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diff --git a/1088-h/1088-h.htm b/1088-h/1088-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a733f2b --- /dev/null +++ b/1088-h/1088-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13785 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Rolf in the Woods, by Ernest Thompson Seton + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1088 ***</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + ROLF IN THE WOODS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Ernest Thompson Seton + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + [Chapters 10 and 60 not designated.] + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> Preface </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter 1. The Wigwam Under the Rock </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter 2. Rolf Kittering and the Soldier Uncle + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter 3. Rolf Catches a Coon and Finds a + Friend </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter 4. The Coon Hunt Makes Trouble for Rolf + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter 5. Good-bye to Uncle Mike </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter 6. Skookum Accepts Rolf at Last </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter 7. Rolf Works Out with Many Results + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter 8. The Law of Property Among Our + Four-Footed Kin </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter 9. Where the Bow Is Better Than the Gun + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkchap10"> Chapter 10. Rolf Works Out with Many Results </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter 11. The Thunder-storm and the Fire + Sticks </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter 12. Hunting the Woodchucks </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter 13. The Fight with the Demon of the + Deep </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter 14. Selectman Horton Appears at the + Rock </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter 15. Bound for the North Woods </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter 16. Life with the Dutch Settler </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter 17. Canoeing on the Upper Hudson </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter 18. Animal Life Along the River </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter 19. The Footprint on the Shore </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter 20. The Trappers' Cabin </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter 21. Rolf's First Deer </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter 22. The Line of Traps </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter 23. The Beaver Pond </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> Chapter 24. The Porcupine </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> Chapter 25. The Otter Slide </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> Chapter 26. Back to the Cabin </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> Chapter 27. Sick Dog Skookum </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> Chapter 28. Alone in the Wilderness </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> Chapter 29. Snowshoes </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> Chapter 30. Catching a Fox </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> Chapter 31. Following the Trap Line </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> Chapter 32. The Antler-bound Bucks </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> Chapter 33. A Song of Praise </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> Chapter 34. The Birch-bark Vessels </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> Chapter 35. Snaring Rabbits </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> Chapter 36. Something Wrong at the Beaver Traps + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> Chapter 37. The Pekan or Fisher </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> Chapter 38. The Silver Fox </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> Chapter 39. The Humiliation of Skookum </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> Chapter 40. The Rarest of Pelts </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> Chapter 41. The Enemy's Fort </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> Chapter 42. Skookum's Panther </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> Chapter 43. Sunday in the Woods </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> Chapter 44. The Lost Bundle of Furs </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> Chapter 45. The Subjugation of Hoag </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> Chapter 46. Nursing Hoag </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> Chapter 47. Hoag's Home-coming </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> Chapter 48. Rolf's Lesson in Trailing </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> Chapter 49. Rolf Gets Lost </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> Chapter 50. Marketing the Fur </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> Chapter 51. Back at Van Trumper's </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> Chapter 52. Annette's New Dress </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> Chapter 53. Travelling to the Great City </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> Chapter 54. Albany </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> Chapter 55. The Rescue of Bill </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> Chapter 56. The Sick Ox </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> Chapter 57. Rolf and Skookum at Albany </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> Chapter 58. Back to Indian Lake </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> Chapter 59. Van Cortlandt's Drugs </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkchap60"> Chapter 60. Van Cortlandt's Adventure </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> Chapter 61. Rolf Learns Something from Van </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> Chapter 62. The Charm of Song </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> Chapter 63. The Redemption of Van </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> Chapter 64. Dinner at the Governor's </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> Chapter 65. The Grebes and the Singing Mouse + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> Chapter 66. A Lesson in Stalking </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> Chapter 67. Rolf Meets a Canuck </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> Chapter 68. War </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> Chapter 69. Ogdensburg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0068"> Chapter 70. Saving the Despatches </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0069"> Chapter 71. Sackett's Harbour </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0070"> Chapter 72. Scouting Across Country </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0071"> Chapter 73. Rolf Makes a Record </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0072"> Chapter 74. Van Trumper's Again </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0073"> Chapter 75. Scouting in Canada </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0074"> Chapter 76. The Duel </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0075"> Chapter 77. Why Plattsburg Was Raided </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0076"> Chapter 78. Rumours and Papers </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0077"> Chapter 79. McGlassin's Exploit </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0078"> Chapter 80. The Bloody Saranac </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0079"> Chapter 81. The Battle of Plattsburg </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0080"> Chapter 82. Scouting for Macomb </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0081"> Chapter 83. The Last of Sir George Prevost </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0082"> Chapter 84. Rolf Unmasks the Ambush </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0083"> Chapter 85. The Hospital, the Prisoners, and + Home </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0084"> Chapter 86. The New Era of Prosperity </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> Quonab Goes Home </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Preface + </h2> + <p> + In this story I have endeavoured to realize some of the influences that + surrounded the youth of America a hundred years ago, and made of them, + first, good citizens, and, later, in the day of peril, heroes that won the + battles of Lake Erie, Plattsburg, and New Orleans, and the great sea + fights of Porter, Bainbridge, Decatur, Lawrence, Perry, and MacDonough. + </p> + <p> + I have especially dwelt in detail on the woodland and peace scouting in + the hope that I may thus help other boys to follow the hard-climbing trail + that leads to the higher uplands. + </p> + <p> + For the historical events of 1812-14, I have consulted among books + chiefly, Theodore Roosevelt's “Naval War of 1812,” Peter S. Palmer's + “History of Lake Champlain,” and Walter Hill Crockett's “A History of Lake + Champlain,” 1909. But I found another and more personal mine of + information. Through the kindness of my friend, Edmund Seymour, a native + of the Champlain region, now a resident of New York, I went over all the + historical ground with several unpublished manuscripts for guides, and + heard from the children of the sturdy frontiersmen new tales of the war; + and in getting more light and vivid personal memories, I was glad, indeed, + to realize that not only were there valour and heroism on both sides, but + also gentleness and courtesy. Histories written by either party at the + time should be laid aside. They breathe the rancourous hate of the writers + of the age—the fighters felt not so—and the many incidents + given here of chivalry and consideration were actual happenings, related + to me by the descendants of those who experienced them; and all assure me + that these were a true reflex of the feelings of the day. + </p> + <p> + I am much indebted to Miss Katherine Palmer, of Plattsburg, for kindly + allowing me to see the unpublished manuscript memoir of her grandfather, + Peter Sailly, who was Collector of the Port of Plattsburg at the time of + the war. + </p> + <p> + Another purpose in this story was to picture the real Indian with his + message for good or for evil. + </p> + <p> + Those who know nothing of the race will scoff and say they never heard of + such a thing as a singing and religious red man. Those who know him well + will say, “Yes, but you have given to your eastern Indian songs and + ceremonies which belong to the western tribes, and which are of different + epochs.” To the latter I reply: + </p> + <p> + “You know that the western Indians sang and prayed in this way. How do you + know that the eastern ones did not? We have no records, except those by + critics, savagely hostile, and contemptuous of all religious observances + but their own. The Ghost Dance Song belonged to a much more recent time, + no doubt, but it was purely Indian, and it is generally admitted that the + races of continental North America were of one stock, and had no + fundamentally different customs or modes of thought.” + </p> + <p> + The Sunrise Song was given me by Frederick R. Burton, author of “American + Primitive Music.” It is still in use among the Ojibwa. + </p> + <p> + The songs of the Wabanaki may be read in C. G. Leland's “Kuloskap the + Master.” + </p> + <p> + The Ghost Dance Song was furnished by Alice C. Fletcher, whose “Indian + Song and Story” will prove a revelation to those who wish to follow + further. + </p> + <p> + ERNEST THOMPSON SETON. <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 1. The Wigwam Under the Rock + </h2> + <p> + The early springtime sunrise was near at hand as Quonab, the last of the + Myanos Sinawa, stepped from his sheltered wigwam under the cliff that + borders the Asamuk easterly, and, mounting to the lofty brow of the great + rock that is its highest pinnacle, he stood in silence, awaiting the first + ray of the sun over the sea water that stretches between Connecticut and + Seawanaky. + </p> + <p> + His silent prayer to the Great Spirit was ended as a golden beam shot from + a long, low cloud-bank over the sea, and Quonab sang a weird Indian song + for the rising sun, an invocation to the Day God: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O thou that risest from the low cloud + To burn in the all above; + I greet thee! I adore thee!” + </pre> + <p> + Again and again he sang to the tumming of a small tom-tom, till the great + refulgent one had cleared the cloud, and the red miracle of the sunrise + was complete. Back to his wigwam went the red man, down to his home tucked + dosed under the sheltering rock, and, after washing his hands in a + basswood bowl, began to prepare his simple meal. + </p> + <p> + A tin-lined copper pot hanging over the fire was partly filled with water; + then, when it was boiling, some samp or powdered corn and some clams were + stirred in. While these were cooking, he took his smooth-bore flint-lock, + crawled gently over the ridge that screened his wigwam from the northwest + wind, and peered with hawk-like eyes across the broad sheet of water that, + held by a high beaver-dam, filled the little valley of Asamuk Brook. + </p> + <p> + The winter ice was still on the pond, but in all the warming shallows + there was open water, on which were likely to be ducks. None were to be + seen, but by the edge of the ice was a round object which, although so far + away, he knew at a glance for a muskrat. + </p> + <p> + By crawling around the pond, the Indian could easily have come within + shot, but he returned at once to his wigwam, where he exchanged his gun + for the weapons of his fathers, a bow and arrows, and a long fish-line. A + short, quick stalk, and the muskrat, still eating a flagroot, was within + thirty feet. The fish-line was coiled on the ground and then attached to + an arrow, the bow bent—zip—the arrow picked up the line, coil + after coil, and trans-fixed the muskrat. Splash! and the animal was gone + under the ice. + </p> + <p> + But the cord was in the hands of the hunter; a little gentle pulling and + the rat came to view, to be despatched with a stick and secured. Had he + shot it with a gun, it had surely been lost. + </p> + <p> + He returned to his camp, ate his frugal breakfast, and fed a small, + wolfish-looking yellow dog that was tied in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He skinned the muskrat carefully, first cutting a slit across the rear and + then turning the skin back like a glove, till it was off to the snout; a + bent stick thrust into this held it stretched, till in a day, it was dry + and ready for market. The body, carefully cleaned, he hung in the shade to + furnish another meal. + </p> + <p> + As he worked, there were sounds of trampling in the woods, and presently a + tall, rough-looking man, with a red nose and a curling white moustache, + came striding through brush and leaves. He stopped when he saw the Indian, + stared contemptuously at the quarry of the morning chase, made a scornful + remark about “rat-eater,” and went on toward the wigwam, probably to peer + in, but the Indian's slow, clear, “keep away!” changed his plan. He + grumbled something about “copper-coloured tramp,” and started away in the + direction of the nearest farmhouse. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 2. Rolf Kittering and the Soldier Uncle + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A feller that chatters all the time is bound to talk a + certain amount of drivel.—The Sayings of Si Sylvanne +</pre> + <p> + This was the Crow Moon, the white man's March. The Grass Moon was at hand, + and already the arrow bands of black-necked honkers were passing northward + from the coast, sending down as they flew the glad tidings that the Hunger + Moon was gone, that spring was come, yea, even now was in the land. And + the flicker clucked from a high, dry bough, the spotted woodwale drummed + on his chosen branch, the partridge drummed in the pine woods, and in the + sky the wild ducks, winging, drummed their way. What wonder that the soul + of the Indian should seek expression in the drum and the drum song of his + race? + </p> + <p> + Presently, as though remembering something, he went quietly to the + southward under the ridge, just where it breaks to let the brook go by, + along the edge of Strickland's Plain, and on that hill of sliding stone he + found, as he always had, the blue-eyed liver-leaf smiling, the first sweet + flower of spring! He did not gather it, he only sat down and looked at it. + He did not smile, or sing, or utter words, or give it a name, but he sat + beside it and looked hard at it, and, in the first place, he went there + knowingly to find it. Who shall say that its beauty did not reach his + soul? + </p> + <p> + He took out his pipe and tobacco bag, but was reminded of something + lacking—the bag was empty. He returned to his wigwam, and from their + safe hanger or swinging shelf overhead, he took the row of stretched + skins, ten muskrats and one mink, and set out along a path which led + southward through the woods to the broad, open place called Strickland's + Plain, across that, and over the next rock ridge to the little town and + port of Myanos. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SILAS PECK + Trading Store +</pre> + <p> + was the sign over the door he entered. Men and women were buying and + selling, but the Indian stood aside shyly until all were served, and + Master Peck cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Ho, Quonab! what have ye got for trade to-day?” + </p> + <p> + Quonab produced his furs. The dealer looked at them narrowly and said: + </p> + <p> + “They are too late in the season for primes; I cannot allow you more than + seven cents each for the rats and seventy-five cents for the mink, all + trade.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian gathered up the bundle with an air of “that settles it,” when + Silas called out: + </p> + <p> + “Come now, I'll make it ten cents for the rats.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten cents for rats, one dollar for mink, all cash, then I buy what I + like,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + It was very necessary to Silas's peace that no customer of his should + cross the street to the sign, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SILAS MEAD + Trading Store +</pre> + <p> + So the bargain, a fair one now, was made, and the Indian went off with a + stock of tobacco, tea, and sugar. + </p> + <p> + His way lay up the Myanos River, as he had one or two traps set along the + banks for muskrats, although in constant danger of having them robbed or + stolen by boys, who considered this an encroachment on their trapping + grounds. + </p> + <p> + After an hour he came to Dumpling Pond, then set out for his home, + straight through the woods, till he reached the Catrock line, and + following that came to the farm and ramshackle house of Micky Kittering. + He had been told that the man at this farm had a fresh deer hide for sale, + and hoping to secure it, Quonab walked up toward the house. Micky was + coming from the barn when he saw the Indian. They recognized each other at + a glance. That was enough for Quonab; he turned away. The farmer + remembered that he had been “insulted.” He vomited a few oaths, and strode + after the Indian, “To take it out of his hide”; his purpose was very + clear. The Indian turned quickly, stood, and looked calmly at Michael. + </p> + <p> + Some men do not know the difference between shyness and cowardice, but + they are apt to find it out unexpectedly Something told the white man, + “Beware! this red man is dangerous.” He muttered something about, “Get out + of that, or I'll send for a constable.” The Indian stood gazing coldly, + till the farmer backed off out of sight, then he himself turned away to + the woods. + </p> + <p> + Kittering was not a lovely character. He claimed to have been a soldier. + He certainly looked the part, for his fierce white moustache was curled up + like horns on his purple face, at each side of his red nose, in a most + milita style. His shoulders were square and his gait was swaggering, + beside which, he had an array of swear words that was new and tremendously + impressive in Connecticut. He had married late in life a woman who would + have made him a good wife, had he allowed her. But, a drunkard himself he + set deliberately about bringing his wife to his own ways and with most + lamentable success. They had had no children, but some months before a + brother's child, fifteen-year-old lad, had become a charge on their hands + and, with any measure of good management, would have been a blessing to + all. But Micky had gone too far. His original weak good-nature was + foundered in rum. Always blustery and frothy, he divided the world in two—superior + officers, before whom he grovelled, and inferiors to whom he was a mouthy, + foul-tongued, contemptible bully, in spite of a certain lingering kindness + of heart that showed itself at such rare times when he was neither roaring + drunk nor crucified by black reaction. His brother's child, fortunately, + had inherited little of the paternal family traits, but in both body and + brain favoured his mother, the daughter of a learned divine who had spent + unusual pains on her book education, but had left her penniless and + incapable of changing that condition. + </p> + <p> + Her purely mental powers and peculiarities were such that, a hundred years + before, she might have been burned for a witch, and fifty years later + might have been honoured as a prophetess. But she missed the crest of the + wave both ways and fell in the trough; her views on religious matters + procured neither a witch's grave nor a prophet's crown, but a sort of + village contempt. + </p> + <p> + The Bible was her standard—so far so good—but she emphasized + the wrong parts of it. Instead of magnifying the damnation of those who + follow not the truth (as the village understood it), she was content to + semi-quote: + </p> + <p> + “Those that are not against me are with me,” and “A kind heart is the mark + of His chosen.” And then she made a final utterance, an echo really of her + father: “If any man do anything sincerely, believing that thereby he is + worshipping God, he is worshipping God.” + </p> + <p> + Then her fate was sealed, and all who marked the blazing eyes, the hollow + cheeks, the yet more hollow chest and cough, saw in it all the hand of an + offended God destroying a blasphemer, and shook their heads knowingly when + the end came. + </p> + <p> + So Rolf was left alone in life, with a common school education, a thorough + knowledge of the Bible and of “Robinson Crusoe,” a vague tradition of God + everywhere, and a deep distrust of those who should have been his own + people. + </p> + <p> + The day of the little funeral he left the village of Redding to tramp over + the unknown road to the unknown south where his almost unknown Uncle + Michael had a farm and, possibly, a home for him. + </p> + <p> + Fifteen miles that day, a night's rest in a barn, twenty-five miles the + next day, and Rolf had found his future home. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, lad,” was the not unfriendly reception, for his arrival was + happily fallen on a brief spell of good humour, and a strong, + fifteen-year-old boy is a distinct asset on a farm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 3. Rolf Catches a Coon and Finds a Friend + </h2> + <p> + Aunt Prue, sharp-eyed and red-nosed, was actually shy at first, but all + formality vanished as Rolf was taught the mysteries of pig-feeding, + hen-feeding, calf-feeding, cow-milking, and launched by list only in a + vast number of duties familiar to him from his babyhood. What a list there + was. An outsider might have wondered if Aunt Prue was saving anything for + herself, but Rolf was used to toil. He worked without ceasing and did his + best, only to learn in time that the best could win no praise, only avert + punishment. The spells of good nature arrived more seldom in his uncle's + heart. His aunt was a drunken shrew and soon Rolf looked on the days of + starving and physical misery with his mother as the days of his happy + youth gone by. + </p> + <p> + He was usually too tired at night and too sleepy in the morning to say his + prayers, and gradually he gave it up as a daily habit. The more he saw of + his kinsfolk, the more wickedness came to view; and yet it was with a + shock that he one day realized that some fowls his uncle brought home by + night were there without the owner's knowledge or consent. Micky made a + jest of it, and intimated that Rolf would have to “learn to do night work + very soon.” This was only one of the many things that showed how evil a + place was now the orphan's home. + </p> + <p> + At first it was not clear to the valiant uncle whether the silent boy was + a superior to be feared, or an inferior to be held in fear, but Mick's + courage grew with non-resistance, and blows became frequent; although not + harder to bear than the perpetual fault-finding and scolding of his aunt, + and all the good his mother had implanted was being shrivelled by the + fires of his daily life. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had no chance to seek for companions at the village store, but an + accident brought one to him. Before sunrise one spring morning he went, as + usual, to the wood lot pasture for the cow, and was surprised to find a + stranger, who beckoned him to come. On going near he saw a tall man with + dark skin and straight black hair that was streaked with gray—undoubtedly + an Indian. He held up a bag and said, “I got coon in that hole. You hold + bag there, I poke him in.” Rolf took the sack readily and held it over the + hole, while the Indian climbed the tree to a higher opening, then poked in + this with a long pole, till all at once there was a scrambling noise and + the bag bulged full and heavy. Rolf closed its mouth triumphantly. The + Indian laughed lightly, then swung to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Now, what will you do with him?” asked Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “Train coon dog,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian pointed toward the Asamuk Pond. + </p> + <p> + “Are you the singing Indian that lives under Ab's Rock? + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! [*] Some call me that. My name is Quonab.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait for an hour and then I will come and help,” volunteered Rolf + impulsively, for the hunting instinct was strong in him. + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. “Give three yelps if you no find me;” then he + shouldered a short stick, from one end of which, at a safe distance from + his back, hung the bag with the coon. And Rolf went home with the cow. + </p> + <p> + He had acted on hasty impulse in offering to come, but now, in the normal + storm state of the household, the difficulties of the course appeared. He + cudgelled his brain for some plan to account for his absence, and finally + took refuge unwittingly in ancient wisdom: “When you don't know a thing to + do, don't do a thing.” Also, “If you can't find the delicate way, go the + blunt way.” + </p> + <p> + So having fed the horses, cleaned the stable, and milked the cow, fed the + pigs, the hens, the calf, harnessed the horses, cut and brought in wood + for the woodshed, turned out the sheep, hitched the horses to the wagon, + set the milk out in the creaming pans, put more corn to soak for the swill + barrel, ground the house knife, helped to clear the breakfast things, + replaced the fallen rails of a fence, brought up potatoes from the root + cellar, all to the maddening music of a scolding tongue, he set out to + take the cow back to the wood lot, sullenly resolved to return when ready. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Ugh (yes) and wah (no) are Indianisms that continue no + matter how well the English has been acquired. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 4. The Coon Hunt Makes Trouble for Rolf + </h2> + <p> + Not one hour, but nearly three, had passed before Rolf sighted the + Pipestave Pond, as it was called. He had never been there before, but + three short whoops, as arranged, brought answer and guidance. Quonab was + standing on the high rock. When Rolf came he led down to the wigwam on its + south side. It was like stepping into a new life. Several of the old + neighbours at Redding were hunters who knew the wild Indians and had told + him tales that glorified at least the wonderful woodcraft of the red man. + Once or twice Rolf had seen Indians travelling through, and he had been + repelled by their sordid squalour. But here was something of a different + kind; not the Champlain ideal, indeed, for the Indian wore clothes like + any poor farmer, except on his head and his feet; his head was bare, and + his feet were covered with moccasins that sparkled with beads on the arch. + The wigwam was of canvas, but it had one or two of the sacred symbols + painted on it. The pot hung over the fire was tin-lined copper, of the + kind long made in England for Indian trade, but the smaller dishes were of + birch bark and basswood. The gun and the hunting knife were of white man's + make, but the bow, arrows, snowshoes, tom-tom, and a quill-covered gun + case were of Indian art, fashioned of the things that grow in the woods + about. + </p> + <p> + The Indian led into the wigwam. The dog, although not fully grown, growled + savagely as it smelled the hated white man odour. Quonab gave the puppy a + slap on the head, which is Indian for, “Be quiet; he's all right;” loosed + the rope, and led the dog out. “Bring that,” and the Indian pointed to the + bag which hung from a stick between two trees. The dog sniffed + suspiciously in the direction of the bag and growled, but he was not + allowed to come near it. Rolf tried to make friends with the dog, but + without success and Quonab said, “Better let Skookum [*] alone. He make + friends when he ready—maybe never.” + </p> + <p> + The two hunters now set out for the open plain, two or three hundred yards + to the southward. Here the raccoon was dumped out of the sack, and the dog + held at a little distance, until the coon had pulled itself together and + began to run. Now the dog was released and chivvied on. With a tremendous + barking he rushed at the coon, only to get a nip that made him recoil, + yelping. The coon ran as hard as it could, the dog and hunters came after + it; again it was overtaken, and, turning with a fierce snarl, it taught + the dog a second lesson. Thus, running, dodging, and turning to fight, the + coon got back to the woods, and there made a final stand under a small, + thick tree; and, when the dog was again repulsed, climbed quickly up into + the branches. + </p> + <p> + The hunters did all they could to excite the dog, until he was jumping + about, trying to climb the tree, and barking uproariously. This was + exactly what they wanted. Skookum's first lesson was learned—the + duty of chasing the big animal of that particular smell, then barking up + the tree it had climbed. + </p> + <p> + Quonab, armed with a forked stick and a cord noose, now went up the tree. + After much trouble he got the noose around the coon's neck, then, with + some rather rough handling, the animal was dragged down, maneuvered into + the sack, and carried back to camp, where it was chained up to serve in + future lessons; the next two or three being to tree the coon, as before; + in the next, the coon was to be freed and allowed to get out of sight, so + that the dog might find it by trailing, and the last, in which the coon + was to be trailed, treed, and shot out of the tree, so that the dog should + have the final joy of killing a crippled coon, and the reward of a + coon-meat feast. But the last was not to be, for the night before it + should have taken place the coon managed to slip its bonds, and nothing + but the empty collar and idle chain were found in the captive's place next + morning. + </p> + <p> + These things were in the future however. Rolf was intensely excited over + all he had seen that day. His hunting instincts were aroused. There had + been no very obvious or repellant cruelty; the dog alone had suffered, but + he seemed happy. The whole affair was so exactly in the line of his tastes + that the boy was in a sort of ecstatic uplift, and already anticipating a + real coon hunt, when the dog should be properly trained. The episode so + contrasted with the sordid life he had left an hour before that he was + spellbound. The very animal smell of the coon seemed to make his fibre + tingle. His eyes were glowing with a wild light. He was so absorbed that + he did not notice a third party attracted by the unusual noise of the + chase, but the dog did. A sudden, loud challenge called all attention to a + stranger on the ridge behind the camp. There was no mistaking the bloated + face and white moustache of Rolf's uncle. + </p> + <p> + “So, you young scut! that is how you waste your time. I'll larn ye a + lesson.” + </p> + <p> + The dog was tied, the Indian looked harmless, and the boy was cowed, so + the uncle's courage mounted high. He had been teaming in the nearby woods, + and the blacksnake whip was in his hands. In a minute its thong was + lapped, like a tongue of flame, around Rolf's legs. The boy gave a shriek + and ran, but the man followed and furiously plied the whip. The Indian, + supposing it was Rolf's father, marvelled at his method of showing + affection, but said nothing, for the Fifth Commandment is a large one in + the wigwam. Rolf dodged some of the cruel blows, but was driven into a + corner of the rock. One end of the lash crossed his face like a red-hot + wire. + </p> + <p> + “Now I've got you!” growled the bully. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was desperate. He seized two heavy stones and hurled the first with + deadly intent at his uncle's head. Mick dodged in time, but the second, + thrown lower, hit him on the thigh. Mick gave a roar of pain. Rolf hastily + seized more stones and shrieked out, “You come on one step and I'll kill + you!” + </p> + <p> + Then that purple visage turned a sort of ashen hue. Its owner mouthed in + speechless rage. He “knew it was the Indian had put Rolf up to it. He'd + see to it later,” and muttering, blasting, frothing, the hoary-headed + sinner went limping off to his loaded wagon. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * “Skookum” or “Skookum Chuck,” in Chinook means “Troubled + waters.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 5. Good-bye to Uncle Mike + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For counsel comes with the night, and action comes with the + day; But the gray half light, neither dark nor bright, is a + time to hide away. +</pre> + <p> + Rolf had learned one thing at least—his uncle was a coward. But he + also knew that he himself was in the wrong, for he was neglecting his work + and he decided to go back at once and face the worst. He made little reply + to the storm of scolding that met him. He would have been disappointed if + it had not come. He was used to it; it made him feel at home once more. He + worked hard and silently. + </p> + <p> + Mick did not return till late. He had been drawing wood for Horton that + day, which was the reason he happened in Quonab's neighbourhood; but his + road lay by the tavern, and when he arrived home he was too helpless to do + more than mutter. + </p> + <p> + The next day there was an air of suspended thunder. Rolf overheard his + uncle cursing “that ungrateful young scut—not worth his salt.” But + nothing further was said or done. His aunt did not strike at him once for + two days. The third night Micky disappeared. On the next he returned with + another man; they had a crate of fowls, and Rolf was told to keep away + from “that there little barn.” + </p> + <p> + So he did all morning, but he peeped in from the hayloft when a chance + came, and saw a beautiful horse. Next day the “little barn” was open and + empty as before. + </p> + <p> + That night this worthy couple had a jollification with some callers, who + were strangers to Rolf. As he lay awake, listening to the carouse, he + overheard many disjointed allusions that he did not understand, and some + that he could guess at: “Night work pays better than day work any time,” + etc. Then he heard his own name and a voice, “Let's go up and settle it + with him now.” Whatever their plan, it was clear that the drunken crowd, + inspired by the old ruffian, were intent on doing him bodily harm. He + heard them stumbling and reeling up the steep stairs. He heard, “Here, + gimme that whip,” and knew he was in peril, maybe of his life, for they + were whiskey-mad. He rose quickly, locked the door, rolled up an old rag + carpet, and put it in his bed. Then he gathered his clothes on his arm, + opened the window, and lowered himself till his head only was above the + sill, and his foot found a resting place. Thus he awaited. The raucous + breathing of the revellers was loud on the stairs; then the door was + tried; there was some muttering; then the door was burst open and in + rushed two, or perhaps three, figures. Rolf could barely see in the gloom, + but he knew that his uncle was one of them. The attack they made with whip + and stick on that roll of rags in the bed would have broken his bones and + left him shapeless, had he been in its place. The men were laughing and + took it all as a joke, but Rolf had seen enough; he slipped to the ground + and hurried away, realizing perfectly well now that this was “good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + Which way? How naturally his steps turned northward toward Redding, the + only other place he knew. But he had not gone a mile before he stopped. + The yapping of a coon dog came to him from the near woods that lay to the + westward along Asamuk. He tramped toward it. To find the dog is one thing, + to find the owner another; but they drew near at last. Rolf gave the three + yelps and Quonab responded. + </p> + <p> + “I am done with that crowd,” said the boy. “They tried to kill me tonight. + Have you got room for me in your wigwam for a couple of days?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, come,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + That night, for the first time, Rolf slept in the outdoor air of a wigwam. + He slept late, and knew nothing of the world about him till Quonab called + him to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 6. Skookum Accepts Rolf at Last + </h2> + <p> + Rolf expected that Micky would soon hear of his hiding place and come + within a few days, backed by a constable, to claim his runaway ward. But a + week went by and Quonab, passing through Myanos, learned, first, that Rolf + had been seen tramping northward on the road to Dumpling Pond, and was now + supposed to be back in Redding; second, that Micky Kittering was lodged in + jail under charge of horse-stealing and would certainly get a long + sentence; third, that his wife had gone back to her own folks at Norwalk, + and the house was held by strangers. + </p> + <p> + All other doors were closed now, and each day that drifted by made it the + more clear that Rolf and Quonab were to continue together. What boy would + not exult at the thought of it? Here was freedom from a brutal tyranny + that was crushing out his young life; here was a dream of the wild world + coming true, with gratification of all the hunter instincts that he had + held in his heart for years, and nurtured in that single, ragged volume of + “Robinson Crusoe.” The plunge was not a plunge, except it be one when an + eagle, pinion-bound, is freed and springs from a cliff of the mountain to + ride the mountain wind. + </p> + <p> + The memory of that fateful cooning day was deep and lasting. Never + afterward did smell of coon fail to bring it back; in spite of the many + evil incidents it was a smell of joy. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, Quonab?” he asked one morning, as he saw the Indian + rise at dawn and go forth with his song drum, after warming it at the + fire. He pointed up to the rock, and for the first time Rolf heard the + chant for the sunrise. Later he heard the Indian's song for “Good + Hunting,” and another for “When His Heart Was Bad.” They were prayers or + praise, all addressed to the Great Spirit, or the Great Father, and it + gave Rolf an entirely new idea of the red man, and a startling light on + himself. Here was the Indian, whom no one considered anything but a + hopeless pagan, praying to God for guidance at each step in life, while he + himself, supposed to be a Christian, had not prayed regularly for months—was + in danger of forgetting how. + </p> + <p> + Yet there was one religious observance that Rolf never forgot—that + was to keep the Sabbath, and on that day each week he did occasionally say + a little prayer his mother had taught him. He avoided being seen at such + times and did not speak of kindred doings. Whereas Quonab neither hid nor + advertised his religious practices, and it was only after many Sundays had + gone that Quonab remarked: + </p> + <p> + “Does your God come only one day of the week? Does He sneak in after dark? + Why is He ashamed that you only whisper to Him? Mine is here all the time. + I can always reach Him with my song; all days are my Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + The evil memories of his late life were dimming quickly, and the joys of + the new one growing. Rolf learned early that, although one may talk of the + hardy savage, no Indian seeks for hardship. Everything is done that he + knows to make life pleasant, and of nothing is he more careful than the + comfort of his couch. On the second day, under guidance of his host, Rolf + set about making his own bed. Two logs, each four inches thick and three + feet long, were cut. Then two strong poles, each six feet long, were laid + into notches at the ends of the short logs. About seventy-five straight + sticks of willow were cut and woven with willow bark into a lattice, three + feet wide and six feet long. This, laid on the poles, furnished a spring + mattress, on which a couple of blankets made a most comfortable couch, + dry, warm, and off the ground. In addition to the lodge cover, each bed + had a dew cloth which gave perfect protection, no matter how the storm + might rage outdoors. There was no hardship in it, only a new-found + pleasure, to sleep and breathe the pure night air of the woods. + </p> + <p> + The Grass Moon—April—had passed, and the Song Moon was waxing, + with its hosts of small birds, and one of Rolf's early discoveries was + that many of these love to sing by night. Again and again the familiar + voice of the song sparrow came from the dark shore of Asamuk, or the field + sparrow trilled from the top of some cedar, occasionally the painted one, + Aunakeu, the partridge, drummed in the upper woods, and nightly there was + the persistent chant of Muckawis, the whippoorwill, the myriad voices of + the little frogs called spring-peepers, and the peculiar, “peent, peent,” + from the sky, followed by a twittering, that Quonab told him was the love + song of the swamp bird—the big snipe, with the fantail and long, + soft bill, and eyes like a deer. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean the woodcock?” “Ugh, that's the name; Pah-dash-ka-anja we + call it.” + </p> + <p> + The waning of the moon brought new songsters, with many a nightingale + among them. A low bush near the plain was vocal during the full moon with + the sweet but disconnected music of the yellow-breasted chat. The forest + rang again and again with a wild, torrential strain of music that seemed + to come from the stars. It sent peculiar thrill into Rolf's heart, and + gave him a lump his throat as he listened. + </p> + <p> + “What is that, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian shook his head. Then, later, when it ended, he said: “That is + the mystery song of some one I never saw him.” + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence, then the lad began, “There's no good hunting + here now, Quonab. Why don't you go to the north woods, where deer are + plentiful?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian gave a short shake of his head, and then to prevent further + talk, “Put up your dew cloth; the sea wind blows to-night.” + </p> + <p> + He finished; both stood for a moment gazing into the fire. Then Rolf felt + something wet and cold thrust into his hand. It was Skookum's nose. At + last the little dog had made up his mind to accept the white boy as a + friend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 7. Rolf Works Out with Many Results + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He is the dumbest kind of a dumb fool that ain't king in + some little corner.—Sayings of Si Sylvanne +</pre> + <p> + The man who has wronged you will never forgive you, and he who has helped + you will be forever grateful. Yes, there is nothing that draws you to a + man so much as the knowledge that you have helped him. + </p> + <p> + Quonab helped Rolf, and so was more drawn to him than to many of the + neighbours that he had known for years; he was ready to like him. Their + coming together was accidental, but it was soon very clear that a + friendship was springing up between them. Rolf was too much of a child to + think about the remote future; and so was Quonab. Most Indians are merely + tall children. + </p> + <p> + But there was one thing that Rolf did think of—he had no right to + live in Quonab's lodge without contributing a fair share of the things + needful. Quonab got his living partly by hunting, partly by fishing, + partly by selling baskets, and partly by doing odd jobs for the + neighbours. Rolf's training as a loafer had been wholly neglected, and + when he realized that he might be all summer with Quonab he said bluntly: + </p> + <p> + “You let me stay here a couple of months. I'll work out odd days, and buy + enough stuff to keep myself any way.” Quonab said nothing, but their eyes + met, and the boy knew it was agreed to. + </p> + <p> + Rolf went that very day to the farm of Obadiah Timpany, and offered to + work by the day, hoeing corn and root crops. What farmer is not glad of + help in planting time or in harvest? It was only a question of what did he + know and how much did he want? The first was soon made clear; two dollars + a week was the usual thing for boys in those times, and when he offered to + take it half in trade, he was really getting three dollars a week and his + board. Food was as low as wages, and at the end of a week, Rolf brought + back to camp a sack of oatmeal, a sack of cornmeal, a bushel of potatoes, + a lot of apples, and one dollar cash. The dollar went for tea and sugar, + and the total product was enough to last them both a month; so Rolf could + share the wigwam with a good conscience. + </p> + <p> + Of course, it was impossible to keep the gossipy little town of Myanos + from knowing, first, that the Indian had a white boy for partner; and, + later, that that boy was Rolf. This gave rise to great diversity of + opinion in the neighbourhood. Some thought it should not be allowed, but + Horton, who owned the land on which Quonab was camped, could not see any + reason for interfering. + </p> + <p> + Ketchura Peck, spinster, however, did see many most excellent reasons. She + was a maid with a mission, and maintained it to be an outrage that a + Christian boy should be brought up by a godless pagan. She worried over it + almost as much as she did over the heathen in Central Africa, where there + are no Sunday schools, and clothes are as scarce as churches. Failing to + move Parson Peck and Elder Knapp in the matter, and despairing of an early + answer to her personal prayers, she resolved on a bold move, “An' it was + only after many a sleepless, prayerful night,” namely, to carry the Bible + into the heathen's stronghold. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that one bright morning in June she might have been seen, prim + and proper—almost glorified, she felt, as she set her lips just + right in the mirror—making for the Pipestave Pond, Bible in hand and + spectacles clean wiped, ready to read appropriate selections to the + unregenerate. + </p> + <p> + She was full of the missionary spirit when she left Myanos, and partly + full when she reached the Orchard Street Trail; but the spirit was leaking + badly, and the woods did appear so wild and lonely that she wondered if + women had any right to be missionaries. When she came in sight of the + pond, the place seemed unpleasantly different from Myanos and where was + the Indian camp? She did not dare to shout; indeed, she began to wish she + were home again, but the sense of duty carried her fully fifty yards along + the pond, and then she came to an impassable rock, a sheer bank that + plainly said, “Stop!” Now she must go back or up the bank. Her Yankee + pertinacity said, “Try first up the bank,” and she began a long, toilsome + ascent, that did not end until she came out on a high, open rock which, on + its farther side, had a sheer drop and gave a view of the village and of + the sea. + </p> + <p> + Whatever joy she had on again seeing her home was speedily queued in the + fearsome discovery that she was right over the Indian camp, and the two + inmates looked so utterly, dreadfully savage that she was thankful they + had not seen her. At once she shrank back; but on recovering sufficiently + to again peer down, she saw something roasting before the fire—“a + tiny arm with a hand that bore five fingers,” as she afterward said, and + “a sickening horror came over her.” Yes, she had heard of such things. If + she could only get home in safety! Why had she tempted Providence thus? + She backed softly and prayed only to escape. What, and never even deliver + the Bible? “It would be wicked to return with it!” In a cleft of the rock + she placed it, and then, to prevent the wind blowing off loose leaves, she + placed a stone on top, and fled from the dreadful place. + </p> + <p> + That night, when Quonab and Rolf had finished their meal of corn and + roasted coon, the old man climbed the rock to look at the sky. The book + caught his eye at once, evidently hidden there carefully, and therefore in + cache. A cache is a sacred thing to an Indian. He disturbed it not, but + later asked Rolf, “That yours?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + It was doubtless the property of some one who meant to return for it, so + they left it untouched. It rested there for many months, till the winter + storms came down, dismantling the covers, dissolving the pages, but + leaving such traces as, in the long afterward, served to identify the book + and give the rock the other name, the one it bears to-day—“Bible + Rock, where Quonab, the son of Cos Cob, used to live.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 8. The Law of Property Among Our Four-Footed Kin + </h2> + <p> + Night came down on the Asamuk woods, and the two in the wigwam were eating + their supper of pork, beans, and tea, for the Indian did not, by any means + object to the white man's luxuries, when a strange “yap-yurr” was heard + out toward the plain. The dog was up at once with a growl. Rolf looked + inquiringly, and Quonab said, “Fox,” then bade the dog be still. + </p> + <p> + “Yap-yurr, yap-yurr,” and then, “yurr, yeow,” it came again and again. + “Can we get him?” said the eager young hunter. The Indian shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Fur no good now. An' that's a she-one, with young ones on the hillside.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” was the amazed inquiry. “I know it's a she-one, 'cause + she says: + </p> + <p> + “Yap-yurr” (high pitched) + </p> + <p> + If it was a he-one he'd say: + </p> + <p> + “Yap-yurr” (low pitched) + </p> + <p> + “And she has cubs, 'cause all have at this season. And they are on that + hillside, because that's the nearest place where any fox den is, and they + keep pretty much to their own hunting grounds. If another fox should come + hunting on the beat of this pair, he'd have to fight for it. That is the + way of the wild animals; each has his own run, and for that he will fight + an outsider that he would be afraid of at any other place. One knows he is + right—that braces him up; the other knows he is wrong—and that + weakens him.” Those were the Indian's views, expressed much less + connectedly than here given, and they led Rolf on to a train of thought. + He remembered a case that was much to the point. + </p> + <p> + Their little dog Skookum several times had been worsted by the dog on the + Horton farm, when, following his master, he had come into the house yard. + There was no question that the Horton dog was stronger. But Skookum had + buried a bone under some brushes by the plain and next day the hated + Horton dog appeared. Skookum watched him with suspicion and fear, until it + was no longer doubtful that the enemy had smelled the hidden food and was + going for it. Then Skookum, braced up by some instinctive feeling, rushed + forward with bristling mane and gleaming teeth, stood over his cache, and + said in plainest dog, “You can't touch that while I live!” + </p> + <p> + And the Horton dog—accustomed to domineer over the small yellow cur—growled + contemptuously, scratched with his hind feet, smelled around an adjoining + bush, and pretending not to see or notice, went off in another direction. + </p> + <p> + What was it that robbed him of his courage, but the knowledge that he was + in the wrong? + </p> + <p> + Continuing with his host Rolf said, “Do you think they have any idea that + it is wrong to steal?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so long as it is one of their own tribe. A fox will take all he can + get from a bird or a rabbit or a woodchuck, but he won't go far on the + hunting grounds of another fox. He won't go into another fox's den or + touch one of its young ones, and if he finds a cache of food with another + fox's mark on it, he won't touch it unless he is near dead of hunger.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean they cache food and how do they mark it?” + </p> + <p> + “Generally they bury it under the leaves and soft earth, and the only mark + is to leave their body scent. But that is strong enough, and every fox + knows it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do wolves make food caches?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, wolves, cougars, weasels, squirrels, bluejays, crows, owls, mice, + all do, and all have their own way of marking a place.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose a fox finds a wolf cache, will he steal from it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, always. There is no law between fox and wolf. They are always at war + with each other. There is law only between fox and fox, or wolf and wolf.” + </p> + <p> + “That is like ourselves, ain't it? We say, 'Thou shalt not steal,' and + then when we steal the Indian's land or the Frenchman's ships, we say, + 'Oh, that don't mean not steal from our enemies; they are fair game.'” + </p> + <p> + Quonab rose to throw some sticks on the fire, then went out to turn the + smoke flap of the wigwam, for the wind was changed and another set was + needed to draw the smoke. They heard several times again the high-pitched + “yap yurr,” and once the deeper notes, which told that the dog fox, too, + was near the camp, and was doubtless seeking food to carry home. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 9. Where the Bow Is Better Than the Gun + </h2> + <p> + Of all popular errors about the Indians, the hardest to down is the idea + that their women do all the work. They do the housework, it is true, but + all the heavy labour beyond their strength is done by the men. Examples of + this are seen in the frightful toil of hunting, canoeing, and portaging, + besides a multitude of kindred small tasks, such as making snowshoes, + bows, arrows, and canoes. + </p> + <p> + Each warrior usually makes his own bow and arrows, and if, as often + happens, one of them proves more skilful and turns out better weapons, it + is a common thing for others to offer their own specialty in exchange. + </p> + <p> + The advantages of the bow over the gun are chiefly its noiselessness, its + cheapness, and the fact that one can make its ammunition anywhere. As the + gun chiefly used in Quonab's time was the old-fashioned, smooth-bore + flint-lock, there was not much difference in the accuracy of the two + weapons. Quonab had always made a highclass bow, as well as high-class + arrows, and was a high-class shot. He could set up ten clam shells at ten + paces and break all in ten shots. For at least half of his hunting he + preferred the bow; the gun was useful to him chiefly when flocks of wild + pigeons or ducks were about, and a single charge of scattering shot might + bring down a dozen birds. + </p> + <p> + But there is a law in all shooting—to be expert, you must practise + continually—and when Rolf saw his host shoot nearly every day at + some mark, he tried to join in the sport. + </p> + <p> + It took not many trys to show that the bow was far too strong for him to + use, and Quonab was persuaded at length to make an outfit for his visitor. + </p> + <p> + From the dry store hole under the rock, he produced a piece of common red + cedar. Some use hickory; it is less liable to break and will stand more + abuse, but it has not the sharp, clean action of cedar. The latter will + send the arrow much farther, and so swiftly does it leave the string that + it baffles the eye. But the cedar bow must be cared for like a delicate + machine; overstring it, and it breaks; twang it without an arrow, and it + sunders the cords; scratch it, and it may splinter; wet it, and it is + dead; let it lie on the ground, even, and it is weakened. But guard it and + it will serve you as a matchless servant, and as can no other timber in + these woods. + </p> + <p> + Just where the red heart and the white sap woods join is the bowman's + choice. A piece that reached from Rolf's chin to the ground was shaved + down till it was flat on the white side and round on the red side, + tapering from the middle, where it was one inch wide and one inch thick to + the ends, where it was three fourths of an inch wide and five eighths of + an inch thick, the red and white wood equal in all parts. + </p> + <p> + The string was made of sinew from the back of a cow, split from the long, + broad sheath that lies on each side the spine, and the bow strung for + trial. Now, on drawing it (flat or white side in front), it was found that + one arm bent more than the other, so a little more scraping was done on + the strong side, till both bent alike. + </p> + <p> + Quonab's arrows would answer, but Rolf needed a supply of his own. Again + there was great choice of material. The long, straight shoots ol' the + arrowwood (Viburnuin dentatum) supplied the ancient Indians, but Quonab + had adopted a better way, since the possession of an axe made it possible. + A 25-inch block of straight-grained ash was split and split until it + yielded enough pieces. These were shaved down to one fourth of an inch + thick, round, smooth, and perfectly straight. Each was notched deeply at + one end; three pieces of split goose feather were lashed on the notched + end, and three different kinds of arrows were made. All were alike in + shaft and in feathering, but differed in the head. First, the target + arrows: these were merely sharpened, and the points hardened by roasting + to a brown colour. They would have been better with conical points of + steel, but none of these were to be had. Second, the ordinary hunting + arrows with barbed steel heads, usually bought ready-made, or filed out of + a hoop: these were for use in securing such creatures as muskrats, ducks + close at hand, or deer. Third, the bird bolts: these were left with a + large, round, wooden head. They were intended for quail, partridges, + rabbits, and squirrels, but also served very often, and most admirably, in + punishing dogs, either the Indian's own when he was not living up to the + rules and was too far off for a cuff or kick, or a farmer's dog that was + threatening an attack. + </p> + <p> + Now the outfit was complete, Rolf thought, but one other touch was + necessary. Quonab painted the feather part of the shaft bright red, and + Rolf learned why. Not for ornament, not as an owner's mark, but as a + finding mark. Many a time that brilliant red, with the white feather next + it, was the means of saving the arrow from loss. An uncoloured arrow among + the sticks and leaves of the woods was usually hidden, but the + bright-coloured shaft could catch the eye 100 yards away. + </p> + <p> + It was very necessary to keep the bow and arrows from the wet. For this, + every hunter provides a case, usually of buckskin, but failing that they + made a good quiver of birch bark laced with spruce roots for the arrows, + and for the bow itself a long cover of tarpaulin. + </p> + <p> + Now came the slow drilling in archery; the arrow held and the bow drawn + with three fingers on the cord—the thumb and little finger doing + nothing. The target was a bag of hay set at twenty feet, until the + beginner could hit it every time: then by degrees it was moved away until + at the standard distance of forty yards he could do fair shooting, + although of course he never shot as well as the Indian, who had practised + since he was a baby. + </p> + <p> + There are three different kinds of archery tests: the first for aim: Can + you shoot so truly as to hit a three-inch mark, ten times in succession, + at ten paces? + </p> + <p> + Next for speed: Can you shoot so quickly and so far up, as to have five + arrows in the air at once? If so, you are good: Can you keep up six? Then + you are very good. Seven is wonderful. The record is said to be eight. + Last for power: Can you pull so strong a bow and let the arrow go so clean + that it will fly for 250 yards or will pass through a deer at ten paces? + There is a record of a Sioux who sent an arrow through three antelopes at + one shot, and it was not unusual to pierce the huge buffalo through and + through; on one occasion a warrior with one shot pierced the buffalo and + killed her calf running at the other side. + </p> + <p> + If you excel in these three things, you can down your partridge and + squirrel every time; you can get five or six out of each flock of birds; + you can kill your deer at twenty-five yards, and so need never starve in + the woods where there is game. + </p> + <p> + Of course, Rolf was keen to go forth and try in the real chase, but it was + many a shot he missed and many an arrow lost or broken, before he brought + in even a red squirrel, and he got, at least, a higher appreciation of the + skill of those who could count on the bow for their food. + </p> + <p> + For those, then, who think themselves hunters and woodmen, let this be a + test and standard: Can you go forth alone into the wilderness where there + is game, take only a bow and arrows for weapons, and travel afoot 250 + miles, living on the country as you go? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkchap10" id="linkchap10"></a> <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter 10. Rolf Works Out with Many Results + </h2> + <p> + He is the dumbest kind of a dumb fool that ain't king in some little + corner.--_Sayings of Si Sylvanne_ + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The man who has wronged you will never forgive you, and he who has helped + you will be forever grateful. Yes, there is nothing that draws you to a + man so much as the knowledge that you have helped him. + </p> + <p> + Quonab helped Rolf, and so was more drawn to him than to many of the + neighbours that he had known cor years; he was ready to like him. Their + coming together ffas accidental, but it was soon very clear that a + friendship was springing up between them. Rolf was too much of a child to + think about the remote future; and so was Quonab. Most Indians are merely + tall children. + </p> + <p> + But there was one thing that Rolf did think of--he had no right to live in + Quonab's lodge without contributing a fair share of the things needful. + Quonab got his living partly by hunting, partly by fishing, partly by + selling baskets, and partly by doing odd jobs for the neighbours. Rolf's + training as a loafer had been wholly neglected, and when he realized that + he might be all summer with Quonab he said bluntly: + </p> + <p> + “You let me stay here a couple of months. I'll work out odd days, and buy + enough stuff to keep myself any way.” Quonab said nothing, but their eyes + met, and the boy knew it was agreed to. + </p> + <p> + Rolf went that very day to the farm of Obadiah Timpany, and offered to + work by the day, hoeing corn and root crops. What farmer is not glad of + help in planting time 01 in harvest? It was only a question of what did he + know and how much did he want? The first was soon made clear; two dollars + a week was the usual thing for boys in those times, and when he offered to + take it half in trade, he was really getting three dollars a week and his + board. Food was as low as wages, and at the end of a week, Rolf brought + back to camp a sack of oatmeal, a sack of cornmeal, a bushel of potatoes, + a lot of apples, and one dollar cash. The dollar went for tea and sugar, + and the total product was enough to last them both a month; so Rolf could + share the wigwam with a good conscience. + </p> + <p> + Of course, it was impossible to keep the gossipy little town of Myanos + from knowing, first, that the Indian had a white boy for partner; and, + later, that that boy was Rolf. This gave rise to great diversity of + opinion in the neighbourhood. Some thought it should not be allowed, but + Horton, who owned the land on which Quonab was camped, could not see any + reason for interfering. + </p> + <p> + Ketchura Peck, spinster, however, did see many most excellent reasons. She + was a maid with a mission, and maintained it to be an outrage that a + Christian boy should be brought up by a godless pagan. She worried over it + almost as much as she did over the heathen in Central Africa, where there + are no Sunday schools, and clothes are as scarce as churches. Failing to + move Parson Peck and Elder Knapp in the matter, and despairing of an early + answer to her personal prayers, she resolved on a bold move, “An' it was + only after many a sleepless, prayerful night,” namely, to carry the Bible + into the heathen's stronghold. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that one bright morning in June she might have been seen, prim + and proper--almost glorified, she felt, as she set her lips just right in + the mirror--making for the Pipestave Pond, Bible in hand and spectacles + clear wiped, ready to read appropriate selections to the unregenerate. + </p> + <p> + She was full of the missionary spirit when she left Myanos, and partly + full when she reached the Orchard Street Trail; but the spirit was leaking + badly, and the woods did appear so wild and lonely that she wondered if + women had any right to be missionaries. When she came in sight of the + pond, the place seemed unpleasantly different from Myanos and where was + the Indian camp? She did not dare to shout; indeed, she began to wish she + were home again, but the sense of duty carried her fully fifty yards along + the pond, and then she came to an impassable rock, a sheer bank that + plainly said, “Stop!” Now she must go back or up the bank. Her Yankee + pertinacity said, “Try first up the bank,” and she began a long, toilsome + ascent, that did not end until she came out on a high, open rock which, on + its farther side, had a sheer drop and gave a view of the village and of + the sea. + </p> + <p> + Whatever joy she had on again seeing her home was speedily quelled in the + fearsome discovery that she was right over the Indian camp, and the two + inmates looked so utterly, dreadfully savage that she was thankful they + had not seen her. At once she shrank back; but on recovering sufficiently + to again peer down, she saw something roasting before the fire--“a tiny + arm with a hand that bore five fingers,” as she afterward said, and “a + sickening horror came over her.” Yes, she had heard of such things. If she + could only get home in safety! Why had she tempted Providence thus? She + backed softly and prayed only to escape. What, and never even deliver the + Bible? “It would be wicked to return with it!” In a cleft of the rock she + placed it, and then, to prevent the wind blowing off loose leaves, she + placed a stone on top, and fled from the dreadful place. + </p> + <p> + That night, when Quonab and Rolf had finished theic meal of corn and + roasted coon, the old man climbed the rock to look at the sky. The book + caught his eye at once, evidently hidden there carefully, and therefore in + cache. A cache is a sacred thing to an Indian. He disturbed it not, but + later asked Rolf, “That yours?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + It was doubtless the property of some one who meant to return for it, so + they left it untouched. It rested there for many months, till the winter + storms came down, dismantling the covers, dissolving the pages, but + leaving such traces as, in the long afterward, served to identify the book + and give the rock the other name, the one it bears to-day--“Bible Rock, + where Quonab, the son of Cos Cob, used to live.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 11. The Thunder-storm and the Fire Sticks + </h2> + <p> + When first Rolf noticed the wigwam's place, he wondered that Quonab had + not set it somewhere facing the lake, but he soon learned that it is best + to have the morning sun, the afternoon shade, and shelter from the north + and west winds. + </p> + <p> + The first two points were illustrated nearly every day; but it was two + weeks before the last was made clear. + </p> + <p> + That day the sun came up in a red sky, but soon was lost to view in a + heavy cloud-bank. There was no wind, and, as the morning passed, the day + grew hotter and closer. Quonab prepared for a storm; but it came with + unexpected force, and a gale of wind from the northwest that would indeed + have wrecked the lodge, but for the great sheltering rock. Under its lea + there was hardy a breeze; but not fifty yards away were two trees that + rubbed together, and in the storm they rasped so violently that fine + shreds of smoking wood were dropped and, but for the rain, would surely + have made a blaze. The thunder was loud and lasted long, and the water + poured down in torrents. They were ready for rain, but not for the flood + that rushed over the face of the cliff, soaking everything in the lodge + except the beds, which, being four inches off the ground, were safe; and + lying on them the two campers waited patiently, or impatiently, while the + weather raged for two drenching hours. And then the pouring became a + pattering; the roaring, a swishing; the storm, a shower which died away, + leaving changing patches of blue in the lumpy sky, and all nature calm and + pleased, but oh, so wet! Of course the fire was out in the lodge and + nearly all the wood was wet. Now Quonab drew from a small cave some dry + cedar and got down his tinder-box with flint and steel to light up; but a + serious difficulty appeared at once—the tinder was wet and useless. + </p> + <p> + These were the days before matches were invented. Every one counted on + flint and steel for their fire, but the tinder was an essential, and now a + fire seemed hopeless; at least Rolf thought so. + </p> + <p> + “Nana Bojou was dancing that time,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see him make fire with those two rubbing trees? So he taught our + fathers, and so make we fire when the tricks of the white man fail us.” + </p> + <p> + Quonab now cut two pieces of dry cedar, one three fourths of an inch thick + and eighteen inches long, round, and pointed at both ends; the other five + eighths of an inch thick and flat. In the flat one he cut a notch and at + the end of the notch a little pit. Next he made a bow of a stiff, curved + stick, and a buckskin thong: a small pine knot was selected and a little + pit made in it with the point of a knife. These were the fare-making + sticks, but it was necessary to prepare the firewood, lay the fire, and + make some fibre for tinder. A lot of fine cedar shavings, pounded up with + cedar bark and rolled into a two-inch ball, made good tinder, and all was + ready. Quonab put the bow thong once around the long stick, then held its + point in the pit of the flat stick, and the pine knot on the top to steady + it. Now he drew the bow back and forth, slowly, steadily, till the long + stick or drill revolving ground smoking black dust out of the notch. Then + faster, until the smoke was very strong and the powder filled the notch. + Then he lifted the flat stick, fanning the powder with his hands till a + glowing coal appeared. Over this he put the cedar tinder and blew gently, + till it flamed, and soon the wigwam was aglow. + </p> + <p> + The whole time taken, from lifting the sticks to the blazing fire, was + less than one minute. + </p> + <p> + This is the ancient way of the Indian; Rolf had often heard of it as a + sort of semi-myth; never before had he seen it, and so far as he could + learn from the books, it took an hour or two of hard work, not a few deft + touches and a few seconds of time. + </p> + <p> + He soon learned to do it himself, and in the years which followed, he had + the curious experience of showing it to many Indians who had forgotten + how, thanks to the greater portability of the white man's flint and steel. + </p> + <p> + As they walked in the woods that day, they saw three trees that had been + struck by lightning during the recent storm; all three were oaks. Then it + occurred to Rolf that he had never seen any but an oak struck by + lightning. + </p> + <p> + “Is it so, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + “No, there are many others; the lightning strikes the oaks most of all, + but it will strike the pine, the ash, the hemlock, the basswood, and many + more. Only two trees have I never seen struck, the balsam and the birch.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do they escape?” + </p> + <p> + “My father told me when I was a little boy it was because they sheltered + and warmed the Star-girl, who was the sister of the Thunder-bird.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard that; tell me about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Sometime maybe, not now.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 12. Hunting the Woodchucks + </h2> + <p> + Cornmeal and potatoes, with tea and apples, three times a day, are apt to + lose their charm. Even fish did not entirely satisfy the craving for flesh + meat. So Quonab and Rolf set out one morning on a regular hunt for food. + The days of big game were over on the Asamuk, but there were still many + small kinds and none more abundant than the woodchuck, hated of farmers. + Not without reason. Each woodchuck hole in the field was a menace to the + horses' legs. Tradition, at least, said that horses' legs and riders' + necks had been broken by the steed setting foot in one of these dangerous + pitfalls: besides which, each chuck den was the hub centre of an area of + desolation whenever located, as mostly it was, in the cultivated fields. + Undoubtedly the damage was greatly exaggerated, but the farmers generally + agreed that the woodchuck was a pest. + </p> + <p> + Whatever resentment the tiller of the soil might feel against the Indian's + hunting quail on his land, he always welcomed him as a killer of + woodchucks. + </p> + <p> + And the Indian looked on this animal as fair game and most excellent + eating. + </p> + <p> + Rolf watched eagerly when Quonab, taking his bow and arrows, said they + were going out for a meat hunt. Although there were several fields with + woodchucks resident, they passed cautiously from one to another, scanning + the green expanse for the dark-brown spots that meant woodchucks out + foraging. At length they found one, with a large and two small moving + brown things among the clover. The large one stood up on its hind legs + from time to time, ever alert for danger. It was a broad, open field, + without cover; but close to the cleared place in which, doubtless, was the + den, there was a ridge that Quonab judged would help him to approach. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was instructed to stay in hiding and make some Indian signs that the + hunter could follow when he should lose sight of the prey. First, “Come + on” (beckoning); and, second, “Stop,” (hand raised, palm forward); “All + right” (hand drawn across level and waist high); forefinger moved forward, + level, then curved straight down, meant “gone in hole.” But Rolf was not + to sign anything or move, unless Quonab asked him by making the question + sign (that is waving his hand with palm forward and spread fingers). + </p> + <p> + Quonab went back into the woods, then behind the stone walls to get around + to the side next the ridge, and crawling so flat on his breast in the + clover that, although it was but a foot high, he was quite invisible to + any one not placed much above him. + </p> + <p> + In this way he came to the little ridge back of the woodchuck den, quite + unknown to its occupants. But now he was in a difficulty. He could not see + any of them. + </p> + <p> + They were certainly beyond range of his bow, and it was difficult to make + them seek the den without their rushing into it. But he was equal to the + occasion. He raised one hand and made the query sign, and watching Rolf he + got answer, “All well; they are there.” (A level sweep of the flat hand + and a finger pointing steadily.) Then he waited a few seconds and made + exactly the same sign, getting the same answer. + </p> + <p> + He knew that the movement of the distant man would catch the eye of the + old woodchuck; she would sit up high to see what it was, and when it came + a second time she would, without being exactly alarmed, move toward the + den and call the young ones to follow. + </p> + <p> + The hunter had not long to wait. He heard her shrill, warning whistle, + then the big chuck trotted and waddled into sight, stopping occasionally + to nibble or look around. Close behind her were the two fat cubs. Arrived + near the den their confidence was restored, and again they began to feed, + the young ones close to the den. Then Quonab put a blunt bird dart in his + bow and laid two others ready. Rising as little as possible, he drew the + bow. 