much as you do, Mr Alfred, how he could have
done it; but he has the gift."
"But suppose he had not come up with us, how would he have lived in
these woods? It is a mercy that he has fallen in with us," said Captain
Sinclair.
John slapped the barrel of his rifle, which was lying by him, and which
Captain Sinclair had not perceived.
"You don't think that John would come into the woods without his rifle,
sir, do you?" said Malachi.
"I did not perceive that he had it with him," said Captain Sinclair,
"but I certainly ought to have known John better."
John having finished his supper, they all lay down to rest, one keeping
watch that they might not be surprised.
At daylight they made their breakfast, and then went down again to the
borders of the lake, where the trail had been lost. After a long
examination, Malachi called the Strawberry, and pointing to the edge of
the water, asked her to look there. The Strawberry did so, and at last
decided that there was the mark of the bottom of a canoe which had been
grounded.
"Yes, I thought so," said Malachi. "They have had their canoe all
ready, and have crossed the water. Now, we must walk quite round the
lake to discover the trail again, and that will give them half-a-day's
start of us."
They immediately set off coasting the shores of the lake, until they
arrived at the other side, carefully examining the ground as they went.
This took them till noon, by which time they had arrived at that part of
the lake which was opposite to the large rock behind which they had
kindled their fire the night before; but no traces were to be perceived.
"They have not crossed over in a straight line," said Captain Sinclair,
"that is evident; we must now try more to the northward."
This they did; and at last discovered that the canoe had crossed over to
the north part of the lake, having coasted along the eastward shore the
whole way. The spot of landing was very evident, and for some distance
they could trace where the canoe had been hauled up. It was now late in
the afternoon, and it became a question whether they should follow the
trail or discover the place of concealment of the canoe, as it might be
advantageous to know where it was when they returned. It was decided
that they should first discover the canoe, and this was not done till
after a search of two hours, when they found it concealed in the bushes,
about one mile from the lake. They then followed the trail about two
miles; the twigs had been bent and broken as before, which was a great
help to them, but the night was now closing in. Having arrived at a
clear knoll, they took up their quarters under the trees, and retired to
rest. At daybreak they again started, and, after two hours' walk, had
to track across a small prairie, which gave them some trouble, but they
succeeded in finding the trail on their arrival at the wood on the
opposite side and then they made a very rapid progress, for the twigs
were now more frequently broken and bent than before. During this day,
with the bow and arrows brought by the Strawberry, Martin had procured
them two wild turkeys, which were very acceptable, as their provisions
would not last more than seven or eight days longer, and it was
impossible to say how far they would have to travel. It was not far
from dark when the quick ears of the Strawberry were attracted by a
noise like that of a person breathing heavily. She at last pointed with
her finger to a bush; they advanced cautiously, and on the other side of
it they found an Indian woman lying on the ground, bleeding profusely.
They raised her up, and discovered that it was the Indian whom they had
cured of the sprained ankle, and who, they presumed, had been then
discovered breaking the twigs that they might follow the trail, for, on
examination, they found that she had received a heavy blow on the head
with a tomahawk; but, fortunately, it had glanced sideways, and not
entered into the brain. She was not sensible, however, at the time that
they discovered her, for she had lost a great deal of blood. They
stopped the effusion of blood with bandages torn from their linen, and
poured some water down her throat. It was now dark, and it was not
possible to proceed any further that night. The Strawberry went into
the woods and collected some herbs, with which she dressed the wound,
and, having made the poor Indian as comfortable as they could, they
again lay down to rest, but not until Malachi had said to Alfred--
"There is no doubt, sir, but that the Injuns have discovered this woman
was marking the trail for us, and that they have tomahawked her for so
doing, and have left her for dead. I think myself that the wound,
although it is a very ugly one, is not dangerous, and so says the
Strawberry. However, to-morrow will decide the point; if she is not
sensible then, it will be of no use waiting, but we must go on as fast
as we can."
When they awoke the next morning they found the Strawberry sitting by
the Indian woman, who was now quite sensible and collected, although
very weak and exhausted. Malachi and Martin went to her, and had a long
conversation with her at intervals. Malachi had been right in his
supposition; the Angry Snake had discovered her in the act of bending a
twig, and had struck her down with his tomahawk. They gained from her
the following information. The Angry Snake, irritated at the detention
of the Young Otter, had resolved to have another hostage in lieu of him,
and had carried off Mary Percival. He had six Indians with him, which
were the whole of his grown-up warriors. They were now but one day's
journey ahead of them, as Miss Percival was very sore on her feet, and
they could not get her along, but that in every other respect she had
been well treated. That the Indians were not going to their lodges in a
direct course, but by a circuitous route, which would make a difference
of at least six or seven days; and that they did this that they might
not be seen by some other tribes who were located in their direct route,
and who might give information. She said that it was she who had
written the Indian letter which Malachi had received the autumn before,
and that she had done it because she had been so kindly treated by Mr
and Mrs Campbell, when she had been found in the forest with her ankle
sprained. That Percival was at the Indian lodges, quite well when they
left, and that if the Angry Snake did not receive a large quantity of
powder and shot, and a great many rifles in exchange for him, it was his
intention to adopt the boy, as he was very partial to him. On being
asked if the boy was happy, she replied that he was not at first, but
now he was almost an Indian; that he was seldom permitted to leave the
lodges, and never unless accompanied by the Angry Snake. In answer to
their questions as to the direction and distance to the lodges, she said
that they were about seven days' journey by the straight road; but that
the party with Miss Percival would not arrive there in less than fifteen
days, if so soon, as she was every day less able to travel. Having
obtained all this information, a council was held, and Malachi spoke
first, having been requested so to do.
"My opinion is this," said Malachi, "that we can do no better than
remain here at present, and wait till the woman is sufficiently
recovered to travel, and shew us the direct road to the lodges. In two
or three days she will probably be well enough to go with us, and then
we will take the direct road, and be there before them. The knowledge
of the place and the paths will enable us to lay an ambush for them, and
to rescue the young lady without much danger to ourselves. They will
have no idea of falling in with us, for they of course imagine the woman
is dead; a tomahawk seldom fails."
After a long parley, the advice of Malachi was considered the most
judicious, and a further conversation with the Indian woman confirmed
them in the resolution. As they had no fear of the Indians discovering
that they were on their trail, Martin and Alfred went out in pursuit of
game for provisions, while the others raised up a large hut with
branches of trees, for the accommodation of the whole party. In the
evening Martin and Alfred returned, carrying a fine buck between them.
The fire was lighted, and very soon all were busy cooking and eating.
The Indian woman also begged for something to eat, and her recovery was
now no longer considered doubtful.
CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.
Percival transformed.
It was a great annoyance to Captain Sinclair to have to wait in this
manner, but there was no help for it. He was satisfied that it was the
most prudent course, and therefore raised no objection. Alfred too was
uneasy at the delay, as he was aware how anxious his father and mother
would be during the whole time of their absence. They were glad,
however, to find that the Indian woman recovered rapidly, and on the
fifth day of their taking up their abode in the forest, she said that
she was able to travel if they walked slow. It was therefore agreed
that on the sixth day they should start again, and they did so, having
saved their salt provisions, that they might not be compelled to stop,
or use their rifles to procure food. The evening before, they roasted
as much venison as they thought they could consume while it was good,
and at daylight again proceeded, not to follow the trail, but guided by
the Indian woman, in a direct course for the lodges of the Indian band
under the Angry Snake.