'Tsip! the blunt arrow hit the young chuck on the nose and turned him + over. The other jumped in surprise and stood up. So did the mother. 'Tsip! + another bolt and the second chuck was kicking. But the old one dashed like + a flash into the underground safety of her den. Quonab knew that she had + seen nothing of him and would likely come forth very soon. He waited for + some time; then the gray-brown muzzle of the fat old clover-stealer came + partly to view; but it was not enough for a shot, and she seemed to have + no idea of coming farther. The Indian waited what seemed like a long time, + then played an ancient trick. He began to whistle a soft, low air. Whether + the chuck thinks it is another woodchuck calling, or merely a pleasant + sound, is not known, but she soon did as her kind always does, came out of + the hole slowly and ever higher, till she was half out and sitting up, + peering about. + </p> + <p> + This was Quonab's chance. He now drew a barbed hunting arrow to the head + and aimed it behind her shoulders. 'Tsip! and the chuck was transfixed by + a shaft that ended her life a minute later, and immediately prevented that + instinctive scramble into the hole, by which so many chucks elude the + hunter, even when mortally wounded. + </p> + <p> + Now Quonab stood up without further concealment, and beckoned to Rolf, who + came running. Three fat woodchucks meant abundance of the finest fresh + meat for a week; and those who have not tried it have no idea what a + delicacy is a young, fat, clover-fed woodchuck, pan-roasted, with + potatoes, and served at a blazing campfire to a hunter who is young, + strong, and exceedingly hungry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 13. The Fight with the Demon of the Deep + </h2> + <p> + One morning, as they passed the trail that skirts the pond, Quonab pointed + to the near water. There was something afloat like a small, round leaf, + with two beads well apart, on it. Then Rolf noticed, two feet away, a + larger floating leaf, and now he knew that the first was the head and + eyes, the last the back, of a huge snapping turtle. A moment more and it + quickly sank from view. Turtles of three different kinds were common, and + snappers were well known to Rolf; but never before had he seen such a huge + and sinister-looking monster of the deep. + </p> + <p> + “That is Bosikado. I know him; he knows me,” said the red man. “There has + long been war between us; some day we will settle it. I saw him here first + three years ago. I had shot a duck; it floated on the water. Before I + could get to it something pulled it under, and that was the last of it. + Then a summer duck came with young ones. One by one he took them, and at + last got her. He drives all ducks away, so I set many night lines for him. + I got some little snappers, eight and ten pounds each. They were good to + eat, and three times already I took Bosikado on the hooks, but each time + when I pulled him up to the canoe, he broke my biggest line and went down. + He was as broad as the canoe; his claws broke through the canoe skin; he + made it bulge and tremble. He looked like the devil of the lake. I was + afraid! + </p> + <p> + “But my father taught me there is only one thing that can shame a man—that + is to be afraid, and I said I will never let fear be my guide. I will seek + a fair fight with Bosikado. He is my enemy. He made me afraid once; I will + make him much afraid. For three years we have been watching each other. + For three years he has kept all summer ducks away, and robbed my + fish-lines, my nets, and my muskrat traps. Not often do I see him—mostly + like today. + </p> + <p> + “Before Skookum I had a little dog, Nindai. He was a good little dog. He + could tree a coon, catch a rabbit, or bring out a duck, although he was + very small. We were very good friends. One time I shot a duck; it fell + into the lake; I called Nindai. He jumped into the water and swam to the + duck. Then that duck that I thought dead got up and flew away, so I called + Nindai. He came across the water to me. By and by, over that deep place, + he howled and splashed. Then he yelled, like he wanted me. I ran for the + canoe and paddled quick; I saw my little dog Nindai go down. Then I knew + it was that Bosikado again. I worked a long time with a pole, but found + nothing; only five days later one of Nindai's paws floated down the + stream. Some day I will tear open that Bosikado! + </p> + <p> + “Once I saw him on the bank. He rolled down like a big stone to the water. + He looked at me before he dived, and as we looked in each other's eyes I + knew he was a Manito; but he is evil, and my father said, 'When an evil + Manito comes to trouble you, you must kill him.' + </p> + <p> + “One day, when I swam after a dead duck, he took me by the toe, but I + reached shallow water and escaped him; and once I drove my fish-spear in + his back, but it was not strong enough to hold him. Once he caught + Skookum's tail, but the hair came out; the dog has not since swum across + the pond. + </p> + <p> + “Twice I have seen him like today and might have killed him with the gun, + but I want to meet him fighting. Many a time I have sat on the bank and + sung to him the 'Coward's Song,' and dared him to come and fight in the + shallow water where we are equals. He hears me. He does not come. + </p> + <p> + “I know he made me sick last winter; even now he is making trouble with + his evil magic. But my magic must prevail, and some day we shall meet. He + made me afraid once. I will make him much afraid, and will meet him in the + water.” + </p> + <p> + Not many days were to pass before the meeting. Rolf had gone for water at + the well, which was a hole dug ten feet from the shore of the lake. He had + learned the hunter's cautious trick of going silently and peering about, + before he left cover. On a mud bank in a shallow bay, some fifty yards + off, he described a peculiar gray and greenish form that he slowly made + out to be a huge turtle, sunning itself. The more he looked and gauged it + with things about, the bigger it seemed. So he slunk back quickly and + silently to Quonab. “He is out sunning himself—Bosikado—on the + bank!” + </p> + <p> + The Indian rose quickly, took his tomahawk and a strong line. Rolf reached + for the gun, but Quonab shook his head. They went to the lake. Yes! There + was the great, goggle-eyed monster, like a mud-coloured log. The bank + behind him was without cover. It would be impossible to approach the + watchful creature within striking distance before he could dive. Quonab + would not use the gun; in this case he felt he must atone by making an + equal fight. He quickly formed a plan; he fastened the tomahawk and the + coiled rope to his belt, then boldly and silently slipped into the lake, + to approach the snapper from the water side—quite the easiest in + this case, not only because the snapper would naturally watch on the land + side, but because there was a thick clump of rushes behind which the + swimmer could approach. + </p> + <p> + Then, as instructed, Rolf went back into the woods, and came silently to a + place whence he could watch the snapper from a distance of twenty yards. + </p> + <p> + The boy's heart beat fast as he watched the bold swimmer and the savage + reptile. There could be little doubt that the creature weighed a hundred + pounds. It is the strongest for its size and the fiercest of all reptiles. + Its jaws, though toothless, have cutting edges, a sharp beak, and power to + the crushing of bones. Its armour makes it invulnerable to birds and + beasts of prey. Like a log it lay on the beach, with its long alligator + tail stretched up the bank and its serpentine head and tiny wicked eyes + vigilantly watching the shore. Its shell, broad and ancient, was fringed + with green moss, and its scaly armpits exposed, were decked with leeches, + at which a couple of peetweets pecked with eager interest, apparently to + the monster's satisfaction. Its huge limbs and claws were in marked + contrast to the small, red eyes. But the latter it was that gave the + thrill of unnervement. + </p> + <p> + Sunk down nearly out of sight, the Indian slowly reached the reeds. Here + he found bottom, and pausing, he took the rope in one hand, the tomahawk + in the other, and dived, and when he reappeared he was within ten yards of + the enemy, and in water but four feet deep. + </p> + <p> + With a sudden rush the reptile splashed into the pond and out of sight, + avoiding the rope noose. But Quonab clutched deep in the water as it + passed, and seized the monster's rugged tail. Then it showed its strength. + In a twinkling that mighty tail was swung sidewise, crushing the hand with + terrible force against the sharp-edged points of the back armour. It took + all the Indian's grit to hold on to that knife-edged war club. He dropped + his tomahawk, then with his other hand swung the rope to catch the + turtle's head, but it lurched so quickly that the rope missed again, + slipped over the shell, and, as they struggled, encircled one huge paw. + The Indian jerked it tight, and they were bound together. But now his only + weapon was down at the bottom and the water all muddied. He could not see, + but plunged to grope for the tomahawk. The snapper gave a great lurch to + escape, releasing the injured hand, but jerking the man off his legs. + Then, finding itself held by a forepaw, it turned with gaping, hissing + jaws, and sprang on the foe that struggled in bottom of the water. + </p> + <p> + The snapper has the bulldog habit to seize and hold till the piece tears + out. In the muddy water it had to seize in the dark, and fending first the + left arm of its foe, fastened on with fierce beak and desperate strength. + At this moment Quonab recovered his tomahawk; rising into the air he + dragged up the hanging snapper, and swung the weapon with all the force of + his free arm. The blow sank through the monster's shell, deep into its + back, without any visible effect, except to rob the Indian of his weapon + as he could not draw it out. + </p> + <p> + Then Rolf rushed into the water to help. But Quonab gasped, “No, no, go + back—I'm alone.” + </p> + <p> + The creature's jaws were locked on his arm, but its front claws, tearing + downward and outward, were demolishing the coat that had protected it, and + long lines of mingled blood were floating on the waves. + </p> + <p> + After a desperate plunge toward shallow water, Quonab gave another wrench + to the tomahawk—it moved, loosed; another, and it was free. Then + “chop, chop, chop,” and that long, serpentine neck was severed; the body, + waving its great scaly legs and lashing its alligator tail, went swimming + downward, but the huge head, blinking its bleary, red eyes and streaming + with blood, was clinched on his arm. The Indian made for the bank hauling + the rope that held the living body, and fastened it to a tree, then drew + his knife to cut the jaw muscles of the head that ground its beak into his + flesh. But the muscles were protected by armour plates and bone; he could + not deal a stab to end their power. In vain he fumbled and slashed, until + in a spasmodic quiver the jaws gaped wide and the bloody head fell to the + ground. Again it snapped, but a tree branch bore the brunt; on this the + strong jaws clinched, and so remained. + </p> + <p> + For over an hour the headless body crawled, or tried to crawl, always + toward the lake. And now they could look at the enemy. Not his size so + much as his weight surprised them. Although barely four feet long, he was + so heavy that Rolf could not lift him. Quonab's scratches were many but + slight; only the deep bill wound made his arm and the bruises of the jaws + were at all serious and of these he made light. Headed by Skookum in full + 'yap,' they carried the victim's body to camp; the head, still dutching + the stick, was decorated with three feathers, then set on a pole near the + wigwam. And the burden of the red man's song when next he sang was: + </p> + <p> + “Bosikado, mine enemy was mighty, But I went into his country And made him + afraid!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 14. Selectman Horton Appears at the Rock + </h2> + <p> + Summer was at its height on the Asamuk. The woodthrush was nearing the end + of its song; a vast concourse of young robins in their speckled plumage + joined chattering every night in the thickest cedars; and one or two + broods of young ducks were seen on the Pipestave Pond. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had grown wonderfully well into his wigwam life. He knew now exactly + how to set the flap so as to draw out all the smoke, no matter which way + the wind blew; he had learned the sunset signs, which tell what change of + wind the night might bring. He knew without going to the shore whether the + tide was a little ebb, with poor chances, or a mighty outflow that would + expose the fattest oyster beds. His practiced fingers told at a touch + whether it was a turtle or a big fish on his night line; and by the tone + of the tom-tom he knew when a rainstorm was at hand. + </p> + <p> + Being trained in industry, he had made many improvements in their camp, + not the least of which was to clean up and burn all the rubbish and + garbage that attracted hordes of flies. He had fitted into the camp partly + by changing it to fit himself, and he no longer felt that his stay there + was a temporary shift. When it was to end, he neither knew nor cared. He + realized only that he was enjoying life as he never had done before. His + canoe had passed a lot of rapids and was now in a steady, unbroken stream—but + it was the swift shoot before the fall. A lull in the clamour does not + mean the end of war, but a new onset preparing; and, of course, it came in + the way least looked for. + </p> + <p> + Selectman Horton stood well with the community; he was a man of good + judgment, good position, and kind heart. He was owner of all the woods + along the Asamuk, and thus the Indian's landlord on the Indian's ancestral + land. Both Rolf and Quonab had worked for Horton, and so they knew him + well, and liked him for his goodness. + </p> + <p> + It was Wednesday morning, late in July, when Selectman Horton, + clean-shaven and large, appeared at the wigwam under the rock. + </p> + <p> + “Good morrow to ye both!” Then without wasting time he plunged in. + “There's been some controversy and much criticism of the selectmen for + allowing a white lad, the child of Christian parents, the grandson of a + clergyman, to leave all Christian folk and folds, and herd with a pagan, + to become, as it were, a mere barbarian. I hold not, indeed, with those + that out of hand would condemn as godless a good fellow like Quonab, who, + in my certain knowledge and according to his poor light, doth indeed + maintain in some kind a daily worship of a sort. Nevertheless, the + selectmen, the magistrates, the clergy, the people generally, and above + all the Missionary Society, are deeply moved in the matter. It hath even + been made a personal charge against myself, and with much bitterness I am + held up as unzealous for allowing such a nefarious stronghold of Satan to + continue on mine own demesne, and harbour one, escaped, as it were, from + grace. Acting, therefore, not according to my heart, but as spokesman of + the Town Council, the Synod of Elders, and the Society for the + Promulgation of Godliness among the Heathen, I am to state that you, Rolf + Kittering, being without kinsfolk and under age, are in verity a ward of + the parish, and as such, it hath been arranged that you become a member of + the household of the most worthy Elder Ezekiel Peck, a household filled + with the spirit of estimable piety and true doctrine; a man, indeed, who, + notwithstanding his exterior coldness and severity, is very sound in all + matters regarding the Communion of Saints, and, I may even say in a + measure a man of fame for some most excellent remarks he hath passed on + the shorter catechism, beside which he hath gained much approval for + having pointed out two hidden meanings in the 27th verse of the 12th + chapter of Hebrews; one whose very presence, therefore, is a guarantee + against levity, laxity, and false preachment. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, my good lad, look not so like a colt that feels the whip for + the first time. You will have a good home, imbued with the spirit of a + most excellent piety that will be ever about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a colt feeling the whip,” indeed! Rolf reeled like a stricken deer. + To go back as a chore-boy drudge was possible, but not alluring; to leave + Quonab, just as the wood world was opening to him, was devastating; but to + exchange it all for bondage in the pious household of Old Peck, whose cold + cruelty had driven off all his own children, was an accumulation of + disasters that aroused him. + </p> + <p> + “I won't go!” he blurted out, and gazed defiantly at the broad and + benevolent selectman. + </p> + <p> + “Come now, Rolf, such language is unbecoming. Let not a hasty tongue + betray you into sin. This is what your mother would have wished. Be + sensible; you will soon find it was all for the best. I have ever liked + you, and will ever be a friend you can count on. + </p> + <p> + “Acting, not according to my instructions, but according to my heart, I + will say further that you need not come now, you need not even give answer + now, but think it over. Nevertheless, remember that on or before Monday + morning next, you will be expected to appear at Elder Peck's, and I fear + that, in case you fail, the messenger next arriving will be one much less + friendly than myself. Come now, Rolf, be a good lad, and remember that in + your new home you will at least be living for the glory of God.” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a friendly nod, but an expression of sorrow, the large, black + messenger turned and tramped away. + </p> + <p> + Rolf slowly, limply, sank down on a rock and stared at the fire. After + awhile Quonab got up and began to prepare the mid-day meal. Usually Rolf + helped him. Now he did nothing but sullenly glare at the glowing coals. In + half an hour the food was ready. He ate little; then went away in the + woods by himself. Quonab saw him lying on a flat rock, looking at the + pond, and throwing pebbles into it. Later Quonab went to Myanos. On his + return he found that Rolf had cut up a great pile of wood, but not a word + passed between them. The look of sullen anger and rebellion on Rolf's face + was changing to one of stony despair. What was passing in each mind the + other could not divine. + </p> + <p> + The evening meal was eaten in silence; then Quonab smoked for an hour, + both staring into the fire. A barred owl hooted and laughed over their + heads, causing the dog to jump up and bark at the sound that ordinarily he + would have heeded not at all. Then silence was restored, and the red man's + hidden train of thought was in a flash revealed. + </p> + <p> + “Rolf, let's go to the North Woods!” + </p> + <p> + It was another astounding idea. Rolf had realized more and more how much + this valley meant to Quonab, who worshipped the memory of his people. + </p> + <p> + “And leave all this?” he replied, making a sweep with his hand toward the + rock, the Indian trail, the site of bygone Petuquapen, and the graves of + the tribe. + </p> + <p> + For reply their eyes met, and from the Indian's deep chest came the single + word, “Ugh.” One syllable, deep and descending, but what a tale it told of + the slowly engendered and strong-grown partiality, of a struggle that had + continued since the morning when the selectman came with words of doom, + and of friendship's victory won. + </p> + <p> + Rolf realized this, and it gave him a momentary choking in his throat, + and, “I'm ready if you really mean it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh I go, but some day come back.” + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence, then Rolf, “When shall we start?” and the + answer, “To-morrow night.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 15. Bound for the North Woods + </h2> + <p> + When Quonab left camp in the morning he went heavy laden, and the trail he + took led to Myanos. There was nothing surprising in it when he appeared at + Silas Peck's counter and offered for sale a pair of snowshoes, a bundle of + traps, some dishes of birch bark and basswood, and a tom-tom, receiving in + exchange some tea, tobacco, gunpowder, and two dollars in cash. He turned + without comment, and soon was back in camp. He now took the kettle into + the woods and brought it back filled with bark, fresh chipped from a + butternut tree. Water was added, and the whole boiled till it made a deep + brown liquid. When this was cooled he poured it into a flat dish, then + said to Rolf: “Come now, I make you a Sinawa.” + </p> + <p> + With a soft rag the colour was laid on. Face, head, neck, and hands were + all at first intended, but Rolf said, “May as well do the whole thing.” So + he stripped off; the yellow brown juice on his white skin turned it a rich + copper colour, and he was changed into an Indian lad that none would have + taken for Rolf Kittering. The stains soon dried, and Rolf, re-clothed, + felt that already he had burned a bridge. + </p> + <p> + Two portions of the wigwam cover were taken off; and two packs were made + of the bedding. The tomahawk, bows, arrows, and gun, with the few precious + food pounds in the copper pot, were divided between them and arranged into + packs with shoulder straps; then all was ready. But there was one thing + more for Quonab; he went up alone to the rock. Rolf knew what he went for, + and judged it best not to follow. + </p> + <p> + The Indian lighted his pipe, blew the four smokes to the four winds, + beginning with the west, then he sat in silence for a time. Presently the + prayer for good hunting came from the rock: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Father lead us! + Father, help us! + Father, guide us to the good hunting.” + </pre> + <p> + And when that ceased a barred owl hooted in the woods, away to the north. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! good,” was all he said as he rejoined Rolf; and they set out, as the + sun went down, on their long journey due northward, Quonab, Rolf, and + Skookum. They had not gone a hundred yards before the dog turned back, + raced to a place where he had a bone in cache and rejoining there trotted + along with his bone. + </p> + <p> + The high road would have been the easier travelling, but it was very + necessary to be unobserved, so they took the trail up the brook Asamuk, + and after an hour's tramp came out by the Cat-Rock road that runs + westerly. Again they were tempted by the easy path, but again Quonab + decided on keeping to the woods. Half an hour later they were halted by + Skookum treeing a coon. After they had secured the dog, they tramped on + through the woods for two hours more, and then, some eight miles from the + Pipestave, they halted, Rolf, at least, tired out. It was now midnight. + They made a hasty double bed of the canvas cover over a pole above them, + and slept till morning, cheered, as they closed their drowsy eyes, by the + “Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, yah, hoo,” of their friend, the barred owl, still to + the northward. + </p> + <p> + The sun was high, and Quonab had breakfast ready before Rolf awoke. He was + so stiff with the tramp and the heavy pack that it was with secret joy he + learned that they were to rest, concealed in the woods, that day, and + travel only by night, until in a different region, where none knew or were + likely to stop them. They were now in York State, but that did not by any + means imply that they were beyond pursuit. + </p> + <p> + As the sun rose high, Rolf went forth with his bow and blunt arrows, and + then, thanks largely to Skookum, he succeeded in knocking over a couple of + squirrels, which, skinned and roasted, made their dinner that day. At + night they set out as before, making about ten miles. The third night they + did better, and the next day being Sunday, they kept out of sight. But + Monday morning, bright and clear, although it was the first morning when + they were sure of being missed, they started to tramp openly along the + highway, with a sense of elation that they had not hitherto known on the + joumey. Two things impressed Rolf by their novelty: the curious stare of + the country folk whose houses and teams they passed, and the violent + antagonism of the dogs. Usually the latter could be quelled by shaking a + stick at them, or by pretending to pick up a stone, but one huge and + savage brindled mastiff kept following and barking just out of stick + range, and managed to give Skookum a mauling, until Quonab drew his bow + and let fly a blunt arrow that took the brute on the end of the nose, and + sent him howling homeward, while Skookum got a few highly satisfactory + nips at the enemy's rear. Twenty miles they made that day and twenty-five + the next, for now they were on good roads, and their packs were lighter. + More than once they found kind farmer folk who gave them a meal. But many + times Skookum made trouble for them. The farmers did not like the way he + behaved among their hens. Skookum never could be made to grasp the fine + zoological distinction between partridges which are large birds and fair + game, and hens which are large birds, but not fair game. Such hair + splitting was obviously unworthy of study, much less of acceptance. + </p> + <p> + Soon it was clearly better for Rolf, approaching a house, to go alone, + while Quonab held Skookum. The dogs seemed less excited by Rolf's smell, + and remembering his own attitude when tramps came to one or another of his + ancient homes, he always asked if they would let him work for a meal, and + soon remarked that his success was better when he sought first the women + of the house, and then, smiling to show his very white teeth, spoke in + clear and un-Indian English, which had the more effect coming from an + evident Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Since I am to be an Indian, Quonab, you must give me an Indian name,” he + said after one of these episodes. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! Good! That's easy! You are 'Nibowaka,' the wise one.” For the Indian + had not missed any of the points, and so he was named. + </p> + <p> + Twenty or thirty miles a day they went now, avoiding the settlements along + the river. Thus they saw nothing of Albany, but on the tenth day they + reached Fort Edward, and for the first time viewed the great Hudson. Here + they stayed as short a time as might be, pushed on by Glen's Falls, and on + the eleventh night of the journey they passed the old, abandoned fort, and + sighted the long stretch of Lake George, with its wooded shore, and + glimpses of the mountains farther north. + </p> + <p> + Now a new thought possessed them—“If only they had the canoe that + they had abandoned on the Pipestave.” It came to them both at the sight of + the limit less water, and especially when Rolf remembered that Lake George + joined with Champlain, which again was the highway to all the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + They camped now as they had fifty times before, and made their meal. The + bright blue water dancing near was alluring, inspiring; as they sought the + shore Quonab pointed to a track and said, “Deer.” He did not show much + excitement, but Rolf did, and they returned to the camp fire with a new + feeling of elation—they had reached the Promised Land. Now they must + prepare for the serious work of finding a hunting ground that was not + already claimed. + </p> + <p> + Quonab, remembering the ancient law of the woods, that parcels off the + valleys, each to the hunter first arriving, or succeeding the one who had, + was following his own line of thought. Rolf was puzzling over means to get + an outfit, canoe, traps, axes, and provisions. The boy broke silence. + </p> + <p> + “Quonab, we must have money to get an outfit; this is the beginning of + harvest; we can easily get work for a month. That will feed us and give us + money enough to live on, and a chance to learn something about the + country.” + </p> + <p> + The reply was simple, “You are Nibowaka.” + </p> + <p> + The farms were few and scattered here, but there were one or two along the + lake. To the nearest one with standing grain Rolf led the way. But their + reception, from the first brush with the dog to the final tilt with the + farmer, was unpleasant—“He didn't want any darn red-skins around + there. He had had two St. Regis Indians last year, and they were a couple + of drunken good-for-nothings.” + </p> + <p> + The next was the house of a fat Dutchman, who was just wondering how he + should meet the compounded accumulated emergencies of late hay, early + oats, weedy potatoes, lost cattle, and a prospective increase of his + family, when two angels of relief appeared at his door, in copper-coloured + skins. + </p> + <p> + “Cahn yo work putty goood? + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have always lived on a farm,” and Rolf showed his hands, broad and + heavy for his years. + </p> + <p> + “Cahn yo mebby find my lost cows, which I haf not find, already yet?” + </p> + <p> + Could they! it would be fun to try. + </p> + <p> + “I giff yo two dollars you pring dem putty kvick.” + </p> + <p> + So Quonab took the trail to the woods, and Rolf started into the potatoes + with a hoe, but he was stopped by a sudden outcry of poultry. Alas! It was + Skookum on an ill-judged partridge hunt. A minute later he was + ignominiously chained to a penitential post, nor left it during the + travellers' sojourn. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon Quonab returned with the cattle, and as he told Rolf he + saw five deer, there was an unmistakable hunter gleam in his eye. + </p> + <p> + Three cows in milk, and which had not been milked for two days, was a + serious matter, needing immediate attention. Rolf had milked five cows + twice a day for five years, and a glance showed old Van Trumper that the + boy was an expert. + </p> + <p> + “Good, good! I go now make feed swine.” + </p> + <p> + He went into the outhouse, but a tow-topped, redcheeked girl ran after + him. “Father, father, mother says—” and the rest was lost. + </p> + <p> + “Myn Hemel! Myn Hemel! I thought it not so soon,” and the fat Dutchman + followed the child. A moment later he reappeared, his jolly face clouded + with a look of grave concern. “Hi yo big Injun, yo cahn paddle canoe?” + Quonab nodded. “Den coom. Annette, pring Tomas und Hendrik.” So the father + carried two-year-old Hendrik, while the Indian carried six-year-old Tomas, + and twelve-year-old Annette followed in vague, uncomprehended alarm. + Arrived at the shore the children were placed in the canoe, and then the + difficulties came fully to the father's mind—he could not leave his + wife. He must send the children with the messenger—In a sort of + desperation, “Cahn you dem childen take to de house across de lake, and + pring back Mrs. Callan? Tell her Marta Van Trumper need her right now + mooch very kvick.” The Indian nodded. Then the father hesitated, but a + glance at the Indian was enough. Something said, “He is safe,” and in + spite of sundry wails from the little ones left with a dark stranger, he + pushed off the canoe: “Yo take care for my babies,” and turned his + brimming eyes away. + </p> + <p> + The farmhouse was only two miles off, and the evening calm; no time was + lost: what woman will not instantly drop all work and all interests, to + come to the help of another in the trial time of motherhood? + </p> + <p> + Within an hour the neighbour's wife was holding hands with the mother of + the banished tow-heads. He who tempers the wind and appoints the season of + the wild deer hinds had not forgotten the womanhood beyond the reach of + skilful human help, and with the hard and lonesome life had conjoined a + sweet and blessed compensation. What would not her sister of the city give + for such immunity; and long before that dark, dread hour of night that + brings the ebbing life force low, the wonderful miracle was complete; + there was another tow-top in the settler's home, and all was well. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 16. Life with the Dutch Settler + </h2> + <p> + The Indians slept in the luxuriant barn of logs, with blankets, plenty of + hay, and a roof. They were more than content, for now, on the edge of the + wilderness, they were very close to wild life. Not a day or a night passed + without bringing proof of that. + </p> + <p> + One end of the barn was portioned off for poultry. In this the working + staff of a dozen hens were doing their duty, which, on that first night of + the “brown angels' visit,” consisted of silent slumber, when all at once + the hens and the new hands were aroused by a clamorous cackling, which + speedily stopped. It sounded like a hen falling in a bad dream, then + regaining her perch to go to sleep again. But next morning the body of one + of these highly esteemed branches of the egg-plant was found in the + corner, partly devoured. Quonab examined the headless hen, the dust + around, and uttered the word, “Mink.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf said, “Why not skunk?” + </p> + <p> + “Skunk could not climb to the perch.” + </p> + <p> + “Weasel then.” + </p> + <p> + “Weasel would only suck the blood, and would kill three or four.” + </p> + <p> + “Coon would carry him away, so would fox or wildcat, and a marten would + not come into the building by night.” + </p> + <p> + There was no question, first, that it was a mink, and, second, that he was + hiding about the barn until the hunger pang should send him again to the + hen house. Quonab covered the hen's body with two or three large stones so + that there was only one approach. In the way of this approach he buried a + “number one” trap. + </p> + <p> + That night they were aroused again; this time by a frightful screeching, + and a sympathetic, inquiring cackle from the fowls. + </p> + <p> + Arising, quickly they entered with a lantem. Rolf then saw a sight that + gave him a prickling in his hair. The mink, a large male, was caught by + one front paw. He was writhing and foaming, tearing, sometimes at the + trap, sometimes at the dead hen, and sometimes at his own imprisoned foot, + pausing now and then to utter the most ear-piercing shrieks, then falling + again in crazy animal fury on the trap, splintering his sharp white teeth, + grinding the cruel metal with bruised and bloody jaws, frothing, snarling, + raving mad. As his foemen entered he turned on them a hideous visage of + inexpressible fear and hate, rage and horror. His eyes glanced back green + fire in the lantern light; he strained in renewed efforts to escape; the + air was rank with his musky smell. The impotent fury of his struggle made + a picture that continued in Rolf's mind. Quonab took a stick and with a + single blow put an end to the scene, but never did Rolf forget it, and + never afterward was he a willing partner when the trapping was done with + those relentless jaws of steel. + </p> + <p> + A week later another hen was missing, and the door of the hen house left + open. After a careful examination of the dust, inside and out of the + building, Quonab said, “Coon.” It is very unusual for coons to raid a hen + house. Usually it is some individual with abnormal tastes, and once he + begins, he is sure to come back. The Indian judged that he might be back + the next night, so prepared a trap. A rope was passed from the door latch + to a tree; on this rope a weight was hung, so that the door was + selfshutting, and to make it self-locking he leaned a long pole against it + inside. Now he propped it open with a single platform, so set that the + coon must walk on it once he was inside, and so release the door. The + trappers thought they would hear in the night when the door closed, but + they were sleepy; they knew nothing until next morning. Then they found + that the self-shutter had shut, and inside, crouched in one of the nesting + boxes, was a tough, old fighting coon. Strange to tell, he had not touched + a second hen. As soon as he found himself a prisoner he had experienced a + change of heart, and presently his skin was nailed on the end of the barn + and his meat was hanging in the larder. + </p> + <p> + “Is this a marten,” asked little Annette. And when told not, her + disappointment elicited the information that old Warren, the storekeeper, + had promised her a blue cotton dress for a marten skin. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the first one I catch,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + Life in Van Trumper's was not unpleasant. The mother was going about again + in a week. Annette took charge of the baby, as well as of the previous + arrivals. Hendrik senior was gradually overcoming his difficulties, thanks + to the unexpected help, and a kindly spirit made the hard work not so very + hard. The shyness that was at first felt toward the Indians wore off, + especially in the case of Rolf, he was found so companionable; and the + Dutchman, after puzzling over the combination of brown skin and blue eyes, + decided that Rolf was a half-breed. + </p> + <p> + August wore on not unpleasantly for the boy, but Quonab was getting + decidedly restless. He could work for a week as hard as any white man, but + his race had not risen to the dignity of patient, unremitting, life-long + toil. + </p> + <p> + “How much money have we now, Nibowaka?” was one of the mid-August + indications of restlessness. Rolf reckoned up; half a month for Quonab, + $15.00; for himself, $10.00; for finding the cows $2.00—$27.00 in + all. Not enough. + </p> + <p> + Three days later Quonab reckoned up again. Next day he said: “We need two + months' open water to find a good country and build a shanty.” Then did + Rolf do the wise thing; he went to fat Hendrik and told him all about it. + They wanted to get a canoe and an outfit, and seek for a trapping or + hunting ground that would not encroach on those already possessed, for the + trapping law is rigid; even the death penalty is not considered too high + in certain cases of trespass, provided the injured party is ready to be + judge, jury, and executioner. Van Trumper was able to help them not a + little in the matter of location—there was no use trying on the + Vermont side, nor anywhere near Lake Champlain, nor near Lake George; + neither was it worth while going to the far North, as the Frenchmen came + in there, and they were keen hunters, so that Hamilton County was more + promising than any other, but it was almost inaccessible, remote from all + the great waterways, and of course without roads; its inaccessibility was + the reason why it was little known. So far so good; but happy Hendrik was + unpleasantly surprised to learn that the new help were for leaving at + once. Finally he made this offer: If they would stay till September first, + and so leave all in “good shape fer der vinter,” he would, besides the + wages agreed, give them the canoe, one axe, six mink traps, and a fox trap + now hanging in the barn, and carry them in his wagon as far as the + Five-mile portage from Lake George to Schroon River, down which they could + go to its junction with the upper Hudson, which, followed up through forty + miles of rapids and hard portages, would bring them to a swampy river that + enters from the southwest, and ten miles up this would bring them to + Jesup's Lake, which is two miles wide and twelve miles long. This country + abounded with game, but was so hard to enter that after Jesup's death it + was deserted. + </p> + <p> + There was only one possible answer to such an offer—they stayed. + </p> + <p> + In spare moments Quonab brought the canoe up to the barn, stripped off + some weighty patches of bark and canvas and some massive timber thwarts, + repaired the ribs, and when dry and gummed, its weight was below one + hundred pounds; a saving of at least forty pounds on the soggy thing he + crossed the lake in that first day on the farm. + </p> + <p> + September came. Early in the morning Quonab went alone to the lakeside; + there on a hill top he sat, looking toward the sunrise, and sang a song of + the new dawn, beating, not with a tom-tom—he had none—but with + one stick on another. And when the sunrise possessed the earth he sang + again the hunter's song: + </p> + <p> + “Father, guide our feet, Lead us to the good hunting.” + </p> + <p> + Then he danced to the sound, his face skyward, his eyes closed, his feet + barely raised, but rythmically moved. So went he three times round to the + chant in three sun circles, dancing a sacred measure, as royal David might + have done that day when he danced around the Ark of the Covenant on its + homeward joumey. His face was illumined, and no man could have seen him + then without knowing that this was a true heart's worship of a true God, + who is in all things He has made. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 17. Canoeing on the Upper Hudson + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There is only one kind of a man I can't size up; that's the + faller that shets up and says nothing.—Sayings of Si + Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + A settler named Hulett had a scow that was borrowed by the neighbours + whenever needed to take a team across the lake. On the morning of their + journey, the Dutchman's team and wagon, the canoe and the men, were aboard + the scow, Skookum took his proper place at the prow, and all was ready for + “Goodbye.” Rolf found it a hard word to say. The good old Dutch mother had + won his heart, and the children were like his brothers and sisters. + </p> + <p> + “Coom again, lad; coom and see us kvick.” She kissed him, he kissed + Annette and the three later issues. They boarded the scow to ply the poles + till the deep water was reached, then the oars. An east wind springing up + gave them a chance to profit by a wagon-cover rigged as a sail, and two + hours later the scow was safely landed at West Side, where was a country + store, and the head of the wagon road to the Schroon River. + </p> + <p> + As they approached the door, they saw a rough-looking man slouching + against the building, his hands in his pockets, his blear eyes taking in + the new-comers with a look of contemptuous hostility. As they passed, he + spat tobacco juice on the dog and across the feet of the men. + </p> + <p> + Old Warren who kept the store was not partial to Indians, but he was a + good friend of Hendrik and very keen to trade for fur, so the new trappers + were well received; and now came the settling of accounts. Flour, oatmeal, + pork, potatoes, tea, tobacco, sugar, salt, powder, ball, shot, clothes, + lines, an inch-auger, nails, knives, awls, needles, files, another axe, + some tin plates, and a frying pan were selected and added to Hendrik's + account. + </p> + <p> + “If I was you, I'd take a windy-sash; you'll find it mighty convenient in + cold weather.” The store keeper led them into an outhouse where was a pile + of six-lighted window-frames all complete. So the awkward thing was added + to their load. + </p> + <p> + “Can't I sell you a fine rifle?” and he took down a new, elegant small + bore of the latest pattern. “Only twenty-five dollars.” Rolf shook his + head; “part down, and I'll take the rest in fur next spring.” Rolf was + sorely tempted; however, he had an early instilled horror of debt. He + steadfastly said: “No.” But many times he regretted it afterward! The + small balance remaining was settled in cash. + </p> + <p> + As they were arranging and selecting, they heard a most hideous yelping + outdoors, and a minute later Skookum limped in, crying as if half-killed. + Quonab was out in a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Did you kick my dog?” + </p> + <p> + The brutal loafer changed countenance as he caught the red man's eye. + “Naw! never touched him; hurted himself on that rake.” + </p> + <p> + It was obviously a lie, but better to let it pass, and Quonab came in + again. + </p> + <p> + Then the rough stranger appeared at the door and growled: “Say, Warren! + ain't you going to let me have that rifle? I guess my word's as good as + the next man's.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Warren; “I told you, no!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you can go to blazes, and you'll never see a cent's worth of fur + from the stuff I got last year.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't expect to,” was the reply; “I've learned what your word's worth.” + And the stranger slouched away. + </p> + <p> + “Who vas he?” asked Hendrik. + </p> + <p> + “I only know that his name is Jack Hoag; he's a little bit of a trapper + and a big bit of a bum; stuck me last year. He doesn't come out this way; + they say he goes out by the west side of the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + New light on their course was secured from Warren, and above all, the + important information that the mouth of Jesup's River was marked by an + eagle's nest in a dead pine. “Up to that point keep the main stream, and + don't forget next spring I'm buying fur.” + </p> + <p> + The drive across Five-mile portage was slow. It took over two hours to + cover it, but late that day they reached the Schroon. + </p> + <p> + Here the Dutchman said “Good-bye: Coom again some noder time.” Skookum + saluted the farmer with a final growl, then Rolf and Quonab were left + alone in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + It was after sundown, so they set about camping for the night. A wise + camper always prepares bed and shelter in daylight, if possible. While + Rolf made a fire and hung the kettle, Quonab selected a level, dry place + between two trees, and covered it with spruce boughs to make the beds, and + last a low tent was made by putting the lodge cover over a pole between + the trees. The ends of the covers were held down by loose green logs + quickly cut for the purpose, and now they were safe against weather. + </p> + <p> + Tea, potatoes, and fried pork, with maple syrup and hard-tack, made their + meal of the time, after which there was a long smoke. Quonab took a stick + of red willow, picked up-in the daytime, and began shaving it toward one + end, leaving the curling shreds still on the stick. When these were + bunched in a fuzzy mop, he held them over the fire until they were roasted + brown; then, grinding all up in his palm with some tobacco, and filling + his pipe he soon was enveloped in that odour of woodsy smoke called the + “Indian smell,” by many who do not know whence or how it comes. Rolf did + not smoke. He had promised his mother that he would not until he was a + man, and something brought her back home now with overwhelming force; that + was the beds they had made of fragrant balsam boughs. “Cho-ko-tung or + blister tree” as Quonab called it. His mother had a little sofa pillow, + brought from the North—a “northern pine” pillow they called it, for + it was stuffed with pine needles of a kind not growing in Connecticut. + Many a time had Rolf as a baby pushed his little round nose into that bag + to inhale the delicious odour it gave forth, and so it became the hallowed + smell of all that was dear in his babyhood, and it never lost its potency. + Smell never does. Oh, mighty aura! that, in marching by the nostrils, can + reach and move the soul; how wise the church that makes this power its + handmaid, and through its incense overwhelms all alien thought when the + worshipper, wandering, doubting, comes again to see if it be true, that + here doubt dies. Oh, queen of memory that is master of the soul! how + fearful should we be of letting evil thought associated grow with some + recurrent odour that we love. Happy, indeed, are they that find some ten + times pure and consecrated fragrance, like the pine, which entering in is + master of their moods, and yet through linking thoughts has all its power, + uplifting, full of sweetness and blessed peace. So came to Rolf his + medicine tree. + </p> + <p> + The balsam fir was his tree of hallowed memory. Its odour never failed, + and he slept that night with its influence all about him. + </p> + <p> + Starting in the morning was no easy matter. There was so much to be + adjusted that first day. Packs divided in two, new combinations to trim + the canoe, or to raise such and such a package above a possible leak. The + heavy things, like axes and pans, had to be fastened to the canoe or to + packages that would float in case of an upset. The canoe itself had to be + gummed in one or two places; but they got away after three hours, and + began the voyage down the Schroon. + </p> + <p> + This was Rolf's first water journey. He had indeed essayed the canoe on + the Pipestave Pond, but that was a mere ferry. This was real travel. He + marvelled at the sensitiveness of the frail craft; the delicacy of its + balance; its quick response to the paddle; the way it seemed to shrink + from the rocks; and the unpleasantly suggestive bend-up of the ribs when + the bottom grounded upon a log. It was a new world for him. Quonab taught + him never to enter the canoe except when she was afloat; never to rise in + her or move along without hold of the gunwale; never to make a sudden + move; and he also learned that it was easier to paddle when there were six + feet of water underneath than when only six inches. + </p> + <p> + In an hour they had covered the five miles that brought them to the + Hudson, and here the real labour began, paddling up stream. Before long + they came to a shallow stretch with barely enough water to float the + canoe. Here they jumped out and waded in the stream, occasionally lifting + a stone to one side, till they reached the upper stretch of deep water and + again went merrily paddling. Soon they came to an impassable rapid, and + Rolf had his first taste of a real carry or portage. Quonab's eye was + watching the bank as soon as the fierce waters appeared; for the first + question was, where shall we land? and the next, how far do we carry? + There are no rapids on important rivers in temperate America that have not + been portaged more or less for ages. No canoe man portages without + considering most carefully when, where, and how to land. His selection of + the place, then, is the result of careful study. He cannot help leaving + some mark at the place, slight though it be, and the next man looks for + that mark to save himself time and trouble. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh” was the only sound that Rolf heard from his companion, and the canoe + headed for a flat rock in the pool below the rapids. After landing, they + found traces of an old camp fire. It was near noon now, so Rolf prepared + the meal while Quonab took a light pack and went on to learn the trail. It + was not well marked; had not been used for a year or two, evidently, but + there are certain rules that guide one. The trail keeps near the water, + unless there is some great natural barrier, and it is usually the easiest + way in sight. Quonab kept one eye on the river, for navigable water was + the main thing, and in about one hundred yards he was again on the + stream's edge, at a good landing above the rapid. + </p> + <p> + After the meal was finished and the Indian had smoked, they set to work. + In a few loads each, the stuff was portaged across, and the canoe was + carried over and moored to the bank. + </p> + <p> + The cargo replaced, they went on again, but in half an hour after passing + more shoal water, saw another rapid, not steep, but too shallow to float + the canoe, even with both men wading. Here Quonab made what the Frenchmen + call a demi-charge. He carried half the stuff to the bank; then, wading, + one at each end, they hauled the canoe up the portage and reloaded her + above. Another strip of good going was succeeded by a long stretch of very + swift water that was two or three feet deep and between shores that were + densely grown with alders. The Indian landed, cut two light, strong poles, + and now, one at the bow, the other at the stern, they worked their way + foot by foot up the fierce current until safely on the upper level. + </p> + <p> + Yet one more style of canoe propulsion was forced on them. They came to a + long stretch of smooth, deep, very swift water, almost a rapid-one of the + kind that is a joy when you are coming down stream. It differed from the + last in having shores that were not alder-hidden, but open gravel banks. + Now did Quonab take a long, strong line from his war sack. One end he + fastened, not to the bow, but to the forward part of the canoe, the other + to a buckskin band which he put across his breast. Then, with Rolf in the + stern to steer and the Indian hauling on the bank, the canoe was safely + “tracked” up the “strong waters.” + </p> + <p> + Thus they fought their way up the hard river, day after day, making + sometimes only five miles after twelve hours' toilsome travel. Rapids, + shoals, portages, strong waters, abounded, and before they had covered the + fifty miles to the forks of Jesup's River, they knew right well why the + region was so little entered. + </p> + <p> + It made a hardened canoe man of Rolf, and when, on the evening of the + fifth day, they saw a huge eagle's nest in a dead pine tree that stood on + the edge of a long swamp, both felt they had reached their own country, + and were glad. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 18. Animal Life Along the River + </h2> + <p> + It must not be supposed that, because it has been duly mentioned, they saw + no wild life along the river. The silent canoe man has the best of + opportunities. There were plenty of deer tracks about the first camp, and + that morning, as they turned up the Hudson, Rolf saw his first deer. They + had rounded a point in rather swift water when Quonab gave two taps on the + gunwale, the usual sign, “Look out,” and pointed to the shore. There, + fifty yards away on bank, gazing at them, was a deer. Stock still he stood + like a red statue, for he was yet in the red coat. With three or four + strong strokes, Quonab gave a long and mighty forward spurt; then reached + for his gun. But the deer's white flag went up. It turned and bounded + away, the white flag the last thing to disappear. Rolf sat spellbound. It + was so sudden; so easy; it soon melted into the woods again. He trembled + after it was gone. + </p> + <p> + Many a time in the evening they saw muskrats in the eddies, and once they + glimpsed a black, shiny something like a monstrous leech rolling up and + down as it travelled in the stream. Quonab whispered, “Otter,” and made + ready his gun, but it dived and showed itself no more. At one of the camps + they were awakened by an extraordinary tattoo in the middle of the night—a + harsh rattle close by their heads; and they got up to find that a + porcupine was rattling his teeth on the frying-pan in an effort to + increase the amount of salt that he could taste on it. Skookum, tied to a + tree, was vainly protesting against the intrusion and volunteered to make + a public example of the invader. The campers did not finally get rid of + the spiny one till all their kitchen stuff was hung beyond his reach. + </p> + <p> + Once they heard the sharp, short bark of a fox, and twice or thrice the + soft, sweet, moaning call of the gray wolf out to hunt. Wild fowl + abounded, and their diet was varied by the ducks that one or other of the + hunters secured at nearly every camp. + </p> + <p> + On the second day they saw three deer, and on the third morning Quonab + loaded his gun with buckshot, to be ready, then sallied forth at dawn. + Rolf was following, but the Indian shook his head, then said: “Don't make + fire for half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + In twenty minutes Rolf heard the gun, then later the Indian returned with + a haunch of venison, and when they left that camp they stopped a mile up + the river to add the rest of the venison to their cargo. Seven other deer + were seen, but no more killed; yet Rolf was burning to try his hand as a + hunter. Many other opportunities he had, and improved some of them. On one + wood portage he, or rather Skookum, put up a number of ruffed grouse. + These perched in the trees above their heads and the travellers stopped. + While the dog held their attention Rolf with blunt arrows knocked over + five that proved most acceptable as food. But his thoughts were now on + deer, and his ambition was to go out alone and return with a load of + venison. + </p> + <p> + Another and more thrilling experience followed quickly. Rounding a bend in + the early dawn they sighted a black bear and two cubs rambling along the + gravelly bank and stopping now and then to eat something that turned out + to be crayfish. + </p> + <p> + Quonab had not seen a bear since childhood, when he and his father hunted + along the hardwood ridges back of Myanos, and now he was excited. He + stopped paddling, warned Rolf to do the same, and let the canoe drift + backward until out of sight; then made for the land. Quickly tying up the + canoe he took his gun and Rolf his hunting arrows, and, holding Skookum in + a leash, they dashed into the woods. Then, keeping out of sight, they ran + as fast and as silently as possible in the direction of the bears. Of + course, the wind was toward the hunters, or they never could have got so + near. Now they were opposite the family group and needed only a chance for + a fair shot. Sneaking forward with the utmost caution, they were surely + within twenty-five yards, but still the bushes screened the crab-eaters. + As the hunters sneaked, the old bear stopped and sniffed suspiciously; the + wind changed, she got an unmistakable whiff; then gave a loud warning + “Koff! Koff! Koff! Koff!” and ran as fast as she could. The hunters + knowing they were discovered rushed out, yelling as loudly as possible, in + hopes of making the bears tree. The old bear ran like a horse with Skookum + yapping bravely in her rear. The young ones, left behind, lost sight of + her, and, utterly bewildered by the noise, made for a tree conveniently + near and scrambled up into the branches. “Now,” Rolf thought, judging by + certain tales he had heard, “that old bear will come back and there will + be a fight.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she coming back?” he asked nervously. + </p> + <p> + The Indian laughed. “No, she is running yet. Black bear always a coward; + they never fight when they can run away.” + </p> + <p> + The little ones up the tree were, of course, at the mercy of the hunters, + and in this case it was not a broken straw they depended on, but an ample + salvation. “We don't need the meat and can't carry it with us; let's leave + them,” said Rolf, but added, “Will they find their mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, bime-by; they come down and squall all over woods. She will hang + round half a mile away and by night all will be together.” + </p> + <p> + Their first bear hunt was over. Not a shot fired, not a bear wounded, not + a mile travelled, and not an hour lost. And yet it seemed much more full + of interesting thrills than did any one of the many stirring bear hunts + that Rolf and Quonab shared together in the days that were to come. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 19. The Footprint on the Shore + </h2> + <p> + Jesup's River was a tranquil stream that came from a region of swamps, and + would have been easy canoeing but for the fallen trees. Some of these had + been cut years ago, showing that the old trapper had used this route. Once + they were unpleasantly surprised by seeing a fresh chopping on the bank, + but their mourning was changed into joy when they found it was + beaver-work. + </p> + <p> + Ten miles they made that day. In the evening they camped on the shore of + Jesup's Lake, proud and happy in the belief that they were the rightful + owners of it all. That night they heard again and again the howling of + wolves, but it seemed on the far side of the lake. In the morning they + went out on foot to explore, and at once had the joy of seeing five deer, + while tracks showed on every side. It was evidently a paradise for deer, + and there were in less degree the tracks of other animals—mink in + fair abundance, one or two otters, a mountain lion, and a cow moose with + her calf. It was thrilling to see such a feast of possibilities. The + hunters were led on and on, revelling in the prospect of many joys before + them, when all at once they came on something that turned their joy to + grief—the track of a man; the fresh imprint of a cowhide boot. It + was maddening. At first blush, it meant some other trapper ahead of them + with a prior claim to the valley; a claim that the unwritten law would + allow. They followed it a mile. It went striding along the shore at a + great pace, sometimes running, and keeping down the west shore. Then they + found a place where he had sat down and broken a lot of clam shells, and + again had hastened on. But there was no mark of gunstock or other weapon + where he sat; and why was he wearing boots? The hunters rarely did. + </p> + <p> + For two miles the Indian followed with Rolf, and sometimes found that the + hated stranger had been running hard. Then they turned back, terribly + disappointed. At first it seemed a crushing blow. They had three courses + open to them—to seek a location farther north, to assume that one + side of the lake was theirs, or to find out exactly who and what the + stranger was. They decided on the last. The canoe was launched and loaded, + and they set out to look for what they hoped they would not find, a + trapper's shanty on the lake. + </p> + <p> + After skirting the shore for four or five miles and disturbing one or two + deer, as well as hosts of ducks, the voyagers landed and there still they + found that fateful bootmark steadily tramping southward. By noon they had + reached the south end of the west inlet that leads to another lake, and + again an examination of the shore showed the footmarks, here leaving the + lake and going southerly. Now the travellers retired to the main lake and + by noon had reached the south end. At no point had they seen any sign of a + cabin, though both sides of the lake were in plain view all day. The + travelling stranger was a mystery, but he did not live here and there was + no good reason why they should not settle. + </p> + <p> + Where? The country seemed equally good at all points, but it is usually + best to camp on an outlet. Then when a storm comes up, the big waves do + not threaten your canoe, or compel you to stay on land. It is a favourite + crossing for animals avoiding the lake, and other trappers coming in are + sure to see your cabin before they enter. + </p> + <p> + Which side of the outlet? Quonab settled that—the west. He wanted to + see the sun rise, and, not far back from the water, was a hill with a + jutting, rocky pinnade. He pointed to this and uttered the one word, + “Idaho.” Here, then, on the west side, where the lake enters the river, + they began to clear the ground for their home. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 20. The Trappers' Cabin + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It's a smart fellow that knows what he can't do.—Sayings of + Si Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + I suppose every trapper that ever lived, on first building a cabin, said, + “Oh, any little thing will do, so long as it has a roof and is big enough + to lie down in.” And every trapper has realized before spring that he made + a sad mistake in not having it big enough to live in and store goods in. + Quonab and Rolf were new at the business, and made the usual mistake. They + planned their cabin far too small; 10 X 12 ft., instead of 12 X 20 ft. + they made it, and 6-ft. walls, instead of 8-ft. walls. Both were expert + axemen. Spruce was plentiful and the cabin rose quickly. In one day the + walls were up. An important thing was the roof. What should it be? + Overlapping basswood troughs, split shingles, also called shakes, or clay? + By far the easiest to make, the warmest in winter and coolest in summer, + is the clay roof. It has three disadvantages: It leaks in long-continued + wet weather; it drops down dust and dirt in dry weather; and is so heavy + that it usually ends by crushing in the log rafters and beams, unless they + are further supported on posts, which are much in the way. But its + advantages were so obvious that the builders did not hesitate. A clay roof + it was to be. + </p> + <p> + When the walls were five feet high, the doorway and window were cut + through the logs, but leaving in each case one half of the log at the + bottom of the needed opening. The top log was now placed, then rolled over + bottom up, while half of its thickness was cut away to fit over the door: + a similar cut out was made over the window. Two flat pieces of spruce were + prepared for door jambs and two shorter ones for window jambs. Auger holes + were put through, so as to allow an oak pin to be driven through the jamb + into each log, and the doorway and window opening were done. + </p> + <p> + In one corner they planned a small fireplace, built of clay and stone. Not + stone from the lake, as Rolf would have had it, but from the hillside; and + why? Quonab said that the lake stone was of the water spirits, and would + not live near fire, but would burst open; while the hillside stone was of + the sun and fire spirit, and in the fire would add its heat. + </p> + <p> + The facts are that lake stone explodes when greatly heated and hill stone + does not; and since no one has been able to improve upon Quonab's + explanation, it must stand for the present. + </p> + <p> + The plan of the fireplace was simple. Rolf had been present at the + building of several, and the main point was to have the chimney large + enough, and the narrowest point just above the fire. + </p> + <p> + The eaves logs, end logs, and ridge logs were soon in place; then came the + cutting of small poles, spruce and tamarack, long enough to reach from + ridge to eaves, and in sufficient number to completely cover the roof. A + rank sedge meadow near by afforded plenty of coarse grass with which the + poles were covered deeply; and lastly clay dug out with a couple of + hand-made, axe-hewn wooden spades was thrown evenly on the grass to a + depth of six inches; this, when trampled flat, made a roof that served + them well. + </p> + <p> + The chinks of the logs when large were filled with split pieces of wood; + when small they were plugged with moss. A door was made of hewn planks, + and hinged very simply on two pins; one made by letting the plank project + as a point, the other by nailing on a pin after the door was placed; both + pins fitting, of course, into inch auger holes. + </p> + <p> + A floor was not needed, but bed bunks were, and in making these they began + already to realize that the cabin was too small. But now after a week's + work it was done. It had a sweet fragrance of wood and moss, and the + pleasure it gave to Rolf at least was something he never again could + expect to find in equal measure about any other dwelling he might make. + </p> + <p> + Quonab laid the fire carefully, then lighted his pipe, sang a little + crooning song about the “home spirits,” which we call “household gods,” + walked around the shanty, offering the pipestem to each of the four winds + in turn, then entering lighted the fire from his pipe, threw some tobacco + and deer hair on the blaze, and the house-warming was ended. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, they continued to sleep in the tent they had used all along, + for Quonab loved not the indoors, and Rolf was growing daily more of his + mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 21. Rolf's First Deer + </h2> + <p> + Anxious to lose no fine day they had worked steadily on the shanty, not + even going after the deer that were seen occasionally over the lake, so + that now they were out of fresh meat, and Rolf saw a chance he long had + looked for. “Quonab, I want to go out alone and get a deer, and I want + your gun. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! you shall go. To-night is good.” + </p> + <p> + “To-night” meant evening, so Rolf set out alone as soon as the sun was + low, for during the heat of the day the deer are commonly lying in some + thicket. In general, he knew enough to travel up wind, and to go as + silently as possible. The southwest wind was blowing softly, and so he + quickened his steps southwesterly which meant along the lake. Tracks and + signs abounded; it was impossible to follow any one trail. His plan was to + keep on silently, trusting to luck, nor did he have long to wait. Across a + little opening of the woods to the west he saw a movement in the bushes, + but it ceased, and he was in doubt whether the creature, presumably a + deer, was standing there or had gone on. “Never quit till you are sure,” + was one of Quonab's wise adages. Rolf was bound to know what it was that + had moved. So he stood still and waited. A minute passed; another; many; a + long time; and still he waited, but got no further sign of life from the + bush. Then he began to think he was mistaken; yet it was good huntercraft + to find out what that was. He tried the wind several times, first by + wetting his finger, which test said “southwest”; second, by tossing up + some handfuls of dried grass, which said “yes, southwest, but veering + southerly in this glade.” So he knew he might crawl silently to the north + side of that bush. He looked to the priming of his gun and began a slow + and stealthy stalk, selecting such openings as might be passed without + effort or movement of bushes or likelihood of sound. He worked his way + step by step; each time his foot was lifted he set it down again only + after trying the footing. At each step he paused to look and listen. It + was only one hundred yards to the interesting spot, but Rolf was fifteen + minutes in covering the distance, and more than once, he got a great start + as a chicadee flew out or a woodpecker tapped. His heart beat louder and + louder, so it seemed everything near must hear; but he kept on his careful + stalk, and at last had reached the thicket that had given him such thrills + and hopes. Here he stood and watched for a full minute. Again he tried the + wind, and proceeded to circle slowly to the west of the place. + </p> + <p> + After a long, tense crawl of twenty yards he came on the track and sign of + a big buck, perfectly fresh, and again his heart worked harder; it seemed + to be pumping his neck full of blood, so he was choking. He judged it best + to follow this hot trail for a time, and holding his gun ready cocked he + stepped softly onward. A bluejay cried out, “jay, jay!” with startling + loudness, and seemingly enjoyed his pent-up excitement. A few steps + forward at slow, careful stalk, and then behind him he heard a loud + whistling hiss. Instantly turning he found himself face to face with a + great, splendid buck in the short blue coat. There not thirty yards away + he stood, the creature he had been stalking so long, in plain view now, + broadside on. They gazed each at the other, perfectly still for a few + seconds, then Rolf without undue movement brought the gun to bear, and + still the buck stood gazing. The gun was up, but oh, how disgustingly it + wabbled and shook! and the steadier Rolf tried to bold it, the more it + trembled, until from that wretched gun the palsy spread all over his body; + his breath came tremulously, his legs and arms were shaking, and at last, + as the deer moved its head to get a better view and raised its tail, the + lad, making an effort at selfcontrol, pulled the trigger. Bang! and the + buck went lightly bounding out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Poor Rolf; how disgusted he felt; positively sick with self-contempt. + Thirty yards, standing, broadside on, full daylight, a big buck, a clean + miss. Yes, there was the bullet hole in a tree, five feet above the deer's + head. “I'm no good; I'll never be a hunter,” he groaned, then turned and + slowly tramped back to camp. Quonab looked inquiringly, for, of course, he + heard the shot. He saw a glum and sorry-looking youth, who in response to + his inquiring look gave merely a head-shake, and hung up the gun with a + vicious bang. + </p> + <p> + Quonab took down the gun, wiped it out, reloaded it, then turning to the + boy said: “Nibowaka, you feel pretty sick. Ugh! You know why? You got a + good chance, but you got buck fever. It is always so, every one the first + time. You go again to-morrow and you get your deer.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf made no reply. So Quonab ventured, “You want me to go?” That settled + it for Rolf; his pride was touched. + </p> + <p> + “No; I'll go again in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + In the dew time he was away once more on the hunting trail. There was no + wind, but the southwest was the likeliest to spring up. So he went nearly + over his last night's track. He found it much easier to go silently now + when all the world was dew wet, and travelled quickly. Past the fateful + glade he went, noted again the tree torn several feet too high up, and on. + Then the cry of a bluejay rang out; this is often a notification of deer + at hand. It always is warning of something doing, and no wise hunter + ignores it. + </p> + <p> + Rolf stood for a moment listening and peering. He thought he heard a + scraping sound; then again the bluejay, but the former ceased and the + jay-note died in the distance. He crept cautiously on again for a few + minutes; another opening appeared. He studied this from a hiding place; + then far across he saw a little flash near the ground. His heart gave a + jump; he studied the place, saw again the flash and then made out the head + of a deer, a doe that was lying in the long grass. The flash was made by + its ear shaking off a fly. Rolf looked to his priming, braced himself, got + fully ready, then gave a short, sharp whistle; instantly the doe rose to + her feet; then another appeared, a sinal one; then a young buck; all stood + gazing his way. + </p> + <p> + Up went the gun, but again its muzzle began to wabble. Rolf lowered it, + said grimly and savagely to himself, “I will not shake this time.” The + deer stretched themselves and began slowly walking toward the lake. All + had disappeared but the buck. Rolf gave another whistle that turned the + antler-bearer to a statue. Controlling himself with a strong “I will,” he + raised the gun, held it steadily, and fired. The buck gave a gathering + spasm, a bound, and disappeared. Rolf felt sick again with disgust, but he + reloaded, then hastily went forward. + </p> + <p> + There was the deep imprint showing where the buck had bounded at the shot, + but no blood. He followed, and a dozen feet away found the next hoof marks + and on them a bright-red stain; on and another splash; and more and + shortening bounds, till one hundred yards away—yes, there it lay; + the round, gray form, quite dead, shot through the heart. + </p> + <p> + Rolf gave a long, rolling war cry and got an answer from a point that was + startlingly near, and Quonab stepped from behind a tree. + </p> + <p> + “I got him,” shouted Rolf. + </p> + <p> + The Indian smiled. “I knew you would, so I followed; last night I knew you + must have your shakes, so let you go it alone.” + </p> + <p> + Very carefully that deer was skinned, and Rolf learned the reason for many + little modes of procedure. + </p> + <p> + After the hide was removed from the body (not the hand or legs), Quonab + carefully cut out the-broad sheath of tendon that cover the muscles, + beginning at the hip bones on the back and extending up to the shoulders; + this is the sewing sinew. Then he cut out the two long fillets of meat + that lie on each side of the spine outside (the loin) and the two smaller + ones inside (the tenderloin). + </p> + <p> + These, with the four quarters, the heart, and the kidneys, were put into + the hide. The entrails, head, neck, legs, feet, he left for the foxes, but + the hip bone or sacrum he hung in a tree with three little red yarns from + them, so that the Great Spirit would be pleased and send good hunting. + Then addressing the head he said: “Little brother, forgive us. We are + sorry to kill you. Behold! we give you the honour of red streamers.” Then + bearing the rest they tramped back to camp. + </p> + <p> + The meat wrapped in sacks to keep off the flies was hung in the shade, but + the hide he buried in the warm mud of a swamp hole, and three days later, + when the hair began to slip, he scraped it clean. A broad ash wood hoop he + had made ready and when the green rawhide was strained on it again the + Indian had an Indian drum. + </p> + <p> + It was not truly dry for two or three days and as it tightened on its + frame it gave forth little sounds of click and shrinkage that told of the + strain the tensioned rawhide made. Quonab tried it that night as he sat by + the fire softly singing: + </p> + <p> + “Ho da ho-he da he.” + </p> + <p> + But the next day before sunrise he climbed the hill and sitting on the + sun-up rock he hailed the Day God with the invocation, as he had not sung + it since the day they left the great rock above the Asalnuk, and followed + with the song: + </p> + <p> + “Father, we thank thee; We have found the good hunting. There is meat in + the wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 22. The Line of Traps + </h2> + <p> + Now that they had the cabin for winter, and food for the present, they + must set about the serious business of trapping and lay a line of + deadfalls for use in the coming cold weather. They were a little ahead of + time, but it was very desirable to get their lines blazed through the + woods in all proposed directions in case of any other trapper coming in. + Most fur-bearing animals are to be found along the little valleys of the + stream: beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, coon, are examples. Those that do + not actually live by the water seek these places because of their + sheltered character and because their prey lives there; of this class are + the lynx, fox, fisher, and marten that feed on rabbits and mice. Therefore + a line of traps is usually along some valley and over the divide and down + some other valley back to the point of beginning. + </p> + <p> + So, late in September, Rolf and Quonab, with their bedding, a pot, food + for four days, and two axes, alternately followed and led by Skookum, set + out along a stream that entered the lake near their cabin. A quarter mile + up they built their first deadfall for martens. It took them one hour and + was left unset. The place was under a huge tree on a neck of land around + which the stream made a loop. This tree they blazed on three sides. Two + hundred yards up another good spot was found and a deadfall made. At one + place across a neck of land was a narrow trail evidently worn by otters. + “Good place for steel trap, bime-by,” was Quonab's remark. + </p> + <p> + From time to time they disturbed deer, and in a muddy place where a deer + path crossed the creek, they found, among the numerous small hoof prints, + the track of wolves, bears, and a mountain lion, or panther. At these + little Skookum sniffed fearsomely, and showed by his bristly mane that he + was at least much impressed. + </p> + <p> + After five hours' travel and work they came to another stream joining on, + and near the angle of the two little valleys they found a small tree that + was chewed and scratched in a remarkable manner for three to six feet up. + “Bear tree,” said Quonab, and by degrees Rolf got the facts about it. + </p> + <p> + The bears, and indeed most animals, have a way of marking the range that + they consider their own. Usually this is done by leaving their personal + odour at various points, covering the country claimed, but in some cases + visible marks are added. Thus the beaver leaves a little dab of mud, the + wolf scratches with his hind feet, and the bear tears the signal tree with + tooth and claw. Since this is done from time to time, when the bear + happens to be near the tree, it is kept fresh as long as the region is + claimed. But it is especially done in midsummer when the bears are + pairing, and helps them to find suitable companions, nor all are then + roaming the woods seeking mates; all call and leave their mark on the sign + post, so the next bear, thanks to his exquisite nose, can tell at once the + sex of the bear that called last and by its track tell which way it + travelled afterward. + </p> + <p> + In this case it was a bear's register, but before long Quonab showed Rolf + a place where two long logs joined at an angle by a tree that was rubbed + and smelly, and showed a few marten hairs, indicating that this was the + sign post of a marten and a good place to make a deadfall. + </p> + <p> + Yet a third was found in an open, grassy glade, a large, white stone on + which were pellets left by foxes. The Indian explained: + </p> + <p> + “Every fox that travels near will come and smell the stone to see who of + his kind is around, so this is a good place for a fox-trap; a steel trap, + of course, for no fox will go into a deadfall.” + </p> + <p> + And slowly Rolf learned that these habits are seen in some measure in all + animals; yes, down to the mice and shrews. We see little of it because our + senses are blunt and our attention untrained; but the naturalist and the + hunter always know where to look for the four-footed inhabitants and by + them can tell whether or not the land is possessed by such and such a + furtive tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 23. The Beaver Pond + </h2> + <p> + AT THE noon halt they were about ten miles from home and had made fifteen + deadfalls for marten, for practice was greatly reducing the time needed + for each. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon they went on, but the creek had become a mere rill and + they were now high up in a more level stretch of country that was more or + less swampy. As they followed the main course of the dwindling stream, + looking ever for signs of fur-bearers, they crossed and recrossed the + water. At length Quonab stopped, stared, and pointed at the rill, no + longer clear but clouded with mud. His eyes shone as he jerked his head up + stream and uttered the magic word, “Beaver.” + </p> + <p> + They tramped westerly for a hundred yards through a dense swamp of alders, + and came at last to an irregular pond that spread out among the willow + bushes and was lost in the swampy thickets. Following the stream they soon + came to a beaver dam, a long, curving bank of willow branches and mud, + tumbling through the top of which were a dozen tiny streams that reunited + their waters below to form the rivulet they had been following. + </p> + <p> + Red-winged blackbirds were sailing in flocks about the pond; a number of + ducks were to be seen, and on a dead tree, killed by the backed up water, + a great blue heron stood. Many smaller creatures moved or flitted in the + lively scene, while far out near the middle rose a dome-like pile of + sticks, a beaver lodge, and farther three more were discovered. No beaver + were seen, but the fresh cut sticks, the floating branches peeled of all + the bark, and the long, strong dam in good repair were enough to tell a + practised eye that here was a large colony of beavers in undisturbed + possession. + </p> + <p> + In those days beaver was one of the most valued furs. The creature is very + easy to trap; so the discovery of the pond was like the finding of a bag + of gold. They skirted its uncertain edges and Quonab pointed out the many + landing places of the beaver; little docks they seemed, built up with mud + and stones with deep water plunge holes alongside. Here and there on the + shore was a dome-shaped ant's nest with a pathway to it from the pond, + showing, as the Indian said, that here the beaver came on sunny days to + lie on the hill and let the swarming ants come forth and pick the vermin + from their fur. At one high point projecting into the still water they + found a little mud pie with a very strong smell; this, the Indian said, + was a “castor cache,” the sign that, among beavers, answers the same + purpose as the bear tree among bears. + </p> + <p> + Although the pond seemed small they had to tramp a quarter of a mile + before reaching the upper end and here they found another dam, with its + pond. This was at a slightly higher level and contained a single lodge; + after this they found others, a dozen ponds in a dozen successive rises, + the first or largest and the second only having lodges, but all were + evidently part of the thriving colony, for fresh cut trees were seen on + every side. “Ugh, good; we get maybe fifty beaver,” said the Indian, and + they knew they had reached the Promised Land. + </p> + <p> + Rolf would gladly have spent the rest of the day exploring the pond and + trying for a beaver, when the eventide should call them to come forth, but + Quonab said, “Only twenty deadfall; we should have one hundred and fifty.” + So making for a fine sugar bush on the dry ground west of the ponds they + blazed a big tree, left a deadfall there, and sought the easiest way over + the rough hills that lay to the east, in hopes of reaching the next stream + leading down to their lake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 24. The Porcupine + </h2> + <p> + Skookum was a partly trained little dog; he would stay in camp when told, + if it suited him; and would not hesitate to follow or lead his master, + when he felt that human wisdom was inferior to the ripe product of canine + experience covering more than thirteen moons of recollection. But he was + now living a life in which his previous experience must often fail him as + a guide. A faint rustling on the leafy ground had sent him ahead at a run, + and his sharp, angry bark showed that some hostile creature of the woods + had been discovered. Again and again the angry yelping was changed into a + sort of yowl, half anger, half distress. The hunters hurried forward to + find the little fool charging again and again a huge porcupine that was + crouched with its head under a log, its hindquarters exposed but bristling + with spines; and its tail lashing about, left a new array of quills in the + dog's mouth and face each time he charged. Skookum was a plucky fighter, + but plainly he was nearly sick of it. The pain of the quills would, of + course, increase every minute and with each movement. Quonab took a stout + stick and threw the porcupine out of its retreat, (Rolf supposed to kill + it when the head was exposed,) but the spiny one, finding a new and + stronger enemy, wasted no time in galloping at its slow lumbering pace to + the nearest small spruce tree and up that it scrambled to a safe place in + the high branches. + </p> + <p> + Now the hunters called the dog. He was a sorry-looking object, pawing at + his muzzle, first with one foot, then another, trying to unswallow the + quills in his tongue, blinking hard, uttering little painful grunts and + whines as he rubbed his head upon the ground or on his forelegs. Rolf held + him while Quonab, with a sharp jerk, brought out quill after quill. Thirty + or forty of the poisonous little daggers were plucked from his trembling + legs, head, face, and nostrils, but the dreadful ones were those in his + lips and tongue. Already they were deeply sunk in the soft, quivering + flesh. One by one those in the lips were with-drawn by the strong fingers + of the red man, and Skookum whimpered a little, but he shrieked outright + when those in the tongue were removed. Rolf had hard work to hold him, and + any one not knowing the case might have thought that the two men were + deliberately holding the dog to administer the most cruel torture. + </p> + <p> + But none of the quills had sunk very deep. All were got out at last and + the little dog set free. + </p> + <p> + Now Rolf thought of vengeance on the quill-pig snugly sitting in the tree + near by. + </p> + <p> + Ammunition was too precious to waste, but Rolf was getting ready to climb + when Quonab said: “No, no; you must not. Once I saw white man climb after + the Kahk; it waited till he was near, then backed down, lashing its tail. + He put up his arm to save his face. It speared his arm in fifty places and + he could not save his face, so he tried to get down, but the Kahk came + faster, lashing him; then he lost his hold and dropped. His leg was broken + and his arm was swelled up for half a year. They are very poisonous. He + nearly died.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can at least chop him down,” and Rolf took the axe. + </p> + <p> + “Wah!” Quonab said, “no; my father said you must not kill the Kahk, except + you make sacrifice and use his quills for household work. It is bad + medicine to kill the Kahk.” + </p> + <p> + So the spiny one was left alone in the place he had so ably fought for. + But Skookum, what of him? He was set free at last. To be wiser? Alas, no! + before one hour he met with another porcupine and remembering only his + hate of the creature repeated the same sad mistake, and again had to have + the painful help, without which he must certainly have died. Before night, + however, he began to feel his real punishment and next morning no one + would have known the pudding-headed thing that sadly followed the hunters, + for the bright little dog that a day before had run so joyously through + the woods. It was many a long day before he fully recovered and at one + time his life was in the balance; and yet to the last of his days he never + fully realized the folly of his insensate attacks on the creature that + fights with its tail. + </p> + <p> + “It is ever so,” said the Indian. “The lynx, the panther, the wolf, the + fox, the eagle, all that attack the Kahk must die. Once my father saw a + bear that was killed by the quills. He had tried to bite the Kahk; it + filled his mouth with quills that he could not spit out. They sunk deeper + and his jaws swelled so he could not open or shut his mouth to eat; then + he starved. My people found him near a fish pond below a rapid. There were + many fish. The bear could kill them with his paw but not eat, so with his + mouth wide open and plenty about him he died of starvation in that pool. + </p> + <p> + “There is but one creature that can kill the Kahk that is the Ojeeg the + big fisher weasel. He is a devil. He makes very strong medicine; the Kahk + cannot harm him. He turns it on its back and tears open its smooth belly. + It is ever so. We not know, but my father said, that it is because when in + the flood Nana Bojou was floating on the log with Kahk and Ojeeg, Kahk was + insolent and wanted the highest place, but Ojeeg was respectful to Nana + Bojou, he bit the Kahk to teach him a lesson and got lashed with the tail + of many stings. But the Manito drew out the quills and said: 'It shall be + ever thus; the Ojeeg shall conquer the Kahk and the quills of Kahk shall + never do Ojeeg any harm.'” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 25. The Otter Slide + </h2> + <p> + It was late now and the hunters camped in the high cool woods. Skookum + whined in his sleep so loudly as to waken them once or twice. Near dawn + they heard the howling of wolves and the curiously similar hooting of a + horned owl. There is, indeed, almost no difference between the short + opening howl of a she-wolf and the long hoot of the owl. As he listened, + half awake, Rolf heard a whirr of wings which stopped overhead, then a + familiar chuckle. He sat up and saw Skookum sadly lift his misshapen head + to gaze at a row of black-breasted grouse partridge on a branch above, but + the poor doggie was feeling too sick to take any active interest. They + were not ruffed grouse, but a kindred kind, new to Rolf. As he gazed at + the perchers, he saw Quonab rise gently, go to nearest willow and cut a + long slender rod at least two feet long; on the top of this he made a + short noose of cord. Then he went cautiously under the watching grouse, + the spruce partridges, and reaching up slipped the noose over the neck of + the first one; a sharp jerk then tightened noose, and brought the grouse + tumbling out of the tree while its companions merely clucked their + puzzlement, made no effort to escape. + </p> + <p> + A short, sharp blow put the captive out of pain. The rod was reached again + and a second, the lowest always, was jerked down, and the trick repeated + till three grouse were secured. Then only did it dawn on the others that + they were in a most perilous neighbourhood, so they took flight. + </p> + <p> + Rolf sat up in amazement. Quonab dropped the three birds by the fire and + set about preparing breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “These are fool hens,” he explained. “You can mostly get them this way; + sure, if you have a dog to help, but ruffed grouse is no such fool.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf dressed the birds and as usual threw the entrails Skookum. Poor + little dog! he was, indeed, a sorry sight. He looked sadly out of his + bulging eyes, feebly moved swollen jaws, but did not touch the food he + once would have pounced on. He did not eat because he could not open his + mouth. + </p> + <p> + At camp the trappers made a log trap and continued the line with blazes + and deadfalls, until, after a mile, they came to a broad tamarack swamp, + and, skirting its edge, found a small, outflowing stream that brought them + to an eastward-facing hollow. Everywhere there were signs game, but they + were not prepared for the scene that opened as they cautiously pushed + through the thickets into a high, hardwood bush. A deer rose out of the + grass and stared curiously at them; then another and another until nearly + a dozen were in sight; still farther many others appeared; to the left + were more, and movements told of yet others to the right. Then their white + flags went up and all loped gently away on the slope that rose to the + north. There may have been twenty or thirty deer in sight, but the general + effect of all their white tails, bobbing away, was that the woods were + full of deer. They seemed to be there by the hundreds and the joy of + seeing so many beautiful live things was helped in the hunters by the + feeling that this was their own hunting-ground. They had, indeed, reached + the land of plenty. + </p> + <p> + The stream increased as they marched; many springs and some important + rivulets joined on. They found some old beaver signs but none new; and + they left their deadfalls every quarter mile or less. + </p> + <p> + The stream began to descend more quickly until it was in a long, narrow + valley with steep clay sides and many pools. Here they saw again and again + the tracks and signs of otter and coming quietly round a turn that opened + a new reach they heard a deep splash, then another and another. + </p> + <p> + The hunters' first thought was to tie up Skookum, but a glance showed that + this was unnecessary. They softly dropped the packs and the sick dog lay + meekly down beside them. Then they crept forward with hunter caution, + favoured by an easterly breeze. Their first thought was of beaver, but + they had seen no recent sign, nor was there anything that looked like a + beaver pond. The measured splash, splash, splash—was not so far + ahead. It might be a bear snatching fish, or—no, that was too + unpleasant—a man baling out a canoe. Still the slow splash, splash, + went on at intervals, not quite regular. + </p> + <p> + Now it seemed but thirty yards ahead and in the creek. + </p> + <p> + With the utmost care they crawled to the edge of the clay and opposite + they saw a sight but rarely glimpsed by man. Here were six otters; two + evidently full-grown, and four seeming young of the pair, engaged in a + most hilarious and human game of tobogganing down a steep clay hill to + plump into a deep part at its foot. + </p> + <p> + Plump went the largest, presumably the father; down he went, to reappear + at the edge, scramble out and up an easy slope to the top of the + twenty-foot bank. Splash, splash, splash, came three of the young ones; + splash, splash, the mother and one of the cubs almost together. + </p> + <p> + “Scoot” went the big male again, and the wet furslopping and rubbing on + the long clay chute made it greasier and slipperier every time. + </p> + <p> + Splash, plump, splash—splash, plump, splash, went the otter family + gleefully, running up the bank again, eager each to be first, it seemed, + and to do the chute the oftenest. + </p> + <p> + The gambolling grace, the obvious good humour, the animal hilarity of it + all, was absorbingly amusing. The trappers gazed with pleasure that showed + how near akin are naturalist and hunter. Of course, they had some covetous + thought connected with those glossy hides, but this was September still, + and even otter were not yet prime. Shoot, plump, splash, went the happy + crew with apparently unabated joy and hilarity. The slide improved with + use and the otters seemed tireless; when all at once a loud but muffled + yelp was heard and Skookum, forgetting all caution, came leaping down the + bank to take a hand. + </p> + <p> + With a succession of shrill, birdy chirps the old otters warned their + young. Plump, plump, plump, all shot into the pool, but to reappear, + swimming with heads out, for they were but slightly alarmed. This was too + much for Quonob; he levelled his flintlock; snap, bang, it went, pointed + at the old male, but he dived at the snap and escaped. Down the bank now + rushed the hunters, joined by Skookum, to attack the otters in the pool, + for it was small and shallow; unless a burrow led from it, they were + trapped. + </p> + <p> + But the otters realized the peril. All six dashed out of the pool, down + the open, gravelly stream the old ones uttering loud chirps that rang like + screams. Under the fallen logs and brush they glided, dodging beneath + roots and over banks, pursued by the hunters, each armed with a club and + by Skookum not armed at all. + </p> + <p> + The otters seemed to know where they were going and distanced all but the + dog. Forgetting his own condition Skookum had almost overtaken one of the + otter cubs when the mother wheeled about and, hissing and snarling, + charged. Skookum was lucky to get off with a slight nip, for the otter is + a dangerous fighter. But the unlucky dog was sent howling back to the two + packs that he never should have left. + </p> + <p> + The hunters now found an open stretch of woods through which Quonab could + run ahead and intercept the otters as they bounded on down the stream bed, + pursued by Rolf, who vainly tried to deal a blow with his club. In a few + seconds the family party was up to Quonab, trapped it seemed, but there is + no more desperate assailant than an otter fighting for its young. So far + from being cowed the two old ones made a simultaneous, furious rush at the + Indian. Wholly taken by surprise, he missed with his club, and sprang + aside to escape their jaws. The family dashed around then past him, and, + urged by the continuous chirps of the mother, they plunged under a + succession of log jams and into a willow swamp that spread out into an + ancient beaver lake and were swallowed up in the silent wilderness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 26. Back to the Cabin + </h2> + <p> + The far end of the long swamp the stream emerged, now much larger, and the + trappers kept on with their work. When night fell they had completed fifty + traps, all told, and again they camped without shelter overhead. + </p> + <p> + Next day Skookum was so much worse that they began to fear for his life. + He had eaten nothing since the sad encounter. He could drink a little, so + Rolf made a pot of soup, and when it was cool the poor doggie managed to + swallow some of the liquid after half an hour's patient endeavour. + </p> + <p> + They were now on the home line; from a hill top they got a distant view of + their lake, though it was at least five miles away. Down the creek they + went, still making their deadfalls at likely places and still seeing game + tracks at the muddy spots. The creek came at length to an extensive, open, + hardwood bush, and here it was joined by another stream that came from the + south, the two making a small river. From then on they seemed in a land of + game; trails of deer were seen on the ground everywhere, and every few + minutes they started one or two deer. The shady oak wood itself was + flanked and varied with dense cedar swamps such as the deer love to winter + in, and after they had tramped through two miles of it, the Indian said, + “Good! now we know where to come in winter when we need meat.” + </p> + <p> + At a broad, muddy ford they passed an amazing number of tracks, mostly + deer, but a few of panther, lynx, fisher, wolf, otter, and mink. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon they reached the lake. The stream, quite a broad one + here, emptied in about four miles south of the camp. Leaving a deadfall + near its mouth they followed the shore and made a log trap every quarter + mile just above the high water mark. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the place of Rolf's first deer they turned aside to see + it. The gray jays had picked a good deal of the loose meat. No large + animal had troubled it, and yet in the neighbourhood they found the tracks + of both wolves and foxes. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh,” said Quonab, “they smell it and come near, but they know that a man + has been here; they are not very hungry, so keep away. This is good for + trap.” + </p> + <p> + So they made two deadfalls with the carrion half way between them. Then + one or two more traps and they reached home, arriving at the camp just as + darkness and a heavy rainfall began. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said Quonab, “our deadfalls are ready; we have done all the work + our fingers could not do when the weather is very cold, and the ground too + hard for stakes to be driven. Now the traps can get weathered before we go + round and set them. Yet we need some strong medicine, some trapper charm.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning he went forth with fish-line and fish-spear; he soon returned + with a pickerel. He filled a bottle with cut-up shreds of this, corked it + up, and hung it on the warm, sunny side of the shanty. “That will make a + charm that every bear will come to,” he said, and left it to the action of + the sun. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 27. Sick Dog Skookum + </h2> + <p> + Getting home is always a joy; but walking about the place in the morning + they noticed several little things that were wrong. Quonab's lodge was + down, the paddles that stood against the shanty were scattered on the + ground, and a bag of venison hung high at the ridge was opened and empty. + </p> + <p> + Quonab studied the tracks and announced “a bad old black bear; he has + rollicked round for mischief, upsetting things. But the venison he could + not reach; that was a marten that ripped open the bag.” + </p> + <p> + “Then that tells what we should do; build a storehouse at the end of the + shanty,” said Rolf, adding, “it must be tight and it must be cool.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe! sometime before winter,” said the Indian; “but now we should make + another line of traps while the weather is fine.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the lad, “Skookum is not fit to travel now. We can't leave + him behind, and we can make a storehouse in three days.” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy little dog was worse than ever. He could scarcely breathe, + much less eat or drink, and the case was settled. + </p> + <p> + First they bathed the invalid's head in water as hot as he could stand it. + This seemed to help him so much that he swallowed eagerly some soup that + they poured into his mouth. A bed was made for him in a sunny place and + the hunters set about the new building. + </p> + <p> + In three days the storehouse was done, excepting the chinking. It was + October now, and a sharp night frost warned them of the hard white moons + to come. Quonab, as he broke the ice in a tin cup and glanced at the + low-hung sun, said: “The leaves are falling fast; snow comes soon; we need + another line of traps.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped suddenly; stared across the lake. Rolf looked, and here came + three deer, two bucks and a doe, trotting, walking, or lightly clearing + obstacles, the doe in advance; the others, rival followers. As they kept + along the shore, they came nearer the cabin. Rolf glanced at Quonab, who + nodded, then slipped in, got down the gun, and quickly glided unseen to + the river where the deer path landed. The bucks did not actually fight, + for the season was not yet on, but their horns were clean, their necks + were swelling, and they threatened each other as they trotted after the + leader. They made for the ford as for some familiar path, and splashed + through, almost without swimming. As they landed, Rolf waited a clear + view, then gave a short sharp “Hist!” It was like a word of magic, for it + turned the three moving deer to three stony-still statues. Rolf's sights + were turned on the smaller buck, and when the great cloud following the + bang had deared away, the two were gone and the lesser buck was kicking on + the ground some fifty yards away. + </p> + <p> + “We have found the good hunting; the deer walk into camp,” said Quonab; + and the product of the chase was quickly stored, the first of the supplies + to be hung in the new storehouse. + </p> + <p> + The entrails were piled up and covered with brush and stones. “That will + keep off ravens and jays; then in winter the foxes will come and we can + take their coats.” + </p> + <p> + Now they must decide for the morning. Skookum was somewhat better, but + still very sick, and Rolf suggested: “Quonab, you take the gun and axe and + lay a new line. I will stay behind and finish up the cabin for the winter + and look after the dog.” So it was agreed. The Indian left the camp alone + this time and crossed to the east shore of the lake; there to follow up + another stream as before and to return in three or four days to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 28. Alone in the Wilderness + </h2> + <p> + Rolf began the day by giving Skookum a bath as hot as he could stand it, + and later his soup. For the first he whined feebly and for the second + faintly wagged his tail; but clearly he was on the mend. + </p> + <p> + Now the chinking and moss-plugging of the new cabin required all + attention. That took a day and looked like the biggest job on hand, but + Rolf had been thinking hard about the winter. In Connecticut the wiser + settlers used to bank their houses for the cold weather; in the + Adirondacks he knew it was far, far colder, and he soon decided to bank + the two shanties as deeply as possible with earth. A good spade made of + white oak, with its edge hardened by roasting it brown, was his first + necessity, and after two days of digging he had the cabin with its annex + buried up to “the eyes” in fresh, clean earth. + </p> + <p> + A stock of new, dry wood for wet weather helped to show how much too small + the cabin was; and now the heavier work was done, and Rolf had plenty of + time to think. + </p> + <p> + Which of us that has been left alone in the wilderness does not remember + the sensations of the first day! The feeling of self-dependency, not + unmixed with unrestraint; the ending of civilized thought; the total + reversion to the primitive; the nearness of the wood-folk; a sense of + intimacy; a recurrent feeling of awe at the silent inexorability of all + around; and a sweet pervading sense of mastery in the very freedom. These + were among the feelings that swept in waves through Rolf, and when the + first night came, he found such comfort—yes, he had to confess it—in + the company of the helpless little dog whose bed was by his own. + </p> + <p> + But these were sensations that come not often; in the four days and nights + that he was alone they lost all force. + </p> + <p> + The hunter proverb about “strange beasts when you have no gun” was amply + illustrated now that Quonab had gone with their only firearm. The second + night before turning in (he slept in the shanty now), he was taking a last + look at the stars, when a large, dark form glided among the tree trunks + between him and the shimmering lake; stopped, gazed at him, then silently + disappeared along the shore. No wonder that he kept the shanty door closed + that night, and next morning when he studied the sandy ridges he read + plainly that his night visitor had been not a lynx or a fox, but a + prowling cougar or panther. + </p> + <p> + On the third morning as he went forth in the still early dawn he heard a + snort, and looking toward the spruce woods, was amazed to see towering up, + statuesque, almost grotesque, with its mulish ears and antediluvian horns, + a large bull moose. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was no coward, but the sight of that monster so close to him set his + scalp a-prickling. He felt so helpless without any firearms. He stepped + into the cabin, took down his bow and arrows, then gave a contemptuous + “Humph; all right for partridge and squirrels, but give me a rifle for the + woods!” He went out again; there was the moose standing as before. The lad + rushed toward it a few steps, shouting; it stared unmoved. But Rolf was + moved, and he retreated to the cabin. Then remembering the potency of fire + he started a blaze on the hearth. The thick smoke curled up on the still + air, hung low, made swishes through the grove, until a faint air current + took a wreath of it to the moose. The great nostrils drank in a draught + that conveyed terror to the creature's soul, and wheeling it started at + its best pace to the distant swamp, to be seen no more. + </p> + <p> + Five times, during these four days, did deer come by and behave as though + they knew perfectly well that this young human was harmless, entirely + without the power of the far-killing mystery. + </p> + <p> + How intensely Rolf wished for a gun. How vividly came back the scene in + the trader's store,—when last month he had been offered a beautiful + rifle for twenty-five dollars, to be paid for in fur next spring, and + savagely he blamed himself for not realizing what a chance it was. Then + and there he made resolve to be the owner of a gun as soon as another + chance came, and to make that chance come right soon. + </p> + <p> + One little victory he had in that time. The creature that had torn open + the venison bag was still around the camp; that was plain by the further + damage on the bag hung in the storehouse, the walls of which were not + chinked. Mindful of Quonab's remark, he set two marten traps, one on the + roof, near the hole that had been used as entry; the other on a log along + which the creature must climb to reach the meat. The method of setting is + simple; a hollow is made, large enough to receive the trap as it lies + open; on the pan of the trap some grass is laid smoothly; on each side of + the trap a piece of prickly brush is placed, so that in leaping over these + the creature will land on the lurking snare. The chain was made fast to a + small log. + </p> + <p> + Although so seldom seen there is no doubt that the marten comes out + chiefly by day. That night the trap remained unsprung; next morning as + Rolf went at silent dawn to bring water from the lake, he noticed a long, + dark line that proved to be ducks. As he sat gazing he heard a sound in + the tree beyond the cabin. It was like the scratching of a squirrel + climbing about. Then he saw the creature, a large, dark squirrel, it + seemed. It darted up this tree and down that, over logs and under brush, + with the lightning speed of a lightning squirrel, and from time to time it + stopped still as a bump while it gazed at some far and suspicious object. + Up one trunk it went like a brown flash, and a moment later, out, cackling + from its top, flew two partridges. Down to the ground, sinuous, graceful, + incessantly active flashed the marten. Along a log it raced in undulating + leaps; in the middle it stopped as though frozen, to gaze intently into a + bed of sedge; with three billowy bounds its sleek form reached the sedge, + flashed in and out again with a mouse in its snarling jaws; a side leap + now, and another squeaker was squeakless, and another. The three were + slain, then thrown aside, as the brown terror scanned a flight of ducks + passing over. Into a thicket of willow it disappeared and out again like + an eel going through the mud, then up a tall stub where woodpecker holes + were to be seen. Into the largest it went so quickly Rolf could scarcely + see how it entered, and out in a few seconds bearing a flying squirrel + whose skull it had crushed. Dropping the squirrel it leaped after it, and + pounced again on the quivering form with a fearsome growl; then shook it + savagely, tore it apart, cast it aside. Over the ground it now undulated, + its shining yellow breast like a target of gold. Again it stopped. Now in + pose like a pointer, exquisitely graceful, but oh, so wicked! Then the + snaky neck swung the cobra head in the breeze and the brown one sniffed + and sniffed, advanced a few steps, tried the wind and the ground. Still + farther and the concentrated interest showed in its outstretched neck and + quivering tail. Bounding into a thicket it went, when out of the other + side there leaped a snowshoe rabbit, away and away for dear life. Jump, + jump, jump; twelve feet at every stride, and faster than the eye could + follow, with the marten close behind. What a race it was, and how they + twinkled through the brush! The rabbit is, indeed, faster, but courage + counts for much, and his was low; but luck and his good stars urged him + round to the deer trail crossing of the stream; once there he could not + turn. There was only one course. He sprang into the open river and swam + for his life. And the marten—why should it go in? It hated the + water; it was not hungry; it was out for sport, and water sport is not to + its liking. It braced its sinewy legs and halted at the very brink, while + bunny crossed to the safe woods. + </p> + <p> + Back now came Wahpestan, the brown death, over the logs like a winged + snake, skimming the ground like a sinister shadow, and heading for the + cabin as the cabin's owner watched. Passing the body of the squirrel it + paused to rend it again, then diving into the brush came out so far away + and so soon that the watcher supposed at first that this was another + marten. Up the shanty corner it flashed, hardly appearing to climb, swung + that yellow throat and dark-brown muzzle for a second, then made toward + the entry. + </p> + <p> + Rolf sat with staring eyes as the beautiful demon, elegantly spurning the + roof sods, went at easy, measured bounds toward the open chink—toward + its doom. One, two, three—clearing the prickly cedar bush, its + forefeet fell on the hidden trap; clutch, a savage shriek, a flashing,—a + struggle baffling the eyes to follow, and the master of the squirrels was + himself under mastery. + </p> + <p> + Rolf rushed forward now. The little demon in the trap was frothing with + rage and hate; it ground the iron with its teeth; it shrieked at the human + foeman coming. + </p> + <p> + The scene must end, the quicker the better, and even as the marten itself + had served the flying squirrel and the mice, and as Quonab served the + mink, so Rolf served the marten and the woods was still. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 29. Snowshoes + </h2> + <p> + “That's for Annette,” said Rolf, remembering his promise as he hung the + stretched marten skin to dry. + </p> + <p> + “Yi! Yi! Yi!” came three yelps, just as he had heard them the day he first + met Quonab, and crossing the narrow lake he saw his partner's canoe. + </p> + <p> + “We have found the good hunting,” he said, as Rolf steadied the canoe at + the landing and Skookum, nearly well again, wagged his entire ulterior + person to welcome the wanderer home. The first thing to catch the boy's + eye was a great, splendid beaver skin stretched on a willow hoop. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh; found another pond.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, good,” said Rolf as he stroked the first beaver skin he had ever + seen in the woods. + </p> + <p> + “This is better,” said Quonab, and held up the two barkstones, castors, or + smell-glands that are found in every beaver and which for some hid reason + have an irresistible attraction for all wild animals. To us the odour is + slight, but they have the power of intensifying, perpetuating, and + projecting such odorous substances as may be mixed with them. No trapper + considers his bait to be perfect without a little of the mysterious + castor. So that that most stenchable thing they had already concocted of + fish-oil, putrescence, sewer-gas, and sunlight, when commingled and + multiplied with the dried-up powder of a castor, was intensified into a + rich, rancid, gas-exhaling hell-broth as rapturously bewitching to our + furry brothers as it is poisonously nauseating to ourselves—seductive + afar like the sweetest music, inexorable as fate, insidious as + laughing-gas, soothing and numbing as absinthe—this, the lure and + caution-luller, is the fellest trick in all the trappers' code. As deadly + as inexplicable, not a few of the states have classed it with black magic + and declared its use a crime. + </p> + <p> + But no such sentiment prevailed in the high hills of Quonab's time, and + their preparations for a successful trapping season were nearly perfect. + Thirty deadfalls made by Quonab, with the sixty made on the first trip and + a dozen steel traps, were surely promise of a good haul. It was nearly + November now; the fur was prime; then why not begin? Because the weather + was too fine. You must have frosty weather or the creatures taken in the + deadfalls are spoiled before the trapper can get around. + </p> + <p> + Already a good, big pile of wood was cut; both shanty and storeroom were + chinked, plugged, and banked for the winter. It was not safe yet to shoot + and store a number of deer, but there was something they could do. + Snowshoes would soon be a necessary of life; and the more of this finger + work they did while the weather was warm, the better. + </p> + <p> + Birch and ash are used for frames; the former is less liable to split, but + harder to work. White ash was plentiful on the near flat, and a small + ten-foot log was soon cut and split into a lot of long laths. Quonab of + course took charge; but Rolf followed in everything. Each took a lath and + shaved it down evenly until an inch wide and three quarters of an inch + thick. The exact middle was marked, and for ten inches at each side of + that it was shaved down to half an inch in thickness. Two flat crossbars, + ten and twelve inches long, were needed and holes to receive these made + half through the frame. The pot was ready boiling and by using a cord from + end to end of each lath they easily bent it in the middle and brought the + wood into touch with the boiling water. Before an hour the steam had so + softened the wood, and robbed it of spring, that it was easy to make it + into any desired shape. Each lath was cautiously bent round; the crossbars + slipped into their prepared sockets; a temporary lashing of cord kept all + in place; then finally the frames were set on a level place with the fore + end raised two inches and a heavy log put on the frame to give the upturn + to the toe. + </p> + <p> + Here they were left to dry and the Indian set about preparing the + necessary thongs. A buckskin rolled in wet, hard wood ashes had been left + in the mud hole. Now after a week the hair was easily scraped off and the + hide, cleaned and trimmed of all loose ends and tags, was spread out—soft, + white, and supple. Beginning outside, and following round and round the + edge, Quonab cut a thong of rawhide as nearly as possible a quarter inch + wide. This he carried on till there were many yards of it, and the hide + was all used up. The second deer skin was much smaller and thinner. He + sharpened his knife and cut it much finer, at least half the width of the + other. Now they were ready to lace the shoes, the finer for the fore and + back parts, the heavy for the middle on which the wearer treads. An expert + squaw would have laughed at the rude snowshoes that were finished that + day, but they were strong and serviceable. + </p> + <p> + Naturally the snowshoes suggested a toboggan. That was easily made by + splitting four thin boards of ash, each six inches wide and ten feet long. + An up-curl was steamed on the prow of each, and rawhide lashings held all + to the crossbars. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 30. Catching a Fox + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “As to wisdom, a man ain't a spring; he's a tank, an' gives + out only what he gathers”—Sayings of Si Sylvanne +</pre> + <p> + Quonab would not quit his nightly couch in the canvas lodge so Rolf and + Skookum stayed with him. The dog was himself again, and more than once in + the hours of gloom dashed forth in noisy chase of something which morning + study of the tracks showed to have been foxes. They were attracted partly + by the carrion of the deer, partly by the general suitability of the sandy + beach for a gambolling place, and partly by a foxy curiosity concerning + the cabin, the hunters, and their dog. + </p> + <p> + One morning after several night arousings and many raids by Skookum, Rolf + said: “Fox is good now; why shouldn't I add some fox pelts to that?” and + he pointed with some pride to the marten skin. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, good; go ahead; you will learn,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + So getting out the two fox traps Rolf set to work. Noting where chiefly + the foxes ran or played he chose two beaten pathways and hid the traps + carefully, exactly as he did for the marten; then selecting a couple of + small cedar branches he cut these and laid them across the path, one on + each side of the trap, assuming that the foxes following the usual route + would leap over the boughs and land in disaster. To make doubly sure he + put a piece of meat by each trap and half-way between them set a large + piece on a stone. + </p> + <p> + Then he sprinkled fresh earth over the pathways and around each trap and + bait so he should have a record of the tracks. + </p> + <p> + Foxes came that night, as he learned by the footprints along the beach, + but never one went near his traps. He studied the marks; they slowly told + him all the main facts. The foxes had come as usual, and frolicked about. + They had discovered the bait and the traps at once—how could such + sharp noses miss them—and as quickly noted that the traps were + suspicious-smelling iron things, that manscent, hand, foot, and body, were + very evident all about; that the only inducement to go forward was some + meat which was coarse and cold, not for a moment to be compared with the + hot juicy mouse meat that abounded in every meadow. The foxes were well + fed and unhungry. Why should they venture into such evident danger? In a + word, walls of stone could not have more completely protected the ground + and the meat from the foxes than did the obvious nature of the traps; not + a track was near, and many afar showed how quickly they had veered off. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, it is always so,” said Quonab. “Will you try again?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will,” replied Rolf, remembering now that he had omitted to + deodorize his traps and his boots. + </p> + <p> + He made a fire of cedar and smoked his traps, chains, and all. Then taking + a piece of raw venison he rubbed it on his leather gloves and on the soles + of his boots, wondering how he had expected to succeed the night before + with all these man-scent killers left out. He put fine, soft moss under + the pan of each trap, then removed the cedar brush, and gently sprinkled + all with fine, dry earth. The set was perfect; no human eye could have + told that there was any trap in the place. It seemed a foregone success. + </p> + <p> + “Fox don't go by eye,” was all the Indian said, for he reckoned it best to + let the learner work it out. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Rolf was up eager to see the results. There was nothing at + all. A fox had indeed, come within ten feet at one place, but behaved then + as though positively amused at the childishness of the whole smelly + affair. Had a man been there on guard with a club, he could not have kept + the spot more wholly clear of foxes. Rolf turned away baffled and utterly + puzzled. He had not gone far before he heard a most terrific yelping from + Skookum, and turned to see that trouble-seeking pup caught by the leg in + the first trap. It was more the horrible surprise than the pain, but he + did howl. + </p> + <p> + The hunters came quickly to the rescue and at once he was freed, none the + worse, for the traps have no teeth; they merely hold. It is the long + struggle and the starvation chiefly that are cruel, and these every + trapper should cut short by going often around his line. + </p> + <p> + Now Quonab took part. “That is a good setting for some things. It would + catch a coon, a mink, or a marten,—or a dog—but not a fox or a + wolf. They are very clever. You shall see.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian got out a pair of thick leather gloves, smoked them in cedar, + also the traps. Next he rubbed his moccasin soles with raw meat and + selecting a little bay in the shore he threw a long pole on the sand, from + the line of high, dry shingle across to the water's edge. In his hand he + carried a rough stake. Walking carefully on the pole and standing on it, + he drove the stake in at about four feet from the shore; then split it, + and stuffed some soft moss into the split. On this he poured three or four + drops of the “smell-charm.” Now he put a lump of spruce gum on the pan of + the trap, holding a torch under it till the gum was fused, and into this + he pressed a small, flat stone. The chain of the trap he fastened to a + ten-pound stone of convenient shape, and sank the stone in the water + half-way between the stake and the shore. Last he placed the trap on this + stone, so that when open everything would be under water except the flat + stone on the pan. Now he returned along the pole and dragged it away with + him. + </p> + <p> + Thus there was now no track or scent of human near the place. + </p> + <p> + The setting was a perfect one, but even then the foxes did not go near it + the following night; they must become used to it. In their code, “A + strange thing is always dangerous.” In the morning Rolf was inclined to + scoff. But Quonab said: “Wah! No trap goes first night.” + </p> + <p> + They did not need to wait for the second morning. In the middle of the + night Skookum rushed forth barking, and they followed to see a wild + struggle, the fox leaping to escape and fast to his foot was the trap with + its anchor stone a-dragging. + </p> + <p> + Then was repeated the scene that ended the struggle of mink and marten. + The creature's hind feet were tied together and his body hung from a peg + in the shanty. In the morning they gloated over his splendid fur and added + his coat to their store of trophies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 31. Following the Trap Line + </h2> + <p> + That night the moon changed. Next day came on with a strong north wind. By + noon the wild ducks had left the lake. Many long strings of geese passed + southeastward, honking as they flew. Colder and colder blew the strong + wind, and soon the frost was showing on the smaller ponds. It snowed a + little, but this ceased. With the clearing sky the wind fell and the frost + grew keener. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak, when the hunters rose, it was very cold. Everything but the + open lake was frozen over, and they knew that winter was come; the time of + trapping was at hand. Quonab went at once to the pinnacle on the hill, + made a little fire, then chanting the “Hunter's Prayer,” he cast into the + fire the whiskers of the fox and the marten, some of the beaver castor, + and some tobacco. Then descended to prepare for the trail—blankets, + beaver traps, weapons, and food for two days, besides the smell-charm and + some fish for bait. + </p> + <p> + Quickly the deadfalls were baited and set; last the Indian threw into the + trap chamber a piece of moss on which was a drop of the “smell,” and wiped + another drop on each of his moccasins. “Phew,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “That make a trail the marten follow for a month,” was the explanation. + Skookum seemed to think so too, and if he did not say “phew,” it was + because he did not know how. + </p> + <p> + Very soon the little dog treed a flock of partridge and Rolf with blunt + arrows secured three. The breasts were saved for the hunters' table, but + the rest with the offal and feathers made the best of marten baits and + served for all the traps, till at noon they reached the beaver pond. It + was covered with ice too thin to bear, but the freshly used landing places + were easily selected. At each they set a strong, steel beaver-trap, + concealing it amid some dry grass, and placing in a split stick a foot + away a piece of moss in which were a few drops of the magic lure. The ring + on the trap chain was slipped over a long, thin, smooth pole which was + driven deep in the mud, the top pointing away from the deep water. The + plan was old and proven. The beaver, eager to investigate that + semifriendly smell, sets foot in the trap; instinctively when in danger he + dives for the deep water; the ring slips along the pole till at the bottom + and there it jams so that the beaver cannot rise again and is drowned. + </p> + <p> + In an hour the six traps were set for the beavers; presently the hunters, + skirmishing for more partridges, had much trouble to save Skookum from + another porcupine disaster. + </p> + <p> + They got some more grouse, baited the traps for a couple of miles, then + camped for the night. + </p> + <p> + Before morning it came on to snow and it was three inches deep when they + arose. There is no place on earth where the first snow is more beautiful + than in the Adirondacks. In early autumn nature seems to prepare for it. + Green leaves are cleared away to expose the berry bunches in red; rushbeds + mass their groups, turn golden brown and bow their heads to meet the + silver load; the low hills and the lines of various Christmas trees are + arrayed for the finest effect: the setting is perfect and the scene, but + it lacks the lime light yet. It needs must have the lavish blaze of white. + And when it comes like the veil on a bride, the silver mountings on a + charger's trappings, or the golden fire in a sunset, the shining crystal + robe is the finishing, the crowning glory, without which all the rest must + fail, could have no bright completeness. Its beauty stirred the hunters + though it found no better expression than Rolf's simple words, “Ain't it + fine,” while the Indian gazed in silence. + </p> + <p> + There is no other place in the eastern woods where the snow has such + manifold tales to tell, and the hunters that day tramping found themselves + dowered over night with the wonderful power of the hound to whom each + trail is a plain record of every living creature that has passed within + many hours. And though the first day after a storm has less to tell than + the second, just as the second has less than the third, there was no lack + of story in the snow. Here sped some antlered buck, trotting along while + yet the white was flying. There went a fox, sneaking across the line of + march, and eying distrustfully that deadfall. This broad trail with many + large tracks not far apart was made by one of Skookum's friends, a knight + of many spears. That bounding along was a marten. See how he quartered + that thicket like a hound, here he struck our odour trail. Mark, how he + paused and whiffed it; now away he goes; yes, straight to our trap. + </p> + <p> + “It's down; hurrah!” Rolf shouted, for there, dead under the log, was an + exquisite marten, dark, almost black, with a great, broad, shining breast + of gold. + </p> + <p> + They were going back now toward the beaver lake. The next trap was sprung + and empty; the next held the body of a red squirrel, a nuisance always and + good only to rebait the trap he springs. But the next held a marten, and + the next a white weasel. Others were unsprung, but they had two good pelts + when they reached the beaver lake. They were in high spirits with their + good luck, but not prepared for the marvellous haul that now was theirs. + Each of the six traps held a big beaver, dead, drowned, and safe. Each + skin was worth five dollars, and the hunters felt rich. The incident had, + moreover, this pleasing significance: It showed that these beavers were + unsophisticated, so had not been hunted. Fifty pelts might easily be taken + from these ponds. + </p> + <p> + The trappers reset the traps; then dividing the load, sought a remote + place to camp, for it does not do to light a fire near your beaver pond. + One hundred and fifty pounds of beaver, in addition, to their packs, was + not a load to be taken miles away; within half a mile on a lower level + they selected a warm place, made a fire, and skinned their catch. The + bodies they opened and hung in a tree with a view to future use, but the + pelts and tails they carried on. + </p> + <p> + They made a long, hard tramp that day, baiting all the traps and reached + home late in the night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 32. The Antler-bound Bucks + </h2> + <p> + IN THE man-world, November is the month of gloom, despair, and many + suicides. In the wild world, November is the Mad Moon. Many and diverse + the madnesses of the time, but none more insane than the rut of the + white-tailed deer. Like some disease it appears, first in the swollen + necks of the antler-bearers, and then in the feverish habits of all. Long + and obstinate combats between the bucks now, characterize the time; + neglecting even to eat, they spend their days and nights in rushing about + and seeking to kill. + </p> + <p> + Their horns, growing steadily since spring, are now of full size, sharp, + heavy, and cleaned of the velvet; in perfection. For what? Has Nature made + them to pierce, wound, and destroy? Strange as it may seem, these weapons + of offence are used for little but defence; less as spears than as + bucklers they serve the deer in battles with its kind. And the long, hard + combats are little more than wrestling and pushing bouts; almost never do + they end fatally. When a mortal thrust is given, it is rarely a gaping + wound, but a sudden springing and locking of the antlers, whereby the two + deer are bound together, inextricably, hopelessly, and so suffer death by + starvation. The records of deer killed by their rivals and left on the + duel-ground are few; very few and far between. The records of those killed + by interlocking are numbered by the scores. + </p> + <p> + There were hundreds of deer in this country that Rolf and Quonab claimed. + Half of them were bucks, and at least half of these engaged in combat some + times or many times a day, all through November; that is to say, probably + a thousand duels were fought that month within ten miles of the cabin. It + was not surprising that Rolf should witness some of them, and hear many + more in the distance. + </p> + <p> + They were living in the cabin now, and during the still, frosty nights, + when he took a last look at the stars, before turning in, Rolf formed the + habit of listening intently for the voices of the gloom. Sometimes it was + the “hoo-hoo” of the horned-owl, once or twice it was the long, smooth + howl of the wolf; but many times it was the rattle of antlers that told of + two bucks far up in the hardwoods, trying out the all-important question, + “Which is the better buck?” + </p> + <p> + One morning he heard still an occasional rattle at the same place as the + night before. He set out alone, after breakfast, and coming cautiously + near, peered into a little, open space to see two bucks with heads joined, + slowly, feebly pushing this way and that. Their tongues were out; they + seemed almost exhausted, and the trampled snow for an acre about plainly + showed that they had been fighting for hours; that indeed these were the + ones he had heard in the night. Still they were evenly matched, and the + green light in their eyes told of the ferocious spirit in each of these + gentle-looking deer. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had no difficulty in walking quite near. If they saw him, they gave + slight heed to the testimony of their eyes, for the unenergetic struggle + went on until, again pausing for breath, they separated, raised their + heads a little, sniffed, then trotted away from the dreaded enemy so near. + Fifty yards off, they turned, shook their horns, seemed in doubt whether + to run away, join battle again, or attack the man. Fortunately the first + was their choice, and Rolf returned to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Quonab listened to his account, then said: “You might have been killed. + Every buck is crazy now. Often they attack man. My father's brother was + killed by a Mad Moon buck. They found only his body, torn to rags. He had + got a little way up a tree, but the buck had pinned him. There were the + marks, and in the snow they could see how he held on to the deer's horns + and was dragged about till his strength gave out. He had no gun. The buck + went off. That was all they knew. I would rather trust a bear than a + deer.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian's words were few, but they drew a picture all too realistic. + The next time Rolf heard the far sound of a deer fight, it brought back + the horror of that hopeless fight in the snow, and gave him a new and + different feeling for the antler-bearer of the changing mood. + </p> + <p> + It was two weeks after this, when he was coming in from a trip alone on + part of the line, when his ear caught some strange sounds in the woods + ahead; deep, sonorous, semi-human they were. Strange and weird wood-notes + in winter are nearly sure to be those of a raven or a jay; if deep, they + are likely to come from a raven. + </p> + <p> + “Quok, quok, ha, ha, ha-hreww, hrrr, hooop, hooop,” the diabolic noises + came, and Rolf, coming gently forward, caught a glimpse of sable pinions + swooping through the lower pines. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho yah—hew—w—w—w” came the demon laughter + of the death birds, and Rolf soon glimpsed a dozen of them in the + branches, hopping or sometimes flying to the ground. One alighted on a + brown bump. Then the bump began to move a little. The raven was pecking + away, but again the brown bump heaved and the raven leaped to a near + perch. “Wah—wah—wah—wo—hoo—yow—wow—rrrrrr-rrrr-rrrr”—and + the other ravens joined in. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had no weapons but his bow, his pocket knife, and a hatchet. He took + the latter in his hand and walked gently forward; the hollow-voiced ravens + “haw—hawed,” then flew to safe perches where they chuckled like + ghouls over some extra-ghoulish joke. + </p> + <p> + The lad, coming closer, witnessed a scene that stirred him with mingled + horror and pity. A great, strong buck—once strong, at least—was + standing, staggering, kneeling there; sometimes on his hind legs, + spasmodically heaving and tugging at a long gray form on the ground, the + body of another buck, his rival, dead now, with a broken neck, as it + proved, but bearing big, strong antlers with which the antlers of the + living buck were interlocked as though riveted with iron, bolted with + clamps of steel. With all his strength, the living buck could barely move + his head, dragging his adversary's body with him. The snow marks showed + that at first he had been able to haul the carcass many yards; had nibbled + a little at shoots and twigs; but that was when he was stronger, was long + before. How long? For days, at least, perhaps a week, that wretched buck + was dying hopelessly a death that would not come. His gaunt sides, his + parched and lolling tongue, less than a foot from the snow and yet beyond + reach, the filmy eye, whose opaque veil of death was illumined again with + a faint fire of fighting green as the new foe came. The ravens had picked + the eyes out of the dead buck and eaten a hole in its back. They had even + begun on the living buck, but he had been able to use one front foot to + defend his eyes; still his plight could scarce have been more dreadful. It + made the most pitiful spectacle Rolf had ever seen in wild life; yes, in + all his life. He was full of compassion for the poor brute. He forgot it + as a thing to be hunted for food; thought of it only as a harmless, + beautiful creature in dire and horrible straits; a fellow-being in + distress; and he at once set about being its helper. With hatchet in hand + he came gently in front, and selecting an exposed part at the base of the + dead buck's antler he gave a sharp blow with the hatchet. The effect on + the living buck was surprising. He was roused to vigorous action that + showed him far from death as yet. He plunged, then pulled backward, + carrying with him the carcass and the would-be rescuer. Then Rolf + remembered the Indian's words: “You can make strong medicine with your + mouth.” He spoke to the deer, gently, softly. Then came nearer, and tapped + o'n the horn he wished to cut; softly speaking and tapping he increased + his force, until at last he was permitted to chop seriously at that prison + bar. It took many blows, for the antler stuff is very thick and strong at + this time, but the horn was loose at last. Rolf gave it a twist and the + strong buck was free. Free for what? + </p> + <p> + Oh, tell it not among the folk who have been the wild deer's friend! Hide + it from all who blindly believe that gratitude must always follow + good-will! With unexpected energy, with pent-up fury, with hellish + purpose, the ingrate sprang on his deliverer, aiming a blow as deadly as + was in his power. + </p> + <p> + Wholly taken by surprise, Rolf barely had time to seize the murderer's + horns and ward them off his vitals. The buck made a furious lunge. Oh! + what foul fiend was it gave him then such force?—and Rolf went down. + Clinging for dear life to those wicked, shameful horns, he yelled as he + never yelled before: “Quonab, Quonabi help me, oh, help me!” But he was + pinned at once, the fierce brute above him pressing on his chest, striving + to bring its horns to bear; his only salvation had been that their wide + spread gave his body room between. But the weight on his chest was + crushing out his force, his life; he had no breath to call again. How the + ravens chuckled, and “haw-hawed” in the tree! + </p> + <p> + The buck's eyes gleamed again with the emerald light of murderous hate, + and he jerked his strong neck this way and that with the power of madness. + It could not last for long. The boy's strength was going fast; the beast + was crushing in his chest. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, God, help me!” he gasped, as the antlered fiend began again + struggling for the freedom of those murderous horns. The brute was almost + free, when the ravens rose with loud croaks, and out of the woods dashed + another to join the fight. A smaller deer? No; what? Rolf knew not, nor + how, but in a moment there was a savage growl and Skookum had the murderer + by the hind leg. Worrying and tearing he had not the strength to throw the + deer, but his teeth were sharp, his heart was in his work, and when he + transferred his fierce attack to parts more tender still, the buck, + already spent, reared, wheeled, and fell. Before he could recover Skookum + pounced upon him by the nose and hung on like a vice. The buck could swing + his great neck a little, and drag the dog, but he could not shake him off. + Rolf saw the chance, rose to his tottering legs, seized his hatchet, + stunned the fierce brute with a blow. Then finding on the snow his missing + knife he gave the hunter stroke that spilled the red life-blood and sank + on the ground to know no more till Quonab stood beside him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 33. A Song of Praise + </h2> + <p> + ROLF was lying by a fire when he came to, Quonab bending over him with a + look of grave concern. When he opened his eyes, the Indian smiled; such a + soft, sweet smile, with long, ivory rows in its background. + </p> + <p> + Then he brought hot tea, and Rolf revived so he could sit up and tell the + story of the morning. + </p> + <p> + “He is an evil Manito,” and he looked toward the dead buck; “we must not + eat him. You surely made medicine to bring Skookum.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I made medicine with my mouth,” was the answer, “I called, I yelled, + when he came at me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a long way from here to the cabin,” was Quonab's reply. “I could + not hear you; Skookum could not hear you; but Cos Cob, my father, told me + that when you send out a cry for help, you send medicine, too, that goes + farther than the cry. May be so; I do not know: my father was very wise.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see Skookum come, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he was with me hours after you left, but he was restless and + whimpered. Then he left me and it was a long time before I heard him bark. + It was the 'something-wrong' bark. I went. He brought me here.” + </p> + <p> + “He must have followed my track all 'round the line.” + </p> + <p> + After an hour they set out for the cabin. The ravens “Ha-ha-ed” and + “Ho-ho-ed” as they went. Quonab took the fateful horn that Rolf had + chopped off, and hung it on a sapling with a piece of tobacco and a red + yam streamer ', to appease the evil spirit that surely was near. There it + hung for years after, until the sapling grew to a tree that swallowed the + horn, all but the tip, which rotted away. + </p> + <p> + Skookum took a final sniff at his fallen enemy, gave the body the + customary expression of a dog's contempt, then led the procession + homeward. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Not that day, not the next, but on the first day of calm, red, sunset +sky, went Quonab to his hill of worship; and when the little fire that +he lit sent up its thread of smoke, like a plumb-line from the red cloud +over him, he burnt a pinch of tobacco, and, with face and arms upraised +in the red light, he sang a new song: + + “The evil one set a trap for my son, + But the Manito saved him; + In the form of a Skookum he saved him.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 34. The Birch-bark Vessels + </h2> + <p> + Rolf was sore and stiff for a week afterward; so was Skookum. There were + times when Quonab was cold, moody, and silent for days. Then some milder + wind would blow in the region of his heart and the bleak ice surface + melted into running rills of memory or kindly emanation. + </p> + <p> + Just before the buck adventure, there had been an unpleasant time of chill + and aloofness. It arose over little. Since the frost had come, sealing the + waters outside, Quonab would wash his hands in the vessel that was also + the bread pan. Rolf had New England ideas of propriety in cooking matters, + and finally he forgot the respect due to age and experience. That was one + reason why he went out alone that day. Now, with time to think things + over, the obvious safeguard would be to have a wash bowl; but where to get + it? In those days, tins were scarce and ex-pensive. It was the custom to + look in the woods for nearly all the necessaries of life; and, guided by + ancient custom and experience, they seldom looked in vain. Rolf had seen, + and indeed made, watering troughs, pig troughs, sap troughs, hen troughs, + etc., all his life, and he now set to work with the axe and a block of + basswood to hew out a trough for a wash bowl. With adequate tools he might + have made a good one; but, working with an axe and a stiff arm, the result + was a very heavy, crude affair. It would indeed hold water, but it was + almost impossible to dip it into the water hole, so that a dipper was + needed. + </p> + <p> + When Quonab saw the plan and the result, he said: “In my father's lodge we + had only birch bark. See; I shall make a bowl.” He took from the + storehouse a big roll of birch bark, gathered in warm weather (it can + scarcely be done in cold), for use in repairing the canoe. Selecting a + good part he cut out a square, two feet each way, and put it in the big + pot which was full of boiling water. At the same time he soaked with it a + bundle of wattap, or long fibrous roots of the white spruce, also gathered + before the frost came, with a view to canoe repairs in the spring. + </p> + <p> + While these were softening in the hot water, he cut a couple of long + splints of birch, as nearly as possible half an inch wide and an eighth of + an inch thick, and put them to steep with the bark. Next he made two or + three straddle pins or clamps, like clothes pegs, by splitting the ends of + some sticks which had a knot at one end. + </p> + <p> + Now he took out the spruce roots, soft and pliant, and selecting a lot + that were about an eighth of an inch in diameter, scraped off the bark and + roughness, until he had a bundle of perhaps ten feet of soft, even, white + cords. + </p> + <p> + The bark was laid flat and cut as below. + </p> + <p> + The rounding of A and B is necessary, for the holes of the sewing would + tear the piece off if all were on the same line of grain. Each corner was + now folded and doubled on itself (C), then held so with a straddle pin + (D). The rim was trimmed so as to be flat where it crossed the fibre of + the bark, and arched where it ran along. The pliant rods of birch were + bent around this, and using the large awl to make holes, Quonab sewed the + rim rods to the bark with an over-lapping stitch that made a smooth finish + to the edge, and the birch-bark wash pan was complete. (E.) Much heavier + bark can be used if the plan F G be followed, but it is hard to make it + water-tight. + </p> + <p> + So now they had a wash pan and a cause of friction was removed. Rolf found + it amusing as well as useful to make other bark vessels of varying sizes + for dippers and dunnage. It was work that he could do now while he was + resting and recovering and he became expert. After watching a fairly + successful attempt at a box to hold fish-hooks and tackle, Quonab said: + “In my father's lodge these would bear quill work in colours.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” said Rolf, remembering the birch-bark goods often sold by the + Indians. “I wish we had a porcupine now.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe Skookum could find one,” said the Indian, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me kill the next Kahk we find?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you use the quills and burn its whiskers.” + </p> + <p> + “Why burn its whiskers?” + </p> + <p> + “My father said it must be so. The smoke goes straight to the All-above; + then the Manito knows we have killed, but we have remembered to kill only + for use and to thank Him.” + </p> + <p> + It was some days before they found a porcupine, and when they did, it was + not necessary for them to kill it. But that belongs to another chapter. + </p> + <p> + They saved its skin with all its spears and hung it in the storehouse. The + quills with the white bodies and ready-made needle at each end are + admirable for embroidering, but they are white only. + </p> + <p> + “How can we dye them, Quonab? + </p> + <p> + “In the summer are many dyes; in winter they are hard to get. We can get + some.” + </p> + <p> + So forth he went to a hemlock tree, and cut till he could gather the inner + pink bark, which, boiled with the quills, turned them a dull pink; + similarly, alder bark furnished rich orange, and butternut bark a brown. + Oak chips, with a few bits of iron in the pot, dyed black. + </p> + <p> + “Must wait till summer for red and green,” said the Indian. “Red comes + only from berries; the best is the blitum. We call it squaw-berry and + mis-caw-wa, yellow comes from the yellow root (Hydrastis).” + </p> + <p> + But black, white, orange, pink, brown, and a dull red made by a double dip + of orange and pink, are a good range of colour. The method in using the + quills is simple. An awl to make holes in the bark for each; the rough + parts behind are concealed afterward with a lining of bark stitched over + them; and before the winter was over, Rolf had made a birch-bark box, + decorated lid and all, with porcupine quill work, in which he kept the + sable skin that was meant to buy Annette's new dress, the costume she had + dreamed of, the ideal and splendid, almost unbelievable vision of her + young life, ninety-five cents' worth of cotton print. + </p> + <p> + There was one other point of dangerous friction. Whenever it fell to + Quonab to wash the dishes, he simply set them on the ground and let + Skookum lick them off. This economical arrangement was satisfactory to + Quonab, delightful to Skookum, and apparently justified by the finished + product, but Rolf objected. The Indian said: “Don't he eat the same food + as we do? You cannot tell if you do not see.” + </p> + <p> + Whenever he could do so, Rolf washed the doubtful dishes over again, yet + there were many times when this was impossible, and the situation became + very irritating. But he knew that the man who loses his temper has lost + the first round of the fight, so, finding the general idea of uncleanness + without avail, he sought for some purely Indian argument. As they sat by + the evening fire, one day, he led up to talk of his mother—of her + power as a medicine woman, of the many evil medicines that harmed her. “It + was evil medicine for her if a dog licked her hand or touched her food. A + dog licked her hand and the dream dog came to her three days before she + died.” After a long pause, he added, “In some ways I am like my mother.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later, Rolf chanced to see his friend behind the shanty give + Skookum the pan to clean off after they had been frying deer fat. The + Indian had no idea that Rolf was near, nor did he ever learn the truth of + it. + </p> + <p> + That night, after midnight, the lad rose quietly, lighted the pine splints + that served them for a torch, rubbed some charcoal around each eye to make + dark rings that should supply a horror-stricken look. Then he started in + to pound on Quonab's tom-tom, singing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Evil spirit leave me; + Dog-face do not harm me.” + </pre> + <p> + Quonab sat up in amazement. Rolf paid no heed, but went on, bawling and + drumming and staring upward into vacant space. After a few minutes Skookum + scratched and whined at the shanty door. Rolf rose, took his knife, cut a + bunch of hair from Skookum's neck and burned it in the torch, then went on + singing with horrid solemnity: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Evil spirit leave me; + Dog-face do not harm me.” + </pre> + <p> + At last he turned, and seeming to discover that Quonab was looking on, + said: + </p> + <p> + “The dream dog came to me. I thought I saw him lick deer grease from the + frying pan behind the shanty. He laughed, for he knew that he made evil + medicine for me. I am trying to drive him away, so he cannot harm me. I do + not know. I am like my mother. She was very wise, but she died after it.” + </p> + <p> + Now Quonab arose, cut some more hair from Skookum, added a pinch of + tobacco, then, setting it ablaze, he sang in the rank odour of the burning + weed and hair, his strongest song to kill ill magic; and Rolf, as he + chuckled and sweetly sank to sleep, knew that the fight was won. His + friend would never, never more install Skookum in the high and sacred post + of pot-licker, dishwasher, or final polisher. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 35. Snaring Rabbits + </h2> + <p> + The deepening snow about the cabin was marked in all the thickets by the + multitudinous tracks of the snowshoe rabbits or white hares. Occasionally + the hunters saw them, but paid little heed. Why should they look at + rabbits when deer were plentiful? + </p> + <p> + “You catch rabbit?” asked Quonab one day when Rolf was feeling fit again. + </p> + <p> + “I can shoot one with my bow,” was the answer, “but why should I, when we + have plenty of deer?” + </p> + <p> + “My people always hunted rabbits. Sometimes no deer were to be found; then + the rabbits were food. Sometimes in the enemy's country it was not safe to + hunt, except rabbits, with blunt arrows, and they were food. Sometimes + only squaws and children in camp—nothing to eat; no guns; then the + rabbits were food.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, see me get one,” and Rolf took his bow and arrow. He found many + white bunnies, but always in the thickest woods. Again and again he tried, + but the tantalizing twigs and branches muffled the bow and turned the + arrow. It was hours before he returned with a fluffy snowshoe rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “That is not our way.” Quonab led to the thicket and selecting a place of + many tracks he cut a lot of brush and made a hedge across with half a + dozen openings. At each of these openings he made a snare of strong cord + tied to a long pole, hung on a crotch, and so arranged that a tug at the + snare would free the pole which in turn would hoist the snare and the + creature in it high in the air. + </p> + <p> + Next morning they went around and found that four of the snares had each a + snow-white rabbit hanging by the neck. As he was handling these, Quonab + felt a lump I on the hind leg of one. He carefully cut it open and turned + out a curious-looking object about the size of an acorn, flattened, made + of flesh and covered with hair, and nearly the shape of a large bean. He + gazed at it, and, turning to Rolf, said with intense meaning: + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! we have found the good hunting. This is the Peeto-wab-oos-once, the + little medicine rabbit. Now we have strong medicine in the lodge. You + shall see.” + </p> + <p> + He went out to the two remaining snares and passed the medicine rabbit + through each. An hour later, when they returned, they found a rabbit taken + in the first snare. + </p> + <p> + “It is ever so,” said the Indian. “We can always catch rabbits now. My + father had the Peeto-wab-i-ush once, the little medicine deer, and so he + never failed in hunting but twice. Then he found that his papoose, Quonab, + had stolen his great medicine. He was a very wise papoose. He killed a + chipmunk each of those days.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark! what is that?” A faint sound of rustling branches, and some short + animal noises in the woods had caught Rolf's ear, and Skookum's, too, for + he was off like one whose life is bound up in a great purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Yap, yap, yap,” came the angry sound from Skookum. Who can say that + animals have no language? His merry “yip, yip, yip,” for partridge up a + tree, or his long, hilarious, “Yow, yow, yow,” when despite all orders he + chased some deer, were totally distinct from the angry “Yap, yap,” he gave + for the bear up the tree, or the “Grrryapgrryap,” with which he voiced his + hatred of the porcupine. + </p> + <p> + But now it was the “Yap, yap,” as when he had treed the bears. + </p> + <p> + “Something up a tree,” was the Indian's interpretation, as they followed + the sound. Something up a tree! A whole menagerie it seemed to Rolf when + they got there. Hanging by the neck in the remaining snare, and limp now, + was a young lynx, a kit of the year. In the adjoining tree, with Skookum + circling and yapping 'round the base, was a savage old lynx. In the crotch + above her was another young one, and still higher was a third, all looking + their unutterable disgust at the noisy dog below; the mother, indeed, + expressing it in occasional hisses, but none of them daring to come down + and face him. The lynx is very good fur and very easy prey. The Indian + brought the old one down with a shot; then, as fast as he could reload, + the others were added to the bag, and, with the one from the snare, they + returned laden to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The Indian's eyes shone with a peculiar light. “Ugh! Ugh! My father told + me; it is great medicine. You see, now, it does not fail.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 36. Something Wrong at the Beaver Traps + </h2> + <p> + Once they had run the trap lines, and their store of furs was increasing + finely. They had taken twenty-five beavers and counted on getting two or + three each time they went to the ponds. But they got an unpleasant + surprise in December, on going to the beaver grounds, to find all the + traps empty and unmistakable signs that some man had been there and had + gone off with the catch. They followed the dim trail of his snowshoes, + half hidden by a recent wind, but night came on with more snow, and all + signs were lost. + </p> + <p> + The thief had not found the line yet, for the haul of marten and mink was + good. But this was merely the beginning. + </p> + <p> + The trapper law of the wilderness is much like all primitive laws; first + come has first right, provided he is able to hold it. If a strong rival + comes in, the first must fight as best he can. The law justifies him in + anything he may do, if he succeeds. The law justifies the second in + anything he may do, except murder. That is, the defender may shoot to + kill; the offender may not. + </p> + <p> + But the fact of Quonab's being an Indian and Rolf supposedly one, would + turn opinion against them in the Adirondacks, and it was quite likely that + the rival considered them trespassers on his grounds, although the fact + that he robbed their traps without removing them, and kept out of sight, + rather showed the guilty conscience of a self-accused poacher. + </p> + <p> + He came in from the west, obviously; probably the Racquet River country; + was a large man, judging by his foot and stride, and understood trapping; + but lazy, for he set no traps. His principal object seemed to be to steal. + </p> + <p> + And it was not long before he found their line of marten traps, so his + depredations increased. Primitive emotions are near the surface at all + times, and under primitive conditions are very ready to appear. Rolf and + Quonab felt that now it was war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 37. The Pekan or Fisher + </h2> + <p> + There was one large track in the snow that they saw several times—it + was like that of a marten, but much larger. “Pekan,” said the Indian, “the + big marten; the very strong one, that fights without fear.” + </p> + <p> + “When my father was a papoose he shot an arrow at a pekan. He did not know + what it was; it seemed only a big black marten. It was wounded, but sprang + from the tree on my father's breast. It would have killed him, but for the + dog; then it would have killed the dog, but my grandfather was near. + </p> + <p> + “He made my father eat the pekan's heart, so his heart might be like it. + It sought no fight, but it turned, when struck, and fought without fear. + That is the right way; seek peace, but fight without fear. That was my + father's heart and mine.” Then glancing toward the west he continued in a + tone of menace: “That trap robber will find it so. We sought no fight, but + some day I kill him.” + </p> + <p> + The big track went in bounds, to be lost in a low, thick woods. But they + met it again. + </p> + <p> + They were crossing a hemlock ridge a mile farther on, when they came to + another track which was first a long, deep furrow, some fifteen inches + wide, and in this were the wide-spread prints of feet as large as those of + a fisher. + </p> + <p> + “Kahk,” said Quonab, and Skookum said “Kahk,” too, but he did it by + growling and raising his back hair, and doubtless also by sadly + remembering. His discretion seemed as yet embryonic, so Rolf slipped his + sash through the dog's collar, and they followed the track, for the + porcupine now stood in Rolf's mind as a sort of embroidery outfit. + </p> + <p> + They had not followed far before another track joined on—the track + of the fisher-pekan; and soon after they heard in the woods ahead + scratching sounds, as of something climbing, and once or twice a faint, + far, fighting snarl. + </p> + <p> + Quickly tying the over-valiant Skookum to a tree, they crept forward, + ready for anything, and arrived on the scene of a very peculiar action. + </p> + <p> + Action it was, though it was singularly devoid of action. First, there was + a creature, like a huge black marten or a short-legged black fox, standing + at a safe distance, while, partly hidden under a log, with hind quarters + and tail only exposed, was a large porcupine. Both were very still, but + soon the fisher snarled and made a forward lunge. The porcupine, hearing + the sounds or feeling the snow dash up on that side, struck with its tail; + but the fisher kept out of reach. Next a feint was made on the other side, + with the same result; then many, as though the fisher were trying to tire + out the tail or use up all its quills. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the assailant leaped on the log and teased the quill-pig to + strike upward, while many white daggers already sunk in the bark showed + that these tactics had been going on for some time. + </p> + <p> + Now the two spectators saw by the trail that a similar battle had been + fought at another log, and that the porcupine trail from that was spotted + with blood. How the fisher had forced it out was not then clear, but soon + became so. + </p> + <p> + After feinting till the Kahk would not strike, the pekan began a new + manceuvre. Starting on the opposite side of the log that protected the + spiny one's nose, he burrowed quickly through the snow and leaves. The log + was about three inches from the ground, and before the porcupine could + realize it, the fisher had a space cleared and seized the spiny one by its + soft, unspiny nose. Grunting and squealing it pulled back and lashed its + terrible tail. To what effect? Merely to fill the log around with quills. + With all its strength the quill-pig pulled and writhed, but the fisher was + stronger. His claws enlarged the hole and when the victim ceased from + exhaustion, the fisher made a forward dash and changed his hold from the + tender nose to the still more tender throat of the porcupine. His hold was + not deep enough and square enough to seize the windpipe, but he held on. + For a minute or two the struggles of Kahk were of desperate energy and its + lashing tail began to be short of spines, but a red stream trickling from + the wound was sapping its strength. Protected by the log, the fisher had + but to hold on and play a waiting game. + </p> + <p> + The heaving and backward pulling of Kahk were very feeble at length; the + fisher had nearly finished the fight. But he was impatient of further + delay and backing out of the hole he mounted the log, displaying a much + scratched nose; then reaching down with deft paw, near the quill-pig's + shoulder, he gave a sudden jerk that threw the former over on its back, + and before it could recover, the fisher's jaws closed on its ribs, and + crushed and tore. The nerveless, almost quilless tail could not harm him + there. The red blood flowed and the porcupine lay still. Again and again + as he uttered chesty growls the pekan ground his teeth into the warm flesh + and shook and worried the unconquerable one he had conquered. He was + licking his bloody chops for the twentieth time, gloating in gore, when + “crack” went Quonab's gun, and the pekan had an opportunity of resuming + the combat with Kahk far away in the Happy Hunting. + </p> + <p> + “Yap, yap, yap!” and in rushed Skookum, dragging the end of Rolf's sash + which he had gnawed through in his determination to be in the fight, no + matter what it cost; and it was entirely due to the fact that the + porcupine was belly up, that Skookum did not have another hospital + experience. + </p> + <p> + This was Rolf's first sight of a fisher, and he examined it as one does + any animal—or man—that one has so long heard described in + superlative terms that it has become idealized into a semi-myth. This was + the desperado of the woods; the weird black cat that feared no living + thing. This was the only one that could fight and win against Kahk. + </p> + <p> + They made a fire at once, and while Rolf got the mid-day meal of tea and + venison, Quonab skinned the fisher. Then he cut out its heart and liver. + When these were cooked he gave the first to Rolf and the second to + Skookum, saying to the one, “I give you a pekan heart;” and to the dog, + “That will force all of the quills out of you if you play the fool again, + as I think you will.” + </p> + <p> + In the skin of the fisher's neck and tail they found several quills, some + of them new, some of them dating evidently from another fight of the same + kind, but none of them had done any damage. There was no inflammation or + sign of poisoning. “It is ever so,” said Quonab, “the quills cannot hurt + him.” Then, turning to the porcupine, he remarked, as he prepared to skin + it: + </p> + <p> + “Ho, Kahk! you see now it was a big mistake you did not let Nana Bojou sit + on the dry end of that log.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 38. The Silver Fox + </h2> + <p> + They were returning to the cabin, one day, when Quonab stopped and + pointed. Away off on the snow of the far shore was a moving shape to be + seen. + </p> + <p> + “Fox, and I think silver fox; he so black. I think he lives there.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” “I have seen many times a very big fox track, and they do not go + where they do not live. Even in winter they keep their own range.” + </p> + <p> + “He's worth ten martens, they say?” queried Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't we get him?” + </p> + <p> + “Can try. But the water set will not work in winter; we must try + different.” + </p> + <p> + This was the plan, the best that Quonab could devise for the snow: Saving + the ashes from the fire (dry sand would have answered), he selected six + open places in the woods on the south of the lake, and in each made an ash + bed on which he scattered three or four drops of the smell-charm. Then, + twenty-five yards from each, on the north or west side (the side of the + prevailing wind) he hung from some sapling a few feathers, a partridge + wing or tail with some red yarns to it. He left the places unvisited for + two weeks, then returned to learn the progress of act one. + </p> + <p> + Judging from past experience of fox nature and from the few signs that + were offered by the snow, this is what had happened: A fox came along soon + after the trappers left, followed the track a little way, came to the + first opening, smelled the seductive danger-lure, swung around it, saw the + dangling feathers, took alarm, and went off. Another of the places had + been visited by a marten. He had actually scratched in the ashes. A wolf + had gone around another at a safe distance. + </p> + <p> + Another had been shunned several times by a fox or by foxes, but they had + come again and again and at last yielded to the temptation to investigate + the danger-smell; finally had rolled in it, evidently wallowing in an + abandon of delight. So far, the plan was working there. + </p> + <p> + The next move was to set the six strong fox traps, each thoroughly smoked, + and chained to a fifteen-pound block of wood. + </p> + <p> + Approaching the place carefully and using his blood-rubbed glove, Quonab + set in each ash pile a trap. Under its face he put a wad of white rabbit + fur. Next he buried all in the ashes, scattered a few bits of rabbit and a + few drops of smell-charm, then dashed snow over the place, renewed the + dangling feathers to lure the eye; and finally left the rest to the + weather. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was keen to go the next day, but the old man said: “Wah! no good! no + trap go first night; man smell too strong.” The second day there was a + snowfall, and the third morning Quonab said, “Now seem like good time.” + </p> + <p> + The first trap was untouched, but there was clearly the track of a large + fox within ten yards of it. + </p> + <p> + The second was gone. Quonab said, with surprise in his voice, “Deer!” Yes, + truly, there was the record. A deer—a big one—had come + wandering past; his keen nose soon apprised him of a strong, queer appeal + near by. He had gone unsuspiciously toward it, sniffed and pawed the + unaccountable and exciting nose medicine; then “snap!” and he had sprung a + dozen feet, with that diabolic smell-thing hanging to his foot. Hop, hop, + hop, the terrified deer had gone into a slashing windfall. Then the drag + had caught on the logs, and, thanks to the hard and taper hoofs, the trap + had slipped off and been left behind, while the deer had sought safer + regions. + </p> + <p> + In the next trap they found a beautiful marten dead, killed at once by the + clutch of steel. The last trap was gone, but the tracks and the marks told + a tale that any one could read; a fox had been beguiled and had gone off, + dragging the trap and log. Not far did they need to go; held in a thicket + they found him, and Rolf prepared the mid-day meal while Quonab gathered + the pelt. After removing the skin the Indian cut deep and carefully into + the body of the fox and removed the bladder. Its contents sprinkled near + each of the traps was good medicine, he said; a view that was evidently + shared by Skookum. + </p> + <p> + More than once they saw the track of the big fox of the region, but never + very near the snare. He was too clever to be fooled by smell-spells or + kidney products, no matter how temptingly arrayed. The trappers did, + indeed, capture three red foxes; but it was at cost of great labour. It + was a venture that did not pay. The silver fox was there, but he took too + good care of his precious hide. The slightest hint of a man being near was + enough to treble his already double wariness. They would never have seen + him near at hand, but for a stirring episode that told a tale of winter + hardship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 39. The Humiliation of Skookum + </h2> + <p> + If Skookum could have been interviewed by a newspaper man, he would + doubtless have said: “I am a very remarkable dog. I can tree partridges. + I'm death on porcupines. I am pretty good in a dog fight; never was licked + in fact: but my really marvellous gift is my speed; I'm a terror to run.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, he was very proud of his legs, and the foxes that came about in the + winter nights gave him many opportunities of showing what he could do. + Many times over he very nearly caught a fox. Skookum did not know that + these wily ones were playing with him; but they were, and enjoyed it + immensely. + </p> + <p> + The self-sufficient cur never found this out, and never lost a chance of + nearly catching a fox. The men did not see those autumn chases because + they were by night; but foxes hunt much by day in winter, perforce, and + are often seen; and more than once they witnessed one of these farcical + races. + </p> + <p> + And now the shining white furnished background for a much more important + affair. + </p> + <p> + It was near sundown one day when a faint fox bark was heard out on the + snow-covered ice of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “That's for me,” Skookum seemed to think, and jumping up, with a very + fierce growl, he trotted forth; the men looked first from the window. Out + on the snow, sitting on his haunches, was their friend, the big, black + silver fox. + </p> + <p> + Quonab reached for his gun and Rolf tried to call Skookum, but it was too + late. He was out to catch that fox; their business was to look on and + applaud. The fox sat on his haunches, grinning apparently, until Skookum + dashed through the snow within twenty yards. Then, that shining, black fox + loped gently away, his huge tail level out behind him, and Skookum, sure + of success, raced up, within six or seven yards. A few more leaps now, and + the victory would be won. But somehow he could not close that six or seven + yard gap. No matter how he strained and leaped, the great black brush was + just so far ahead. At first they had headed for the shore, but the fox + wheeled back to the ice and up and down. Skookum felt it was because + escape was hopeless, and he redoubled his effort. But all in vain. He was + only wearing himself out, panting noisily now. The snow was deep enough to + be a great disadvantage, more to dog than to fox, since weight counted as + such a handicap. Unconsciously Skookum slowed up. The fox increased his + headway; then audaciously turned around and sat down in the snow. + </p> + <p> + This was too much for the dog. He wasted about a lungful of air in an + angry bark, and again went after the enemy. Again the chase was round and + round, but very soon the dog was so wearied that he sat down, and now the + black fox actually came back and barked at him. + </p> + <p> + It was maddening. Skookum's pride was touched. + </p> + <p> + He was in to win or break. His supreme effort brought him within five feet + of that white-tipped brush. Then, strange to tell, the big black fox put + forth his large reserve of speed, and making for the woods, left Skookum + far behind. Why? The cause was clear. Quonab, after vainly watching for a + chance to shoot, that would not endanger the dog, had, under cover, crept + around the lake and now was awaiting in a thicket. But the fox's keen nose + had warned him. He knew that the funny part was over, so ran for the woods + and disappeared as a ball tossed up the snow behind him. + </p> + <p> + Poor Skookum's tongue was nearly a foot long as he walked meekly ashore. + He looked depressed; his tail was depressed; so were his ears; but there + was nothing to show whether he would have told that reporter that he + “wasn't feeling up to his usual, to-day,” or “Didn't you see me get the + best of him?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 40. The Rarest of Pelts + </h2> + <p> + They saw that silver fox three or four times during the winter, and once + found that he had had the audacity to jump from a high snowdrift onto the + storehouse and thence to the cabin roof, where he had feasted on some + white rabbits kept there for deadfall baits. But all attempts to trap or + shoot him were vain, and their acquaintance might have ended as it began, + but for an accident. + </p> + <p> + It proved a winter of much snow. Heavy snow is the worst misfortune that + can befall the wood folk in fur. It hides their food beyond reach, and it + checks their movements so they can neither travel far in search of + provender nor run fast to escape their enemies. Deep snow then means + fetters, starvation, and death. There are two ways of meeting the problem: + stilts and snowshoes. The second is far the better. The caribou, and the + moose have stilts; the rabbit, the panther, and the lynx wear snowshoes. + When there are three or four feet of soft snow, the lynx is king of all + small beasts, and little in fear of the large ones. Man on his snowshoes + has most wild four-foots at his mercy. + </p> + <p> + Skookum, without either means of meeting the trouble was left much alone + in the shanty. Apparently, it was on one of these occasions that the + silver fox had driven him nearly frantic by eating rabbits on the roof + above him. + </p> + <p> + The exasperating robbery of their trap line had gone on irregularly all + winter, but the thief was clever enough or lucky enough to elude them. + </p> + <p> + They were returning to the cabin after a three days' round, when they saw, + far out on the white expanse of the lake, two animals, alternately running + and fighting. “Skookum and the fox,” was the first thought that came, but + on entering the cabin Skookum greeted them in person. + </p> + <p> + Quonab gazed intently at the two running specks and said: “One has no + tail. I think it is a peeshoo (lynx) and a fox.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf was making dinner. From time to time he glanced over the lake and saw + the two specks, usually running. After dinner was over, he said, “Let's + sneak 'round and see if we can get a shot.” + </p> + <p> + So, putting on their snowshoes and keeping out of sight, they skimmed over + the deer crossing and through the woods, till at a point near the + fighters, and there they saw something that recalled at once the day of + Skookum's humiliation. + </p> + <p> + A hundred yards away on the open snow was a huge lynx and their old + friend, the black and shining silver fox, face to face; the fox desperate, + showing his rows of beautiful teeth, but sinking belly deep in the snow as + he strove to escape. Already he was badly wounded. In any case he was at + the mercy of the lynx who, in spite of his greater weight, had such broad + and perfect snowshoes that he skimmed on the surface, while the fox's + small feet sank deep. The lynx was far from fresh, and still stood in some + awe of those rows of teeth that snapped like traps when he came too near. + He was minded, of course, to kill his black rival, but not to be hurt in + doing so. Again and again there was in some sort a closing fight, the + wearied fox plunging breathlessly through the treacherous, relentless + snow. If he could only get back to cover, he might find a corner to + protect his rear and have some fighting chance for life. But wherever he + turned that huge cat faced him, doubly armed, and equipped as a fox can + never be for the snow. + </p> + <p> + No one could watch that plucky fight without feeling his sympathies go out + to the beautiful silver fox. Rolf, at least, was for helping him to + escape, when the final onset came. In another dash for the woods the fox + plunged out of sight in a drift made soft by sedge sticking through, and + before he could recover, the lynx's jaws closed on the back of his neck + and the relentless claws had pierced his vitals. + </p> + <p> + The justification of killing is self-preservation, and in this case the + proof would have been the lynx making a meal of the fox. Did he do so? Not + at all. He shook his fur, licked his chest and paws in a + self-congratulatory way, then giving a final tug at the body, walked + calmly over the snow along the shore. + </p> + <p> + Quonab put the back of his hand to his mouth and made a loud squeaking, + much like a rabbit caught in a snare. The lynx stopped, wheeled, and came + trotting straight toward the promising music. Unsuspectingly he came + within twenty yards of the trappers. The flint-lock banged and the lynx + was kicking in the snow. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful silver fox skin was very little injured and proved of value + almost to double their catch so far; while the lynx skin was as good as + another marten. + </p> + <p> + They now had opportunity of studying the tracks and learned that the fox + had been hunting rabbits in a thicket when he was set on by the lynx. At + first he had run around in the bushes and saved himself from serious + injury, for the snow was partly packed by the rabbits. After perhaps an + hour of this, he had wearied and sought to save himself by abandoning the + lynx's territory, so had struck across the open lake. But here the snow + was too soft to bear him at all, and the lynx could still skim over. So it + proved a fatal error. He was strong and brave. He fought at least another + hour here before the much stronger, heavier lynx had done him to death. + There was no justification. It was a clear case of tyrannical murder, but + in this case vengeance was swift and justice came sooner than its wont. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 41. The Enemy's Fort + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It pays 'bout once in a hundred times to git mad, but there + ain't any way o' tellin' beforehand which is the time. + —Sayings of Si Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + It generally took two days to run the west line of traps. At a convenient + point they had built a rough shack for a half-way house. On entering this + one day, they learned that since their last visit it had been occupied by + some one who chewed tobacco. Neither of them had this habit. Quonab's face + grew darker each time fresh evidence of the enemy was discovered, and the + final wrong was added soon. + </p> + <p> + Some trappers mark their traps; some do not bother. Rolf had marked all of + theirs with a file, cutting notches on the iron. Two, one, three, was + their mark, and it was a wise plan, as it turned out. + </p> + <p> + On going around the west beaver pond they found that all six traps had + disappeared. In some, there was no evidence of the thief; in some, the + tracks showed clearly that they were taken by the same interloper that had + bothered them all along, and on a jagged branch was a short blue yarn. + </p> + <p> + “Now will I take up his trail and kill him,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had opposed extreme measures, and again he remonstrated. To his + surprise, the Indian turned fiercely and said: “You know it is white man. + If he was Indian would you be patient? No!” + </p> + <p> + “There is plenty of country south of the lake; maybe he was here first.” + </p> + <p> + “You know he was not. You should eat many pekan hearts. I have sought + peace, now I fight.” + </p> + <p> + He shouldered his pack, grasped his gun, and his snowshoes went “tssape, + tssape, tssape,” over the snow. + </p> + <p> + Skookum was sitting by Rolf. He rose to resume the march, and trotted a + few steps on Quonab's trail. Rolf did not move; he was dazed by the sudden + and painful situation. Mutiny is always worse than war. Skookum looked + back, trotted on, still Rolf sat staring. Quonab's figure was lost in the + distance; the dog's was nearly so. Rolf moved not. All the events of the + last year were rushing through his mind; the refuge he had found with the + Indian; the incident of the buck fight and the tender nurse the red man + proved. He wavered. Then he saw Skookum coming back on the trail. The dog + trotted up to the boy and dropped a glove, one of Quonab's. Undoubtedly + the Indian had lost it; Skookum had found it on the trail and mechanically + brought it to the nearest of his masters. Without that glove Quonab's hand + would freeze. Rolf rose and sped along the other's trail. Having taken the + step, he found it easy to send a long halloo, then another and another, + till an answer came. In a few minutes Rolf came up. The Indian was sitting + on a log, waiting. The glove was handed over in silence, and received with + a grunt. + </p> + <p> + After a minute or two, Rolf said “Let's get on,” and started on the dim + trail of the robber. + </p> + <p> + For an hour or two they strode in silence. Then their course rose as they + reached a rocky range. Among its bare, wind-swept ridges all sign was + lost, but the Indian kept on till they were over and on the other side. A + far cast in the thick, windless woods revealed the trail again, surely the + same, for the snowshoe was two fingers wider on every side, and a + hand-breadth longer than Quonab's; besides the right frame had been broken + and the binding of rawhide was faintly seen in the snow mark. It was a + mark they had seen all winter, and now it was headed as before for the + west. + </p> + <p> + When night came down, they camped in a hollow. They were used to snow + camps. In the morning they went on, but wind and snow had hidden their + tell-tale guide. + </p> + <p> + What was the next move? Rolf did not ask, but wondered. + </p> + <p> + Quonab evidently was puzzled. + </p> + <p> + At length Rolf ventured: “He surely lives by some river—that way—and + within a day's journey. This track is gone, but we may strike a fresh one. + We'll know it when we see it.” + </p> + <p> + The friendly look came back to the Indian's face. “You are Nibowaka.” + </p> + <p> + They had not gone half a mile before they found a fresh track—their + old acquaintance. Even Skookum showed his hostile recognition. And in a + few minutes it led them to a shanty. They slipped off their snowshoes, and + hung them in a tree. Quonab opened the door without knocking. They + entered, and in a moment were face to face with a lanky, ill-favoured + white man that all three, including Skookum, recognized as Hoag, the man + they had met at the trader's. + </p> + <p> + That worthy made a quick reach for his rifle, but Quonab covered him and + said in tones that brooked no discussion, “Sit down!” + </p> + <p> + Hoag did so, sullenly, then growled: “All right; my partners will be here + in ten minutes.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf was startled. Quonab and Skookum were not. + </p> + <p> + “We settled your partners up in the hills,” said the former, knowing that + one bluff was as good as another. Skookum growled and sniffed at the + enemy's legs. The prisoner made a quick move with his foot. + </p> + <p> + “You kick that dog again and it's your last kick,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Who's kicked yer dog, and what do you mean coming here with yer cutthroat + ways? You'll find there's law in this country before yer through,” was the + answer. + </p> + <p> + “That's what we're looking for, you trap robber, you thief. We're here + first to find our traps; second to tell you this: the next time you come + on our line there'll be meat for the ravens. Do you suppose I don't know + them?” and the Indian pointed to a large pair of snowshoes with long heels + and a repair lashing on the right frame. “See that blue yarn,” and the + Indian matched it with a blue sash hanging to a peg. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, them belongs to Bill Hawkins; he'll be 'round in five minutes now.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian made a gesture of scorn; then turning to Rolf said: “look + 'round for our traps.” Rolf made a thorough search in and about the shanty + and the adjoining shed. He found some traps but none with his mark; none + of a familiar make even. + </p> + <p> + “Better hunt for a squaw and papoose,” sneered Hoag, who was utterly + puzzled by the fact that now Rolf was obviously a white lad. + </p> + <p> + But all the search was vain. Either Hoag had not stolen the traps or had + hidden them elsewhere. The only large traps they found were two of the + largest size for taking bear. + </p> + <p> + Hoag's torrent of bad language had been quickly checked by the threat of + turning Skookum loose on his legs, and he looked such a grovelling beast + that presently the visitors decided to leave him with a warning. + </p> + <p> + The Indian took the trapper's gun, fired it off out of doors, not in the + least perturbed by the possibility of its being heard by Hoag's partners. + He knew they were imaginary. Then changing his plan, he said “Ugh! You + find your gun in half a mile on our trail. But don't come farther and + don't let me see the snowshoe trail on the divide again. Them ravens is + awful hungry.” + </p> + <p> + Skookum, to his disappointment, was called off and, talking the trapper's + gun for a time, they left it in a bush and made for their own country. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 42. Skookum's Panther + </h2> + <h3> + “Why are there so few deer tracks now?” + </h3> + <p> + “Deer yarded for winter,” replied the Indian; “no travel in deep snow.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll soon need another,” said Rolf, which unfortunately was true. They + could have killed many deer in early winter, when the venison was in fine + condition, but they had no place to store it. Now they must get it as they + could, and of course it was thinner and poorer every week. + </p> + <p> + They were on a high hill some days later. There was a clear view and they + noticed several ravens circling and swooping. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe dead deer; maybe deer yard,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + It was over a thick, sheltered, and extensive cedar swamp near the woods + where last year they had seen so many deer, and they were not surprised to + find deer tracks in numbers, as soon as they got into its dense thicket. + </p> + <p> + A deer yard is commonly supposed to be a place in which the deer have a + daily “bee” at road work all winter long and deliberately keep the snow + hammered down so they can run on a hard surface everywhere within its + limits. The fact is, the deer gather in a place where there is plenty of + food and good shelter. The snow does not drift here, so the deer, by + continually moving about, soon make a network of tracks in all directions, + extending them as they must to seek more food. They may, of course, leave + the yard at any time, but at once they encounter the dreaded obstacle of + deep, soft snow in which they are helpless. + </p> + <p> + Once they reached the well-worn trails, the hunters took off their + snowshoes and went gently on these deer paths. They saw one or two + disappearing forms, which taught them the thick cover was hiding many + more. They made for the sound of the ravens, and found that the feast of + the sable birds was not a deer but the bodies of three, quite recently + killed. + </p> + <p> + Quonab made a hasty study of the signs and said, “Panther.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, a panther, cougar, or mountain lion also had found the deer yard; and + here he was living, like a rat in a grocer shop with nothing to do but + help himself whenever he felt like feasting. + </p> + <p> + Pleasant for the panther, but hard on the deer; for the killer is wasteful + and will often kill for the joy of murder. + </p> + <p> + Not a quarter of the carcasses lying here did he eat; he was feeding at + least a score of ravens, and maybe foxes, martens, and lynxes as well. + </p> + <p> + Before killing a deer, Quonab thought it well to take a quiet prowl around + in hopes of seeing the panther. Skookum was turned loose and encouraged to + display his talents. + </p> + <p> + Proud as a general with an ample and obedient following, he dashed ahead, + carrying fresh dismay among the deer, if one might judge from the noise. + Then he found some new smell of excitement, and voiced the new thrill in a + new sound, one not unmixed with fear. At length his barking was far away + to the west in a rocky part of the woods. Whatever the prey, it was treed, + for the voice kept one place. + </p> + <p> + The hunters followed quickly and found the dog yapping furiously under a + thick cedar. The first thought was of porcupine; but a nearer view showed + the game to be a huge panther on the ground, not greatly excited, + disdaining to climb, and taking little notice of the dog, except to curl + his nose and utter a hissing kind of snarl when the latter came too near. + </p> + <p> + But the arrival of the hunters gave a new colour to the picture. The + panther raised his head, then sprang up a large tree and ensconced himself + on a fork, while the valorous Skookum reared against the trunk, + threatening loudly to come up and tear him to pieces. + </p> + <p> + This was a rare find and a noble chance to conserve their stock of deer, + so the hunters went around the tree seeking for a fair shot. But every + point of view had some serious obstacle. It seemed as though the branches + had been told off to guard the panther's vitals, for a big one always + stood in the bullet's way. + </p> + <p> + After vainly going around, Quonab said to Rolf: “Hit him with something, + so he'll move.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf always was a good shot with stones, but he found none to throw. Near + where they stood, however, was an unfreezing spring, and the soggy snow on + it was easily packed into a hard, heavy snowball. Rolf threw it straight, + swift, and by good luck it hit the panther square on the nose and startled + him so that he sprang right out of the tree and flopped into the snow. + </p> + <p> + Skookum was on him at once, but got a slap on the ear that changed his + music, and the panther bounded away out of sight with the valiant Skookum + ten feet behind, whooping and yelling like mad. + </p> + <p> + It was annoyance rather than fear that made that panther take to a low + tree while Skookum boxed the compass, and made a beaten dog path all + around him. The hunters approached very carefully now, making little sound + and keeping out of sight. The panther was wholly engrossed with observing + the astonishing impudence of that dog, when Quonab came quietly up, leaned + his rifle against a tree and fired. The smoke cleared to show the panther + on his back, his legs convulsively waving in the air, and Skookum tugging + valiantly at his tail. + </p> + <p> + “My panther,” he seemed to say; “whatever would you do without me?” + </p> + <p> + A panther in a deer yard is much like a wolf shut up in a sheepfold. He + would probably have killed all the deer that winter, though there were ten + times as many as he needed for food; and getting rid of him was a piece of + good luck for hunters and deer, while his superb hide made a noble trophy + that in years to come had unexpected places of honour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 43. Sunday in the Woods + </h2> + <p> + Rolf still kept to the tradition of Sunday, and Quonab had in a manner + accepted it. It was a curious fact that the red man had far more + toleration for the white man's religious ideas than the white man had for + the red's. + </p> + <p> + Quonab's songs to the sun and the spirit, or his burning of a tobacco + pinch, or an animal's whiskers were to Rolf but harmless nonsense. Had he + given them other names, calling them hymns and incense, he would have been + much nearer respecting them. He had forgotten his mother's teaching: “If + any man do anything sincerely, believing that thereby he is worshipping + God, he is worshipping God.” He disliked seeing Quonab use an axe or a gun + on Sunday, and the Indian, realizing that such action made “evil medicine” + for Rolf, practically abstained. But Rolf had not yet learned to respect + the red yarns the Indian hung from a deer's skull, though he did come to + understand that he must let them alone or produce bad feeling in camp. + </p> + <p> + Sunday had become a day of rest and Quonab made it also a day of song and + remembrance. + </p> + <p> + They were sitting one Sunday night by the fire in the cabin, enjoying the + blaze, while a storm rattled on the window and door. A white-footed mouse, + one of a family that lived in the shanty, was trying how close he could + come to Skookum's nose without being caught, while Rolf looked on. Quonab + was lying back on a pile of deer skins, with his pipe in his mouth, his + head on the bunk, and his hands clasped back of his neck. + </p> + <p> + There was an atmosphere of content and brotherly feeling; the evening was + young, when Rolf broke silence: + </p> + <p> + “Were you ever married, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh,” was the Indian's affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Myanos.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf did not venture more questions, but left the influence of the hour to + work. It was a moment of delicate poise, and Rolf knew a touch would open + the door or double bar it. He wondered how he might give that touch as he + wished it. Skookum still slept. Both men watched the mouse, as, with quick + movements it crept about. Presently it approached a long birch stick that + stood up against the wall. High hanging was the song-drum. Rolf wished + Quonab would take it and let it open his heart, but he dared not offer it; + that might have the exact wrong effect. Now the mouse was behind the birch + stick. Then Rolf noticed that the stick if it were to fall would strike a + drying line, one end of which was on the song-drum peg. So he made a dash + at the mouse and displaced the stick; the jerk it gave the line sent the + song-drum with hollow bumping to the ground. The boy stooped to replace + it; as he did, Quonab grunted and Rolf turned to see his hand stretched + for the drum. Had Rolf officiously offered it, it would have been refused; + now the Indian took it, tapped and warmed it at the fire, and sang a song + of the Wabanaki. It was softly done, and very low, but Rolf was close, for + almost the first time in any long rendition, and he got an entirely new + notion of the red music. The singer's face brightened as he tummed and + sang with peculiar grace notes and throat warbles of “Kaluscap's war with + the magi,” and the spirit of his people, rising to the sweet magic of + melody, came shining in his eyes. He sang the lovers' song, “The Bark + Canoe.” (See F. R. Burton's “American Primitive Music.) + </p> + <p> + “While the stars shine and falls the dew, I seek my love in bark canoe.” + </p> + <p> + And then the cradle song, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The Naked Bear Shall Never Catch Thee.” + </pre> + <p> + When he stopped, he stared at the fire; and after a long pause Rolf + ventured, “My mother would have loved your songs.” + </p> + <p> + Whether he heard or not, the warm emanation surely reached the Indian, and + he began to answer the question of an hour before: + </p> + <p> + “Her name was Gamowini, for she sang like the sweet night bird at Asamuk. + I brought her from her father's house at Saugatuck. We lived at Myanos. + She made beautiful baskets and moccasins. I fished and trapped; we had + enough. Then the baby came. He had big round eyes, so we called him + Wee-wees, 'our little owl,' and we were very happy. When Gamowini sang to + her baby, the world seemed full of sun. One day when Wee-wees could walk + she left him with me and she went to Stamford with some baskets to sell. A + big ship was in the harbour. A man from the ship told her that his sailors + would buy all her baskets. She had no fear. On the ship they seized her + for a runaway slave, and hid her till they sailed away. + </p> + <p> + “When she did not come back I took Wee-wees on my shoulder and went + quickly to Stamford. I soon found out a little, but the people did not + know the ship, or whence she came, or where she went, they said. They did + not seem to care. My heart grew hotter and wilder. I wanted to fight. I + would have killed the men on the dock, but they were many. They bound me + and put me in jail for three months. 'When I came out Wee-wees was dead. + They did not care. I have heard nothing since. Then I went to live under + the rock, so I should not see our first home. I do not know; she may be + alive. But I think it killed her to lose her baby.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian stopped; then rose quickly. His face was hard set. He stepped + out into the snowstorm and the night. Rolf was left alone with Skookum. + </p> + <p> + Sad, sad, everything seemed sad in his friend's life, and Rolf, brooding + over it with wisdom beyond his years, could not help asking: “Had Quonab + and Gamowini been white folk, would it have happened so? Would his agony + have been received with scornful indifference?” Alas! he knew it would + not. He realized it would have been a very different tale, and the sequent + questions that would not down, were, “Will this bread cast on the waters + return after many days?” “Is there a God of justice and retribution?” “On + whom will the flail of vengeance fall for all these abominations?” + </p> + <p> + Two hours later the Indian returned. No word was spoken as he entered. He + was not cold. He must have walked far. Rolf prepared for bed. The Indian + stooped, picked up a needle from the dusty ground, one that had been lost + the day before, silently handed it to his companion, who gave only a + recognizant “Hm,” and dropped it into the birch-bark box. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 44. The Lost Bundle of Furs + </h2> + <p> + There had been a significant cessation of robbery on their trap line after + the inconclusive visit to the enemy's camp. But a new and extreme + exasperation arose in the month of March, when the alternation of thaw and + frost had covered the snow with a hard crust that rendered snowshoes + unnecessary and made it easy to run anywhere and leave no track. + </p> + <p> + They had gathered up a fisher and some martens before they reached the + beaver pond. They had no beaver traps now, but it was interesting to call + and see how many of the beavers were left, and what they were doing. + </p> + <p> + Bubbling springs on the bank of the pond had made open water at several + places, now that the winter frost was weakening. Out of these the beavers + often came, as was plainly seen in the tracks, so the trappers approached + them carefully. + </p> + <p> + They were scrutinizing one of them from behind a log, Quonab with ready + gun, Rolf holding the unwilling Skookum, when the familiar broad, flat + head appeared. A large beaver swam around the hole, sniffed and looked, + then silently climbed the bank, evidently making for a certain aspen tree + that he had already been cutting. He was in easy range, and the gunner was + about to fire when Rolf pressed his arm and pointed. Here, wandering + through the wood, came a large lynx. It had not seen or smelt any of the + living creatures ahead, as yet, but speedily sighted the beaver now + working away to cut down his tree. + </p> + <p> + As a pelt, the beaver was worth more than the lynx, but the naturalist is + strong in most hunters, and they watched to see what would happen. + </p> + <p> + The lynx seemed to sink into the ground, and was lost to sight as soon as + he knew of a possible prey ahead. And now he began his stalk. The hunters + sighted him once as he crossed a level opening in the snow. He seemed less + than four inches high as he crawled. Logs, ridges, trees, or twigs, + afforded ample concealment, till his whiskers appeared in a thicket within + fifteen feet of the beaver. + </p> + <p> + All this was painfully exciting to Skookum, who, though he could not see, + could get some thrilling whiffs, and he strained forward to improve his + opportunities. The sound of this slight struggle caught the beaver's ear. + It stopped work, wheeled, and made for the water hole. The lynx sprang + from his ambush, seized the beaver by the back, and held on; but the + beaver was double the lynx's weight, the bank was steep and slippery, the + struggling animals kept rolling down hill, nearer and nearer the hole. + Then, on the very edge, the beaver gave a great plunge, and splashed into + the water with the lynx clinging to its back. At once they disappeared, + and the hunters rushed to the place, expecting them to float up and be an + easy prey; but they did not float. At length it was clear that the pair + had gone under the ice, for in water the beaver was master. + </p> + <p> + After five minutes it was certain that the lynx must be dead. Quonab cut a + sapling and made a grappler. He poked this way and that way under the ice, + until at length he felt something soft. With the hatchet they cut a hole + over the place and then dragged out the body of the lynx. The beaver, of + course, escaped and was probably little the worse. + </p> + <p> + While Quonab skinned the catch, Rolf prowled around the pond and soon came + running back to tell of a remarkable happening. + </p> + <p> + At another open hole a beaver had come out, wandered twenty yards to a + mound which he had castorized, then passed several hard wood trees to find + a large poplar or aspen, the favourite food tree. This he had begun to + fell with considerable skill, but for some strange reason, perhaps because + alone, he had made a miscalculation, and when the tree came crashing down, + it had fallen across his back, killed him, and pinned him to the ground. + </p> + <p> + It was an easy matter for the hunters to remove the log and secure his + pelt, so they left the beaver pond, richer than they had expected. + </p> + <p> + Next night, when they reached their half-way shanty, they had the best + haul they had taken on this line since the memorable day when they got six + beavers. + </p> + <p> + The morning dawned clear and bright. As they breakfasted, they noticed an + extraordinary gathering of ravens far away to the north, beyond any + country they had visited. At least twenty or thirty of the birds were + sailing in great circles high above a certain place, uttering a deep, + sonorous croak, from time to time. Occasionally one of the ravens would + dive down out of sight. + </p> + <p> + “Why do they fly above that way?” + </p> + <p> + “That is to let other ravens know there is food here. Their eyes are very + good. They can see the signal ten miles away, so all come to the place. My + father told me that you can gather all the ravens for twenty miles by + leaving a carcass so they can see it and signal each other.” + </p> + <p> + “Seems as if we should look into that. Maybe another panther,” was Rolf's + remark. + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded; so leaving the bundle of furs in a safe place with the + snowshoes, that they carried on a chance, they set out over the hard + crust. It was two or three miles to the ravens' gathering, and, as before, + it proved to be over a cedar brake where was a deer yard. + </p> + <p> + Skookum knew all about it. He rushed into the woods, filled with the joy + of martial glory. But speedily came running out again as hard as he could, + yelling “yow, yow, yowl” for help, while swiftly following, behind him + were a couple of gray wolves. Quonab waited till they were within forty + yards; then, seeing the men, the wolves slowed up and veered; Quonab + fired; one of the wolves gave a little, doglike yelp. Then they leaped + into the bushes and were lost to view. + </p> + <p> + A careful study of the snow showed one or two trifling traces of blood. In + the deer yard they found at least a dozen carcasses of deer killed by the + wolves, but none very recent. They saw but few deer and nothing more of + the wolves, for the crust had made all the country easy, and both kinds + fled before the hunters. + </p> + <p> + Exploring a lower level of willow country in hopes of finding beaver + delayed them, and it was afternoon when they returned to the half-way + shanty, to find everything as they left it, except that their Pack of furs + had totally disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the hard crust gave no sign of track. Their first thought was + of the old enemy, but, seeking far and near for evidence, they found + pieces of an ermine skin, and a quarter mile farther, the rest of it, + then, at another place, fragments of a muskrat's skin. Those made it look + like the work of the trapper's enemy, the wolverine, which, though rare, + was surely found in these hills. Yes! there was a wolverine scratch mark, + and here another piece of the rat skin. It was very clear who was the + thief. + </p> + <p> + “He tore up the cheapest ones of the lot anyway,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + Then the trappers stared at each other significantly—only the cheap + ones destroyed; why should a wolverine show such discrimination? There was + no positive sign of wolverine; in fact, the icy snow gave no sign of + anything. There was little doubt that the tom furs and the scratch marks + were there to mislead; that this was the work of a human robber, almost + certainly Hoag. + </p> + <p> + He had doubtless seen them leave in the morning, and it was equally sure, + since he had had hours of start, he would now be far away. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! Give him few days to think he safe, then I follow and settle all,” + and this time the Indian clearly meant to end the matter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 45. The Subjugation of Hoag + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A feller as weeps for pity and never does a finger-tap to + help is 'bout as much use as an overcoat on a drowning man. + —Sayings of Si Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + SOME remarkable changes of weather made some remarkable changes in their + plan and saved their enemy from immediate molestation. For two weeks it + was a succession of thaws and there was much rain. The lake was covered + with six inches of water; the river had a current above the ice, that was + rapidly eating, the latter away. Everywhere there were slush and wet snow + that put an end to travel and brought on the spring with a rush. + </p> + <p> + Each night there was, indeed, a trifling frost, but each day's sun seemed + stronger, and broad, bare patches of ground appeared on all sunny slopes. + </p> + <p> + On the first crisp day the trappers set out to go the rounds, knowing full + well that this was the end of the season. Henceforth for six months + deadfall and snare would lie idle and unset. + </p> + <p> + They went their accustomed line, carrying their snowshoes, but rarely + needing them. Then they crossed a large track to which Quonab pointed, and + grunted affirmatively as Rolf said “Bear?” Yes! the bears were about once + more; their winter sleep was over. Now they were fat and the fur was yet + prime; in a month they would be thin and shedding. Now is the time for + bear hunting with either trap or dog. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless Skookum thought the party most fortunately equipped in the + latter respect, but no single dog is enough to bay a bear. There must be + three or four to bother him behind, to make him face about and fight; one + dog merely makes him run faster. + </p> + <p> + They had no traps, and knowing that a spring bear is a far traveller, they + made no attempt to follow. + </p> + <p> + The deadfalls yielded two martens, but one of them was spoiled by the warm + weather. They learned at last that the enemy had a trap-line, for part of + which he used their deadfalls. He had been the rounds lately and had + profited at least a little by their labours. + </p> + <p> + The track, though two days old, was not hard to follow, either on snow or + ground. Quonab looked to the lock of his gun; his lower lip tightened and + he strode along. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do, Quonab? Not shoot?” + </p> + <p> + “When I get near enough,” and the dangerous look in the red man's eye told + Rolf to be quiet and follow. + </p> + <p> + In three miles they passed but three of his marten traps—very lazy + trapping—and then found a great triangle of logs by a tree with a + bait and signs enough to tell the experienced eye that, in that corner, + was hidden a huge steel trap for bear. + </p> + <p> + They were almost too late in restraining the knowledge-hunger of Skookum. + They went on a mile or two and realized in so doing that, however poor a + trapper the enemy might be, he was a good tramper and knew the country. + </p> + <p> + At sundown they came to their half-way shelter and put up there for the + night. Once when Rolf went out to glimpse the skies before turning in, he + heard a far tree creaking and wondered, for it was dead calm. Even Skookum + noticed it. But it was not repeated. Next morning they went on. + </p> + <p> + There are many quaint sounds in the woods at all times, the rasping of + trees, at least a dozen different calls by jays, twice as many by ravens, + and occasional notes from chicadees, grouse, and owls. The quadrupeds in + general are more silent, but the red squirrel is ever about and noisy, as + well as busy. + </p> + <p> + Far-reaching sounds are these echoes of the woods—some of them very + far. Probably there were not five minutes of the day or night when some + weird, woodland chatter, scrape, crack, screech, or whistle did not reach + the keen ears of that ever-alert dog. That is, three hundred times a day + his outer ear submitted to his inner ear some report of things a-doing, + which same report was as often for many days disregarded as of no interest + or value. But this did not mean that he missed anything; the steady tramp, + tramp of their feet, while it dulled all sounds for the hunter, seemed to + have no effect on Skookum. Again the raspy squeal of some far tree reached + his inmost brain, and his hair rose as he stopped and gave a low “woof.” + </p> + <p> + The hunters held still; the wise ones always do, when a dog says “Stop!” + They waited. After a few minutes it came again—merely the long-drawn + creak of a tree bough, wind-rubbed on its neighbour. + </p> + <p> + And yet, “Woof, woof, woof,” said Skookum, and ran ahead. + </p> + <p> + “Come back, you little fool!” cried Rolf. + </p> + <p> + But Skookum had a mind of his own. He trotted ahead, then stopped, paused, + and sniffed at something in the snow. The Indian picked it up. It was the + pocket jackscrew that every bear trapper carries to set the powerful trap, + and without which, indeed, one man cannot manage the springs. + </p> + <p> + He held it up with “Ugh! Hoag in trouble now.” Clearly the rival trapper + had lost this necessary tool. + </p> + <p> + But the finding was an accident. Skookum pushed on. They came along a draw + to a little hollow. The dog, far forward, began barking and angrily baying + at something. The men hurried to the scene to find on the snow, fast held + in one of those devilish engines called a bear trap—the body of + their enemy—Hoag, the trapper, held by a leg, and a hand in the gin + he himself had been setting. + </p> + <p> + A fierce light played on the Indian's face. Rolf was stricken with horror. + But even while they contemplated the body, the faint cry was heard again + coming from it. + </p> + <p> + “He's alive; hurry!” cried Rolf. The Indian did not hurry, but he came. He + had vowed vengeance at sight; why should he haste to help? + </p> + <p> + The implacable iron jaws had clutched the trapper by one knee and the + right hand. The first thing was to free him. How? No man has power enough + to force that spring. But the jackscrew! + </p> + <p> + “Quonab, help him! For God's sake, come!” cried Rolf in agony, forgetting + their feud and seeing only tortured, dying man. + </p> + <p> + The Indian gazed a moment, then rose quickly, and put on the jackscrew. + Under his deft fingers the first spring went down, but what about the + other? They had no other screw. The long buckskin line they always carried + was quickly lashed round and round the down spring to hold it. Then the + screw was removed and put on the other spring; it bent, and the jaws hung + loose. The Indian forced them wide open, drew out the mangled limbs, a the + trapper was free, but so near death, it seemed they were too late. + </p> + <p> + Rolf spread his coat. The Indian made a fire. In fifteen minutes they were + pouring hot tea between victim's lips. Even as they did, his feeble throat + gave out again the long, low moan. + </p> + <p> + The weather was mild now. The prisoner was not actually frozen, but numbed + and racked. Heat, hot tea, kindly rubbing, and he revived a little. + </p> + <p> + At first they thought him dying, but in an hour recovered enough to talk. + In feeble accents and broken phrases they learned the tale: + </p> + <p> + “Yest—m-m-m. Yesterday—no; two or three days back—m-m-m-m-m—I + dunno; I was a goin'—roun' me traps—me bear traps. Didn't have + no luck m-m-m (yes, I'd like another sip; ye ain't got no whiskey no?) + m-m-m. Nothing in any trap, and when I come to this un—oh-h—m-m; + I seen—the bait was stole by birds, an' the pan—m-m-m; an' the + pan, m-m-m—(yes, that's better)—an' the pan laid bare. So I + starts to cover it with—ce-ce-dar; the ony thing I c'd get—m-m-m-w—-wuz + leanin' over—to fix tother side—me foot slipped on—the—ice—ev'rything + was icy—an'—m-m-m-m—I lost—me balance—me + knee the pan—O Lord—how I suffer!—m-m-m it grabbed me—knee + an'—h-h-hand—” His voice died to a whisper and ceased; he + seemed sinking. + </p> + <p> + Quonab got up to hold him. Then, looking at Rolf, Indian shook his head as + though to say all was over; the poor wretch had a woodman's constitution, + and in spite of a mangled, dying body, he revived again. They gave him + more hot tea, and again he began in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “I hed one arm free an'—an'—an'—I might—a—got + out—m-m—but I hed no wrench—I lost it some place—m-m-m-m. + </p> + <p> + “Then—I yelled—I dun—no—maybe some un might hear—it + kin-kin-kinder eased me—to yell m-m-m. + </p> + <p> + “Say—make that yer dog keep—away—will yer I dunno—it + seems like a week—must a fainted some M-m-m—I yelled—when + I could.” + </p> + <p> + There was a long pause. Rolf said, “Seems to me I heard you last night, + when we were up there. And dog heard you, too. Do you want me to move that + leg around?” + </p> + <p> + “M-m-m—yeh—that's better—say, you air white—ain't + ye? Ye won't leave me—cos—I done some mean things—m-m-m. + Ye won't, will ye?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you needn't worry—we'll stay by ye.” + </p> + <p> + Then he muttered, they could not tell what. He closed his eyes. After long + silence he looked around wildly and began again: + </p> + <p> + “Say—I done you dirt—but don't leave me—don't leave me.” + Tears ran down his face and he moaned piteously. “I'll—make it—right—you're + white, ain't ye?” + </p> + <p> + Quonab rose and went for more firewood. The trapper whispered, “I'm scared + o' him—now—he'll do me—say, I'm jest a poor ole man. If + I do live—through—this—m-m-m-m—I'll never walk + again. I'm crippled sure.” + </p> + <p> + It was long before he resumed. Then he began: “Say, what day is it—Friday!—I + must—been two days in there—m-m-m—I reckoned it was a + week. When—the—dog came I thought it was wolves. Oh—ah, + didn't care much—m-m-m. Say, ye won't leave me—coz—coz—I + treated—ye mean. I—ain't had no l-l-luck.” He went off into a + stupor, but presently let out a long, startling cry, the same as that they + had heard in the night. The dog growled; the men stared. The wretch's eyes + were rolling again. He seemed delirious. + </p> + <p> + Quonab pointed to the east, made the sun-up sign, and shook his head at + the victim. And Rolf understood it to mean that he would never see the + sunrise. But they were wrong. + </p> + <p> + The long night passed in a struggle between heath and the tough make-up of + a mountaineer. The waiting light of dawn saw death defeated, retiring from + the scene. As the sun rose high, the victim seemed to gain considerably in + strength. There was no immediate danger of an end. + </p> + <p> + Rolf said to Quonab: “Where shall we take him? Guess you better go home + for the toboggan, and we'll fetch him to the shanty.” + </p> + <p> + But the invalid was able to take part in the conversation. “Say, don't + take me there. Ah—want to go home. 'Pears like—I'd be better + at home. My folks is out Moose River way. I'd never get out if I went in + there,” and by “there” he seemed to mean the Indian's lake, and glanced + furtively at the unchanging countenance of the red man. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a toboggan at your shanty?” asked Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—good enough—it's on the roof—say,” and he beckoned + feebly to Rolf, “let him go after it—don't leave me—he'll kill + me,” and he wept feebly in his self pity. + </p> + <p> + So Quonab started down the mountain—a sinewy man—a striding + form, a speck in the melting distance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 46. Nursing Hoag + </h2> + <p> + In two hours the red man reached the trapper's shanty, and at once, + without hesitation or delicacy, set about a thorough examination of its + contents. Of course there was the toboggan on the roof, and in fairly good + condition for such a shiftless owner. + </p> + <p> + There were bunches of furs hanging from the rafters, but not many, for fur + taking is hard work; and Quonab, looking suspiciously over them, was 'not + surprised to see the lynx skin he had lost, easily known by the absence of + wound and the fur still in points as it had dried from the wetting. In + another bundle, he discovered the beaver that had killed itself, for there + was the dark band across its back. + </p> + <p> + The martens he could not be sure of, but he had a strong suspicion that + most of this fur came out of his own traps. + </p> + <p> + He tied Hoag's blankets on the toboggan, and hastened back to where he + left the two on the mountain. + </p> + <p> + Skookum met him long before he was near. Skookum did not enjoy Hoag's + company. + </p> + <p> + The cripple had been talking freely to Rolf, but the arrival of the Indian + seemed to suppress him. + </p> + <p> + With the wounded man on the toboggan, they set out, The ground was bare in + many places, so that the going was hard; but, fortunately, it was all down + hill, and four hours' toil brought them to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + They put the sick man in his bunk, then Rolf set about preparing a meal, + while Quonab cut wood. + </p> + <p> + After the usual tea, bacon, and flour cakes, all were feeling refreshed. + Hoag seemed much more like himself. He talked freely, almost cheerfully, + while Quonab, with Skookum at his feet, sat silently smoking and staring + into the fire. + </p> + <p> + After a long silence, the Indian turned, looked straight at the trapper, + and, pointing with his pipestem to the furs, said, “How many is ours?” + </p> + <p> + Hoag looked scared, then sulky, and said; “I dunno what ye mean. I'm a + awful sick man. You get me out to Lyons Falls all right, and ye can have + the hull lot,” and he wept. + </p> + <p> + Rolf shook his head at Quonab, then turned to the sufferer and said: + “Don't you worry; we'll get you out all right. Have you a good canoe?” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty fair; needs a little fixing.” + </p> + <p> + The night passed with one or two breaks, when the invalid asked for a + drink of water. In the morning he was evidently recovering, and they began + to plan for the future. + </p> + <p> + He took the first chance of wispering to Rolf, “Can't you send him away? + I'll be all right with you.” Rolf said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Say,” he continued, “say, young feller, what's yer name?” + </p> + <p> + “Rolf Kittering.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, Rolf, you wait a week or ten days, and the ice 'll be out; then I'll + be fit to travel. There ain't on'y a few carries between here an' Lyons + Falls.” + </p> + <p> + After a long pause, due to Quonab's entry, he continued again: “Moose + River's good canoeing; ye can get me out in five days; me folks is at + Lyons Falls.” He did not say that his folks consisted of a wife and boy + that he neglected, but whom he counted on to nurse him now. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was puzzled by the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Say! I'll give ye all them furs if ye git me out.” Rolf gave him a + curious look—as much as to say, “Ye mean our furs.” + </p> + <p> + Again the conversation was ended by the entry of Quonab. + </p> + <p> + Rolf stepped out, taking the Indian with him. They had a long talk, then, + as Rolf reentered, the sick man began: + </p> + <p> + “You stay by me, and git me out. I'll give ye my rifle”—then, after + a short silence—“an' I'll throw in all the traps an' the canoe.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay by you,” said Rolf, “and in about two weeks we'll take you down + to Lyons Falls. I guess you can guide us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye can have all them pelts,” and again the trapper presented the spoils + he had stolen, “an' you bet it's your rifle when ye get me out.” + </p> + <p> + So it was arranged. But it was necessary for Quonab to go back to their + own cabin. Now what should he do? Carry the new lot of fur there, or bring + the old lot here to dispose of all at Lyons Falls? + </p> + <p> + Rolf had been thinking hard. He had seen the evil side of many men, + including Hoag. To go among Hoag's people with a lot of stuff that Hoag + might claim was running risks, so he said: + </p> + <p> + “Quonab, you come back in not more than ten days. We'll take a few furs to + Lyons Falls so we can get supplies. Leave the rest of them in good shape, + so we can go out later to Warren's. We'll get a square deal there, and we + don't know what at Lyon's.” + </p> + <p> + So they picked out the lynx, the beaver, and a dozen martens to leave, and + making the rest into a pack, Quonab shouldered them, and followed by + Skookum, trudged up the mountain and was lost to view in the woods. + </p> + <p> + The ten days went by very slowly. Hoag was alternately querulous, weeping, + complaining, unpleasantly fawning, or trying to insure good attention by + presenting again and again the furs, the gun, and the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Rolf found it pleasant to get away from the cabin when the weather was + fine. One day, taking Hoag's gun, he travelled up the nearest stream for a + mile, and came on a big beaver pond. Round this he scouted and soon + discovered a drowned beaver, held in a trap which he recognized at once, + for it had the (” ' “') mark on the frame. Then he found an empty trap + with a beaver leg in it, and another, till six traps were found. Then he + gathered up the six and the beaver, and returned to the cabin to be + greeted with a string of complaints: + </p> + <p> + “Ye didn't ought to leave me like this. I'm paying ye well enough. I don't + ax no favours,” etc. + </p> + <p> + “See what I got,” and Rolf showed the beaver. “An' see what I found;” then + he showed the traps. “Queer, ain't it,” he went on, “we had six traps just + like them, and I marked the face just like these, and they all + disappeared, and there was a snowshoe trail pointing this way. You haven't + got any crooked neighbours about here, have you?” + </p> + <p> + The trapper looked sulky and puzzled, and grumbled, “I bet it was Bill + Hawkins done it”; then relapsed into silence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 47. Hoag's Home-coming + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When it comes to personal feelin's better let yer friends + do the talkin' and jedgin'. A man can't handle his own + case any more than a delirious doctor kin give hisself the + right physic—Sayings of Si Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + The coming of springtime in the woods is one of the gentlest, sweetest + advents in the world. Sometimes there are heavy rains which fill all the + little rivers with an overflood that quickly eats away the ice and snow, + but usually the woodland streams open, slowly and gradually. Very rarely + is there a spate, an upheaval, and a cataclysmal sweep that bursts the ice + and ends its reign in an hour or two. That is the way of the large rivers, + whose ice is free and floating. The snow in the forest melts slowly, and + when the ice is attacked, it goes gradually, gently, without uproar. The + spring comes in the woods with swelling of buds and a lengthening of + drooping catkins, with honking of wild geese, and cawing of crows coming + up from the lower countries to divide with their larger cousins, the + ravens, the spoils of winter's killing. + </p> + <p> + The small birds from the South appear with a few short notes of spring, + and the pert chicadees that have braved it all winter, now lead the + singing with their cheery “I told you so” notes, till robins and + blackbirds join in, and with their more ambitious singing make all the + lesser roundelays forgot. + </p> + <p> + Once the winter had taken a backward step—spring found it easy to + turn retreat into panic and rout; and the ten days Quonab stayed away were + days of revolutionary change. For in them semi-winter gave place to + smiling spring, with all the snow-drifts gone, except perhaps in the + shadiest hollows of the woods. + </p> + <p> + It was a bright morning, and a happy one for Rolf, when he heard the + Indian's short “Ho,” outside, and a minute later had Skookum dancing and + leaping about him. On Hoag the effect was quite different. He was well + enough to be up, to hobble about painfully on a stick; to be exceedingly + fault-finding, and to eat three hearty meals a day; but the moment the + Indian appeared, he withdrew into himself, and became silent and uneasy. + Before an hour passed, he again presented the furs, the gun, the canoe, + and the traps to Rolf, on condition that he should get him out to his + folks. + </p> + <p> + All three were glad to set out that very day on the outward trip to Lyons + Falls. + </p> + <p> + Down Little Moose River to Little Moose Lake and on to South Branch of + Moose, then by the Main Moose, was their way. The streams were flush; + there was plenty of water, and this fortunately reduced the number of + carries; for Hoag could not walk and would not hobble. They sweat and + laboured to carry him over every portage; but they covered the fifty miles + in three days, and on the evening of the third, arrived at the little + backwoods village of Lyons Falls. + </p> + <p> + The change that took place in Hoag now was marked and unpleasant. He gave + a number of orders, where, the day before, he would have made whining + petitions. He told them to “land easy, and don't bump my canoe.” He hailed + the loungers about the mill with an effusiveness that they did not respond + to. Their cool, “Hello, Jack, are you back?” was little but a passing + recognition. One of them was persuaded to take Rolf's place in carrying + Hoag to his cabin. Yes, his folks were there, but they did not seem + overjoyed at his arrival. He whispered to the boy, who sullenly went out + to the river and returned with the rifle, Rolf's rifle now, the latter + supposed, and would have taken the bundle of furs had not Skookum sprung + on the robber and driven him away from the canoe. + </p> + <p> + And now Hoag showed his true character. “Them's my furs and my canoe,” he + said to one of the mill hands, and turning to the two who had saved him, + he said: “An' you two dirty, cutthroat, redskin thieves, you can get out + of town as fast as ye know how, or I'll have ye jugged,” and all the + pent-up hate of his hateful nature frothed out in words insulting and + unprintable. + </p> + <p> + “Talks like a white man,” said Quonab coldly. Rolf was speechless. To toil + so devotedly, and to have such filthy, humiliating words for thanks! He + wondered if even his Uncle Mike would have shown so vile a spirit. + </p> + <p> + Hoag gave free rein to his tongue, and found in his pal, Bill Hawkins, one + with ready ears to hear his tale of woe. The wretch began to feel himself + frightfully ill-used. So, fired at last by the evermore lurid story of his + wrongs, the “partner” brought the magistrate, so they could swear out a + warrant, arrest the two “outlaws,” and especially secure the bundle of + “Hoag's furs” in the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Old Silas Sylvanne, the mill-owner and pioneer of the place, was also its + magistrate. He was tall, thin, blacklooking, a sort of Abe Lincoln in + type, physically, and in some sort, mentally. He heard the harrowing tale + of terrible crime, robbery, and torture, inflicted on poor harmless Hoag + by these two ghouls in human shape; he listened, at first shocked, but + little by little amused. + </p> + <p> + “You don't get no warrant till I hear from the other side,” he said. Roff + and Quonab came at call. The old pioneer sized up the two, as they stood, + then, addressing Rolf, said: + </p> + <p> + “Air you an Injun?” “No, sir.” “Air you half-breed?” “No, sir.” “Well, + let's hear about this business,” and he turned his piercing eyes full on + the lad's face. + </p> + <p> + Rolf told the simple, straight story of their acquaintance with Hoag, from + the first day at Warren's to their arrival at the Falls. There is never + any doubt about the truth of a true story, if it be long enough, and this + true story, presented in its nakedness to the shrewd and kindly old + hunter, trader, mill-owner and magistrate, could have only one effect. + </p> + <p> + “Sonny,” he said, slowly and kindly, “I know that ye have told me the + truth. I believe every word of it. We all know that Hoag is the meanest + cuss and biggest liar on the river. He's a nuisance, and always was. He + only promised to give ye the canoe and the rifle, and since he don't want + to, we can't help it. About the trouble in the woods, you got two + witnesses to his one, and ye got the furs and the traps; it's just as well + ye left the other furs behind, or ye might have had to divide 'em; so keep + them and call the hull thing square. We'll find ye a canoe to get out of + this gay metropolis, and as to Hoag, ye needn't a-worry; his travelling + days is done.” + </p> + <p> + A man with a bundle of high-class furs is a man of means in any frontier + town. The magistrate was trader, too, so they set about disposing of their + furs and buying the supplies they needed. + </p> + <p> + The day was nearly done before their new canoe was gummed and ready with + the new supplies. When dealing, old Sylvanne had a mild, quiet manner, and + a peculiar way of making funny remarks that led some to imagine he was + “easy” in business; but it was usual to find at the end that he had lost + nothing by his manners, and rival traders shunned an encounter with Long + Sylvanne of the unruffled brow. + </p> + <p> + When business was done—keen and complete—he said: “Now, I'm a + goin' to give each of ye a present,” and handed out two double-bladed + jackknives, new things in those days, wonderful things, precious treasures + in their eyes, sources of endless joy; and even had they known that one + marten skin would buy a quart of them, their pleasant surprise and + childish joy would not have been in any way tempered or alloyed. + </p> + <p> + “Ye better eat with me, boys, an' start in the morning.” So they joined + the miller's long, continuous family, and shared his evening meal. + Afterward as they sat for three hours and smoked on the broad porch that + looked out on the river, old Sylvanne, who had evidently taken a fancy to + Rolf, regaled them with a long, rambling talk on “fellers and things,” + that was one of the most interesting Rolf had ever listened to. At the + time it was simply amusing; it was not till years after that the lad + realized by its effect on himself, its insight, and its hold on his + memory, that Si Sylvanne's talk was real wisdom. Parts of it would not + look well in print; but the rugged words, the uncouth Saxonism, the + obscene phrase, were the mere oaken bucket in which the pure and precious + waters were hauled to the surface. + </p> + <p> + “Looked like he had ye pinched when that shyster got ye in to Lyons Falls. + Wall, there's two bad places for Jack Hoag; one is where they don't know + him at all, an' take him on his looks; an' t'other is where they know him + through and through for twenty years, like we hev. A smart rogue kin put + up a false front fer a year or maybe two, but given twenty year to try + him, for and bye, summer an' winter, an' I reckon a man's make is pretty + well showed up, without no dark corners left unexplored. + </p> + <p> + “Not that I want to jedge him harsh, coz I don't know what kind o' maggots + is eatin' his innards to make him so ornery. I'm bound to suppose he has + 'em, or he wouldn't act so dum like it. So I says, go slow and gentle + before puttin' a black brand on any feller; as my mother used to say, + never say a bad thing till ye ask, 'Is it true, is it kind, is it + necessary?' An' I tell you, the older I git, the slower I jedge; when I + wuz your age, I wuz a steel trap on a hair trigger, an' cocksure. I tell + you, there ain't anythin' wiser nor a sixteen-year-old boy, 'cept maybe a + fifteen-year-old girl. + </p> + <p> + “Ye'll genilly find, lad, jest when things looks about as black as they + kin look, that's the sign of luck a-comin' your way, pervidin' ye hold + steady, keep cool and kind; something happens every time to make it all + easy. There's always a way, an' the stout heart will find it. + </p> + <p> + “Ye may be very sure o' this, boy, yer never licked till ye think ye air + an' if ye won't think it, ye can't be licked. It's just the same as being + sick. I seen a lot o' doctorin' in my day, and I'm forced to believe there + ain't any sick folks 'cept them that thinks they air sick. + </p> + <p> + “The older I git, the more I'm bound to consider that most things is + inside, anyhow, and what's outside don't count for much. + </p> + <p> + “So it stands to reason when ye play the game for what's inside, ye win + over all the outside players. When ye done kindness to Hoag, ye mightn't a + meant it, but ye was bracin' up the goodness in yerself, or bankin' it up + somewher' on the trail ahead, where it was needed. And he was simply + chawin' his own leg off, when he done ye dirt. I ain't much o' a prattlin' + Christian, but I reckon as a cold-blooded, business proposition it pays to + lend the neighbour a hand; not that I go much on gratitude. It's scarcer'n + snowballs in hell—which ain't the point; but I take notice there + ain't any man'll hate ye more'n the feller that knows he's acted mean to + ye. An' there ain't any feller more ready to fight yer battles than the + chap that by some dum accident has hed the luck to help ye, even if he + only done it to spite some one else—which 'minds me o' McCarthy's + bull pup that saved the drowning kittens by mistake, and ever after was a + fightin' cat protector, whereby he lost the chief joy o' his life, which + had been cat-killin'. An' the way they cured the cat o' eatin' squirrels + was givin' her a litter o' squirrels to raise. + </p> + <p> + “I tell ye there's a lot o' common-sense an' kindness in the country, only + it's so dum slow to git around; while the cussedness and meanness always + acts like they felt the hell fire sizzlin' their hind-end whiskers, an' + knowed they had jest so many minutes to live an' make a record. There's + where a man's smart that fixes things so he kin hold out a long time, fer + the good stuff in men's minds is what lasts; and the feller what can stay + with it hez proved hisself by stayin'. How'd ye happen to tie up with the + Injun, Rolf?” + </p> + <p> + “Do ye want me to tell it long or short?” was the reply. “Wall, short, fer + a start,” and Silas Sylvanne chuckled. + </p> + <p> + So Rolf gave a very brief account of his early life. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty good,” said the miller; “now let's hear it long.” + </p> + <p> + And when he had finished, the miller said: “I've seen yer tried fer most + everything that goes to make a man, Rolf, an' I hev my own notion of the + results. You ain't goin' to live ferever in them hills. When ye've hed yer + fling an' want a change, let me know.” + </p> + <p> + Early next day the two hunters paddled up the Moose River with a good + canoe, an outfit of groceries, and a small supply of ready cash. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, lad, good-bye! Come back again and ye'll find we improve on + acquaintance; an' don't forget I'm buying fur,” was Si Sylvanne's last + word. And as they rounded the point, on the home way, Rolf turned in the + canoe, faced Quonab, and said: “Ye see there are some good white men + left;” but the Indian neither blinked, nor moved, nor made a sound. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 48. Rolf's Lesson in Trailing + </h2> + <p> + The return journey was hard paddling against strong waters, but otherwise + uneventful. Once over any trail is enough to fix it in the memory of a + woodman. They made no mistakes and their loads were light, so the portages + were scarcely any loss of time, and in two days they were back at Hoag's + cabin. + </p> + <p> + Of this they took possession. First, they gathered all things of value, + and that was little since the furs and bedding were gone, but there were a + few traps and some dishes. The stuff was made in two packs; now it was an + overland journey, so the canoe was hidden in a cedar thicket, a quarter of + a mile inland. The two were about to shoulder the packs, Quonab was + lighting his pipe for a start, when Rolf said: + </p> + <p> + “Say, Quonab! that fellow we saw at the Falls claimed to be Hoag's + partner. He may come on here and make trouble if we don't head him off. + Let's burn her,” and he nodded toward the shanty. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh!” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + They gathered some dry brush and a lot of birch bark, piled them up + against the wall inside, and threw plenty of firewood on this. With flint + and steel Quonab made the vital spark, the birch bark sputtered, the dry, + resinous logs were easily set ablaze, and soon great volumes of smoke + rolled from the door, the window, and the chimney; and Skookum, standing + afar, barked pleasantly aloud. + </p> + <p> + The hunters shouldered their packs and began the long, upward slope. In an + hour they had reached a high, rocky ridge. Here they stopped to rest, and, + far below them, marked with grim joy a twisted, leaning column of thick + black smoke. + </p> + <p> + That night they camped in the woods and next day rejoiced to be back again + at their own cabin, their own lake, their home. + </p> + <p> + Several times during the march they had seen fresh deer tracks, and now + that the need of meat was felt, Rolf proposed a deer hunt. + </p> + <p> + Many deer die every winter; some are winter-killed; many are devoured by + beasts of prey, or killed by hunters; their numbers are at low ebb in + April, so that now one could not count on finding a deer by roaming at + random. It was a case for trailing. + </p> + <p> + Any one can track a deer in the snow. It is not very hard to follow a deer + in soft ground, when there are no other deer about. But it is very hard to + take one deer trail and follow it over rocky ground and dead leaves, never + losing it or changing off, when there are hundreds of deer tracks running + in all directions. + </p> + <p> + Rolf's eyes were better than Quonab's, but experience counts for as much + as eyes, and Quonab was leading. They picked out a big buck track that was + fresh—no good hunter kills a doe at this season. They knew it for a + buck, because of its size and the roundness of the toes. + </p> + <p> + Before long, Rolf said: “See, Quonab, I want to learn this business; let + me do the trailing, and you set me right if I get off the line.” + </p> + <p> + Within a hundred yards, Quonab gave a grunt and shook his head. Rolf + looked surprised, for he was on a good, fresh track. + </p> + <p> + Quonab said but one word, “Doe.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, a closer view showed the tracks to be a little narrower, a little + closer together, and a little sharper than those he began with. + </p> + <p> + Back went Rolf to the last marks that he was sure of, and plainly read + where the buck had turned aside. For a time, things went along smoothly, + Quonab and Skookum following Rolf. The last was getting very familiar with + that stub hoof on the left foot. At length they came to the “fumet” or + “sign”; it was all in one pile. That meant the deer had stood, so was + unalarmed; and warm; that meant but a few minutes ahead. Now, they must + use every precaution for this was the crux of the hunt. Of this much only + they were sure—the deer was within range now, and to get him they + must see him before he saw them. + </p> + <p> + Skookum was leashed. Rolf was allowed to get well ahead, and crawling + cautiously, a step at a time, he went, setting down his moccasined foot + only after he had tried and selected a place. Once or twice he threw into + the air a tuft of dry grass to make sure that the wind was right, and by + slow degrees he reached the edge of a little opening. + </p> + <p> + Across this he peered long, without entering it. Then he made a sweep with + his hand and pointed, to let Quonab know the buck had gone across and he + himself must go around. But he lingered still and with his eyes swept the + near woods. Then, dim gray among the gray twigs, he saw a slight movement, + so slight it might have been made by the tail of a tomtit. But it fixed + his attention, and out of this gray haze he slowly made out the outline of + a deer's head, antlers, and neck. A hundred yards away, but “take a chance + when it comes” is hunter wisdom. Rolf glanced at the sight, took steady + aim, fired, and down went the buck behind a log. Skookum whined and leaped + high in his eagerness to see. Rolf restrained his impatience to rush + forward, at once reloaded, then all three went quickly to the place. + Before they were within fifty yards, the deer leaped up and bounded off. + At seventy-five yards, it stood for a moment to gaze. Rolf fired again; + again the buck fell down, but jumped to its feet and bounded away. + </p> + <p> + They went to the two places, but found no blood. Utterly puzzled, they + gave it up for the day, as already the shades of night were on the woods, + and in spite of Skookum's voluble offer to solve and settle everything, + they returned to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of it, Quonab?' + </p> + <p> + The Indian shook his head, then: “Maybe touched his head and stunned him, + first shot; second, wah! I not know.” + </p> + <p> + “I know this,” said Rolf. “I touched him and I mean to get him in the + morning.” + </p> + <p> + True to this resolve, he was there again at dawn, but examined the place + in vain for a sign of blood. The red rarely shows up much on leaves, + grass, or dust; but there are two kinds of places that the hunter can rely + on as telltales—stones and logs. Rolf followed the deer track, now + very dim, till at a bare place he found a speck of blood on a pebble. Here + the trail joined onto a deer path, with so many tracks that it was hard to + say which was the right one. But Rolf passed quickly along to a log that + crossed the runway, and on that log he found a drop of dried-up blood that + told him what he wished to know. + </p> + <p> + Now he had a straight run of a quarter of a mile, and from time to time he + saw a peculiar scratching mark that puzzled him. Once he found a speck of + blood at one of these scratches but no other evidence that the buck was + touched. + </p> + <p> + A wounded deer is pretty sure to work down hill, and Quonab, leaving + Skookum with Rolf, climbed a lookout that might show whither the deer was + heading. + </p> + <p> + After another half mile, the deer path forked; there were buck trails on + both, and Rolf could not pick out the one he wanted. He went a few yards + along each, studying the many marks, but was unable to tell which was that + of the wounded buck. + </p> + <p> + Now Skookum took a share in it. He had always been forbidden to run deer + and knew it was a contraband amusement, but he put his nose to that branch + of the trail that ran down hill, followed it for a few yards, then looked + at Rolf, as much as to say: “You poor nose-blind creature; don't you know + a fresh deer track when you smell it? Here it is; this is where he went.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf stared, then said, “I believe he means it”; and followed the lower + trail. Very soon he came to another scrape, and, just beyond it, found the + new, velvet-covered antler of a buck, raw and bloody, and splintered at + the base. + </p> + <p> + From this on, the task was easier, as there were no other tracks, and this + was pointing steadily down hill. + </p> + <p> + Soon Quonab came striding along. He had not seen the buck, but a couple of + jays and a raven were gathered in a thicket far down by the stream. The + hunters quit the trail and made for that place. As they drew near, they + found the track again, and again saw those curious scrapes. + </p> + <p> + Every hunter knows that the bluejay dashing about a thicket means that + hidden there is game of some kind, probably deer. Very, very slowly and + silently they entered that copse. But nothing appeared until there was a + rush in the thickest part and up leaped the buck. This was too much for + Skookum. He shot forward like a wolf, fastened on one hind leg, and the + buck went crashing head over heels. Before it could rise, another shot + ended its troubles. And now a careful study shed the light desired. Rolf's + first shot had hit the antler near the base, breaking it, except for the + skin on one side, and had stunned the buck. The second shot had broken a + hind leg. The scratching places he had made were efforts to regain the use + of this limb, and at one of them the deer had fallen and parted the rag of + skin by which the antler hung. + </p> + <p> + It was Rolf's first important trailing on the ground; it showed how + possible it was, and how quickly he was learning the hardest of all the + feats of woodcraft. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 49. Rolf Gets Lost + </h2> + <p> + Every one who lives in the big woods gets lost at some time. Yes, even + Daniel Boone did sometimes go astray. And whether it is to end as a joke + or a horrible tragedy depends entirely on the way in which the person + takes it. This is, indeed, the grand test of a hunter and scout, the trial + of his knowledge, his muscle, and, above everything, his courage; and, + like all supreme trials, it comes without warning. + </p> + <p> + The wonderful flocks of wild pigeons had arrived. For a few days in May + they were there in millions, swarming over the ground in long-reaching + hordes, walking along, pecking and feeding, the rearmost flying on ahead, + ever to the front. The food they sought so eagerly now was chiefly the + seeds of the slippery elm, tiny nuts showered down on wings like + broad-brimmed hats. And when the flock arose at some alarm, the sound was + like that of the sea beach in a storm. + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be most pigeons in the low country southeast of the lake, + of course, because, being low, it had most elms. So Rolf took his bow and + arrows, crossed in the canoe, and confidently set about gathering in a + dozen or two for broilers. + </p> + <p> + It is amazing how well the game seems to gauge the range of your weapon + and keep the exact safe distance. It is marvellous how many times you may + shoot an arrow into a flock of pigeons and never kill one. Rolf went on + and on, always in sight of the long, straggling flocks on the ground or in + the air, but rarely within range of them. Again and again he fired a + random shot into the distant mass, without success for two hours. Finally + a pigeon was touched and dropped, but it rose as he ran forward, and flew + ten yards, to drop once more. Again he rushed at it, but it fluttered out + of reach and so led him on and on for about half an hour's breathless + race, until at last he stopped, took deliberate aim, and killed it with an + arrow. + </p> + <p> + Now a peculiar wailing and squealing from the woods far ahead attracted + him. He stalked and crawled for many minutes before he found out, as he + should have known, that it was caused by a mischievous bluejay. + </p> + <p> + At length he came to a spring in a low hollow, and leaving his bow and + arrows on a dry log, he went down to get a drink. + </p> + <p> + As he arose, he found himself face to face with a doe and a fat, little + yearling buck, only twenty yards away. They stared at him, quite + unalarmed, and, determining to add the yearling to his bag, Rolf went back + quietly to his bow and arrows. + </p> + <p> + The deer were just out of range now, but inclined to take a curious + interest in the hunter. Once when he stood still for a long time, they + walked forward two or three steps; but whenever he advanced, they trotted + farther away. + </p> + <p> + To kill a deer with an arrow is quite a feat of woodcraft, and Rolf was + keen to show his prowess; so he kept on with varying devices, and was + continually within sight of the success that did not actually arrive. + </p> + <p> + Then the deer grew wilder and loped away, as he entered another valley + that was alive with pigeons. + </p> + <p> + He was feeling hungry now, so he plucked the pigeon he had secured, made a + fire with the flint and steel he always carried, then roasted the bird + carefully on a stick, and having eaten it, felt ready for more travel. + </p> + <p> + The day was cloudy, so he could not see the sun; but he knew it was late, + and he made for camp. + </p> + <p> + The country he found himself in was entirely strange to him, and the sun's + whereabouts doubtful; but he knew the general line of travel and strode + along rapidly toward the place where he had left the canoe. + </p> + <p> + After two hours' tramping, he was surprised at not seeing the lake through + the trees, and he added to his pace. + </p> + <p> + Three hours passed and still no sign of the water. + </p> + <p> + He began to think he had struck too far to the north; so corrected his + course and strode along with occasional spells of trotting. But another + hour wore away and no lake appeared. + </p> + <p> + Then Rolf knew he was off his bearings. He climbed a tree and got a + partial view of the country. To the right was a small hill. He made for + that. The course led him through a hollow. In this he recognized two huge + basswood trees, that gave him a reassuring sense. A little farther he came + on a spring, strangely like the one he had left some hours ago. As he + stooped to drink, he saw deer tracks, then a human track. He studied it. + Assuredly it was his own track, though now it seemed on the south side + instead of the north. He stared at the dead gray sky, hoping for sign of + sun, but it gave no hint. He tramped off hastily toward the hill that + promised a lookout. He went faster and faster. In half an hour the woods + opened a little, then dipped. He hastened down, and at the bottom found + himself standing by the same old spring, though again it had changed its + north bearing. + </p> + <p> + He was stunned by this succession of blows. He knew now he was lost in the + woods; had been tramping in a circle. + </p> + <p> + The spring whirled around him; it seemed now north and now south. His + first impulse was to rush madly northwesterly, as he understood it. He + looked at all the trees for guidance. Most moss should be on the north + side. It would be so, if all trees were perfectly straight and evenly + exposed, but alas! none are so. All lean one way or another, and by the + moss he could prove any given side to be north. He looked for the hemlock + top twigs. Tradition says they always point easterly; but now they + differed among themselves as to which was east. + </p> + <p> + Rolf got more and more worried. He was a brave boy, but grim fear came + into his mind as he realized that he was too far from camp to be heard; + the ground was too leafy for trailing him; without help he could not get + away from that awful spring. His head began to swim, when all at once he + remembered a bit of advice his guide had given him long ago: “Don't get + scared when you're lost. Hunger don't kill the lost man, and it ain't cold + that does it; it's being afraid. Don't be afraid, and everything will come + out all right.” + </p> + <p> + So, instead of running, Rolf sat down to think it over. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, “I went due southeast all day from the canoe.” Then he + stopped; like a shock it came to him that he had not seen the sun all day. + Had he really gone southeast? It was a devastating thought, enough to + unhinge some men; but again Rolf said to himself “Never mind, now; don't + get scared, and it'll be all right. In the morning the sky will be clear.” + </p> + <p> + As he sat pondering, a red squirrel chippered and scolded from a near + tree; closer and closer the impudent creature came to sputter at the + intruder. + </p> + <p> + Rolf drew his bow, and when the blunt arrow dropped to the ground, there + also dropped the red squirrel, turned into acceptable meat. Rolf put this + small game into his pocket, realizing that this was his supper. + </p> + <p> + It would soon be dark now, so he prepared to spend the night. + </p> + <p> + While yet he could see, he gathered a pile of dry wood into a sheltered + hollow. Then he made a wind-break and a bed of balsam boughs. Flint, + steel, tinder, and birch bark soon created a cheerful fire, and there is + no better comforter that the lone lost man can command. + </p> + <p> + The squirrel roasted in its hide proved a passable supper, and Rolf curled + up to sleep. The night would have been pleasant and uneventful, but that + it turned chilly, and when the fire burnt low, the cold awakened him, so + he had a succession of naps and fire-buildings. + </p> + <p> + Soon after dawn, he heard a tremendous roaring, and in a few minutes the + wood was filled again with pigeons. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was living on the country now, so he sallied forth with his bow. Luck + was with him; at the first shot he downed a big, fat cock. At the second + he winged another, and as it scrambled through the brush, he rushed + headlong in pursuit. It fluttered away beyond reach, half-flying, + half-running, and Rolf, in reckless pursuit, went sliding and tumbling + down a bank to land at the bottom with a horrid jar. One leg was twisted + under him; he thought it was broken, for there was a fearful pain in the + lower part. But when he pulled himself together he found no broken bones, + indeed, but an ankle badly sprained. Now his situation was truly grave, + for he was crippled and incapable of travelling. + </p> + <p> + He had secured the second bird, and crawling painfully and slowly back to + the fire, he could not but feel more and more despondent and gloomy as the + measure of his misfortune was realized. + </p> + <p> + “There is only one thing that can shame a man, that is to be afraid.” And + again, “There's always a way out.” These were the sayings that came + ringing through his head to his heart; one was from Quonab, the other from + old Sylvanne. Yes, there's always a way, and the stout heart can always + find it. + </p> + <p> + Rolf prepared and cooked the two birds, made a breakfast of one and put + the other in his pocket for lunch, not realizing at the time that his + lunch would be eaten on this same spot. More than once, as he sat, small + flocks of ducks flew over the trees due northward. At length the sky, now + clear, was ablaze with the rising sun, and when it came, it was in Rolf's + western sky. + </p> + <p> + Now he comprehended the duck flight. They were really heading southeast + for their feeding grounds on the Indian Lake, and Rolf, had he been able + to tramp, could have followed, but his foot was growing worse. It was + badly swollen, and not likely to be of service for many a day—perhaps + weeks—and it took all of his fortitude not to lie down and weep over + this last misfortune. + </p> + <p> + Again came the figure of that grim, kindly, strong old pioneer, with the + gray-blue eyes and his voice was saying: “Jest when things looks about as + black as they can look, if ye hold steady, keep cool and kind, something + sure happens to make it all easy. There's always a way and the stout heart + will find it.” + </p> + <p> + What way was there for him? He would die of hunger and cold before Quonab + could find him, and again came the spectre of fear. If only he could + devise some way of letting his comrade know. He shouted once or twice, in + the faint hope that the still air might carry the sound, but the silent + wood was silent when he ceased. + </p> + <p> + Then one of his talks with Quonab came to mind. He remembered how the + Indian, as a little papoose, had been lost for three days. Though, then + but ten years old, he had built a smoke fire that brought him help. Yes, + that was the Indian way; two smokes means “I am lost”; “double for + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Fired by this new hope, Rolf crawled a little apart from his camp and + built a bright fire, then smothered it with rotten wood and green leaves. + The column of smoke it sent up was densely white and towered above the + trees. + </p> + <p> + Then painfully he hobbled and crawled to a place one hundred yards away, + and made another smoke. Now all he could do was wait. + </p> + <p> + A fat pigeon, strayed from its dock, sat on a bough above his camp, in a + way to tempt Providence. Rolf drew a blunt arrow to the head and speedily + had the pigeon in hand for some future meal. + </p> + <p> + As he prepared it, he noticed that its crop was crammed with the winged + seed of the slippery elm, so he put them all back again into the body when + it was cleaned, knowing well that they are a delicious food and in this + case would furnish a welcome variant to the bird itself. + </p> + <p> + An hour crawled by. Rolf had to go out to the far fire, for it was nearly + dead. Instinctively he sought a stout stick to help him; then remembered + how Hoag had managed with one leg and two crutches. “Ho!” he exclaimed. + “That is the answer—this is the 'way.”' + </p> + <p> + Now his attention was fixed on all the possible crutches. The trees seemed + full of them, but all at impossible heights. It was long before he found + one that he could cut with his knife. Certainly he was an hour working at + it; then he heard a sound that made his blood jump. + </p> + <p> + From far away in the north it came, faint but reaching; + </p> + <p> + “Ye-hoo-o.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf dropped his knife and listened with the instinctively open mouth that + takes all pressure from the eardrums and makes them keen. It came again: + “Ye-hoo-o.” No mistake now, and Rolf sent the ringing answer back: + </p> + <p> + “Ye-hoo-o, ye-hoo-o.” + </p> + <p> + In ten minutes there was a sharp “yap, yap,” and Skookum bounded out of + the woods to leap and bark around Rolf, as though he knew all about it; + while a few minutes later, came Quonab striding. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, boy,” he said, with a quiet smile, and took Rolf's hand. “Ugh! That + was good,” and he nodded to the smoke fire. “I knew you were in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” and Rolf pointed to the swollen ankle. + </p> + <p> + The Indian picked up the lad in his arms and carried him back to the + little camp. Then, from his light pack, he took bread and tea and made a + meal for both. And, as they ate, each heard the other's tale. + </p> + <p> + “I was troubled when you did not come back last night, for you had no food + or blanket. I did not sleep. At dawn I went to the hill, where I pray, and + looked away southeast where you went in the canoe. I saw nothing. Then I + went to a higher hill, where I could see the northeast, and even while I + watched, I saw the two smokes, so I knew my son was alive.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean to tell me I am northeast of camp?” + </p> + <p> + “About four miles. I did not come very quickly, because I had to go for + the canoe and travel here. + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean by canoe?” said Rolf, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “You are only half a mile from Jesup River,” was the reply. “I soon bring + you home.” + </p> + <p> + It was incredible at first, but easy of proof. With the hatchet they made + a couple of serviceable crutches and set out together. + </p> + <p> + In twenty minutes they were afloat in the canoe; in an hour they were + safely home again. + </p> + <p> + And Rolf pondered it not a little. At the very moment of blackest despair, + the way had opened, and it had been so simple, so natural, so effectual. + Surely, as long as he lived, he would remember it. “There is always a way, + and the stout heart will find it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 50. Marketing the Fur + </h2> + <p> + If Rolf had been at home with his mother, she would have rubbed his black + and swollen ankle with goose grease. The medical man at Stamford would + have rubbed it with a carefully prepared and secret ointment. His Indian + friend sang a little crooning song and rubbed it with deer's fat. All + different, and all good, because each did something to reassure the + patient, to prove that big things were doing on his behalf, and each + helped the process of nature by frequent massage. + </p> + <p> + Three times a day, Quonab rubbed that blackened ankle. The grease saved + the skin from injury, and in a week Rolf had thrown his crutches away. + </p> + <p> + The month of May was nearly gone; June was at hand; that is, the spring + was over. + </p> + <p> + In all ages, man has had the impulse, if not the habit, of spring + migration. Yielding to it he either migrated or made some radical change + in his life. Most of the Adirondack men who trapped in the winter sought + work on the log drives in spring; some who had families and a permanent + home set about planting potatoes and plying the fish nets. Rolf and Quonab + having neither way open, yet feeling the impulse, decided to go out to + Warren's with the fur. + </p> + <p> + Quonab wanted tobacco—and a change. + </p> + <p> + Rolf wanted a rifle, and to see the Van Trumpers—and a change. + </p> + <p> + So June 1st saw them all aboard, with Quonab steering at the stern, and + Skookum bow-wowing at the bow, bound for the great centre of Warren's + settlement—one store and three houses, very wide apart. + </p> + <p> + There was a noble flush of water in the streams, and, thanks to their axe + work in September, they passed down Jesup's River without a pause, and + camped on the Hudson that night, fully twenty-five miles from home. + </p> + <p> + Long, stringing flocks of pigeons going north were the most numerous forms + of life. But a porcupine on the bank and a bear in the water aroused + Skookum to a pitch of frightful enthusiasm and vaulting ambition that he + was forced to restrain. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the third day they landed at Warren's and found a hearty + welcome from the trader, who left a group of loafers and came forward: + </p> + <p> + “Good day to ye, boy. My, how ye have growed.” + </p> + <p> + So he had. Neither Rolf nor Quonab had remarked it, but now they were much + of the same height. “Wall, an' how'd ye make out with yer hunt?—Ah, + that's fine!” as each of them dropped a fur pack on the counter. “Wall, + this is fine; we must have a drink on the head of it,” and the trader was + somewhat nonplussed when both the trappers refused. He was disappointed, + too, for that refusal meant that they would get much better prices for + their fun But he concealed his chagrin and rattled on: “I reckon I'll sell + you the finest rifle in the country this time,” and he knew by Rolf's face + that there was business to do in that line. + </p> + <p> + Now came the listing of the fur, and naturally the bargaining was between + the shrewd Yankee boy and the trader. The Indian stood shyly aside, but he + did not fail to help with significant grunts and glances. + </p> + <p> + “There, now,” said Warren, as the row of martens were laid out side by + side, “thirty martens—a leetle pale—worth three dollars and + fifty cents each, or, to be generous, we'll say four dollars.” Rolf + glanced at Quonab, who, unseen by the trader shook his head, held his + right hand out, open hollow up, then raised it with a jerk for two inches. + </p> + <p> + Quickly Rolf caught the idea and said; “No, I don't reckon them pale. I + call them prime dark, every one of them.” Quonab spread his hand with all + five fingers pointed up, and Rolf continued, “They are worth five dollars + each, if they're worth a copper.” + </p> + <p> + “Phew!” said the trader. “you forget fur is an awful risky thing; what + with mildew, moth, mice, and markets, we have a lot of risk. But I want to + please you, so let her go; five each. There's a fine black fox; that's + worth forty dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think it is,” said Rolf, as Quonab, by throwing to his right an + imaginary pinch of sand, made the sign “refuse.” + </p> + <p> + They had talked over the value of that fox skin and Rolf said, “Why, I + know of a black fox that sold for two hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, down at Stamford.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that's near New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; don't you send your fur to New York?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it costs a lot to get it there. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Warren, “if you'll take it in trade, I'll meet you half-way + and call it one hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Make it one hundred and twenty-five dollars and I'll take a rifle, + anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Phew!” whistled the trader. “Where do ye get such notions?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing wrong about the notion; old Si Sylvanne offered me pretty near + that, if I'd come out his way with the stuff.” + </p> + <p> + This had the desired effect of showing that there were other traders. At + last the deal was closed. Besides the fox skin, they had three hundred + dollars' worth of fur. The exchange for the fox skin was enough to buy all + the groceries and dry goods they needed. But Rolf had something else in + mind. + </p> + <p> + He had picked out some packages of candies, some calico prints and certain + bright ribbons, when the trader grasped the idea. “I see; yer goin' + visitin'. Who is it? Must be the Van Trumpers!” + </p> + <p> + Rolf nodded and now he got some very intelligent guidance. He did not buy + Annette's dress, because part of her joy was to be the expedition in + person to pick it out; but he stocked up with some gorgeous pieces of + jewellery that were ten cents each, and ribbons whose colours were as far + beyond expression as were the joys they could create in the backwoods + female heart. + </p> + <p> + Proudly clutching his new rlile, and carrying in his wallet a memorandum + of three hundred dollars for their joint credit, Rolf felt himself a + person of no little importance. As he was stepping out of the store, the + trader said, “Ye didn't run across Jack Hoag agin, did ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Did we? Hmph!” and Rolf told briefly of their experience with that + creature. + </p> + <p> + “Just like him, just like him; served him right; he was a dirty cuss. But, + say; don't you be led into taking your fur out Lyons Falls way. They're a + mean lot in there, and it stands to reason I can give you better prices, + being a hundred miles nearer New York.” + </p> + <p> + And that lesson was not forgotten. The nearer New York the better the + price; seventy-five dollars at Lyons Falls; one hundred and twenty-five + dollars at Warren's; two hundred dollars at New York. Rolf pondered long + and the idea was one which grew and bore fruit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 51. Back at Van Trumper's + </h2> + <p> + “Nibowaka”—Quonab always said “Nibowaka” when he was impressed with + Rolf's astuteness—“What about the canoe and stuff?” + </p> + <p> + “I think we better leave all here. Callan will lend us a canoe.” So they + shouldered the guns, Rolf clung to his, and tramped across the portage, + reaching Callan's in less than two hours. + </p> + <p> + “Why, certainly you can have the canoe, but come in and eat first,” was + the kindly backwoods greeting. However, Rolf was keen to push on; they + launched the canoe at once and speedily were flashing their paddles on the + lake. + </p> + <p> + The place looked sweetly familiar as they drew near. The crops in the + fields were fair; the crop of chickens at the barn was good; and the crop + of children about the door was excellent. + </p> + <p> + “Mein Hemel! mein Hemel!” shouted fat old Hendrik, as they walked up to + the stable door. In a minute he was wringing their hands and smiling into + great red, white, and blue smiles. “Coom in, coom in, lad. Hi, Marta, here + be Rolf and Quonab. Mein Hemel! mein Hemel! what am I now so happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's Annette?” asked Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “Ach, poor Annette, she fever have a little; not mooch, some,” and he led + over to a corner where on a low cot lay Annette, thin, pale, and listless. + </p> + <p> + She smiled faintly, in response, when Rolf stooped and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Annette, I came back to see you. I want to take you over to Warren's + store, so you can pick out that dress. See, I brought you my first marten + and I made this box for you; you must thank Skookum for the quills on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor chile; she bin sick all spring,” and Marta used a bunch of sedge to + drive away the flies and mosquitoes that, bass and treble, hovered around + the child. + </p> + <p> + “What ails her?” asked Rolf anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Dot ve do not know,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe there's some one here can tell,” and Roll glanced at the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Ach, sure! Have I you that not always told all-vays—eet is so. + All-vays, I want sumpin bad mooch. I prays de good Lord and all-vays, + all-vays, two times now, He it send by next boat. Ach, how I am spoil,” + and the good Dutchman's eyes filled with tears of thankfulness. + </p> + <p> + Quonab knelt by the sufferer. He felt her hot, dry hand; he noticed her + short, quick breathing, her bright eyes, and the untouched bowl of mush by + her bed. + </p> + <p> + “Swamp fever,” he said. “I bring good medicine.” He passed quietly out + into the woods. When he returned, he carried a bundle of snake-root which + he made into tea. + </p> + <p> + Annette did not wish to touch it, but her mother persuaded her to take a + few sips from a cup held by Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “Wah! this not good,” and Quonab glanced about the close, fly-infested + room. “I must make lodge.” He turned up the cover of the bedding; three or + four large, fiat brown things moved slowly out of the light. “Yes, I make + lodge.” + </p> + <p> + It was night now, and all retired; the newcomers to the barn. They had + scarcely entered, when a screaming of poultry gave a familiar turn to + affairs. On running to the spot, it proved not a mink or coon, but + Skookum, up to his old tricks. On the appearance of his masters, he fled + with guilty haste, crouched beneath the post that he used to be, and soon + again was, chained to. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Quonab set about his lodge, and Rolf said: “I've got to go + to Warren's for sugar.” The sugar was part truth and part blind. As soon + as he heard the name swamp fever, Rolf remembered that, in Redding, + Jesuit's bark (known later as quinine) was the sovereign remedy. He had + seen his mother administer it many times, and, so far as he knew, with + uniform success. Every frontier (or backwoods, it's the same) trader + carries a stock of medicine, and in two hours Rolf left Warren's counter + with twenty-five pounds of maple sugar and a bottle of quinine extract in + his pack. + </p> + <p> + “You say she's bothered with the flies; why don't you take some of this + new stuff for a curtain?” and the trader held up a web of mosquito gauze, + the first Rolf had seen. That surely was a good idea, and ten yards + snipped off was a most interesting addition to his pack. The amount was + charged against him, and in two hours more he was back at Van Trumper's. + </p> + <p> + On the cool side of the house, Quonab had built a little lodge, using a + sheet for cover. On a low bed of pine boughs lay the child. Near the door + was a smouldering fire of cedar, whose aromatic fumes on the lazy wind + reached every cranny of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + Sitting by the bed head, with a chicken wing to keep off the few + mosquitoes, was the Indian. The child's eyes were closed; she was sleeping + peacefully. Rolf crept gently forward, laid his hand on hers, it was cool + and moist. He went into the house with his purchases; the mother greeted + him with a happy look: Yes, Annette was a little better; she had slept + quietly ever since she was taken outdoors. The mother could not + understand. Why should the Indian want to have her surrounded by pine + boughs? why cedar-smoke? and why that queer song? Yes, there it was again. + Rolf went out to see and hear. Softly summing on a tin pan, with a mudded + stick, the Indian sang a song. The words which Rolf learned in the + after-time were: + </p> + <p> + “Come, Kaluskap, drive the witches; Those who came to harm the dear one.” + </p> + <p> + Annette moved not, but softly breathed, as she slept a sweet, restful + slumber, the first for many days. + </p> + <p> + “Vouldn't she be better in de house?” whispered the anxious mother. + </p> + <p> + “No, let Quonab do his own way,” and Rolf wondered if any white man had + sat by little Wee-wees to brush away the flies from his last bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 52. Annette's New Dress + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Deep feelin's ain't any count by themselves; work 'em off, + an' ye're somebody; weep 'em off an' you'd be more use with + a heart o' stone—Sayings of Si Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + “Quonab, I am going out to get her a partridge.” “Ugh, good.” + </p> + <p> + So Rolf went off. For a moment he was inclined to grant Skookom's prayer + for leave to, follow, but another and better plan came in mind. Skookum + would most likely find a mother partridge, which none should kill in June, + and there was a simple way to find a cock; that was, listen. It was now + the evening calm, and before Rolf had gone half a mile he heard the + distant “Thump, thump, thump, thump—rrrrrrr” of a partridge, + drumming. He went quickly and cautiously toward the place, then waited for + the next drumming. It was slow in coming, so he knelt down by a mossy, + rotten log, and struck it with his hands to imitate the thump and roll of + the partridge. At once this challenge procured response. + </p> + <p> + “Thump—thump—thump,, thump rrrrrrrrrrrr” it came, with martial + swing and fervour, and crawling nearer, Rolf spied the drummer, pompously + strutting up and down a log some forty yards away. He took steady aim, not + for the head—a strange gun, at forty yards—for the body. At + the crack, the bird fell dead, and in Rolf's heart there swelled up a + little gush of joy, which he believed was all for the sake of the invalid, + but which a finer analysis might have proved to be due quite as much to + pride in himself and his newly bought gun. + </p> + <p> + Night was coming on when he got back, and he found the Dutch parents in + some excitement. “Dot Indian he gay no bring Annette indoors for de night. + How she sleep outdoors—like dog—like Bigger—like tramp? + Yah it is bad, ain't it?” and poor old Hendrik looked sadly upset and + mystified. + </p> + <p> + “Hendrik, do you suppose God turns out worse air in the night than in the + day?” + </p> + <p> + “Ach, dunno.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see Quonab knows what he's doing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yah.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let him do it. He or I'll sleep alongside the child she'll be all + right,” and Rolf thought of those horrible brown crawlers under the + bedding indoors. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had much confidence in the Indian as a doctor, but he had more in his + own mother. He was determined to give Annette the quinine, yet he + hesitated to interfere. At length, he said: “It is cool enough now; I will + put these thin curtains round her bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, good!” but the red man sat there while it was being done. + </p> + <p> + “You need not stay now; I'll watch her, Quonab.” + </p> + <p> + “Soon, give more medicine,” was the reply that Rolf did not want. So he + changed his ruse. “I wish you'd take that partridge and make soup of it. + I've had my hands in poison ivy, so I dare not touch it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ach, dot shall I do. Dot kin myself do,” and the fat mother, laying the + recent baby in its cradle, made cumbrous haste to cook the bird. + </p> + <p> + “Foiled again,” was Rolf's thought, but his Yankee wit was with him. He + laid one hand on the bowl of snake-root tea. It was lukewarm. “Do you give + it hot or cold, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + “Hot.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take it in and heat it.” He carried it off, thinking, “If Quonab + won't let me give the bark extract, I'll make him give it.” In the gloom + of the kitchen he had no difficulty in adding to the tea, quite unseen, a + quarter of the extract; when heated, he brought it again, and the Indian + himself gave the dose. + </p> + <p> + As bedtime drew near, and she heard the red man say he would sleep there, + the little one said feebly, “Mother, mother,” then whispered in her + mother's ear, “I want Rolf.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf spread his blanket by the cot and slept lightly. Once or twice he + rose to look at Annette. She was moving in her sleep, but did not awake. + He saw to it that the mosquito bar was in place, and slept till morning. + </p> + <p> + There was no question that the child was better. The renewed interest in + food was the first good symptom, and the partridge served the end of its + creation. The snakeroot and the quinine did noble work, and thenceforth + her recovery was rapid. It was natural for her mother to wish the child + back indoors. It was a matter of course that she should go. It was + accepted as an unavoidable evil that they should always have those brown + crawlers about the bed. + </p> + <p> + But Rolf felt differently. He knew what his mother would have thought and + done. It meant another visit to Warren's, and the remedy he brought was a + strong-smelling oil, called in those days “rock oil”—a crude + petroleum. When all cracks in the bed and near wall were treated with + this, it greatly mitigated, if it did not quite end, the nuisance of the + “plague that walks in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Quonab had made good his welcome by working on the farm. But + when a week had flown, he showed signs of restlessness. “We have enough + money, Nibowaka, why do we stay?” + </p> + <p> + Rolf was hauling a bucket of water from the well at the time. He stopped + with his burden on the well-sweep, gazed into the well, and said slowly: + “I don't know.” If the truth were set forth, it would be that this was the + only home circle he knew. It was the clan feeling that held him, and soon + it was clearly the same reason that was driving Quonab to roam. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard,” said the Indian, “that my people still dwell in Canada, + beyond Rouse's Point. I would see them. I will come again in the Red Moon + (August).” + </p> + <p> + So they hired a small canoe, and one bright morning, with Skookum in the + bow, Quonab paddled away on his voyage of 120 miles on the plead waters of + Lakes George and Champlain. His canoe became a dark spot on the water; + slowly it faded till only the flashing paddle was seen, and that was lost + around a headland. + </p> + <p> + The next day Rolf was sorry he let Quonab go alone, for it was evident + that Van Trumper needed no help for a month yet; that is, he could not + afford to hire, and while it was well enough for Rolf to stay a few days + and work to equalize his board, the arrangement would not long continue + satisfactory to both. + </p> + <p> + Yet there was one thing he must do before leaving, take Annette to pick + out her dress. She was well again now, and they set off one morning in the + canoe, she and Rolf. Neither father nor mother could leave the house. They + had their misgivings, but what could they do? She was bright and happy, + full of the childish joy that belongs to that age, and engaged on such an + important errand for the first time in her life. + </p> + <p> + There was something more than childish joy showing in her face, an older + person would have seen that, but it was largely lost on Rolf. There was a + tendency to blush when she laughed, a disposition to tease her “big + brother,” to tyrannize over him in little things. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you tell me some more about 'Robinson Crusoe,'” she began, as soon + as they were in the canoe, and Rolf resumed the ancient, inspiring tale to + have it listened to eagerly, but criticized from the standpoint of a Lake + George farm. “Where was his wife?” “How could he have a farm without + hens?” “Dried grapes must be nice, but I'd rather have pork than goat,” + etc. + </p> + <p> + Rolf, of course, took the part of Robinson Crusoe, and it gave him a + little shock to hear Quonab called his man Friday. + </p> + <p> + At the west side they were to invite Mrs. Callan to join their shopping + trip, but in any case they were to borrow a horse and buckboard. Neither + Mrs. Callan nor the buckboard was available, but they were welcome to the + horse. So Annette was made comfortable on a bundle of blankets, and + chattered incessantly while Rolf walked alongside with the grave interest + and superiority of a much older brother. So they crossed the five-mile + portage and came to Warren's store. Nervous and excited, with sparkling + eyes, Annette laid down her marten skin, received five dollars, and set + about the tremendous task of selecting her first dress of really, truly + calico print; and Rolf realized that the joy he had found in his new rifle + was a very small affair, compared with the epoch-making, soul-filling, + life-absorbing, unspeakable, and cataclysmal bliss that a small girl can + have in her first chance of unfettered action in choice of a cotton print. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful?” How can mere words do justice to masses of yellow corn, mixed + recklessly with green and scarlet poppies on a bright blue ground. No, you + should have seen Annette's dress, or you cannot expect to get the adequate + thrill. And when they found that there was enough cash left over to add a + red cotton parasol to the glorious spoils, every one there beamed in a + sort of friendly joy, and the trader, carried away by the emotions of the + hour, contributed a set of buttons of shining brass. + </p> + <p> + Warren kept a “meal house,” which phrase was a ruse that saved him from a + burdensome hospitality. Determined to do it all in the best style, Rolf + took Annette to the meal-house table. She was deeply awed by the grandeur + of a tablecloth and white plates, but every one was kind. + </p> + <p> + Warren, talking to a stranger opposite, and evidently resuming a subject + they had discussed, said: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'd like to send the hull lot down to Albany this week, if I could + get another man for the canoe.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf was interested at once and said: “What wages are you offering?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five dollars and board.” + </p> + <p> + “How will I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Warren, as though thinking it over: “I dunno but ye would. + Could ye go to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed, for one month.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, it's a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + And so Rolf took the plunge that influenced his whole life. + </p> + <p> + But Annette whispered gleefully and excitedly, “May I have some of that, + and that?” pointing to every strange food she could see, and got them all. + </p> + <p> + After noon they set out on their return journey, Annette clutching her + prizes, and prattling incessantly, while Rolf walked alongside, thinking + deeply, replying to her chatter, but depressed by the thought of good-bye + tomorrow. He was aroused at length by a scraping sound overhead and a + sharp reprimand, “Rolf, you'll tear my new parasol, if you don't lead the + horse better.” + </p> + <p> + By two o'clock they were at Callan's. Another hour and they had crossed + the lake, and Annette, shrill with joy, was displaying her treasures to + the wonder and envy of her kin. + </p> + <p> + Making a dress was a simple matter in those and Marta promised: “Yah, soom + day ven I one have, shall I it sew.” Meanwhile, Annette was quaffing deep, + soul-satisfying draughts in the mere contempt of the yellow, red, green, + and blue glories in which was soon to appear in public. And when the bed + came, she fell asleep holding the dress-goods stuff in arms, and with the + red parasol spread above her head, tired out, but inexpressibly happy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 53. Travelling to the Great City + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He's a bad failure that ain't king in some little corner. + —Sayings of Sylvanne Sylvanne +</pre> + <p> + The children were not astir when Rolf was off in the morning. He caught a + glimpse of Annette, still asleep under the red parasol, but the dress + goods and the brass buttons had fallen to the floor. He stepped into the + canoe. The dead calm of early morning was on the water, and the little + craft went skimming and wimpling across. In half an hour it was beached at + Callan's. In a little more than an hour's jog and stride he was at + Warren's, ready for work. As he marched in, strong and brisk, his colour + up, his blue eyes kindled with the thought of seeing Albany, the trader + could not help being struck by him, especially when he remembered each of + their meetings—meetings in which he discerned a keen, young mind of + good judgment, one that could decide quickly. + </p> + <p> + Gazing at the lithe, red-checked lad, he said: “Say, Rolf, air ye an + Injun??” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Air ye a half-breed?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I'm a Yank; my name is Kittering; born and bred in Redding, + Connecticut.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I swan, ye look it. At fust I took ye fur an Injun; ye did look + dark (and Rolf laughed inside, as he thought of that butternut dye), but + I'm bound to say we're glad yer white.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, Bill, this is Rolf, Rolf Kittering, he'll go with ye to Albany.” + Bill, a loose-jointed, middle-aged, flat-footed, large-handed, + semi-loafer, with keen gray eyes, looked up from a bundle he was roping. + </p> + <p> + Then Warren took Rolf aside and explained: “I'm sending down all my fur + this trip. There's ten bales of sixty pounds each, pretty near my hull + fortune. I want it took straight to Vandam's, and, night or day, don't + leave it till ye git it there. He's close to the dock. I'm telling ye this + for two reasons: The river's swarming with pirates and sneaks. They'd like + nothing better than to get away with a five-hundred-dollar bundle of fur; + and, next, while Bill is A1 on the river and true as steel, he's awful + weak on the liquor; goes crazy, once it's in him. And I notice you've + always refused it here. So don't stop at Troy, an' when ye get to Albany + go straight past there to Vandam's. You'll have a letter that'll explain, + and he'll supply the goods yer to bring back. He's a sort of a partner, + and orders from him is same as from me. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I ought to go myself, but this is the time all the fur is + coming in here, an' I must be on hand to do the dickering, and there's too + much much to risk it any longer in the storehouse.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose,” said Rolf, “Bill wants to stop at Troy?” + </p> + <p> + “He won't. He's all right, given he's sober. I've give him the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't you give me the letter, in case?” + </p> + <p> + “Law, Bill'd get mad and quit.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll never know.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so; I will.” So when they paddled away, Bill had an important + letter of instructions ostentatiously tucked in his outer pocket. Rolf, + unknown to any one else but Warren, had a duplicate, wrapped in + waterproof, hidden in an inside pocket. + </p> + <p> + Bill was A1 on the river; a kind and gentle old woodman, much stronger + than he looked. He knew the value of fur and the danger of wetting it, so + he took no chances in doubtful rapids. This meant many portages and much + hard labour. + </p> + <p> + I wonder if the world realizes the hard labour of the portage or carry? + Let any man who seeks for light, take a fifty-pound sack of flour on his + shoulders and walk a quarter of a mile on level ground in cool weather. + Unless he is in training, he will find it a heavy burden long before he is + half-way. Suppose, instead of a flour sack, the burden has sharp angles; + the bearer is soon in torture. Suppose the weight carried be double; then + the strain is far more than doubled. Suppose, finally, the road be not a + quarter mile but a mile, and not on level but through swamps, over rocks, + logs, and roots, and the weather not cool, but suffocating summer weather + in the woods, with mosquitoes boring into every exposed part, while both + hands are occupied, steadying the burden or holding on to branches for + help up steep places—and then he will have some idea of the horror + of the portage; and there were many of these, each one calling for six + loaded and five light trips for each canoe-man. What wonder that men will + often take chances in some fierce rapid, rather than to make a long carry + through the fly-infested woods. + </p> + <p> + It was weighty evidence of Bill's fidelity that again and again they made + a portage around rapids he had often run, because in the present case he + was in sacred trust of that much prized commodity—fur. + </p> + <p> + Eighty miles they called it from Warren's to Albany, but there were many + halts and carries which meant long delay, and a whole week was covered + before Bill and Rolf had passed the settlements of Glens Falls, Fort + Edward, and Schuylerville, and guided their heavily laden canoe on the + tranquil river, past the little town of Troy. Loafers hailed them from the + bank, but Bill turned a deaf ear to all temptation; and they pushed on + happy in the thought that now their troubles were over; the last rapid was + past; the broad, smooth waters extended to their port. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 54. Albany + </h2> + <p> + Only a man who in his youth has come at last in sight of some great city + he had dreamed of all his life and longed to see, can enter into Rolf's + feelings as they swept around the big bend, and Albany—Albany, hove + in view. Albany, the first chartered city of the United States; Albany, + the capital of all the Empire State; Albany, the thriving metropolis with + nearly six thousand living human souls; Albany with its State House, + beautiful and dignified, looking down the mighty Hudson highway that led + to the open sea. + </p> + <p> + Rolf knew his Bible, and now he somewhat realized the feelings of St. Paul + on that historic day when his life-long dream came true, when first he + neared the Eternal City—when at last he glimpsed the towers of + imperial, splendid Rome. + </p> + <p> + The long-strung docks were massed and webbed with ship rigging; the water + was livened with boats and canoes; the wooden warehouses back of the docks + were overtopped by wooden houses in tiers, until high above them all the + Capitol itself was the fitting climax. + </p> + <p> + Rolf knew something of shipping, and amid all the massed boats his eyes + fell on a strange, square-looking craft with a huge water-wheel on each + side. Then, swinging into better view, he read her name, the Clermont, and + knew that this was the famous Fulton steamer, the first of the steamboat + age. + </p> + <p> + But Bill was swamped by no such emotion. Albany, Hudson, Clermont, and + all, were familiar stories to him and he stolidly headed the canoe for the + dock he knew of old. + </p> + <p> + Loafers roosting on the snubbing posts hailed him, at first with raillery; + but, coming nearer, he was recognized. “Hello, Bill; back again? Glad to + see you,” and there was superabundant help to land the canoe. + </p> + <p> + “Wall, wall, wall, so it's really you,” said the touter of a fur house, in + extremely friendly voice; “come in now and we'll hev a drink.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir-ree,” said Bill decisively, “I don't drink till business is + done.” + </p> + <p> + “Wall, now, Bill, here's Van Roost's not ten steps away an' he hez tapped + the finest bar'l in years.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I tell ye, I'm not drinking—now.” + </p> + <p> + “Wall, all right, ye know yer own business. I thought maybe ye'd be glad + to see us.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ain't I?” + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Bill,” and Bill's fat brother-in-law came up. “Thus does me good, + an' yer sister is spilin' to see ye. We'll hev one on this.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sam, I ain't drinkin'; I've got biz to tend.” + </p> + <p> + “Wall, hev just one to clear yer head. Then settle yer business and come + back to us.” + </p> + <p> + So Bill went to have one to clear his head. “I'll be back in two minutes, + Rolf,” but Rolf saw him no more for many days. + </p> + <p> + “You better come along, cub,” called out a red-nosed member of the group. + But Rolf shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Here, I'll help you git them ashore,” volunteered an effusive stranger, + with one eye. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want help.” + </p> + <p> + “How are ye gain' to handle 'em alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's one thing I'd be glad to have ye do; that is, go up there + and bring Peter Vandam.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll watch yer stuff while you go.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't leave.” “Then go to blazes; d'yte take me for yer errand + boy?” And Rolf was left alone. + </p> + <p> + He was green at the business, but already he was realizing the power of + that word fur and the importance of the peltry trade. Fur was the one + valued product of the wilderness that only the hunter could bring. The + merchants of the world were as greedy for fur as for gold, and far more so + than for precious stones. + </p> + <p> + It was a commodity so light that, even in those days, a hundred weight of + fur might range in value from one hundred to five thousand dollars, so + that a man with a pack of fine furs was a capitalist. The profits of the + business were good for trapper, very large for the trader, who doubled his + first gain by paying in trade; but they were huge for the Albany + middleman, and colossal for the New Yorker who shipped to London. + </p> + <p> + With such allurements, it was small wonder that more country was explored + and opened for fur than for settlement or even for gold; and there were + more serious crimes and high-handed robberies over the right to trade a + few furs than over any other legitimate business. These things were new to + Rolf within the year, but he was learning the lesson, and Warren's remarks + about fur stuck in his memory with growing value. Every incident since the + trip began had given them new points. + </p> + <p> + The morning passed without sign of Bill; so, when in the afternoon, some + bare-legged boys came along, Rolf said to them: “Do any of ye know where + Peter Vandam's house is?” + </p> + <p> + “Yeh, that's it right there,” and they pointed to a large log house less + than a hundred yards away. + </p> + <p> + “Do ye know him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yeh, he's my paw,” said a sun-bleached freckle-face. + </p> + <p> + “If you bring him here right away, I'll give you a dime. Tell him I'm from + Warren's with a cargo.” + </p> + <p> + The dusty stampede that followed was like that of a mustang herd, for a + dime was a dime in those days. And very soon, a tall, ruddy man appeared + at the dock. He was a Dutchman in name only. At first sight he was much + like the other loafers, but was bigger, and had a more business-like air + when observed near at hand. + </p> + <p> + “Are you from Warren's?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I came with Bill Bymus. But he went off early this morning; I + haven't seen him since. I'm afraid he's in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Where'd he go?” + </p> + <p> + “In there with some friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, just like him; he's in trouble all right. He'll be no good for a + week. Last time he came near losing all our stuff. Now let's see what + ye've got.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you Mr. Peter Vandam?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am.” + </p> + <p> + Still Rolf looked doubtful. There was a small group around, and Rolf heard + several voices, “Yes, this is Peter; ye needn't a-worry.” But Rolf knew + none of the speakers. His look of puzzlement at first annoyed then tickled + the Dutchman, who exploded into a hearty guffaw. + </p> + <p> + “Wall, wall, you sure think ill of us. Here, now look at that,” and he + drew out a bundle of letters addressed to Master Peter Vandam. Then he + displayed a gold watch inscribed on the back “Peter Vandam”; next he + showed a fob seal with a scroll and an inscription, “Petrus Vandamus”; + then he turned to a youngster and said, “Run, there is the Reverend Dr. + Powellus, he may help us”; so the black-garbed, knee-breached, + shovel-hatted clergyman came and pompously said: “Yes, my young friend, + without doubt you may rest assured that this is our very estimable + parishioner, Master Peter Vandam; a man well accounted in the world of + trade.” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Peter, “with the help of my birth-register and + marriage-certificate, which will be placed at your service with all + possible haste, I hope I may win your recognition.” The situation, at + first tense, had become more and more funny, and the bystanders laughed + aloud. Rolf rose to it, and smiling said slowly, “I am inclined to think + that you must be Master Peter Vandam, of Albany. If that's so, this letter + is for you, also this cargo.” And so the delivery was made. + </p> + <p> + Bill Bymus has not delivered the other letter to this day. Presumably he + went to stay with his sister, but she saw little of him, for his stay at + Albany was, as usual, one long spree. It was clear that, but for Rolf, + there might have been serious loss of fur, and Vandam showed his + appreciation by taking the lad to his own home, where the story of the + difficult identification furnished ground for gusty laughter and primitive + jest on many an after day. + </p> + <p> + The return cargo for Warren consisted of stores that the Vandam warehouse + had in stock, and some stuff that took a day or more to collect in town. + </p> + <p> + As Rolf was sorting and packing next day, a tall, thin, well-dressed young + man walked in with the air of one much at home. + </p> + <p> + “Good morrow, Peter.” + </p> + <p> + “Good day to ye, sir,” and they talked of crops and politics. + </p> + <p> + Presently Vandam said, “Rolf, come over here.” + </p> + <p> + He came and was presented to the tall man, who was indeed very thin, and + looked little better than an invalid. “This,” said Peter, “is Master Henry + van Cortlandt the son of his honour, the governor, and a very learned + barrister. He wants to go on a long hunting trip for his health. I tell + him that likely you are the man he needs.” + </p> + <p> + This was so unexpected that Rolf turned red and gazed on the ground. Van + Cortlandt at once began to clear things by interjecting: “You see, I'm not + strong. I want to live outdoors for three months, where I can have some + hunting and be beyond reach of business. I'll pay you a hundred dollars + for the three months, to cover board and guidance. And providing I'm well + pleased and have good hunting, I'll give you fifty dollars more when I get + back to Albany.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd like much to be your guide,” said Rolf, “but I have a partner. I must + find out if he's willing.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't mean-that drunken Bill Bymus?” + </p> + <p> + “No! my hunting partner; he's an Indian.” Then, after a pause, he added, + “You wouldn't go in fly-time, would you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I want to be in peace. But any time after the first of August.” + </p> + <p> + “I am bound to help Van Trumper with his harvest; that will take most of + August.” + </p> + <p> + As he talked, the young lawyer sized him up and said to himself, “This is + my man.” + </p> + <p> + And before they parted it was agreed that Rolf should come to Albany with + Quonab as soon as he could return in August, to form the camping party for + the governor's son. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 55. The Rescue of Bill + </h2> + <p> + Bales were ready and the canoe newly gummed three days after their + arrival, but still no sign of Bill. A messengers sent to the + brother-in-law's home reported that he had not been seen for two days. In + spite of the fact that Albany numbered nearly “six thousand living human + souls,” a brief search by the docksharps soon revealed the sinner's + retreat. His worst enemy would have pitied him; a red-eyed wreck; a + starved, sick and trembling weakling; conscience-stricken, for the letter + intrusted to him was lost; the cargo stolen—so his comforters had + said—and the raw country lad murdered and thrown out into the river. + What wonder that he should shun the light of day! And when big Peter with + Rolf in the living flesh, instead of the sheriff, stood before him and + told him to come out of that and get into the canoe, he wept bitter tears + of repentance and vowed that never, never, never, as long as he lived + would he ever again let liquor touch his lips. A frame of mind which + lasted in strength for nearly one day and a half, and did not entirely + varnish for three. + </p> + <p> + They passed Troy without desiring to stop, and began their fight with the + river. It was harder than when coming, for their course was against stream + when paddling, up hill when portaging, the water was lower, the cargo was + heavier, and Bill not so able. Ten days it took them to cover those eighty + miles. But they came out safely, cargo and all, and landed at Warren's + alive and well on the twenty-first day since leaving. + </p> + <p> + Bill had recovered his usual form. Gravely and with pride he marched up to + Warren and handed out a large letter which read outside, “Bill of Lading,” + and when opened, read: “The bearer of this, Bill Bymus, is no good. Don't + trust him to Albany any more. (Signed) Peter Vandam.” + </p> + <p> + Warren's eyes twinkled, but he said nothing. He took + </p> + <p> + Rolf aside and said, “Let's have it.” Rolf gave him the real letter that, + unknown to Bill, he had carried, and Warren learned some things that he + knew before. + </p> + <p> + Rolf's contract was for a month; it had ten days to run, and those ten + days were put in weighing sugar, checking accounts, milking cows, and + watching the buying of fur. Warren didn't want him to see too much of the + fur business, but Rolf gathered quickly that these were the main + principles: Fill the seller with liquor, if possible; “fire water for fur” + was the idea; next, grade all fur as medium or second-class, when cash was + demanded, but be easy as long as payment was to be in trade. That afforded + many loopholes between weighing, grading, charging, and shrinkage, and + finally he noticed that Albany prices were 30 to 50 per cent. higher than + Warren prices. Yet Warren was reckoned a first-class fellow, a good + neighbour, and a member of the church. But it was understood everywhere + that fur, like horseflesh, was a business with moral standards of its own. + </p> + <p> + A few days before their contract was up, Warren said: “How'd ye like to + renew for a month?