As they had now only to proceed as fast as they could without tiring the
poor Indian woman, whose head was bound up, and who was still weak from
loss of blood, they made a tolerable day's journey, and halted as
before. Thus they continued their route till the sixth day, when as
they drew up for the night, the Indian stated that they were only three
or four miles from the Indians' lodges, which they sought. Thereupon a
council was held as to how they should proceed, and at last it was
agreed upon that they should be guided by the Indian woman to a spot
where they might be concealed, as near as possible to the lodges, and
that when the party had arrived there, that the woman and Malachi should
go and reconnoitre, to ascertain whether the chief and his band with
Mary Percival had returned or not. The night was passed very
impatiently, and without sleep by most of them, so anxious were they for
the morrow. Long before break of day they again started, advancing with
great caution, and were led by the Indian till they were within one
hundred and fifty yards of the lodges, in a thick cluster of young
spruce, which completely secured them from discovery. Shortly
afterwards Malachi and the Indian woman, creeping on all fours,
disappeared in the surrounding brushwood, that they might, if possible,
gain more intelligence from listening. In the meantime, the party had
their eyes on the lodges, waiting to see who should come out as soon as
the sun rose, for it was hardly clear daybreak when they arrived at
their place of concealment.
They had remained there about half an hour, when they perceived an
Indian lad come out of one of the lodges. He was dressed in leggings
and Indian shirt of deer-skin, and carried in his hand his bow and
arrows. An eagle's feather was stuck in his hair above the left ear,
which marked him as the son of a chief.
"That's my brother Percival," said John in a low tone.
"Percival!" replied Alfred, "is it possible?"
"Yes," whispered the Strawberry, "it is Percival, but don't speak so
loud."
"Well, they have turned him into a regular Indian," said Alfred; "we
shall have to make a paleface of him again."
Percival, for he it was, looked round for some time, and at last
perceiving a crow flying over his head, he drew his bow, and the arrow
brought the bird down at his feet.
"A capital shot," said Captain Sinclair, "the boy has learnt something,
at all events. You could not do that, John."
"No," replied John, "but they don't trust him with a rifle."
They waited some little time longer, when an Indian woman, and then an
old man, came out, and in about a quarter of an hour afterwards, three
more women and an Indian about twenty years old.
"I think we have the whole force now," said Martin.
"Yes, I think so too," replied Captain Sinclair. "I wish Malachi would
come back, for I do not think he will find out more than we know
ourselves."
In about half-an-hour afterwards, Malachi and the Indian woman returned;
they had crept in the brushwood to within fifty yards of the lodges, but
were afraid to go nearer, as the woman said that perhaps the dogs might
give the alarm, for two of them were left at home. The woman stated her
conviction that the party had not come back, and now a council was again
held as to their proceedings. The Indian force was nothing--an old man,
one lad of twenty, and four women. These might be easily captured and
secured, but the question was whether it would be desirable so to do; as
in case one should by any means escape, information of their arrival
might be conveyed to the absent party, and induce them not to come home
with Mary Percival. This question was debated in a low tone between
Malachi, Captain Sinclair, and Alfred. At last John interrupted him by
saying, "They are going out to hunt, the old and the young Indian and
Percival--they have all their bows and arrows."
"The boy is right," said Malachi. "Well, I consider this to decide the
question. We can now capture the men without the women knowing anything
about it. They will not expect them home till the evening, and even if
they do not come, they will not be surprised or alarmed; so now we had
better let them go some way, and then follow them. If we secure them,
we can then decide what to do about the women."
This was agreed upon, and Malachi explained their intentions to the
Indian woman, who approved of them, but said, "The Old Raven" (referring
to the old Indian) "is very cunning; you must be careful."
The party remained in their place of concealment for another quarter of
an hour, till the two Indians and Percival had quitted the open space
before the lodges, and had entered the woods. They then followed in a
parallel direction, Malachi and John going ahead: Martin and Alfred
following so as to keep them in sight, and the remainder of the party at
about the same distance behind Martin and Alfred. They continued in
this manner their course through the woods for more than an hour, when a
herd of deer darted past Malachi and John. They immediately stopped,
and crouched, to hide themselves. Martin and Alfred perceiving this,
followed their example, and the rest of the party behind, at the motion
of the Strawberry, did the same. Hardly had they done so, when one of
the herd, which had been pierced by an arrow, followed in the direction
of the rest, and after a few bounds fell to the earth. A minute or two
afterwards the hunters made their appearance, and stood by the expiring
beast, where they remained for a minute or two talking, and then took
out their knives to flay and cut it up. While they were thus employed,
Malachi and John on one side, Alfred and Martin from another direction,
and the rest of the party from a third, were creeping slowly up towards
them; but to surround them completely it was necessary that the main
party should divide, and send one or two more to the eastward. Captain
Sinclair despatched Graves and one of the soldiers, desiring them to
creep very softly till they arrived at a spot he pointed out, and then
to wait for the signal to be given.
As the parties gradually approached nearer and nearer to the Indians and
Percival, the Old Raven appeared to be uneasy, he looked round and round
him, and once or twice laid his ear to the ground; whenever he did this,
they all stopped, and almost held their breaths.
"The Indian woman says that the Old Raven is suspicious; he is sure that
some one is in the woods near him, and she thinks that she had better go
to him," said the Strawberry to Captain Sinclair.
"Let her go," said Captain Sinclair.
The Indian rose, and walked up in the direction of the Indians, who
immediately turned to her as she approached.
She spoke to them, and appeared to be telling them how it was she
returned. At all events, she occupied the attention of the Old Raven
till the parties were close to them, when Malachi arose, and immediately
all the others did the same, and rushed upon them. After a short and
useless struggle, they were secured, but not before the younger Indian
had wounded one of the soldiers, by stabbing him with his knife. The
thongs were already fast round the arms and legs of the Indians, when
Percival, who had not been tied, again attempted to escape, and by the
direction of Malachi, he was bound, as well as the other two.
As soon as the prisoners were secured, Martin and Graves and the
soldiers employed themselves cutting up the venison and preparing it for
dinner, while the Strawberry and the Indian woman were collecting wood
for a fire. In the mean while Captain Sinclair, Alfred, Malachi, and
John were seated by the prisoners, and directing their attention to
Percival, whom they had been compelled to bind, that he might not make
his escape; for his sojourn of nearly two years in the woods with the
Indians, without seeing the face of a white man, had (as has been
invariably proved to be the fact in every instance where the parties
were very young) wholly obliterated, for the time, his recollections of
his former life--so rapid is our falling off to the savage state. To
the questions of Alfred he returned no reply, and appeared not to
understand him.
"Let me try him, sir," said Malachi, "I will speak to him in the Injun
tongue, he has perhaps forgotten his own. It is wonderful how soon we
return to a state of nature when we are once in the woods."
Malachi then spoke to Percival in the Indian language; Percival listened
for some time, and at last replied in the same tongue.
"What does he say, Malachi?" said Alfred.
"He says he will sing his own death song; that he is the son of a
warrior, and he will die like a brave."
"Why, the boy is metamorphosed," said Captain Sinclair; "is it possible
that so short a time could have produced this?"
"Yes, sir," replied Malachi; "in young people a very short time will
change them thus, but it won't last long. If he were to meet again with
his mother at the settlement, he would by degrees forget his Injun life
and become reconciled; a woman has more effect than a man. Let the
Strawberry speak to him. You see, sir, he is bound, and considers
himself a captive, and let him loose we must not, until we have done our
work; after that, there will be no fear, and when he has been with us a
short time, he will come all right again."
Malachi called the Strawberry, and told her to speak to Percival about
his home and his mother, and everything connected with the farm.
The Strawberry sat down by Percival, and in her soft tones talked to him
in her own tongue of his father and mother, of his cousins, and how he
had been taken by the Indians when he was hunting, how his mother had
wept for him, and all had lamented his loss; running on in a low musical
key from one thing to another connected and associated with his former
life in the settlement, and it was evident that at last he now listened
with attention. The Strawberry continued to talk to him thus, for more
than an hour, when Alfred again addressed him and said, "Percival, don't
you know me?"
"Yes," replied Percival in English, "I do; you are my brother Alfred."
"All's right now, sir," said Malachi; "only he must be kept fast; but
the lad's coming to his senses again. The Strawberry will talk to him
again by-and-bye."
They then sat down to their meal; the two Indians were removed to a
distance under the guard of one of the soldiers, but Percival remained
with them. John sat by Percival, and, cutting off a tempting bit of
venison, held it to his mouth, saying to him, "Percival, when we go home
again, your hands shall be untied, and you shall have a rifle of your
own instead of a bow and arrows. Come, eat this."
This was a long speech for John, but it produced its effect, for
Percival opened his mouth for the venison, and, being fed by John, made
a very good dinner. As soon as their meal was over, they consulted as
to what steps should next be taken. The question discussed was whether
they should now capture the women who were left in the lodges, or remain
quiet till the Angry Snake and his party arrived.
Malachi's opinion was as follows:--
"I think we had, at all events, better wait till to-morrow, sir. You
see, the women will not be at all surprised at the hunting party not
returning for even a day or two, as they know that they will not return
without game, and may not find it immediately; their absence, therefore,
will create no suspicion of our being here. I think we should return to
our former place of concealment, and watch their motions. There is no
saying when the party with Miss Percival may return; they may have
arrived while we have been away, or they may come to-morrow. It will be
better, therefore, not to encumber ourselves with more prisoners unless
it is necessary."
This opinion was at last assented to, and they set off, on their return
to the Indian lodges. They arrived about an hour before dusk at their
hiding-place, having taken the precaution to gag the two Indians for
fear of their giving a whoop as notice of their capture. Percival was
very quiet, and had begun to talk a little with John.
Scarcely had they been five minutes again concealed among the spruce
fir-trees, when they heard a distant whoop from the woods on the other
side of the lodges.
"They are now coming on," said Martin; "that is their signal."
One of the Indian women from the lodges returned the whoop.
"Yes, sir, they are coming," said Malachi. "Pray, Captain Sinclair, be
quiet and sit down; you will ruin all our plans."
"Down, Sinclair, I beg," said Alfred.
Captain Sinclair, who was very much excited, nevertheless did as he was
requested.
"Oh, Alfred!" said he; "she's so near."
"Yes, my good fellow, but if you wish her nearer, you must be prudent."
"True, very true," replied Captain Sinclair.
In about half an hour more, the Angry Snake and his party were soon seen
to emerge from the woods, and it was perceived that four of the Indians
carried a litter made of branches between them.
"She could walk no farther, sir," said Malachi to Captain Sinclair; "so
they are carrying her; I told you that they would not hurt her."
"Let me once see her get out of the litter, and I shall be satisfied,"
replied Captain Sinclair.
The Indians soon were over the clearing, and stopped at one of the
lodges; Mary Percival was lifted out, and was seen to walk with
difficulty into the wigwam, followed by two of the Indian women. A
short parley took place between the Angry Snake and the other two women,
and the chief and rest of the party then went into another lodge.
"All's right so far, sir," observed Malachi; "they have left her to the
charge of the two women in a lodge by herself, and so there will be no
fear for her when we make the attack, which I think we must do very
shortly, for if it is quite dark some of them may escape, and may
trouble us afterwards."
"Let us do it immediately," said Captain Sinclair.
"No, not immediately, sir; we have yet an hour and a-half daylight. We
will wait one hour, for I think that as they have nothing to eat, and
are pretty well tired from carrying Miss Percival, they will, in all
probability, go to sleep, as Injuns always do. An hour hence will be
the beat time for us to fall upon them."
"You are right, Malachi," replied Alfred. "Sinclair, you must curb your
impatience."
"I must, I believe," replied Captain Sinclair; "but it will be a tedious
hour for me. Let us pass it away in making out arrangements; we have
but six to deal with."
"And only two rifles," replied Alfred; "so we are pretty sure of
success."
"We must watch first," said Martin, "to see if they all continue in the
same lodge, for if they divide we must arrange accordingly. Who will
remain with the prisoners?"
"I won't," said John, in a positive manner.
"You must, John, if it is decided that you do," said Alfred.
"Better not, sir," replied Malachi; "for as soon as the boy hears the
crack of the rifles he will leave his prisoners and join us; that I'm
sure of. No, sir, the Strawberry can be left with the prisoners. I'll
give her my hunting-knife; that will be sufficient."
They remained for about half-an-hour more watching the lodges, but
everything appeared quiet, and not a single person came out. Having
examined the priming of their rifles, every man was directed to take up
a certain position, so as to surround the buildings and support each
other. John was appointed to the office of looking after his cousin
Mary, and preventing the women from escaping with her from the lodge in
which she was confined; and John took this office willingly, as he
considered it one of importance, although it had been given him more
with a view that he might not be exposed to danger. Leaving the
prisoners to the charge of the Strawberry, who, with her knife drawn,
stood over them, ready to act upon the slightest attempt of escape on
their part, the whole party now crept softly towards the lodges by the
same path as had been taken by Malachi and the Indian woman.
As soon as they had all arrived they waited for a few minutes while
Malachi reconnoitred, and when they perceived that he did so, they all
rose up and hastened to their allotted stations round the lodge into
which the Angry Snake and his followers had entered. The Indians
appeared to be asleep, for everything remained quiet.
"Let us first lead Miss Percival away to a place of safety," whispered
Captain Sinclair.
"Do you do it, then," said Alfred; "there are plenty of us without you."
Captain Sinclair hastened to the lodge in which Miss Percival had been
placed, and opened the door. Mary Percival, as soon as she beheld
Captain Sinclair, uttered a loud scream of delight, and, rising from the
skins on which she had been laid, fell upon his neck. Captain Sinclair
caught her in his arms, and was bearing her out of the lodge, when an
Indian woman caught him by the coat; but John, who had entered, putting
the muzzle of his rifle into their faces, they let go and retreated, and
Captain Sinclair bore away Mary in his arms into the brushwood, where
the Strawberry was standing over the Indian prisoners. The scream of
Mary Percival had roused the Indians, who, after their exhaustion and
privations, were in a sound sleep; but still no movement was to be heard
in the lodge, and a debate between Malachi and Alfred whether they
should enter the lodge or not, was put an end to by a rifle being fired
from the lodge, and the fall of one of the soldiers, who was next to
Alfred. Another shot followed, and Martin received a bullet in his
shoulder, and then out bounded the Angry Snake, followed by his band,
the chief whirling his tomahawk and springing upon Malachi, while the
others attacked Alfred and Martin, who were nearest to the door of the
lodge. The rifle of Malachi met the breast of the Angry Snake as he
advanced, and the contents were discharged through his body. The other
Indians fought desperately, but the whole of the attacking party closing
in, they were overpowered. Only two of them, however, were taken alive,
and these were seriously wounded. They were tied and laid on the
ground.
"He was a bad man, sir," said Malachi, who was standing over the body of
the Indian chief; "but he will do no more mischief."
"Are you much hurt, Martin?" inquired Alfred.
"No, sir, not much; the ball has passed right through and touched no
bone; so I am in luck. I'll go to the Strawberry, and get her to bind
it up."
"He is quite dead, sir," said Graves, who was kneeling by the side of
the soldier who had been shot by the first rifle.
"Poor fellow!" exclaimed Alfred. "Well, I'm not sorry that they
commenced the attack upon us, for I do not know whether I could have
used my rifle unless they had done so."
"They never expected quarter, sir," said Malachi.
"I suppose not. Now, what are we to do with the women? They can do no
harm."
"Not much, sir; but at all events, we must put it out of their power.
We must take possession of all the weapons we can find in the lodges.
We have their two rifles; but we must collect all the bows and arrows,
tomahawks, and knives, and either destroy or keep possession of them.
John, will you look to that? Take Graves with you."
"Yes," replied John, who, with Graves, immediately commenced his search
of the lodges.
The two women, who had been in the lodge with Mary Percival, had
remained where they were, as John's rifle had kept them from leaving the
lodge; but the other two had escaped into the woods during the affray.
This was of little consequence; indeed, the others were told that they
might go away, if they would; and, as soon as they heard this from
Malachi, they followed the example of their companions. John and Graves
brought out all the arms they could find, and Malachi and Alfred then
went to the bushes to which Mary Percival and Sinclair had previously
retired. Alfred embraced his cousin, who was still too greatly agitated
to say much, being almost overpowered by the sudden transition in all
her thoughts and feelings:--and, in the variety of her emotions, perhaps
the most bewildering was that occasioned by the re-appearance of
Percival,--like a restoration from the dead. Alfred was in consultation
with Malachi, when he perceived the flames bursting out of the lodges.
Martin, as soon as his wound was dressed, had returned and set fire to
them.
"It's all right, sir," said Malachi; "it will leave the proof of our
victory, and be a caution to other Injuns."
"But what will become of the women?"
"They will join some other band, sir, and tell the story. It is better
that they should."
"And our prisoners, what shall we do with them?"
"Release them; by-and-bye, sir, we shall have nothing to fear from them,
but we will first take them two or three days' march into the woods, in
case they have alliance with any other band whom they might call to
their assistance."
"And the wounded Indians?"
"Must be left to Providence, sir. We cannot take them. We will leave
them provisions and water. The women will come back and find them; if
they are alive they will look after them; if dead, bury them. But here
comes John, with some bears'-skins which he has saved for Miss Mary;
that was thoughtful of the boy. As soon as the flames are down, we will
take up our quarters in the clearing, and set a watch for the night; and
to-morrow, with the help of God, we will commence our journey back. We
shall bring joy to your father and mother, and the sooner we do it the
better; for they must be anything but comfortable at our long absence."
"Yes," said Mary Percival; "what a state of suspense they must be in!
Truly, as the Bible saith, `Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'"
CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.
THE FAMILY REUNITED.
Not one of the party slept much on this night. There was much to do,
and much to be looked after. Captain Sinclair, as it may be supposed,
was fully occupied with Mary Percival, of whom more anon. As soon as
they had taken up their position in the clearing, and made arrangements
for the accommodation of Mary, they relieved the Strawberry from her
charge of the prisoners, whom they brought to the clearing, and made to
sit down close to them. Percival, who had not yet been freed from his
bonds, was now untied, and suffered to walk about, one of the men
keeping close to him and watching him carefully. The first object which
caught his eye was the body of the Angry Snake. Percival looked on it
for some time, and then sat down by the side of it. There he remained
for more than two hours, without speaking, when a hole having been dug
out by one of the party, the body was put in and covered up.
Percival remained a few minutes by the side of the grave, and then
turned to the two wounded Indians. He brought them water, and spoke to
them in the Indian tongue; but while he was still with them, Mary sent
for him to speak with him, for as yet she had scarcely seen him. The
sight of Mary appeared to have a powerful effect upon the boy; he
listened to her as she soothed and caressed him, and appearing to be
overcome with a variety of sensations, he lay down, moaned, and at last
fell fast asleep. The soldier who had been shot by the Angry Snake was
buried before they buried the chief. Martin's wound had been dressed by
his wife, the Strawberry, who was very skilful in Indian surgery. She
had previously applied cataplasms made from the bruised leaves which she
and the Indian woman had sought for to the feet of Mary Percival, which
were in a state of great inflammation, and Mary had found herself
already much relieved by the application. Before the day had dawned the
two Indians who had been wounded were dead, and were immediately buried
by the side of the chief.
Alfred and Malachi had resolved to set off the next morning, on their
return home, if they found it possible to convey Mary Percival; but
their party was now reduced, as one of the soldiers had been killed, and
Martin was incapable of service. The Indian woman would also be fully
loaded with the extra rifles, the two which they had captured from the
Indians, the one belonging to the soldier, and Martin's who could not
carry anything in his present state.
They were now only six effective men, as John could not be of much use
in carrying, and, moreover, was appointed to watch Percival. Then they
had the two prisoners to take charge of, so that they were somewhat
embarrassed. Malachi, however, proposed that they should make a litter
of boughs, welded together very tight, and suspended on a pole so as to
be carried between two men. Mary Percival was not a very great weight,
and, by relieving each other continually, they would be able to get some
miles every day, till Mary was well enough to walk with them. Alfred
assented to this, and, as soon as it was daylight, went into the woods
with Malachi, to assist him in cutting the boughs. On their return,
they found that all the rest of the party were up, and that Mary felt
little or no pain. They made their breakfast on their salt provisions,
which were now nearly expended, and as soon as their meal was over, they
put Mary upon the litter and set off, taking the Indian prisoners with
them, as they thought it not yet advisable to give them their liberty.
The first day they made but a few miles, as they were obliged to stop,
that they might procure some food. The party were left under a large
tree, which was a good land-mark, under the charge of Captain Sinclair,
while Malachi and Alfred went in search of game. At nightfall they
returned with a deer which they had killed, when the Strawberry informed
them that the Indian woman had told her, that about two miles to the
southward there was a river which ran into the lake, and that there were
two canoes belonging to the band, hauled up in the bushes on the beach;
that the river was broad and swift, and would soon take them to the
lake, by the shores of which they could paddle the canoe to the
settlement. This appeared worthy of consideration, as it would in the
end, perhaps, save time, and at all events allow Mary Percival to
recover. They decided that they would go to the river, and take the
canoes, as the Indian woman said that they were large enough to hold
them all.
The next morning, guided by the Indian woman, they set off in the
direction of the river, and arrived at it in the afternoon. They found
the canoes, which were large, and in good order, and having carried them
down to the beach, they resolved to put off their embarkation till the
following day, as they were again in want of provisions for their
subsistence.
Alfred, Malachi, and John went out this time, for Percival had shewn
himself so quiet and contented, and had gradually become so fond of
being near Mary Percival, that he appeared to have awakened from his
Indian dream, and renewed all his former associations. They did not,
therefore, think it necessary to watch him any more--indeed, he never
would leave Mary's side, and began now to ask many questions, which
proved that he had recalled to mind much of what had been forgotten
during his long sojourn with the Indians. The hunters returned, having
been very successful, and loaded with meat enough to last for four or
five days. At daylight the next morning, they led the prisoners about
half a mile into the woods, and, pointing to the north as to the
direction they were to go, cast loose the deer-thongs which confined
them, and set them at liberty. Having done this, they embarked in the
canoes, and were soon gliding rapidly down the stream.
The river upon which they embarked, at that time little known to the
Europeans, is now called the river Thames, and the town built upon it is
named London. It falls into the upper part of Lake Erie, and is a fine
rapid stream. For three days they paddled their canoes, disembarking at
night to sleep and cook their provisions, and on the fourth they were
compelled to stop, that they might procure more food. They were
successful, and on the next day they entered the lake, about two hundred
miles to the west of the settlement Mary Percival was now quite
recovered, and found her journey or voyage delightful; the country was
in full beauty; the trees waved their boughs down to the river side, and
they did not fall in with any Indians, or perceive any lodges on the
bank. Sometimes they started the deer which had come down to drink in
the stream, and on one occasion, as they rounded a point, they fell in
with a herd which were in the water swimming across, and in this
position they destroyed as many as they required for their food, till
they hoped to arrive at the settlement.
Percival was now quite reconciled to his removal from an Indian life,
and appeared most anxious to rejoin his father and mother, of whom he
talked incessantly; for he had again recovered his English, which,
strange to say, although he perfectly understood it when spoken to, he
had almost forgotten to pronounce, and at first spoke with difficulty.
The weather was remarkably fine, and the waters of the lake were so
smooth, that they made rapid progress, although they invariably
disembarked at night. The only annoyance they had was from the
mosquitoes which rose in clouds as soon as they landed, and were not to
be dispersed until they had lighted a very large fire, accompanied with
thick smoke: but this was a trifle compared with their joy at the happy
deliverance of the prisoners, and success of their expedition. Most
grateful, indeed, were they to God for His mercies, and none more so
than Mary Percival and Captain Sinclair, who never left her side till it
was time to retire to rest.
On the sixth day, in the forenoon, they were delighted to perceive Fort
Frontignac in the distance, and although the house at the settlement was
hid from their sight by the point covered with wood which intervened,
they knew that they were not above four or five miles distant. In less
than another hour, they were abreast of the prairie, and landed at the
spot where their own punt was moored. Mr and Mrs Campbell had not
perceived the canoes, for, although anxiously looking out every day for
the return of the party, their eyes and attention were directed on land,
not having any idea of their return by water.
"My dear Alfred," said Mary, "I do not think it will be prudent to let
my aunt see Percival at once; we must prepare her a little for his
appearance. She has so long considered him as dead, that the shock may
be too great."
"You say true, my dear Mary. Then we will go forward with Captain
Sinclair, and Malachi, and John. Let Percival be put in the middle of
the remainder of the party, who must follow afterwards, and then be
taken up to Malachi's lodge. He can remain there with the Strawberry
until we come and fetch him."
Having made this arrangement, to which Percival was with difficulty made
to agree, they walked up, as proposed, to the house. Outside of the
palisade, they perceived Mr and Mrs Campbell, with their backs towards
them, looking towards the forest, in the direction which the party had
taken when they left. But when they were half-way from the beach, Henry
came out with Oscar from the cottage, and the dog immediately perceiving
them, bounded to them, barking with delight. Henry cried out, "Father--
mother, here they are,--here they come." Mr and Mrs Campbell of
course turned round, and beheld the party advancing; they flew to meet
them, and as they caught Mary in their arms, all explanation was for a
time unnecessary--she was recovered, and that was sufficient for the
time.
"Come, mother, let us go into the house, that you may compose yourself a
little," said Alfred,--that she might not perceive Percival among the
party that followed at a little distance. "Let me support you. Take my
arm."
Mrs Campbell, who trembled very much, did so, and thus turned away from
the group among whom Percival was walking. Emma was looking at them
attentively, and was about to exclaim, when Captain Sinclair put his
finger to his lips.
As soon as they arrived at the house, and had gone in, Alfred, in a few
words, gave them an account of what had passed--how successful they had
been in their attempt, and how little they had to fear from the Indians
in future.
"How grateful I am!" exclaimed Mrs Campbell. "God be praised for all
His mercies! I was fearful that I should have lost you, my dear Mary,
as well as my poor boy. He is lost for ever; but God's will be done."
"It is very strange, mother," said Alfred, "but we heard, on our
journey, that the Indians had found a white boy in the woods."
"Alas! not mine."
"I have reason to believe that it was Percival, my dear mother, and have
hopes that he is yet alive."
"My dear Alfred, do not say so unless you have good cause; you little
know the yearnings of a mother's heart; the very suggestion of such a
hope has thrown me into a state of agitation and nervousness of which
you can form no conception. I have been reconciled to the Divine will;
let me not return to a state of anxiety and repining."
"Do you think, my dear mother, that I would raise such hopes if I had
not good reason to suppose that they would be realised? No, my dear
mother, I am not so cruel."
"Then you know that Percival is alive?" said Mrs Campbell, seizing
Alfred by the arm.
"Calm yourself, my dear mother, I do know--I am certain that he is
alive, and that it was he who was found by the Indians; and I have great
hopes that we may recover him."
"God grant it! God grant it in His great mercy!" said Mrs Campbell.
"My heart is almost breaking with joy; may God sustain me! Oh, where
is--my dear Alfred--where is he?" continued Mrs Campbell. Alfred made
no reply; but a flood of tears came to her relief.
"I will explain it to you when you are more composed, my dear mother.
Emma, you have not said one word to me."
"I have been too much overjoyed to speak, Alfred," replied Emma,
extending her hand to him; "but no one welcomes your return more
sincerely than I do, and no one is more grateful to you for having
brought Mary back."
"Now, Alfred, I am calm," said Mrs Campbell; "so let me hear at once
all you know."
"I see you are calm, my dear mother, and I therefore now tell you that
Percival is not far off."
"Alfred! he is here; I am sure he is."
"He is with Malachi and the Strawberry; in a minute I will bring him."
Alfred left the house. The intelligence was almost too overpowering for
Mrs Campbell. Mary and Emma hastened to her, and supported her. In
another minute Alfred returned with Percival, and the mother embraced
and wept over her long-lost child, and then gave him to his father's
arms.
"How this has happened, and by what merciful interference he has been
preserved and restored to us," said Mr Campbell, when their first
emotions were over, "we have yet to learn; but one thing we do know, and
are sure of, that it is by the goodness of God alone. Let us return our
thanks while our hearts are yet warm with gratitude and love, and may
our thanksgiving be graciously received."
Mr Campbell knelt down, and his example was followed by all the rest of
the party assembled. In a fervent tone he returned thanks for the
recent mercies vouchsafed to his family, which, he expressed a hope,
would never be forgotten, but would prove a powerful inducement to them
all to lead a more devout life of faith in Him who had so graciously
supported them in the hour of peril and affliction--who had so
wonderfully restored to them their lost treasures, and turned all their
gloom into sunshine, filling their hearts with joy and gladness.
"And now, my dear Alfred," said Mrs Campbell, whose arms still
encircled the neck of Percival, "do pray tell us what has taken place,
and how you recovered Mary and this dear boy."
Alfred then entered into detail, first stating the knowledge which
Captain Sinclair, Malachi, and himself had of Percival being still in
existence from the letter written by the Indian woman, the seizure and
confinement of the Young Otter in consequence, which was retaliated by
the abduction of Mary. When he had finished, Mr Campbell said--
"And poor Martin, where is he, that I may thank him?"
"He is at his own lodge with the Strawberry, who is dressing his wound;
for we have not been able to do so for two or three days, and it has
become very painful."
"We owe him a large debt of gratitude," said Mr Campbell; "he has
suffered much on our account. And your poor man, Captain Sinclair, who
fell!"
"Yes," replied Sinclair, "he was one of our best men; yet it was the
will of Heaven. He lost his life in the recovery of my dear Mary, and I
shall not forget his wife and child, you may depend upon it."
"Now, Mary, let us have your narrative of what passed when you were in
the company of the Indians, before your rescue."
"I was, as you know, gathering the cranberries in the Cedar Swamp, when
I was suddenly seized, and something was thrust into my mouth, so that I
had no time or power to cry out. My head was then wrapt up in some
folds of blanket, by which I was almost suffocated, and I was then
lifted up and borne away by two or three men. For a time I kept my
senses, but at last the suffocation was so great that my head swam, and
I believe I fainted, for I do not recollect being put down; yet after a
time I found myself lying under a tree and surrounded by fire or six
Indians, who were squatted round me. I was not a little terrified, as
you may imagine. They neither moved nor spoke for some time; I
endeavoured to rise, but a hand on my shoulder kept me down, and I did
not attempt a useless resistance. Soon afterwards an Indian woman
brought me some water, and I immediately recognised her as the one whom
we succoured when we found her in the woods. This gave me courage and
hope, though her countenance was immovable, and I could not perceive,
even by her eyes, that she attempted any recognition; but reflection
convinced me that, if she intended to help me, she was right in so
doing. After I had raised myself and drunk some water, the Indians had
a talk in a low voice. I observed that they paid deference to one, and
from the description which my father and Alfred had given of the Angry
Snake, I felt sure that it was he. We remained about half an hour on
this spot, when they rose and made signs to me that I was to come with
them. Of course I could not do otherwise, and we walked till night came
on, when I was, as you may imagine, not a little tired. They then left
me with the Indian woman, retiring a few yards from me. The woman made
signs that I was to sleep, and although I thought that was impossible, I
was so fatigued that, after putting up my prayers to the Almighty, I had
not lain down many minutes before I was fast asleep.
"Before daylight, I was awakened by their voices, and the woman brought
me a handful of parched Indian corn; not quite so good a breakfast as I
had been accustomed to; but I was hungry, and I contrived to eat it. As
soon as the day broke we set off again, and towards evening arrived at a
lake. A canoe was brought out from some bushes; we all got into it, and
paddled up along the banks for two or three hours, when we disembarked
and renewed our journey. My feet were now becoming very sore and
painful, for they were blistered all over, and I could scarcely get
along; they compelled me, however, to proceed, not using any great
force, but still dragging me and pushing me, to make me keep up with
them. I soon perceived that I was a prisoner only, and not likely to be
ill-treated if I complied with their wishes. Towards evening I could
hardly put one foot before the other, for they had obliged me to walk in
the water of a stream for two or three miles, and my shoes were quite
worn out in consequence. At night they again stopped, and the Indian
woman prepared some herbs, and applied them to my feet. This gave me
great relief, but still she continued to take no notice of any signs I
made to her. The next morning I found I had received so much benefit
from the application of the herbs, that for the first half of the day I
walked on pretty well, and was a little in advance, when, hearing the
chief speak in an angry tone behind me, I turned round, and, to my
horror, saw him raise his tomahawk, and strike down the poor Indian
woman. I could not refrain from hastening to her; but I had just time
to perceive that her skull was cloven, and that she was, as I imagined,
dead, when I was dragged away, and forced to continue my journey. You
may imagine how my blood curdled at this scene, and how great were now
my apprehensions for myself. Why I had been carried away I knew not;
for I was as ignorant as you were of Percival being alive, and of the
Young Otter having been detained at the fort. My idea was, when the
chief struck down the Indian woman, that it was to get rid of her, and
that I was to replace her. This idea was almost madness, but still I
had hope, and I prayed as I walked along to that God who sees the most
secret act, and hears the most silent prayer of the heart, and I felt an
assurance while praying that I should be rescued. I knew that my
absence would be immediately discovered, and that there were those who
would risk their lives to rescue me, if I was still in existence; and I
therefore used all my efforts to walk on as fast as I could, and not
irritate the Indians. But that night I had no one to dress my feel;
which were bleeding and very much swelled, and I was very wretched when
I lay down alone. I could not drive from my thoughts the poor Indian
woman weltering in her blood, and murdered for no crime or fault--
nothing that I could discover. The next morning, as usual, my food was
some parched Indian corn, and of that I received only a handful for my
sustenance during the twenty-four hours; however, hunger I never felt, I
had too much pain. I was able to drag myself along till about noon,
when I felt that I could not proceed farther. I stopped and sat down;
the chief ordered me to get up again by signs; I pointed to my feet,
which were now swelled above the ankles, but he insisted, and raised his
tomahawk to frighten me into compliance. I was so worn out, that I
could have almost received the blow with thankfulness, but I remembered
you, my dear uncle and aunt, and others, and resolved for your sakes to
make one more effort. I did so; I ran and walked for an hour more in
perfect agony; at last nature could support the pain no longer, and I
fell insensible."
"My poor Mary!" exclaimed Emma.
"I thought of you often and often, my dear sister," replied Mary,
kissing her, "I believe it was a long while before I came to my senses,"
continued Mary, "for when I did, I found that the Indians were very busy
weaving branches into a sort of litter. As soon as they had finished
they put me upon it, and I was carried by two of them swinging on a pole
which they put on their shoulders. I need hardly say that the journey
was now more agreeable than it was before, although my feet were in a
dreadful state, and gave me much pain. That night we stopped by a
rivulet, and I kept my feet in the water for two or three hours, which
brought down the inflammation and swelling very much, and I contrived
after that to gain some sleep. They carried me one more day, when they
considered that they had done enough, and I was again ordered to walk; I
did so for two days, and was then in the same condition as before. A
litter was therefore again constructed, and I was carried till I arrived
at the lodges of the Angry Snake and his band. What passed from that
time you have heard from Alfred."
When Mary Percival had finished her narrative, they all sat down to
supper, and it hardly need be said that Mr Campbell did not fail,
before they retired to rest, again to pour forth his thanksgivings to
the Almighty for the preservation of those who were so dear. The next
morning they all rose in health and spirits. Martin came early to the
house with the Strawberry; his wound was much better, and he received
the thanks and condolence of Mr and Mrs Campbell.
When they were at breakfast Mr Campbell said, "John, in our joy at
seeing your brother and cousin again, I quite forgot to scold you for
running away as you did."
"Then don't do it now, sir," said Malachi, "for he was very useful, I
can assure you."
"No, I won't scold him now," replied Mr Campbell, "but he must not act
so another time. If he had confided to me his anxious wish to join you,
I should probably have given my permission."
"I must now take my leave and return to the fort," said Captain
Sinclair. "I do, however, trust I shall see you all again in a few
days, but I must report the results of the expedition, and the death of
poor Watkins. May I borrow one of your horses, Mr Campbell?"
"Certainly," replied Mr Campbell; "you know the _bateaux_ are expected
every day from Montreal; perhaps you will bring us our letters when it
arrives."
Captain Sinclair took his leave, as it may be imagined, very
reluctantly, and in a day or two the family again settled down to their
usual occupations. The emigrants had, during the absence of the
expedition, gathered in a great portion of the corn, and now all hands
were employed in finishing the harvest.
"How happy we are now, Mary," said Emma to her sister, as they were
walking by the stream, watching John, who was catching trout.
"Yes, my dear Emma, we have had a lesson which will, I trust, prevent
any future repining, if we have felt any, at our present position. The
misery we have been rescued from has shewn us how much we have to be
thankful for. We have nothing more to fear from the Indians, and I feel
as if I could now pass the remainder of my life here in peace and
thankfulness."
"Not without Captain Sinclair?"
"Not always without him; the time will, I trust, come when I may reward
him for his patience and his regard for me; but it has not yet come; and
it is for my uncle and aunt to decide when it shall. Where's Percival?"
"He is gone into the woods with Malachi, and with a rifle on his
shoulder, of which he is not a little proud. John is not at all
jealous. He says that Percival ought to know how to fire a rifle, and
throw away that foolish bow and arrows. Do you not think that his
residence among the Indians has made a great change in Percival?"
"A very great one; he is more manly and more taciturn; he appears to
think more and talk less. But Henry is beckoning to us. Dinner is
ready, and we must not keep hungry people waiting."
"No," replied Emma; "for in that case I should keep myself waiting."
CHAPTER FORTY.
RETURN TO ENGLAND.
Captain Sinclair on his return to Fort Frontignac reported to the
Colonel the successful result of the expedition, and was warmly
congratulated upon it, as the Colonel had been made acquainted with the
engagement between him and Mary Percival. The Young Otter, who had
remained in confinement during Captain Sinclair's absence, was now set
at liberty; and the Colonel, who was aware that Captain Sinclair must be
very anxious to remain at the settlement for a short time after what had
occurred, very kindly offered him leave for a few days, which it may be
supposed Captain Sinclair did not fail to avail himself of. The Colonel
at the same time sent a message to Mr Campbell, stating that as soon as
the _bateaux_ should arrive from Montreal, he would bring any letters or
newspapers that might arrive for them, and take that opportunity of
offering in person his congratulations.
Captain Sinclair did not, however, return for two or three days, as he
had many letters to write in answer to those which had arrived during
his absence. On his return to the settlement, he found them all well
and happy; Mary quite recovered from her fatigue, and everything going
on in the same quiet order and method as if the expedition had never
taken place, and had never been necessary. Indeed, nothing appeared now
wanting to the happiness of the whole party, and their affairs were
prospering. The emigrants who had joined Mr Campbell were industrious
and intelligent, very civil, and very useful. They paid the greatest
respect to Mr and Mrs Campbell, who were certainly very liberal and
kind to them, assisting them in every way in their power. Although the
farm had been so much increased, the labour was light, from the quantity
of hands they could command; the stock had increased very fast; old
Graves had taken charge of the mill during the absence of Alfred and
Martin, and had expressed his wish to continue in that employment, which
Alfred gladly gave up. In short, peace and plenty reigned in the
settlement, and Alfred's words when he recommended his father to go to
Canada, had every prospect of becoming true--that his father would be
independent, if not rich, and leave his children the same. In three
days Captain Sinclair arrived; he was received with great warmth by all
the party, and after dinner was over, Mr Campbell addressed the family
as follows:--
"My dear children, your mother and I have had some conversation on one
or two points, and we have come to the decision that having so much to
thank God for, in His kindness and mercies shewn towards us, it would be
selfish on our parts if we did not consult the happiness of others. We
are now independent, and with every prospect of being more so every day;
we are no longer isolated, but surrounded by those who are attached to
us, and will protect us should there be any occasion. In short, we are
living in comfort and security, and we trust to Providence that we shall
continue so to do. You, my dear Alfred, generously abandoned your
profession to which you were so partial, to come and protect us in the
wilderness, and we knew too well the value of your services not to
accept them, although we were fully aware of the sacrifice which you
made; but we are no longer in a wilderness, and no longer require your
strong arm and bold heart. We have therefore decided that it is our
duty no longer to keep you from the profession to which you belong, but,
on the contrary, to recommend you now to rejoin and follow up your
career, which we trust in God may prove as prosperous as we are
convinced it will be honourable. Take our best thanks, my dear boy, for
your kindness to us, and now consider yourself at liberty to return to
England, and rejoin the service as soon as you please.
"And now I must address you, my dear Mary; you and your sister
accompanied us here, and since you have been with us, have cheered us
during our stay by your attentions and unwearied cheerfulness under all
the privations which we at first had to encounter. You have engaged the
affections of an honourable and deserving man, but at the same time have
never shewn the least disposition to leave us; indeed, we know what your
determination has been, but your aunt and I consider it our present duty
to say, that much as we shall regret to part with one so dear, you must
no longer sacrifice yourself for us, but make him happy who so well
deserves you. That you will remain here is of course out of the
question; your husband's connections and fortune require that he should
return to England, and not bury himself in the woods of Canada. You
have therefore our full permission, and I may say, it will be most
pleasing to us, if you no longer delay your union with Captain Sinclair
and follow your husband; whenever and wherever you go, you will have our
blessings and our prayers, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have
been to us as a dutiful daughter, and that we love you as dearly as it
is possible for parents to do. Take her, Captain Sinclair, from my
hands, and take with her our blessings and best wishes for your
happiness, which I do not doubt will be as great as we can expect in
this chequered world; for a dutiful daughter will always become a good
wife."
Mary, who was sitting between Mrs Campbell and Captain Sinclair, fell
upon her aunt's neck and wept; Mr Campbell extended his hand to Captain
Sinclair, who expressed in return his warmest thanks and gratitude.
Alfred, who had said nothing more, went up to his mother and kissed her.
"I wish you to go, Alfred," said his mother; "I wish you to rejoin a
service to which you are a credit. Do not believe otherwise, or that I
shall grieve too much at your departure."
"Go, my son," said Mr Campbell, shaking him by the hand, "and let me
see you a post-captain before I die."
Mrs Campbell now took Mary Percival into the next room, that she might
compose herself, and Captain Sinclair ventured to follow. Everyone
appeared happy at this announcement of Mr Campbell's except Emma, who
looked unusually serious. Alfred, perceiving it, said to her, "Emma,
you are very grave at the idea of losing Mary, and I do not wonder at
it, but you will have one consolation--you will lose me too, and I shall
no longer plague you as you continually complain that I do."
"I never thought of that," replied Emma, half angry; "well, you _are_ a
great plague, and the sooner you go--"
Emma did not, however, finish her speech, but left the room, to join her
sister.
Now that Mr Campbell had announced his wishes, the subject of Mary's
marriage and Alfred's return to the service was, for a few days, the
continual subject of discussion. It was decided that Mary should be
married in a month, by the chaplain of the fort, who had returned, and
that Captain Sinclair, with his wife and Alfred, should leave the
settlement at the end of September, so as to arrive at Quebec in good
time for sailing before the winter should set in. It was now the last
week in August, so that there was not much time to pass away previous to
their departure. Captain Sinclair returned to the fort, to make the
Colonel acquainted with what had passed, and to take the necessary steps
for leave of absence, and his return to England. This, from his
interest with the Governor, he was sure to obtain, and when in England
it would be time sufficient to decide whether he should leave that
service, or exchange into some regiment at home. As every prospect of
war or disturbance in Canada was now over, he could take either step
without any censure being laid upon him.
A week afterwards, the _bateaux_ arrived from Montreal, and the Colonel
and Captain Sinclair, made their appearance at the settlement, bringing
with them the letters and papers from England.
Having received the congratulations of the Colonel, Mr and Mrs
Campbell, with his permission, opened their letters, for all the family
were present, and all, as usual, anxious to hear the news. The first
letter Mr Campbell opened, to the surprise of all, produced an
immediate change in his countenance. He read it a second time, and
laying it down on his knee, appeared to remain in a state of complete
abstraction.
"No bad news, I hope, Campbell?" said his wife anxiously, as all the
rest looked upon him with astonishment.
"No, my dear Emily, no bad news, but most unexpected news; such as it
has been my fortune in life to receive once before this time. You
remember, although years have since passed, the letter that was brought
to us in our little parlour--"
"Which put you in possession of Wexton Hall, Campbell."
"Yes, I did refer to that; but I will not keep you all in longer
suspense. This is but a counterpart of the former letter."
Mr Campbell then read as follows:--
"May 7th, 18--.
"Dear Sir,--It is with great pleasure that we have again to
communicate to you that you may return, as soon as you please, and
take possession of the Wexton Hall property.
"You may remember that many months back Mr Douglas Campbell received
a fall from his horse when hunting. No serious consequences were
anticipated, but it appears that his spine was injured, and after some
months' close confinement, he expired on the 9th of April. As Mr
Douglas Campbell has left no issue, and you are the next in tail, you
have now undisputed possession of the property which you so honourably
surrendered some years since.
"I have taken upon myself to act as your agent since Mr Campbell's
decease. Mrs D. Campbell has a handsome settlement upon the
property, which will of course fell in upon her demise. Waiting your
commands,
"I am, dear sir,
"Yours truly,
"J. Harvey."
"Mr Campbell, I congratulate you with all my heart," said the Colonel,
rising up, and taking his hand. "You have proved yourself deserving of
such good fortune; Mrs Campbell, I need hardly add that my
congratulations extend to you."
Surprise at first rendered Mrs Campbell mute; at last she said--
"We are in the hands of Him, and do but execute His will. For your
sake, my dear Campbell, for the children's sake, perhaps, I ought to
rejoice--we hardly know. That I am happy here, now that my children
have been restored to me, I confess. I doubt whether that happiness
will be increased by the return to Wexton Hall; at all events, I shall
leave this place with regret. We have had too many revolutions of
fortune, Campbell, since we have been united, not to have learnt by
experience that a peaceful, quiet, and contented home is more necessary
to our happiness than riches."
"I feel as you do, Emily," replied Mr Campbell, "but we are growing
old, and have been taught wisdom practically, by the events of a
chequered life. Our children, I perceive, think otherwise--nor do I
wonder at it."
"I shan't go," said John; "I shall only be sent to school; no master
shall flog me--I'm a man."
"Nor me," cried Percival.
The Colonel and Mr and Mrs Campbell, as well as the elder portion of
the party, could not help smiling at the exclamations of the two boys.
They had both played the part of men, and it was but too evident how
unfitted they would be for future scholastic discipline.
"You shall neither of you go to school," replied Mr Campbell, "but
still you must render yourselves fit for your stations in life, by
improving your minds, and attending to those who will instruct you."
It is hard to say whether much real joy was felt by any of the party at
the prospect of returning to England. It is true that Mary Percival was
delighted at the idea of not being so far away from her aunt and uncle,
and that Emma was better pleased to be in England for reasons which she
kept to herself. But it was not the coming into the large property
which occasioned pleasure to any of them. However, if there was not
much pleasure derived from this re-accession to properly, Mr and Mrs
Campbell knew their duty too well to hesitate, and every preparation was
commenced for their return along with Alfred and Captain Sinclair.
John, however, still continued obstinate in declaring that he would not
go, and Percival was very much of John's opinion, although he did not
speak so plainly.
When Mr and Mrs Campbell were alone, the former said to his wife--
"I do not know what to do about John. He appears so resolute in his
determination not to go with us, that I fear he will run away into the
woods at the time of our departure. He is now continually with Malachi
and Martin, and appears to have severed himself from his family."
"It is hard to decide, Campbell; I have more than once thought it would
be better to leave him here. He is our youngest son. Henry will, of
course, inherit the estate, and we shall have to provide for the others
out of our savings. Now this property, by the time John is of age, will
be of no inconsiderable value, and by no means a bad fortune for a
younger son. He appears so wedded to the woods and a life of nature,
that I fear it would only be the cause of continual regret and
discontent if we did take him to England, and if so, what comfort or
advantage should we gain by his returning? I hardly know what to
advise."
"I have serious thoughts of leaving him here, under the charge of Martin
and Malachi," replied Mr Campbell. "He would be happy; by-and-bye he
would be rich. What could he obtain more in England? But it must be
for you to decide, my dear Emily. I know a mother's feelings, and
respect them."
"I cannot decide at once, my dear husband. I will first talk with John,
and consult Alfred and Henry."
The result of Mrs Campbell's communicating with her sons was a decision
that John should remain in Canada under the charge of Martin and
Malachi, who were to superintend the farm and watch over him. Martin
was to take charge of the farm. Malachi was to be John's companion in
the woods, and old Graves, who had their mill under his care, engaged to
correspond with Mr Campbell and let them know how things went on. When
this was settled, John walked at least two inches higher, and promised
to write to his mother himself. The Colonel, when he heard the
arrangement, pledged himself that, as long as he was in command of the
fort, he would keep a watchful eye, not only over John, but the whole of
the settlement, and communicate occasionally with Mr Campbell.
A month after the receipt of the letter the whole family, with the
exception of John, embarked in two _bateaux_ and arrived at Montreal,
where they remained a day or two, and then proceeded to Quebec.
At Quebec, their agent had already taken all the cabins of one of the
finest ships for their passage, and, after a ran of six weeks, they once
more found themselves at Liverpool, from which town they posted to
Wexton Hall, Mrs Douglas Campbell having retired to a property of her
own in Scotland.
We have now finished our tale, and have only to inform our little
readers what were the after-lives of the Campbell family.
Henry did not return to college, but remained with his father and mother
at the Hall, employing himself in superintending for his father the
property to which he afterwards succeeded.
Alfred was appointed to a ship commanded by Captain Lumley. He soon
rose in the service, was highly distinguished as a gallant clever
officer, and four years after his return to England was married to his
cousin Emma--at which the reader will not be surprised.
Mary Percival was married to Captain Sinclair, who sold out, and retired
upon half-pay, to live upon his estates in Scotland.
Percival went to college, and turned out a very clever lawyer.
John remained in Canada until he was twenty years old, when he came home
to see his father and mother. He had grown six feet four inches high,
and was stout in proportion. He was a very amusing fellow, and could
talk fast enough, but his chief conversation was upon hunting and
sporting.
The farm had been well conducted; the emigrants had adhered to the
agreements, and were now cultivating for themselves.
Martin had three little papooses (as the Indians call the children) by
the Strawberry. Malachi had grown too old to go out often into the
woods, and he sat by the fire in the winter, and basked in the sun at
the door of the house during the summer. Oscar was dead, but they had
some fine puppies of his breed. Mr Campbell gave John a deed, on his
return, conveying to him the Canadian property, and shortly afterwards
John picked up a little Canadian wife at Quebec, who made him perfectly
happy.
Mr and Mrs Campbell lived to a good old age, respected as long as they
lived, and lamented when they died. They had known prosperity and
adversity, and in each state of life had acquitted themselves with
exemplary propriety, not having been elated by the one, or depressed by
the other. They knew that this world was a world of trial, and but a
preparation for another; they therefore did their duty in that state of
life to which it pleased God to call them--proving in all their actions
that they remembered their duty to their God, and their duty to their
neighbour; living and dying (as I hope all my young readers will)
sincere and good Christians.
THE END.
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