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't; I promised to help Van Trumper with his harvest.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he pay ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Seventy-five cents a day and board.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll make it a dollar.” + </p> + <p> + “I've given my word,” said Rolf, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Hey ye signed papers?” + </p> + <p> + “They're not needed. The only use of signed papers is to show ye have + given your word,” said Rolf, quoting his mother, with rising indignation. + </p> + <p> + The trader sniffed a little contemptuously and said nothing. But he + realized the value of a lad who was a steady, intelligent worker, wouldn't + drink, and was absolutely bound by a promise; so, after awhile, he said: + “Wall, if Van don't want ye now, come back for a couple of weeks.” + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning Rolf gathered the trifles he had secured for the + little children and the book he had bought for Annette, a sweet story of a + perfect girl who died and went to heaven, the front embellished with a + thrilling wood-cut. Then he crossed the familiar five-mile portage at a + pace that in an hour brought him to the lake. + </p> + <p> + The greeting at Van's was that of a brother come home. + </p> + <p> + “Vell, Rolf, it's goood to see ye back. It's choost vat I vented. Hi, + Marta, I told it you, yah. I say, now I hope ze good Gott send Rolf. Ach, + how I am shpoil!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, indeed. The hay was ready; the barley was changing. So Rolf took up + his life on the farm, doing work that a year before was beyond his + strength, for the spirit of the hills was on him, with its impulse of + growth, its joy in effort, its glory in strength. And all who saw the + longlegged, long-armed, flat-backed youth plying fork or axe or hoe, in + some sort ventured a guess: “He'll be a good 'un some day; the kind o' + chap to keep friendly with. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 56. The Sick Ox + </h2> + <p> + The Thunder Moon passed quickly by; the hay was in; the barley partly so. + Day by day the whitefaced oxen toiled at the creaking yoke, as the loads + of hay and grain were jounced cumbrously over roots and stumps of the + virgin fields. Everything was promising well, when, as usual, there came a + thunderbolt out of the clear sky. Buck, the off ox, fell sick. + </p> + <p> + Those who know little about cattle have written much of the meek and + patient ox. Those who know them well tell us that the ox is the “most + cussedest of all cussed” animals; a sneak, a bully, a coward, a thief, a + shirk, a schemer; and when he is not in mischief he is thinking about it. + The wickedest pack mule that ever bucked his burden is a pinfeathered + turtle-dove compared with an average ox. There are some gentle oxen, but + they are rare; most are treacherous, some are dangerous, and these are + best got rid of, as they mislead their yoke mates and mislay their + drivers. Van's two oxen, Buck and Bright, manifested the usual variety and + contrariety of disposition. They were all right when well handled, and + this Rolf could do better than Van, for he was “raised on oxen,” and Van's + over voluble, sputtering, Dutch-English seemed ill comprehended of the + massive yoke beasts. The simpler whip-waving and fewer orders of the + Yankee were so obviously successful that Van had resigned the whip of + authority and Rolf was driver. + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily, an ox driver walks on the hew (nigh or left) side, near the + head of his team, shouting “gee” (right), “haw” (left), “get up,” + “steady,” or “whoa” (stop), accompanying the order with a waving of the + whip. Foolish drivers lash the oxen on the haw side when they wish them to + gee—and vice versa; but it is notorious that all good drivers do + little lashing. Spare the lash or spoil your team. So it was not long + before Rolf could guide them from the top of the load, as they travelled + from shook to shook in the field. This voice of command saved his life, or + at least his limb, one morning, for he made a misstep that tumbled him + down between the oxen and the wagon. At once the team started, but his + ringing “Whoa!” brought them to a dead stop, and saved him; whereas, had + it been Van's “Whoa!” it would have set them off at a run, for every shout + from him meant a whip lick to follow. + </p> + <p> + Thus Rolf won the respect, if not the love, of the huge beasts; more and + more they were his charge, and when, on that sad morning, in the last of + the barley, Van came in, “Ach, vot shall I do! Vot shall I do! Dot Buck ox + be nigh dead.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! there he lay on the ground, his head sometimes raised, sometimes + stretched out flat, while the huge creature uttered short moans at times. + </p> + <p> + Only four years before, Rolf had seen that same thing at Redding. The + rolling eye, the working of the belly muscles, the straining and moaning. + “It's colic; have you any ginger?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I hat only dot soft soap.” + </p> + <p> + What soft soap had to do with ginger was not clear, and Rolf wondered if + it had some rare occult medical power that had escaped his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where there's any slippery elm?” + </p> + <p> + “Yah.” + </p> + <p> + “Then bring a big boiling of the bark, while I get some peppermint.” + </p> + <p> + The elm bark was boiled till it made a kettleful of brown slime. The + peppermint was dried above the stove till it could be powdered, and mixed + with the slippery slush. Some sulphur and some soda were discovered and + stirred in, on general principles, and they hastened to the huge, helpless + creature in the field. + </p> + <p> + Poor Buck seemed worse than ever. He was flat on his side, with his spine + humped up, moaning and straining at intervals. But now relief was in sight—so + thought the men. With a tin dipper they tried to pour some relief into the + open mouth of the sufferer, who had so little appreciation that he simply + taxed his remaining strength to blow it out in their faces. Several + attempts ended the same way. Then the brute, in what looked like temper, + swung his muzzle and dashed the whole dipper away. Next they tried the + usual method, mixing it with a bran mash, considered a delicacy in the + bovine world, but Buck again took notice, under pressure only, to dash it + away and waste it all. + </p> + <p> + It occurred to them they might force it down his throat if they could + raise his head. So they used a hand lever and a prop to elevate the + muzzle, and were about to try another inpour, when Buck leaped to his + feet, and behaving like one who has been shamming, made at full gallop for + the stable, nor stopped till safely in his stall, where at once he dropped + in all the evident agony of a new spasm. + </p> + <p> + It is a common thing for oxen to sham sick, but this was the real thing, + and it seemed they were going to lose the ox, which meant also lose a + large part of the harvest. + </p> + <p> + In the stable, now, they had a better chance; they tied him, then raised + his head with a lever till his snout was high above his shoulders. Now it + seemed easy to pour the medicine down that long, sloping passage. But his + mouth was tightly closed, any that entered his nostrils was blown afar, + and the suffering beast strained at the rope till he seemed likely to + strangle. + </p> + <p> + Both men and ox were worn out with the struggle; the brute was no better, + but rather worse. + </p> + <p> + “Wall,” said Rolf, “I've seen a good many ornery steers, but that's the + orneriest I ever did handle, an' I reckon we'll lose him if he don't get + that poison into him pretty soon.” + </p> + <p> + Oxen never were studied as much as horses, for they were considered a + temporary shift, and every farmer looked forward to replacing them with + the latter. Oxen were enormously strong, and they could flourish without + grain when the grass was good; they never lost their head in a swamp hole, + and ploughed steadily among all kinds of roots and stumps; but they were + exasperatingly slow and eternally tricky. Bright, being the trickier of + the two, was made the nigh ox, to be more under control. Ordinarily Rolf + could manage Buck easily, but the present situation seemed hopeless. In + his memory he harked back to Redding days, and he recalled old Eli Gooch, + the ox expert, and wondered what he would have done. Then, as he sat, he + caught sight of the sick ox reaching out its head and deftly licking up a + few drops of bran mash that had fallen from his yoke fellow's portion. A + smile spread over Rolf's face. “Just like you; you think nothing's good + except it's stolen. All right; we'll see.” He mixed a big dose of + medicine, with bran, as before. Then he tied Bright's head so that he + could not reach the ground, and set the bucket of mash half way between + the two oxen. “Here ye are, Bright,” he said, as a matter of form, and + walked out of the stable; but, from a crack, he watched. Buck saw a chance + to steal Bright's bran; he looked around; Oh, joy! his driver was away. He + reached out cautiously; sniffed; his long tongue shot forth for a first + taste, when Rolf gave a shout and ran in. “Hi, you old robber! Let that + alone; that's for Bright.” + </p> + <p> + The sick ox was very much in his own stall now, and stayed there for some + time after Rolf went to resume his place at the peephole. But encouraged + by a few minutes of silence, he again reached out, and hastily gulped down + a mouthful of the mixture before Rolf shouted and rushed in armed with a + switch to punish the thief. Poor Bright, by his efforts to reach the + tempting mash, was unwittingly playing the game, for this was proof + positive of its desirableness. + </p> + <p> + After giving Buck a few cuts with the switch, Rolf retired, as before. + Again the sick ox waited for silence, and reaching out with greedy haste, + he gulped down the rest and emptied the bucket; seeing which, Rolf ran in + and gave the rogue a final trouncing for the sake of consistency. + </p> + <p> + Any one who knows what slippery elm, peppermint, soda, sulphur, colic, and + ox do when thoroughly interincorporated will not be surprised to learn + that in the morning the stable needed special treatment, and of all the + mixture the ox was the only ingredient left on the active list. He was all + right again, very thirsty, and not quite up to his usual standard, but, as + Van said, after a careful look, “Ah, tell you vot, dot you vas a veil ox + again, an' I t'ink I know not vot if you all tricky vas like Bright.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 57. Rolf and Skookum at Albany + </h2> + <p> + The Red Moon (August) follows the Thunder Moon, and in the early part of + its second week Rolf and Van, hauling in the barley and discussing the + fitness of the oats, were startled by a most outrageous clatter among the + hens. Horrid murder evidently was stalking abroad, and, hastening to the + rescue, Rolf heard loud, angry barks; then a savage beast with a defunct + “cackle party” appeared, but dropped the victim to bark and bound upon the + “relief party” with ecstatic expressions of joy, in spite of Rolf's—“Skookum! + you little brute!” + </p> + <p> + Yes! Quonab was back; that is, he was at the lake shore, and Skookum had + made haste to plunge into the joys and gayeties of this social centre, + without awaiting the formalities of greeting or even of dry-shod landing. + </p> + <p> + The next scene was—a big, high post, a long, strong chain and a + small, sad dog. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, Quonab, you found your people? You had a good time?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh,” was the answer, the whole of it, and all the light Rolf got for + many a day on the old man's trip to the North. The prospect of going to + Albany for Van Cortlandt was much more attractive to Quonab than that of + the harvest field, so a compromise was agreed on. Callan's barley was in + the stock; if all three helped Callan for three days, Callan would owe + them for nine, and so it was arranged. + </p> + <p> + Again “good-bye,” and Rolf, Quonab, and little dog Skookum went sailing + down the Schroon toward the junction, where they left a cache of their + supplies, and down the broadening Hudson toward Albany. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had been over the road twice; Quonab never before, yet his nose for + water was so good and the sense of rapid and portage was so strong in the + red man, that many times he was the pilot. “This is the way, because it + must be”; “there it is deep because so narrow”; “that rapid is dangerous, + because there is such a well-beaten portage trail”; “that we can run, + because I see it,” or, “because there is no portage trail,” etc. The + eighty miles were covered in three sleeps, and in the mid-moon days of the + Red Moon they landed at the dock in front of Peter Vandam's. If Quonab had + any especial emotions for the occasion, he cloaked them perfectly under a + calm and copper-coloured exterior of absolute immobility. + </p> + <p> + Their Albany experiences included a meeting with the governor and an + encounter with a broad and burly river pirate, who, seeing a lone and + peaceable-looking red man, went out of his way to insult him; and when + Quonab's knife flashed out at last, it was only his recently established + relations with the governor's son that saved him from some very sad + results, for there were many loafers about. But burly Vandam appeared in + the nick of time to halt the small mob with the warning: “Don't you know + that's Mr. Van Cortlandt's guide?” With the governor and Vandam to back + him, Quonab soon had the mob on his side, and the dock loafer's own + friends pelted him with mud as he escaped. But not a little credit is due + to Skookum, for at the critical moment he had sprung on the ruffian's bare + and abundant leg with such toothsome effect that the owner fell promptly + backward and the knife thrust missed. It was quickly over and Quonab + replaced his knife, contemptuous of the whole crowd before, during and + after the incident. Not at the time, but days later, he said of his foe: + “He was a talker; he was full of fear.” + </p> + <p> + With the backwoods only thirty miles away, and the unbroken wilderness one + hundred, it was hard to believe how little Henry van Cortlandt knew of the + woods and its life. He belonged to the ultra-fashionable set, and it was + rather their pose to affect ignorance of the savage world and its ways. + But he had plenty of common-sense to fan back on, and the inspiring + example of Washington, equally at home in the nation's Parliament, the + army intrenchment, the glittering ball room, or the hunting lodge of the + Indian, was a constant reminder that the perfect man is a harmonious + development of mind, morals, and physique. + </p> + <p> + His training had been somewhat warped by the ultraclassic fashion of the + times, so he persisted in seeing in Quonab a sort of discoloured, barbaric + clansman of Alaric or a camp follower of Xenophon's host, rather than an + actual living, interesting, native American, exemplifying in the highest + degree the sinewy, alert woodman, and the saturated mystic and pantheist + of an age bygone and out of date, combined with a middle-measure + intelligence. And Rolf, tall, blue-eyed with brown, curling hair, was made + to pose as the youthful Achilles, rather than as a type of America's best + young manhood, cleaner, saner, and of far higher ideals and traditions + than ever were ascribed to Achilles by his most blinded worshippers. It + recalled the case of Wordsworth and Southey living side by side in + England; Southey, the famous, must needs seek in ancient India for + material to write his twelve-volume romance that no one ever looks at; + Wordsworth, the unknown, wrote of the things of his own time, about his + own door? and produced immortal verse. + </p> + <p> + What should we think of Homer, had he sung his impressions of the ancient + Egyptians? or of Thackeray, had he novelized the life of the Babylonians? + It is an ancient blindness, with an ancient wall to bruise one's head. It + is only those who seek ointment of the consecrated clay that gives back + sight, who see the shining way at their feet, who beat their face against + no wall, who safely climb the heights. Henry van Cortlandt was a man of + rare parts, of every advantage, but still he had been taught steadfastly + to live in the past. His eyes were yet to be opened. The living present + was not his—but yet to be. + </p> + <p> + The young lawyer had been assembling his outfit at Vandam's warehouse, + for, in spite of scoffing friends, he knew that Rolf was coming back to + him. + </p> + <p> + When Rolf saw the pile of stuff that was gathered for that outfit, he + stared at it aghast, then looked at Vandam, and together they roared. + There was everything for light housekeeping and heavy doctoring, even + chairs, a wash stand, a mirror, a mortar, and a pestle. Six canoes could + scarcely have carried the lot. + </p> + <p> + “'Tain't so much the young man as his mother,” explained Big Pete; “at + first I tried to make 'em understand, but it was no use; so I says, 'All + right, go ahead, as long as there's room in the warehouse.' I reckon I'll + set on the fence and have some fun seein' Rolf ontangle the affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Phew, pheeeww—ph-e-e-e-e-w,” was all Rolf could say in answer. But + at last, “Wall, there's always a way. I sized him up as pretty level + headed. We'll see.” + </p> + <p> + There was a way and it was easy, for, in a secret session, Rolf, Pete, and + Van Cortlandt together sorted out the things needed. A small tent, + blankets, extra clothes, guns, ammunition, delicate food for three months, + a few medicines and toilet articles—a pretty good load for one + canoe, but a trifle compared with the mountain of stuff piled up on the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. van Cortlandt,” said Rolf, “will you explain to your mother that + we are going on with this so as to travel quickly, and will send back for + the rest as we need it?” + </p> + <p> + A quiet chuckle was now heard from Big Pete. “Good! I wondered how he'd + settle it.” + </p> + <p> + The governor and his lady saw them off; therefore, there was a crowd. The + mother never before had noted what a frail and dangerous thing a canoe is. + She cautioned her son never to venture out alone, and to be sure that he + rubbed his chest with the pectoral balm she had made from such and such a + famous receipt, the one that saved the life but not the limb of old + Governor Stuyvesant, and come right home if you catch a cold; and wait at + the first camp till the other things come, and (in a whisper) keep away + from that horrid red Indian with the knife, and never fail to let every + one know who you are, and write regularly, and don't forget to take your + calomel Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, alternating with Peruvian bark + Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and squills on Sunday, except every other + week, when he should devote Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays to rhubarb and + catnip tea, except in the full moon, when the catnip was to be replaced + with graveyard bergamot and the squills with opodeldoc in which an iron + nail had been left for a week. + </p> + <p> + So Henry was embraced, Rolf was hand-shaken, Quonab was nodded at, Skookum + was wisely let alone, and the trim canoe swung from the dock. Amid hearty + cheers, farewells, and “God speed ye's” it breasted the flood for the + North. + </p> + <p> + And on the dock, with kerchief to her eyes, stood the mother, weeping to + think that her boy was going far, far away from his home and friends in + dear, cultured, refined Albany, away, away, to that remote and barbarous + inaccessible region almost to the shore land of Lake Champlain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 58. Back to Indian Lake + </h2> + <p> + Young Van Cortlandt, six feet two in his socks and thirty-four inches + around the chest, was, as Rolf long afterward said, “awful good raw + material, but awful raw.” Two years out of college, half of which had been + spent at the law, had done little but launch him as a physical weakling + and a social star. But his mental make-up was more than good; it was of + large promise. He lacked neither courage nor sense, and the course he now + followed was surely the best for man-making. + </p> + <p> + Rolf never realized how much a farmer-woodman-canoeman-hunter-camper had + to know, until now he met a man who did not know anything, nor dreamed how + many wrong ways there were of doing a job, till he saw his new companion + try it. + </p> + <p> + There is no single simple thing that is a more complete measure of one's + woodcraft than the lighting of a fire. There are a dozen good ways and a + thousand wrong ones. A man who can light thirty fires on thirty successive + days with thirty matches or thirty sparks from flint and steel is a + graduated woodman, for the feat presupposes experience of many years and + the skill that belongs to a winner. + </p> + <p> + When Quonab and Rolf came back from taking each a load over the first + little portage, they found Van Cortlandt getting ready for a fire with a + great, solid pile of small logs, most of them wet and green. He knew how + to use flint and steel, because that was the established household way of + the times. Since childhood had he lighted the candle at home by this + primitive means. When his pile of soggy logs was ready, he struck his + flint, caught a spark on the tinder that is always kept on hand, blew it + to a flame, thrust in between two of the wet logs, waited for all to blaze + up, and wondered why the tiny blaze went out at once, no matter how often + he tried. + </p> + <p> + When the others came back, Van Cortlandt remarked: “It doesn't seem to + burn.” The Indian turned away in silent contempt. Rolf had hard work to + keep the forms of respect, until the thought came: “I suppose I looked + just as big a fool in his world at Albany.” + </p> + <p> + “See,” said he, “green wood and wet wood won't do, but yonder is some + birch bark and there's a pine root.” He took his axe and cut a few sticks + from the root, then used his knife to make a sliver-fuzz of each; one + piece, so resinous that it would not whittle, he smashed with the back of + the axe into a lot of matchwood. With a handful of finely shredded birch + bark he was now quite ready. A crack of the flint a blowing of the spark + caught on the tinder from the box, a little flame that at once was + magnified by the birch bark, and in a minute the pine splinters made a + sputtering fire. Quonab did not even pay Van Cortlandt the compliment of + using one of his logs. He cut a growing poplar, built a fireplace of the + green logs around the blaze that Rolf had made, and the meal was ready in + a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + Van Cortlandt was not a fool; merely it was all new to him. But his + attention was directed to fire-making now, and long before they reached + their cabin he had learned this, the first of the woodman's arts—he + could lay and light a fire. And when, weeks later, he not only made the + flint fire, but learned in emergency to make the rubbing stick spark, his + cup of joy was full. He felt he was learning. + </p> + <p> + Determined to be in everything, now he paddled all day; at first with + vigour, then mechanically, at last feebly and painfully. Late in the + afternoon they made the first long portage; it was a quarter mile. Rolf + took a hundred pounds, Quonab half as much more, Van Cortlandt tottered + slowly behind with his pill-kit and his paddle. That night, on his ample + mattress, he slept the sleep of utter exhaustion. Next day he did little + and said nothing. It came on to rain; he raised a huge umbrella and + crouched under it till the storm was over. But the third day he began to + show signs of new life, and before they reached the Schroon's mouth, on + the fifth day, his young frame was already responding to the elixir of the + hills. + </p> + <p> + It was very clear that they could not take half of the stuff that they had + cached at the Schroon's mouth, so that a new adjustment was needed and + still a cache to await another trip. + </p> + <p> + That night as they sat by their sixth camp fire, Van Cortlandt pondered + over the recent days, and they seemed many since he had left home. He felt + much older and stronger. He felt not only less strange, but positively + intimate with the life, the river, the canoe, and his comrades; and, + pleased with his winnings, he laid his hand on Skookum, slumbering near, + only to arouse in response a savage growl, as that important animal arose + and moved to the other side of the fire. Never did small dog give tall man + a more deliberate snub. “You can't do that with Skookum; you must wait + till he's ready,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + The journey up the Hudson with its “mean” waters and its “carries” was + much as before. Then they came to the eagle's nest and the easy waters of + Jesup's River, and without important incident they landed at the cabin. + The feeling of “home again” spread over the camp and every one was gay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 59. Van Cortlandt's Drugs + </h2> + <p> + “AIN'T ye feelin' all right?” said Rolf, one bright, calomel morning, as + he saw Van Cortlandt preparing his daily physic. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes; I'm feeling fine; I'm better every day,” was the jovial reply. + </p> + <p> + “Course I don't know, but my mother used to say: 'Med'cine's the stuff + makes a sick man well, an' a well man sick.”' + </p> + <p> + “My mother and your mother would have fought at sight, as you may judge. + B-u-t,” he added with reflective slowness, and a merry twinkle in his eye, + “if things were to be judged by their product, I am afraid your mother + would win easily,” and he laid his long, thin, scrawny hand beside the + broad, strong hand of the growing youth. + </p> + <p> + “Old Sylvanne wasn't far astray when he said: 'There aren't any sick, + 'cept them as thinks they are,”' said Rolf. “I suppose I ought to begin to + taper off,” was the reply. But the tapering was very sudden. Before a week + went by, it seemed desirable to go back for the stuff left in cache on the + Schroon, where, of course, it was subject to several risks. There seemed + no object in taking Van Cortlandt back, but they could not well leave him + alone. He went. He had kept time with fair regularity—calomel, + rhubarb; calomel, rhubarb; calomel, rhubarb, squills—but Rolf's + remarks had sunk into his intelligence, as a red-hot shot will sink + through shingles, letting in light and creating revolution. + </p> + <p> + This was a rhubarb morning. He drank his potion, then, carefully + stoppering the bottle, he placed it with its companions in a box and + stowed that near the middle of the canoe. “I'll be glad when it's + finished,” he said reflectively; “I don't believe I need it now. I wish + sometimes I could run short of it all.” + </p> + <p> + That was what Rolf had been hoping for. Without such a remark, he would + not have dared do as he did. He threw the tent cover over the canoe + amidships, causing the unstable craft to cant: “That won't do,” he + remarked, and took out several articles, including the medicine chest, put + them ashore under the bushes, and, when he replaced them, contrived that + the medicine should be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Van Cortlandt, rising to prepare his calomel, got a shock to + find it not. + </p> + <p> + “It strikes me,” says Rolf, “the last time I saw that, it was on the bank + when we trimmed the canoe.” Yes, there could be no doubt of it. Van must + live his life in utter druglessness for a time. It gave him somewhat of a + scare, much like that a young swimmer gets when he finds he has drifted + away from his floats; and, like that same beginner, it braced him to help + himself. So Van found that he could swim without corks. + </p> + <p> + They made a rapid journey down, and in a week they were back with the + load. + </p> + <p> + There was the potion chest where they had left it. Van Cortlandt picked it + up with a sheepish smile, and they sat down for evening meal. Presently + Rolf said: “I mind once I seen three little hawks in a nest together. The + mother was teaching them to fly. Two of them started off all right, and + pretty soon were scooting among the treetops. The other was scared. He + says: 'No, mother, I never did fly, and I'm scared I'd get killed if I + tried.' At last the mother got mad and shoved him over. As soon as he felt + he was gone, he spread out his wings to save himself. The wings were all + right enough, and long before he struck the ground, he was flying.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="linkchap60" id="linkchap60"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter 60. Van Cortlandt's Adventure + </h2> + <p> + The coming of Van had compelled the trappers to build a new and much + larger cabin. When they were planning it, the lawyer said: “If I were, + you, I'd make it twenty by thirty, with a big stone fireplace.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I might want to come back some day and bring a friend.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf looked at him keenly. Here was an important possibility, but it was + too difficult to handle such large logs without a team; so the new cabin + was made fifteen by twenty, and the twenty-foot logs were very slim + indeed. Van Cortlandt took much trouble to fix it up inside with two white + birch bedsteads, balsam beds, and basswood mats on the floor. + </p> + <p> + After the first depression, he had recovered quickly since abandoning his + apothecary diet, and now he was more and more in their life, one of + themselves. But Quonab never liked him. The incident of the fire-making + was one of many which reduced him far below zero in the red man's esteem. + When he succeeded with the rubbing-stick fire, he rose a few points; since + then he had fallen a little, nearly every day, and now an incident took + place which reduced him even below his original low level. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his admirable perseverance, Van Cortlandt failed in his + attempts to get a deer. This was depressing and unfortunate because of the + Indian's evident contempt, shown, not in any act, but rather in his + avoiding Van and never noticing him; while Van, on his part, discovered + that, but for this, that, and the other negligence on Quonab's part, he + himself might have done thus and so. + </p> + <p> + To relieve the situation, Rolf said privately to the Indian, “Can't we + find some way of giving him a deer?” + </p> + <p> + “Humph,” was the voluble reply. + </p> + <p> + “I've heard of that jack-light trick. Can ye work it?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh!” + </p> + <p> + So it was arranged. + </p> + <p> + Quonab prepared a box which he filled with sand. On three sides of it he + put a screen of bark, eighteen inches high, and in the middle he made a + good torch of pine knots with a finely frizzled lighter of birch bark. + Ordinarily this is placed on the bow of the canoe, and, at the right + moment, is lighted by the sportsman. But Quonab distrusted Van as a + lighter, so placed this ancient search-light on the after thwart in front + of himself and pointing forward, but quartering. + </p> + <p> + The scheme is to go along the lake shore about dark, as the deer come to + the water to drink or eat lily pads. As soon as a deer is located by the + sound, the canoe is silently brought to the place, the torch is lighted, + the deer stops to gaze at this strange sunrise; its body is not usually + visible in the dim light, but the eyes reflect the glare like two lamps; + and now the gunner, with a volley of buckshot, plays his part. It is the + easiest and most unsportsmanlike of all methods. It has long been declared + illegal; and was especially bad, because it victimized chiefly the does + and fawns. + </p> + <p> + But now it seemed the proper way to “save Van Cortlandt's face.” + </p> + <p> + So forth they went; Van armed with his double-barrelled shotgun and + carrying in his belt a huge and ornamental hunting knife, the badge of + woodcraft or of idiocy, according as yon took Van's view or Quonab's. Rolf + stayed in camp. + </p> + <p> + At dusk they set out, a slight easterly breeze compelling them to take the + eastern shore, for the deer must not smell them. As they silently crossed + the lake, the guide's quick eye caught sight of a long wimple on the + surface, across the tiny ripples of the breeze--surely the wake of some + large animal, most likely a deer. Good luck. Putting on all speed, he sent + the canoe flying after it, and in three or four minutes they sighted a + large, dark creature moving fast to escape, but it was low on the water, + and had no horns. They could not make out what it was. Van sat tensely + gazing, with gun in hand, but the canoe overran the swimmer; it + disappeared under the prow, and a moment later there scrambled over the + gunwale a huge black fisher. + </p> + <p> + “Knife,” cried Quonab, in mortal fear that Van would shoot and blow a hole + throught the canoe. + </p> + <p> + The fisher went straight at the lawyer hissing and snarling with voice + like a bear. + </p> + <p> + Van grasped his knife, and then and there began A most extraordinary + fight; holding his assailant off as best he could, he stabbed again and + again with that long blade. But the fisher seemed cased in iron. The knife + glanced off or was solidly stopped again and again, while the fierce, + active creature, squirming, struggling, clawing, and tearing had wounded + the lawyer in a dozen places. Jab, jab went the knife in vain. The fisher + seemed to gain in strength and fury. It fastened on Van's leg just below + the knee, and grow/ed and tore like a bulldog. Van seized its throat in + both hands and choked with all his strength. The brute at length let go + and sprang back to attack again, when Quonab saw his chance and felled it + with a blow of the paddle across the nose. It tumbled forward; Van lunged + to avoid what seemed a new attack, and in a moment the canoe upset, and + all were swimming for their lives. + </p> + <p> + As luck would have it, they had drifted to the west side and the water was + barely six feet deep. So Quonab swam ashore holding onto a paddle, and + hauling the canoe, while Van waded ashore, hauling the dead fisher by the + tail. + </p> + <p> + Quonab seized a drift pole and stuck it in the mud as near the place as + possible, so they could come again in daylight to get the guns; then + silently paddled back to camp. + </p> + <p> + Next day, thanks to the pole, they found the place and recovered first + Van's gun, second, that mighty hunting knife; and learned to the amazement + and disgust of all that it had not been out of its sheath: during all that + stabbing and slashing, the keen edge was hidden and the knife was wearing + its thick, round scabbard of leather and studs of brass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 61. Rolf Learns Something from Van + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A man can't handle his own case, any more than a delirious + doctor kin give himself the right physic.—Saying of Si + Sylvanne. +</pre> + <p> + However superior Rolf might feel in the canoe or the woods, there was one + place where Van Cortlandt took the lead, and that was in the long talks + they had by the campfire or in Van's own shanty which Quonab rarely + entered. + </p> + <p> + The most interesting subjects treated in these were ancient Greece and + modern Albany. Van Cortlandt was a good Greek scholar, and, finding an + intelligent listener, he told the stirring tales of royal Ilion, Athens, + and Pergamos, with the loving enthusiasm of one whom the teachers found it + easy to instruct in classic lore. And when he recited or intoned the + rolling Greek heroics of the siege of Troy, Rolf listened with an interest + that was strange, considering that he knew not a word of it. But he said, + “It sounded like real talk, and the tramp of men that were all astir with + something big a-doing.” + </p> + <p> + Albany and politics, too, were vital strains, and life at the Government + House, with the struggling rings and cabals, social and political. These + were extraordinarily funny and whimsical to Rolf. No doubt because Van + Cortlandt presented them that way. And he more than once wondered how + rational humans could waste their time in such tomfoolery and childish + things as all conventionalities seemed to be. Van Cortlandt smiled at his + remarks, but made no answer for long. + </p> + <p> + One day, the first after the completion of Van Cortlandt's cabin, as the + two approached, the owner opened the door and stood aside for Rolf to + enter. + </p> + <p> + “Go ahead,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “After you,” was the polite reply. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, go on,” rejoined the lad, in mixed amusement and impatience. + </p> + <p> + Van Cortlandt touched his hat and went in. + </p> + <p> + Inside, Rolf turned squarely and said: “The other day you said there was a + reason for all kinds o' social tricks; now will you tell me what the + dickens is the why of all these funny-do's? It 'pears to me a free-born + American didn't ought to take off his hat to any one but God.” + </p> + <p> + Van Cortlandt chuckled softly and said: “You may be very sure that + everything that is done in the way of social usage is the result of + common-sense, with the exception of one or two things that have continued + after the reason for them has passed, like the buttons you have behind on + your coat; they were put there originally to button the tails out of the + way of your sword. Sword wearing and using have passed away, but still you + see the buttons. + </p> + <p> + “As to taking off your hat to no man: it depends entirely on what you mean + by it; and, being a social custom, you must accept its social meaning. + </p> + <p> + “In the days of knight errantry, every one meeting a stranger had to + suppose him an enemy; ten to one he was. And the sign and proof of + friendly intention was raising the right hand without a weapon in it. The + hand was raised high, to be seen as far as they could shoot with a bow, + and a further proof was added when they raised the vizor and exposed the + face. The danger of the highway continued long after knights ceased to + wear armour; so, with the same meaning, the same gesture was used, but + with a lifting of the hat. If a man did not do it, he was either showing + contempt, or hostility for the other, or proving himself an ignorant + brute. So, in all civilized countries, lifting the hat is a sign of mutual + confidence and respect.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! that makes it all look different. But why should you touch your hat + when you went ahead of me just now?” + </p> + <p> + “Because this is my house; you are my guest. I am supposed to serve you in + reasonable ways and give you precedence. Had I let you open my door for + me, it would have been putting you in the place of my servant; to balance + that, I give you the sign of equality and respect.” + </p> + <p> + “H'm,” said Rolf, “'it just shows,' as old Sylvanne sez, 'this yer + steel-trap, hair-trigger, cocksure jedgment don't do. An' the more a man + learns, the less sure he gits. An' things as hez lasted a long time ain't + liable to be on a rotten foundation.'” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 62. The Charm of Song + </h2> + <p> + With a regular tum ta tum ta, came a weird sound from the sunrise rock one + morning, as Van slipped out of his cabin. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ag-aj-way-o-say + Pem-o-say + Gezhik-om era-bid ah-keen + Ena-bid ah-keen” + </pre> + <p> + “What's he doing, Rolf?” + </p> + <p> + “That's his sunrise prayer,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what it means?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it ain't much; jest 'Oh, thou that walkest in the sky in the + morning, I greet thee.”' + </p> + <p> + “Why, I didn't know Indians had such performances; that's exactly like the + priests of Osiris. Did any one teach him? I mean any white folk.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it's always been the Indian way. They have a song or a prayer for + most every big event, sunrise, sunset, moonrise, good hunting, and another + for when they're sick, or when they're going on a journey, or when their + heart is bad.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonish me. I had no idea they were so human. It carries me back to + the temple of Delphi. It is worthy of Cassandra of Ilion. I supposed all + Indians were just savage Indians that hunted till their bellies were full, + and slept till they were empty again.” + </p> + <p> + “H'm,” rejoined Rolf, with a gentle laugh. “I see you also have been doing + some 'hair-trigger, steel-trap, cocksure jedgin'.'” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if he'd like to hear some of my songs?” + </p> + <p> + “It's worth trying; anyway, I would,” said Rolf. + </p> + <p> + That night, by the fire, Van sang the “Gay Cavalier,” “The Hunting of John + Peel,” and “Bonnie Dundee.” He had a fine baritone voice. He was most + acceptable in the musical circles of Albany. Rolf was delighted, Skookum + moaned sympathetically, and Quonab sat nor moved till the music was over. + He said nothing, but Rolf felt that it was a point gained, and, trying to + follow it up, said: + </p> + <p> + “Here's your drum, Quonab; won't you sing 'The Song of the Wabanaki?'” But + it was not well timed, and the Indian shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Van,” said Rolf, (Van Cortlandt had suggested this abbreviation) + “you'll never stand right with Quonab till you kill a deer.” + </p> + <p> + “I've done some trying.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, we'll go out to-morrow evening and try once more. What do you + think of the weather, Quonab?” + </p> + <p> + “Storm begin noon and last three days,” was the brief answer, as the red + man walked away. + </p> + <p> + “That settles it,” said Rolf; “we wait.” + </p> + <p> + Van was surprised, and all the more so when in an hour the sky grew black + and heavy rain set in, with squalls. + </p> + <p> + “How in the name of Belshazzar's weather bugler does he tell?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess you better not ask him, if you want to know. I'll find out and + tell you later.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf learned, not easily or at single talk: + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday the chipmunks worked hard; to-day there are none to be seen. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday the loons were wailing; now they are still, and no small birds + are about. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday it was a yellow sunrise; to-day a rosy dawn. + </p> + <p> + “Last night the moon changed and had a thick little ring. + </p> + <p> + “It has not rained for ten days, and this is the third day of easterly + winds. + </p> + <p> + “There was no dew last night. I saw Tongue Mountain at daybreak; my + tom-tom will not sing. + </p> + <p> + “The smoke went three ways at dawn, and Skookum's nose was hot.” + </p> + <p> + So they rested, not knowing, but forced to believe, and it was not till + the third day that the sky broke; the west wind began to pay back its + borrowings from the east, and the saying was proved that “three days' rain + will empty any sky.” + </p> + <p> + That evening, after their meal, Rolf and Van launched the canoe and + paddled down the lake. A mile from camp they landed, for this was a + favourite deer run. Very soon Rolf pointed to the ground. He had found a + perfectly fresh track, but Van seemed not to comprehend. They went along + it, Rolf softly and silently, Van with his long feet and legs making a + dangerous amount of clatter. Rolf turned and whispered, “That won't do. + You must not stand on dry sticks.” Van endeavoured to move more cautiously + and thought he was doing well, but Rolf found it very trying to his + patience and began to understand how Quonab had felt about himself a year + ago. “See,” said Rolf, “lift your legs so; don't turn your feet out that + way. Look at the place before you put it down again; feel with your toe to + make sure there is no dead stick, then wriggle it down to the solid + ground. Of course, you'd do better in moccasins. Never brush past any + branches; lift them aside and don't let them scratch; ease them back to + the place; never try to bend a dry branch; go around it,” etc. Van had not + thought of these things, but now he grasped them quickly, and they made a + wonderful improvement in his way of going. + </p> + <p> + They came again to the water's edge; across a little bay Rolf sighted at + once the form of a buck, perfectly still, gazing their way, wondering, no + doubt, what made those noises. + </p> + <p> + “Here's your chance,” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Where?” was the eager query. + </p> + <p> + “There; see that gray and white thing?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't see him.” + </p> + <p> + For five minutes Rolf tried in vain to make his friend see that statuesque + form; for five minutes it never moved. Then, sensing danger, the buck gave + a bound and was lost to view. + </p> + <p> + It was disheartening. Rolf sat down, nearly disgusted; then one of + Sylvanne's remarks came to him: “It don't prove any one a fool, coz he + can't play your game.” + </p> + <p> + Presently Rolf said, “Van, hev ye a book with ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have my Virgil.” + </p> + <p> + “Read me the first page.” + </p> + <p> + Van read it, holding the book six inches from his nose. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see ye read this page there,” and Rolf held it up four feet away. + </p> + <p> + “I can't; it's nothing but a dim white spot.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, can ye see that loon out there?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that long, dark thing in the bay?” + </p> + <p> + “No, that's a pine log close to,” said Rolf, with a laugh, “away out half + a mile.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't see anything but shimmers.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so. It's no use your trying to shoot deer till ye get a pair of + specs to fit yer eyes. You have brains enough, but you haven't got the + eyesight of a hunter. You stay here till I go see if I have any luck.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf melted into the woods. In twenty minutes Van heard a shot and very + soon Rolf reappeared, carrying a two-year-old buck, and they returned to + their camp by nightfall. Quonab glanced at their faces as they passed + carrying the little buck. They tried to look inscrutable. But the Indian + was not deceived. He gave out nothing but a sizzling “Humph!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 63. The Redemption of Van + </h2> + <p> + “WHEN things is looking black as black can be, it's a sure sign of luck + coming your way.” so said Si Sylvanne, and so it proved to Van Cortlandt + The Moon of the Falling Leaves was waning, October was nearly over, the + day of his return to Albany was near, as he was to go out in time for the + hunters to return in open water. He was wonderfully improved in strength + and looks. His face was brown and ruddy. He had abandoned all drugs, and + had gained fully twenty pounds in weight. He had learned to make a fire, + paddle a canoe, and go through the woods in semi-silence. His scholarly + talk had given him large place in Rolf's esteem, and his sweet singing had + furnished a tiny little shelf for a modicum of Quonab's respect. But his + attempts to get a deer were failures. “You come back next year with + proper, farsight glasses and you'll all right,” said Rolf; and that seemed + the one ray of hope. + </p> + <p> + The three days' storm had thrown so many trees that the hunters decided it + would be worth while making a fast trip down to Eagle's Nest, to cut such + timber as might have fallen across the stream, and so make an easy way for + when they should have less time. + </p> + <p> + The surmise was quite right. Much new-fallen timber was now across the + channel. They chopped over twenty-five trunks before they reached Eagle's + Nest at noon, and, leaving the river in better shape than ever it was, + they turned, for the swift, straight, silent run of ten miles home. + </p> + <p> + As they rounded the last point, a huge black form in the water loomed to + view. Skookum's bristles rose. Quonab whispered, “Moose! Shoot quick!” Van + was the only one with a gun. The great black beast stood for a moment, + gazing at them with wide-open eyes, ears, and nostrils, then shook his + broad horns, wheeled, and dashed for the shore. Van fired and the bull + went down with a mighty splash among the lilies. Rolf and Skookum let off + a succession of most unhunterlike yells of triumph. But the giant sprang + up again and reached the shore, only to fall to Van Cortlandt's second + barrel. Yet the stop was momentary; he rose and dashed into the cover. + Quonab turned the canoe at once and made for the land. + </p> + <p> + A great sob came from the bushes, then others at intervals. Quonab showed + his teeth and pointed. Rolf seized his rifle, Skookum sprang from the + boat, and a little later was heard letting off his war-cry in the bushes + not far away. + </p> + <p> + The men rushed forward, guns in hand, but Quonab called, “Look out! Maybe + he waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “If he is, he'll likely get one of us.” said Rolf, with a light laugh, for + he had some hearsay knowledge of moose. + </p> + <p> + Covered each by a tree, they waited till Van had reloaded his + double-barrelled, then cautiously approached. The great frothing sobs had + resounded from time to time. + </p> + <p> + Skookum's voice also was heard in the thicket, and when they neared and + glimpsed the place, it was to see the monster on the ground, lying at full + length, dinging up his head at times when he uttered that horrid sound of + pain. + </p> + <p> + The Indian sent a bullet through the moose's brain; then all was still, + the tragedy was over. + </p> + <p> + But now their attention was turned to Van Cortlandt. He reeled, staggered, + his knees trembled, his face turned white, and, to save himself from + falling, he sank onto a log. Here he covered his face with his hands, his + feet beat the ground, and his shoulders heaved up and down. + </p> + <p> + The others said nothing. They knew by the signs and the sounds that it was + only through a mighty effort that young Van Cortlandt, grown man as he + was, could keep himself from hysterical sobs and tears. + </p> + <p> + Not then, but the next day it was that Quonab said: “It comes to some + after they kill, to some before, as it came to you, Rolf; to me it came + the day I killed my first chipmunk, that time when I stole my father's + medicine.” + </p> + <p> + They had ample work for several hours now, to skin the game and save the + meat. It was fortunate they were so near home. A marvellous change there + was in the atmosphere of the camp. Twice Quonab spoke to Van Cortlandt, as + the latter laboured with them to save and store the meat of his moose. He + was rubbed, doped, soiled, and anointed with its flesh, hair, and blood, + and that night, as they sat by their camp fire, Skookum arose, stretched, + yawned, walked around deliberately, put his nose in the lawyer's hand, + gave it a lick, then lay down by his feet. Van Cortlandt glanced at Rolf, + a merry twinkle was in the eyes of both. “It's all right. You can pat + Skookum now, without risk of being crippled. He's sized you up. You are + one of us at last;” and Quonab looked on with two long ivory rows + a-gleaming in his smile. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 64. Dinner at the Governor's + </h2> + <p> + Was ever there a brighter blazing sunrise after such a night of gloom? Not + only a deer, but the biggest of all deer, and Van himself the only one of + the party that had ever killed a moose. The skin was removed and afterward + made into a hunting coat for the victor. The head and horns were carefully + preserved to be carried back to Albany, where they were mounted and still + hang in the hall of a later generation of the name. The final days at the + camp were days of happy feeling; they passed too soon, and the long-legged + lawyer, bronzed and healthy looking, took his place in their canoe for the + flying trip to Albany. With an empty canoe and three paddles (two and one + half, Van said), they flew down the open stretch of Jesup's River in + something over two hours and camped that night fully thirty-five miles + from their cabin. The next day they nearly reached the Schroon and in a + week they rounded the great bend, and Albany hove in view. + </p> + <p> + How Van's heart did beat! How he did exult to come in triumph home, + reestablished in health and strengthened in every way. They were sighted + and recognized. Messengers were seen running; a heavy gun was fired, the + flag run up on the Capitol, bells set a-ringing, many people came running, + and more flags ran up on vessels. + </p> + <p> + A great crowd gathered by the dock. + </p> + <p> + “There's father, and mother too!” shouted Van, waving his hat. + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah,” and the crowd took it up, while the bells went jingle, jangle, + and Skookum in the bow sent back his best in answer. + </p> + <p> + The canoe was dragged ashore. Van seized his mother in his arms, as she + cried: “My boy, my boy, my darling boy! how well you look. Oh, why didn't + you write? But, thank God, you are back again, and looking so healthy and + strong. I know you took your squills and opodeldoc. Thank God for that! + Oh, I'm so happy! my boy, my boy! There's nothing like squills and God's + blessing.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf and Quonab were made to feel that they had a part in it all. The + governor shook them warmly by the hand, and then a friendly voice was + heard: “Wall, boy, here ye air agin; growed a little, settin' up and + sassin' back, same as ever.” Rolf turned to see the gigantic, angular form + and kindly face of grizzly old Si Sylvanne and was still more surprised to + hear him addressed “senator.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the senator, “one o' them freak elections that sometimes hits + right; great luck for Albany, wa'nt it?” + </p> + <p> + “Ho,” said Quonab, shaking the senator's hand, while Skookum looked + puzzled and depressed. + </p> + <p> + “Now, remember,” said the governor, addressing the Indian, the lad, and + the senator, “we expect you to dine tonight at the mansion; seven + o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + Then the terror of the dragon conventionality, that guards the gate and + hovers over the feast, loomed up in Rolf's imagination. He sought a + private word with Van. “I'm afraid I have no fit clothes; I shan't know + how to behave,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll show you. The first thing is to be perfectly clean and get a + shave; put on the best clothes you have, and be sure they're clean; then + you come at exactly seven o'clock, knowing that every one is going to be + kind to you and you're bound to have a good time. As to any other + 'funny-do' you watch me, and you'll have no trouble.” + </p> + <p> + So when the seven o'clock assemblage came, and guests were ascending the + steps of the governor's mansion, there also mounted a tall, slim youth, an + easy-pacing Indian, and a prick-eared, yellow dog. Young Van Cortlandt was + near the door, on watch to save them any embarrassment. But what a swell + he looked, cleanshaven, ruddy, tall, and handsome in the uniform of an + American captain, surrounded by friends and immensely popular. How + different it all was from that lonely cabin by the lake. + </p> + <p> + A butler who tried to remove Skookum was saved from mutilation by the + intervention first of Quonab and next of Van; and when they sat down, this + uncompromising four-legged child of the forest ensconced himself under + Quonab's chair and growled whenever the silk stockings of the footman + seemed to approach beyond the line of true respect. + </p> + <p> + Young Van Cortlandt was chief talker at the dinner, but a pompous military + man was prominent in the company. Once or twice Rolf was addressed by the + governor or Lady Van Cortlandt, and had to speak to the whole table; his + cheeks were crimson, but he knew what he wanted to say and stopped when it + was said, so suffered no real embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + After what seemed an interminable feast of countless dishes and hours' + duration, an extraordinary change set in. Led by the hostess, all stood + up, the chairs were lifted out of their way, and the ladies trooped into + another room; the doors were closed, and the men sat down again at the end + next the governor. + </p> + <p> + Van stayed by Rolf and explained: “This is another social custom that + began with a different meaning. One hundred years ago, every man got drunk + at every formal dinner, and carried on in a way that the ladies did not + care to see, so to save their own feelings and give the men a free rein, + the ladies withdrew. Nowadays, men are not supposed to indulge in any such + orgy, but the custom continues, because it gives the men a chance to + smoke, and the ladies a chance to discuss matters that do not interest the + men. So again you see it is backed by common sense.” + </p> + <p> + This proved the best part of the dinner to Rolf. There was a peculiar + sense of over-politeness, of insincerity, almost, while the ladies were + present; the most of the talking had been done by young Van Cortlandt and + certain young ladies, assisted by some very gay young men and the general. + Their chatter was funny, but nothing more. Now a different air was on the + group; different subjects were discussed, and by different men, in a + totally different manner. + </p> + <p> + “We've stood just about all we can stand,” said the governor, alluding to + an incident newly told, of a British frigate boarding an American merchant + vessel by force and carrying off half her crew, under presence that they + were British seamen in disguise. “That's been going on for three years + now. It's either piracy or war, and, in either case, it's our duty to + fight.” + </p> + <p> + “Jersey's dead against war,” said a legislator from down the river. + </p> + <p> + “Jersey always was dead against everything that was for the national good, + sir,” said a red-faced, puffy, military man, with a husky voice, a rolling + eye, and a way of ending every sentence in “sir.” + </p> + <p> + “So is Connecticut,” said another; “they say, 'Look at all our defenceless + coasts and harbour towns.'” + </p> + <p> + “They're not risking as much as New York,” answered the governor, “with + her harbours all the way up the Hudson and her back door open to invasion + from Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortunately, sir, Pennyslvania, Maryland, and the West have not forgotten + the glories of the past. All I ask—is a chance to show what we can + do, sir. I long for the smell of powder once more, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand that President Madison has sent several protests, and, in + spite of Connecticut and New Jersey, will send an ultimatum within three + months. He believes that Britain has all she can manage, with Napoleon and + his allies battering at her doors, and will not risk a war. + </p> + <p> + “It's my opinion,” said Sylvanne; “that these English men is too + pig-headed an' ornery to care a whoop in hell whether we get mad or not. + They've a notion Paul Jones is dead, but I reckon we've got plenty of the + breed only waitin' a chance. Mor'n twenty-five of our merchantmen wrecked + each year through being stripped of their crews by a 'friendly power.' + 'Pears to me we couldn't be worse off going to war, an' might be a dum + sight better.” + </p> + <p> + “Your home an' holdings are three hundred safe miles from the seacoast,” + objected the man from Manhattan. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and right next Canada,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “The continued insults to our flag, sir, and the personal indignities + offered to our people are even worse than the actual loss in ships and + goods. It makes my blood fairly boil,” and the worthy general looked the + part as his purple jowl quivered over his white cravat. + </p> + <p> + “Gosh all hemlock! the one pricks, but t'other festers, it's tarnal sure + you steal a man's dinner and tell him he's one o' nature's noblemen, he's + more apt to love you than if you give him five dollars to keep out o' your + sight,” said Sylvanne, with slow emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “There's something to be said on the other side,” said the timid one. “You + surely allow that the British government is trying to do right, and after + all we must admit that that Jilson affair resected very little credit on + our own administration.” + </p> + <p> + “A man ken make one awful big mistake an' still be all right, but he can't + go on making a little mistake every day right along an' be fit company for + a clean crowd,” retorted the new senator. + </p> + <p> + At length the governor rose and led the way to the drawing-room, where + they rejoined the ladies and the conversation took on a different colour + and weight, by which it lost all value for those who knew not the art of + twittering persiflage and found less joy in a handkerchief flirtation than + in the nation's onward march. Rolf and Quonab enjoyed it now about as much + as Skookum had done all the time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 65. The Grebes and the Singing Mouse + </h2> + <p> + Quonab puzzled long over the amazing fact that young Van Cortlandt had + evident high standing “in his own tribe.” “He must be a wise counsellor, + for I know he cannot fight and is a fool at hunting,” was the ultimate + decision. + </p> + <p> + They had a final interview with the governor and his son before they left. + Rolf received for himself and his partner the promised one hundred and + fifty dollars, and the hearty thanks of all in the governor's home. Next, + each was presented with a handsome hunting knife, not unlike the one young + Van had carried, but smaller. Quonab received his with “Ho—” then, + after a pause, “He pull out, maybe, when I need him.”—“Ho! good!” he + exclaimed, as the keen blade appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Rolf,” said the lawyer, “I want to come back next year and bring + three companions, and we will pay you at the same rate per month for each. + What do you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to have you again,” said Rolf: “we'll come for you on August + fifteenth; but remember you should bring your guitar and your spectacles.” + </p> + <p> + “One word,” said the governor, “do you know the canoe route through + Champlain to Canada?” + </p> + <p> + “Quonab does.” + </p> + <p> + “Could you undertake to render scout service in that region?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. + </p> + <p> + “In case of war, we may need you both, so keep your ears open.” + </p> + <p> + And once more the canoe made for the north, with Quonab in the stern and + Skookum in the bow. + </p> + <p> + In less than a week they were home, and none too soon; for already the + trees were bare, and they had to break the ice on the river before they + ended their trip. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had gathered many ideas the last two-months. He did not propose to + continue all his life as a trapper. He wanted to see New York. He wanted + to plan for the future. He needed money for his plans. He and Quonab had + been running a hundred miles of traps, but some men run more than that + single handed. They must get out two new lines at once, before the frost + came. One of these they laid up the Hudson, above Eagle's Nest; the other + northerly on Blue Mountain, toward Racquet River. Doing this was hard + work, and when they came again to their cabin the robins had gone from the + bleak and leafless woods; the grouse were making long night flights; the + hollows had tracks of racing deer; there was a sense of omen, a length of + gloom, for the Mad Moon was afloat in the shimmering sky; its wan light + ghasted all the hills. + </p> + <p> + Next day the lake was covered with thin, glare ice; on the glassy surface + near the shore were two ducks floundering. The men went as near as they + could, and Quonab said, “No, not duck, but Shingebis, divers. They cannot + rise except from water. In the night the new ice looks like water; they + come down and cannot rise. I have often seen it.” Two days after, a harder + frost came on. The ice was safe for a dog; the divers or grebes were still + on its surface. So they sent Skookum. He soon returned with two beautiful + grebes, whose shining, white breast feathers are as much prized as some + furs. + </p> + <p> + Quonab grunted as he held them up. “Ugh, it is often so in this Mad Moon. + My father said it is because of Kaluskap's dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't remember that one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, long ago. Kaluskap felt lazy. He wanted to eat, but did not wish to + hunt, so he called the bluejay and said: 'Tell all the woods that + to-morrow night Kaluskap gives a new dance and teaches a new song,' and he + told the hoot owl to do the same, so one kept it up all day—'Kaluskap + teaches a new dance to-morrow night,' and the other kept it up all night: + 'Kaluskap teaches a new song at next council.' + </p> + <p> + “Thus it came about that all the woods and waters sent their folk to the + dance. + </p> + <p> + “Then Kaluskap took his song-drum and said: 'When I drum and sing you must + dance in a circle the same way as the sun, close your eyes tightly, and + each one shout his war whoop, as I cry “new songs”!' + </p> + <p> + “So all began, with Kaluskap drumming in the middle, singing: + </p> + <p> + “'New songs from the south, brothers, Close your eyes tightly, brothers, + Dance and learn a new song. + </p> + <p> + “As they danced around, he picked out the fattest, and, reaching out one + hand, seized them and twisted their necks, shouting out, 'More war-cries, + more poise! that's it; now you are learning!' + </p> + <p> + “At length Shingebis the diver began to have his doubts and he cautiously + opened one eye, saw the trick, and shouted: 'Fly, brothers, fly! Kaluskap + is killing us!' + </p> + <p> + “Then all was confusion. Every one tried to escape, and Kaluskap, in + revenge, tried to kill the Shingebis. But the diver ran for the water and, + just as he reached the edge, Kaluskap gave him a kick behind that sent him + half a mile, but it knocked off all his tail feathers and twisted his + shape so that ever since his legs have stuck out where his tail was, and + he cannot rise from the land or the ice. I know it is so, for my father, + Cos Cob, told me it was true, and we ourselves have seen it. It is ever + so. To go against Kaluskap brings much evil to brood over.” + </p> + <p> + A few nights later, as they sat by their fire in the cabin, a curious + squeaking was heard behind the logs. They had often heard it before, but + never so much as now. Skookum turned his head on one side, set his ears at + forward cock. Presently, from a hole 'twixt logs and chimney, there + appeared a small, white breasted mouse. + </p> + <p> + Its nose and ears shivered a little; its black eyes danced in the + firelight. It climbed up to a higher log, scratched its ribs, then rising + on its hind legs, uttered one or two squeaks like those they had heard so + often, but soon they became louder and continuous: + </p> + <p> + “Peg, peo, peo, peo, peo, peo, peo, oo. Tree, tree, tree, tree, trrrrrrr, + Turr, turr, turr, tur, tur, Wee, wee, wee, we”— + </p> + <p> + The little creature was sitting up high on its hind legs, its belly + muscles were working, its mouth was gaping as it poured out its music. For + fully half a minute this went on, when Skookum made a dash; but the mouse + was quick and it flashed into the safety of its cranny. + </p> + <p> + Rolf gazed at Quonab inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “That is Mish-a-boh-quas, the singing mouse. He always comes to tell of + war. In a little while there will be fighting.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 66. A Lesson in Stalking + </h2> + <h3> + “Did you ever see any fighting, Quonab?” + </h3> + <p> + “Ugh! In Revolution, scouted for General Gates.” + </p> + <p> + “Judging by the talk, we're liable to be called on before a year. What + will you do?” + </p> + <p> + “Fight.” + </p> + <p> + “As soldier?” + </p> + <p> + “No! scout.” + </p> + <p> + “They may not want us.” + </p> + <p> + “Always want scouts,” replied the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me I ought to start training now.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been training.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” + </p> + <p> + “A scout is everything that an army is, but it's all in one man. An' he + don't have to keep step.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, I see,” replied Rolf, and he realized that a scout is merely a + trained hunter who is compelled by war to hunt his country's foes instead + of the beasts of the woods. + </p> + <p> + “See that?” said the Indian, and he pointed to a buck that was nosing for + cranberries in the open expanse across the river where it left the lake. + “Now, I show you scouting.” He glanced at the smoke from the fire, found + it right for his plan, and said: “See! I take my bow. No cover, yet I will + come close and kill that deer.” + </p> + <p> + Then began a performance that was new to Rolf, and showed that the Indian + had indeed reached the highest pitch of woodcraft. He took his bow and + three good arrows, tied a band around his head, and into this stuck a lot + of twigs and vines, so that his head looked like a tussock of herbage. + Then he left the shanty door, and, concealed by the last bushes on the + edge, he reached the open plain. Two hundred yards off was the buck, + nosing among the herbage, and, from time to time, raising its superb head + and columnar neck to look around. There was no cover but creeping herbage. + Rolf suspected that the Indian would decoy the buck by some whistle or + challenge, for the thickness of its neck showed the deer to be in fighting + humour. + </p> + <p> + Flat on his breast the Indian lay. His knees and elbow seemed to develop + centipedic power; his head was a mere clump of growing stuff. He snaked + his way quietly for twenty-five yards, then came to the open, sloping + shore, with the river forty yards wide of level shining ice, all in plain + view of the deer; how was this to be covered? + </p> + <p> + There is a well-known peculiarity of the white tail that the Indian was + counting on; when its head is down grazing, even though not hidden, the + deer does not see distant objects; before the head is raised, its tail is + raised or shaken. Quonab knew that if he could keep the tail in view, he + could avoid being viewed by the head. In a word, only an ill-timed + movement or a whiff could betray him. + </p> + <p> + The open ice was, of course, a hard test, and the hunter might have + failed, but that his long form looked like one of the logs that were lying + about half stranded or frozen in the stream. + </p> + <p> + Watching ever the alert head and tail, he timed his approach, working hard + and moving East when the head was down; but when warned by a tail-jerk he + turned to a log nor moved a muscle. Once the ice was crossed, the danger + of being seen was less, but of being smelt was greater, for the deer was + moving about, and Quonab watched the smoke from the cabin for knowledge of + the wind. So he came within fifty yards, and the buck, still sniffing + along and eagerly champing the few red cranberries it found above the + frozen moss, was working toward a somewhat higher cover. The herbage was + now fully eighteen inches high, and Quonab moved a little faster. The buck + found a large patch of berries under a tussock and dropped on its knees to + pick them out, while Quonab saw the chance and gained ten yards before the + tail gave warning. After so long a feeding-spell, the buck took an extra + long lookout, and then walked toward the timber, whereby the Indian lost + all he had gained. But the browser's eye was drawn by a shining bunch of + red, then another; and now the buck swung until there was danger of + betrayal by the wind; then down went its head and Quonab retreated ten + yards to keep the windward. Once the buck raised its muzzle and sniffed + with flaring nostrils, as though its ancient friend had brought a warning. + But soon he seemed reassured, for the landscape showed no foe, and nosed + back and forth, while Quonab regained the yards he had lost. The buck + worked now to the taller cover, and again a tempting bunch of berries + under a low, dense bush caused it to kneel for farther under-reaching. + Quonab glided swiftly forward, reached the twenty-five-yard limit, rose to + one knee, bent the stark cedar bow. Rolf saw the buck bound in air, then + make for the wood with great, high leaps; the dash of disappointment was + on him, but Quonab stood erect, with right hand raised, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Ho—ho.” + </p> + <p> + He knew that those bounds were unnecessarily high, and before the woods + had swallowed up the buck, it fell—rose—and fell again, to + rise not. The arrow had pierced its heart. + </p> + <p> + Then Rolf rushed up with kindled eye and exultant pride to slap his friend + on the back, and exclaim: + </p> + <p> + “I never thought it possible; the greatest feat in hunting I ever saw; you + are a wonder!” + </p> + <p> + To which the Indian softly replied, as he smiled: + </p> + <p> + “Ho! it was so I got eleven British sentries in the war. They gave me a + medal with Washington's head.” + </p> + <p> + “They did! how is it I never heard of it? Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian's face darkened. “I threw it after the ship that stole my + Gamowini.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 67. Rolf Meets a Canuck + </h2> + <p> + The winter might have been considered eventful, had not so many of the + events been repetitions of former experience. But there were several that + by their newness deserve a place on these pages, as they did in Rolf's + memory. + </p> + <p> + One of them happened soon after the first sharp frost. It had been an + autumn of little rain, so that many ponds had dried up, with the result + that hundreds of muskrats were forced out to seek more habitable quarters. + The first time Rolf saw one of these stranded mariners on its overland + journey, he gave heedless chase. At first it made awkward haste to escape; + then a second muskrat was discovered just ahead, and a third. This added + to Rolf's interest. In a few bounds he was among them, but it was to get a + surprise. Finding themselves overtaken, the muskrats turned in desperation + and attacked the common enemy with courage and fury. Rolf leaped over the + first, but the second sprang, caught him by the slack of the trouser leg, + and hung on. The third flung itself on his foot and drove its sharp teeth + through the moccasin. Quickly the first rallied and sprang on his other + leg with all the force of its puny paws, and powerful jaws. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Quonab was laughing aloud and holding back Skookum, who, + breathing fire and slaughter, was mad to be in the fight. + </p> + <p> + “Ho! a good fight! good musquas! Ho, Skookum, you must not always take + care of him, or he will not learn to go alone. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, good!” as the third muskrat gripped Rolf by the calf. + </p> + <p> + There could be but one finish, and that not long delayed. A well-placed + kick on one, the second swung by the tail, the third crushed under his + heel, and the affair ended. Rolf had three muskrats and five cuts. Quonab + had much joy and Skookum a sense of lost opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “This we should paint on the wigwam,” said Quonab. “Three great warriors + attacked one Sagamore. They were very brave, but he was Nibowaka and very + strong; he struck them down as the Thunderbird, Hurakan, strikes the dead + pines the fire has left on the hilltop against the sky. Now shall you eat + their hearts, for they were brave. My father told me a fighting muskrat's + heart is great medicine; for he seeks peace while it is possible, then he + turns and fights without fear.” + </p> + <p> + A few days later, they sighted a fox. In order to have a joke on Skookum, + they put him on its track, and away he went, letting off his joy-whoops at + every jump. The men sat down to wait, knowing full well that after an hour + Skookum would come back with a long tongue and an air of depression. But + they were favoured with an unexpected view of the chase. It showed a fox + bounding over the snow, and not twenty yards behind was their energetic + four-legged colleague. + </p> + <p> + And, still more unexpected, the fox was overtaken in the next thicket, + shaken to limpness, and dragged to be dropped at Quonab's feet. This + glorious victory by Skookum was less surprising, when a closer examination + showed that the fox had been in a bad way. Through some sad, sudden + indiscretion, he had tackled a porcupine and paid the penalty. His mouth, + jaws and face, neck and legs, were bristling with quills. He was sick and + emaciated. He could not have lasted many days longer, and Skookum's + summary lynching was a blessing in disguise. + </p> + <p> + The trappers' usual routine was varied by a more important happening. One + day of deep snow in January, when they were running the northern line on + Racquet River, they camped for the night at their shelter cabin, and were + somewhat surprised at dusk to hear a loud challenge from Skookum replied + to by a human voice, and a short man with black whiskers appeared. He + raised one hand in token of friendliness and was invited to come in. + </p> + <p> + He was a French Canadian from La Colle Mills. He had trapped here for some + years. The almost certainty of war between Canada and the States had kept + his usual companions away. So he had trapped alone, always a dangerous + business, and had gathered a lot of good fur, but had fallen on the ice + and hurt himself inwardly, so that he had no strength. He could tramp out + on snowshoes, but could not carry his pack of furs. He had long known that + he had neighbours on the south; the camp fire smoke proved that, and he + had come now to offer all his furs for sale. + </p> + <p> + Quonab shook his head, but Rolf said, “We'll come over and see them.” + </p> + <p> + A two-hours' tramp in the morning brought them to the Frenchman's cabin. + He opened out his furs; several otter, many sable, some lynx, over thirty + beaver—the whole lot for two hundred dollars. At Lyons Falls they + were worth double that. + </p> + <p> + Rolf saw a chance for a bargain. He whispered, “We can double our money on + it, Quonab. What do ye say?” + </p> + <p> + The reply was simply, “Ugh! you are Nibowaka.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll take your offer, if we can fix it up about payment, for I have no + money with me and barely two hundred dollars at the cabin.” + </p> + <p> + “You half tabac and grosairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, plenty.” + </p> + <p> + “You can go 'get 'em? Si?” + </p> + <p> + Rolf paused, looked down, then straight at the Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + “Will you trust me to take half the fur now; when I come back with the pay + I can get the rest.” + </p> + <p> + The Frenchman looked puzzled, then, “By Gar you look de good look. I let + um go. I tink you pretty good fellow, parbleu!” + </p> + <p> + So Rolf marched away with half the furs and four days later he was back + and paid the pale-faced but happy Frenchman the one hundred and fifty + dollars he had received from Van Cortlandt, with other bills making one + hundred and ninety-five dollars and with groceries and tobacco enough to + satisfy the trapper. The Frenchman proved a most amiable character. He and + Rolf took to each other greatly, and when they shook hands at parting, it + was in the hope of an early and happier meeting. + </p> + <p> + Francois la Colle turned bravely for the ninety-mile tramp over the snow + to his home, while Rolf went south with the furs that were to prove a most + profitable investment, shaping his life in several ways, and indirectly + indeed of saving it on one occasion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 68. War + </h2> + <p> + Eighteen hundred and twelve had passed away. President Madison, driven by + wrongs to his countrymen and indignities that no nation should meekly + accept, had in the midsummer declared war on Great Britain. Unfitted to + cope with the situation and surrounded by unfit counsellors, his little + army of heroic men led by unfit commanders had suffered one reverse after + another. + </p> + <p> + The loss of Fort Mackinaw, Chicago, Detroit, Brownstown, and the total + destruction of the American army that attacked Queenstown were but poorly + offset by the victory at Niagara and the successful defence of Ogdensburg. + </p> + <p> + Rolf and Quonab had repaired to Albany as arranged, but they left it as + United States scouts, not as guides to the four young sportsmen who wished + to hark back to the primitive. + </p> + <p> + Their first commission had been the bearing of despatches to Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + With a selected light canoe and a minimum of baggage they reached + Ticonderoga in two days, and there renewed their acquaintance with General + Hampton, who was fussing about, and digging useless entrenchments as + though he expected a mighty siege. Rolf was called before him to receive + other despatches for Colonel Pike at Plattsburg. He got the papers and + learned their destination, then immediately made a sad mistake. “Excuse + me, sir,” he began, “if I meet with—” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said the general, severely, “I don't want any of your 'ifs' + or 'buts'; your orders are 'go.' 'How' and 'if' are matters for you to + find out; that's what you are paid for.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf bowed; his cheeks were tingling. He was very angry at what he thought + a most uncalled for rebuke, but he got over it, and he never forgot the + lesson. It was Si Sylvanne that put it into rememberable form. + </p> + <p> + “A fool horse kin follow a turnpike, but it takes a man with wits to + climb, swim, boat, skate, run, hide, go it blind, pick a lock, take the + long way, round, when it's the short way across, run away at the right + time, or fight when it's wise—all in one afternoon.” Rolf set out + for the north carrying a bombastic (meant to be reassuring) message from + Hampton that he would annihilate any enemy who dared to desecrate the + waters of the lake. + </p> + <p> + It was on this trip that Rolf learned from Quonab the details of the + latter's visit to his people on the St. Regis. Apparently the joy of + meeting a few of his own kin, with whom he could talk his own language, + was offset by meeting with a large number of his ancient enemies the + Mohawks. There had been much discussion of the possible war between the + British and the Yankees. The Mohawks announced their intention to fight + for the British, which was a sufficient reason for Quonab as a Sinawa + remaining with the Americans; and when he left the St. Regis reserve the + Indian was without any desire to reenter it. + </p> + <p> + At Plattsburg Rolf and Quonab met with another Albany acquaintance in + General Wilkinson, and from him received despatches which they brought + back to Albany, having covered the whole distance in eight days. + </p> + <p> + When 1812 was gone Rolf had done little but carry despatches up and down + Lake Champlain. Next season found the Americans still under command of + Generals Wilkinson and Hampton, whose utter incompetence was becoming + daily more evident. + </p> + <p> + The year 1813 saw Rolf, eighteen years old and six feet one in his socks, + a trained scout and despatch bearer. + </p> + <p> + By a flying trip on snowshoes in January he took letters, from General + Hampton at Ticonderoga to Sackett's Harbour and back in eight days, nearly + three hundred miles. It made him famous as a runner, but the tidings that + he brought were sad. Through him they learned in detail of the total + defeat and capture of the American army at Frenchtown. After a brief rest + he was sent across country on snowshoes to bear a reassuring message to + Ogdensburg. The weather was much colder now, and the single blanket bed + was dangerously slight; so “Flying Kittering,” as they named him, took a + toboggan and secured Quonab as his running mate. Skookum was given into + safe keeping. Blankets, pots, cups, food, guns, and despatches were + strapped on the toboggan, and they sped away at dawn from Ticonderoga on + the 18th of February 1813, headed northwestward, guided by little but the + compass. Thirty miles that day they made in spite of piercing blasts and + driving snow. But with the night there began a terrible storm with winds + of zero chill. The air was filled with stinging, cutting snow. When they + rose at daylight they were nearly buried in drifts, although their camp + was in a dense, sheltered thicket. Guided wholly by the compass they + travelled again, but blinded by the whirling white they stumbled and + blundered into endless difficulties and made but poor headway. After + dragging the toboggan for three hours, taking turns at breaking the way, + they were changing places when Rolf noticed a large gray patch on Quonab's + cheek and nose. + </p> + <p> + “Quonab, your face is frozen,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “So is yours,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Now they turned aside, followed a hollow until they reached a spruce + grove, where they camped and took an observation, to learn that the + compass and they held widely different views about the direction of + travel. It was obviously useless to face the storm. They rubbed out their + frozen features with dry snow and rested by the fire. + </p> + <p> + No good scout seeks for hardship; he avoids the unnecessary trial of + strength and saves himself for the unavoidable. With zero weather about + them and twenty-four hours to wait in the storm, the scouts set about + making themselves thoroughly comfortable. + </p> + <p> + With their snowshoes they dug away the snow in a circle a dozen feet + across, piling it up on the outside so as to make that as high as + possible. When they were down to the ground, the wall of snow around them + was five feet high. Now they went forth with the hatchets, cut many small + spruces, and piled them against the living spruces about the camp till + there was a dense mass of evergreen foliage ten feet high around them, + open only at the top, where was a space five feet across. With abundance + of dry spruce wood, a thick bed of balsam boughs, and plenty of blankets + they were in what most woodmen consider comfort complete. + </p> + <p> + They had nothing to do now but wait. Quonab sat placidly smoking, Rolf was + sewing a rent in his coat, the storm hissed, and the wind-driven ice + needles rattled through the trees to vary the crackle of the fire with a + “siss” as they fell on the embers. The low monotony of sound was lulling + in its evenness, when a faint crunch of a foot on the snow was heard. Rolf + reached for his gun, the fir tree screen was shaken a little, and a minute + later there bounded in upon them the snow covered form of little dog + Skookum, expressing his good-will by excessive sign talk in which every + limb and member had a part. They had left him behind, indeed, but not with + his consent, so the bargain was incomplete. + </p> + <p> + There was no need to ask now, What shall we do with him? Skookum had + settled that, and why or how he never attempted to explain. + </p> + <p> + He was wise who made it law that “as was his share who went forth to + battle, so shall his be that abode with the stuff,” for the hardest of all + is the waiting. In the morning there was less doing in the elemental + strife. There were even occasional periods of calm and at length it grew + so light that surely the veil was breaking. + </p> + <p> + Quonab returned from a brief reconnoitre to say, “Ugh!—good going.” + </p> + <p> + The clouds were broken and flying, the sun came out at times, but the wind + was high, the cold intense, and the snow still drifting. Poor Skookum had + it harder than the men, for they wore snowshoes; but he kept his troubles + to himself and bravely trudged along behind. Had he been capable of such + reflection he might have said, “What delightful weather, it keeps the + fleas so quiet.” + </p> + <p> + That day there was little to note but the intense cold, and again both men + had their cheeks frost-bitten on the north side. A nook under an + overhanging rock gave a good camp that night. Next day the bad weather + resumed, but, anxious to push on they faced it, guided chiefly by the + wind. It was northwest, and as long as they felt this fierce, burning cold + mercilessly gnawing on their hapless tender right cheek bones, they knew + they were keeping their proper main course. + </p> + <p> + They were glad indeed to rest at dusk and thaw their frozen faces. Next + day at dawn they were off; at first it was calm, but the surging of the + snow waves soon began again, and the air was filled with the spray of + their lashing till it was hard to see fifty yards in any direction. They + were making very bad time. The fourth day should have brought them to + Ogdensburg, but they were still far off; how far they could only guess, + for they had not come across a house or a settler. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 69. Ogdensburg + </h2> + <p> + The same blizzard was raging on the next day when Skookum gave unequivocal + sign talk that he smelled something. + </p> + <p> + It is always well to find out what stirs your dog. Quonab looked hard at + Skookum. That sagacious mongrel was sniffing vigorously, up in the air, + not on the ground; his mane was not bristling, and the patch of dark hair + that every gray or yellow dog has at the base of his tail, was not lifted. + </p> + <p> + “He smells smoke,” was the Indian's quick diagnosis. Rolf pointed Up the + wind and made the sign-talk query. Quonab nodded. + </p> + <p> + It was their obvious duty to find out who was their smoky neighbour. They + were now not so far from the St. Lawrence; there was a small chance of the + smoke being from a party of the enemy; there was a large chance of it + being from friends; and the largest chance was that it came from some + settler's cabin where they could get necessary guidance. + </p> + <p> + They turned aside. The wind now, instead of on the right cheek, was square + in their faces. Rolf went forward increasing his pace till he was as far + ahead as was possible without being out of sight. After a mile their way + led downward, the timber was thicker, the wind less, and the air no more + befogged with flying snow. Rolf came to a long, deep trench that wound + among the trees; the snow at the bottom of it was very hard. This was what + he expected; the trail muffled under new, soft snow, but still a fresh + trail and leading to the camp that Skookum had winded. + </p> + <p> + He turned and made the sign for them to halt and wait. Then strode + cautiously along the winding guide line. + </p> + <p> + In twenty minutes the indications of a settlement increased, and the scout + at length was peering from the woods across the open down to a broad + stream on whose bank was a saw mill, with the usual wilderness of + ramshackle shanties, sheds, and lumber piles about. + </p> + <p> + There was no work going on, which was a puzzle till Rolf remembered it was + Sunday. He went boldly up and asked for the boss. His whole appearance was + that of a hunter and as such the boss received him. + </p> + <p> + He was coming through from the other side and had missed his way in the + storm, he explained. + </p> + <p> + “What are ye by trade?” + </p> + <p> + “A trapper.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are ye bound now?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll head for the nearest big settlement, whatever that is.” + </p> + <p> + “It's just above an even thing between Alexandria Bay and Ogdensburg.” + </p> + <p> + So Rolf inquired fully about the trail to Alexandria Bay that he did not + want to go to. Why should he be so careful? The mill owner was clearly a + good American, but the scout had no right to let any outsider know his + business. This mill owner might be safe, but he might be unwise and blab + to some one who was not all right. + </p> + <p> + Then in a casual way he learned that this was the Oswegatchie River and + thirty miles down he would find the town of Ogdensburg. + </p> + <p> + No great recent events did he hear of, but evidently the British troops + across the river were only awaiting the springtime before taking offensive + measures. + </p> + <p> + For the looks of it, Rolf bought some tea and pork, but the hospitable + mill man refused to take payment and, leaving in the direction of + Alexandria Bay, Rolf presently circled back and rejoined his friends in + the woods. + </p> + <p> + A long detour took them past the mill. It was too cold for outdoor idling. + Every window was curtained with frost, and not a soul saw them as they + tramped along past the place and down to continue on the ice of the + Oswegatchie. + </p> + <p> + Pounded by the ceaseless wind, the snow on the ice was harder, travel was + easier, and the same tireless blizzard wiped out the trail as soon as it + was behind them. + </p> + <p> + Crooked is the river trail, but good the footing, and good time was made. + When there was a north reach, the snow was extra hard or the ice clear and + the scouts slipped off their snow shoes, and trotted at a good six-mile + gait. Three times they halted for tea and rest, but the fact that they + were the bearers of precious despatches, the bringers of inspiring good + news, and their goal ever nearer, spurred them on and on. It was ten + o'clock that morning when they left the mill, some thirty miles from + Ogdensburg. It was now near sundown, but still they figured that by an + effort they could reach the goal that night. It was their best day's + travel, but they were nerved to it by the sense of triumph as they + trotted; and the prospective joy of marching up to the commandant and + handing over the eagerly looked for, reassuring documents, gave them new + strength and ambition. Yes! they must push on at any price that night. Day + was over now; Rolf was leading at a steady trot. In his hand he held the + long trace of his toboggan, ten feet behind was Quonab with the short + trace, while Skookum trotted before, beside, or behind, as was dictated by + his general sense of responsibility. + </p> + <p> + It was quite dark now. There was no moon, the wooded shore was black. + Their only guide was the broad, wide reach of the river, sometimes swept + bare of snow by the wind, but good travelling at all times. They were + trotting and walking in spells, going five miles an hour; Quonab was + suffering, but Rolf was young and eager to finish. They rounded another + reach, they were now on the last big bend, they were reeling off the + miles; only ten more, and Rolf was so stirred that, instead of dropping to + the usual walk on signal at the next one hundred yards spell, he added to + his trot. Quonab, taken unawares, slipped and lost his hold of the trace. + Rolf shot ahead and a moment later there was the crash of a breaking + air-hole, and Rolf went through the ice, clutched at the broken edge and + disappeared, while the toboggan was dragged to the hole. + </p> + <p> + Quonab sprung to his feet, and then to the lower side of the hole. The + toboggan had swung to the same place and the long trace was tight; without + a moment's delay the Indian hauled at it steadily, heavily, and in a few + seconds the head of his companion reappeared; still clutching that long + trace he was safely dragged from the ice-cold flood, blowing and gasping, + shivering and sopping, but otherwise unhurt. + </p> + <p> + Now here a new danger presented itself. The zero wind would soon turn his + clothes to boards. They stiffened in a few minutes, and the Indian knew + that frozen hands and feet were all too easy in frozen clothes. + </p> + <p> + He made at once for the shore, and, seeking the heart of a spruce thicket, + lost no time in building two roaring fires between which Rolf stood while + the Indian made the bed, in which, as soon as he could be stripped, the + lad was glad to hide. Warm tea and warm blankets made him warm, but it + would take an hour or two to dry his clothes. There is nothing more + damaging than drying them too quickly. Quonab made racks of poles and + spent the next two hours in regulating the fire, watching the clothes, and + working the moccasins. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when they were ready and any question of going on at once + was settled by Quonab. “Ogdensburg is under arms,” he said. “It is not + wise to approach by night.” + </p> + <p> + At six in the morning they were once more going, stiff with travel, + sore-footed, face-frozen, and chafed by delay; but, swift and keen, + trotting and walking, they went. They passed several settlements, but + avoided them. At seven-thirty they had a distant glimpse of Ogdensburg and + heard the inspiring roll of drums, and a few minutes later from the top of + a hill they had a complete view of the heroic little town to see—yes! + plainly enough—that the British flag was flying from the flag pole. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 70. Saving the Despatches + </h2> + <p> + Oh, the sickening shock of it! Rolf did not know till now how tired he + was, how eager to deliver the heartening message, and to relax a little + from the strain. He felt weak through and through. There could be no doubt + that a disaster had befallen his country's arms. + </p> + <p> + His first care was to get out of sight with his sled and those precious + despatches. + </p> + <p> + Now what should he do? Nothing till he had fuller information. He sent + Quonab back with the sled, instructing him to go to a certain place two + miles off, there camp out of sight and wait. + </p> + <p> + Then he went in alone. Again and again he was stung by the thought, “If I + had come sooner they might have held out.” + </p> + <p> + A number of teams gathered at the largest of a group of houses on the bank + suggested a tavern. He went in and found many men sitting down to + breakfast. He had no need to ask questions. It was the talk of the table. + Ogdensburg had been captured the day before. The story is well known. + Colonel MacDonnell with his Glengarry Highlanders at Prescott went to + drill daily on the ice of the St. Lawrence opposite Ogdensburg. Sometimes + they marched past just out of range, sometimes they charged and wheeled + before coming too near. The few Americans that held the place watched + these harmless exercises and often cheered some clever manceuvre. They + felt quite safe behind their fortification. By an unwritten agreement both + parties refrained from firing random shots at each other. There was little + to suggest enemies entrenched; indeed, many men in each party had friends + in the other, and the British had several times trotted past within easy + range, without provoking a shot. + </p> + <p> + On February 22d, the day when Rolf and Quonab struck the Oswegatchie, the + British colonel directed his men as usual, swinging them ever nearer the + American fort, and then, at the nearest point, executed a very pretty + charge. The Americans watched it as it neared, but instead of wheeling at + the brink the little army scrambled up with merry shouts, and before the + garrison could realize that this was war, they were overpowered and + Ogdensburg was taken. + </p> + <p> + The American commander was captured. Captain Forsyth, the second in + command, had been off on a snowshoe trip, so had escaped. All the rest + were prisoners, and what to do with the despatches or how to get official + instructions was now a deep problem. “When you don't know a thing to do, + don't do a thing,” was one of Si Sylvanne's axioms; also, “In case of + doubt lay low and say nothing.” Rolf hung around the town all day waiting + for light. About noon a tall, straight, alert man in a buffalo coat drove + up with a cutter. He had a hasty meal in an inside room. Rolf sized him up + for an American officer, but there was a possibility of his being a + Canadian. Rolf tried in vain to get light on him but the inner door was + kept closed; the landlord was evidently in the secret. When he came out he + was again swaddled in the buffalo coat. Rolf brushed past him—here + was something hard and long in the right pocket of the big coat. + </p> + <p> + The landlord, the guest, and the driver had a whispered conference. Rolf + went as near as he dared, but got only a searching look. The driver spoke + to another driver and Rolf heard the words “Black Lake.” Yes, that was + what he suspected. Black Lake was on the inland sleigh route to Alexandria + Bay and Sackett's Harbour. + </p> + <p> + The driver, a fresh young fellow, was evidently interested in the + landlord's daughter; the stranger was talking with the landlord. As soon + as they had parted, Rolf went to the latter and remarked quietly: “The + captain is in a hurry.” The only reply was a cold look and: “Guess that's + his business.” So it was the captain. The driver's mitts were on the line + back of the stove. Rolf shook them so that they fell in a dark corner. The + driver missed his mitts, and glad of a chance went back in, leaving the + officer alone. “Captain Forsyth,” whispered Rolf, “don't go till I have + talked with you. I'll meet you a mile down the road.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you and what do you want?” was the curt and hostile reply, + evidently admitting the identification correct however. + </p> + <p> + Rolf opened his coat and showed his scout badge. + </p> + <p> + “Why not talk now if you have any news—come in side.” So the two + went to the inner room. “Who is this?” asked Rolf cautiously as the + landlord came in. + </p> + <p> + “He's all right. This is Titus Flack, the landlord.” + </p> + <p> + “How am I to know that?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you heard him called by name all day?” said the captain. + </p> + <p> + Flack smiled, went out and returned with his license to sell liquor, and + his commission as a magistrate of New York State. The latter bore his own + signature. He took a pen and reproduced it. Now the captain threw back his + overcoat and stood in the full uniform of an army officer. He opened his + satchel and took out a paper, but Rolf caught sight of another packet + addressed to General Hampton. The small one was merely a map. “I think + that packet in there is meant for me,” remarked Rolf. + </p> + <p> + “We haven't seen your credentials yet,” said the officer. “I have them two + miles back there,” and Rolf pointed to the woods. + </p> + <p> + “Let's go,” said the captain and they arose. Kittering had a way of + inspiring confidence, but in the short, silent ride of two miles the + captain began to have his doubts. The scout badge might have been stolen; + Canadians often pass for Americans, etc. At length they stopped the + sleigh, and Rolf led into the woods. Before a hundred yards the officer + said, “Stop,” and Rolf stopped to find a pistol pointed at his head. “Now, + young fellow, you've played it pretty slick, and I don't know yet what to + make of it. But I know this; at the very first sign of treachery I'll blow + your brains out anyway.” It gave Rolf a jolt. This was the first time he + had looked down a pistol barrel levelled at him. He used to think a pistol + a little thing, an inch through and a foot long, but he found now it + seemed as big as a flour barrel and long enough to reach eternity. He + changed colour but quickly recovered, smiled, and said: “Don't worry; in + five minutes you will know it's all right.” + </p> + <p> + Very soon a sharp bark was heard in challenge, and the two stepped into + camp to meet Quonab and little dog Skookum. + </p> + <p> + “Doesn't look much like a trap,” thought the captain after he had cast his + eyes about and made sure that no other person was in the camp; then aloud, + “Now what have you to show me?” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, captain, but how am I to know you are Captain Forsyth? It is + possible for a couple of spies to give all the proof you two gave me.” + </p> + <p> + The captain opened his bag and showed first his instructions given before + he left Ogdensburg four days ago; he bared his arm and showed a tattooed + U. S. A., a relic of Academy days, then his linen marked J. F., and a + signet ring with similar initials, and last the great packet of papers + addressed to General Hampton. Then he said: “When you hand over your + despatches to me I will give mine to you and we shall have good guarantee + each of the other.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf rose, produced his bundle of papers, and exchanged them for those + held by Forsyth; each felt that the other was safe. They soon grew + friendly, and Rolf heard of some stirring doings on the lake and + preparations for a great campaign in the spring. + </p> + <p> + After half an hour the tall, handsome captain left them and strode away, a + picture of manly vigour. Three hours later they were preparing their + evening meal when Skookum gave notice of a stranger approaching. This was + time of war; Rolf held his rifle ready, and a moment later in burst the + young man who had been Captain Forsyth's driver. + </p> + <p> + His face was white; blood dripped from his left arm, and in his other hand + was the despatch bag. He glanced keenly at Rolf. “Are you General + Hampton's scout?” Rolf nodded and showed the badge on his breast. “Captain + Forsyth sent this back,” he gasped. “His last words were, 'Burn the + despatches rather than let the British get them.' They got him—a + foraging party—there was a spy at the hotel. I got away, but my + tracks are easy to follow unless it drifts. Don't wait.” + </p> + <p> + Poor boy, his arm was broken, but he carried out the dead officer's + command, then left them to seek for relief in the settlement. + </p> + <p> + Night was near, but Rolf broke camp at once and started eastward with the + double packet. He did not know it then, but learned afterward that these + despatches made clear the weakness of Oswego, Rochester, and Sackett's + Harbour, their urgent need of help, and gave the whole plan for an + American counter attack on Montreal. But he knew they were valuable, and + they must at once be taken to General Hampton. + </p> + <p> + It was rough, hard going in the thick woods and swamps away from the + river, for he did not dare take the ice route now, but they pushed on for + three hours, then, in the gloom, made a miserable camp in a cedar swamp. + </p> + <p> + At dawn they were off again. To their disgust the weather now was dead + calm; there was no drift to hide their tracks; the trail was as plain as a + highway wherever they went. They came to a beaten road, followed that for + half a mile, then struck off on the true line. But they had no idea that + they were followed until, after an hour of travel, the sun came up and on + a far distant slope, full two miles away, they saw a thin black line of + many spots, at least a dozen British soldiers in pursuit. + </p> + <p> + The enemy was on snowshoes, and without baggage evidently, for they + travelled fast. Rolf and Quonab burdened with the sled were making a + losing race. But they pushed on as fast as possible—toiling and + sweating at that precious load. Rolf was pondering whether the time had + not yet come to stop and burn the packet, when, glancing back from a high + ridge that gave an outlook, he glimpsed a row of heads that dropped behind + some rocks half a mile away, and a scheme came into his mind. He marched + boldly across the twenty feet opening that was in the enemy's view, + dropped behind the spruce thickets, called Quonab to follow, ran around + the thicket, and again crossed the open view. So he and Quonab continued + for five minutes, as fast as they could go, knowing perfectly well that + they were watched. Round and round that bush they went, sometimes close + together, carrying the guns, sometimes dragging the sled, sometimes with + blankets on their shoulders, sometimes with a short bag or even a large + cake of snow on their backs. They did everything they could to vary the + scene, and before five minutes the British officer in charge had counted + fifty-six armed Americans marching in single file up the bank with ample + stores, accompanied by five yellow dogs. Had Skookum been allowed to carry + out his ideas, there would have been fifty or sixty yellow dogs, so + thoroughly did he enter into the spirit of the game. + </p> + <p> + The track gave no hint of such a troop, but of course not, how could it? + since the toboggan left all smooth after they had passed, or maybe this + was a reinforcement arriving. What could he do with his ten men against + fifty of the enemy? He thanked his stars that he had so cleverly evaded + the trap, and without further attempt to gauge the enemy's strength, he + turned and made all possible haste back to the shelter of Ogdensburg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 71. Sackett's Harbour + </h2> + <p> + It was hours before Rolf was sure that he had stopped the pursuit, and the + thing that finally set his mind at rest was the rising wind that soon was + a raging and drifting snow storm. “Oh, blessed storm!” he said in his + heart, as he marked all trail disappear within a few seconds of its being + made. And he thought: “How I cursed the wind that held me back—really + from being made prisoner. How vexed I was at that ducking in the river, + that really saved my despatches from the enemy. How thankful I am now for + the storm that a little while back seemed so bitterly cruel.” + </p> + <p> + That forenoon they struck the big bend of the river and now did not + hesitate to use the easy travel on the ice as far as Rensselaer Falls, + where, having got their bearings from a settler, they struck across the + country through the storm, and at night were encamped some forty miles + from Ogdensburg. + </p> + <p> + Marvellously few signs of game had they seen in this hard trip; everything + that could hide away was avoiding the weather. But in a cedar bottom land + near Cranberry Lake they found a “yard” that seemed to be the winter home + of hundreds of deer. It extended two or three miles one way a half a mile + the other; in spite of the deep snow this was nearly all in beaten paths. + The scouts saw at least fifty deer in going through, so, of course, had no + difficulty in selecting a young buck for table use. + </p> + <p> + The going from there on was of little interest. It was the same old daily + battle with the frost, but less rigorous than before, for now the cold + winds were behind, and on the 27th of February, nine days after leaving, + they trotted into Ticonderoga and reported at the commandant's + headquarters. + </p> + <p> + The general was still digging entrenchments and threatening to annihilate + all Canada. But the contents of the despatches gave him new topics for + thought and speech. The part he must play in the proposed descent on + Montreal was flattering, but it made the Ticonderoga entrenchments + ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + For three days Rolf was kept cutting wood, then he went with despatches to + Albany. + </p> + <p> + Many minor labours, from hog-killing to stable-cleaning and trenching, + varied the month of March. Then came the uncertain time of April when it + was neither canoeing nor snow-shoeing and all communication from the north + was cut off. + </p> + <p> + But May, great, glorious May came on, with its inspiring airs and livening + influence. Canoes were afloat, the woods were brown beneath and gold + above. + </p> + <p> + Rolf felt like a young stag in his strength. He was spoiling for a run and + volunteered eagerly to carry despatches to Sackett's Harbour. He would go + alone, for now one blanket was sufficient bed, and a couple of pounds of + dry meat was enough food for each day. A small hatchet would be useful, + but his rifle seemed too heavy to carry; as he halted in doubt, a junior + officer offered him a pistol instead, and he gladly stuck it in his belt. + </p> + <p> + Taller than ever, considerably over six feet now, somewhat lanky, but + supple of joint and square of shoulder, he strode with the easy stride of + a strong traveller. His colour was up, his blue-gray eyes ablaze as he + took the long trail in a crow line across country for Sackett's Harbour. + The sentry saluted, and the officer of the day, struck by his figure and + his glowing face as much as by the nature of his errand, stopped to shake + hands and say, “Well, good luck, Kittering, and may you bring us better + news than the last two times.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf knew how to travel now; he began softly. At a long, easy stride he + went for half an hour, then at a swinging trot for a mile or two. Five + miles an hour he could make, but there was one great obstacle to speed at + this season—every stream was at flood, all were difficult to cross. + The brooks he could wade or sometimes could fell a tree across them, but + the rivers were too wide to bridge, too cold and dangerous to swim. In + nearly every case he had to make a raft. A good scout takes no chances. A + slight raft means a risky passage; a good one, a safe crossing but loss of + time in preparations. Fifteen good rafts did Rolf make in that + cross-country journey of three days: dry spruce logs he found each time + and bound them together with leather-wood and withes of willow. It meant a + delay of at least an hour each time; that is five hours each day. But the + time was wisely spent. The days were lengthening; he could travel much at + dusk. Soon he was among settlements. Rumours he got at a settler's cabin + of Sir George Prevost's attack on Sackett's Harbour and the gallant + repulse and at morning of the fourth day he came on the hill above + Sackett's Harbour—the same hill where he had stood three months + before. It was with something like a clutching of his breath that he + gazed; his past experiences suggested dreadful thoughts but no—thank + God, “Old Glory” floated from the pole. He identified himself to the + sentinels and the guard, entered the fort at a trot, and reported at + headquarters. + </p> + <p> + There was joy on every side. At last the tide had turned. Commodore + Chauncey, after sweeping Lake Ontario, had made a sudden descent on York + (Toronto now) the capital of Upper Canada, had seized and destroyed it. + Sir George Prevost, taking advantage of Chauncey's being away, had + attacked Sackett's Harbour, but, in spite of the absence of the fleet, the + resistance had been so vigorous that in a few days the siege was + abandoned. + </p> + <p> + There were shot holes in walls and roofs, there were a few wounded in the + hospital, the green embankments were torn, and the flag-pole splintered; + but the enemy was gone, the starry flag was floating on the wind, and the + sturdy little garrison filled with a spirit that grows only in heroes + fighting for their homes. + </p> + <p> + How joyfully different from Ogdensburg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 72. Scouting Across Country + </h2> + <p> + That very night, Rolf turned again with the latest news and the + commandant's reports. + </p> + <p> + He was learning the country well now, and, with the wonderful place-memory + of a woodman, he was able to follow his exact back trail. It might not + have been the best way, but it gave him this advantage—in nearly + every case he was able to use again the raft he had made in coming, and + thereby saved many hours of precious time. + </p> + <p> + On the way out he had seen a good many deer and one bear, and had heard + the howling of wolves every night; but always at a distance. On the second + night, in the very heart of the wilderness, the wolves were noisy and + seemed very near. Rolf was camping in the darkness. He made a small fire + with such stuff as he could find by groping, then, when the fire blazed, + he discovered by its light a dead spruce some twenty yards away. Taking + his hatchet he went toward this, and, as he did so, a wolf rose up, with + its forefeet on a log, only five yards beyond the tree and gazed curiously + at him. Others were heard calling; presently this wolf raised its muzzle + and uttered a long smooth howl. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had left his pistol back at the fire; he dared not throw his hatchet, + as that would have left him unarmed. He stooped, picked up a stick, and + threw that; the wolf ducked so that it passed over, then, stepping back + from the log, stood gazing without obvious fear or menace. The others were + howling; Rolf felt afraid. He backed cautiously to the fire, got his + pistol and came again to the place, but nothing more did he see of the + wolf, though he heard them all night and kept up two great fires for a + protection. + </p> + <p> + In the morning he started as usual, and before half an hour he was aware + of a wolf, and later of two, trotting along his trail, a few hundred yards + behind. They did not try to overtake him; indeed, when he stopped, they + did the same; and when he trotted, they, true to their dog-like nature, + ran more rapidly in pursuit. How Rolf did wish for his long rifle; but + they gave no opportunity for a shot with the pistol. They acted, indeed, + as though they knew their safe distance and the exact range of the junior + gun. The scout made a trap for them by stealing back after he had crossed + a ridge, and hiding near his own trail. But the wind conveyed a warning, + and the wolves merely sat down and waited till he came out and went on. + All day long these two strange ban dogs followed him and gave no sign of + hunger or malice; then, after he crossed a river, at three in the + afternoon, he saw no more of them. Years after, when Rolf knew them + better, he believed they followed him out of mild curiosity, or possibly + in the hope that he would kill a deer in which they might share. And when + they left him, it was because they were near the edge of their own home + region; they had seen him off their hunting grounds. + </p> + <p> + That night he camped sixty miles from Ticonderoga, but he was resolved to + cover the distance in one day. Had he not promised to be back in a week? + The older hands had shaken their heads incredulously, and he, in the pride + of his legs, was determined to be as good as his promise. He scarcely + dared sleep lest he should oversleep. At ten he lay down. At eleven the + moon was due to rise; as soon as that was three hours high there would be + light enough, and he proposed to go on. At least half a dozen times he + woke with a start, fearing he had overslept, but reassured by a glance at + the low-hung moon, he had slumbered again. + </p> + <p> + At last the moon was four hours high, and the woods were plain in the soft + light. A horned owl “hoo-hoo-ed,” and a far-off wolf uttered a drawn-out, + soft, melancholy cry, as Rolf finished his dried meat, tightened his belt, + and set out on a long, hard run that, in the days of Greece, would have + furnished the theme of many a noble epic poem. + </p> + <p> + No need to consult his compass. The blazing lamp of the dark sky was his + guide, straight east his course, varied a little by hills and lakes, but + nearly the crow-flight line. At first his pace was a steady, swinging + stride; then after a mile he came to an open lake shore down which he went + at a six-mile trot; and then an alder thicket through which his progress + was very slow; but that soon passed, and for half a mile he splashed + through swamps with water a foot deep: nor was he surprised at length to + see it open into a little lake with a dozen beaver huts in view. “Splash, + prong” their builders went at his approach, but he made for the hillside; + the woods were open, the moonlight brilliant now, and here he trotted at + full swing as long as the way was level or down, but always walked on the + uphill. A sudden noise ahead was followed by a tremendous crashing and + crackling of the brush. For a moment it continued, and what it meant, Rolf + never knew or guessed. + </p> + <p> + “Trot, trot,” he went, reeling off six miles in the open, two or perhaps + three in the thickets, but on and on, ever eastward. Hill after hill, + swamp after swamp, he crossed, lake after lake he skirted round, and, when + he reached some little stream, he sought a log bridge or prodded with a + pole till he found a ford and crossed, then ran a mile or two to make up + loss of time. + </p> + <p> + Tramp, tramp, tramp, and his steady breath and his steady heart kept + unremitting rhythm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 73. Rolf Makes a Record + </h2> + <p> + Twelve miles were gone when the foreglow—the first cold dawn-light + showed, and shining across his path ahead was a mighty rolling stream. + Guided by the now familiar form of Goodenow Peak he made for this, the + Hudson's lordly flood. There was his raft securely held, with paddle and + pole near by, and he pushed off with all the force of his young vigour. + Jumping and careening with the stream in its freshet flood, the raft and + its hardy pilot were served with many a whirl and some round spins, but + the long pole found bottom nearly everywhere, and not ten minutes passed + before the traveller sprang ashore, tied up his craft, then swung and + tramped and swung. + </p> + <p> + Over the hills of Vanderwhacker, under the woods of Boreas. Tramp, tramp, + splash, tramp, wringing and sopping, but strong and hot, tramp, tramp, + tramp, tramp. The partridge whirred from his path, the gray deer snorted, + and the panther sneaked aside. Tramp, tramp, trot, trot, and the Washburn + Ridge was blue against the sunrise. Trot, trot, over the low, level, + mile-long slope he went, and when the Day-god burnt the upper hill-rim he + was by brown Tahawus flood and had covered eighteen miles. + </p> + <p> + By the stream he stopped to drink. A partridge cock, in the pride of + spring, strutted arrogantly on a log. Rolf drew his pistol, fired, then + hung the headless body while he made a camper's blaze: an oatcake, the + partridge, and river water were his meal. His impulse was to go on at + once. His reason, said “go slow.” So he waited for fifteen minutes. Then + again, beginning with a slow walk, he ere long added to his pace. In half + an hour he was striding and in an hour the steady “trot, trot,” that + slackened only for the hills or swamps. In an hour more he was on the + Washburn Ridge, and far away in the east saw Schroon Lake that empties in + the river Schroon; and as he strode along, exulting in his strength, he + sang in his heart for joy. Again a gray wolf cantered on his trail, and + the runner laughed, without a thought of fear. He seemed to know the + creature better now; knew it as a brother, for it gave no hostile sound, + but only seemed to trot, trot, for the small joy of running with a runner, + as a swallow or an antelope will skim along by a speeding train. For an + hour or more it matched his pace, then left as though its pleasant stroll + was done, and Rolf kept on and on and on. + </p> + <p> + The spring sun soared on high, the day grew warm at noon. Schroon River + just above the lake was in his path, and here he stopped to rest. Here, + with the last of his oatcake and a little tea, he made his final meal; + thirty eight miles had he covered since he rose; his clothes were torn, + his moccasins worn, but his legs were strong, his purpose sure; only + twenty-two miles now, and his duty would be done; his honours won. What + should he do, push on at once? No, he meant to rest an hour. He made a + good fire by a little pool, and using a great mass of caribou moss as a + sponge, he had a thorough rub-down. He got out his ever-ready needle and + put his moccasins in good shape; he dried his clothes and lay on his back + till the hour was nearly gone. Then he girded himself for this the final + run. He was weary, indeed, but he was far from spent, and the iron will + that had yearly grown in force was there with its unconquerable support. + </p> + <p> + Slowly at start, soon striding, and at last in the famous jog trot of the + scout he went. The sky was blackened with clouds at length, and the + jealous, howling east wind rolled up in rain; the spindrift blurred the + way; the heavy showers of spring came down and drenched him; but his pack + was safe and he trotted on and on. Then long, deep swamps of alder barred + his path, and, guided only by the compass, Rolf pushed in and through and + ever east. Barely a mile an hour in the thickest part he made, but lagged + not; drenched and footsore, warm and torn, but doggedly, steadily on. At + three he had made a scant seven miles; then the level, open wood of + Thunderbolt was reached and his stride became a run; trot, trot, trot, at + six-mile gait, for but fifteen miles remained. Sustained, inspired, the + bringer of good news, he halted not and faltered not, but on and on. + </p> + <p> + Tramp tramp, tramp tramp—endless, tireless, hour by hour. At five he + was on Thunder Creek, scarce eight miles more to the goal; his limbs were + sore, his feet were sore; bone tired was he, but his heart was filled with + joy. + </p> + <p> + “News of battle, news of victory” he was bringing, and the thought lent + strength; the five mires passed, the way was plain with good roads now, + but the runner was so weary. He was striding, his running was done, the + sun was low in the west, his feet were bleeding, the courier was brain + worn and leg worn, but he strode and strode. He passed by homes but heeded + them not. + </p> + <p> + “Come in and rest,” called one who saw nothing but a weary traveller. Rolf + shook his head, but gave no word and strode along. A mile—a short + mile now; he must hold out; if he sat down he feared he could not rise. He + came at last in sight of the fort; then, gathering all his force, he broke + into a trot, weak, so weak that had he fallen, he could scarcely have got + up, and slow, but faster than a walk: and so, as the red sun sank, he + passed the gate. He had no right to give tidings to any but the general, + yet they read it in his eyes. The guard broke into a cheer, and trotting + still, though reeling, Rolf had kept his word, had made his run, had + brought the news, and had safely reached his goal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 74. Van Trumper's Again + </h2> + <p> + Why should the scout bringing good news be differently received from the + one that brings the ill? He did not make, the news, he simply did his + duty; the same in both cases. He is merely the telegraph instrument. Yet + it is so ever. King Pharaoh slew the bearer of ill-tidings; that was human + nature. And General Hampton brought in the tall stripling to his table, to + honour him, to get the fullest details, to glory in every item as though + it all were due to himself. Rolf's wonderful journey was dilated on, and + in the reports to Albany he was honourably mentioned for exceptionally + meritorious service as a bearer of despatches. + </p> + <p> + For three days Flying Kittering was hero of the post; then other runners + came with other news and life went on. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the scouts had worn no uniform, but the execution of one of their + number, who was captured by the British and treated as a spy, resulted in + orders that all be formally enlisted and put in uniform. + </p> + <p> + Not a few withdrew from the service; some, like Quonab, reluctantly + consented, but Rolf was developing the fighting spirit, and was proud to + wear the colours. + </p> + <p> + The drill was tedious enough, but it was of short duration for him. + Despatches were to go to Albany. The general, partly to honour Rolf, + selected him. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ready for another run, Kittering?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then prepare to start as soon as possible for Fort George and Albany. Do + you want a mate?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like a paddler as far as Fort George.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, pick your man.” + </p> + <p> + “Quonab.” + </p> + <p> + And when they set out, for the first time Rolf was in the stern, the post + of guidance and command. So once more the two were travelling again with + Skookum in the bow. It was afternoon when they started and the four-mile + passage of the creek was slow, but down the long, glorious vista of the + noble George they went at full canoe-flight, five miles an hour, and + twenty-five miles of the great fair-way were reeled and past when they + lighted their nightly fire. + </p> + <p> + At dawn-cry of the hawk they sped away, and in spite of a rising wind they + made six miles in two hours. + </p> + <p> + As they approached the familiar landing of Van Trumper's farm, Skookum + began to show a most zestful interest that recalled the blackened pages of + his past. “Quonab, better use that,” and Rolf handed a line with which + Skookum was secured and thus led to make a new record, for this was the + first time in his life that he landed at Van Trumper's without sacrificing + a chicken in honour of the joyful occasion. + </p> + <p> + They entered the house as the family were sitting down to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “Mein Hemel! mein Hemel! It is Rolf and Quonab; and vere is dot tam dog? + Marta, vere is de chickens? Vy, Rolf, you bin now a giant, yah. Mein Gott, + it is I am glad! I did tink der cannibals you had eat; is it dem Canadian + or cannibal? I tink it all one the same, yah!” + </p> + <p> + Marta was actually crying, the little ones were climbing over Rolf's knee, + and Annette, tall and sixteen now, stood shyly by, awaiting a chance to + shake hands. Home is the abiding place of those we love; it may be a + castle or a cave, a shanty or a chateau, a moving van, a tepee, or a canal + boat, a fortress or the shady side of a bush, but it is home, if there + indeed we meet the faces that are ever in the heart, and find the hands + whose touch conveys the friendly glow. Was there any other spot on earth + where he could sit by the fire and feel that “hereabout are mine own, the + people I love?” Rolf knew it now—Van Trumper's was his home. + </p> + <p> + Talks of the war, of disasters by land, and of glorious victories on the + sea, where England, long the unquestioned mistress of the waves, had been + humbled again and again by the dauntless seamen of her Western blood; + talks of big doings by the nation, and, yet more interesting, small doings + by the travellers, and the breakfast passed all too soon. The young scout + rose, for he was on-duty, but the long rollers on the lake forbade the + going forth. Van's was a pleasant place to wait, but he chafed at the + delay; his pride would have him make a record on every journey. But wait + he must. Skookum tied safely to his purgatorial post whined indignantly—and + with head cocked on one side, picked out the very hen he would like to + utilize—as soon as released from his temporary embarrassment. Quonab + went out on a rock to bum some tobacco and pray for calm, and Rolf, ever + active, followed Van to look over the stock and buildings, and hear of + minor troubles. The chimney was unaccountably given to smoking this year. + Rolf took an axe and with two blows cut down a vigorous growth shrubbery + that stood above the chimney on the west, and the smoking ceased. Buck ox + had a lame foot and would allow no one even to examine it. But a skilful + ox-handler easily hobbles an ox, throws him near some small tree, and + then, by binding the lame foot to the tree, can have a free hand. It + proved a simple matter, a deep-sunk, rusty nail. And when the nail was + drawn and the place washed clean with hot brine, kind nature was left in + confidence to do the rest. They drifted back to the house now. Tomas met + them shouting out a mixture of Dutch and English and holding by the cover + Annette's book of the “Good Girl.” But its rightful owner rescued the + precious volume and put it on the shelf. + </p> + <p> + “Have you read it through, Annette?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” was the reply, for she had learned to read before they left + Schuylerville. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like it?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't like it a bit; I like 'Robinson Crusoe',” was the candid reply. + </p> + <p> + The noon hour came, still the white rollers were pounding the shore. + </p> + <p> + “If it does not calm by one o'clock I'll go on afoot.” + </p> + <p> + So off he went with the packet, leaving Quonab to follow and await his + return at Fort George. In Schuyler settlement he spent the night and at + noon next day was in Albany. + </p> + <p> + How it stirred his soul to see the busy interest, the marching of men, the + sailing of vessels, and above all to hear of more victories on the high + seas. What mattered a few frontier defeats in the north, when the arrogant + foe that had spurned and insulted them before the world had now been + humbled again and again. + </p> + <p> + Young Van Cortlandt was away, but the governor's reception of him + reflected the electric atmosphere—the country's pride in her sons. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had a matter of his own to settle. At the bookseller's he asked for + and actually secured a copy of the great book—“Robinson Crusoe.” It + was with a thrilling feeling of triumph that he wrote Annette's name in it + and stowed it in his bag. + </p> + <p> + He left Albany next day in the gray dawn. Thanks to his uniform, he got a + twenty-five mile lift with a traveller who drove a fast team, and the blue + water was glinting back the stars when he joined Quonab at Fort George, + some sixty miles away. + </p> + <p> + In the calm betwixt star-peep and sun-up they were afloat. It was a great + temptation to stop at Hendrik's for a spell, but breakfast was over, the + water was calm, and duty called him. He hallooed, then they drew near + enough to hand the book ashore. Skookum growled, probably at the hens, and + the family waved their aprons as he sped on. Thirty miles of lake and four + miles of Ticonderoga Creek they passed and the packet was delivered in + four days and three hours since leaving. + </p> + <p> + The general smiled and his short but amply sufficient praise was merely, + “You're a good 'un.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 75. Scouting in Canada + </h2> + <p> + “Thar is two things,” said Si Sylvanne to the senate, “that every national + crisis is bound to show up: first, a lot o' dum fools in command; second a + lot o great commanders in the ranks. An' fortunately before the crisis is + over the hull thing is sure set right, and the men is where they oughter + be.” + </p> + <p> + How true this was the nation was just beginning to learn. The fools in + command were already demonstrated, and the summer of 1813 was replete with + additional evidence. May, June, and July passed with many journeyings for + Rolf and many times with sad news. The disasters at Stony Creek, Beaver + Dam, and Niagara were severe blows to the army on the western frontier. In + June on Lake Champlain the brave but reckless Lieutenant Sidney Smith had + run his two sloops into a trap. Thus the Growler and the Eagle were lost + to the Americans, and strengthened by that much the British navy on the + lake. + </p> + <p> + Encouraged by these successes, the British north of Lake Champlain made + raid after raid into American territory, destroying what they could not + carry off. + </p> + <p> + Rolf and Quonab were sent to scout in that country and if possible give + timely notice of raiders in force. + </p> + <p> + The Americans were averse to employing Indians in warfare; the British + entertained no such scruples and had many red-skinned allies. Quonab's + case, however, was unusual, since he was guaranteed by his white partner, + and now he did good service, for he knew a little French and could prowl + among the settlers without anyone suspecting him of being an American + scout. + </p> + <p> + Thus he went alone and travelled far. He knew the country nearly to + Montreal and late in July was lurking about Odletown, when he overheard + scattered words of a conversation that made him eager for more. “Colonel + Murray—twelve hundred men—four hundred men—” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Rolf was hiding in the woods about La Colle Mill. Company after + company of soldiers he saw enter, until at least five hundred were there. + When night came down, he decided to risk a scarer approach. He left the + woods and walked cautiously across the open lands about. + </p> + <p> + The hay had been cut and most of it drawn in, but there was in the middle + of the field a hay-cock. Rolf was near this when he heard sounds of + soldiers from the mill. Soon large numbers came out, carrying their + blankets. Evidently there was not room for them in the mill, and they were + to camp on the field. + </p> + <p> + The scout began to retreat when sounds behind showed that another body of + soldiers was approaching from that direction and he was caught between the + two. There was only one place to hide and that was beneath the haycock. He + lifted its edge and crawled under, but it was full of thistles and + brambles; indeed, that was why it was left, and he had the benefit of all + the spines about him. + </p> + <p> + His heart beat fast as he heard the clank of arms and the trampling; they + came nearer, then the voices became more distinct. He heard unmistakable + evidence too that both bodies were camping for the night, and that he was + nearly surrounded. Not knowing what move was best he kept quiet. The men + were talking aloud, then they began preparing their beds and he heard some + one say, “There's a hay-cock; bring some of that.” + </p> + <p> + A soldier approached to get an armful of the hay, but sputtered out a + chapter of malediction as his bare hands touched the masses of thistle and + briers. His companions laughed at his mishap. He went to the fire and + vowed he'd stick a brand in it and back he came with a burning stick. + </p> + <p> + Rolf was all ready to make a dash for his life as soon as the cover should + take fire, and he peered up into the soldier's face as the latter blew on + the brand; but the flame had died, the thistles were not dry, and the fire + was a failure; so, growling again, the soldier threw down the smoking + stick and went away. As soon as he was safely afar, Rolf gathered a + handful of soil and covered the red embers. + </p> + <p> + It was a critical moment and his waiting alone had saved him. + </p> + <p> + Two soldiers came with their blankets and spread them near. For a time + they smoked and talked. One of them was short of tobacco; the other said, + “Never mind, we'll get plenty in Plattsburg,” and they guffawed. + </p> + <p> + Then he heard, “As soon as the colonel” and other broken phrases. + </p> + <p> + It was a most difficult place for Rolf; he was tormented with thistles in + his face and down his neck; he dared not change his position; and how long + he must stay was a problem. He would try to escape when all was still. + </p> + <p> + The nearer soldiers settled to rest now. All was very quiet when Rolf + cautiously peeped forth to see two dreadful things: first, a couple of + sentries pacing up and down the edges of the camp; second, a broad, + brilliant, rising moon. How horrible that lovely orb could be Rolf never + before knew. + </p> + <p> + Now, what next? He was trapped in the middle of a military camp and + undoubtedly La Colle Mill was the rendezvous for some important + expedition. + </p> + <p> + He had ample time to think it all over. Unless he could get away before + day he would surely be discovered. His uniform might save his life, but + soldiers have an awkward, hasty way of dealing summarily with a spy—then + discovering too late that he was in uniform. + </p> + <p> + From time to time he peered forth, but the scene was unchanged—the + sleeping regiment, the pacing sentries, the ever-brightening moon. Then + the guard was changed, and the sentries relieved selected of all places + for their beds, the bank beside the hay-cock. Again one of them went to + help himself to some hay for a couch; and again the comic anger as he + discovered it to be a bed of thorns. How thankful Rolf was for those + annoying things that pricked his face and neck. + </p> + <p> + He was now hemmed in on every side and, not knowing what to do, did + nothing. For a couple of hours he lay still, then actually fell asleep. He + was awakened by a faint rustling near his head and peered forth to see a + couple of field mice playing about. + </p> + <p> + The moon was very bright now, and the movements of the mice were plain; + they were feeding on the seeds of plants in the hay-cock, and from time to + time dashed under—the hay. Then they gambolled farther off and were + making merry over a pod of wild peas when a light form came skimming + noiselessly over the field. There was a flash, a hurried rush, a clutch, a + faint squeak, and one of the mice was borne away in the claws of its + feathered foe. The survivor scrambled under the hay over Rolf's face and + somewhere into hiding. + </p> + <p> + The night passed in many short naps. The bugle sounded at daybreak and the + soldiers arose to make breakfast. Again one approached to use a handful of + hay for fire-kindler, and again the friendly thistles did their part. More + and more now his ear caught suggestive words and sounds—“Plattsburg”—“the + colonel”—etc. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast smelt wonderfully captivating—poor Rolf was famished. + The alluring aroma of coffee permeated the hay-cock. He had his dried + meat, but his need was water; he was tormented with thirst, and stiff and + tortured; he was making the hardest fight of his life. It seemed long, + though doubtless it was less than half an hour before the meal was + finished, and to Rolf's relief there were sounds of marching and the + noises were drowned in the distance. + </p> + <p> + By keeping his head covered with hay and slowly raising it, he was safe to + take a look around. It was a bright, sunny morning. The hay-cock, or + thistle-cock, was one of several that had been rejected. It was a + quarter-mile from cover; the soldiers were at work cutting timber and + building a stockade around the mill; and, most dreadful to relate, a small + dog was prowling about, looking for scraps on the scene of the soldiers' + breakfast. If that dog came near his hiding-place, he knew the game was + up. At such close quarters, you can fool a man but not a dog. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately the breakfast tailings proved abundant, and the dog went off + to assist a friend of his in making sundry interesting smell analyses + along the gate posts of the stockade. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 76. The Duel + </h2> + <p> + This was temporary relief, but left no suggestion of complete escape. He + lay there till nearly noon suffering more and more from the cramped + position and thirst, and utterly puzzled as to the next move. + </p> + <p> + “When ye don't like whar ye air, git up without any fuss, and go whar ye + want to be,” was what Sylvanne once said to him, and it came to Rolf with + something like a comic shock. The soldiers were busy in the woods and + around the forges. In half an hour it would be noon and they might come + back to eat. + </p> + <p> + Rolf rose without attempting any further concealment, then stopped, made a + bundle of the stuff that had sheltered him and, carrying this on his + shoulder, strode boldly across the field toward the woods. + </p> + <p> + His scout uniform was inconspicuous; the scouts on duty at the mill saw + only one of themselves taking a bundle of hay round to the stables. + </p> + <p> + He reached the woods absolutely unchallenged. After a few yards in its + friendly shade, he dropped the thorny bundle and strode swiftly toward his + own camp. He had not gone a hundred yards before a voice of French type + cried “'Alt,” and he was face to face with a sentry whose musket was + levelled at him. + </p> + <p> + A quick glance interchanged, and each gasped out the other's name. + </p> + <p> + “Francois la Colle!” + </p> + <p> + “Rolf Kittering! Mon Dieu! I ought to shoot you, Rolf; I cannot, I cannot! + But run, run! I'll shoot over your head,” and his kindly eyes filled with + tears. + </p> + <p> + Rolf needed no second hint; he ran like a deer, and the musket ball + rattled the branches above his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes other soldiers came running and from La Colle they heard + of the hostile spy in camp. + </p> + <p> + “I shoot; I t'ink maybe I not hit eem; maybe some brood dere? No, dat + netting.” + </p> + <p> + There were both runners and trackers in camp. They were like bloodhounds + and they took up the trail of the fugitive. But Rolf was playing his own + game now; he was “Flying Kittering.” A crooked trail is hard to follow, + and, going at the long stride that had made his success, he left many a + crook and turn. Before two miles I they gave it up and the fugitive coming + to the river drank a deep and cooling draught, the first he had had that + day. Five miles through is the dense forest that lies between La Colle and + the border. He struck a creek affluent of the Richelieu River and followed + to its forks, which was the place of rendezvous with Quonab. + </p> + <p> + It was evening as he drew near and after long, attentive listening he gave + the cry of the barred owl: + </p> + <p> + The answer came: a repetition of the last line, and a minute later the two + scouts were together. + </p> + <p> + As they stood, they were startled by a new, sudden answer, an exact + repetition of the first call. Rolf had recovered his rifle from its hiding + place and instantly both made ready for some hostile prowler; then after a + long silence he gave the final wail line “hoooo-aw” and that in the woods + means, “Who are you?” + </p> + <p> + Promptly the reply came: + </p> + <p> + “Wa wah wa wah Wa wah wa hoooo-aw.” + </p> + <p> + But this was the wrong reply. It should have been only the last half. The + imitation was perfect, except, perhaps, on the last note, which was a + trifle too human. But the signal was well done; it was an expert calling, + either an Indian or some thoroughly seasoned scout; yet Quonab was not + deceived into thinking it an owl. He touched his cheek and his coat, + which, in the scout sign language, means “red coat,” i. e., Britisher. + </p> + <p> + Rolf and his partner got silently out of sight, each with his rlile cocked + and ready to make a hole in any red uniform or badge that might show + itself. Then commenced a very peculiar duel, for evidently the enemy was + as clever as themselves and equally anxious to draw them out of cover. + </p> + <p> + Wa-wah-wa hooo-aw called the stranger, giving the right answer in the + wrong place. He was barely a hundred yards off, and, as the two strained + their senses to locate him, they heard a faint click that told of his + approach. + </p> + <p> + Rolf turned his head and behind a tree uttered again the Wa-wah-a—hoo + which muffled by his position would convince the foe that he was + retreating. The answer came promptly and much nearer: + </p> + <p> + Wa—wah—wa—hoooo-aw. + </p> + <p> + Good! the medicine was working. So Rolf softened his voice still more, + while Quonab got ready to shoot. + </p> + <p> + The Wa—wa—hooo-aw that came in answer this time was + startlingly clear and loud and nearly perfect in intonation, but again + betrayed by the human timbre of the aw. A minute or two more and they + would reach a climax. + </p> + <p> + After another wait, Rolf muffled his voice and gave the single hooo-aw, + and a great broad-winged owl came swooping through the forest, alighted on + a tree overhead, peered about, then thrilled them with his weird: + </p> + <p> + Wa—hoo—wa—boo + </p> + <p> + Wa—hoo—wa—hooooooooo-aw, the last note with the singular + human quality that had so completely set them astray. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 77. Why Plattsburg Was Raided + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The owl's hull reputation for wisdom is built up on lookin' + wise and keepin' mum.—Sayings of St Sylvanne +</pre> + <p> + THE owl incident was one of the comedies of their life, now they had + business on hand. The scraps of news brought by Quonab pieced out with + those secured by Rolf, spelt clearly this: that Colonel Murray with about + a thousand men was planning a raid on Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + Their duty was to notify General Hampton without delay. + </p> + <p> + Burlington, forty miles away, was headquarters. Plattsburg, twenty miles + away, was marked for spoil. + </p> + <p> + One more item they must add: Was the raid to baby land or water? If the + latter, then they must know what preparations were being made at the + British naval station, Isle au Noix. They travelled all night through the + dark woods, to get there, though it was but seven miles away, and in the + first full light they saw the gallant array of two warships, three + gunboats, and about fifty long boats, all ready, undoubtedly waiting only + for a change in the wind, which at this season blew on Champlain almost + steadily form the south. + </p> + <p> + A three-hour, ten-mile tramp through ways now familiar brought Rolf and + his partner to the north of the Big Chazy where the canoe was hidden, and + without loss of time they pushed off for Burlington, thirty miles away. + The wind was head on, and when four hours later they stopped for noon, + they had made not more than a dozen miles. + </p> + <p> + All that afternoon they had to fight a heavy sea; this meant they must + keep near shore in case of an upset, and so lengthened the course; but it + also meant that the enemy would not move so long as this wind kept up. + </p> + <p> + It was six at night before the scouts ran into Burlington Harbour and made + for Hampton's headquarters. + </p> + <p> + His aide received them and, after learning that they had news, went in to + the general. From the inner room now they heard in unnecessarily loud + tones the great man's orders to, “Bring them in, sah.” + </p> + <p> + The bottles on the table, his purple visage, and thick tongued speech told + how well-founded were the current whispers. + </p> + <p> + “Raid on Plattsburg? Ha! I hope so. I only hope so. Gentlemen,” and he + turned to his staff, “all I ask is a chance to get at them—Ha, Ha! + Here, help yourself, Macomb,” and the general pushed the decanter to a + grave young officer who was standing by. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, sir,” was the only reply. + </p> + <p> + The general waved his hand, the scouts went out, puzzled and ashamed. Was + this the brains of the army? No wonder our men are slaughtered. + </p> + <p> + Now Macomb ventured to suggest: “Have you any orders, sir? These scouts + are considered quite reliable. I understand from them that the British + await only a change of wind. They have between one thousand and two + thousand men.” + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of time in the morning, sah. Plattsburg will be the bait of my + trap, not one of them shall return alive,” and the general dismissed his + staff that he might fortify himself against a threatened cold. + </p> + <p> + Another young man, Lieut. Thomas MacDonough, the naval commandant, now + endeavoured to stir him by a sense of danger. First he announced that his + long boats, and gunboats were ready and in six hours he could transfer + three thousand troops from Burlington to Plattsburg. Then he ventured to + urge the necessity for action. + </p> + <p> + Champlain is a lake of two winds. It had brown from the south for two + weeks; now a north wind was likely to begin any day. MacDonough urged this + point, but all in vain, and, shocked and humiliated, the young man obeyed + the order “to wait till his advice was asked.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Hampton ordered a review, not an embarkation, and was not + well enough to appear in person. + </p> + <p> + The whole army knew now of the situation of affairs, and the militia in + particular were not backward in expressing their minds. + </p> + <p> + Next day, July 30th, the wind changed. Hampton did nothing. On the morning + of July 31st they heard the booming of guns in the north, and at night + their scouts came with the news that the raid was on. Plattsburg was taken + and pillaged by a force less than one third of those held at Burlington. + </p> + <p> + There were bitter, burning words on the lips of the rank and file, and + perfunctory rebukes on the lips of the young officers when they chanced to + overhear. The law was surely working out as set forth by Si Sylvanne: “The + fools in command, the leaders in the ranks.” + </p> + <p> + And now came news of fresh disasters—the battles of Beaverdam, Stony + Creek, and Niagara River. It was the same story in nearly every case—brave + fighting men, ill-drilled, but dead shots, led into traps by incompetent + commanders. + </p> + <p> + In September Lieutenant Macomb was appointed to command at Plattsburg. + This proved as happy an omen as it was a wise move. Immediately after, in + all this gloom, came the news of Perry's famous victory on Lake Erie, + marking a new era for the American cause, followed by the destruction of + Moraviantown and the British army which held it. + </p> + <p> + Stirred at last to action General Wilkinson sent despatches to Hampton to + arrange an attack on Montreal. There was no possibility of failure, he + said, for the sole defence of Montreal was 600 marines. His army consisted + of 8000 men. Hampton's consisted of 4000. By a union of these at the mouth + of Chateaugay River, they would form an invincible array. + </p> + <p> + So it seemed. Rolf had not yet seen any actual fighting and began to long + for the front. But his powers as a courier kept him ever busy bearing + despatches. The road to Sackett's Harbour and thence to Ogdensburg and + Covington, and back to Plattsburg he knew thoroughly, and in his canoe he + had visited every port on Lakes Champlain and George. + </p> + <p> + He was absent at Albany in the latter half of October and first of + November, but the ill news travelled fast. Hampton requested MacDonough to + “swoop down on Isle au Noix”—an insane request, compliance with + which would have meant certain destruction to the American fleet. + MacDonough's general instructions were: “Cooperate with the army, but at + any price retain supremacy of the lake,” and he declined to receive + Hampton's order. + </p> + <p> + Threatening court-martials and vengeance on his return, Hampton now set + out by land; but at Chateaugay he was met by a much smaller force of + Canadians who resisted him so successfully that he ordered a retreat and + his army retired to Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile General Wilkinson had done even worse. His army numbered 8000. + Of these the rear guard were 2500. A body of 800 Canadians harassed their + line of march. Turning to brush away this annoyance, the Americans were + wholly defeated at Chrystler's farm and, giving up the attack on Montreal, + Wilkinson crossed the St. Lawrence and settled for the winter at + Chateaugay. + </p> + <p> + In December, America scored an important advance by relieving Hampton of + his command. + </p> + <p> + As the spring drew near, it was clearly Wilkinson's first play to capture + La Colle Mill, which had been turned into a fortress of considerable + strength and a base for attack on the American border, some five miles + away. + </p> + <p> + Of all the scouts Rolf best knew that region, yet he was the one left out + of consideration and despatched with papers to Plattsburg. The attack was + bungled from first to last, and when Wilkinson was finally repulsed, it + was due to Macomb that the retreat was not a rout. + </p> + <p> + But good came out of this evil, for Wilkinson was recalled and the law was + nearly fulfilled—the incompetents were gone. General Macomb was in + command of the land force and MacDonough of the Lake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 78. Rumours and Papers + </h2> + <p> + MacDonough's orders were to hold control of the Lake. How he did it will + be seen. The British fleet at Isle au Noix was slightly stronger than his + own, therefore he established a navy yard at Vergennes, in Vermont, seven + miles up the Otter River, and at the mouth erected earthworks and + batteries. He sent for Brown (of the firm of Adam and Noah Brown) a famous + New York shipbuilder. Brown agreed to launch a ship of twenty-four guns in + sixty days. The trees were standing in the forest on March 2d the keel was + laid March 7th, and on April 11th the Saratoga was launched—forty + days after the timbers were green standing trees on the hills. + </p> + <p> + Other vessels were begun and pushed as expeditiously. And now MacDonough's + wisdom in choice of the navy yard was seen, for a British squadron was + sent to destroy his infant fleet, or at least sink stone-boats across the + exit so as to bottle it up. + </p> + <p> + But their attempts were baffled by the batteries which the far-seeing + American had placed at the river's mouth. + </p> + <p> + The American victory at Chippewa was followed by the defeat at Lundy's + Lane, and on August 25th the city of Washington was captured by the + British and its public buildings destroyed. These calamities, instead of + dampening the spirits of the army, roused the whole nation at last to a + realization of the fact that they were at war. Fresh troops and plentiful + supplies were voted, the deadwood commanders were retired, and the real + men revealed by the two campaigns were given place and power. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, Great Britain, having crushed Napoleon, was in a + position to greatly reinforce her American army, and troops seasoned in + Continental campaigns were poured into Canada. + </p> + <p> + All summer Rolf was busied bearing despatches. During the winter he and + Quonab had built a birch canoe on special lines for speed; it would carry + two men but no baggage. + </p> + <p> + With this he could make fully six miles an hour for a short time, and + average five on smooth water. In this he had crossed and recrossed + Champlain, and paddled its length, till he knew every bay and headland. + The overland way to Sackett's Harbour he had traversed several times; the + trail from Plattsburg to Covington he knew in all weathers, and had + repeatedly covered its sixty miles in less than twenty-four hours on foot. + The route he picked and followed was in later years the line selected for + the military highway between these two camps. + </p> + <p> + But the chief scene of his activities was the Canadian wilderness at the + north end of Lake Champlain. Chazy, Champlain, Odelltown, La Colle Mill, + Isle au Noix, and Richelieu River he knew intimately and had also acquired + a good deal of French in learning their country. + </p> + <p> + It was characteristic of General Wilkinson to ignore the scout who knew + and equally characteristic of his successors, Izard and Macomb, to seek + and rely on the best man. + </p> + <p> + The news that he brought in many different forms was that the British were + again concentrating an army to strike at Plattsburg and Albany. + </p> + <p> + Izard on the land at Plattsburg and Champlain, and Macomb at Burlington + strained all their resources to meet the invader at fair terms. Izard had + 4000 men assembled, when an extraordinary and devastating order from + Washington compelled him to abandon the battle front at Champlain and lead + his troops to Sackett's Harbour where all was peace. He protested like a + statesman, then obeyed like a soldier, leaving Macomb in command of the + land forces of Lake Champlain, with, all told, some 3400 men. On the day + that Izard left Champlain, the British troops, under Brisbane, advanced + and occupied his camp. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Rolf had seen them arrive, and had gauged their number, he sent + Quonab back to report, and later retired by night ten miles up the road to + Chazy. He was well known to many of the settlers and was welcome where + ever known, not only because he was a patriot fighting his country's + battles, but for his own sake, for he was developing into a handsome, + alert, rather silent youth. It is notorious that in the drawing-room, + given equal opportunity, the hunter has the advantage over the farmer. He + has less self-consciousness, more calm poise. He is not troubled about + what to do with his feet and hands, and is more convinced of his native + dignity and claims to respect. In the drawin-room Rolf was a hunter: the + leading inhabitants of the region around received him gladly and honoured + him. He was guest at Judge Hubbell's in Chazy, in September of 1814. Every + day he scouted in the neighbourhood and at night returned to the + hospitable home of the judge. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of September, from the top of a tall tree on a distant wooded + hill, he estimated the force at Champlain to be 10,000 to 15,000 men. + Already their bodyguard was advancing on Chazy. + </p> + <p> + Judge Hubbell and anxious neighbours hastily assembled now, discussed with + Rolf the situation and above all, “What shall we do with our families?” + One man broke into a storm of hate and vituperation against the British. + “Remember the burning of Washington and the way they treated the women at + Bladensburg.” + </p> + <p> + “All of which about the women was utterly disproved, except in one case, + and in that the criminal was shot by order of his own commander,” retorted + Hubbell. + </p> + <p> + At Plattsburg others maintained that the British had harmed no one. + Colonel Murray had given strict orders that all private property be + absolutely respected. Nothing but government property was destroyed and + only that which could be construed into war stores and buildings. What + further damage was done was the result of accident or error. Officers were + indeed quartered on the inhabitants, but they paid for what they got, and + even a carpet destroyed by accident was replaced months afterward by a + British officer who had not the means at the time. + </p> + <p> + So it was agreed that Hubbell with Rolf and the village fathers and + brothers should join their country's army, leaving wives and children + behind. + </p> + <p> + There were wet bearded cheeks among the strong, rugged men as they kissed + their wives and little ones and prepared to go, then stopped, as horrible + misgivings rose within. “This was war, and yet again, 'We have had proofs + that the British harmed no woman or child'.” So they dashed away the + tears, suppressed the choking in their throats, shouldered their guns, and + marched away to the front, commending their dear ones to the mercy of God + and the British invaders. + </p> + <p> + None had any cause to regret this trust. Under pain of death, Sir George + Prevost enforced his order that the persons of women and children and all + private property be held inviolate. As on the previous raid, no damage was + done to non-combatants, and the only hardships endured were by the few + who, knowing nothing, feared much, and sought the precarious safety of + life among the hills. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Prevost and his staff of ten officers were quartered in Judge + Hubbell's house. Mrs. Hubbell was hard put to furnish them with meals, but + they treated her with perfect respect, and every night, not knowing how + long they might stay, they left on the table the price of their board and + lodging. + </p> + <p> + For three days they waited, then all was ready for the advance. + </p> + <p> + “Now for Plattsburg this week and Albany next, so good-bye, madam” they + said politely, and turned to ride away, a gay and splendid group. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, sirs, for a very little while, but I know you'll soon be back + and hanging your heads as you come,” was the retort. + </p> + <p> + Sir George replied: “If a man had said that, I would call him out; but + since it is a fair lady that has been our charming hostess, I reply that + when your prophecy comes true, every officer here shall throw his purse on + your door step as he passes.” + </p> + <p> + So they rode away, 13,000 trained men with nothing between them and Albany + but 2000 troops, double as many raw militia, and—MacDonough of the + Lake. + </p> + <p> + Ten times did Rolf cover that highway north of Plattsburg in the week that + followed, and each day his tidings were the same—the British + steadily advance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 79. McGlassin's Exploit + </h2> + <p> + There was a wonderful spirit on everything in Plattsburg, and the earthly + tabernacle in which it dwelt, was the tall, grave young man who had + protested against Hampton's behaviour at Burlington—Captain, now + General Macomb. Nothing was neglected, every emergency was planned for, + every available man was under arms. Personally tireless, he was ever alert + and seemed to know every man in his command and every man of it had + implicit confidence in the leader. We have heard of soldiers escaping from + a besieged fortress by night; but such was the inspiring power of this + commander that there was a steady leaking in of men from the hills, + undrilled and raw, but of superb physique and dead shots with the ride. + </p> + <p> + A typical case was that of a sturdy old farmer who was marching through + the woods that morning to take his place with those who manned the + breastworks and was overheard to address his visibly trembling legs: + “Shake, damn you, shake; and if ye knew where I was leading you, you'd be + ten times worse.” + </p> + <p> + His mind was more valiant than his body, and his mind kept control—this + is true courage. + </p> + <p> + No one had a better comprehension of all this than Macomb. He knew that + all these men needed was a little training to make of them the best + soldiers on earth. To supply that training he mixed them with veterans, + and arranged a series of unimportant skirmishes as coolly and easily as + though he were laying out a programme for an evening's entertainment. + </p> + <p> + The first of these was at Culver's Hill. Here a barricade was thrown up + along the highway, a gun was mounted, and several hundred riflemen were + posted under leaders skilled in the arts of harrying a foe and giving him + no chance to strike back. + </p> + <p> + Among the men appointed for the barricade's defence was Rolf and near him + Quonab. The latter had been seasoned in the Revolution, but it was the + former's first experience at the battle front, and he felt as most men do + when the enemy in brave array comes marching up. As soon as they were + within long range, his leader gave the order “Fire!” The rifles rattled + and the return fire came at once. Balls pattered on the barricade or + whistled above. The man next to him was struck and dropped with a groan; + another fell back dead. The horror and roar were overmuch. Rolf was + nervous enough when he entered the fight. Now he was unstrung, almost + stunned, his hands and knees were shaking, he was nearly panic-stricken + and could not resist the temptation to duck, as the balls hissed murder + over his head. He was blazing away, without aiming, when an old soldier, + noting his white face and shaking form, laid a hand on his shoulder and, + in kindly tones, said: “Steady, boy, steady; yer losing yer head; see, + this is how,” and he calmly took aim, then, without firing, moved the gun + again and put a little stick to raise the muzzle and make a better rest, + then fired as though at target practice. “Now rest for a minute. Look at + Quonab there; you can see he's been through it before. He is making a hit + with every shot.” + </p> + <p> + Rolf did as he was told, and in a few minutes his colour came back, his + hand was steady, and thenceforth he began to forget the danger and thought + only of doing his work. + </p> + <p> + When at length it was seen that the British were preparing to charge, the + Americans withdrew quickly and safely to Halsey's Corner, where was + another barricade and a fresh lot of recruits awaiting to receive their + baptism of fire. And the scene was repeated. Little damage was done to the + foe but enormous benefit was gained by the Americans, because it took only + one or two of these skirmishes to turn a lot of shaky-kneed volunteers + into a band of steady soldiers—for they had it all inside. Thus + their powder terror died. + </p> + <p> + That night the British occupied the part of the town that was north of the + Saranac, and began a desultory bombardment of the fortification opposite. + Not a very serious one, for they considered they could take the town at + any time, but preferred to await the arrival of their fleet under Downie. + </p> + <p> + The fight for the northern half of the town was not serious, merely part + of Macomb's prearranged training course; but when the Americans retired + across the Saranac, the planks of the bridges were torn up, loop-holed + barricades were built along the southern bank, and no effort spared to + prepare for a desperate resistance. + </p> + <p> + Every man that could hold up a gun was posted on the lines of Plattsburg. + The school-boys, even, to the number of five hundred formed a brigade, and + were assigned to places where their squirrel-hunting experiences could be + made of service to their country. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the British had established a battery opposite Fort Brown. It + was in a position to do some material and enormous moral damage. On the + ninth it was nearly ready for bloody work, and would probably begin next + morning. That night, however, an extraordinary event took place, and + showed how far from terror-palsy were the motley troops in Plattsburg. A + sturdy Vermonter, named Captain McGlassin, got permission of Malcomb to + attempt a very Spartan sortie. + </p> + <p> + He called for fifty volunteers to go on a most hazardous enterprise. He + got one thousand at once. Then he ordered all over twenty-five and under + eighteen to retire. This reduced the number to three hundred. Then, all + married men were retired, and thus again they were halved. Next he ordered + away all who smoked—Ah, deep philosopher that he was!—and from + the remnant he selected his fifty. Among them was Rolf. Then he divulged + his plan. It was nothing less than a dash on the new-made fort to spike + those awful guns—fifty men to dash into a camp of thirteen thousand. + </p> + <p> + Again he announced, “Any who wish to withdraw now may do so.” Not a man + stirred. + </p> + <p> + Twenty of those known to be expert with tools were provided with hammers + and spikes for the guns, and Rolf was proud to be one of them. + </p> + <p> + In a night of storm and blackness they crossed the Saranac; dividing in + two bodies they crawled unseen, one on each side of the battery. Three + hundred British soldiers were sleeping near, only the sentries peered into + the storm-sleet. + </p> + <p> + All was ready when McGlassin's tremendous voice was heard, “Charge front + and rear!” Yelling, pounding, making all the noise they could, the + American boys rushed forth. The British were completely surprised, the + sentries were struck down, and the rest assured that Macomb's army was on + them recoiled for a few minutes. The sharp click, click, click of the + hammers was heard. An iron spike was driven into every touch hole; the + guns were made harmless as logs and quickly wheeling, to avoid the return + attack, these bold Yankee boys leaped from the muzzled redoubt and reached + their own camp without losing one of their number. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0078" id="link2HCH0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 80. The Bloody Saranac + </h2> + <p> + Sir George Prevost had had no intention of taking Plattsburg, till + Plattsburg's navy was captured. But the moral effect of McGlassin's + exploit must be offset at once. He decided to carry the city by storm—a + matter probably of three hours' work. + </p> + <p> + He apportioned a regiment to each bridge, another to each ford near the + town, another to cross the river at Pike's Cantonment, and yet another to + cross twenty miles above, where they were to harry the fragments of the + American as it fled. + </p> + <p> + That morning Plattsburg was wakened by a renewal of the bombardment. The + heavy firing killed a few men knocked down a few walls and chimneys, but + did little damage to the earthworks. + </p> + <p> + It was surprising to all how soon the defenders lost their gun-shyness. + The very school-boys and their sisters went calmly about their business, + with cannon and musket balls whistling overhead, striking the walls and + windows, or, on rare occasions, dropping some rifleman who was over-rash + as he worked or walked on the ramparts. + </p> + <p> + There were big things doing in the British camp—regiments marching + and taking their places—storms of rifle and cannon balls raging + fiercely. By ten o'clock there was a lull. The Americans, from the + grandfathers to the school-boys, were posted, each with his rifle and his + pouch full of balls; there were pale faces among the youngsters, and + nervous fingers, but there was no giving way. Many a man there was, no + doubt, who, under the impulse of patriotism, rushed with his gun to join + the ranks, and when the bloody front was reached, he wished in his heart + he was safe at home. But they did not go. Something kept them staunch. + </p> + <p> + Although the lines were complete all along the ramparts, there were four + places where the men were massed. These were on the embankments opposite + the bridges and the fords. Here the best shots were placed and among them + was Rolf, with others of McGlassin's band. + </p> + <p> + The plank of the bridges had been torn up and used with earth to form + breastworks; but the stringers of the bridges were there, and a body of + red-coats approaching, each of them showed plainly what their plan was. + </p> + <p> + The farthest effective range of rifle fire in those days was reckoned at a + hundred yards. The Americans were ordered to hold their fire till the + enemy reached the oaks, a grove one hundred yards from the main bridge—on + the other bank. + </p> + <p> + The British came on in perfect review-day style. Now a hush fell on all. + The British officer in command was heard clearly giving his orders. How + strange it must have been to the veterans of wars in Spain, France, and + the Rhine, to advance against a force with whom they needed no + interpreter. + </p> + <p> + McGlassin's deep voice now rang along the defences, “Don't fire till I + give the order.” + </p> + <p> + The red-coats came on at a trot, they reached the hundred-yard-mark. + </p> + <p> + “Now, aim low and fire!” from McGlassin, and the rattle of the Yankee guns + was followed by reeling ranks of red in the oaks. + </p> + <p> + “Charge!” shouted the British officer and the red-coats charged to the + bridge, but the fire from the embankment was incessant; the trail of the + charging men was cluttered with those who fell. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” and the gallant British captain leaped on the central stringer + of the bridge and, waving his sword, led on. Instantly three lines of men + were formed, one on each stringer. + </p> + <p> + They were only fifty yards from the barricade, with five hundred rifles, + all concentrated on these stringers. The first to fall was the captain, + shot through the heart, and the river bore him away. But on and on came + the three ranks into the whistling, withering fire of lead. It was like + slaughtering sheep. Yet on and on they marched steadily for half an hour. + Not a man held back or turned, though all knew they were marching to their + certain death. Not one of them ever reached the centre of the span, and + those who dropped, not dead, were swallowed by the swollen stream. How + many hundred brave men were sacrificed that day, no one ever knew. He who + gave the word to charge was dead with his second and third in command and + before another could come to change the order, the river ran red—the + bloody Saranac they call it ever since. + </p> + <p> + The regiment was wrecked, and the assault for the time was over. + </p> + <p> + Rolf had plied his rifle with the rest, but it sickened him to see the + horrible waste of human valour. It was such ghastly work that he was glad + indeed when a messenger came to say he was needed at headquarters. And in + an hour he was crossing the lake with news and instructions for the + officer in command at Burlington. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0079" id="link2HCH0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 81. The Battle of Plattsburg + </h2> + <h3> + In broad daylight he skimmed away in his one man canoe. + </h3> + <p> + For five hours he paddled, and at star-peep he reached the dock at + Burlington. The howl of a lost dog caught his ear; and when he traced the + sound, there, on the outmost plank, with his nose to the skies, was the + familiar form of Skookum, wailing and sadly alone. + </p> + <p> + What a change he showed when Rolf landed; he barked, leaped, growled, + tail-wagged, head-wagged, feet-wagged, body-wagged, wig-wagged and + zigzagged for joy; he raced in circles, looking for a sacrificial hen, and + finally uttered a long and conversational whine that doubtless was full of + information for those who could get it out. + </p> + <p> + Rolf delivered his budget at once. It was good news, but not conclusive. + Everything depended now on MacDonough. In the morning all available troops + should hurry to the defence of Plattsburg; not less than fifteen hundred + men were ready to embark at daylight. + </p> + <p> + That night Rolf slept with Skookum in the barracks. At daybreak, much to + the latter's disgust, he was locked up in a cellar, and the troops + embarked for the front. + </p> + <p> + It was a brisk north wind they had to face in crossing and passing down + the lake. There were many sturdy oarsmen at the sweeps, but they could not + hope to reach their goal in less than five hours. + </p> + <p> + When they were half way over, they heard the cannon roar; the booming + became incessant; without question, a great naval battle was on, for this + north wind was what the British had been awaiting. The rowers bent to + their task and added to the speed. Their brothers were hard pressed; they + knew it, they must make haste. The long boats flew. In an hour they could + see the masts, the sails, the smoke of the battle, but nothing gather of + the portentous result. Albany and New York, as well as Plattsburg, were in + the balance, and the oarsmen rowed and rowed and rowed. + </p> + <p> + The cannon roared louder and louder, though less continuously, as another + hour passed. Now they could see the vessels only four miles away. The jets + of smoke were intermittent from the guns; masts went down. They could see + it plainly. The rowers only set their lips and rowed and rowed and rowed. + </p> + <p> + Sir George had reckoned on but one obstacle in his march to Albany, an + obstruction named MacDonough; but he now found there was another called + Macomb. + </p> + <p> + It was obviously a waste of men to take Plattsburg by front assault, when + he could easily force a passage of the river higher up and take it on the + rear; and it was equally clear that when his fleet arrived and crushed the + American fleet, it would be a simple matter for the war vessels to blow + the town to pieces, without risking a man. + </p> + <p> + Already a favouring wind had made it possible for Downie to leave Isle au + Noix and sail down the lake with his gallant crew, under gallant canvas + clouds. + </p> + <p> + Tried men and true in control of every ship, outnumbering MacDonough, + outweighing him, outpointing him in everything but seamanship, they came + on, sure of success. + </p> + <p> + Three chief moves were in MacDonough's strategy. He anchored to the + northward of the bay, so that any fleet coming down the lake would have to + beat up against the wind to reach him; so close to land that any fleet + trying to flank him would come within range of the forts; and left only + one apparent gap that a foe might try to use, a gap in front of which was + a dangerous sunken reef. This was indeed a baited trap. Finally he put out + cables, kedges, anchors, and springs, so that with the capstan he could + turn his vessels and bring either side to bear on the foe. + </p> + <p> + All was ready, that morning of September the 11th as the British fleet, + ably handled, swung around the Cumberland Head. + </p> + <p> + The young commander of the Yankee fleet now kneeled bareheaded with his + crew and prayed to the God of Battles as only those going into battle + pray. The gallant foe came on, and who that knows him doubts that he, too, + raised his heart in reverent prayer? The first broadside from the British + broke open a chicken coop on the Saratoga from which a game-cock flew, + and, perching on a gun, flapped his wings and crowed; so all the seamen + cheered at such a happy omen. + </p> + <p> + Then followed the fighting, with its bravery and its horrors—its + brutish wickedness broke loose. + </p> + <p> + Early in the action, the British sloop, Finch, fell into MacDonough's trap + and grounded on the reef. + </p> + <p> + The British commander was killed, with many of his officers. Still, the + heavy fire of the guns would have given them the victory, but for + MacDonough's foresight in providing for swinging his ships. When one + broadside was entirely out of action, he used his cables, kedges and + springs, and brought the other batteries to bear. + </p> + <p> + It was one of the most desperate naval fights the world has ever seen. Of + the three hundred men on the British flagship not more than five, we are + told, escaped uninjured; and at the close there was not left on any one of + the eight vessels a mast that could carry sail, or a sail that could + render service. In less than two hours and a half the fight was won, and + the British fleet destroyed. + </p> + <p> + To the God of Battles each had committed his cause: and the God of Battles + had spoken. + </p> + <p> + Far away to the southward in the boats were the Vermont troops with their + general and Rolf in the foremost. Every sign of the fight they had watched + as men whose country's fate is being tried. + </p> + <p> + It was a quarter after eleven when the thunder died away; and the + Vermonters were headed on shore, for a hasty landing, if need be, when + down from the peak of the British flag-ship went the Union Jack, and the + Stars and Stripes was hauled to take its place. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” a soft, murmuring sigh ran through all the boats and many a + bronzed and bearded cheek was wet with tears. Each man clasped hands with + his neighbour; all were deeply moved, and even as an audience melted + renders no applause, so none felt any wish to vent his deep emotion in a + cheer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0080" id="link2HCH0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 82. Scouting for Macomb + </h2> + <p> + General Macomb knew that Sir George Prevost was a cautious and experienced + commander. The loss of his fleet would certainly make a radical change in + his plans, but what change? Would he make a flank move and dash on to + Albany, or retreat to Canada, or entrench himself to await reinforcements + at Plattsburg, or try to retrieve his laurels by an overwhelming assault + on the town? + </p> + <p> + Whatever his plan, he would set about it quickly, and Macomb studied the + enemy's camp with a keen, discerning eye, but nothing suggesting a change + was visible when the sun sank in the rainy west. + </p> + <p> + It was vital that he know it at once when an important move was begun, and + as soon as the night came down, a score of the swiftest scouts were called + for. All were young men; most of them had been in McGlassin's band. Rolf + was conspicuous among them for his tall figure, but there was a Vermont + boy named Seymour, who had the reputation of being the swiftest runner of + them all. + </p> + <p> + They had two duties laid before them: first, to find whether Prevost's + army was really retreating; second, what of the regiment he sent up the + Saranac to perform the flank movement. + </p> + <p> + Each was given the country he knew best. Some went westerly, some followed + up the river. Rolf, Seymour, and Fiske, another Vermonter, skimmed out of + Plattsburg harbour in the dusk, rounded Cumberland Bend, and at nine + o'clock landed at Point au Roche, at the north side of Treadwell's Bay. + </p> + <p> + Here they hid the canoe and agreeing to meet again at midnight, set off in + three different westerly directions to strike the highway at different + points. Seymour, as the fast racer, was given the northmost route; Rolf + took the middle. Their signals were arranged—in the woods the + barred-owl cry, by the water the loon; and they parted. + </p> + <p> + The woods seemed very solemn to Rolf that historic September night, as he + strode along at speed, stopping now and again when he thought he heard + some signal, and opened wide his mouth to relieve his ear-drums of the + heart-beat or to still the rushing of his breath. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour he reached the high-road. It was deserted. Then he heard a + cry of the barred owl: + </p> + <p> + Wa—wah—wa—wah Wa—wah—wa—hooooo-aw. + </p> + <p> + He replied with the last line, and the answer came a repeat of the whole + chant, showing that it might be owl, it might be man; but it was not the + right man, for the final response should have been the hooooo-aw. Rolf + never knew whence it came, but gave no further heed. + </p> + <p> + For a long time he sat in a dark corner, where he could watch the road. + There were sounds of stir in the direction of Plattsburg. Then later, and + much nearer, a couple of shots were fired. He learned afterward that those + shots were meant for one of his friends. At length there was a faint tump + ta tump ta. He drew his knife, stuck it deep in the ground, then held the + handle in his teeth. This acted like a magnifier, for now he heard it + plainly enough—the sound of a horse at full gallop—but so far + away that it was five minutes before he could clearly hear it while + standing. As the sound neared, he heard the clank of arms, and when it + passed, Rolf knew that this was a mounted British officer. But why, and + whither? + </p> + <p> + In order to learn the rider's route, Rolf followed at a trot for a mile. + This brought him to a hilltop, whither in the silent night, that fateful + north wind carried still the sound + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + te—rump te—rump te—rump. +</pre> + <p> + As it was nearly lost, Rolf used his knife again; that brought the rider + back within a mile it seemed, and again the hoof beat faded, te—rump + te—rump. + </p> + <p> + “Bound for Canada all right,” Rolf chuckled to himself. But there was + nothing to show whether this was a mere despatch rider, or an advance + scout, or a call for reinforcements. + </p> + <p> + So again he had a long wait. About half-past ten a new and larger sound + came from the south. The knife in the ground increased but did not explain + it. The night was moonless, dark now, and it was safe to sit very near the + road. In twenty minutes the sound was near at hand in five, a dark mass + was passing along the road. There is no mistaking the language of drivers. + There is never any question about such and such a voice being that of an + English officer. There can be no doubt about the clank of heavy wheels—a + rich, tangy voice from some one in advance said: “Oui. Parbleu, tows ce + que je sais, c'est par la.” A body of about one hundred Britishers, two or + three wagons, guns, and a Frenchman for guide. Rolf thought he knew that + voice; yes, he was almost sure it was the voice of Francios la Colle. + </p> + <p> + This was important but far from conclusive. It was now eleven. He was due + at the canoe by midnight. He made for the place as fast as he could go, + which, on such a night, was slow, but guided by occasional glimpses of the + stars he reached the lake, and pausing a furlong from the landing, he gave + the rolling, quivering loon call: + </p> + <p> + Ho-o-o-o-ooo-o Ho-o-o-o-ooo-o. Hooo-ooo. + </p> + <p> + After ten seconds the answer came: + </p> + <p> + Ho-o-o-o-o-o-o-o Hoo-ooo. + </p> + <p> + And again after ten seconds Rolf's reply: + </p> + <p> + Hoo-ooo. + </p> + <p> + Both his friends were there; Fiske with a bullet-hole through his arm. It + seemed their duty to go back at once to headquarters with the meagre + information and their wounded comrade. But Fiske made light of his trouble—it + was a mere scratch—and reminded them that their orders were to make + sure of the enemy's movements. Therefore, it was arranged that Seymour + take back Fiske and what news they had, while Rolf went on to complete his + scouting. + </p> + <p> + By one o'clock he was again on the hill where he had marked the horseman's + outward flight and the escorted guns. Now, as he waited, there were sounds + in the north that faded, and in the south were similar sounds that grew. + Within an hour he was viewing a still larger body of troops with drivers + and wheels that clanked. There were only two explanations possible: Either + the British were concentrating on Chazy Landing, where, protected from + MacDonough by the north wind, they could bring enough stores and forces + from the north to march overland independent of the ships, or else they + were in full retreat for Canada. There was but one point where this could + be made sure, namely, at the forks of the road in Chazy village. So he set + out at a jog trot for Chazy, six miles away. + </p> + <p> + The troops ahead were going three miles an hour. Rolf could go five. In + twenty minutes he overtook them and now was embarrassed by their slowness. + What should he do? It was nearly impossible to make speed through the + woods in the darkness, so as to pass them. He was forced to content + himself by marching a few yards in their rear. + </p> + <p> + Once or twice when a group fell back, he was uncomfortably close and heard + scraps of their talk. + </p> + <p> + These left little doubt that the army was in retreat. Still this was the + mere chatter of the ranks. He curbed his impatience and trudged with the + troop. Once a man dropped back to light his pipe. He almost touched Rolf, + and seeing a marching figure, asked in unmistakable accents “Oi soi matey, + 'ave ye a loight?” + </p> + <p> + Rolf assumed the low south country English dialect, already familiar + through talking with prisoners, and replied: “Naow, oi oin't a-smowking,” + then gradually dropped out of sight. + </p> + <p> + They were nearly two hours in reaching Chazy where they passed the Forks, + going straight on north. Without doubt, now, the army was bound for + Canada! Rolf sat on a fence near by as their footsteps went tramp, tramp, + tramp—with the wagons, clank, clank, clank, and were lost in the + northern distance. + </p> + <p> + He had seen perhaps three hundred men; there were thirteen thousand to + account for, and he sat and waited. He did not have long to wait; within + half an hour a much larger body of troops evidently was approaching from + the south; several lanterns gleamed ahead of them, so Rolf got over the + fence, but it was low and its pickets offered poor shelter. Farther back + was Judge Hubbell's familiar abode with dense shrubbery. He hastened to it + and in a minute was hidden where he could see something of the approaching + troops. They were much like those that had gone before, but much more + numerous, at least a regiment, and as they filled the village way, an + officer cried “Halt!” and gave new orders. Evidently they were about to + bivouac for the night. A soldier approached the picket fence to use it for + firewood, but an officer rebuked him. Other fuel, chiefly fence rails, was + found, and a score or more of fires were lighted on the highway and in the + adjoining pasture. Rolf found himself in something like a trap, for in + less than two hours now would be the dawn. + </p> + <p> + The simplest way out was to go in; he crawled quietly round the house to + the window of Mrs. Hubbell's room. These were times of nervous tension, + and three or four taps on the pane were enough to arouse the good lady. + Her husband had come that way more than once. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” she demanded, through a small opening of the sash. + </p> + <p> + “Rolf Kittering,” he whispered, “the place is surrounded by soldiers; + can't you hide me?” + </p> + <p> + Could she? Imagine an American woman saying “No” at such a time. + </p> + <p> + He slipped in quietly. + </p> + <p> + “What news?” she said. “They say that MacDonough has won on the Lake, but + Plattsburg is taken.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; Plattsburgh is safe; MacDonough has captured the fleet. I am + nearly sure that the whole British army is retiring to Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, thank God,” she said fervently, “I knew it must be so; the + women have met here and prayed together every day, morning and night. But + hush!” she laid a warning finger on her lips and pointed up toward one of + the rooms—“British officer.” + </p> + <p> + She brought two blankets from a press and led up to the garret. At the + lowest part of the roof was a tiny door to a lumber closet. In this Rolf + spread his blankets, stretched his weary limbs, and soon was sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + At dawn the bugles blew, the camp was astir. The officer in the house + arose and took his post on the porch. He was there on guard to protect the + house. His brother officers joined him. Mrs. Hubbell prepared breakfast. + It was eaten silently, so far as Rolf could learn. They paid for it and, + heading their regiment, went away northward, leaving the officer still on + the porch. + </p> + <p> + Presently Rolf heard a stealthy step in his garret, the closed door was + pushed open, and Mrs. Hubbell's calm, handsome face appeared, as, with a + reassuring nod, she set down a mug of coffee, some bread, and a bowl of + mush and milk. And only those who have travelled and fasted for twelve + hours when they were nineteen know how good it tasted. + </p> + <p> + From a tiny window ventilator Rolf had a view of the road in front. A + growing din of men prepared him for more troops, but still he was + surprised to see ten regiments march past with all their stores—a + brave army, but no one could mistake their looks; they wore the despondent + air of an army in full retreat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0081" id="link2HCH0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 83. The Last of Sir George Prevost + </h2> + <p> + The battle was over at Plattsburg town, though it had not been fought; for + the spirit of MacDonough was on land and water, and it was felt by the + British general, as well as the Yankee riflemen, as soon as the Union Jack + had been hauled from the mast of the Confiance. + </p> + <p> + Now Sir George Prevost had to face a momentous decision: He could force + the passage of the Saranac and march on to Albany, but his communications + would be cut, and he must rely on a hostile country for supplies. Every + day drew fresh bands of riflemen from the hills. Before he could get to + Albany their number might exceed his, and then what? Unless Great Britain + could send a new army or a fleet to support him, he must meet the fate of + Burgoyne. Prevost proposed to take no such chances and the night of the + 11th eight hours after MacDonough's victory, he gave the order “Retire to + Canada.” + </p> + <p> + To hide the move as long as possible, no change was made till after + sundown; no hint was given to the beleaguered town; they must have no + opportunity to reap the enormous advantages, moral and material, of + harrying a retreating foe. They must arise in the morning to find the + enemy safely over the border. The plan was perfect, and would have been + literally carried out, had not he had to deal with a foe as clever as + himself. + </p> + <p> + How eagerly Rolf took in the scene on Chazy Road; how much it meant! how + he longed to fly at his fastest famous speed with the stirring news. In + two hours and a half he could surely let his leader know. And he gazed + with a sort of superior pride at the martial pomp and bravery of the + invaders driven forth. + </p> + <p> + Near the last was a gallant array of gentlemen in gorgeous uniforms of + scarlet and gold; how warlike they looked, how splendid beside the + ill-clad riflemen of Vermont and the rude hunters of the Adirondacks. How + much more beautiful is an iron sword with jewels, than a sword of plain + gray steel. + </p> + <p> + Dame Hubbell stood in her door as they went by. Each and all saluted + politely; her guard was ordered to join his regiment. The lady waved her + sun-bonnet in response to their courteous good-bye, and could not refrain + from calling out: + </p> + <p> + “How about my prophecy, Sir George, and those purses?” + </p> + <p> + Rolf could not see his hostess, but he heard her voice, and he saw the + astonishing effect: + </p> + <p> + The British general reined in his horse. “A gentleman's word is his bond, + madam,” he said. “Let every officer now throw his purse at the lady's + feet,” and he set the example. A dozen rattling thuds were heard and a + dozen officers saluting, purseless, rode away. + </p> + <p> + A round thousand dollars in gold the lady gathered on her porch that + morning, and to this day her grand-kin tell the tale. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0082" id="link2HCH0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 84. Rolf Unmasks the Ambush + </h2> + <p> + Rolf's information was complete now, and all that remained was to report + at Plattsburg. Ten regiments he had counted from his peep hole. The rear + guard passed at ten o'clock. At eleven Mrs. Hubbell did a little scouting + and reported that all was quiet as far as she could see both ways, and no + enemy in sight anywhere. + </p> + <p> + With a grateful hand shake he left the house to cover the fourteen miles + that lay between Chazy and Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + Refreshed and fed, young and strong, the representative of a just and + victorious cause, how he exulted in that run, rejoicing in his youth, his + country, his strength, his legs, his fame as a runner. Starting at a + stride he soon was trotting; then, when the noon hour came, he had covered + a good six miles. Now he heard faint, far shots, and going more slowly was + soon conscious that a running fight was on between his own people and the + body of British sent westward to hold the upper Saranac. + </p> + <p> + True to the instinct of the scout, his first business was to find out + exactly what and where they were. From a thick tree top he saw the + red-coats spotting an opening of the distant country. Then they were lost + sight of in the woods. The desultory firing became volley firing, once or + twice. Then there was an interval of silence. At length a mass of + red-coats appeared on the highway within half a mile. They were travelling + very fast, in full retreat, and were coming his way. On the crest of the + hill over which the road ran, Rolf saw them suddenly drop to the ground + and take up position to form a most dangerous ambuscade, and half a mile + away, straggling through the woods, running or striding, were the men in + the colours he loved. They had swept the enemy before them, so far, but + trained troops speedily recover from a panic, if they have a leader of + nerve, and seeing a noble chance in the angle of this deep-sunk road, the + British fugitives turned like boars at bay. Not a sign of them was visible + to the Americans. The latter were suffering from too much success. Their + usual caution seemed to have deserted them, and trotting in a body they + came along the narrow road, hemmed in by a forest and soon to be hedged + with cliffs of clay. They were heading for a death-trap. At any price he + must warn them. He slid down the tree, and keeping cover ran as fast as + possible toward the ambush. It was the only hill near—Beekman's + Rise, they call it. As far as possible from the red-coats, but still on + the hill that gave a view, he leaped on to a high stump and yelled as he + never did before: “Go back, go back! A trap! A trap!” And lifting high his + outspread hands he flung their palms toward his friends, the old-time + signal for “go back.” + </p> + <p> + Not twice did they need warning. Like hunted wolves they flashed from view + in the nearest cover. A harmless volley from the baffled ambush rattled + amongst them, and leaping from his stump Rolf ran for life. + </p> + <p> + Furious at their failure, a score of red-coats, reloading as they ran, + came hot-footed after him. Down into cover of an alder swamp he plunged, + and confident of his speed, ran on, dashing through thickets and mudholes. + He knew that the red-coats would not follow far in such a place, and his + comrades were near. But the alder thicket ended at a field. He heard the + bushes crashing close at hand, and dashed down a little ravine at whose + lower edge the friendly forest recommenced. That was his fatal mistake. + The moment he took to the open there was a rattle of rifles from the hill + above, and Rolf fell on his face as dead. + </p> + <p> + It was after noontide when he fell; he must have lain unconscious for an + hour; when he came to himself he was lying still in that hollow, + absolutely alone. The red-coats doubtless had continued their flight with + the Yankee boys behind them. His face was covered with blood. His coat was + torn and bloody; his trousers showed a ragged rent that was reddened and + sopping. His head was aching, and in his leg was the pain of a + cripplement. He knew it as soon as he tried to move; his right leg was + shattered below the knee. The other shots had grazed his arm and head; the + latter had stunned him for a time, but did no deeper damage. + </p> + <p> + He lay still for a long time, in hopes that some of his friends might + come. He tried to raise his voice, but had no strength. Then he remembered + the smoke signal that had saved him when he was lost in the woods. In + spite of his wounded arm, he got out his flint and steel, and prepared to + make a fire. But all the small wood he could reach was wet with recent + rains. An old pine stump was on the bank not far away; he might cut + kindling-wood from that to start his fire, and he reached for his knife. + Alas! its case was empty. Had Rolf been four years younger, he might have + broken down and wept at this. It did seem such an unnecessary accumulation + of disasters. Without gun or knife, how was he to call his friends? + </p> + <p> + He straightened his mangled limb in the position of least pain and lay for + a while. The September sun fell on his back and warmed him. He was parched + with thirst, but only thirty yards away was a little rill. With a long and + fearful crawling on his breast, he dragged himself to the stream and drank + till he could drink no more, then rested, washed his head and hands, 'and + tried to crawl again to the warm place. But the sun had dropped behind the + river bank, the little ravine was in shadow, and the chill of the grave + was on the young man's pain-racked frame. + </p> + <p> + Shadows crossed his brain, among them Si Sylvanne with his quaint sayings, + and one above all was clear: + </p> + <p> + “Trouble is only sent to make ye do yer best. When ye hev done yer best, + keep calm and wait. Things is comin' all right.” Yes, that was what he + said, and the mockery of it hurt him now. + </p> + <p> + The sunset slowly ended; the night wind blew; the dragging hours brought + gloom that entered in. This seemed indeed the direst strait of his lot. + Crippled, dying of cold, helpless, nothing to do but wait and die, and + from his groaning lips there came the half-forgotten prayer his mother + taught him long ago, “O God, have mercy on me!” and then he forgot. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke, the stars were shining; he was numb with cold, but his mind + was clear. + </p> + <p> + “This is war,” he thought, “and God knows we never sought it.” And again + the thought: “When I offered to serve my country, I offered my life. I am + willing to die, but this is not a way of my choosing,” and a blessed, + forgetfulness came upon him again. + </p> + <p> + But his was a stubborn-fibred race; his spark of life was not so quickly + quenched; its blazing torch might waver, wane, and wax again. In the + chill, dark hour when the life-lamp flickers most, he wakened to hear the + sweet, sweet music of a dog's loud bark; in a minute he heard it nearer, + and yet again at hand, and Skookum, erratic, unruly, faithful Skookum, was + bounding around and barking madly at the calm, unblinking stars. + </p> + <p> + A human “halloo” rang not far away; then others, and Skookum barked and + barked. + </p> + <p> + Now the bushes rustled near, a man came out, kneeled down, laid hand on + the dying soldier's brow, and his heart. He opened his eyes, the man bent + over him and softly said, “Nibowaka! it's Quonab.” + </p> + <p> + That night when the victorious rangers had returned to Plattsburg it was a + town of glad, thankful hearts, and human love ran strong. The thrilling + stories of the day were told, the crucial moment, the providential way in + which at every hopeless pass, some easy, natural miracle took place to + fight their battle and back their country's cause. The harrying of the + flying rear-guard, the ambuscade over the hill, the appearance of an + American scout at the nick of time to warn them—the shooting, and + his disappearance—all were discussed. + </p> + <p> + Then rollicking Seymour and silent Fiske told of their scouting on the + trail of the beaten foe; and all asked, “Where is Kittering?” So talk was + rife, and there was one who showed a knife he had picked up near the + ambuscade with R. K. on the shaft. + </p> + <p> + Now a dark-faced scout rose up, stared at the knife, and quickly left the + room. In three minutes he stood before General Macomb, his words were few, + but from his heart: + </p> + <p> + “It is my boy, Nibowaka; it is Rolf; my heart tells me. Let me go. I feel + him praying for me to come. Let me go, general. I must go.” + </p> + <p> + It takes a great man to gauge the heart of a man who seldom speaks. “You + may go, but how can you find him tonight?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, I find him,” and the Indian pointed to a little, prick-eared, yellow + cur that sneaked at his heels. + </p> + <p> + “Success to you; he was one of the best we had,” said the general, as the + Indian left, then added: “Take a couple of men along, and, here, take + this,” and he held out a flask. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that the dawning saw Rolf on a stretcher carried by his three + scouting partners, while Skookum trotted ahead, looking this way and that—they + should surely not be ambushed this time. + </p> + <p> + And thus the crowning misfortune, the culminating apes of disaster—the + loss of his knife—the thing of all others that roused in Rolf the + spirit of rebellion, was the way of life, his dungeon's key, the golden + chain that haled him from the pit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0083" id="link2HCH0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 85. The Hospital, the Prisoners, and Home + </h2> + <p> + There were wagons and buckboards to be had, but the road was rough, so the + three changed off as litter-bearers and brought him to the lake where the + swift and smooth canoe was ready, and two hours later they carried him + into the hospital at Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + The leg was set at once, his wounds were dressed, he was warmed, cleaned, + and fed; and when the morning sun shone in the room, it was a room of calm + and peace. + </p> + <p> + The general came and sat beside him for a time, and the words he spoke + were ample, joyful compensation for his wounds. MacDonough, too, passed + through the ward, and the warm vibrations of his presence drove death from + many a bed whose inmate's force ebbed low, whose soul was walking on the + brink, was near surrender. + </p> + <p> + Rolf did not fully realize it then, but long afterward it was clear that + this was the meaning of the well-worn words, “He filled them with a new + spirit.” + </p> + <p> + There was not a man in the town but believed the war was over; there was + not a man in the town who doubted that his country's cause was won. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks is a long time to a youth near manhood, but there was much of + joy to while away the hours. The mothers of the town came and read and + talked. There was news from the front. There were victories on the high + seas. His comrades came to sit beside him; Seymour, the sprinter, as merry + a soul as ever hankered for the stage and the red cups of life; Fiske, the + silent, and McGlassin, too, with his dry, humorous talk; these were the + bright and funny hours. There were others. There came a bright-checked + Vermont mother whose three sons had died in service at MacDonough's guns; + and she told of it in a calm voice, as one who speaks of her proudest + honour. Yes, she rejoiced that God had given her three such sons, and had + taken again His gifts in such a day of glory. Had England's rulers only + known, that this was the spirit of the land that spoke, how well they + might have asked: “What boots it if we win a few battles, and burn a few + towns; it is a little gain and passing; for there is one thing that no + armies, ships, or laws, or power on earth, or hell itself can down or + crush—that alone is the thing that counts or endures—the thing + that permeates these men, that finds its focal centre in such souls as + that of the Vermont mother, steadfast, proud, and rejoicing in her + bereavement.” + </p> + <p> + But these were forms that came and went; there were two that seldom were + away—the tall and supple one of the dark face and the easy tread, + and his yellow shadow—the ever unpopular, snappish, prick-eared cur, + that held by force of arms all territories at floor level contiguous to, + under, comprised, and bounded by, the four square legs and corners of the + bed. + </p> + <p> + Quonab's nightly couch was a blanket not far away, and his daily, + self-given task to watch the wounded and try by devious ways and plots to + trick him into eating ever larger meals. + </p> + <p> + Garrison duty was light now, so Quonab sought the woods where the flocks + of partridge swarmed, with Skookum as his aid. It was the latter's joyful + duty to find and tree the birds, and “yap” below, till Quonab came up + quietly with bow and blunt arrows, to fill his game-bag; and thus the best + of fare was ever by the invalid's bed. + </p> + <p> + Rolf's was easily a winning fight from the first, and in a week he was + eating well, sleeping well, and growing visibly daily stronger. + </p> + <p> + Then on a fleckless dawn that heralded a sun triumphant, the Indian + borrowed a drum from the bandsman, and, standing on the highest + breastwork, he gazed across the dark waters to the whitening hills. There + on a tiny fire he laid tobacco and kinnikinnik, as Gisiss the Shining One + burnt the rugged world rim at Vermont, and, tapping softly with one stick, + he gazed upward, after the sacrificial thread of smoke, and sang in his + own tongue: + </p> + <p> + “Father, I burn tobacco, I smoke to Thee. I sing for my heart is singing.” + </p> + <p> + Pleasant chatter of the East was current by Rolf's bedside. Stories of + homes in the hills he heard, tales of hearths by far away lakes and + streams, memories of golden haired children waiting for father's or + brother's return from the wars. Wives came to claim their husbands, + mothers to bring away their boys, to gain again their strength at home. + And his own heart went back, and ever back, to the rugged farm on the + shores of the noble George. + </p> + <p> + In two weeks he was able to sit up. In three he could hobble, and he moved + about the town when the days were warm. + </p> + <p> + And now he made the acquaintance of the prisoners. They were closely + guarded and numbered over a hundred. It gave him a peculiar sensation to + see them there. It seemed un-American to hold a human captive; but he + realized that it was necessary to keep them for use as hostages and + exchanges. + </p> + <p> + Some of them he found to be sullen brutes, but many were kind and + friendly, and proved to be jolly good fellows. + </p> + <p> + On the occasion of his second visit, a familiar voice saluted him with, + “Well, Rolf! Comment ca va?” and he had the painful joy of greeting + Francois la Colle. + </p> + <p> + “You'll help me get away, Rolf, won't you?” and the little Frenchman + whispered and winked. “I have seven little ones now on La Riviere, dat + have no flour, and tinks dere pa is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do all I can, Francois,” and the picture of the desolate home, + brought a husk in his voice and a choke in his throat. He remembered too + the musket ball that by intent had whistled harmless overhead. “But,” he + added in a shaky voice, “I cannot help my country's enemy to escape.” + </p> + <p> + Then Rolf took counsel with McGlassin, told him all about the affair at + the mill, and McGlassin with a heart worthy of his mighty shoulders, + entered into the spirit of the situation, went to General Macomb + presenting such a tale and petition that six hours later Francis bearing a + passport through the lines was trudging away to Canada, paroled for the + rest of the war. + </p> + <p> + There was another face that Rolf recognized—hollow-cheeked, + flabby-jowled and purplish-gray. The man was one of the oldest of the + prisoners. He wore a white beard end moustache. He did not recognize Rolf, + but Rolf knew him, for this was Micky Kittering. How he escaped from jail + and joined the enemy was an episode of the war's first year. Rolf was + shocked to see what a miserable wreck his uncle was. He could not do him + any good. To identify him would have resulted in his being treated as a + renegade, so on the plea that he was an old man, Rolf saw that the + prisoner had extra accommodation and out of his own pocket kept him + abundantly supplied with tobacco. Then in his heart he forgave him, and + kept away. They never met again. + </p> + <p> + The bulk of the militia had been disbanded after the great battle. A few + of the scouts and enough men to garrison the fort and guard the prisoners + were retained. Each day there were joyful partings—the men with + homes, going home. And the thought that ever waxed in Rolf came on in + strength. He hobbled to headquarters. “General, can I get leave—to + go—he hesitated—home?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Kittering, I didn't know you had a home. But, certainly, I'll give + you a month's leave and pay to date.” + </p> + <p> + Champlain is the lake of the two winds; the north wind blows for six + months with a few variations, and the south wind for the other six months + with trifling. + </p> + <p> + Next morning a bark canoe was seen skimming southward before as much north + wind as it could stand, with Rolf reclining in the middle, Quonab at the + stern, and Skookum in the bow. + </p> + <p> + In two days they were at Ticonderoga. Here help was easily got at the + portage and on the evening of the third day, Quonab put a rope on + Skookum's neck and they landed at Hendrik's farm. + </p> + <p> + The hickory logs were blazing bright, and the evening pot was reeking as + they opened the door and found the family gathered for the meal. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know you had a home,” the general had said. He should have been + present now to see the wanderer's welcome. If war breeds such a spirit in + the land, it is as much a blessing as a curse. The air was full of it, and + the Van Trumpers, when they saw their hero hobble in, were melted. Love, + pity, pride, and tenderness were surging in storms through every heart + that knew. “Their brother, their son come back, wounded, but proven and + glorious.” Yes, Rolf had a home, and in that intoxicating realization he + kissed them all, even Annette of the glowing cheeks and eyes; though in + truth he paid for it, for it conjured up in her a shy aloofness that + lasted many days. + </p> + <p> + Old Hendrik sputtered around. “Och, I am smile; dis is goood, yah. Vere is + that tam dog? Yah! tie him not, he shall dis time von chicken have for + joy.” + </p> + <p> + “Marta,” said Rolf, “you told me to come here if I got hurt. Well, I've + come, and I've brought a boat-load of stuff in case I cannot do my share + in the fields.” + </p> + <p> + “Press you, my poy you didn't oughter brung dot stuff; you know we loff + you here, and effery time it is you coom I get gladsomer, and dot Annette + she just cried ven you vent to de war.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother, I did not; it was you and little Hendrick!” and Annette + turned her scarlet cheeks away. + </p> + <p> + October, with its trees of flame and gold, was on the hills; purple and + orange, the oaks and the birches; blue blocked with white was the sky + above, and the blue, bright lake was limpid. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, God of my fathers,” Quonab used to pray, “when I reach the Happy + Hunting, let it be ever the Leaf-falling Moon, for that is the only + perfect time.” And in that unmarred month of sunny sky and woodlands + purged of every plague, there is but one menace in the vales. For who can + bring the glowing coal to the dry-leafed woods without these two begetting + the dread red fury that devastates the hills? + </p> + <p> + Who can bring the fire in touch with tow and wonder at the blaze? Who, + indeed? And would any but a dreamer expect young manhood in its growing + strength, and girlhood just across the blush-line, to meet in daily meals + and talk and still keep up the brother and sister play? It needs only a + Virginia on the sea-girt island to turn the comrade into Paul. + </p> + <p> + “Marta, I tink dot Rolf an Annette don't quarrel bad, ain't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Hendrik, you vas von blind old bat-mole,” said Marta, “I fink dat farm + next ours purty good, but Rolf he say 'No Lake George no good.' Better he + like all his folk move over on dat Hudson.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0084" id="link2HCH0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 86. The New Era of Prosperity + </h2> + <p> + As November neared and his leave of absence ended, Rolf was himself again; + had been, indeed, for two weeks, and, swinging fork or axe, he had helped + with many an urgent job on the farm. + </p> + <p> + A fine log stable they had rolled up together, with corners dovetailed + like cabinet work, and roof of birch bark breadths above the hay. + </p> + <p> + But there was another building, too, that Rolf had worked at night and + day. It was no frontier shack, but a tall and towering castle, splendid + and roomy, filled with loved ones and love. Not by the lake near by, not + by the river of his choice, but higher up than the tops of the high + mountains it loomed, and he built and built until the month was nearly + gone. Then only did he venture to ask for aid, and Annette it was who + promised to help him finish the building. + </p> + <p> + Yes, the Lake George shore was a land of hungry farms. It was off the line + of travel, too. It was neither Champlain nor Hudson; and Hendrik, after + ten years' toil with barely a living to show, was easily convinced. Next + summer they must make a new choice of home. But now it was back to + Plattsburg. + </p> + <p> + On November 1st Rolf and Quonab reported to General Macomb. There was + little doing but preparations for the winter. There were no prospects of + further trouble from their neighbours in the north. Most of the militia + were already disbanded, and the two returned to Plattsburg, only to + receive their honourable discharge, to be presented each with the medal of + war, with an extra clasp on Rolf's for that dauntless dash that spiked the + British guns. + </p> + <p> + Wicked war with its wickedness was done at last. “The greatest evil that + can befall a country,” some call it, and yet out of this end came three + great goods: The interstate distrust had died away, for now they were + soldiers who had camped together, who had “drunk from the same canteen”; + little Canada, until then a thing of shreds and scraps, had been fused in + the furnace, welded into a young nation, already capable of defending her + own. England, arrogant with long success at sea, was taught a lesson of + courtesy and justice, for now the foe whom she had despised and insulted + had shown himself her equal, a king of the sea-king stock. The unnecessary + battle of New Orleans, fought two weeks after the war was officially + closed, showed that the raw riflemen of Tennessee were more than a match + for the seasoned veterans who had overcome the great Napoleon, and thus on + land redeemed the Stars and Stripes. + </p> + <p> + The war brought unmeasured material loss on all concerned, but some + weighty lasting gains to two at least. On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of + Ghent was signed and the long rides were hung up on the cabin walls. + Nothing was said in the treaty about the cause of war—the right of + search. Why should they speak of it? If a big boy bullies a smaller one + and gets an unexpected knockdown blow, it is not necessary to have it all + set forth in terms before they shake hands that “I, John, of the first + part, to wit, the bully, do hereby agree, promise, and contract to refrain + in future forevermore from bullying you, Jonathan, of the second part, to + wit, the bullied.” That point had already been settled by the logic of + events. The right of search was dead before the peace was born, and the + very place of its bones is forgotten to-day. + </p> + <p> + Rolf with Quonab returned to the trapping that winter; and as soon as the + springtime came and seeding was over, he and Van Trumper made their choice + of farms. Every dollar they could raise was invested in the beautiful + sloping lands of the upper Hudson. Rolf urged the largest possible + purchase now. Hendrick looked somewhat aghast at such a bridge-burning + move. But a purchaser for his farm was found with unexpected promptness, + one who was not on farming bent and the way kept opening up. + </p> + <p> + The wedding did not take place till another year, when Annette was + nineteen and Rolf twenty-one. And the home they moved to was not exactly a + castle, but much more complete and human. + </p> + <p> + This was the beginning of a new settlement. Given good land in plenty, and + all the rest is easy; neighbours came in increasing numbers; every claim + was taken up; Rolf and Hendrik saw themselves growing rich, and at length + the latter was thankful for the policy that he once thought so rash, of + securing all the land he could. Now it was his making, for in later years + his grown-up sons were thus provided for, and kept at home. + </p> + <p> + The falls of the river offered, as Rolf had foreseen, a noble chance for + power. Very early he had started a store and traded for fur. Now, with the + careful savings, he was able to build his sawmill; and about it grew a + village with a post-office that had Rolf's name on the signboard. + </p> + <p> + Quonab had come, of course, with Rolf, but he shunned the house, and the + more so as it grew in size. In a remote and sheltered place he built a + wigwam of his own. + </p> + <p> + Skookum was divided in his allegiance, but he solved the puzzle by + dividing his time between them. He did not change much, but he did rise in + a measure to the fundamental zoological fact that hens are not partridges; + and so acquired a haughty toleration of the cackle-party throng that + assembled in the morning at Annette's call. Yes, he made even another step + of progress, for on one occasion he valiantly routed the unenlightened dog + of a neighbour, a “cur of low degree,” whose ideas of ornithology were as + crude as his own had been in the beginning. + </p> + <p> + All of which was greatly to his credit, for he found it hard to learn now; + he was no longer young, and before he had seen eight springs dissolve the + snow, he was called to the Land of Happy Hunting, where the porcupine is + not, but where hens abound on every side, and there is no man near to + meddle with his joy. + </p> + <p> + Yet, when he died, he lived. His memory was kept ever green, for Skookum + Number 2 was there to fill his room, and he gave place to Skookum 3, and + so they keep their line on to this very day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0086" id="link2H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Quonab Goes Home + </h2> + <p> + The public has a kind of crawlin' common-sense, that is always right and + fair in the end, only it's slow—Sayings of Si Sylvanne. + </p> + <p> + Twenty years went by. Rolf grew and prospered. He was a man of substance + and of family now; for store and mill were making money fast, and the + little tow-tops came at regular intervals. + </p> + <p> + And when the years had added ripeness to his thought, and the kind gods of + gold had filled his scrip, it was that his ampler life began to bloom. His + was a mind of the best begetting, born and bred of ancient, clean-blooded + stock; inflexibly principled, trained by a God-fearing mother, nurtured in + a cradle of adversity, schooled in a school of hardship, developed in the + big outdoors, wise in the ways of the woods, burnt in the fire of + affliction, forced into self-reliance, inspired with the lofty inspiration + of sacrificial patriotism—the good stuff of his make-up shone, as + shines the gold in the fervent heat; the hard blows that prove or crush, + had proved; the metal had rung true; and in the great valley, Rolf + Kittering was a man of mark. + </p> + <p> + The country's need of such is ever present and ever seeking. Those in + power who know and measure men soon sought him out, and their messenger + was the grisly old Si Sylvanne. + </p> + <p> + Because he was a busy man, Rolf feared to add to his activities. Because + he was a very busy man, the party new they needed him. So at length it was + settled, and in a little while, Rolf stood in the Halls of Albany and + grasped the hand of the ancient mill-man as a colleague, filling an + honoured place in the councils of the state. + </p> + <p> + Each change brought him new activities. Each year he was more of a public + man, and his life grew larger. From Albany he went to New York, in the + world of business and men's affairs; and at last in Washington, his tall, + manly figure was well known, and his good common-sense and clean business + ways were respected. Yet each year during hunting time he managed to spend + a few weeks with Quonab in the woods. Tramping on their ancient trapping + grounds, living over the days of their early hunts; and double zest was + added when Rolf the second joined them and lived and loved it all. + </p> + <p> + But this was no longer Kittering's life, rather the rare precarious + interval, and more and more old Quonab realized that they were meeting + only in the past. When the big house went up on the river-bank, he indeed + had felt that they were at the parting of the ways. His respect for + Nibowaka had grown to be almost a worship, and yet he knew that their + trails had yearly less in common. Rolf had outgrown him; he was alone + again, as on the day of their meeting. His years had brought a certain + insight; and this he grasped—that the times were changed, and his + was the way of a bygone day. + </p> + <p> + “Mine is the wisdom of the woods,” he said, “but the woods are going fast; + in a few years there will be no more trees, and my wisdom will be + foolishness. There is in this land now a big, strong thing called 'trade,' + that will eat up all things and the people themselves. You are wise + enough, Nibowaka, to paddle with the stream, you have turned so the big + giant is on your side, and his power is making you great. But this is not + for me; so only I have enough to eat, and comfort to sleep, I am content + to watch for the light.” + </p> + <p> + Across the valley from the big store he dwelt, in a lodge from which he + could easily see the sunrise. Twenty-five years added to the fifty he + spent in the land of Mayn Mayano had dimmed his eye, had robbed his foot + of its spring, and sprinkled his brow with the winter rime; but they had + not changed his spirit, nor taught him less to love the pine woods and the + sunrise. Yes, even more than in former days did he take his song-drum to + the rock of worship, to his idaho—as the western red man would have + called it. And there, because it was high and the wind blew cold, he made + a little eastward-facing lodge. + </p> + <p> + He was old and hunting was too hard for him, but there was a strong arm + about him now; he dimly thought of it at times—the arm of the + fifteen-year-old boy that one time he had shielded. There was no lack of + food or blankets in the wigwam, or of freedom in the woods under the + sun-up rock. But there was a hunger that not farseeing Nibowaka could + appease, not even talk about. And Quonab built another medicine lodge to + watch the sun go down over the hill. Sitting by a little fire to tune his + song-drum, he often crooned to the blazing skies. “I am of the sunset now, + I and my people,” he sang, “the night is closing over us.” + </p> + <p> + One day a stranger came to the hills; his clothes were those of a white + man, but his head, his feet, and his eyes—his blood, his walk, and + his soul were those of a red Indian of the West. He came from the unknown + with a message to those who knew him not: “The Messiah was coming; the + deliverer that Hiawatha bade them look for. He was coming in power to + deliver the red race, and his people must sing the song of the ghost-dance + till the spirit came, and in a vision taught them wisdom and his will!” + </p> + <p> + Not to the white man, but to the lonely Indian in the hill cleft he came, + and the song that he brought and taught him was of a sorrowing people + seeking their father. + </p> + <p> + “Father have pity on us! Our souls are hungry for Thee. There is nothing + here to satisfy us Father we bow to Thy will.” + </p> + <p> + By the fire that night they sang, and prayed as the Indian prays—“Father + have pity and guide us.” So Quonab sang the new song, and knew its message + was for him. + </p> + <p> + The stranger went on, for he was a messenger, but Quonab sang again and + again, and then the vision came, as it must, and the knowledge that he + sought. + </p> + <p> + None saw him go, but ten miles southward on the river he met a hunter and + said: “Tell the wise one that I have heard the new song. Tell him I have + seen the vision. We are of the sunset, but the new day comes. I must see + the land of Mayn Mayano, the dawn-land, where the sun rises out of the + sea.” + </p> + <p> + They saw no more of him. But a day later, Rolf heard of it, and set out in + haste next morning for Albany. Skookum the fourth leaped into the canoe as + he pushed off. Rolf was minded to send him back, but the dog begged hard + with his eyes and tail. It seemed he ought to go, when it was the old man + they sought. At Albany they got news. “Yes, the Indian went on the + steamboat a few days ago.” At New York, Rolf made no attempt to track his + friend, but took the Stamford boat and hurried to the old familiar woods, + where he had lived and suffered and wakened as a boy. + </p> + <p> + There was a house now near the rock that is yet called “Quonab's.” From + the tenants he learned that in the stillest hours of the night before, + they had heard the beating of an Indian drum, and the cadence of a chant + that came not from throat of white man's blood. + </p> + <p> + In the morning when it was light Rolf hastened to the place, expecting to + find at least an Indian camp, where once had stood the lodge. There was no + camp; and as he climbed for a higher view, the Skookum of to-day gave + bristling proof of fear at some strange object there—a man that + moved not. His long straight hair was nearly white, and by his side, + forever still, lay the song-drum of his people. + </p> + <p> + And those who heard the mournful strains the night before knew now from + Rolf that it was Ouonab come back to his rest, and the song that he sang + was the song of the ghost dance. + </p> + <p> + “Pity me, Wahkonda. My soul is ever hungry. There is nothing here to + satisfy me, I walk in darkness; Pity me, Wahkondal.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1088 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |