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diff --git a/old/8393-h.htm.2021-01-26 b/old/8393-h.htm.2021-01-26 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d32ec4f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8393-h.htm.2021-01-26 @@ -0,0 +1,8562 @@ +<?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> + Life in the Backwoods,, by Susanna Moodie + </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;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Life in the Backwoods, by Susanna Moodie + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Life in the Backwoods + A Sequel to Roughing It in the Bush + +Author: Susanna Moodie + + +Release Date: June, 2005 [EBook #8393] +This file was first posted on July 6, 2003 +Last Updated: March 16, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS *** + + + + +Text file produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Bidwell and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS, + </h1> + <h3> + A Sequel To Roughing It In The Bush. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Susanna Moodie + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + Author Of “Life In The Clearings,” “Flora Lyndsay,"<br /> “Geoffrey + Moncton,” Etc., Etc. + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I sketch from Nature, and the picture's true; + Whate'er the subject, whether grave or gay, + Painful experience in a distant land + Made it mine own. + </pre> + <h6> + New York: <br /> <br /> John W. Lovell Company, <br /> <br /> 14 And 16 Vesey + Street. + </h6> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_TOC"> DETAILED CONTENTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. A JOURNEY TO THE WOODS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. THE WILDERNESS, AND OUR INDIAN + FRIENDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. BURNING THE FALLOW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. OUR LOGGING-BEE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. A TRIP TO STONY LAKE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. DISAPPOINTED HOPES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. THE LITTLE STUMPY MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. THE FIRE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. THE OUTBREAK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. THE WHIRLWIND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. THE WALK TO DUMMER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. A CHANGE IN OUR PROSPECTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGIC SPELL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE MAPLE-TREE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + DETAILED CONTENTS + </p> + <p> + CHAP. I. —A Journey to the Woods—Corduroy Roads—No + Ghosts in Canada + </p> + <p> + CHAP. II. —The Wilderness and our Indian Friends—The House on + Fire—No Papoose; the Mother all alone + </p> + <p> + CHAP. III. —Running the Fallow—A Wall of Fire—“But God + can save us yet.” + </p> + <p> + CHAP. IV. —Our Logging Bee—“Och! my ould granny taught me.”—Signal + Mercies + </p> + <p> + CHAP. V. —A Trip to Stony Lake—A Feast in an Outhouse—The + Squatter's Log Hut + </p> + <p> + CHAP. VI. —Disappointed Hopes—Milk, Bread and Potatoes our + only Fare—The Deer Hunt + </p> + <p> + CHAP. VII. —The Little Stumpy Man—Hiding from the Sheriff—An + ill-natured volunteer + </p> + <p> + CHAP. VIII. —The Fire—“Oh, dear Mamma, do save Papa's Flute”—“No + time to be clane!” + </p> + <p> + CHAP. IX. —The Outbreak—Moodie joins the Volunteers—“Scribblin' + and Scrabblin' when you should be in bed” + </p> + <p> + CHAP. X. —The Whirlwind—Two Miles of Trees Levelled to the + Ground—Sick Children + </p> + <p> + CHAP. XI. —The Walk to Dummer—Honest, Faithful Jenny—A + sad History—Tried and Found most Faithful + </p> + <p> + CHAP. XII. —A Change in our Prospects—In a Canoe—Nearing + the Rapids—Dandelion Coffee + </p> + <p> + CHAP. XIII. —The Magic Spell—“The Sleighs are Come!”—Leaving + the Bush—End of Life in the Backwoods + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS + </h1> + <h3> + A SEQUEL TO ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A JOURNEY TO THE WOODS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis well for us poor denizens of earth + That God conceals the future from our gaze; + Or Hope, the blessed watcher on Life's tower, + Would fold her wings, and on the dreary waste + Close the bright eye that through the murky clouds + Of blank Despair still sees the glorious sun. +</pre> + <p> + It was a bright, frosty morning when I bade adieu to the farm, the + birthplace of my little Agnes, who, nestled beneath my cloak, was sweetly + sleeping on my knee, unconscious of the long journey before us into the + wilderness. The sun had not as yet risen. Anxious to get to our place of + destination before dark, we started as early as we could. Our own fine + team had been sold the day before for forty pounds; and one of our + neighbours, a Mr. D——, was to convey us and our household + goods to Douro for the sum of twenty dollars. During the week he had made + several journeys, with furniture and stores; and all that now remained was + to be conveyed to the woods in two large lumber-sleighs, one driven by + himself, the other by a younger brother. + </p> + <p> + It was not without regret that I left Melsetter, for so my husband had + called the place, after his father's estate in Orkney. It was a beautiful, + picturesque spot; and, in spite of the evil neighbourhood, I had learned + to love it; indeed, it was much against my wish that it was sold. I had a + great dislike to removing, which involves a necessary loss, and is apt to + give to the emigrant roving and unsettled habits. But all regrets were now + useless; and happily unconscious of the life of toil and anxiety that + awaited us in those dreadful woods, I tried my best to be cheerful, and to + regard the future with a hopeful eye. + </p> + <p> + Our driver was a shrewd, clever man, for his opportunities. He took charge + of the living cargo, which consisted of my husband, our maid-servant, the + two little children, and myself—besides a large hamper, full of + poultry—a dog, and a cat. The lordly sultan of the imprisoned + seraglio thought fit to conduct himself in a very eccentric manner, for at + every barnyard we happened to pass, he clapped his wings, and crowed so + long and loud that it afforded great amusement to the whole party, and + doubtless was very edifying to the poor hens, who lay huddled together as + mute as mice. + </p> + <p> + “That 'ere rooster thinks he's on the top of the heap,” said our driver, + laughing. “I guess he's not used to travelling in a close conveyance. + Listen! How all the crowers in the neighbourhood give him back a note of + defiance! But he knows that he's safe enough at the bottom of the basket.” + </p> + <p> + The day was so bright for the time of year (the first week in February), + that we suffered no inconvenience from the cold. Little Katie was + enchanted with the jingling of the sleigh-bells, and, nestled among the + packages, kept singing or talking to the horses in her baby lingo. + Trifling as these little incidents were, before we had proceeded ten miles + on our long journey, they revived my drooping spirits, and I began to feel + a lively interest in the scenes through which we were passing. + </p> + <p> + The first twenty miles of the way was over a hilly and well-cleared + country; and as in winter the deep snow fills up the inequalities, and + makes all roads alike, we glided as swiftly and steadily along as if they + had been the best highways in the world. Anon, the clearings began to + diminish, and tall woods arose on either side of the path; their solemn + aspect, and the deep silence that brooded over their vast solitudes, + inspiring the mind with a strange awe. Not a breath of wind stirred the + leafless branches, whose huge shadows, reflected upon the dazzling white + covering of snow, lay so perfectly still, that it seemed as if Nature had + suspended her operations, that life and motion had ceased, and that she + was sleeping in her winding-sheet, upon the bier of death. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you will find the woods pretty lonesome,” said our driver, whose + thoughts had been evidently employed on the same subject as our own. “We + were once in the woods, but emigration has stepped ahead of us, and made + our'n a cleared part of the country. When I was a boy, all this country, + for thirty miles on every side of us, was bush land. As to Peterborough, + the place was unknown; not a settler had ever passed through the great + swamp, and some of them believed that it was the end of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “What swamp is that?” asked I. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the great Cavan swamp. We are just two miles from it; and I tell you + the horses will need a good rest, and ourselves a good dinner, by the time + we are through it. Ah! Mrs. Moodie, if ever you travel that way in summer, + you will know something about corduroy roads. I was 'most jolted to death + last fall; I thought it would have been no bad notion to have insured my + teeth before I left C——. I really expected that they would + have been shook out of my head before we had done manoeuvring over the big + logs.” + </p> + <p> + “How will my crockery stand it in the next sleigh?” quoth I. “If the road + is such as you describe, I am afraid that I shall not bring a whole plate + to Douro.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the snow is a great leveller—it makes all rough places smooth. + But with regard to this swamp, I have something to tell you. About ten + years ago, no one had ever seen the other side of it; and if pigs or + cattle strayed away into it, they fell a prey to the wolves and bears, and + were seldom recovered. + </p> + <p> + “An old Scotch emigrant, who had located himself on this side of it, so + often lost his beasts that he determined during the summer season to try + and explore the place, and see if there were any end to it. So he takes an + axe on his shoulder, and a bag of provisions for the week, not forgetting + a flask of whiskey, and off he starts all alone, and tells his wife that + if he never returned, she and little Jock must try and carry on the farm + without him; but he was determined to see the end of the swamp, even if it + led to the other world. He fell upon a fresh cattle-track, which he + followed all that day; and towards night he found himself in the heart of + a tangled wilderness of bushes, and himself half eaten up with mosquitoes + and black-flies. He was more than tempted to give in, and return home by + the first glimpse of light. + </p> + <p> + “The Scotch are a tough people; they are not easily daunted—a few + difficulties only seem to make them more eager to get on; and he felt + ashamed the next moment, as he told me, of giving up. So he finds out a + large, thick cedar-tree for his bed, climbs up, and coiling himself among + the branches like a bear, he was soon fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning, by daylight, he continued his journey, not forgetting + to blaze with his axe the trees to the right and left as he went along. + The ground was so spongy and wet that at every step he plunged up to his + knees in water, but he seemed no nearer the end of the swamp than he had + been the day before. He saw several deer, a raccoon, and a groundhog, + during his walk, but was unmolested by bears or wolves. Having passed + through several creeks, and killed a great many snakes, he felt so weary + towards the second day that he determined to go home the next morning. But + just as he began to think his search was fruitless, he observed that the + cedars and tamaracks which had obstructed his path became less numerous, + and were succeeded by bass and soft maple. The ground, also, became less + moist, and he was soon ascending a rising slope, covered with oak and + beech, which shaded land of the very best quality. The old man was now + fully convinced that he had cleared the great swamp; and that, instead of + leading to the other world, it had conducted him to a country that would + yield the very best returns for cultivation. His favourable report led to + the formation of the road that we are about to cross, and to the + settlement of Peterborough, which is one of the most promising new + settlements in this district, and is surrounded by a splendid back + country.” + </p> + <p> + We were descending a very steep hill, and encountered an ox-sleigh, which + was crawling slowly up it in a contrary direction. Three people were + seated at the bottom of the vehicle upon straw, which made a cheap + substitute for buffalo robes. Perched, as we were, upon the crown of the + height, we looked completely down into the sleigh, and during the whole + course of my life I never saw three uglier mortals collected into such a + narrow space. The man was blear-eyed, with a hare-lip, through which + protruded two dreadful yellow teeth which resembled the tusks of a boar. + The woman was long-faced, high cheek-boned, red-haired, and freckled all + over like a toad. The boy resembled his hideous mother, but with the + addition of a villainous obliquity of vision which rendered him the most + disgusting object in this singular trio. + </p> + <p> + As we passed them, our driver gave a knowing nod to my husband, directing, + at the same time, the most quizzical glance towards the strangers, as he + exclaimed, “We are in luck, sir! I think that 'ere sleigh may be called + Beauty's egg-basket!” + </p> + <p> + We made ourselves very merry at the poor people's expense, and Mr. D——, + with his odd stories and Yankeefied expressions, amused the tedium of our + progress through the great swamp, which in summer presents for several + miles one uniform bridge of rough and unequal logs, all laid loosely + across huge sleepers, so that they jumped up and down, when pressed by the + wheels, like the keys of a piano. The rough motion and jolting occasioned + by this collision is so distressing that it never fails to entail upon the + traveller sore bones and an aching head for the rest of the day. The path + is so narrow over these logs that two wagons cannot pass without great + difficulty, which is rendered more dangerous by the deep natural ditches + on either side of the bridge, formed by broad creeks that flow out of the + swamp, and often terminate in mud-holes of very ominous dimensions. The + snow, however, hid from us all the ugly features of the road, and Mr. D—— + steered us through it in perfect safety, and landed us at the door of a + little log house which crowned the steep hill on the other side of the + swamp, and which he dignified with the name of a tavern. + </p> + <p> + It was now two o'clock. We had been on the road since seven; and men, + women, and children were all ready for the good dinner that Mr. D—— + had promised us at this splendid house of entertainment, where we were + destined to stay for two hours, to refresh ourselves and rest the horses. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mrs. J——, what have you got for our dinner?” said the + driver, after he had seen to the accommodation of his teams. + </p> + <p> + “Pritters and pork, sir. Nothing else to be had in the woods. Thank God, + we have enough of that!” + </p> + <p> + D—— shrugged up his shoulders, and looked at us. + </p> + <p> + “We've plenty of that same at home. But hunger's good sauce. Come, be + spry, widow, and see about it, for I am very hungry.” + </p> + <p> + I inquired for a private room for myself and the children, but there were + no private rooms in the house. The apartment we occupied was like the + cobbler's stall in the old song, and I was obliged to attend upon them in + public. + </p> + <p> + “You have much to learn, ma'am, if you are going to the woods,” said Mrs. + J——. + </p> + <p> + “To unlearn, you mean,” said Mr. D——. “To tell you the truth, + Mrs. Moodie, ladies and gentlemen have no business in the woods. + Eddication spoils man or woman for that location. So, widow (turning to + our hostess), you are not tired of living alone yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I have no wish for a second husband. I had enough of the first. + I like to have my own way—to lie down mistress, and get up master.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't like to be put out of your <i>old</i> way,” returned he, with a + mischievous glance. + </p> + <p> + She coloured very red; but it might be the heat of the fire over which she + was frying the pork for our dinner. + </p> + <p> + I was very hungry, but I felt no appetite for the dish she was preparing + for us. It proved salt, hard, and unsavoury. + </p> + <p> + D—— pronounced it very bad, and the whiskey still worse, with + which he washed it down. + </p> + <p> + I asked for a cup of tea and a slice of bread. But they were out of tea, + and the hop-rising had failed, and there was no bread in the house. For + this disgusting meal we paid at the rate of a quarter of a dollar a-head. + </p> + <p> + I was glad when, the horses being again put to, we escaped from the rank + odour of the fried pork, and were once more in the fresh air. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mister; did not you grudge your money for that bad meat?” said D——, + when we were once more seated in the sleigh. “But in these parts, the + worse the fare the higher the charge.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have cared,” said I, “if I could have got a cup of tea.” + </p> + <p> + “Tea! it's poor trash. I never could drink tea in my life. But I like + coffee, when 'tis boiled till it's quite black. But coffee is not good + without plenty of trimmings.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by trimmings?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed. “Good sugar, and sweet cream. Coffee is not worth drinking + without trimmings.” + </p> + <p> + Often in after years have I recalled the coffee trimmings, when + endeavouring to drink the vile stuff which goes by the name of coffee in + the houses of entertainment in the country. + </p> + <p> + We had now passed through the narrow strip of clearing which surrounded + the tavern, and again entered upon the woods. It was near sunset, and we + were rapidly descending a steep hill, when one of the traces that held our + sleigh suddenly broke. D—— pulled up in order to repair the + damage. His brother's team was close behind, and our unexpected + stand-still brought the horses upon us before J. D—— could + stop them. I received so violent a blow from the head of one of them, just + in the back of the neck, that for a few minutes I was stunned and + insensible. When I recovered, I was supported in the arms of my husband, + over whose knees I was leaning, and D—— was rubbing my hands + and temples with snow. + </p> + <p> + “There, Mr. Moodie, she's coming to. I thought she was killed. I have seen + a man before now killed by a blow from a horse's head in the like manner.” + As soon as we could, we resumed our places in the sleigh; but all + enjoyment of our journey, had it been otherwise possible, was gone. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Peterborough, Moodie wished us to remain at the inn all + night, as we had still eleven miles of our journey to perform, and that + through a blazed forest-road, little travelled, and very much impeded by + fallen trees and other obstacles; but D—— was anxious to get + back as soon as possible to his own home, and he urged us very + pathetically to proceed. + </p> + <p> + The moon arose during our stay at the inn, and gleamed upon the straggling + frame houses which then formed the now populous and thriving town of + Peterborough. We crossed the wild, rushing, beautiful Otonabee river by a + rude bridge, and soon found ourselves journeying over the plains or level + heights beyond the village, which were thinly wooded with picturesque + groups of oak and pine, and very much resembled a gentleman's park at + home. Far below, to our right (for we were upon the Smith-town side) we + heard the rushing of the river, whose rapid waters never receive curb from + the iron chain of winter. Even while the rocky banks are coated with ice, + and the frost-king suspends from every twig and branch the most beautiful + and fantastic crystals, the black waters rush foaming along, a thick steam + rising constantly above the rapids, as from a boiling pot. The shores + vibrate and tremble beneath the force of the impetuous flood, as it whirls + round cedar-crowned islands and opposing rocks, and hurries on to pour its + tribute into the Rice Lake, to swell the calm, majestic grandeur of the + Trent, till its waters are lost in the beautiful bay of Quinté, and + finally merged in the blue ocean of Ontario. + </p> + <p> + The most renowned of our English rivers dwindle into little muddy rills + when compared with the sublimity of the Canadian waters. No language can + adequately express the solemn grandeur of her lake and river scenery; the + glorious islands that float, like visions from fairy land, upon the bosom + of these azure mirrors of her cloudless skies. No dreary breadth of + marshes, covered with flags, hide from our gaze the expanse of + heaven-tinted waters; no foul mud-banks spread their unwholesome + exhalations around. The rocky shores are crowned with the cedar, the + birch, the alder, and soft maple, that dip their long tresses in the pure + stream; from every crevice in the limestone the harebell and Canadian rose + wave their graceful blossoms. + </p> + <p> + The fiercest droughts of summer may diminish the volume and power of these + romantic streams, but it never leaves their rocky channels bare, nor + checks the mournful music of their dancing waves. Through the openings in + the forest, we now and then caught the silver gleam of the river tumbling + on in moonlight splendour, while the hoarse chiding of the wind in the + lofty pines above us gave a fitting response to the melancholy cadence of + the waters. + </p> + <p> + The children had fallen asleep. A deep silence pervaded the party. Night + was above us with her mysterious stars. The ancient forest stretched + around us on every side, and a foreboding sadness sunk upon my heart. + Memory was busy with the events of many years. I retraced step by step the + pilgrimage of my past life, until arriving at that passage in its sombre + history, I gazed through tears upon the singularly savage scene around me, + and secretly marvelled, “What brought me here??” + </p> + <p> + “Providence,” was the answer which the soul gave. “Not for your own + welfare, perhaps, but for the welfare of your children, the unerring hand + of the great Father has led you here. You form a connecting link in the + destinies of many. It is impossible for any human creature to live for + himself alone. It may be your lot to suffer, but others will reap a + benefit from your trials. Look up with confidence to Heaven, and the sun + of hope will yet shed a cheering beam through the forbidden depths of this + tangled wilderness.” + </p> + <p> + The road became so bad that Mr. D—— was obliged to dismount, + and lead his horses through the more intricate passages. The animals + themselves, weary with their long journey and heavy load, proceeded at + foot-fall. The moon, too, had deserted us, and the only light we had to + guide us through the dim arches of the forest was from the snow and the + stars, which now peered down upon us through the leafless branches of the + trees, with uncommon brilliancy. + </p> + <p> + “It will be past midnight before we reach your brother's clearing,” (where + we expected to spend the night,) said D——. “I wish, Mr. + Moodie, we had followed your advice, and staid at Peterborough. How fares + it with you, Mrs. Moodie, and the young ones? It is growing very cold.” + </p> + <p> + We were now in the heart of a dark cedar swamp, and my mind was haunted + with visions of wolves and bears; but beyond the long, wild howl of a + solitary wolf, no other sound awoke the sepulchral silence of that dismal + looking wood. + </p> + <p> + “What a gloomy spot,” said I to my husband. “In the old country, + superstition would people it with ghosts.” + </p> + <p> + “Ghosts! There are no ghosts in Canada!” said Mr. D——. “The + country is too new for ghosts. No Canadian is afeard of ghosts. It is only + in old countries, like your'n, that are full of sin and wickedness, that + people believe in such nonsense. No human habitation has ever been erected + in this wood through which you are passing. Until a very few years ago, + few white persons had ever passed through it; and the Red Man would not + pitch his tent in such a place as this. Now, ghosts, as I understand the + word, are the spirits of bad men, that are not allowed by Providence to + rest in their graves, but, for a punishment, are made to haunt the spots + where their worst deeds were committed. I don't believe in all this; but, + supposing it to be true, bad men must have died here before their spirits + could haunt the place. Now, it is more than probable that no person ever + ended his days in this forest, so that it would be folly to think of + seeing his ghost.” + </p> + <p> + This theory of Mr. D——'s had the merit of originality, and it + is not improbable that the utter disbelief in supernatural appearances, + which is common to most native-born Canadians, is the result of the same + very reasonable mode of arguing. The unpeopled wastes of Canada must + present the same aspect to the new settler that the world did to our first + parents after their expulsion from the garden of Eden; all the sin which + could defile the spot, or haunt it with the association of departed evil, + is concentrated in their own persons. Bad spirits cannot be supposed to + linger near a place where crime has never been committed. The belief in + ghosts, so prevalent in old countries, must first have had its foundation + in the consciousness of guilt. + </p> + <p> + After clearing this low, swampy portion of the wood, with much difficulty, + and the frequent application of the axe, to cut away the fallen timber + that impeded our progress, our ears were assailed by a low, roaring, + rushing sound, as of the falling of waters. + </p> + <p> + “That is Herriot's Falls,” said our guide. “We are within two miles of our + destination.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, welcome sound! But those two miles appeared more lengthy than the + whole journey. Thick clouds, that threatened a snow-storm, had blotted out + the stars, and we continued to grope our way through a narrow, rocky path, + upon the edge of the river, in almost total darkness. I now felt the + chillness of the midnight hour, and the fatigue of the long journey, with + double force, and envied the servant and children, who had been sleeping + ever since we left Peterborough. We now descended the steep bank, and + prepared to cross the rapids. + </p> + <p> + Dark as it was, I looked with a feeling of dread upon the foaming waters + as they tumbled over their bed of rocks, their white crests flashing, + life-like, amid the darkness of the night. + </p> + <p> + “This is an ugly bridge over such a dangerous place,” said D——, + as he stood up in the sleigh and urged his tired team across the + miserable, insecure log-bridge, where darkness and death raged below, and + one false step of his jaded horses would have plunged us into both. I must + confess I drew a freer breath when the bridge was crossed, and D—— + congratulated us on our safe arrival in Douro. + </p> + <p> + We now continued our journey along the left bank of the river, but when in + sight of Mr. S——'s clearing, a large pine-tree, which had + newly fallen across the narrow path, brought the teams to a stand-still. + The mighty trunk which had lately formed one of the stately pillars in the + sylvan temple of Nature, was of too large dimensions to chop in two with + axes; and after half-an-hour's labour, which to me, poor, cold, weary + wight! seemed an age, the males of the party abandoned the task in + despair. To go round it was impossible; its roots were concealed in an + impenetrable wall of cedar-jungle on the right-hand side of the road, and + its huge branches hung over the precipitous bank of the river. + </p> + <p> + “We must try and make the horses jump over it,” said D——. “We + may get an upset, but there is no help for it; we must either make the + experiment, or stay here all night, and I am too cold and hungry for that—so + here goes.” He urged his horses to leap the log; restraining their ardour + for a moment as the sleigh rested on the top of the formidable barrier, + but so nicely balanced, that the difference of a straw would almost have + overturned the heavily-laden vehicle and its helpless inmates. We, + however, cleared it in safety. He now stopped, and gave directions to his + brother to follow the same plan that he had adopted; but whether the young + man had less coolness, or the horses in his team were more difficult to + manage, I cannot tell: the sleigh, as it hung poised upon the top of the + log, was overturned with a loud crash, and all my household goods and + chattels were scattered over the road. Alas, for my crockery and stone + china! Scarcely one article remained unbroken. + </p> + <p> + “Never fret about the china,” said Moodie; “thank God, the man and the + horses are uninjured.” + </p> + <p> + I should have felt more thankful had the crocks been spared too; for, like + most of my sex, I had a tender regard for china, and I knew that no fresh + supply could be obtained in this part of the world. Leaving his brother to + collect the scattered fragments, D—— proceeded on his journey. + We left the road, and were winding our way over a steep hill, covered with + heaps of brush and fallen timber, and as we reached the top, a light + gleamed cheerily from the windows of a log house, and the next moment we + were at my brother's door. + </p> + <p> + I thought my journey was at an end; but here I was doomed to fresh + disappointment. His wife was absent on a visit to her friends, and it had + been arranged that we were to stay with my sister, Mrs. T——, + and her husband. With all this I was unacquainted; and I was about to quit + the sleigh and seek the warmth of the fire when I was told that I had yet + further to go. Its cheerful glow was to shed no warmth on me, and, tired + as I was, I actually buried my face and wept upon the neck of a hound + which Moodie had given to Mr. S——, and which sprang up upon + the sleigh to lick my face and hands. This was my first halt in that weary + wilderness, where I endured so many bitter years of toil and sorrow. My + brother-in-law and his family had retired to rest, but they instantly rose + to receive the way-worn travellers; and I never enjoyed more heartily a + warm welcome after a long day of intense fatigue, than I did that night of + my first sojourn in the backwoods. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE WILDERNESS, AND OUR INDIAN FRIENDS. + </h2> + <p> + The clouds of the preceding night, instead of dissolving into snow, + brought on a rapid thaw. A thaw in the middle of winter is the most + disagreeable change that can be imagined. After several weeks of clear, + bright, bracing, frosty weather, with a serene atmosphere and cloudless + sky, you awake one morning surprised at the change in the temperature; + and, upon looking out of the window, behold the woods obscured by a murky + haze—not so dense as an English November fog, but more black and + lowering—and the heavens shrouded in a uniform covering of + leaden-coloured clouds, deepening into a vivid indigo at the edge of the + horizon. The snow, no longer hard and glittering, has become soft and + spongy, and the foot slips into a wet and insidiously-yielding mass at + every step. From the roof pours down a continuous stream of water, and the + branches of the trees collecting the moisture of the reeking atmosphere, + shower it upon the earth from every dripping twig. The cheerless and + uncomfortable aspect of things without never fails to produce a + corresponding effect upon the minds of those within, and casts such a damp + upon the spirits that it appears to destroy for a time all sense of + enjoyment. Many persons (and myself among the number) are made aware of + the approach of a thunder-storm by an intense pain and weight about the + head; and I have heard numbers of Canadians complain that a thaw always + made them feel bilious and heavy, and greatly depressed their animal + spirits. + </p> + <p> + I had a great desire to visit our new location, but when I looked out upon + the cheerless waste, I gave up the idea, and contented myself with hoping + for a better day on the morrow; but many morrows came and went before a + frost again hardened the road sufficiently for me to make the attempt. + </p> + <p> + The prospect from the windows of my sister's log hut was not very + prepossessing. The small lake in front, which formed such a pretty object + in summer, now looked like an extensive field covered with snow, hemmed in + from the rest of the world by a dark belt of sombre pine-woods. The + clearing round the house was very small, and only just reclaimed from the + wilderness, and the greater part of it covered with piles of brushwood, to + be burned the first dry days of spring. The charred and blackened stumps + on the few acres that had been cleared during the preceding year were + every thing but picturesque; and I concluded, as I turned, disgusted, from + the prospect before me, that there was very little beauty to be found in + the backwoods. But I came to this decision during a Canadian thaw, be it + remembered, when one is wont to view every object with jaundiced eyes. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had only been able to secure sixty-six acres of his government + grant upon the Upper Kutchawanook Lake, which, being interpreted, means in + English, the “Lake of the Waterfalls,” a very poetical meaning, which most + Indian names have. He had, however, secured a clergy reserve of two + hundred acres adjoining; and he afterwards purchased a fine lot which + likewise formed a part of the same block, one hundred acres, for £150. + [Footnote: After a lapse of fifteen years, we have been glad to sell these + lots of land, after considerable clearings had been made upon them, for + less than they originally cost us.] This was an enormously high price for + wild land, but the prospect of opening the Trent and Otonabee for the + navigation of steamboats and other small craft, was at that period a + favourite speculation, and its practicability, and the great advantages to + be derived from it, were so widely believed, as to raise the value of the + wild lands along these remote waters to an enormous price; and settlers in + the vicinity were eager to secure lots, at any sacrifice, along their + shores. + </p> + <p> + Our government grant was upon the lake shore, and Moodie had chosen for + the site of his log house a bank that sloped gradually from the edge of + the water, until it attained to the dignity of a hill. Along the top of + this ridge, the forest-road ran, and midway down the hill, our humble + home, already nearly completed, stood, surrounded by the eternal forest. A + few trees had been cleared in its immediate vicinity, just sufficient to + allow the workmen to proceed, and to prevent the fall of any tree injuring + the building, or the danger of its taking fire during the process of + burning the fallow. + </p> + <p> + A neighbour had undertaken to build this rude dwelling by contract, and + was to have it ready for us by the first week in the new year. The want of + boards to make the divisions in the apartments alone hindered him from + fulfilling his contract. These had lately been procured, and the house was + to be ready for our reception in the course of a week. Our trunks and + baggage had already been conveyed by Mr. D—— hither; and in + spite of my sister's kindness and hospitality, I longed to find myself + once more settled in a home of my own. + </p> + <p> + The day after our arrival, I was agreeably surprised by a visit from + Monaghan, whom Moodie had once more taken into his service. The poor + fellow was delighted that his nurse-child, as he always called little + Katie, had not forgotten him, but evinced the most lively satisfaction at + the sight of her dark friend. + </p> + <p> + Early every morning, Moodie went off to the house; and the first fine day, + my sister undertook to escort me through the wood, to inspect it. The + proposal was joyfully accepted; and although I felt <i>rather</i> timid + when I found myself with only my female companion in the vast forest, I + kept my fears to myself, lest I should be laughed at. This foolish dread + of encountering wild beasts in the woods, I never could wholly shake off, + even after becoming a constant resident in their gloomy depths, and + accustomed to follow the forest-path, alone, or attended with little + children, daily. The cracking of an old bough, or the hooting of the owl, + was enough to fill me with alarm, and try my strength in a precipitate + flight. Often have I stopped and reproached myself for want of faith in + the goodness of Providence, and repeated the text, “The wicked are afraid + when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion,” as if to + shame myself into courage. But it would not do; I could not overcome the + weakness of the flesh. If I had one of my infants with me, the wish to + protect the child from any danger which might beset my path gave me for a + time a fictitious courage; but it was like love fighting with despair. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that my husband assured me that no person had ever been + attacked by wild animals in the woods, that a child might traverse them + even at night in safety; whilst I knew that wild animals existed in those + woods, I could not believe him, and my fears on this head rather increased + than diminished. + </p> + <p> + The snow had been so greatly decreased by the late thaw, that it had been + converted into a coating of ice, which afforded a dangerous and slippery + footing. My sister, who had resided for nearly twelve months in the woods, + was provided for her walk with Indian moccasins, which rendered her quite + independent; but I stumbled at every step. The sun shone brightly, the air + was clear and invigorating, and, in spite of the treacherous ground and my + foolish fears, I greatly enjoyed my first walk in the woods. Naturally of + a cheerful, hopeful disposition, my sister was enthusiastic in her + admiration of the woods. She drew such a lively picture of the charms of a + summer residence in the forest that I began to feel greatly interested in + her descriptions, and to rejoice that we too were to be her near + neighbours and dwellers in the woods; and this circumstance not a little + reconciled me to the change. + </p> + <p> + Hoping that my husband would derive an income equal to the one he had + parted with from the investment of the price of his commission in the + steamboat stock, I felt no dread of want. Our legacy of £700 had afforded + us means to purchase land, build our house, and give out a large portion + of land to be cleared, and, with a considerable sum of money still in + hand, our prospects for the future were in no way discouraging. + </p> + <p> + When we reached the top of the ridge that overlooked our cot, my sister + stopped, and pointed out a large dwelling among the trees. “There, S——,” + she said, “is your home. When that black cedar swamp is cleared away, that + now hides the lake from us, you will have a very, pretty view.” My + conversation with her had quite altered the aspect of the country, and + predisposed me to view things in the most favourable light. I found Moodie + and Monaghan employed in piling up heaps of bush near the house, which + they intended to burn off by hand previous to firing the rest of the + fallow, to prevent any risk to the building from fire. The house was made + of cedar logs, and presented a superior air of comfort to most dwellings + of the same kind. The dimensions were thirty-six feet in length, and + thirty-two in breadth, which gave us a nice parlour, a kitchen, and two + small bedrooms, which were divided by plank partitions. Pantry or + storeroom there was none; some rough shelves in the kitchen, and a deal + cupboard in a corner of the parlour, being the extent of our + accommodations in that way. + </p> + <p> + Our servant, Mary Tate, was busy scrubbing out the parlour and bedroom; + but the kitchen, and the sleeping-room off it, were still knee-deep in + chips, and filled with the carpenter's bench and tools, and all our + luggage. Such as it was, it was a palace when compared to Old Satan's log + hut, or the miserable cabin we had wintered in during the severe winter of + 1833, and I regarded it with complacency as my future home. + </p> + <p> + While we were standing outside the building, conversing with my husband, a + young gentleman, of the name of Morgan, who had lately purchased land in + that vicinity, went into the kitchen to light his pipe at the stove, and, + with true backwood carelessness, let the hot cinder fall among the dry + chips that strewed the floor. A few minutes after, the whole mass was in a + blaze, and it was not without great difficulty that Moodie and Mr. R—— + succeeded in putting out the fire. Thus were we nearly deprived of our + home before we had taken up our abode in it. + </p> + <p> + The indifference to the danger of fire in a country where most of the + dwellings are composed of inflammable materials, is truly astonishing. + Accustomed to see enormous fires blazing on every hearth-stone, and to + sleep in front of these fires, his bedding often riddled with holes made + by hot particles of wood flying out during the night, and igniting beneath + his very nose, the sturdy backwoodsman never dreads an enemy in the + element that he is used to regard as his best friend. Yet what awful + accidents, what ruinous calamities arise, out of this criminal negligence, + both to himself and others! + </p> + <p> + A few days after this adventure, we bade adieu to my sister, and took + possession of our new dwelling and commenced “a life in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + The first spring we spent in comparative ease and idleness. Our cows had + been left upon our old place during the winter. The ground had to be + cleared before it could receive a crop of any kind, and I had little to do + but to wander by the lake shore, or among the woods, and amuse myself. + These were the halcyon days of the bush. My husband had purchased a very + light cedar canoe, to which he attached a keel a sail; and most of our + leisure hours, directly the snows melted, were spent upon the water. + </p> + <p> + These fishing and shooting excursions were delightful. The pure beauty of + the Canadian water, the sombre but august grandeur of the vast forest that + hemmed us in on every side and shut us out from the rest of the world, + soon cast a magic spell upon our spirits, and we began to feel charmed + with the freedom and solitude around us. Every object was new to us. We + felt as if we were the first discoverers of every beautiful flower and + stately tree that attracted our attention, and we gave names to fantastic + rocks and fairy isles, and raised imaginary houses and bridges on every + picturesque spot which we floated past during our aquatic excursions. I + learned the use of the paddle, and became quite a proficient in the gentle + craft. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before we received visits from the Indians, a people whose + beauty, talents, and good qualities have been somewhat overrated, and + invested with a poetical interest which they scarcely deserve. Their + honesty and love of truth are the finest traits in characters otherwise + dark and unlovely. But these are two God-like attributes, and from them + spring all that is generous and ennobling about them. + </p> + <p> + There never was a people more sensible of kindness, or more grateful for + any little act of benevolence exercised towards them. We met them with + confidence; our dealings with them were conducted with the strictest + integrity; and they became attached to our persons, and in no single + instance ever destroyed the good opinion we entertained of them. + </p> + <p> + The tribes that occupy the shores of all these inland waters back of the + great lakes, belong to the Chippewa or Missasagua Indians, perhaps the + least attractive of all these wild people, both with regard to their + physical and mental endowments. The men of this tribe are generally small + of stature, with very coarse and repulsive features. The forehead is low + and retreating, the observing faculties large, the intellectual ones + scarcely developed; the ears large, and standing off from the face; the + eyes looking towards the temples, keen, snake-like, and far apart; the + cheek-bones prominent; the nose long and flat, the nostrils very round; + the jaw-bone projecting, massy, and brutal; the mouth expressing ferocity + and sullen determination; the teeth large, even, and dazzilngly white. The + mouth of the female differs widely in expression from that of the male; + the lips are fuller, the jaw less projecting, and the smile is simple and + agreeable. The women are a merry, light-hearted set, and their constant + laugh and incessant prattle form a strange contrast to the iron + taciturnity of their grim lords. + </p> + <p> + Now I am upon the subject, I will recapitulate a few traits and sketches + of these people, as they came under my own immediate observation. + </p> + <p> + A dry cedar swamp, not far from the house, by the lake shore, had been + their usual place of encampment for many years. The whole block of land + was almost entirely covered with maple-trees, and had originally been an + Indian sugar-bush. Although the favourite spot had now passed into the + hands of strangers, they still frequented the place, to make canoes and + baskets, to fish and shoot, and occasionally to follow their old + occupation. Scarcely a week passed away without my being visited by the + dark strangers; and as my husband never allowed them to eat with the + servants, but brought them to his own table, they soon grew friendly and + communicative, and would point to every object that attracted their + attention, asking a thousand questions as to its use, the material of + which it was made, and if we were inclined to exchange it for their + commodities? With a large map of Canada, they were infinitely delighted. + In a moment they recognized every bay and headland in Ontario, and almost + screamed with delight when, following the course of the Trent with their + fingers, they came to their own lake. + </p> + <p> + How eagerly each pointed out the spot to his fellows; how intently their + black heads were bent down, and their dark eyes fixed upon the map! What + strange, uncouth exclamations of surprise burst from their lips as they + rapidly repeated the Indian names for every lake and river on this + wonderful piece of paper! + </p> + <p> + The old chief, Peter Nogan, begged hard for the coveted treasure. He would + give “Canoe, venison, duck, fish, for it; and more, by and by.” + </p> + <p> + I felt sorry that I was unable to gratify his wishes; but the map had cost + upwards of six dollars, and was daily consulted by my husband, in + reference to the names and situations of localities in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + I had in my possession a curious Japanese sword, which had been given to + me by an uncle of Tom Wilson's—a strange gift to a young lady; but + it was on account of its curiosity, and had no reference to my warlike + propensities. This sword was broad, and three-sided in the blade, and in + shape resembled a moving snake. The hilt was formed of a hideous carved + image of one of their war-gods; and a more villainous wretch was never + conceived by the most distorted imagination. He was represented in a + sitting attitude, the eagle's claws, that formed his hands, resting upon + his knees; his legs terminated in lion's paws; and his face was a strange + compound of beast and bird—the upper part of his person being + covered with feathers, the lower with long, shaggy hair. The case of this + awful weapon was made of wood, and, in spite of its serpentine form, + fitted it exactly. No trace of a join could be found in this scabbard, + which was of hard wood, and highly polished. + </p> + <p> + One of my Indian friends found this sword lying upon the book-shelf, and + he hurried to communicate the important discovery to his companions. + Moodie was absent, and they brought it to me to demand an explanation of + the figure that formed the hilt. I told them that it was a weapon that + belonged to a very fierce people who lived in the East, far over the Great + Salt Lake; that they were not Christians, as we were, but said their + prayers to images made of silver, and gold, and ivory, and wood, and that + this was one of them; that before they went into battle they said their + prayers to that hideous thing, which they had made with their own hands. + The Indians were highly amused by this relation, and passed the sword from + one to the other, exclaiming, “A god!—Owgh!—A god!” + </p> + <p> + But, in spite of these outward demonstrations of contempt, I was sorry to + perceive that this circumstance gave the weapon a great value in their + eyes, and they regarded it with a sort of mysterious awe. + </p> + <p> + For several days they continued to visit the house, bringing along with + them some fresh companion to look at Mrs. Moodie's <i>god!</i>—until, + vexed and annoyed by the delight they manifested at the sight of the + eagle-beaked monster, I refused to gratify their curiosity by not + producing him again. + </p> + <p> + The manufacture of the sheath, which had caused me much perplexity, was + explained by old Peter in a minute. “'Tis burnt out,” he said. “Instrument + made like sword—heat red-hot—burnt through—polished + outside.” + </p> + <p> + Had I demanded a whole fleet of canoes for my Japanese sword, I am certain + they would have agreed to the bargain. The Indian possesses great taste, + which is displayed in the carving of his paddles, in the shape of his + canoes, in the elegance and symmetry of his bows, in the cut of his + leggings and moccasins, the sheath of his hunting-knife, and in all the + little ornaments in which he delights. It is almost impossible for a + settler to imitate to perfection an Indian's cherry-wood paddle. My + husband made very creditable attempts, but still there was something + wanting—the elegance of the Indian finish was not there. If you show + them a good print, they invariably point out the most natural and the + best-executed figure in the group. They are particularly delighted with + pictures, examine them long and carefully, and seem to feel an artist-like + pleasure in observing the effect produced by light and shade. + </p> + <p> + I had been showing John Nogan, the eldest son of old Peter, some beautiful + coloured engravings of celebrated females; and to my astonishment he + pounced upon the best, and grunted out his admiration in the most approved + Indian fashion. After having looked for a long time at all the pictures + very attentively, he took his dog Sancho upon his knee, and showed him the + pictures, with as much gravity as if the animal really could have shared + in his pleasure. The vanity of these grave men is highly amusing. They + seem perfectly unconscious of it themselves; and it is exhibited in the + most childlike manner. + </p> + <p> + Peter and his son John were taking tea with us, when we were joined by my + brother Mr. S——. The latter was giving us an account of the + marriage of Peter Jones, the celebrated Indian preacher. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot think,” he said, “how any lady of propeity and education could + marry such a man as Jones. Why, he's as ugly as Peter here.” + </p> + <p> + This was said, not with any idea of insulting the red-skin on the score of + his beauty, of which he possessed not the smallest particle, but in total + forgetfulness that our guest understood English. Never shall I forget the + red flash of that fierce, dark eye as it glared upon my unconscious + brother. I would not have received such a fiery glance for all the wealth + that Peter Jones obtained with his Saxon bride. John Nogan was highly + amused by his father's indignation. He hid his face behind the chief; and + though he kept perfectly still, his whole frame was convulsed with + suppressed laughter. + </p> + <p> + A plainer human being than poor Peter could scarcely be imagined; yet he + certainly deemed himself handsome. I am inclined to think that their ideas + of personal beauty differ very widely from ours. Tom Nogan, the chief's + brother, had a very large, fat ugly squaw for his wife. She was a mountain + of tawny flesh; and, but for the innocent, good-natured expression, which, + like a bright sunbeam penetrating a swarthy cloud, spread all around a + kindly glow, she might have been termed hideous. + </p> + <p> + This woman they considered very handsome, calling her “a fine squaw—clever + squaw—a much good woman;” though in what her superiority consisted, + I never could discover, often as I visited the wigwam. She was very dirty, + and appeared quite indifferent to the claims of common decency (in the + disposal of the few filthy rags that covered her). She was, however, very + expert in all Indian craft. No Jew could drive a better bargain than Mrs. + Tom; and her urchins, of whom she was the happy mother of five or six, + were as cunning and avaricious as herself. One day she visited me, + bringing along with her a very pretty covered basket for sale. I asked her + what she wanted for it, but could obtain from her no satisfactory answer. + I showed her a small piece of silver. She shook her head. I tempted her + with pork and flour, but she required neither. I had just given up the + idea of dealing with her, in despair, when she suddenly seized upon me, + and, lifting up my gown, pointed exultingly to my quilted petticoat, + clapping her hands, and laughing immoderately. + </p> + <p> + Another time she led me all over the house, to show me what she wanted in + exchange for <i>basket</i>. My patience was well nigh exhausted in + following her from place to place, in her attempt to discover the coveted + article, when, hanging upon a peg in my chamber, she espied a pair of + trowsers belonging to my husband's logging-suit. The riddle was solved. + With a joyful cry she pointed to them, exclaiming “Take basket.—Give + them!” It was with no small difficulty that I rescued the indispensables + from her grasp. + </p> + <p> + From this woman I learned a story of Indian coolness and courage which + made a deep impression on my mind. One of their squaws, a near relation of + her own, had accompanied her husband on a hunting expedition into the + forest. He had been very successful, and having killed more deer than they + could well carry home, he went to the house of a white man to dispose of + some of it, leaving the squaw to take care of the rest until his return. + She sat carelessly upon the log with his hunting-knife in her hand, when + she heard the breaking of branches near her, and, turning round, beheld a + great bear only a few paces from her. + </p> + <p> + It was too late to retreat; and seeing that the animal was very hungry, + and determined to come to close quarters, she rose, and placed her back + against a small tree, holding her knife close to her breast, and in a + straight line with the bear. The shaggy monster came on. She remained + motionless, her eyes steadily fixed upon her enemy, and as his huge arms + closed around her, she slowly drove the knife into his heart. The bear + uttered a hideous cry, and sank dead at her feet. When the Indian + returned, he found the courageous woman taking the skin from the carcass + of the formidable brute. + </p> + <p> + The wolf they hold in great contempt, and scarcely deign to consider him + as an enemy. Peter Nogan assured me that he never was near enough to one + in his life to shoot it; that, except in large companies, and when greatly + pressed by hunger, they rarely attack men. They hold the lynx, or + wolverine, in much dread, as they often spring from trees upon their prey, + fastening upon the throat with their sharp teeth and claws, from which a + person in the dark could scarcely free himself without first receiving a + dangerous wound. The cry of this animal is very terrifying, resembling the + shrieks of a human creature in mortal agony. + </p> + <p> + My husband was anxious to collect some of the native Indian airs, as they + all sing weil, and have a fine ear for music, but all his efforts proved + abortive. “John,” he said to young Nogan (who played very creditably on + the flute, and had just concluded the popular air of “Sweet Home”), + “cannot you play me one of jour own songs?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—but no good.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me to be the judge of that. Cannot you give me a war-song?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—but no good,” with an ominous shake of the head. + </p> + <p> + “A hunting-song?” + </p> + <p> + “No fit for white man.”—with an air of contempt.—“No good, no + good!” + </p> + <p> + “Do, John, sing us a love-song,” said I, laughing, “if you have such a + thing in your language.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! much love-song—very much—bad—bad—no good for + Christian man. Indian song no good for white ears.” This was very + tantalizing, as their songs sounded very sweet from the lips of their + squaws, and I had a great desire and curiosity to get some of them + rendered into English. + </p> + <p> + To my husband they gave the name of “the musician,” but I have forgotten + the Indian word. It signified the maker of sweet sounds. They listened + with intense delight to the notes of his flute, maintained a breathless + silence during the performance; their dark eyes flashing in fierce light + at a martial strain, or softening with the plaintive and tender. + </p> + <p> + The affection of Indian parents to their children, and the deference which + they pay to the aged, is a beautiful and touching trait in their + character. + </p> + <p> + One extremely cold, wintry day, as I was huddled with my little ones over + the stove, the door softly unclosed, and the moccasined foot of an Indian + crossed the floor. I raised my head, for I was too much accustomed to + their sudden appearance at any hour to feel alarmed, and perceived a tall + woman standing silently and respectfully before me, wrapped in a large + blanket. The moment she caught my eye she dropped the folds of her + covering from around her, and laid at my feet the attenuated figure of a + boy, about twelve years of age, who was in the last stage of consumption. + </p> + <p> + “Papouse die,” she said, mournfully, clasping her hands against her + breast, and looking down upon the suffering lad with the most heartfelt + expression of maternal love, while large tears trickled down her dark + face. “Moodie's squaw save papouse—poor Indian woman much glad.” + </p> + <p> + Her child was beyond all human aid. I looked anxiously upon him, and knew, + by the pinched-up features and purple hue of his wasted cheek, that he had + not many hours to live. I could only answer with tears her agonizing + appeal to my skill. + </p> + <p> + “Try and save him! All die but him.” (She held up five of her fingers.) + “Brought him all the way from Mutta Lake [Footnote: Mud Lake, or Lake <i>Shemong</i>, + in Indian.] upon my back, for white squaw to cure.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot cure him, my poor friend. He is in God's care; in a few hours he + will be with Him.” + </p> + <p> + The child was seized with a dreadful fit of coughing, which I expected + every moment would terminate his frail existence. I gave him a + tea-spoonful of currant-jelly, which he took with avidity, but could not + retain a moment on his stomach. + </p> + <p> + “Papouse die,” murmured the poor woman; “alone—alone! No papouse; + the mother all alone.” + </p> + <p> + She began re-adjusting the poor sufferer in her blanket. I got her some + food, and begged her to stay and rest herself; but she was too much + distressed to eat, and too restless to remain. She said little, but her + face expressed the keenest anguish; she took up her mournful load, pressed + for a moment his wasted, burning hand in hers, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + My heart followed her a long way on her melancholy journey. Think what + this woman's love must have been for that dying son, when she had carried + a lad of his age six miles, through the deep snow upon her back, on such a + day, in the hope of my being able to do him some good. Poor heartbroken + mother! I learned from Joe Muskrat's squaw some days after that the boy + died a few minutes after Elizabeth Iron, his mother, got home. + </p> + <p> + They never forget any little act of kindness. One cold night, late in the + fall, my hospitality was demanded by six squaws, and puzzled I was how to + accommodate them all. I at last determined to give them the use of the + parlour floor during the night. Among these women there was one very old, + whose hair was as white as snow. She was the only gray-haired Indian I + ever saw, and on that account I regarded her with peculiar interest. I + knew that she was the wife of a chief, by the scarlet embroidered + leggings, which only the wives and daughters of chiefs are allowed to + wear. The old squaw had a very pleasing countenance, but I tried in vain + to draw her into conversation. She evidently did not understand me; and + the Muskrat squaw, and Betty Cow, were laughing at my attempts to draw her + out. I administered supper to them with my own hands, and after I had + satisfied their wants, (which is no very easy task, for they have great + appetites,) I told our servant to bring in several spare mattresses and + blankets for their use. “Now mind, Jenny, and give the old squaw the best + bed,” I said; “the others are young and can put up with a little + inconvenience.” + </p> + <p> + The old Indian glanced at me with her keen, bright eye; but I had no idea + that she comprehended what I said. Some weeks after this, as I was + sweeping over my parlour floor, a slight tap drew me to the door. On + opening it I perceived the old squaw, who immediately slipped into my hand + a set of beautifully-embroidered bark trays, fitting one within the other, + and exhibiting the very best sample of the porcupine-quill work. While I + stood wondering what this might mean, the good old creature fell upon my + neck, and kissing me, exclaimed, “You remember old squaw—make her + comfortable! Old squaw no forget you. Keep them for her sake,” and before + I could detain her she ran down the hill with a swiftness which seemed to + bid defiance to years. I never saw this interesting Indian again, and I + concluded that she died during the winter, for she must have been of a + great age. + </p> + <p> + A friend was staying with us, who wished much to obtain a likeness of Old + Peter. I promised to try and make a sketch of the old man the next time he + paid us a visit. That very afternoon he brought us some ducks in exchange + for pork, and Moodie asked him to stay and take a glass of whiskey with + him and his friend Mr. K——. The old man had arrayed himself in + a new blanket-coat, bound with red, and the seams all decorated with the + same gay material. His leggings and moccasins were new, and elaborately + fringed; and, to cap the climax of the whole, he had a blue cloth conical + cap upon his head, ornamented with a deer's tail dyed blue, and several + cock's feathers. He was evidently very much taken up with the magnificence + of his own appearance, for he often glanced at himself in a small + shaving-glass that hung opposite, with a look of grave satisfaction. + Sitting apart that I might not attract his observation, I got a tolerably + faithful likeness of the old man, which, after sightly colouring, to show + more plainly his Indian finery, I quietly handed over to Mr. K——. + Sly as I thought myself, my occupation and the object of it had not + escaped the keen eye of the old man. He rose, came behind Mr. K——'s + chair, and regarded the picture with a most affectionate eye. I was afraid + that he would be angry at the liberty I had taken. No such thing! He was + as pleased as Punch. + </p> + <p> + “That Peter?” he grunted. “Give me—put up in wigwam—make dog + too! Owgh! owgh!” and he rubbed his hands together, and chuckled with + delight. Mr. K—— had some difficulty in coaxing the picture + from the old chief; so pleased was he with this rude representation of + himself. He pointed to every particular article of his dress, and dwelt + with peculiar glee on the cap and blue deer's tail. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this, I was painting a beautiful little snow-bird, that + our man had shot out of a large flock that alighted near the door. I was + so intent upon my task, to which I was putting the finishing strokes, that + I did not observe the stealthy entrance (for they all walk like cats) of a + stern-looking red man, till a slender, dark hand was extended over my + paper to grasp the dead bird from which I was copying, and which as + rapidly transferred it to the side of the painted one, accompanying the + act with the deep guttural note of approbation, the unmusical, savage + “Owgh.” + </p> + <p> + My guest then seated himself with the utmost gravity in a rocking-chair, + directly fronting me, and made the modest demand that I should paint a + likeness of him, after the following quaint fashion: + </p> + <p> + “Moodie's squaw know much—make Peter Nogan toder day on papare—make + Jacob to-day—Jacob young—great hunter—give much duck—venison—to + squaw.” + </p> + <p> + Although I felt rather afraid of my fierce-looking visitor, I could + scarcely keep my gravity; there was such an air of pompous + self-approbation about the Indian, such a sublime look of conceit in his + grave vanity. + </p> + <p> + “Moodie's squaw cannot do every thing; she cannot paint young men,” said + I, rising, and putting away my drawing materials, upon which he kept his + eye intently fixed, with a hungry, avaricious expression. I thought it + best to place the coveted objects beyond his reach. After sitting for some + time, and watching all my movements, he withdrew, with a sullen, + disappointed air. This man was handsome, but his expression was vile. + Though he often came to the house, I never could reconcile myself to his + countenance. + </p> + <p> + Late one very dark, stormy night, three Indians begged to be allowed to + sleep by the kitchen stove. The maid was frightened out of her wits at the + sight of these strangers, who were Mohawks from the Indian woods upon the + Bay of Quinté, and they brought along with them a horse and cutter. The + night was so stormy, that, after consulting our man—Jacob Faithful, + as we usually called him—I consented to grant their petition, + although they were quite strangers, and taller and fiercer-looking than + our friends the Missasaguas. + </p> + <p> + I was putting my children to bed, when the girl came rushing in, out of + breath. “The Lord preserve us, madam, if one of these wild men has not + pulled off his trowsers, and is a-sitting mending them behind the stove! + and what shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Do?-why, stay with me, and leave the poor fellow to finish his work.” + </p> + <p> + The simple girl had never once thought of this plan of pacifying her + outraged sense of propriety. + </p> + <p> + Their sense of hearing is so acute that they can distinguish sounds at an + incredible distance, which cannot be detected by a European at all. I + myself witnessed a singular exemplification of this fact. It was + mid-winter; the Indians had pitched their tent, or wigwam, as usual, in + our swamp. All the males were absent on a hunting expedition up the + country, and had left two women behind to take care of the camp and its + contents, Mrs. Tom Nogan and her children, and Susan Moore, a young girl + of fifteen, and the only truly beautiful squaw I ever saw. There was + something interesting about this girl's history, as well as her + appearance. Her father had been drowned during a sudden hurricane, which + swamped his canoe on Stony Lake; and the mother, who witnessed the + accident from the shore, and was near her confinement with this child, + boldly swam out to his assistance. She reached the spot where he sank, and + even succeeded in recovering the body; but it was too late; the man was + dead. + </p> + <p> + The soul of an Indian that has been drowned is reckoned accursed, and he + is never permitted to join his tribe on the happy hunting-grounds, but his + spirit haunts the lake or river in which he lost his life. His body is + buried on some lonely island, which the Indians never pass without leaving + a small portion of food, tobacco, or ammunition, to supply his wants; but + he is never interred with the rest of his people. His children are + considered unlucky, and few willingly unite them selves to the females of + the family, lest a poition of the father's curse should be visited on + them. + </p> + <p> + The orphan Indian girl generally kept aloof from the rest, and seemed so + lonely and companionless, that she soon attracted my attention and + sympathy, and a hearty feeling of good-will sprang up between us. Her + features were small and regular, her face oval, and her large, dark, + loving eyes were full of tenderness and sensibility, but as bright and shy + as those of the deer. A rich vermilion glow burnt upon her olive cheek and + lips, and set off the dazzling whiteness of her even and pearly teeth. She + was small of stature, with delicate little hands and feet, and her figure + was elastic and graceful. She was a beautiful child of nature, and her + Indian name signified “the voice of angry waters.” Poor girl, she had been + a child of grief and tears from her birth! Her mother was a Mohawk, from + whom she, in all probability, derived her superior personal attractions; + for they are very far before the Missasaguas in this respect. + </p> + <p> + My friend and neighbour, Emilia S——, the wife of a naval + officer, who lived about a mile distant from me, through the bush, had + come to spend the day with me; and hearing that the Indians were in the + swamp, and the men away, we determined to take a few trifles to the camp, + in the way of presents, and spend an hour in chatting with the squaws. + </p> + <p> + What a beautiful moonlight night it was, as light as day!—the great + forest sleeping tranquilly beneath the cloudless heavens—not a sound + to disturb the deep repose of nature but the whispering of the breeze, + which, during the most profound calm, creeps through the lofty pine tops. + We bounded down the steep bank to the lake shore. Life is a blessing, a + precious boon indeed, in such an hour, and we felt happy in the mere + consciousness of existence—the glorious privilege of pouring out the + silent adoration of the heart to the Great Father in his universal temple. + </p> + <p> + On entering the wigwam, which stood within a few yards of the clearing, in + the middle of a thick group of cedars, we found Mrs. Tom alone with her + elvish children, seated before the great fire that burned in the centre of + the camp; she was busy boiling some bark in an iron spider. The little + boys, in red flannel shirts, which were their only covering, were + tormenting a puppy, which seemed to take their pinching and pommelling in + good part, for it neither attempted to bark nor to bite, but like the eels + in the story, submitted to the infliction because it was used to it. Mrs. + Tom greeted us with a grin of pleasure, and motioned us to sit down upon a + buffalo skin, which, with a courtesy so natural to the Indians, she had + placed near her for our accommodation. + </p> + <p> + “You are all alone,” said I, glancing round the camp. “Ye'es; Indian away + hunting—Upper Lakes. Come home with much deer.” + </p> + <p> + “And Susan, where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “By and by,” (meaning that she was coming). “Gone to fetch water—ice + thick—chop with axe—take long time.” + </p> + <p> + As she ceased speaking, the old blanket that formed the door of the tent + was withdrawn, and the girl, bearing two pails of water, stood in the open + space, in the white moonlight. The glow of the fire streamed upon her + dark, floating locks, danced in the black, glistening eye, and gave a + deeper blush to the olive cheek! She would have made a beautiful picture; + Sir Joshua Reynolds would have rejoiced in such a model—so simply + graceful and unaffected, the very <i>beau idéal</i> of savage life and + unadorned nature. A smile of recognition passed between us. She put down + her burden beside Mrs. Tom, and noiselessly glided to her seat. + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely exchanged a few words with our favourite, when the old + squaw, placing her hand against her ear, exclaimed, “Whist! whist!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Emilia and I, starting to our feet, “Is there any + danger?” + </p> + <p> + “A deer—a deer—in bush!” whispered the squaw, seizing a rifle + that stood in a corner. “I hear sticks crack—a great way off. Stay + here!” + </p> + <p> + A great way off the animal must have been, for though Emilia and I + listened at the open door, an advantage which the squaw did not enjoy, we + could not hear the least sound: all seemed still as death. The squaw + whistled to an old hound, and went out. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear any thing, Susan?” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Listen; the dog has found the track.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment the discharge of a rifle, and the deep baying of the dog, + woke up the sleeping echoes of the woods; and the girl started off to help + the old squaw to bring in the game that she had shot. + </p> + <p> + The Indians are great imitators, and possess a nice tact in adopting the + customs and manners of those with whom they associate. An Indian is + Nature's gentleman—never familiar, coarse, or vulgar. If he take a + meal with you, he waits to see how you make use of the implements on the + table, and the manner in which you eat, which he imitates with a grave + decorum, as if he had been accustomed to the same usage from childhood. He + never attempts to help himself, or demand more food, but waits patiently + until you perceive what he requires. I was perfectly astonished at this + innate politeness, for it seems natural to all the Indians with whom I + have had any dealings. + </p> + <p> + There was one old Indian, who belonged to a distant settlement, and only + visited our lakes occasionally on hunting parties. He was a strange, + eccentric, merry old fellow, with a skin like red mahogany, and a wiry, + sinewy frame, that looked as if it could bid defiance to every change of + temperature. Old Snow-storm, for such was his significant name, was rather + too fond of the whiskey-bottle, and when he had taken a drop too much, he + became an unmanageable wild beast. He had a great fancy for my husband, + and never visited the other Indians without extending the same favour to + us. Once upon a time, he broke the nipple of his gun; and Moodie repaired + the injury for him by fixing a new one in its place, which little kindness + quite won the heart of the old man, and he never came to see us without + bringing an offering of fish, ducks, partridges, or venison, to show his + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + One warm September day, he made his appearance bareheaded, as usual, and + carrying in his hand a great checked bundle. + </p> + <p> + “Fond of grapes?” said he, putting the said bundle into my hands. “Fine + grapes—brought them from island, for my friend's squaw and + papouses.” + </p> + <p> + Glad of the donation, which I considered quite a prize, I hastened into + the kitchen to untie the grapes and put them into a dish. But imagine my + disappointment, when I found them wrapped up in a soiled shirt, only + recently taken from the back of the owner. I called Moodie, and begged him + to return Snow-storm his garment, and to thank him for the grapes. + </p> + <p> + The mischievous creature was highly diverted with the circumstance, and + laughed immoderately. + </p> + <p> + “Snow-storm,” said he, “Mrs. Moodie and the children are obliged to you + for your kindness in bringing them the grapes; but how came you to tie + them up in a dirty shirt?” + </p> + <p> + “Dirty!” cried the old man, astonished that we should object to the fruit + on that score. “It ought to be clean; it has been washed often enough. + Owgh! You see, Moodie,” he continued, “I have no hat—never wear hat—want + no shade to my eyes—love the sun—see all around me—up + and down—much better widout hat. Could not put grapes in hat—blanket-coat + too large, crush fruit, juice run out. I had noting but my shirt, so I + takes off shirt, and brings grape safe over the water on my back. Papouse + no care for dirty shirt; their <i>lee-tel bellies have no eyes</i>.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of this eloquent harangue, I could not bring myself to use the + grapes, ripe and tempting as they looked, or give them to the children. + Mr. W—— and his wife happening to step in at that moment, fell + into such an ecstacy at the sight of the grapes, that, as they were + perfectly unacquainted with the circumstance of the shirt, I very <i>generously</i> + gratified their wishes by presenting them with the contents of the large + dish; and they never ate a bit less sweet for the novel mode in which they + were conveyed to me! + </p> + <p> + The Indians, under their quiet exterior, possess a deal of humour. They + have significant names for every thing, and a nickname for every one, and + some of the latter are laughably appropriate. A fat, pompous, ostentatious + settler in our neighbourhood they called <i>Muckakee</i>, “the bull-frog.” + Another, rather a fine young man, but with a very red face, they named <i>Segoskee</i>, + “the rising sun.” Mr. Wood, who had a farm above ours, was a remarkably + slender young man, and to him they gave the appellation of <i>Metiz</i>, + “thin stick.” A woman, that occasionally worked for me, had a disagreeable + squint; she was known in Indian by the name of <i>Sachábó</i>, + “cross-eye.” A gentleman with a very large nose was <i>Choojas</i>, “big, + or ugly nose.” My little Addie, who was a fair, lovely creature, they + viewed with great approbation, and called <i>Anoonk</i>, “a star;” while + the rosy Katie was <i>Nogesigook,</i> “the northern lights.” As to me, I + was <i>Nonocosiqui</i>, a “humming-bird;” a ridiculous name for a tall + woman, but it was reference to the delight I took in painting birds. My + friend, Emilia, was “blue cloud;” my little Donald, “frozen face;” young C——, + “the red-headed woodpecker,” from the colour of his hair; my brother, <i>Chippewa</i>, + and “the bald-headed eagle.” He was an especial favourite among them. + </p> + <p> + The Indians are often made a prey of and cheated by the unprincipled + settlers, who think it no crime to overreach a red skin. One anecdote will + fully illustrate this fact. A young squaw, who was near becoming a mother, + stopped at a Smith-town settler's house to rest herself. The woman of the + house, who was Irish, was peeling for dinner some large white turnips, + which her husband had grown in their garden. The Indian had never seen a + turnip before, and the appearance of the firm, white, juicy root gave her + such a keen craving to taste it that she very earnestly begged for a small + piece to eat. She had purchased at Peterborough a large stone-china bowl, + of a very handsome pattern, (or, perhaps, got it at the store in exchange + for a <i>basket</i>,) the worth of which might be half-a-dollar. If the + poor squaw longed for the turnip, the value of which could scarcely reach + a copper, the covetous European had fixed as longing a glance upon the + china bowl, and she was determined to gratify her avaricious desire and + obtain it on the most easy terms. She told the squaw, with some disdain, + that her man did not grow turnips to give away to “Injuns,” but she would + sell her one. The squaw offered her four coppers, all the change she had + about her. This the woman refused with contempt. She then proffered a + basket; but that was not sufficient; nothing would satisfy her but the + bowl. The Indian demurred; but opposition had only increased her craving + for the turnip in a tenfold degree; and, after a short mental struggle, in + which the animal propensity overcame the warnings of prudence, the squaw + gave up the bowl, and received in return <i>one turnip</i>. The daughter + of this woman told me this anecdote of her mother as a very clever thing. + What ideas some people have of moral justice! + </p> + <p> + I have said before that the Indian never forgets a kindness. We had a + thousand proofs of this, when, overtaken by misfortune, and withering + beneath the iron grasp of poverty, we could scarcely obtain bread for + ourselves and our little ones; then it was that the truth of the Eastern + proverb was brought home to our hearts, and the goodness of God fully + manifested towards us, “Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt + find it after many days.” During better times we had treated these poor + savages with kindness and liberality, and when dearer friends looked + coldly upon us they never forsook us. For many a good meal I have been + indebted to them, when I had nothing to give in return, when the pantry + was empty, and “the hearth-stone growing cold,” as they term the want of + provisions to cook at it. And their delicacy in conferring these favours + was not the least admirable part of their conduct. John Nogan, who was + much attached to us, would bring a fine bunch of ducks, and drop them at + my feet “for the papouse,” or leave a large muskinonge on the sill of the + door, or place a quarter of venison just within it, and slip away without + saying a word, thinking that receiving a present from a poor Indian might + hurt our feelings, and he would spare us the mortification of returning + thanks. + </p> + <p> + When an Indian loses one of his children, he must keep a strict fast for + three days, abstaining from food of any kind. A hunter, of the name of + Young, told me a curious story of their rigid observance of this strange + rite. + </p> + <p> + “They had a chief,” he said, “a few years ago, whom they called 'Handsome + Jack'—whether in derision, I cannot tell, for he was one of the + ugliest Indians I ever saw. The scarlet fever got into the camp—a + terrible disease in this country, and doubly terrible to those poor + creatures who don't know how to treat it. His eldest daughter died. The + chief had fasted two days when I met him in the bush. I did not know what + had happened, but I opened my wallet, for I was on a hunting expedition, + and offered him some bread and dried venison. He looked at me + reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Do white men eat bread the first night their papouse is laid in the + earth?” + </p> + <p> + “I then knew the cause of his depression, and left him.” + </p> + <p> + On the night of the second day of his fast another child died of the + fever. He had now to accomplish three more days without tasting food. It + was too much even for an Indian. On the evening of the fourth, he was so + pressed by ravenous hunger, that he stole into the woods, caught a + bull-frog, and devoured it alive. He imagined himself alone, but one of + his people, suspecting his intention, had followed him, unperceived, to + the bush. The act he had just committed was a hideous crime in their eyes, + and in a few minutes the camp was in an uproar. The chief fled for + protection to Young's house. When the hunter demanded the cause of his + alarm, he gave for answer, “There are plenty of flies at my house. To + avoid their stings I came to you.” + </p> + <p> + It required all the eloquence of Mr. Young, who enjoyed much popularity + among them, to reconcile the rebellious tribe to their chief. + </p> + <p> + They are very skilful in their treatment of wounds, and many diseases. + Their knowledge of the medicinal qualities of their plants and herbs is + very great. They make excellent poultices from the bark of the bass and + the slippery-elm. They use several native plants in their dyeing of + baskets and porcupine quills. The inner bark of the swamp-alder, simply + boiled in water, makes a beautiful red. From the root of the black briony + they obtain a fine salve for sores, and extract a rich yellow dye. The + inner bark of the root of the sumach, roasted, and reduced to powder, is a + good remedy for the ague; a tea-spoonful given between the hot and cold + fit. They scrape the fine white powder from the large fungus that grows + upon the bark of the pine into whiskey, and take it for violent pains in + the stomach. The taste of this powder strongly reminded me of quinine. + </p> + <p> + I have read much of the excellence of Indian cookery, but I never could + bring myself to taste any thing prepared in their dirty wigwams. I + remember being highly amused in watching the preparation of a mess, which + might have been called the Indian hotch-potch. It consisted of a strange + mixture of fish, flesh, and fowl, all boiled together in the same vessel. + Ducks, partridges, muskinonge, venison, and muskrats, formed a part of + this delectable compound. These were literally smothered in onions, + potatoes, and turnips, which they had procured from me. They very + hospitably offered me a dishful of the odious mixture, which the odour of + the muskrats rendered every thing but savoury; but I declined, simply + stating that I was not hungry. My little boy tasted it, but quickly left + the camp to conceal the effect it produced upon him. + </p> + <p> + Their method of broiling fish, however, is excellent. They take a fish, + just fresh out of the water, cut out the entrails, and, without removing + the scales, wash it clean, dry it in a cloth, or in grease, and cover it + all over with clear hot ashes. When the flesh will part from the bone, + they draw it out of the ashes, strip off the skin, and it is fit for the + table of the most fastidious epicure. + </p> + <p> + The deplorable want of chastity that exists among the Indian women of this + tribe seems to have been more the result of their intercourse with the + settlers in the country than from any previous disposition to this vice. + The jealousy of their husbands has often been exercised in a terrible + manner against the offending squaws; but this has not happened of late + years. The men wink at these derelictions in their wives, and share with + them the price of their shame. + </p> + <p> + The mixture of European blood adds greatly to the physical beauty of the + half-race, but produces a sad falling off from the original integrity of + the Indian character. The half-caste is generally a lying, vicious roguel, + possessing the worst qualities of both parents in an eminent degree. We + have many of these half-Indians in the penitentiary, for crimes of the + blackest dye. + </p> + <p> + The skill of the Indian in procuring his game, either by land or water, + has been too well described by better writers than I could ever hope to + be, to need any illustration from my pen, and I will close this long + chapter with a droll anecdote which is told of a gentleman in this + neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + The early loss of his hair obliged Mr.—— to procure the + substitute of a wig. This was such a good imitation of nature, that none + but his intimate friends and neighbours were aware of the fact. It + happened that he had had some quarrel with an Indian, which had to be + settled in one of the petty courts. The case was decided in favour of Mr.——, + which so aggrieved the savage, who considered himself the injured party, + that he sprang upon him with a furious yell, tomahawk in hand, with the + intention of depriving him of his scalp. He twisted his hand in the locks + which adorned the cranium of his adversary, when—horror of horrors!—the + treacherous wig came off in his hand, “Owgh! owgh!” exclaimed the + affrighted savage, flinging it from him, and rushing from the court as if + he had been bitten by a rattlesnake. His sudden exit was followed by peals + of laughter from the crowd, while Mr.—— coolly picked up his + wig, and dryly remarked that it had saved his head. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. BURNING THE FALLOW. + </h2> + <p> + It is not my intention to give a regular history of our residence in the + bush, but merely to present to my readers such events as may serve to + illustrate a life in the woods. + </p> + <p> + The winter and spring of 1834 had passed away. The latter was uncommonly + cold and backward; so much so that we had a very heavy fall of snow upon + the 14th and 15th of May, and several gentlemen drove down to Cobourg in a + sleigh, the snow lying upon the ground to the depth of several inches. + </p> + <p> + A late, cold spring in Canada is generally succeeded by a burning, hot + summer; and the summer of '34 was the hottest I ever remember. No rain + fell upon the earth for many weeks, till nature drooped and withered + beneath one bright blaze of sunlight; and the ague and fever in the woods, + and the cholera in the large towns and cities, spread death and sickness + through the country. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had made during the winter a large clearing of twenty acres around + the house. The progress of the workmen had been watched by me with the + keenest interest. Every tree that reached the ground opened a wider gap in + the dark wood, giving us a broader ray of light and a clearer glimpse of + the blue sky. But when the dark cedar swamp fronting the house fell + beneath the strokes of the axe, and we got a first view of the lake my joy + was complete: a new and beautiful object was now constantly before me, + which gave me the greatest pleasure. By night and day, in sunshine or in + storm, water is always the most sublime feature in a landscape, and no + view can be truly grand in which it is wanting. From a child, it always + had the most powerful effect upon my mind, from the great ocean rolling in + majesty, to the tinkling forest rill, hidden by the flowers and rushes + along its banks. Half the solitude of my forest home vanished when the + lake unveiled its bright face to the blue heavens, and I saw sun and moon + and stars and waving trees reflected there. I would sit for hours at the + window as the shades of evening deepened round me, watching the massy + foliage of the forests pictured in the waters, till fancy transported me + back to England, and the songs of birds and the lowing of cattle were + sounding in my ears. It was long, very long, before I could discipline my + mind to learn and practise all the menial employments which are necessary + in a good settler's wife. + </p> + <p> + The total absence of trees about the doors in all new settlements had + always puzzled me, in a country where the intense heat of summer seems to + demand all the shade that can be procured. My husband had left several + beautiful rock-elms (the most picturesque tree in the country) near our + dwelling, but, alas! the first high gale prostrated all my fine trees, and + left our log cottage entirely exposed to the fierce rays of the sun. The + confusion of an uncleared fallow spread around us on every side. Huge + trunks of trees and piles of brush gave a littered and uncomfortable + appearance to the locality, and as the weather had been very dry for some + weeks, I heard my husband daily talking with his choppers as to the + expediency of firing the fallow. They still urged him to wait a little + longer, until he could get a good breeze to carry the fire well through + the brush. + </p> + <p> + Business called him suddenly to Toronto, but he left a strict charge with + old Thomas and his sons, who were engaged in the job, by no means to + attempt to burn it off till he returned, as he wished to be upon the + premises himself in case of any danger. He had previously burnt all the + heaps immediately about the doors. While he was absent, old Thomas and his + second son fell sick with the ague, and went home to their own township, + leaving John, a surly, obstinate young man, in charge of the shanty, where + they slept, and kept their tools and provisions. Monaghan I had sent to + fetch up my three cows, as the children were languishing for milk, and + Mary and I remained alone in the house with the little ones. The day was + sultry, and towards noon a strong wind sprang up that roared in the pine + tops like the dashing of distant billows, but without in the least degree + abating the heat. The children were lying listlessly upon the floor for + coolness, and the girl and I were finishing sun-bonnets, when Mary + suddenly exclaimed, “Bless us, mistress, what a smoke!” I ran immediately + to the door, but was not able to distinguish ten yards before me. The + swamp immediately below us was on fire, and the heavy wind was driving a + dense black cloud of smoke directly towards us. + </p> + <p> + “What can this mean?” I cried, “Who can have set fire to the fallow?” + </p> + <p> + As I ceased speaking, John Thomas stood pale and trembling before me. + “John, what is the meaning of this fire?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ma'am, I hope you will forgive me; it was I set fire to it, and I + would give all I have in the world if I had not done it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the danger?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm terribly afeard that we shall all be burnt up,” said the fellow, + beginning to whimper. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you run such a risk, and your master from home, and no one on the + place to render the least assistance?” + </p> + <p> + “I did it for the best,” blubbered the lad. “What shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, we must get out of it as fast as we can, and leave the house to its + fate.” + </p> + <p> + “We can't get out,” said the man, in a low, hollow tone, which seemed the + concentration of fear; “I would have got out of it if I could; but just + step to the back door, ma'am, and see.” + </p> + <p> + I had not felt the least alarm up to this minute; I had never seen a + fallow burnt, but I had heard of it as a thing of such common occurrence + that I had never connected with it any idea of danger. Judge then, my + surprise, my horror, when, on going to the back door, I saw that the + fellow, to make sure of his work, had fired the field in fifty different + places. Behind, before, on every side, we were surrounded by a wall of + fire, burning furiously within a hundred yards of us, and cutting off all + possibility of retreat; for could we have found an opening through the + burning heaps, we could not have seen our way through the dense canopy of + smoke; and, buried as we were in the heart of the forest, no one could + discover our situation till we were beyond the reach of help. I closed the + door, and went back to the parlour. Fear was knocking loudly at my heart, + for our utter helplessness annihilated all hope of being able to effect + our escape—I felt stupefied. The girl sat upon the floor by the + children, who, unconscious of the peril that hung over them, had both + fallen asleep. She was silently weeping; while the fool who had caused the + mischief was crying aloud. + </p> + <p> + A strange calm succeeded my first alarm; tears and lamentations were + useless; a horrible death was impending over us, and yet I could not + believe that we were to die. I sat down upon the step of the door, and + watched the awful scene in silence. The fire was raging in the cedar + swamp, immediately below the ridge on which the house stood, and it + presented a spectacle truly appalling. From out the dense folds of a + canopy of black smoke, the blackest I ever saw, leaped up continually red + forks of lurid flame as high as the tree tops, igniting the branches of a + group of tall pines that had been left standing for sun-logs. A deep gloom + blotted out the heavens from our sight. The air was filled with fiery + particles, which floated even to the door-step—while the crackling + and roaring of the flames might have been heard at a great distance. Could + we have reached the lake shore, where several canoes were moored at the + landing, by launching out into the water we should have been in perfect + safety; but, to attain this object, it was necessary to pass through this + mimic hell; and not a bird could have flown over it with unscorched wings. + There was no hope in that quarter, for, could we have escaped the flames, + we should have been blinded and choked by the thick, black, resinous + smoke. The fierce wind drove the flames at the sides and back of the house + up the clearing; and our passage to the road, or to the forest, on the + right and left, was entirely obstructed by a sea of flames. Our only ark + of safety was the house, so long as it remained untouched by the consuming + element. I turned to young Thomas, and asked him, how long he thought that + would be. + </p> + <p> + “When the fire clears this little ridge in front, ma'am. The Lord have + mercy upon us, then, or we must all go!” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot <i>you</i>, John, try and make your escape, and see what can be + done for us and the poor children?” + </p> + <p> + My eye fell upon the sleeping angels, locked peacefully in each other's + arms, and my tears flowed for the first time. Mary, the servant-girl, + looked piteously up in my face. The good, faithful creature had not + uttered one word of complaint, but now she faltered forth, + </p> + <p> + “The dear, precious lambs!—Oh! such a death!” + </p> + <p> + I threw myself down upon the floor beside them, and pressed them + alternately to my heart, while inwardly I thanked God that they were + asleep, unconscious of danger, and unable by their childish cries to + distract our attention from adopting any plan which might offer to effect + their escape. + </p> + <p> + The heat soon became suffocating. We were parched with thirst, and there + was not a drop of water in the house, and none to be procured nearer than + the lake. I turned once more to the door, hoping that a passage might + have-been burnt through to the water. I saw nothing but a dense cloud of + fire and smoke—could hear nothing but the crackling and roaring of + flames, which were gaining so fast upon us that I felt their scorching + breath in my face. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” thought I—and it was a most bitter thought—“what will my + beloved husband say when he returns and finds that poor Susy and his dear + girls have perished in this miserable manner? But God can save us yet.” + </p> + <p> + The thought had scarcely found a voice in my heart before the wind rose to + a hurricane, scattering the flames on all sides into a tempest of burning + billows. I buried my head in my apron, for I thought that our time was + come, and that all was lost, when a most terrific crash of thunder burst + over our heads, and, like the breaking of a water-spout, down came the + rushing torrent of rain which had been pent up for so many weeks. In a few + minutes the chip-yard was all afloat, and the fire effectually checked. + The storm which, unnoticed by us, had been gathering all day, and which + was the only one of any note we had that summer, continued to rage all + night, and before morning had quite subdued the cruel enemy, whose + approach we had viewed with such dread. + </p> + <p> + The imminent danger in which we had been placed struck me more forcibly + after it was past than at the time, and both the girl and myself sank upon + our knees, and lifted up our hearts in humble thanksgiving to that God who + had saved us by an act of His Providence from an awful and sudden death. + When all hope from human assistance was lost, His hand was mercifully + stretched forth, making His strength more perfectly manifested in our + weakness:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He is their stay when earthly help is lost, + The light and anchor of the tempest-toss'd.” + </pre> + <p> + There was one person, unknown to us, who had watched the progress of that + rash blaze, and had even brought his canoe to the landing, in the hope of + getting us off. This was an Irish pensioner named Dunn, who had cleared a + few acres on his government grant, and had built a shanty on the opposite + shore of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, madam! an' I thought the captain was stark, staring mad to fire + his fellow on such a windy day, and that blowing right from the lake to + the house. When Old Wittals came in and towld us that the masther was not + to the fore, but only one lad, an' the wife an' the chilther at home,—thinks + I, there's no time to be lost, or the crathurs will be burnt up intirely. + We started instanther, but, by Jove! We were too late. The swamp was all + in a blaze when we got to the landing, and you might as well have tried to + get to heaven by passing through the other place.” + </p> + <p> + This was the eloquent harangue with which the honest creature informed me + the next morning of the efforts he had made to save us, and the interest + he had felt in our critical situation. I felt comforted for my past + anxiety, by knowing that one human being, however humble, had sympathized + in our probable fate; while the providential manner in which we had been + rescued will ever remain a theme of wonder and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + The next evening brought the return of my husband, who listened to the + tale of our escape with a pale and disturbed countenance; not a little + thankful to find his wife and children still in the land of the living. + For a long time after the burning of that fallow, it haunted me in my + dreams. I would awake with a start, imagining myself fighting with the + flames, and endeavouring to carry my little children through them to the + top of the clearing, when invariably their garments and my own took fire + just as I was within reach of a place of safety. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. OUR LOGGING-BEE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There was a man in our town, + In our town, in our town— + There was a man in our town, + He made a logging-bee; + + And he bought lots of whiskey, + To make the loggers frisky— + To make the loggers frisky + At his logging bee + + The Devil sat on a log heap, + A log heap, a log heap— + A red hot burning log heap— + A-grinning at the bee; + + And there was lots of swearing, + Of boasting and of daring, + Of fighting and of tearing, + At that logging bee +</pre> + <h3> + J. W. D. M. + </h3> + <p> + A logging-bee followed the burning of the fallow, as a matter of course. + In the bush, where hands are few, and labour commands an enormous rate of + wages, these gatherings are considered indispensable, and much has been + written in their praise; but, to me, they present the most disgusting + picture of a bush life. They are noisy, riotous, drunken meetings, often + terminating in violent quarrels, sometimes even in bloodshed. Accidents of + the most serious nature often occur, and very little work is done, when we + consider the number of hands employed, and the great consumption of food + and liquor. I am certain, in our case, had we hired with the money + expended in providing for the bee, two or three industrious, hard-working + men, we should have got through twice as mueh work, and have had it done + well, and have been the gainers in the end. + </p> + <p> + People in the woods have a craze for giving and going to bees, and run to + them with as much eagerness as a peasant runs to a race-course or a fair; + plenty of strong drink and excitement making the chief attraction of the + bee. In raising a house or barn, a bee may be looked upon as a necessary + evil, but these gatherings are generally conducted in a more orderly + manner than those for logging. Fewer hands are required; and they are + generally under the control of the carpenter who puts up the frame, and if + they get drunk during the raising they are liable to meet with very + serious accidents. + </p> + <p> + Thirty-two men, gentle and simple, were invited to our bee, and the maid + and I were engaged for two days preceding the important one, in baking and + cooking for the entertainment of our guests. When I looked at the quantity + of food we had prepared, I thought that it never could be all eaten, even + by thirty-two men. It was a burning-hot day towards the end of July, when + our loggers began to come in, and the “gee!” and “ha!” of the oxen + resounded on every side. There was my brother S——, with his + frank English face, a host in himself; Lieutenant —— in his + blouse, wide white trowsers, and red sash, his broad straw hat shading a + dark manly face that would have been a splendid property for a bandit + chief; the four gay, reckless, idle sons of ——, famous at any + spree, but incapable of the least mental or physical exertion, who + considered hunting and fishing as the sole aim and object of life. These + young men rendered very little assistance themselves, and their example + deterred others who were inclined to work. + </p> + <p> + There were the two R——s, who came to work and to make others + work; my good brother-in-law, who had volunteered to be the Grog Bos, and + a host of other settlers, among whom I recognized Moodie's old + acquaintance, Dan Simpson, with his lank red hair and long freckled face: + the Youngs, the hunters, with their round, black, curly heads and rich + Irish brogue; poor C——, with his long, spare, consumptive + figure, and thin, sickly face. Poor fellow, he has long since been + gathered to his rest! + </p> + <p> + There was the ruffian squatter P——, from Clear Lake,—the + dread of all honest men; the brutal M——, who treated oxen as + if they had been logs, by beating them with handspikes; and there was Old + Wittals, with his low forehead and long nose, a living witness of the + truth of phrenology, if his large organ of acquisitiveness and his want of + conscientiousness could be taken in evidence. Yet in spite of his + derelictions from honesty, he was a hard-working, good-natured man, who, + if he cheated you in a bargain, or took away some useful article in + mistake from your homestead, never wronged his employer in his day's work. + </p> + <p> + He was a curious sample of cunning and simplicity—quite a character + in his way—and the largest eater I ever chanced to know. From this + ravenous propensity, for he eat his food like a famished wolf, he had + obtained the singular name of “Wittals.” During the first year of his + settlement in the bush, with a very large family to provide for, he had + been often in want of food. One day he came to my brother, with a very + long face. + </p> + <p> + “'Fore God! Mr. S—-, I'm no beggar, but I'd be obliged to you for a + loaf of bread. I declare to you on my honour that I have not had a bit of + wittals to dewour for two whole days.” + </p> + <p> + He came to the right person with his petition. Mr. S—— with a + liberal hand relieved his wants, but he entailed upon him the name of “Old + Wittals,” as part payment. His daughter, who was a very pretty girl, had + stolen a march upon him into the wood, with a lad whom he by no means + regarded with a favourable eye. When she returned, the old man confronted + her and her lover with this threat, which I suppose he considered “the + most awful” punishment that he could devise. + </p> + <p> + “March into the house, Madam 'Ria (Maria); and if ever I catch you with + that scamp again, I'll tie you up to a stump all day, and give you no + wittals.” + </p> + <p> + I was greatly amused by overhearing a dialogue between Old Wittals and one + of his youngest sons, a sharp, Yankeefied-looking boy, who had lost one of + his eyes, but the remaining orb looked as if it could see all ways at + once. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Sol, how came you to tell that tarnation tearing lie to Mr. S—— + yesterday? Didn't you expect that you'd catch a good wallopping for the + like of that? Lying may be excusable in a man, but 'tis a terrible bad + habit in a boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor', father, that worn't a lie. I told Mr. S——, our cow + worn't in his peas. Nor more she wor; she was in his wheat.” + </p> + <p> + “But she was in the peas all night, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “That wor nothing to me; she worn't in just then. Sure I won't get a + licking for that?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, you are a good boy; but mind what I tell you, and don't bring me + into a scrape with any of your real lies.” + </p> + <p> + Prevarication, the worst of falsehoods, was a virtue in his eyes. So much + for the old man's morality. + </p> + <p> + Monaghan was in his glory, prepared to work or fight, whichever should + come uppermost; and there was old Thomas and his sons, the contractors for + the clearing, to expedite whose movements the bee was called. Old Thomas + was a very ambitious man in his way. Though he did not know A from B, he + took it into his head that he had received a call from Heaven to convert + the heathen in the wilderness; and every Sunday he held a meeting in our + logger's shanty, for the purpose of awakening sinners, and bringing over + “Injun pagans” to the true faith. His method of accomplishing this object + was very ingenious. He got his wife, Peggy—or “my Paggy,” as he + called her—to read aloud for him a text from the Bible, until he + knew it by heart; and he had, as he said truly, “a good remembrancer,” and + never heard a striking sermon but he retained the most important passages, + and retailed them secondhand to his bush audience. + </p> + <p> + I must say that I was not a little surprised at the old man's eloquence + when I went one Sunday over to the shanty to hear him preach. Several wild + young fellows had come on purpose to make fun of him; but his discourse, + which was upon the text, “We shall all meet before the judgment-seat of + Christ,” was rather too serious a subject to turn into a jest, with even + old Thomas for the preacher. All went on very well until the old man gave + out a hymn, and led off in such a loud, discordant voice, that my little + Katie, who was standing between her father's knees, looked suddenly up, + and said, “Mamma, what a noise old Thomas makes!” This remark led to a + much greater noise, and the young men, unable to restrain their + long-suppressed laughter, ran tumultuously from the shanty. I could have + whipped the little elf; but small blame could be attached to a child of + two years old, who had never heard a preacher, especially such a preacher + as the old back woodsman, in her life. Poor man! he was perfectly + unconscious of the cause of the disturbance, and remarked to us, after the + service was over, + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am, did not we get on famously? Now, worn't that a <i>bootiful</i> + discourse?” + </p> + <p> + “It was, indeed; much better than I expected.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I knew it would please you. It had quite an effect on those + wild fellows. A few more such sermons will teach them good behaviour. Ah! + the bush is a bad place for young men. The farther in the bush, say I, the + farther from God, and the nearer to hell. I told that wicked Captain I—— + of Dummer so the other Sunday; 'an',' says he, 'if you don't hold your + confounded jaw, you old fool, I'll kick you there.' Now, ma'am, now, sir, + was not that bad manners in a gentleman, to use such <i>appropriate + epitaphs</i> to a humble servant of God, like I?” + </p> + <p> + And thus the old man ran on for an hour, dilating upon his own merits and + the sins of his neighbours. + </p> + <p> + There was John R——, from Smith-town, the most notorious + swearer in the district; a man who esteemed himself clever, nor did he + want for natural talent, but he had converted his mouth into such a sink + of iniquity that it corrupted the whole man, and all the weak and + thoughtless of his own sex who admitted him into their company. I had + tried to convince John R—— (for he often frequented the house + under the pretence of borrowing books) of the great crime that he was + constantly committing, and of the injurious effect it must produce upon + his own family, but the mental disease had taken too deep a root to be so + easily cured. Like a person labouring under some foul disease, he + contaminated all he touched. Such men seem to make an ambitious display of + their bad habits in such scenes, and if they afford a little help, they + are sure to get intoxicated and make a row. There was my friend, old Ned + Dunn, who had been so anxious to get us out of the burning fallow. There + was a whole group of Dummer Pines: Levi, the little wiry, witty poacher; + Cornish Bill, the honest-hearted old peasant, with his stalwart figure and + uncouth dialect; and David and Ned—all good men and true; and + Malachi Chroak, a queer, withered-up, monkey-man, that seemed like some + mischievous elf, flitting from heap to heap to make work and fun for the + rest; and many others were at that bee who have since found a rest in the + wilderness: Adam T——, H——, J. M——, H. + N—— These, at different times, lost their lives in those + bright waters in which, on such occasions as these, they used to sport and + frolic to refresh themselves during the noonday heat. Alas! how many, who + were then young and in their prime, that river and its lakes have swept + away! + </p> + <p> + Our men worked well until dinner-time, when, after washing in the lake, + they all sat down to the rude board which I had prepared for them, loaded + with the best fare that could be procured in the bush. Pea-soup, legs of + pork, venison, eel, and raspberry pies, garnished with plenty of potatoes, + and whiskey to wash them down, besides a large iron kettle of tea. To pour + out the latter, and dispense it round, devolved upon me. My brother and + his friends, who were all temperance men, and consequently the best + workers in the field, kept me and the maid actively employed in + replenishing their cups. + </p> + <p> + The dinner passed off tolerably well; some of the lower order of the Irish + settlers were pretty far gone, but they committed no outrage upon our + feelings by either swearing or bad language, a few harmless jokes alone + circulating among them. + </p> + <p> + Some one was funning Old Wittals for having eaten seven large cabbages at + Mr. T——'s bee, a few days previous. His son, Sol, thought + himself, as in duty bound, to take up the cudgel for his father. + </p> + <p> + “Now, I guess that's a lie, anyhow. Fayther was sick that day, and I tell + you he only ate five.” + </p> + <p> + This announcement was followed by such an explosion of mirth that the boy + looked fiercely round him, as if he could scarcely believe the fact that + the whole party were laughing at him. + </p> + <p> + Malachi Chroak, who was good-naturedly drunk, had discovered an old pair + of cracked bellows in a corner, which he placed under his arm, and + applying his mouth to the pipe, and working his elbows to and fro, + pretended that he was playing upon the bagpipes, every now and then + letting the wind escape in a shrill squeak from this novel instrument. + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, ladies and jintlemen, do jist turn your swate little eyes upon me + whilst I play for your iddifications the last illigant tune which my owld + grandmother taught me. Och hone! 'tis a thousand pities that such musical + owld crathurs should be suffered to die, at all at all, to be poked away + into a dirthy dark hole, when their canthles shud be burnin' a-top of a + bushel, givin' light to the house. An' then it is she that was the + illigant dancer, stepping out so lively and frisky, just so.” + </p> + <p> + And here he minced to and fro, affecting the airs of a fine lady. The + supposititious bagpipe gave an uncertain, ominous howl, and he flung it + down, and started back with a ludicrous expression of alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Alive, is it ye are? Ye croaking owld divil, is that the tune you taught + your son? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Och! my owld granny taught me, but now she is dead. + That a dhrop of nate whiskey is good for the head; + It would make a man spake when jist ready to dhie, + If you doubt it—my boys!—I'd advise you to thry. + + “Och! my owld granny sleeps with her head on a stone,— + 'Now, Malach, don't throuble the gals when I'm gone!' + I thried to obey her; but, och, I am shure, + There's no sorrow on earth that the angels can't cure. + + “Och! I took her advice—I'm a bachelor still; + And I dance, and I play, with such excellent skill, + (<i>Taking up the bellows, and beginning to dance.</i>) + That the dear little crathurs are striving in vain + Which first shall my hand or my fortin' obtain.” + </pre> + <p> + “Malach!” shouted a laughing group. “How was it that the old lady taught + you to go a-courting? + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, that's a sacret! I don't let out owld granny's sacrets,” said + Malachi, gracefully waving his head to and fro to the squeaking of the + bellows; then, suddenly tossing back the long, dangling, black elf-locks + that curled down the sides of his lank, yellow cheeks, and winking + knowingly with his comical little deep-seated black eyes, he burst out + again— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Wid the blarney I'd win the most dainty proud dame, + No gal can resist the soft sonnd of that same; + Wid the blarney, my boys—if you doubt it, go thry— + But hand here the bottle, my whistle is dhry.” + </pre> + <p> + The men went back to the field, leaving Malachi to amuse those who + remained in the house; and we certainly did laugh our fill at his odd + capers and conceits. + </p> + <p> + Then he would insist upon marrying our maid. There could be no refusal—have + her he would. The girl, to keep him quiet, laughingly promised that she + would take him for her husband. This did not satisfy him. She must take + her oath upon the Bible to that effect. Mary pretended that there was no + bible in the house, but he found an old spelling-book upon a shelf in the + kitchen, and upon it he made her swear, and called upon me to bear witness + to her oath, that she was now his betrothed, and he would go next day with + her to the “praist.” Poor Mary had reason to repent her frolic, for he + stuck close to her the whole evening, tormenting her to fulfil her + contract. After the sun went down, the logging-band came in to supper, + which was all ready for them. Those who remained sober ate the meal in + peace, and quietly returned to their own homes; while the vicious and the + drunken staid to brawl and fight. + </p> + <p> + After having placed the supper on the table, I was so tired with the + noise, and heat, and fatigue of the day, that I went to bed, leaving to + Mary and my husband the care of the guests. + </p> + <p> + We were obliged to endure a second and a third repetition of this odious + scene, before sixteen acres of land were rendered fit for the reception of + our fall crop of wheat. + </p> + <p> + My hatred to these tumultuous, disorderly meetings was not in the least + decreased by my husband being twice seriously hurt while attending them. + After the second injury he received, he seldom went to them himself, but + sent his oxen and servant in his place. In these odious gatherings, the + sober, moral, and industrious man is more likely to suffer than the + drunken and profane, as during the delirium of drink these men expose + others to danger as well as themselves. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of many of the settlers, who considered themselves gentlemen, + and would have been very much affronted to have been called otherwise, was + often more reprehensible than that of the poor Irish emigrants, to whom + they should have set an example of order and sobriety. The behaviour of + these young men drew upon them the severe but just censures of the poorer + class, whom they regarded in every way as their inferiors. + </p> + <p> + “That blackguard calls himself a gentleman. In what respect is he better + than us?” was an observation too frequently made use of at these + gatherings. To see a bad man in the very worst point of view, follow him + to a bee; be he profane, licentious, quarrelsome, or a rogue, all his + native wickedness will be fully developed there. + </p> + <p> + Just after the last of these logging-bees, we had to part with our good + servant Mary, and just at a time when it was the heaviest loss to me. Her + father, who had been a dairy man in the north of Ireland, an honest, + industrious man, had brought out upwards of one hundred pounds to this + country. With more wisdom than is generally exercised by Irish emigrants, + instead of sinking all his means in buying a bush farm he hired a very + good farm in Cavan, stocked it with cattle, and returned to his old + avocation. The services of his daughter, who was an excellent dairymaid, + were required to take the management of the cows; and her brother brought + a wagon and horses all the way from the front to take her home. + </p> + <p> + This event was perfectly unexpected, and left me without a moment's notice + to provide myself with another servant, at a time when servants were not + to be had, and I was perfectly unable to do the least thing. My little + Addie was sick almost to death with the summer complaint, and the eldest + still too young to take care of herself. + </p> + <p> + This was but the beginning of trouble. + </p> + <p> + Ague and lake fever had attacked our new settlement. The men in the shanty + were all down with it; and my husband was confined to his bed on each + alternate day, unable to raise hand or foot, and raving in the delirium of + the fever. + </p> + <p> + In my sister and brother's families, scarcely a healthy person remained to + attend upon the sick; and at Herriot's Falls, nine persons were stretched + upon the floor of one log cabin, unable to help themselves or one another. + After much difficulty, and only by offering enormous wages, I succeeded in + procuring a nurse to attend upon me during my confinement. The woman had + not been a day in the house before she was attacked by the same fever. In + the midst of this confusion, and with my precious little Addie lying + insensible on a pillow at the foot of my bed—expected every moment + to breathe her last sigh,—on the night of the 26th of August, the + boy I had so ardently coveted was born. The next day, Old Pine carried his + wife (my nurse) away upon his back, and I was left to struggle through, in + the best manner I could, with a sick husband, a sick child, and a new-born + babe. + </p> + <p> + It was a melancholy season, one of severe mental and bodily suffering. + Those who have drawn such agreeable pictures of a residence in the + backwoods never dwell upon the periods of sickness, when, far from medical + advice, and often, as in my case, deprived of the assistance of friends by + adverse circumstances, you are left to languish, unattended, upon the + couch of pain. The day that my husband was free of the fit, he did what he + eould for me and his poor sick babes, but, ill as he was, he was obliged + to sow the wheat to enable the man to proceed with the drag, and was + therefore necessarily absent in the field the greater part of the day. + </p> + <p> + I was very ill, yet for hours at a time I had no friendly voice to cheer + me, to proffer me a drink of cold water, or to attend to the poor babe; + and worse, still worse, there was no one to help that pale, marble child, + who lay so cold and still, with half-closed violet eye, as if death had + already chilled her young heart in his iron grasp. + </p> + <p> + There was not a breath of air in our close, burning bed-closet; and the + weather was sultry beyond all that I have since experienced. How I wished + that I could be transported to an hospital at home, to enjoy the common + care that in such places is bestowed upon the sick! Bitter tears flowed + continually from my eyes over those young children. I had asked of Heaven + a son, and there he lay helpless by the side of his almost equally + helpless mother, who could not lift him up in her arms, or still his + cries; while the pale, fair angel, with her golden curls, who had lately + been the admiration of all who saw her, no longer recognized my voice, or + was conscious of my presence. I felt that I could almost resign the long + and eagerly hoped-for son, to win one more smile from that sweet, + suffering creature. Often did I weep myself to sleep, and wake to weep + again with renewed anguish. + </p> + <p> + And my poor little Katie, herself under three years of age, how patiently + she bore the loss of my care, and every comfort! How earnestly the dear + thing strove to help me! She would sit on my sick-bed, and hold my hand, + and ask me to look at her and speak to her; would inquire why Addie slept + so long, and when she would awake again. Those innocent questions went + like arrows to my heart. Lieutenant ——, the husband of my dear + Emilia, at length heard of my situation. His inestimable wife was from + home, nursing her sick mother; but he sent his maid-servant up every day + for a couple of hours, and the kind girl despatched a messenger nine miles + through the woods to Dummer, to fetch her younger sister, a child of + twelve ears old. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how grateful I felt for these signal mercies! for my situation for + nearly a week was one of the most pitiable that could be imagined. The + sickness was so prevalent that help was not to be obtained for money; and + without the assistance of that little girl, young as she was, it is more + than probable that neither myself nor my children would ever have risen + from that bed of sickness. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of our man Jacob, during this trying period, was marked with + the greatest kindness and consideration. On the days that his master was + confined to his bed with the fever, he used to place a vessel of cold + water and a cup by his bedside, and then put his honest English face in at + my door to know if he could make a cup of tea, or toast a bit of bread for + the mistress, before he went into the field. + </p> + <p> + Katie was indebted to him for all her meals. He baked, and cooked, and + churned, milked the cows, and made up the butter, as well and as carefully + as the best female servant could have done. As to poor John Monaghan, he + was down with the fever in the shanty, where four other men were all ill + the same terrible complaint. + </p> + <p> + I was obliged to leave my bed and endeavour to attend to the wants of my + young family long before I was really able. When I made my first attempt + to reach the parlour I was so weak, that, at every step, I felt as if I + should pitch forward to the ground, which seemed to undulate beneath my + feet like the floor of a cabin in a storm at sea. My husband continued to + suffer for many weeks with the ague; and when he was convalescent, all the + children, even the poor babe, were seized with it; nor did it leave us + until late in the spring of 1835. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. A TRIP TO STONY LAKE + </h2> + <p> + My husband had long promised me a trip to Stony Lake, and in the summer of + 1835, before the harvest commenced, he gave Mr. Y——, who kept + the mill at the rapids below Clear Lake, notice of our intention, and the + worthy old man and his family made due preparation for our reception. The + little girls were to accompany us. + </p> + <p> + We were to start at sunrise, to avoid the heat of the day, to go up as far + as Mr. Y——'s in our canoe, re-embark with his sons above the + rapids in birch-bark canoes, go as far up the lake as we could accomplish + by daylight, and return at night; the weather being very warm, and the + moon at full. Before six o'clock we were all seated in the little craft, + which spread her white sail to a foaming breeze, and sped merrily over the + blue waters. The lake on which our clearing stood was about a mile and a + half in length, and about three quarters of a mile in breadth; a mere + pond, when compared with the Bay of Quinté, Ontario, and the inland seas + of Canada. But it was <i>our</i> lake, and, consequently, it had ten + thousand beauties in our eyes, which would scarcely have attracted the + observation of a stranger. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the Kutchawanook, the lake is divided by a long neck of + land, that forms a small bay on the right-hand side, and a very brisk + rapid on the left. The banks are formed of large masses of limestone; and + the cardinal-flower and the tiger-lily seem to have taken an especial + fancy to this spot, and to vie with each other in the display of their + gorgeous colours. + </p> + <p> + It is an excellent place for fishing; the water is very deep close to the + rocky pavement that forms the bank, and it has a pebbly bottom. Many a + magic hour, at rosy dawn, or evening gray, have I spent with my husband on + this romantic spot; our canoe fastened to a bush, and ourselves intent + upon ensnaring the black bass, a fish of excellent flavour that abounds in + this place. + </p> + <p> + Our paddles soon carried us past the narrows, and through the rapid water, + the children sitting quietly at the bottom of the boat, enchanted with all + they heard and saw, begging papa to stop and gather water-lilies, or to + catch one of the splendid butterflies that hovered over us; and often the + little Addie darted her white hand into the water to grasp at the shadow + of the gorgeous insects as they skimmed along the waves. + </p> + <p> + After passing the rapids, the river widened into another small lake, + perfectly round in form, and having in its centre a tiny green island, in + the midst of which stood, like a shattered monument of bygone storms, one + blasted, black ash-tree. + </p> + <p> + The Indians call this lake Bessikákoon, but I do not know the exact + meaning of the word. Some say that it means “the Indian's grave;” others, + “the lake of the one island.” It is certain that an Indian girl is buried + beneath that blighted tree; but I never could learn the particulars of her + story, and perhaps there was no tale connected with it. She might have + fallen a victim to disease during the wanderings of her tribe, and been + buried on that spot; or she might have been drowned, which would account + for her having been buried away from the rest of her people. + </p> + <p> + This little lake lies in the heart of the wilderness. There is but one + clearing upon its shores, and that had been made by lumberers many years + before; the place abounded with red cedar. A second growth of young timber + had grown up in this spot, which was covered also with raspberry bushes—several + hundred acres being entirely overgrown with this delicious berry. + </p> + <p> + It was here annually that we used to come in large picnic parties, to + collect this valuable fruit for our winter preserves, in defiance of + black-flies, mosquitoes, snakes, and even bears; all which have been + encountered by berry-pickers upon this spot, as busy and as active as + themselves, gathering an ample repast from Nature's bounteous lap. + </p> + <p> + And, oh! what beautiful wild shrubs and flowers grew up in that neglected + spot! Some of the happiest hours I spent in the bush are connected with + reminiscences of “Irving's shanty,” for so the raspberry-grounds were + called. The clearing could not be seen from the shore. You had to scramble + through a cedar swamp to reach the sloping ground which produced the + berries. + </p> + <p> + The mill at the Clear Lake rapids was about three miles distant from our + own clearing; and after stemming another rapid, and passing between two + beautiful wooded islands, the canoe rounded a point, and the rude + structure was before us. + </p> + <p> + A wilder and more romantic spot than that which the old hunter had chosen + for his homestead in the wilderness could scarcely be imagined. The waters + of Clear Lake here empty themselves through a narrow, deep, rocky channel, + not exceeding a quarter of a mile in length, and tumble over a limestone + bridge of ten or twelve feet in height, which extends from one bank of the + river to the other. The shores on either side are very steep, and the + large oak-trees which have anchored their roots in every crevice of the + rock, throw their fantastic arms far over the foaming waterfall, the deep + green of their massy foliage forming a beautiful contrast with the white, + flashing waters that foam over the shoot at least fifty feet below the + brow of the limestone rock. By a flight of steps cut in the banks we + ascended to the platform above the river on which Mr. Y——'s + house stood. + </p> + <p> + It was a large, rough-looking, log building, surrounded by barns and sheds + of the same primitive material. The porch before the door was covered with + hops, and the room of general resort, into which it immediately opened, + was of large dimensions, the huge fire-place forming the most striking + feature. On the hearth-stone, hot as was the weather, blazed a great fire, + encumbered with all sorts of culinary apparatus, which, I am inclined to + think, had been called into requisition for our sole benefit and + accommodation. + </p> + <p> + The good folks had breakfasted long before we started from home, but they + would not hear of our proceeding to Stony Lake until after we had dined. + It was only eight o'clock, A. M., and we had still four hours to dinner, + which gave us ample leisure to listen to the old man's stories, ramble + round the premises, and observe all the striking features of the place. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Y—— was a Catholic, and the son of a respectable farmer + from the south of Ireland. Some few years before, he had emigrated with a + large family of seven sons and two daughters, and being fond of field + sports, and greatly taken with the beauty of the locality in which he had + pitched his tent in the wilderness, he determined to raise a mill upon the + dam which Nature had provided at his hands, and wait patiently until the + increasing immigration should settle the township of Smith and Douro, + render the property valuable, and bring plenty of grist to the mill. He + was not far wrong in his calculations; and though, for the first few + years, he subsisted entirely by hunting, fishing, and raising what + potatoes and wheat he required for his own family, on the most fertile + spots he could find on his barren lot, very little corn passed through the + mill. + </p> + <p> + At the time we visited his place, he was driving a thriving trade, and all + the wheat that was grown in the neighbourhood was brought by water to be + ground at Y——'s mill. He had lost his wife a few years after + coming to the country; but his two daughters, Betty and Norah, were + excellent housewives, and amply supplied her loss. From these amiable + women we received a most kind and hearty welcome, and every comfort and + luxury within their reach. They appeared a most happy and contented + family. The sons—a fine, hardy, independent set of fellows—were + regarded by the old man with pride and affection. Many were his anecdotes + of their prowes in hunting and fishing. His method of giving them an + aversion to strong drink while very young amused me greatly, but it is not + every child that could have stood the test of his experiment. + </p> + <p> + “When they were little chaps, from five to six years of age, I made them + very drunk,” he said; “so drunk that it brought on severe headache and + sickness, and this so disgusted them with liquor, that they never could + abide the sight of it again. I have only one drunkard among the seven; and + he was such a weak, puling crathur, that I dared not play the same game + with him, lest it should kill him. 'Tis his nature, I suppose, and he + can't help it; but the truth is, that to make up for the sobriety of all + the rest, he is killing himself with drink.” + </p> + <p> + Norah gave us an account of her catching a deer that had got into the + enclosure the day before. + </p> + <p> + “I went out,” she said, “early in the morning, to milk the cows, and I saw + a fine young buck struggling to get through a pale of the fence, in which + having entangled his head and horns, I knew, by the desperate efforts he + was making to push aside the rails, that if I was not quick in getting + hold of him, he would soon be gone.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you dare to touch him?” + </p> + <p> + “If I had had Mat's gun I would have shot him, but he would have made his + escape long before I could run to the house for that, so I went boldly up + to him and got him by the hind legs; and though he kicked and struggled + dreadfully, I held on till Mat heard me call, and ran to my help, and cut + his throat with his hunting-knife. So you see,” she continued, with a + good-natured laugh, “I can beat our hunters hollow—they hunt the + deer, but I can catch a buck with my hands.” + </p> + <p> + While we were chatting away, great were the preparations making by Miss + Betty and a very handsome American woman, who had recently come thither as + a help. One little bare-footed garsoon was shelling peas in an Indian + basket, another was stringing currants into a yellow pie-dish, and a third + was sent to the rapids with his rod and line, to procure a dish of fresh + fish to add to the long list of bush dainties that were preparing for our + dinner. It was in vain that I begged our kind entertainers not to put + themselves to the least trouble on our account, telling them that we were + now used to the woods, and contented with any thing; they were determined + to exhaust all their stores to furnish forth the entertainment. Nor can it + be wondered at, that, with so many dishes to cook, and pies and custards + to bake, instead of dining at twelve, it was past two o'clock before we + were conducted to the dinner-table. I was vexed and disappointed at the + delay, as I wanted to see all I could of the spot we were about to visit + before night and darkness compelled us to return. + </p> + <p> + The feast was spread in a large outhouse, the table being formed of two + broad deal boards laid together, and supported by rude carpenter's stools. + A white linen cloth, a relic of better days, concealed these arrangements. + The board was covered with an indescribable variety of roast and boiled, + of fish, flesh, and fowl. My readers should see a table laid out in a + wealthy Canadian farmer's house before they can have any idea of the + profusion displayed in the entertainment of two visitors and their young + children. Besides venison, pork, chickens, ducks, and fish of several + kinds, cooked in a variety of ways, there was a number of pumpkin, + raspberry, cherry, and currant pies, with fresh butter and green cheese + (as the new cream-cheese is called), molasses, preserves, and pickled + cucumbers, besides tea and coffee—the latter, be it known, I had + watched the American woman boiling in the <i>frying-pan</i>. It was a + black-looking compound, and I did not attempt to discuss its merits. The + vessel in which it had been prepared had prejudiced me, and rendered me + very skeptical on that score. + </p> + <p> + We were all very hungry, having tasted nothing since five o'clock in the + morning, and contrived, out of the variety of good things before us, to + make an excellent dinner. + </p> + <p> + I was glad, however, when we rose to prosecute our intended trip up the + lake. The old man, whose heart was now thoroughly warmed with whiskey, + declared that he meant to make one of the party, and Betty, too, was to + accompany us; her sister Norah kindly staying behind to take care of the + children. We followed a path along the top of the high ridge of limestone + rock, until we had passed the falls and the rapids above, when we found + Pat and Mat Y—— waiting for us on the shore below, in two + beautiful new birch-bark canoes, which they had purchased the day before + from the Indians. + </p> + <p> + Miss Betty, Mat, and myself, were safely stowed into one, while the old + miller and his son Pat, and my husband, embarked in the other, and our + steersmen pushed off into the middle of the deep and silent stream; the + shadow of the tall woods, towering so many feet above us, casting an inky + hue upon the waters. The scene was very imposing, and after paddling for a + few minutes in shade and silence, we suddenly emerged into light and + sunshine, and Clear Lake, which gets its name from the unrivalled + brightness of its waters, spread out its azure mirror before us. The + Indians regard this sheet of water with peculiar reverence. It abounds in + the finest sorts of fish, the salmon-trout, the delicious white fish, + muskenongé, and black and white bass. There is no island in this lake, no + rice beds, nor stick nor stone, to break its tranquil beauty, and, at the + time we visited it, there was but one clearing upon its shores. + </p> + <p> + The log hut of the squatter P——, commanding a beautiful + prospect up and down the lake, stood upon a bold slope fronting the water; + all the rest was unbroken forest. We had proceeded about a mile on our + pleasant voyage, when our attention was attracted by a singular natural + phenomenon, which Mat Y—— called the battery. On the + right-hand side of the shore rose a steep, perpendicular wall of + limestone, that had the appearance of having been laid by the hand of man, + so smooth and even was its surface. After attaining a height of about + fifty feet, a natural platform of eight or ten yards broke the + perpendicular line of the rock, when another wall, like the first, rose to + a considerable height, terminating in a second and third platform of the + same description. + </p> + <p> + Fire, at some distant period, had run over these singularly beautiful + terraces, and a second growth of poplars and balm-of-gileads relieved, by + their tender green and light, airy foliage, the sombre indigo tint of the + heavy pines that nodded like the plumes of a funeral-hearse over the fair + young dwellers on the rock. The water is forty feet deep at the base of + this precipice, which is washed by the waves. After we had passed the + battery, Mat Y—— turned to me and said, “That is a famous + place for bears; many a bear have I shot among those rocks.” + </p> + <p> + This led to a long discussion on the wild beasts of the country. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think that there is much danger to be apprehended from them,” + said he; “but I once had an ugly adventure with a wolf two winters ago, on + this lake.” + </p> + <p> + I was all curiosity to hear the story, which sounded doubly interesting + told on the very spot, and while gliding over those lovely waters. + </p> + <p> + “We were lumbering at the head of Stony Lake, about eight miles from here, + my four brothers, myself, and several other hands. The winter was long and + severe; although it was the first week in March, there was not the least + appearance of a thaw, and the ice on these lakes was as firm as ever. I + had been sent home to fetch a yoke of oxen to draw the saw-logs down to + the water, our chopping being all completed, and the logs ready for + rafting. + </p> + <p> + “I did not think it necessary to encumber myself with my rifle, and was, + therefore, provided with no weapon of defence but the long gad I used to + urge on the cattle. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when I + rounded Sandy Point, that long point which is about a mile ahead of us on + the left shore, when I first discovered that I was followed, but at a + great distance, by a large wolf. At first, I thought little of the + circumstance, beyond a passing wish that I had brought my gun. I knew that + he would not attack me before dark, and it was still two long hours to + sundown; so I whistled, and urged on my oxen and soon forgot the wolf—when, + on stopping to repair a little damage to the peg of the yoke, I was + surprised to find him close at my heels. I turned, and ran towards him, + shouting as loud as I could, when he slunk back, but showed no inclination + to make off. Knowing that he must have companions near, by his boldness, I + shouted as loud as I could, hoping that my cries might be heard by my + brothers, who would imagine that the oxen had got into the ice, and would + come to my assistance. I was now winding my way through the islands in + Stony Lake; the sun was setting red before me, and I had still three miles + of my journey to accomplish. The wolf had become so impudent that I kept + him off by pelting him with snowballs; and once he came so near that I + struck him with the gad. I now began to be seriously alarmed, and from + time to time shouted with all my strength; and you may imagine my joy when + these cries were answered by the report of a gun. My brothers had heard + me, and the discharge of a gun, for a moment, seemed to daunt the wolf. He + uttered a long howl, which was answered by the cries of a large pack of + the dirty brutes from the wood. It was only just light enough to + distinguish objects, and I had to stop and face my enemy, to keep him at + bay. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the skeleton forms of half-a-dozen more of them slinking among the + bushes that skirted a low island; and tired and cold, I gave myself and + the oxen up for lost, when I felt the ice tremble on which I stood, and + heard men running at a distance. 'Fire your guns!' I cried out, as loud as + I could. My order was obeyed, and such a yelling and howling immediately + filled the whole forest as would have chilled your very heart. The + thievish varmints instantly fled away into the bush. + </p> + <p> + “I never felt the least fear of wolves until that night; but when they + meet in large bands, like cowardly dogs, they trust to their numbers, and + grow fierce. If you meet with one wolf, you may be certain that the whole + pack are at no great distance.” + </p> + <p> + We were fast approaching Sandy Point a long white ridge of sand, running + half across the lake, and though only covered with scattered groups of + scrubby trees and brush, it effectually screened Stony Lake from our view. + There were so many beautiful flowers peeping through the dwarf, green + bushes, that, wishing to inspect them nearer, Mat kindly ran the canoe + ashore, and told me that he would show me a pretty spot, where an Indian, + who had been drowned during a storm off that point, was buried. I + immediately recalled the story of Susan Moore's father, but Mat thought + that he was interred upon one of the islands farther up. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange,” he said, “that they are such bad swimmers. The Indian, + though unrivalled by us whites in the use of the paddle, is an animal that + does not take readily to the water, and those among them who can swim + seldom use it as a recreation.” + </p> + <p> + Pushing our way through the bushes, we came to a small opening in the + underwood, so thickly grown over with wild Canadian roses in full blossom, + that the air was impregnated with a delightful odour. In the centre of + this bed of sweets rose the humble mound that protected the bones of the + red man from the ravenous jaws of the wolf and the wild-cat. It was + completely covered with stones, and from among the crevices had sprung a + tuft of blue harebells, waving as wild and free as if they grew among the + bonny red heather on the glorious hills of the North, or shook their tiny + bells to the breeze on the broom-encircled commons of England. + </p> + <p> + The harebell had always from a child been with me a favourite flower; and + the first sight of it in Canada, growing upon that lonely grave, so + flooded my soul with remembrances of the past, that, in spite of myself, + the tears poured freely from my eyes. There are moments when it is + impossible to repress those outgushings of the heart— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Those flood-gates of the soul that sever. + In passion's tide to part for ever.” + </pre> + <p> + If Mat and his sister wondered at my tears, they must have suspected the + cause, for they walked to a little distance, and left me to the indulgence + of my feelings. I gathered those flowers, and placed them in my bosom, and + kept them for many a day; they had become holy, when connected with sacred + home recollections, and the never-dying affections of the heart which the + sight of them recalled. + </p> + <p> + A shout from our companions in the other canoe made us retrace our steps + to the shore. They had already rounded the point, and were wondering at + our absence. Oh, what a magnificent scene of wild and lonely grandeur + burst upon us as we swept round the little peninsula, and the whole + majesty of Stony Lake broke upon us at once; another Lake of the Thousand + Isles, in miniature, and in the heart of the wilderness! Imagine a large + sheet of water, some fifteen miles in breadth and twenty-five in length, + taken up by islands of every size and shape, from the lofty naked rock of + red granite to the rounded hill, covered with oak-leaves to its summit; + while others were level with the waters, and of a rich emerald green, only + fringed with a growth of aquatic shrubs and flowers. Never did my eyes + rest on a more lovely or beautiful scene. Not a vestige of man, or of his + works was there. The setting sun, that cast such a gorgeous flood of light + upon this exquisite panorama, bringing out some of these lofty islands in + strong relief, and casting others into intense shade, shed no cheery beam + upon church spire or cottage pane. We beheld the landscape, savage and + grand in its primeval beauty. + </p> + <p> + As we floated among the channels between these rocky picturesque isles, I + asked Mat how many of them there were. + </p> + <p> + “I never could succeed,” he said, “in counting them all.” + </p> + <p> + One Sunday, Pat and I spent a whole day in going from one to the other, to + try and make out how many there were, but we could only count up to one + hundred and forty before we gave up the task in despair. There are a great + many of them; more than any one would think—and, what is very + singular, the channel between them is very deep, sometimes above forty + feet, which accounts for the few rapids to be found in this lake. It is a + glorious place for hunting; and the waters undisturbed by steamboats, + abound in all sorts of fish. + </p> + <p> + “Most of these islands are covered with huckleberries; white grapes, high + and low-bush cranberries, blackberries, wild cherries, gooseberries, and + several sorts of wild currants grow here in profusion. There is one island + among these groups (but I never could light upon the identical one) where + the Indians yearly gather their wampum-grass. They come here to collect + the best birch bark for their canoes, and to gather wild onions. In short, + from the game, fish, and fruit, which they collect among the islands of + this lake, they chiefly depend for their subsistence. They are very + jealous of the settlers in the country coming to hunt and fish here, and + tell many stories of wild beasts and rattlesnakes that abound along its + shores; but I, who have frequented the lake for years, was never disturbed + by any thing, beyond the adventure with the wolf, which I have already + told you. The banks of this lake are all steep and rocky, and the land + along the shore is barren, and totally unfit for cultivation. + </p> + <p> + “Had we time to run up a few miles further, I could have showed you some + places well worth a journey to look at; but the sun is already down, and + it will be dark before we get back to the mill.” + </p> + <p> + The other canoe now floated alongside, and Pat agreed with his brother + that it was high time to return. With reluctance I turned from this + strangely fascinating scene. As we passed under one bold rocky island, Mat + said, laughingly, “That is Mount Rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “How did it obtain that name?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we were out here berrying, with our good priest Mr. B——. + This island promised so fair, that we landed upon it, and, after searching + for an hour, we returned to the boat without a single berry, upon which + Mr. B—— named it 'Mount Rascal.'” + </p> + <p> + The island was so beautiful, it did not deserve the name, and I christened + it “Oak Hill,” from the abundance of oak-trees which clothed its steep + sides. The wood of this oak is so heavy and hard that it will not float in + the water, and it is in great request for the runners of lumber-sleighs, + which have to pass over very bad roads. + </p> + <p> + The breeze, which had rendered our sail up the lakes so expeditious and + refreshing, had stiffened into a pretty high wind, which was dead against + us all the way down. Betty now knelt in the bow and assisted her brother, + squaw fashion, in paddling the canoe; but, in spite of all their united + exertions, it was past ten o'clock before we reached the mill. The good + Norah was waiting tea for us. She had given the children their supper four + hours ago, and the little creatures, tired with using their feet all day, + were sound asleep upon her bed. + </p> + <p> + After supper, several Irish songs were sung, while Pat played upon the + fiddle, and Betty and Mat enlivened the company with an Irish jig. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when the children were placed on my cloak at the bottom of + the canoe, and we bade adieu to this hospitable family. The wind being + dead against us, we were obliged to dispense with the sail, and take to + our paddles. The moonlight was as bright as day, the air warm and balmy; + and the aromatic, resinous smell exuded by the heat from the + balm-of-gilead and the pine-trees, in the forest, added greatly to our + sense of enjoyment as we floated past scenes so wild and lonely—isles + that assumed a mysterious look and character in that witching hour. In + moments like these, I ceased to regret my separation from my native land; + and, filled with the love of Nature, my heart forgot for the time the love + of home. The very spirit of peace seemed to brood over the waters, which + were broken into a thousand ripples of light by every breeze that stirred + the rice blossoms, or whispered through the shivering aspen-trees. The + far-off roar of the rapids, softened by distance, and the long, mournful + cry of the night-owl, alone broke the silence of the night. Amid these + lonely wilds the soul draws nearer to God, and is filled to overflowing by + the overwhelming sense of His presence. + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock in the morning when we fastened the canoe to the + landing, and Moodie carried up the children to the house. I found the girl + still up with my boy, who had been very restless during our absence. My + heart reproached me, as I caught him to my breast, for leaving him so + long; in a few minutes he was consoled for past sorrows, and sleeping + sweetly in my arms. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. DISAPPOINTED HOPES. + </h2> + <p> + The summer of '35 was very wet; a circumstance so unusual on Canada that I + have seen no season like it during my sojourn in the country. Our wheat + crop promised to be both excellent and abundant; and the clearing and + seeding sixteen acres, one way or another, had cost us more than fifty + pounds; still, we hoped to realize something handsome by the sale of the + produce; and, as far as appearances went, all looked fair. The rain + commenced about a week before the crop was fit for the sickle, and from + that time until nearly the end of September was a mere succession of + thunder showers; days of intense heat, succeeded by floods of rain. Our + fine crop shared the fate of all other fine crops in the country; it was + totally spoiled; the wheat grew in the sheaf, and we could scarcely save + enough to supply us with bad, sticky bread; the rest was exchanged at the + distillery for whiskey, which was the only produce which could be obtained + for it. The storekeepers would not look at it, or give either money or + goods for such a damaged article. + </p> + <p> + My husband and I had worked hard in the field; it was the first time I had + ever tried my hand at field-labour, but our ready money was exhausted, and + the steamboat stock had not paid us one farthing; we could not hire, and + there was no help for it. I had a hard struggle with my pride before I + would consent to render the least assistance on the farm, but reflection + convinced me that I was wrong—that Providence had placed me in a + situation where I was called upon to work—that it was not only my + duty to obey that call, but to exert myself to the utmost to assist my + husband, and help to maintain my family. + </p> + <p> + Ah, glorious poverty! thou art a hard taskmaster, but in thy soul-ennobling + school, I have received more god-like lessons, have learned more sublime + truths, than ever I acquired in the smooth highways of the world! The + independent in soul can rise above the seeming disgrace of poverty, and + hold fast their integrity, in defiance of the world and its selfish and + unwise maxims. To them, no labour is too great, no trial too severe; they + will unflinchingly exert every faculty of mind and body, before they will + submit to become a burden to others. + </p> + <p> + The misfortunes that now crowded upon us were the result of no misconduct + or extravagance on our part, but arose out of circumstances which we could + not avert nor control. Finding too late the error into which we had + fallen, in suffering ourselves to be cajoled and plundered out of our + property by interested speculators, we braced our minds to bear the worst, + and determined to meet our difficulties calmly and firmly, nor suffer our + spirits to sink under calamities which energy and industry might + eventually repair. Having once come to this resolution, we cheerfully + shared together the labours of the field. One in heart and purpose, we + dared remain true to ourselves, true to our high destiny as immortal + creatures, in our conflict with temporal and physical wants. We found that + manual toil, however distasteful to those unaccustomed to it, was not + after all such a dreadful hardship; that the wilderness was not without + its rose, the hard face of poverty without its smile. If we occasionally + suffered severe pain, we as often experienced great pleasure, and I have + contemplated a well-hoed ridge of potatoes on that bush farm,—with + as much delight as in years long past I had experienced in examining a + fine painting in some well-appointed drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + I can now look back with calm thankfulness on that long period of trial + and exertion—with thankfulness that the dark clouds that hung over + us, threatening to blot us from existence, when they did burst upon us, + were full of blessings. When our situation appeared perfectly desperate, + then were we on the threshold of a new state of things, which was born out + of that very distress. + </p> + <p> + In order more fully to illustrate the necessity of a perfect and childlike + reliance upon the mercies of God—who, I most firmly believe, never + deserts those who have placed their trust in Him—I will give a brief + sketch of our lives during the years 1836 and 1837. + </p> + <p> + Still confidently expecting to realize an income, however small, from the + steamboat stock, we had involved ourselves considerably in debt, in order + to pay our servants and obtain the common necessaries of life; and we owed + a large sum to two Englishmen in Dummer, for clearing ten more acres upon + the farm. Our utter inability to meet these demands weighed very heavily + upon my husband's mind. All superfluities in the way of groceries were now + given up, and we were compelled to rest satisfied upon the produce of the + farm. Milk, bread, and potatoes, during the summer became our chief, and + often, for months, our only fare. As to tea and sugar, they were luxuries + we would not think of, although I missed the tea very much; we rang the + changes upon peppermint and sage, taking the one herb at our breakfast, + the other at our tea, until I found an excellent substitute for both in + the root of the dandelion. + </p> + <p> + The first year we came to this country, I met with an account of dandelion + coffee, published in the <i>New York Albion</i>, given by a Dr. Harrison, + of Edinburgh, who earnestly recommended it as an article of general use. + </p> + <p> + “It possesses,” he says, “all the fine flavour and exhilarating properties + of coffee, without any of its deleterious effects. The plant being of a + soporific nature, the coffee made from it when drank at night produces a + tendency to sleep, instead of exciting wakefulness, and may be safely used + as a cheap and wholesome substitute for the Arabian berry, being equal in + substance and flavour to the best Mocha coffee.” + </p> + <p> + I was much struck with this paragraph at the time, and for several years + felt a great inclination to try the Doctor's coffee; but something or + other always came in the way, and it was put off till another opportunity. + During the fall of '35, I was assisting my husband in taking up a crop of + potatoes in the field, and observing a vast number of fine dandelion roots + among the potatoes, it brought the dandelion coffee back to my memory, and + I determined to try some for our supper. Without saying anything to my + husband, I threw aside some of the roots, and when we left work, + collecting a sufficient quantity for, the experiment, I carefully washed + the roots quite clean, without depriving them of the fine brown skin which + covers them, and which contains the aromatic flavour, which so nearly + resembles coffee that it is difficult to distinguish it from it while + roasting. I cut my roots into small pieces, the size of a kidney-bean, and + roasted them on an iron baking-pan in the stove-oven, until they were as + brown and crisp as coffee. I then ground and transferred a small cupful of + the powder to the coffee-pot, pouring upon it scalding water, and boiling + it for a few minutes briskly over the fire. The result was beyond my + expectations. The coffee proved excellent—far superior to the common + coffee we procured at the stores. + </p> + <p> + To persons residing in the bush, and to whom tea and coffee are very + expensive articles of luxury, the knowledge of this valuable property in a + plant, scattered so abundantly through their fields, would prove highly + beneficial. For years we used no other article; and my Indian friends who + frequented the house gladly adopted the root, and made me show them the + whole process of manufacturing it into coffee. + </p> + <p> + Experience taught me that the root of the dandelion is not so good, when + applied to this purpose, in the spring as it is in the fall. I tried it in + the spring, but the juice of the plant, having contributed to the + production of leaves and flowers, was weak, and destitute of the fine + bitter flavour so peculiar to coffee. The time of gathering in the potato + crop is the best suited for collecting and drying the roots of the + dandelion; and as they always abound in the same hills, both may be + accomplished at the same time. Those who want to keep a quantity for + winter use may wash and cut up the roots, and dry them on boards in the + sun. They will keep for years, and can be roasted when required. + </p> + <p> + Few of our colonists are acquainted with the many uses to which this + neglected but most valuable plant may be applied. I will point out a few + which have come under my own observation, convinced as I am that the time + will come when this hardy weed, with its golden flowers and curious + seed-vessels, which form a constant plaything to the little children + rolling about and luxuriating among the grass, in the sunny month of May, + will be transplanted into our gardens, and tended with due care. The + dandelion planted in trenches, and blanched to a beautiful cream-colour + with straw, makes an excellent salad, quite equal to endive, and is more + hardy and requires less care. + </p> + <p> + In many parts of the United States, particularly in new districts where + vegetables are scarce, it is used early in the spring, and boiled with + pork as a substitute for cabbage. During our residence in the bush we + found it, in the early part of May, a great addition to the dinner-table. + In the township of Dummer, the settlers boil the tops, and add hops to the + liquor, which they ferment, and from which they obtain excellent beer. I + have never tasted this simple beverage, but I have been told by those who + use it that it is equal to the table-beer used at home. + </p> + <p> + Necessity has truly been termed the mother of invention, for I contrived + to manufacture a variety of dishes almost out of nothing, while living in + her school. When entirely destitute of animal food, the different variety + of squirrels supplied us with pies, stews, and roasts. Our barn stood at + the top of the hill near the bush, and in a trap set for such “small + deer,” we often caught from ten to twelve a-day. + </p> + <p> + The flesh of the black squirrel is equal to that of the rabbit, and the + red, and even the little chissmunk, is palatable when nicely cooked. But + from the lake, during the summer, we derived the larger portion of our + food. The children called this piece of water “Mamma's pantry,” and many a + good meal has the munificent Father given to his poor dependent children + from its well-stored depths. Moodie and I used to rise by daybreak, and + fish for an hour after sunrise, when we returned, he to the field, and I + to dress the little ones, clean up the house, assist with the milk, and + prepare the breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how I enjoyed these excursions on the lake! The very idea of our + dinner depending upon our success, added double zest to our sport. + </p> + <p> + One morning we started as usual before sunrise; a thick mist still hung + like a fine veil upon the water when we pushed off, and anchored at our + accustomed place. Just as the sun rose, and the haze parted and drew up + like a golden sheet of transparent gauze, through which the dark woods + loomed out like giants, a noble buck dashed into the water, followed by + four Indian hounds. + </p> + <p> + We then discovered a canoe, full of Indians, just below the rapids, and + another not many yards from us, that had been concealed by the fog. It was + a noble sight, that gallant deer exerting all his energy, and stemming the + water with such matchless grace, his branching horns held proudly aloft, + his broad nostrils distended, and his fine eye fixed intently upon the + opposite shore. Several rifle-balls whizzed past him, the dogs followed + hard upon his track, but my very heart leaped for joy when, in spite of + all his foes, his glossy hoofs spurned the opposite bank and he plunged + headlong into the forest. + </p> + <p> + My beloved partner was most skilful in trolling for bass and muskinongé. + His line he generally fastened to the paddle, and the motion of the oar + gave a life-like vibration to the queer-looking mice and dragon-flies I + used to manufacture from squirrel fur, or scarlet and white cloth, to + tempt the finny wanderers of the wave. + </p> + <p> + When too busy himself to fish for our meals, little Katie and I ventured + out alone in the canoe, which we anchored in any promising fishing spot, + by fastening a harrow tooth to a piece of rope, and letting it drop from + the side of the little vessel. By the time she was five years old, my + little mermaid could both steer and paddle the light vessel, and catch + small fish, which were useful for soup. + </p> + <p> + During the winter of '36, we experienced many privations. The ruffian + squatter P——, from Clear Lake, drove from the barn a fine + young bull we were rearing, and for several weeks all trace of the animal + was lost. We had almost forgotten the existence of poor Whiskey, when a + neighbour called and told Moodie that his yearling was at P——'s, + and that he would advise him to get it back as soon as possible. Moodie + had to take some wheat to Y——'s mill, and as the squatter + lived only a mile further, he called at his house; and there, sure enough, + he found the lost animal. With the greatest difficulty he succeeded in + regaining his property, but not without many threats of vengeance from the + parties who had stolen it. To these he paid no regard; but a few days + after, six fat hogs, on which we depended for all our winter store of + animal food, were driven into the lake, and destroyed. The death of these + animals deprived us of three barrels of pork, and half starved us through + the winter. That winter of '36, how heavily it wore away! The grown flour, + frosted potatoes, and scant quantity of animal food rendered us all weak, + and the children suffered much from the ague. + </p> + <p> + One day, just before the snow fell, Moodie had gone to Peterborough for + letters; our servant was sick in bed with the ague, and I was nursing my + little boy, Dunbar, who was shaking with the cold fit of his miserable + fever, when Jacob put his honest, round, rosy face in at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Give me the master's gun, ma'am; there's a big buck feeding on the + rice-bed near the island.” + </p> + <p> + I took down the gun, saying, “Jacob, you have no chance; there is but one + charge of buck-shot in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “One chance is better nor none,” said Jacob, as he commenced loading the + gun. “Who knows what may happen to oie. Mayhap oie may chance to kill 'un; + and you and the measter and the wee bairns may have zummut zavory for + zupper yet.” + </p> + <p> + Away walked Jacob with Hoodie's “Manton” over his shoulder. A few minutes + after, I heard the report of the gun, but never expected to see anything + of the game; when Jacob suddenly bounced into the room, half wild with + delight. + </p> + <p> + “Thae beast iz dead az a door-nail. Zure, how the measter will laugh when + he zees the fine buck that oie a' zhot.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you really shot him?” + </p> + <p> + “Come and zee! Tis worth your while to walk down to the landing to look at + 'un.” + </p> + <p> + Jacob got a rope, and I followed him to the landing, where, sure enough, + lay a fine buck, fastened in tow of the canoe. Jacob soon secured him by + the hind legs to the rope he had brought; and, with our united efforts, we + at last succeeded in dragging our prize home. All the time he was engaged + in taking off the skin, Jacob was anticipating the feast that we were to + have; and the good fellow chuckled with delight when he hung the carcass + quite close to the kitchen door, that his “measter” might run against it + when he came home at night. This event actually took place. When Moodie + opened the door, he struck his head against the dead deer. + </p> + <p> + “What have you got here?” + </p> + <p> + “A fine buck, zur,” said Jacob, bringing forward the light, and holding it + up in such a manner that all the merits of the prize could be seen at a + glance. + </p> + <p> + “A fine one, indeed! How did we come by it?” + </p> + <p> + “It was zhot by oie,” said Jacob, rubbing his hands in a sort of ecstacy. + “Thae beast iz the first oie ever zhot in my life. He! he! he!” + </p> + <p> + “You shot that fine deer, Jacob?—and there was only one charge in + the gun! Well done; you must have taken a good aim.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, zur, oie took no aim at all. Oie just pointed the gun at the deer, + and zhut my oeys an let fly at 'un. 'Twas Providence kill'd 'un, not oie.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you,” said Moodie; “Providence has hitherto watched over us and + kept us from actual starvation.” + </p> + <p> + The flesh of the deer, and the good broth that I was able to obtain from + it, greatly assisted in restoring our sick to health; but long before that + severe winter terminated we were again out of food. Mrs. —— + had given to Katie, in the fall, a very pretty little pig, which she had + named Spot. The animal was a great favourite with Jacob and the children, + and he always received his food from their hands at the door and followed + them all over the place like a dog. We had a noble hound called Hector, + between whom and the pet pig there existed the most tender friendship. + Spot always shared with Hector the hollow log which served him for a + kennel, and we often laughed to see Hector lead Spot round the clearing by + his ear. After bearing the want of animal food until our souls sickened at + the bad potatoes and grown flour bread, we began—that is the eldest + of the family—to cast very hungry eyes upon Spot; but no one liked + to propose having him killed. At last Jacob spoke his mind upon the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “Oi've heard, zur, that the Jews never eat pork; but we Christians dooz, + and are right glad ov the chance. Now, zur, oi've been thinking that'tis + no manner ov use our keeping that beast Spot. If he wor a zow, now, there + might be zome zenze in the thing; and we all feel weak for a morzel of + meat. S'poze I kill him? He won't make a bad piece of pork.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie seconded the move; and, in spite of the tears and prayers of Katie, + her uncouth pet was sacrificed to the general wants of the family; but + there were two members of the house who disdained to eat a morsel of the + victim; poor Katie and the dog Hector. At the self-denial of the first I + did not at all wonder, for she was a child full of sensibility and warm + affections, but the attachment of the brute creature to his old playmate + filled us all with surprise. Jacob first drew our attention to the strange + fact. + </p> + <p> + “That dog,” he said, as we were passing through the kitchen while he was + at dinner, “do teach uz Christians a lesson how to treat our friends. Why, + zur, he'll not eat a morzel of Spot. Oie have tried and tempted him in all + manner ov ways, and he only do zneer and turn up his nose when oie hould + him a bit to taste.” He offered the animal a rib of the fresh pork as he + finished speaking, and the dog turned away with an expression of aversion, + and on a repetition of the act, walked from the table. Human affection + could scarcely have surpassed the love felt by this poor animal for his + playfellow. His attachment to Spot, that could overcome the pangs of + hunger—for, like the rest of us, he was half starved—must have + been strong indeed. + </p> + <p> + Jacob's attachment to us, in its simplicity and fidelity, greatly + resembled that of the dog; and sometimes, like the dog, he would push + himself in where he was not wanted, and gratuitously give his advice, and + make remarks which were not required. + </p> + <p> + Mr. K——, from Cork, was asking Moodie many questions about the + partridges of the country; and, among other things, he wanted to know by + what token you were able to discover their favourite haunts. Before Moodie + could answer this last query a voice responded, through a large crack in + the boarded wall which separated us from the kitchen, “They always bides + where they's drum.” This announcement was received with a burst of + laughter that greatly disconcerted the natural philosopher in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st of May of this year, my second son, Donald, was born. The poor + fellow came in hard times. The cows had not calved, and our bill of fare, + now minus the deer and Spot, only consisted of bad potatoes and still + worse bread. I was rendered so weak by want of proper nourishment that my + dear husband, for my sake, overcame his aversion to borrowing, and + procured a quarter of mutton from a friend. This, with kindly presents + from neighbours—often as badly off as ourselves—a loin of a + young bear, and a basket, containing a loaf of bread, some tea, some fresh + butter, and oatmeal, went far to save my life. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after my recovery, Jacob—the faithful, good Jacob was + obliged to leave us, for we could no longer afford to pay wages. What was + owing to him had to be settled by sacrificing our best cow, and a great + many valuable articles of clothing from my husband's wardrobe. Nothing is + more distressing than being obliged to part with articles of dress which + you know that you cannot replace. Almost all my clothes had been + appropriated to the payment of wages, or to obtain garments for the + children, excepting my wedding-dress, and the beautiful baby-linen which + had been made by the hands of dear and affectionate friends for my + first-born. These were now exchanged for coarse, warm flannels, to shield + her from the cold. Moodie and Jacob had chopped eight acres during the + winter, but these had to be burnt off and logged-up before we could put in + a crop of wheat for the ensuing fall. Had we been able to retain this + industrious, kindly English lad, this would have been soon accomplished; + but his wages, at the rate of thirty pounds per annum, were now utterly + beyond our means. + </p> + <p> + Jacob had formed an attachment to my pretty maid, Mary Pine, and before + going to the Southern States, to join an uncle who resided in Louisville, + an opulent tradesman, who had promised to teach him his business, Jacob + thought it as well to declare himself. The declaration took place on a log + of wood near the back door, and from my chamber window I could both hear + and see the parties, without being myself observed. Mary was seated very + demurely at one end of the log, twisting the strings of her checked apron, + and the loving Jacob was busily whittling the other extremity of their + rustic seat. There was a long silence. Mary stole a look at Jacob, and he + heaved a tremendous sigh, something between a yawn and a groan. “Meary,” + he said, “I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew that afore,” returned the girl. + </p> + <p> + “I had zummat to zay to you, Meary. Do you think you will miss oie?” + (looking very affectionately, and twitching nearer.) + </p> + <p> + “What put that into your head, Jacob?” This was said very demurely. + </p> + <p> + “Oie thowt, maybe, Meary, that your feelings might be zummat loike my own. + I feel zore about the heart, Meary, and it's all com' of parting with you. + Don't you feel queerish, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't say that I do, Jacob. I shall soon see you again,” (pulling + violently at her apron-string.) + </p> + <p> + “Meary, oi'm afeard you don't feel like oie.” + </p> + <p> + “P'r'aps not—women can't feel like men. I'm sorry that you are + going, Jacob, for you have been very kind and obliging, and I wish you + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Meary,” cried Jacob, growing desperate at her coyness, and getting quite + close up to her, “will you marry oie? Say yeez or noa.” + </p> + <p> + This was coming close to the point. Mary drew farther from him, and turned + her head away. + </p> + <p> + “Meary,” said Jacob, seizing upon the hand that held the apron-string, “do + you think you can better yoursel'? If not—why, oie'm your man. Now, + do just turn about your head and answer oie.” + </p> + <p> + The girl turned round, and gave him a quick, shy glance, then burst out + into a simpering laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Meary, will you take oie?” (jogging her elbow.) + </p> + <p> + “I will,” cried the girl, jumping up from the log, and running into the + house. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that bargain's made,” said the lover, rubbing his hands; “and now, + oie'll go and bid measter and missus good-buoy.” + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's eyes were full of tears, for the children, who loved him + very much, clung, crying, about his knees. “God bless yees all,” sobbed + the kind-hearted creature. “Doan't forget Jacob, for he'll neaver forget + you. Goodbuoy!” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Mary, he threw his arms round her neck, and bestowed upon + her fair cheek the most audible kiss I ever heard. + </p> + <p> + “And doan't you forget me, Meary. In two years oie will be back to marry + you; and maybe oie may come back a rich man.” + </p> + <p> + Mary, who was an exceedingly pretty girl, shed some tears at the parting; + but in a few days, she was as gay as ever, and listening with great + attention to the praises bestowed upon her beauty by an old bachelor, who + was her senior by five-and-twenty years. But then he had a good farm, a + saddle mare, and plenty of stock, and was reputed to have saved money. The + saddle mare seemed to have great weight in old Ralph T——h's + wooing; and I used laughingly to remind Mary of her absent lover, and beg + her not to marry Ralph T——h's mare. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE LITTLE STUMPY MAN. + </h2> + <p> + Before I dismiss for ever the troubles and sorrows of 1836, I would fain + introduce to the notice of my readers some of the odd characters with whom + we became acquainted during that period. The first that starts vividly to + my recollection is the picture of a short, stumpy, thick-set man—a + British sailor, too—who came to stay one night under our roof, and + took quiet possession of his quarters for nine months, and whom we were + obliged to tolerate from the simple fact that we could not get rid of him. + </p> + <p> + During the fall, Moodie had met this individual (whom I will call Mr. + Malcolm) in the mail-coach going up to Toronto. Amused with his eccentric + and blunt manners, and finding him a shrewd, clever fellow in + conversation, Moodie told him that if ever he came into his part of the + world he should be glad to renew their acquaintance. And so they parted, + with mutual good-will, as men often part who have travelled a long journey + in good fellowship together, without thinking it probable they should ever + meet again. + </p> + <p> + The sugar season had just commenced with the spring thaw; Jacob had tapped + a few trees in order to obtain sap to make molasses for the children, when + his plans were frustrated by the illness of my husband, who was again + attacked with the ague. Towards the close of a wet, sloppy night, while + Jacob was in the wood, chopping, and our servant gone to my sister, who + was ill, to help to wash, as I was busy baking bread for tea, my attention + was aroused by a violent knocking at the door, and the furious barking of + our dog, Hector. I ran to open it, when I found Hector's teeth clenched in + the trowsers of a little, dark, thick-set man, who said in a gruff voice, + </p> + <p> + “Call off; our dog. What the devil do you keep such an infernal brute + about the house for? Is it to bite people who come to see you?” + </p> + <p> + Hector was the best-behaved, best-tempered animal in the world; he might + have been called a gentlemanly dog. So little was there of the unmannerly + puppy in his behaviour, that I was perfectly astonished at his ungracious + conduct. I caught him by the collar, and not without some difficulty, + succeeded in dragging him off. + </p> + <p> + “Is Captain Moodie within?” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “He is, sir. But he is ill in bed—too ill to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him a friend,” (he laid a strong stress upon the last word,) “a + particular friend must speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + I now turned my eyes to the face of the speaker with some curiosity. I had + taken him for a mechanic, from his dirty, slovenly appearance; and his + physiognomy was so unpleasant that I did not credit his assertion that he + was a friend of my husband, for I was certain that no man who possessed + such a forbidding aspect could be regarded by Moodie as a friend. I was + about to deliver his message, but the moment I let go Hector's collar, the + dog was at him again. + </p> + <p> + “Don't strike him with your stick,” I cried, throwing my arms over the + faithful creature. “He is a powerful animal, and if you provoke him, he + will kill you.” + </p> + <p> + I at last succeeded in coaxing Hector into the girl's room, where I shut + him up, while the stranger came into the kitchen, and walked to the fire + to dry his wet clothes. + </p> + <p> + I immediately went into the parlour, where Moodie was lying upon a bed + near the stove, to deliver the stranger's message; but before I could say + a word, he dashed in after me, and going up to the bed held out his broad, + coarse hand, with, “How are you, Mr. Moodie. You see I have accepted your + kind invitation sooner than either you or I expected. If you will give me + house-room for the night I shall be obliged to you.” + </p> + <p> + This was said in a low, mysterious voice: and Moodie, who was still + struggling with the hot fit of his disorder, and whose senses were not a + little confused, stared at him with a look of vague bewilderment. The + countenance of the stranger grew dark. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot have forgotten me—my name is Malcolm.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I remember you now,” said the invalid, holding out his burning, + feverish hand. “To my home, such as it is, you are welcome.” + </p> + <p> + I stood by in wondering astonishment, looking from one to the other, as I + had no recollection of ever hearing my husband mention the name of the + stranger; but as he had invited him to share our hospitality, I did my + best to make him welcome, though in what manner he was to be accommodated + puzzled me not a little. I placed the arm-chair by the fire, and told him + that I would prepare tea for him as soon as I could. + </p> + <p> + “It may be as well to tell you, Mrs. Moodie,” said he sulkily, for he was + evidently displeased by my husband's want of recognition on his first + entrance, “that I have had no dinner.” + </p> + <p> + I sighed to myself, for I well knew that our larder boasted of no + dainties; and from the animal expression of our guest's face. I rightly + judged that he was fond of good living. + </p> + <p> + By the time I had fried a rasher of salt pork, and made a pot of dandelion + coffee, the bread I had been preparing was baked; but grown flour will not + make light bread, and it was unusually heavy. For the first time I felt + heartily ashamed of our humble fare. I was sure that he for whom it was + provided was not one to pass it over in benevolent silence. “He might be a + gentleman,” I thought, “but he does not look like one;” and a confused + idea of who he was, and where Moodie had met with him, began to float + through my mind. I did not like the appearance of the man, but I consoled + myself that he was only to stay for one night, and I could give up my bed + for that one night, and sleep on a bed on the floor by my sick husband. + When I re-entered the parlour to cover the table, I found Moodie fallen + asleep, and Mr. Malcolm reading. As I placed the tea-things on the table, + he raised his head, and regarded me with a gloomy stare. He was a + strange-looking creature; his features were tolerably regular, his + complexion dark, with a good colour, his very broad and round head was + covered with a perfect mass of close, black, curling hair, which, in + growth, texture, and hue, resembled the wiry, curly hide of a water-dog. + His eyes and mouth were both well-shaped, but gave, by their sinister + expression, an odious and doubtful meaning to the whole of his + physiognomy. The eyes were cold, insolent, and cruel, and as green as the + eyes of a cat. The mouth bespoke a sullen, determined, and sneering + disposition, as if it belonged to one brutally obstinate, one who could + not by any gentle means be persuaded from his purpose. Such a man in a + passion, would have been a terrible wild beast; but the current of his + feelings seemed to flow in a deep sluggish channel, rather than in a + violent or impetuous one; and, like William Penn, when he reconnoitred his + unwelcome visitors through the keyhole of the door, I looked at my strange + guest, and liked him not. Perhaps my distant and constrained manner made + him painfully aware of the fact, for I am certain that, from that first + hour of our acquaintance, a deep-rooted antipathy existed between us, + which time seemed rather to strengthen than diminish. + </p> + <p> + He ate of his meal sparingly, and with evident disgust; the only remarks + which dropped from him were: + </p> + <p> + “You make bad bread in the bush. Strange, that you can't keep your + potatoes from the frost! I should have thought that you could have had + things more comfortable in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “We have been very unfortunate,” I said, “since we came to the woods. I am + sorry that you should be obliged to share the poverty of the land. It + would have given me much pleasure could I have set before you a more + comfortable meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't mention it. So that I get good pork and potatoes I shall be + contented.” + </p> + <p> + What did these words imply?—an extension of his visit? I hoped that + I was mistaken; but before I could lose any time in conjecture my husband + awoke. The fit had left him, and he rose and dressed himself, and was soon + chatting cheerfully with his guest. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Malcolm now informed him that he was hiding from, the sheriff of the N—— + district's officers, and that it would be conferring upon him a great + favour if he would allow him to remain at his house for a few weeks. + </p> + <p> + “To tell you the truth, Malcolm,” said Moodie, “we are so badly off that + we can scarcely find food for ourselves and the children. It is out of our + power to make you comfortable, or to keep an additional hand, without he + is willing to render some little help on the farm. If you can do this, I + will endeavour to get a few necessaries on credit, to make your stay more + agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + To this proposition Malcolm readily assented, not only because it released + him from all sense of obligation but because it gave him a privilege to + grumble. + </p> + <p> + Finding that his stay might extend to an indefinite period, I got Jacob to + construct a rude bedstead out of two large chests that had transported + some of our goods across the Atlantic, and which he put up in a corner of + the parlour. This I provided with a small hair-mattress, and furnished + with what bedding I could spare. + </p> + <p> + For the first fortnight of his sojourn, our guest did nothing but lie upon + that bed, and read, and smoke, and drink whiskey and water from morning + until night. By degrees he let out part of his history; but there was a + mystery about him which he took good care never to clear up. He was the + son of an officer in the navy, who had not only attained a very high rank + in the service, but, for his gallant conduct, had been made a + Knight-Companion of the Bath. + </p> + <p> + He had himself served his time as a midshipman on board his father's + flag-ship, but had left the navy and accepted a commission in the + Buenos-Ayrean service during the political struggles in that province; he + had commanded a sort of privateer under the government, to whom, by his + own account, he had rendered many very signal services. Why he left South + America and came to Canada he kept a profound secret. He had indulged in + very vicious and dissipated courses since he came to the province, and by + his own account had spent upwards of four thousand pounds, in a manner not + over creditable to himself. Finding that his friends would answer his + bills no longer, he took possession of a grant of land obtained through + his father's interest, up in Hersey, a barren township on the shores of + Stony Lake; and, after putting up his shanty, and expending all his + remaining means, he found that he did not possess one acre out of the + whole four hundred that would yield a crop of potatoes. He was now + considerably in debt, and the lands, such as they were, had been seized, + with all his effects, by the sheriff, and a warrant was out for his own + apprehension, which he contrived to elude during his sojourn with us. + Money he had none; and, beyond the dirty fearnought blue seaman's jacket + which he wore, a pair of trowsers of the coarse cloth of the country, an + old black vest that had seen better days, and two blue-checked shirts, + clothes he had none. He shaved but once a week, never combed his hair, and + never washed himself. A dirtier or more slovenly creature never before was + dignified by the title of a gentleman. He was, however, a man of good + education, of excellent abilities, and possessed a bitter, sarcastic + knowledge of the world; but he was selfish and unprincipled in the highest + degree. + </p> + <p> + His shrewd observations and great conversational powers had first + attracted my husband's attention, and, as men seldom show their bad + qualities on a journey, he thought him a blunt, good fellow, who had + travelled a great deal, and could render himself a very agreeable + companion by a graphic relation of his adventures. He could be all this, + when he chose to relax from his sullen, morose mood; and, much as I + disliked him, I have listened with interest for hours to his droll + descriptions of South American life and manners. + </p> + <p> + Naturally indolent, and a constitutional grumbler, it was with the + greatest difficulty that Moodie could get him to do any thing beyond + bringing a few pails of water from the swamp for the use of the house, and + he has often passed me carrying water up from the lake without offering to + relieve me of the burden. Mary, the betrothed of Jacob, called him a + perfect beast; but he, returning good for evil, considered <i>her</i> a + very pretty girl, and paid her so many uncouth attentions that he roused + the jealousy of honest Jake, who vowed that he would give him a good + “loomping” if he only dared to lay a finger upon his sweetheart. With + Jacob to back her, Mary treated the “zea-bear,” as Jacob termed him, with + vast disdain, and was so saucy to him that, forgetting his admiration, he + declared he would like to serve her as the Indians had done a scolding + woman in South America. They attacked her house during the absence of her + husband, cut out her tongue, and nailed it to the door, by way of knocker; + and he thought that all women who could not keep a civil tongue in their + head should be served in the same manner. + </p> + <p> + “And what should be done to men who swear and use ondacent language?” + quoth Mary, indignantly. “Their tongues should be slit, and given to the + dogs. Faugh! You are such a nasty fellow that I don't think Hector would + eat your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll kill that beast,” muttered Malcolm, as he walked away. + </p> + <p> + I remonstrated with him on the impropriety of bandying words with our + servants. “You see,” I said, “the disrespect with which they treat you; + and if they presume upon your familiarity, to speak to our guest in this + contemptuous manner, they will soon extend the same conduct to us.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mrs. Moodie, you should reprove them.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, sir, while you continue, by taking liberties with the girl, and + swearing at the man, to provoke them to retaliation.” + </p> + <p> + “Swearing! What harm is there in swearing? A sailor cannot live without + oaths.” + </p> + <p> + “But a gentleman might. Mr. Malcolm. I should be sorry to consider you in + any other light.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are such a prude—so methodistical—you make no + allowance for circumstances! Surely, in the woods we may dispense with the + hypocritical, conventional forms of society, and speak and act as we + please.” + </p> + <p> + “So you seem to think; but you see the result.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never been used to the society of ladies, and cannot fashion my + words to please them; and I won't, that's more!” he muttered to himself, + as he strode off to Moodie in the field. I wished from my very heart that + he was once more on the deck of his piratical South American craft. + </p> + <p> + One night he insisted on going out in the canoe to spear muskinongé with + Moodie. The evening turned out very chill and foggy, and, before twelve, + they returned, with only one fish, and half frozen with cold. Malcolm had + got twinges of rheumatism, and he fussed, and sulked, and swore, and + quarrelled with every body and every thing, until Moodie, who was highly + amused by his petulance, advised him to go to his bed, and pray for the + happy restoration of his temper. + </p> + <p> + “Temper!” he cried, “I don't believe there's a good-tempered person in the + world. It's all hypocrisy! I never had a good temper! My mother was an + ill-tempered woman, and ruled my father, who was a confoundedly severe, + domineering man. I was born in an ill temper. I was an ill-tempered child; + I grew up an ill-tempered man. I feel worse than ill tempered now, and + when I die it will be in an ill temper.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” quoth I, “Moodie has made you a tumbler of hot punch, which may + help to drive out the cold and the ill temper, and cure the rheumatism.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; your husband's a good fellow, and worth two of you, Mrs. Moodie. He + makes some allowance for the weakness of Human nature, and can excuse even + my ill temper.” + </p> + <p> + I did not choose to bandy words with him, and the next day the unfortunate + creature was shaking with the ague. A more intractable, outrageous, <i>im</i>-patient + I never had the ill fortune to nurse. During the cold fit, he did nothing + but swear at the cold, and wished himself roasting; and during the fever, + he swore at the heat, and wished that he was sitting, in no other garment + than his shirt, on the north side of an iceberg. And when the fit at last + left him, he got up, and ate such quantities of fat pork, and drank so + much whiskey-punch, that you would have imagined he had just arrived from + a long journey, and had not tasted food for a couple of days. + </p> + <p> + He would not believe that fishing in the cold night-air upon the water had + made him ill, but raved that it was all my fault for having laid my baby + down on his bed while it was shaking with the ague. + </p> + <p> + Yet, if there were the least tenderness mixed up in his iron nature, it + was the affection he displayed for that young child. Dunbar was just + twenty months old, with bright, dark eyes, dimpled cheeks, and soft, + flowing, golden hair, which fell round his infant face in rich curls. The + merry, confiding little creature formed such a contrast to his own surly, + unyielding temper, that, perhaps, that very circumstance made the bond of + union between them. When in the house, the little boy was seldom out of + his arms, and whatever were Malcolm's faults, he had none in the eyes of + the child, who used to cling around his neck, and kiss his rough, unshaven + cheeks with the greatest fondness. + </p> + <p> + “If I could afford it, Moodie,” he said one day to my husband, “I should + like to marry. I want some one upon whom I could vent my affections.” And + wanting that some one in the form of woman, he contented himself with + venting them upon the child. + </p> + <p> + As the spring advanced, and after Jacob left us, he seemed ashamed of + sitting in the house doing nothing, and therefore undertook to make us a + garden, or “to make garden,” as the Canadians term preparing a few + vegetables for the season. I procured the necessary seeds, and watched + with no small surprise the industry with which our strange visitor + commenced operations. He repaired the broken fence, dug the ground with + the greatest care, and laid it out with a skill and neatness of which I + had believed him perfectly incapable. In less than three weeks, the whole + plot presented a very pleasing prospect, and he was really elated by his + success. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” said he, “we shall no longer be starved on bad flour and + potatoes. We shall have peas, and beans, and beets, and carrots, and + cabbage in abundance; besides the plot I have reserved for cucumbers and + melons.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” thought I, “does he, indeed, mean to stay with us until the melons + are ripe?” and my heart died within me, for he not only was a great + additional expense, but he gave a great deal of additional trouble, and + entirely robbed us of all privacy, as our very parlour was converted into + a bedroom for his accommodation; besides that, a man of his singularly + dirty habits made a very disagreeable inmate. + </p> + <p> + The only redeeming point in his character, in my eyes, was his love for + Dunbar. I could not entirely hate a man who was so fondly attached to my + child. To the two little girls he was very cross, and often chased them + from him with blows. He had, too, an odious way of finding fault with + every thing. I never could cook to please him; and he tried in the most + malicious way to induce Moodie to join in his complaints. All his schemes + to make strife between us, however, failed, and were generally visited + upon himself. In no way did he ever seek to render me the least + assistance. Shortly after Jacob left us, Mary Price was offered higher + wages by a family at Peterborough, and for some time I was left with four + little children, and without a servant. Moodie always milked the cows, + because I never could overcome my fear of cattle; and though I had + occasionally milked when there was no one else in the way, it was in fear + and trembling. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had to go down to Peterborough; but before he went, he begged + Malcolm to bring me what water and wood I required, and to stand by the + cattle while I milked the cows, and he would himself be home before night. + He started at six in the morning, and I got the pail to go and milk. + Malcolm was lying upon his bed, reading. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Malcolm, will you be so kind as to go with me to the fields for a few + minutes while I milk?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” (then, with a sulky frown,)—“but I want to finish what I am + reading.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not detain you long.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I suppose about an hour. You are a shocking bad milker.” + </p> + <p> + “True; I never went near a cow until I came to this country; and I have + never been able to overcome my fear of them.” + </p> + <p> + “More shame for you! A farmer's wife, and afraid of a cow! Why, these + little children would laugh at you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not reply, nor would I ask him again. I walked slowly to the field, + and my indignation made me forget my fear. I had just finished milking, + and with a brimming pail was preparing to climb the fence and return to + the house, when a very wild ox we had came running with headlong speed + from the wood. All my fears were alive again in a moment. I snatched up + the pail, and, instead of climbing the fence and getting to the house, I + ran with all the speed I could command down the steep hill towards the + lake shore, my feet caught in a root of the many stumps in the path, and I + fell to the ground, my pail rolling many yards ahead of me. Every drop of + my milk was spilt upon the grass. The ox passed on. I gathered myself up + and returned home. Malcolm was very fond of new milk, and he came to me at + the door. + </p> + <p> + “Hi! hi!—Where's the milk?” + </p> + <p> + “No milk for the poor children to-day,” said I, showing him the inside of + the pail, with a sorrowful shake of the head, for it was no small loss to + them and me. + </p> + <p> + “How the devil's that? So you were afraid to milk the cows. Come away, and + I will keep off the buggaboos.” + </p> + <p> + “I did milk them—no thanks to your kindness, Mr. Malcolm—but—” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” + </p> + <p> + “The ox frightened me, and I fell and spilt all the milk.” + </p> + <p> + “Whew! Now don't go and tell your husband that it was all my fault; if you + had had a little patience, I would have come when you asked me, but I + don't choose to be dictated to, and I won't be made a slave by you or any + one else.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you stay, sir, where you consider yourself so treated?” said + I. “We are all obliged to work to obtain bread; we give you the best share—surely + the return we ask for it is but small.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me feel my obligations to you when you ask me to do any thing; + if you left it to my better feelings we should get on better.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right. I will never ask you to do any thing for me in + future.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, now, that's all mock humility. In spite of the tears in your eyes, + you are as angry with me as ever; but don't go to make mischief between me + and Moodie. If you'll say nothing about my refusing to go with you, I'll + milk the cows for you myself to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “And can you milk?” said I, with some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Milk! Yes; and if I were not so confoundedly low-spirited and —— + lazy, I could do a thousand other things too. But now, don't say a word + about it to Moodie.” + </p> + <p> + I made no promise; but my respect for him was not increased by his + cowardly fear of reproof from Moodie, who treated him with a kindness and + consideration which he did not deserve. The afternoon turned out very wet, + and I was sorry that I should be troubled with his company all day in the + house. I was making a shirt for Moodie from some cotton that had been sent + me from home, and he placed himself by the side of the stove, just + opposite, and continued to regard me for a long time with his usual sullen + stare. I really felt half afraid of him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think me mad?” said he. “I have a brother deranged; he got a + stroke of the sun in India, and lost his senses in consequence; but + sometimes I think it runs in the family.” + </p> + <p> + What answer could I give to this speech, but mere evasive commonplace? + </p> + <p> + “You won't say what you really think,” he continued; “I know you hate me, + and that makes me dislike you. Now what would you say if I told you I had + committed a murder, and that it was the recollection of that circumstance + that made me at times so restless and unhappy?” + </p> + <p> + I looked up in his face, not knowing what to believe. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis fact,” said he, nodding his head; and I hoped that he would not go + mad, like his brother, and kill me. + </p> + <p> + “Come, I'll tell you all about it; I know the world would laugh at me for + calling such an act <i>murder</i>; and yet I have been such a miserable + man ever since, that I <i>feel</i> it was. + </p> + <p> + “There was a noted leader among the rebel Buenos-Ayreans, whom the + government wanted much to get hold of. He was a fine, dashing, handsome + fellow; I had often seen him, but we never came to close quarters. One + night, I was lying wrapped up in my poncho at the bottom of my boat, which + was rocking in the surf, waiting for two of my men, who were gone on + shore. There came to the shore, this man and one of his people, and they + stood so near the boat, which I suppose they thought empty, that I could + distinctly hear their conversation. I suppose it was the devil who tempted + me to put a bullet through that man's heart. He was an enemy to the flag + under which I fought, but he was no enemy to me—I had no right to + become his executioner; but still the desire to kill him, for the mere + deviltry of the thing, came so strongly upon me that I no longer tried to + resist it. I rose slowly upon my knees; the moon was shining very bright + at the time, both he and his companion were too earnestly engaged to see + me, and I deliberately shot him through the body. He fell with a heavy + groan back into the water; but I caught the last look he threw up to the + moonlight skies before his eyes glazed in death. Oh, that look!—so + full of despair, of unutterable anguish; it haunts me yet—it will + haunt me for ever. I would not have cared if I had killed him in strife—but + in cold blood, and he so unsuspicious of his doom! Yes, it was murder; I + know by this constant tugging at my heart that it was murder. What do you + say to it?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think as you do, Mr. Malcolm. It is a terrible thing to take + away the life of a fellow-creature without the least provocation.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I knew you would blame me; but he was an enemy after all; I had a + right to kill him; I was hired by the government under whom I served to + kill him: and who shall condemn me?” + </p> + <p> + “No one more than your own heart.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not the heart, but the brain, that must decide in questions of + right and wrong,” said he. “I acted from impulse, and shot the man; had I + reasoned upon it for five minutes, that man would be living now. But + what's done cannot be undone. Did I ever show you the work I wrote upon + South America?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you an author,” said I, incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I am. Murray offered me £100 for my manuscript, but I would + not take it. Shall I read to you some passages from it?” + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that his behaviour in the morning was uppermost in my + thoughts, and I had no repugnance in refusing. + </p> + <p> + “No, don't trouble yourself. I have the dinner to cook, and the children + to attend to, which will cause a constant interruption; you had better + defer it to some other time.” + </p> + <p> + “I shan't ask you to listen to me again,” said he, with a look of offended + vanity; but he went to his trunk, and brought out a large MS., written on + foolscap, which he commenced reading to himself with an air of great + self-importance, glancing from time to time at me, and smiling + disdainfully. Oh, how glad I was when the door opened, and the return of + Moodie broke up this painful <i>tête-à -tête</i>. + </p> + <p> + From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step. The very next day, Mr. + Malcolm made his appearance before me wrapped in a great-coat belonging to + my husband, which literally came down to his heels. At this strange + apparition, I fell a-laughing. + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, Mrs. Moodie, lend me a pair of inexpressibles. I have met + with an accident in crossing the fence, and mine are torn to shreds—gone + to the devil entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't swear. I'll see what can be done for you.” + </p> + <p> + I brought him a new pair of fine, drab-coloured kerseymere trowsers that + had never been worn. Although he was eloquent in his thanks, I had no idea + that he meant to keep them for his sole individual use from that day + thenceforth. But after all, what was the man to do? He had no trousers, + and no money, and he could not take to the woods. Certainly his loss was + not our gain. It was the old proverb reversed. The season for putting in + the potatoes had now arrived. Malcolm volunteered to cut the sets, which + was easy work that could be done in the house, and over which he could + lounge and smoke; but Moodie told him that he must take his share in the + field, that I had already sets enough saved to plant half-an-acre, and + would have more prepared by the time they were required. With many growls + and shrugs, he felt obliged to comply; and he performed his part pretty + well, the execrations bestowed upon the mosquitoes and black-flies forming + a sort of safety-valve to let off the concentrated venom of his temper. + When he came in to dinner, he held out his hands to me. + </p> + <p> + “Look at these hands.” + </p> + <p> + “They are blistered with the hoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at my face.” + </p> + <p> + “You are terribly disfigured by the black-flies. But Moodie suffers just + as much, and says nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah!—The only consolation one feels for such annoyances is to + complain. Oh, the woods!—the cursed woods!—how I wish I were + out of them.” The day was very warm, but in the afternoon I was surprised + by a visit from an old maiden lady, a friend of mine from C—. She + had walked up with a Mr. Crowe, from Peterborough, a young, brisk-looking + farmer, in breeches and top-boots, just out from the old country, who, + naturally enough, thought he would like to roost among the woods. + </p> + <p> + He was a little, lively, good-natured manny, with a real Anglo-Saxon face,—rosy, + high cheek-boned, with full lips, and a turned-up nose; and, like most + little men, was a great talker, and very full of himself. He had belonged + to the secondary class of farmers, and was very vulgar, both in person and + manners. I had just prepared tea for my visitors, when Malcolm and Moodie + returned from the field. There was no affectation about the former. He was + manly in his person, and blunt even to rudeness, and I saw by the + quizzical look which he cast upon the spruce little Crowe that he was + quietly quizzing him from head to heel. A neighbour had sent me a present + of maple molasses, and Mr. Crowe was so fearful of spilling some of the + rich syrup upon his drab shorts that he spread a large pocket-handkerchief + over his knees, and tucked another under his chin. I felt very much + inclined to laugh, but restrained the inclination as well as I could—and + if the little creature would have sat still, I could have quelled my + rebellious propensity altogether; but up he would jump at every word I + said to him, and make me a low, jerking bow, often with his mouth quite + full, and the treacherous molasses running over his chin. + </p> + <p> + Malcolm sat directly opposite to me and my volatile next-door neighbour. + He saw the intense difficulty I had to keep my gravity, and was determined + to make me laugh out. So, coming slyly behind my chair, he whispered in my + ear, with the gravity of a judge, “Mrs. Moodie, that must have been the + very chap who first jumped Jim Crowe.” + </p> + <p> + This appeal obliged me to run from the table. Moodie was astonished at my + rudeness; and Malcolm, as he resumed his seat, made the matter worse by + saying, “I wonder what is the matter with Mrs. Moodie; she is certainly + very hysterical this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + The potatoes were planted, and the season of strawberries, green peas, and + young potatoes come, but still Malcolm remained our constant guest. He had + grown so indolent, and gave himself so many airs, that Moodie was heartily + sick of his company, and gave him many gentle hints to change his + quarters; but our guest was determined to take no hint. For some reason + best known to himself, perhaps out of sheer contradiction, which formed + one great element in his character, he seemed obstinately bent upon + remaining where he was. Moodie was busy under-bushing for a full fallow. + Malcolm spent much of his time in the garden, or lounging about the house. + I had baked an eel-pie for dinner, which if prepared well is by no means + an unsavoury dish. Malcolm had cleaned some green peas, and washed the + first young potatoes we had drawn that season, with his own hands, and he + was reckoning upon the feast he should have on the potatoes with childish + glee. The dinner at length was put upon the table. The vegetables were + remarkably fine, and the pie looked very nice. + </p> + <p> + Moodie helped Malcolm, as he always did, very largely, and the other + covered his plate with a portion of peas and potatoes, when, lo and + behold! my gentleman began making a very wry face at the pie. + </p> + <p> + “What an infernal dish!” he cried, pushing away his plate with an air of + great disgust. “These eels taste as if they had been stewed in oil. + Moodie, you should teach your wife to be a better cook.” + </p> + <p> + The hot blood burnt upon Moodie's cheek. I saw indignation blazing in his + eye. + </p> + <p> + “If you don't like what is prepared for you, sir, you may leave the table, + and my house, if you please. I will put up with your ungentlemanly and + ungrateful conduct to Mrs. Moodie no longer.” + </p> + <p> + Out stalked the offending party. I thought, to be sure, we had got rid of + him; and though he deserved what was said to him, I was sorry for him. + Moodie took his dinner, quietly remarking, “I wonder he could find it in + his heart to leave those fine peas and potatoes.” + </p> + <p> + He then went back to his work in the bush, and I cleared away the dishes, + and churned, for I wanted butter for tea. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock, Mr. Malcolm entered the room. “Mrs. Moodie,” said he, + in a more cheerful voice than usual, “where's the boss?” + </p> + <p> + “In the wood, under-bushing.” I felt dreadfully afraid that there would be + blows between them. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Mr. Malcolm, that you are not going to him with any intention of + a fresh quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think I have been punished enough by losing my dinner?” said + he, with a grin. “I don't think we shall murder one another.” He + shouldered his axe, and went whistling away. + </p> + <p> + After striving for a long while to stifle my foolish fears, I took the + baby in my arms, and little Dunbar by the hand and ran up to the bush + where Moodie was at work. + </p> + <p> + At first I only saw my husband, but the strokes of an axe at a little + distance soon guided my eyes to the spot where Malcolm was working away, + as if for dear life. Moodie smiled, and looked at me significantly. + </p> + <p> + “How could the fellow stomach what I said to him? Either great necessity + or great meanness must be the cause of his knocking under. I don't know + whether most to pity or despise him.” + </p> + <p> + “Put up with it, dearest, for this once. He is not happy, and must be + greatly distressed.” + </p> + <p> + Malcolm kept aloof, ever and anon casting a furtive glance towards us; at + last little Dunbar ran to him, and held up his arms to be kissed. The + strange man snatched him to his bosom, and covered him with caresses. It + might be love to the child that had quelled his sullen spirit, or he might + really have cherished an affection for us deeper than his ugly temper + would allow him to show. At all events, he joined us at tea as if nothing + had happened, and we might truly say that he had obtained a new lease of + his long visit. But what could not be effected by words or hints of ours + was brought about a few days after by the silly observation of a child. He + asked Katie to give him a kiss, and he would give her some raspberries he + had gathered in the bush. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want them. Go away; I don't like you, <i>you little stumpy man!</i>” + </p> + <p> + His rage knew no bounds. He pushed the child from him, and vowed that he + would leave the house that moment—that she could not have thought of + such an expression herself; she must have been taught it by us. This was + an entire misconception on his part; but he would not be convinced that he + was wrong. Off he went, and Moodie called after him, “Malcolm, as I am + sending to Peterborough to-morrow, the man shall take in your trunk.” He + was too angry even to turn and bid us good-bye; but we had not seen the + last of him yet. Two months after, we were taking tea with a neighbour, + who lived a mile below us on the small lake. Who should walk in but Mr. + Malcolm? He greeted us with great warmth for him, and when we rose to take + leave, he rose and walked home by our side. “Surely the little stumpy man + is not returning to his old quarters?” I am still a babe in the affairs of + men. Human nature has more strange varieties than any one menagerie can + contain, and Malcolm was one of the oddest of her odd species. + </p> + <p> + That night he slept in his old bed below the parlour window, and for three + months afterwards he stuck to us like a beaver. He seemed to have grown + more kindly, or we had got more used to his eccentricities, and let him + have his own way; certainly he behaved himself much better. He neither + scolded the children nor interfered with the maid, nor quarrelled with me. + He had greatly discontinued his bad habit of swearing, and he talked of + himself and his future prospects with more hope and self-respect. His + father had promised to send him a fresh supply of money, and he proposed + to buy of Moodie the clergy reserve, and that they should farm the two + places on shares. This offer was received with great joy, as an + unlooked-for means of paying our debts, and extricating ourselves from + present and overwhelming difficulties, and we looked upon the little + stumpy man in the light of a benefactor. + </p> + <p> + So matters continued until Christmas-eve, when our visitor proposed + walking into Peterborough, in order to give the children a treat of + raisins to make a Christmas pudding. + </p> + <p> + “We will be quite merry to-morrow,” he said. “I hope we shall eat many + Christmas dinners together, and continue good friends.” + </p> + <p> + He started, after breakfast, with the promise of coming back at night; but + night came, the Christmas passed away, months and years fled away, but we + never saw the little stumpy man again! + </p> + <p> + He went away that day with a stranger in a wagon from Peterborough, and + never afterwards was seen in that part of Canada. We afterwards learned + that he went to Texas, and it is thought that he was killed at St. + Antonio; but this is mere conjecture. Whether dead or living, I feel + convinced that + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “We ne'er shall look upon his like again.” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE FIRE. + </h2> + <p> + The early part of the winter of 1837, a year never to be forgotten in the + annals of Canadian history, was very severe. During the month of February, + the thermometer often ranged from eighteen to twenty-seven degrees below + zero. Speaking of the coldness of one particular day, a genuine Brother + Jonathan remarked, with charming simplicity, that it was thirty degrees + below zero that morning, and it would have been much colder if the + thermometer had been longer. + </p> + <p> + The morning of the seventh was so intensely cold that every thing liquid + froze in the house. The wood that had been drawn for the fire was green, + and it ignited too slowly to satisfy the shivering impatience of women and + children; I vented mine in audibly grumbling over the wretched fire, at + which I in vain endeavoured to thaw frozen bread, and to dress crying + children. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that an old friend, the maiden lady before alluded to, had + been staying with us for a few days. She had left us for a visit to my + sister, and as some relatives of hers were about to return to Britain by + the way of New York, and had offered to convey letters to friends at home, + I had been busy all the day before preparing a packet for England. It was + my intention to walk to my sister's with this packet, directly the + important affair of breakfast had been discussed, but the extreme cold of + the morning had occasioned such delay that it was late before the + breakfast-things were cleared away. + </p> + <p> + After dressing, I found the air so keen that I could not venture out + without some risk to my nose, and my husband kindly volunteered to go in + my stead. I had hired a young Irish girl the day before. Her friends were + only just located in our vicinity, and she had never seen a stove until + she came to our house. After Moodie left, I suffered the fire to die away + in the Franklin stove in the parlour, and went into the kitchen to prepare + bread for the oven. + </p> + <p> + The girl, who was a good-natured creature, had heard me complain bitterly + of the cold, and the impossibility of getting the green wood to burn, and + she thought that she would see if she could not make a good fire for me + and the children, against my work was done. Without saying one word about + her intention, she slipped out through a door that opened from the parlour + into the garden, ran round to the wood-yard, filled her lap with cedar + chips, and, not knowing the nature of the stove, filled it entirely with + the light wood. + </p> + <p> + Before I had the least idea of my danger, I was aroused from the + completion of my task by the crackling and roaring of a large fire, and a + suffocating smell of burning soot. I looked up at the kitchen + cooking-stove. All was right there. I knew I had left no fire in the + parlour stove; but not being able to account for the smoke and smell of + burning, I opened the door, and to my dismay found the stove red hot, from + the front plate to the topmost pipe that let out the smoke through the + roof. + </p> + <p> + My first impulse was to plunge a blanket, snatched from the servant's bed, + which stood in the kitchen, into cold water. This I thrust into the stove, + and upon it I threw water, until all was cool below. I then ran up to the + loft, and by exhausting all the water in the house, even to that contained + in the boilers upon the fire, contrived to cool down the pipes which + passed through the loft. I then sent the girl out of doors to look at the + roof, which, as a very deep fall of snow had taken place the day before, I + hoped would be completely covered, and safe from all danger of fire. + </p> + <p> + She quickly returned, stamping and tearing her hair, and making a variety + of uncouth outcries, from which I gathered that the roof was in flames. + </p> + <p> + This was terrible news, with my husband absent, no man in the house, and a + mile and a quarter from any other habitation. I ran out to ascertain the + extent of the misfortune, and found a large fire burning in the roof + between the two stone pipes. The heat of the fires had melted off all the + snow, and a spark from the burning pipe had already ignited the shingles. + A ladder, which for several months had stood against the house, had been + moved two days before to the barn, which was at the top of the hill, near + the road; there was no reaching the fire through that source. I got out + the dining-table, and tried to throw water upon the roof by standing on a + chair placed upon it, but I only expended the little water that remained + in the boiler, without reaching the fire. The girl still continued weeping + and lamenting. + </p> + <p> + “You must go for help,” I said. “Run as fast as you can to my sister's, + and fetch your master!” + </p> + <p> + “And lave you, ma'arm, and the childher alone wid the burnin' house?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! Don't stay one moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no shoes, ma'arm, and the snow is so deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Put on your master's boots; make haste, or we shall be lost before help + comes.” + </p> + <p> + The girl put on the boots and started, shrieking “Fire!” the whole way. + This was utterly useless, and only impeded her progress by exhausting her + strength. After she had vanished from the head of the clearing into the + wood, and I was left quite alone, with the house burning over my head, I + paused one moment to reflect what had best be done. + </p> + <p> + The house was built of cedar logs; in all probability it would be consumed + before any help could arrive. There was a brisk breeze blowing up from the + frozen lake, and the thermometer stood at eighteen degrees below zero. We + were placed between the two extremes of heat and cold, and there was as + much danger to be apprehended from the one as the other. In the + bewilderment of the moment, the direful extent of the calamity never + struck me: we wanted but this to put the finishing stroke to our + misfortunes, to be thrown naked, houseless, and penniless, upon the world. + “<i>What shall I save first?</i>” was the thought just then uppermost in + my mind. Bedding and clothing appeared the most essentially necessary, and + without another moment's pause, I set to work with a right good will to + drag all that I could from my burning home. + </p> + <p> + While little Agnes, Dunbar, and baby Donald filled the air with their + cries, Katie, as if fully conscious of the importance of exertion, + assisted me in carrying out sheets and blankets, and dragging trunks and + boxes some way up the hill, to be out of the way of the burning brands + when the roof should fall in. + </p> + <p> + How many anxious looks I gave to the head of the clearing as the fire + increased, and large pieces of burning pine began to fall through the + boarded ceiling, about the lower rooms where we were at work. The children + I had kept under a large dresser in the kitchen, but it now appeared + absolutely necessary to remove them to a place of safety. To expose the + young, tender things to the direful cold was almost as bad as leaving them + to the mercy of the fire. At last I hit upon a plan to keep them from + freezing. I emptied all the clothes out of a large, deep chest of drawers, + and dragged the empty drawers up the hill; these I lined with blankets, + and placed a child in each drawer, covering it well over with the bedding + giving to little Agnes the charge of the baby to hold between her knees, + and keep well covered until help should arrive. Ah, how long it seemed + coming! + </p> + <p> + The roof was now burning like a brush-heap, and, unconsciously, the child + and I were working under a shelf, upon which were deposited several pounds + of gunpowder which had been procured for blasting a well, as all our water + had to be brought up-hill from the lake. This gunpowder was in a stone jar + secured by a paper stopper; the shelf upon which it stood was on fire, but + it was utterly forgotten by me at the time; and even afterwards, when my + husband was working on the burning loft over it. + </p> + <p> + I found that I should not be able to take many more trips for goods. As I + passed out of the parlour for the last time, Katie looked up at her + father's flute, which was suspended upon two brackets, and said, + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear mamma! do save papa's flute; he will be so sorry to lose it.” + </p> + <p> + God bless the dear child for the thought! the flute was saved; and, as I + succeeded in dragging out a heavy chest of clothes, and looked up once + more despairingly to the road, I saw a man running at full speed. It was + my husband. Help was at hand, and my heart uttered a deep thanksgiving as + another and another figure came upon the scene. + </p> + <p> + I had not felt the intense cold, although without cap, or bonnet, or + shawl; with my hands bare and exposed to the bitter, biting air. The + intense excitement, the anxiety to save all I could, had so totally + diverted my thoughts from myself, that I had felt nothing of the danger to + which I had been exposed; but now that help was near, my knees trembled + under me, I felt giddy and faint, and dark shadows seemed dancing before + my eyes. + </p> + <p> + The moment my husband and brother-in-law entered the house, the latter + exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Moodie, the house is gone; save what you can of your winter stores and + furniture.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie thought differently. Prompt and energetic in danger, and possessing + admirable presence of mind and coolness when others yield to agitation and + despair, he sprang upon the burning loft and called for water. Alas, there + was none! + </p> + <p> + “Snow, snow; hand me up pailfuls of snow!” + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was bitter work filling those pails with frozen snow; but Mr. T—— + and I worked at it as fast as we were able. + </p> + <p> + The violence of the fire was greatly checked by covering the boards of the + loft with this snow. More help had now arrived. Young B—— and + S—— had brought the ladder down with them from the barn, and + were already cutting away the burning roof, and flinging the flaming + brands into the deep snow. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie, have you any pickled meat?” + </p> + <p> + “We have just killed one of our cows, and salted it for winter stores.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, fling the beef into the snow, and let us have the brine.” + </p> + <p> + This was an admirable plan. Wherever the brine wetted the shingles, the + fire turned from it, and concentrated into one spot. + </p> + <p> + But I had not time to watch the brave workers on the roof. I was fast + yielding to the effects of over-excitement and fatigue, when my brother's + team dashed down the clearing, bringing my excellent old friend, Miss B——, + and the servant-girl. + </p> + <p> + My brother sprang out, carried me back into the house, and wrapped me up + in one of the large blankets, scattered about. In a few minutes I was + seated with the dear children in the sleigh, and on the way to a place of + warmth and safety. Katie alone suffered from the intense cold. The dear + little creature's feet were severely frozen, but were fortunately restored + by her uncle discovering the fact before she approached the fire, and + rubbing them well with snow. In the mean while, the friends we had left so + actively employed at the house succeeded in getting the fire under before + it had destroyed the walls. The only accident that occurred was to a poor + dog, that Moodie had called Snarleyowe. He was struck by a burning brand + thrown from the house, and crept under the barn and died. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the damage done to the building, the loss of our potatoes, and two + sacks of flour, we had escaped in a manner almost miraculous. This fact + shows how much can be done by persons working in union, without bustle and + confusion, or running in each other's way. Here were six men, who, without + the aid of water, succeeded in saving a building, which, at first sight, + almost all of them had deemed past hope. In after years, when entirely + burnt out in a disastrous fire that consumed almost all we were worth in + the world, some four hundred persons were present, with a fire-engine to + second their endeavours, yet all was lost. Every person seemed in the way; + and though the fire was discovered immediately after it took place, + nothing was done beyond saving some of the furniture. + </p> + <p> + Our party was too large to be billetted upon one family. Mrs. T—-, + took compassion upon Moodie, myself, and the baby, while their uncle + received the three children to his hospitable home. + </p> + <p> + It was some weeks before Moodie succeeded in repairing the roof, the + intense cold preventing any one from working in such an exposed situation. + The news of our fire travelled far and wide. I was reported to have done + prodigies, and to have saved the greater part of our household goods + before help arrived. Reduced to plain prose, these prodigies shrink into + the simple, and by no means marvellous fact, that during the excitement I + dragged out chests which, under ordinary circumstances, I could not have + moved; and that I was unconscious both of the cold and the danger to which + I was exposed while working under a burning roof, which, had it fallen, + would have buried both the children and myself under its ruins. These + circumstances appeared far more alarming, as all real danger does, after + they were past. The fright and overexertion gave my health a shock from + which I did not recover for several months, and made me so fearful of + fire, that from that hour it haunts me like a nightmare. Let the night be + ever so serene, all stoves must be shut up, and the hot-embers covered + with ashes, before I dare retire to rest; and the sight of a burning + edifice, so common a spectacle in large towns in this country, makes me + really ill. This feeling was greatly increased after a second fire, when, + for some torturing minutes, a lovely boy, since drowned, was supposed to + have perished in the burning house. + </p> + <p> + Our present fire led to a new train of circumstances, for it was the means + of introducing to Moodie a young Irish gentleman, who was staying at my + brother's house. John E—— was one of the best and gentlest of + human beings. His father, a captain in the army, had died while his family + were quite young, and had left his widow with scarcely any means beyond + the pension she received at her husband's death, to bring up and educate a + family of five children. A handsome, showy woman, Mrs. E—— + soon married again; and the poor lads ere thrown upon the world. The + eldest, who had been educated for the Church first came to Canada in the + hope of getting some professorship in the college, or of opening a + classical school. He was a handsome, gentlemanly, well-educated young man, + but constitutionally indolent—a natural defect which seemed common + to all the males of the family, and which was sufficiently indicated by + their soft, silky, fair hair and milky complexion. R—— had the + good sense to perceive that Canada was not the country for him. He spent a + week under our roof, and we were much pleased with his elegant tastes and + pursuits; but my husband strongly advised him to try and get a situation + as a tutor in some family at home. This he afterwards obtained. He became + tutor and travelling companion to the young Lord M——; and has + since got an excellent living. + </p> + <p> + John, who had followed his brother to Canada without the means of + transporting himself back again, was forced to remain, and was working + with Mr. S—— for his board. He proposed to Moodie working his + farm upon shares; and as we were unable to hire a man, Moodie gladly + closed with his offer; and, during the time he remained with us, we had + every reason to be pleased with the arrangement. It was always a + humiliating feeling to our proud minds, that hirelings should witness our + dreadful struggles with poverty, and the strange shifts we were forced to + make in order to obtain even food. But John E—— had known and + experienced all that we had suffered, in his own person, and was willing + to share our home with all its privations. Warm-hearted, sincere, and + truly affectionate—a gentleman in word, thought, and deed—we + found his society and cheerful help a great comfort. Our odd meals became + a subject of merriment, and the peppermint and sage tea drank with a + better flavour when we had one who sympathized in all our trials, and + shared all our toils, to partake of it with us. + </p> + <p> + The whole family soon became attached to our young friend, and after the + work of the day was over, greatly we enjoyed an hour's fishing on the + lake. John E—— said that we had no right to murmur, as long as + we had health, a happy home, and plenty of fresh fish, milk, and potatoes. + Early in May, we received an old Irishwoman into our service, who for four + years proved a most faithful and industrious creature. And what with John + E—— to assist my husband on the farm, and old Jenny to help me + to nurse the children, and manage the house, our affairs, if they were no + better in a pecuniary point of view, at least presented a more pleasing + aspect at home. We were always cheerful, and sometimes contented and even + happy. + </p> + <p> + How great was the contrast between the character of our new inmate and + that of Mr. Malcolm! The sufferings of the past year had been greatly + increased by the intolerable nuisance of his company, while many + additional debts had been contracted in order to obtain luxuries for him + which we never dreamed of purchasing for ourselves. Instead of increasing + my domestic toils, John did all in his power to lessen them; and it always + grieved him to see me iron a shirt, or wash the least article of clothing + for him. “You have too much to do already; I cannot bear to give you the + least additional work,” he would say. And he generally expressed the + greatest satisfaction at my method of managing the house, and preparing + our simple fare. The little ones he treated with the most affectionate + kindness, and gathered the whole flock about his knees the moment he came + in to his meals. + </p> + <p> + On a wet day, when no work could be done abroad, Moodie took up his flute, + or read aloud to us, while John and I sat down to work. The young + emigrant, early cast upon the world and his own resources, was an + excellent hand at the needle. He would make or mend a shirt with the + greatest precision and neatness, and cut out and manufacture his canvas + trowsers and loose summer-coats with as much adroitness as the most + experienced tailor; darn his socks, and mend his boots and shoes, and + often volunteered to assist me in knitting the coarse yarn of the country + into socks for the children, while he made them moccasins from the dressed + deer-skins that we obtained from the Indians. Scrupulously neat and clean + in his person, the only thing which seemed to ruffle his calm temper was + the dirty work of logging; he hated to come in from the field with his + person and clothes begrimed with charcoal and smoke. Old Jenny used to + laugh at him for not being able to eat his meals without first washing his + hands and face. + </p> + <p> + “Och! my dear heart, yer too particular intirely; we've no time in the + woods to be clane.” She would say to him, in answer to his request for + soap and a towel, “An' is it soap yer a wantin'? I tell yer that that same + is not to the fore; bating the throuble of making, it's little soap that + the misthress can get to wash the clothes for us and the childher, widout + yer wastin' it in makin' yer purty skin as white as a leddy's. Do, + darlint, go down, to the lake and wash there; that basin is big enough, + any how.” And John would laugh, and go down to the lake to wash, in order + to appease the wrath of the old woman. John had a great dislike to cats, + and even regarded with an evil eye our old pet cat, Peppermint, who had + taken a great fancy to share his bed and board. + </p> + <p> + “If I tolerate our own cat,” he would say, “I will not put up with such a + nuisance as your friend Emilia sends us in the shape of her ugly Tom. Why, + where in the world do you think I found that beast sleeping last night?” + </p> + <p> + I expressed my ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “In our potato-pot. Now, you will agree with me that potatoes dressed with + cat's hair is not a very nice dish. The next time I catch Master Tom in + the potato-pot, I will kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “John, you are not in earnest. Mrs. —— would never forgive any + injury done to Tom, who is a great favourite.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her keep him at home, then. Think of the brute coming a mile through + the woods to steal from us all he can find, and then sleeping off the + effects of his depredations in the potato-pot.” + </p> + <p> + I could not help laughing, but I begged John by no means to annoy Emilia + by hurting her cat. + </p> + <p> + The next day, while sitting in the parlour at work, I heard a dreadful + squall, and rushed to the rescue. John was standing, with a flushed cheek, + grasping a large stick in his hand, and Tom was lying dead at his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the poor cat!”. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have killed him; but I am sorry for it now. What will Mrs. —— + say?” + </p> + <p> + “She must not know it. I have told you the story of the pig that Jacob + killed. You had better bury it with the pig.” + </p> + <p> + John was really sorry for having yielded, in a fit of passion, to do so + cruel a thing; yet a few days after he got into a fresh scrape with Mrs. + ——'s animals. + </p> + <p> + The hens were laying, up at the barn. John was very fond of fresh eggs, + but some strange dog came daily and sucked the eggs. John had vowed to + kill the first dog he found in the act Mr. —— had a very fine + bull-dog, which he valued very highly; but with Emilia, Chowder was an + especial favourite. Bitterly had she bemoaned the fate of Tom, and many + were the inquiries she made of us as to his sudden disappearance. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon John ran into the room. “My dear Mrs. Moodie, what is Mrs. + ——'s dog like?” + </p> + <p> + “A large bull-dog, brindled black and white.” + </p> + <p> + “There, by Jove, I've shot him!” + </p> + <p> + “John, John! you mean me to quarrel in earnest with my friend. How could + you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how the deuce should I know her dog from another? I caught the big + thief in the very act of devouring the eggs from under your sitting hen, + and I shot him dead without another thought. But I will bury him, and she + will never find it out a bit more than she did who killed the cat.” + </p> + <p> + Some time after this, Emilia returned from a visit at P——. The + first thing she told me was the loss of the dog. She was so vexed at it, + she had had him advertised, offering a reward for his recovery. I, of + course, was called upon to sympathize with her, which I did with a very + bad grace. “I did not like the beast,” I said; “he was cross and fierce, + and I was afraid to go up to her house while he was there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but to lose him so. It is so provoking; and him such a valuable + animal. I could not tell how deeply she felt the loss. She would give four + dollars to find out who had stolen him.” + </p> + <p> + How near she came to making the grand discovery the sequel will show. + </p> + <p> + Instead of burying him with the murdered pig and cat, John had scratched a + shallow grave in the garden, and concealed the dead brute. + </p> + <p> + After tea, Emilia requested to look at the garden; and I, perfectly + unconscious that it contained the remains of the murdered Chowder, led the + way. Mrs. ——, whilst gathering a handful of fine green peas, + suddenly stooped, and looking earnestly at the ground, called to me. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, Susanna, and tell me what has been buried here. It looks like + the tail of a dog.” + </p> + <p> + She might have added, “of my dog.” Murder, it seems, will out. By some + strange chance, the grave that covered the mortal remains of Chowder had + been disturbed, and the black tail of the dog was sticking out. + </p> + <p> + “What can it be?” said I, with an air of perfect innocence. “Shall I call + Jenny, and dig it up?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, my dear; it has a shocking smell, but it does look very much like + Chowder's tail.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! How could it come among my peas?” + </p> + <p> + “True. Besides, I saw Chowder, with my own eyes yesterday, following a + team; and George C—— hopes to recover him for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! I am glad to hear it. How these mosquitoes sting. Shall we go + back to the house?” + </p> + <p> + While we returned to the house, John, who had overheard the whole + conversation, hastily disinterred the body of Chowder, and placed him in + the same mysterious grave with Tom and the pig. Moodie and his friend + finished logging-up the eight acres which the former had cleared the + previous winter; besides putting in a crop of peas and potatoes, and an + acre of Indian corn, reserving the fallow for fall wheat; while we had the + promise of a splendid crop of hay off the sixteen acres that had been + cleared in 1834. We were all in high spirits, and every thing promised + fair, until a very trifling circumstance again occasioned us much anxiety + and trouble, and was the cause of our losing most of our crop. + </p> + <p> + Moodie was asked to attend a bee, which was called to construct a corduroy + bridge over a very bad piece of road. He and J. E—— were + obliged to go that morning with wheat to the mill, but Moodie lent his + yoke of oxen for the work. + </p> + <p> + The driver selected for them at the bee was the brutal M——y, a + savage Irishman, noted for his ill-treatment of cattle, especially if the + animals did not belong to him. He gave one of the oxen such a severe blow + over the loins with a handspike that the creature came home perfectly + disabled, just as we wanted his services in the hay-field and harvest. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had no money to purchase, or even to hire, a mate for the other ox; + but he and John hoped that by careful attendance upon the injured animal + he might be restored to health in a few days. They conveyed him to a + deserted clearing, a short distance from the farm, where he would be safe + from injury from the rest of the cattle; and early every morning we went + in the canoe to carry poor Duke a warm mash, and to watch the progress of + his recovery. + </p> + <p> + Ah, ye who revel in this world's wealth, how little can you realize the + importance which we, in our poverty, attached to the life of this valuable + animal! Yes, it even became the subject of prayer, for the bread for + ourselves and our little ones depended greatly upon his recovery. We were + doomed to disappointment. After nursing him with the greatest attention + and care for some weeks, the animal grew daily worse, and suffered such + intense agony, as he lay groaning upon the ground, unable to rise, that + John shot him to put him out of pain. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, were we left without oxen to draw in our hay, or secure our + other crops. A neighbour, who had an odd ox, kindly lent us the use of + him, when he was not employed on his own farm; and John and Moodie gave + their own work for the occasional loan of a yoke of oxen for-a-day. But + with all these drawbacks, and in spite of the assistance of old Jenny and + myself in the field, a great deal of the produce was damaged before it + could be secured. The whole summer we had to labour under this + disadvantage. Our neighbours were all too busy to give us any help, and + their own teams were employed in saving their crops. Fortunately, the few + acres of wheat we had to reap were close to the barn, and we carried the + sheaves thither by hand; old Jenny proving an invaluable help, both in the + harvest and hay field. + </p> + <p> + Still, with all these misfortunes, Providence watched over us in a signal + manner. We were never left entirely without food. Like the widow's cruise + of oil, our means, though small, were never suffered to cease entirely. We + had been for some days without meat, when Moodie came running in for his + gun. A great she-bear was in the wheat-field at the edge of the wood, very + busily employed in helping to harvest the crop. There was but one bullet, + and a charge or two of buck-shot, in the house; but Moodie started to the + wood with the single bullet in his gun, followed by a little terrier dog + that belonged to John E——. Old Jenny was busy at the wash-tub, + but the moment she saw her master running up the clearing, and knew the + cause, she left her work, and snatching up the carving-knife, ran after + him, that in case the bear should have the best of the fight, she would be + there to help “the masther.” Finding her shoes incommode her, she flung + them off, in order to run faster. A few minutes after, came the report of + the gun, and I heard Moodie halloo to E——, who was cutting + stakes for a fence in the wood. I hardly thought it possible that he could + have killed the bear, but I ran to the door to listen. The children were + all excitement, which the sight of the black monster, borne down the + clearing upon two poles, increased to the wildest demonstrations of joy. + Moodie and John were carrying the prize, and old Jenny, brandishing her + carving-knife, followed in the rear. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the evening was spent in skinning and cutting up and salting + the ugly creature, whose flesh filled a barrel with excellent meat, in + flavour resembling beef, while the short grain and juicy nature of the + flesh gave to it the tenderness of mutton. This was quite a Godsend, and + lasted us until we were able to kill two large, fat hogs, in the fall. + </p> + <p> + A few nights after, Moodie and I encountered the mate of Mrs. Bruin, while + returning from a visit to Emilia, in the very depth of the wood. + </p> + <p> + “We had been invited to meet our friend's father and mother, who had come + up on a short visit to the woods; and the evening passed away so + pleasantly that it was near midnight before the little party of friends + separated. The moon was down. The wood, through which we had to return, + was very dark; the ground being low and swampy, and the trees thick and + tall. There was, in particular, one very ugly spot, where a small creek + crossed the road. This creek could only be passed by foot-passengers + scrambling over a fallen tree, which, in a dark night, was not very easy + to find. I begged a torch of Mr. M——; but no torch could be + found. Emilia laughed at my fears; still, knowing what a coward I was in + the bush of a night, she found up about an inch of candle, which was all + that remained from the evening's entertainment. This she put into an old + lantern. + </p> + <p> + “It will not last you long; but it will carry you over the creek.” + </p> + <p> + This was something gained, and off we set. It was so dark in the bush, + that our dim candle looked like a solitary red spark in the intense + surrounding darkness, and scarcely served to show us the path. We went + chatting along, talking over the news of the evening, Hector running on + before us, when I saw a pair of eyes glare upon us from the edge of the + swamp, with the green, bright light emitted by the eyes of a cat. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see those terrible eyes, Moodie?” and I clung, trembling, to his + arm. + </p> + <p> + “What eyes?” said he, feigning ignorance. “It's too dark to see any thing. + The light is nearly gone, and, if you don't quicken your pace, and cross + the tree before it goes out, you will, perhaps, get your feet wet by + falling into the creek.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! I saw them again; and do just look at the dog.” + </p> + <p> + Hector stopped suddenly, and, stretching himself along the ground, his + nose resting between his fore-paws, began to whine and tremble. Presently + he ran back to us, and crept under our feet. The cracking of branches, and + the heavy tread of some large animal, sounded close beside us. + </p> + <p> + Moodie turned the open lantern in the direction from whence the sounds + came, and shouted as loud as he could, at the same time endeavouring to + urge forward the fear-stricken dog, whose cowardice was only equalled by + my own. + </p> + <p> + Just at that critical moment the wick of the candle flickered a moment in + the socket, and expired. We were left, in perfect darkness, alone with the + bear—for such we supposed the animal to be. + </p> + <p> + My heart beat audibly; a cold perspiration was streaming down my face, but + I neither shrieked nor attempted to run. I don't know how Moodie got me + over the creek. One of my feet slipped into the water, but, expecting, as + I did every moment, to be devoured by master Bruin, that was a thing of no + consequence. My husband was laughing at my fears, and every now and then + he turned towards our companion, who continued following us at no great + distance, and gave him an encouraging shout. Glad enough was I when I saw + the gleam of the light from our little cabin window shine out among the + trees; and, the moment I got within the clearing, I ran, without stopping + until I was safely within the house. John was sitting up for us, nursing + Donald. He listened with great interest to our adventure with the bear, + and thought that Bruin was very good to let us escape without one + affectionate hug. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would have been otherwise had he known, Moodie, that you had + not only killed his good lady, but were dining sumptuously off her carcass + every day.” + </p> + <p> + The bear was determined to have something in return for the loss of his + wife. Several nights after this, our slumbers were disturbed, about + midnight, by an awful yell, and old Jenny shook violently at our chamber + door. + </p> + <p> + “Masther, masther, dear!—Get up wid you this moment, or the bear + will desthroy the cattle intirely.” + </p> + <p> + Half asleep, Moodie sprang from his bed, seized his gun, and ran out. I + threw my large cloak round me, struck a light, and followed him to the + door. The moment the latter was unclosed, some calves that we were rearing + rushed into the kitchen, closely followed by the larger beasts, who came + bellowing headlong down the hill, pursued by the bear. + </p> + <p> + It was a laughable scene, as shown by that paltry tallow-candle. Moodie, + in his night-shirt, taking aim at something in the darkness, surrounded by + the terrified animals; old Jenny, with a large knife in her hand, holding + on to the white skirts of her master's garment, making outcry loud enough + to frighten away all the wild beasts in the bush—herself almost in a + state of nudity. + </p> + <p> + “Och, maisther, dear! don't timpt the ill-conditioned crathur wid charging + too near; think of the wife and the childher. Let me come at the rampaging + baste, an' I'll stick the knife into the heart of him.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie fired. The bear retreated up the clearing, with a low growl. Moodie + and Jenny pursued him some way, but it was too dark to discern any object + at a distance. I, for my part, stood at the open door, laughing until the + tears ran down my cheeks, at the glaring eyes of the oxen, their ears + erect, and their tails carried gracefully on a level with their backs, as + they stared at me and the light, in blank astonishment. The noise of the + gun had just roused John E—— from his slumbers. He was no less + amused than myself, until he saw that a fine yearling heifer was bleeding, + and found, upon examination, that the poor animal, having been in the + claws of the bear, was dangerously, if not mortally hurt. + </p> + <p> + “I hope,” he cried, “that the brute has not touched my foal!” I pointed to + the black face of the filly peeping over the back of an elderly cow. + </p> + <p> + “You see, John, that Bruin preferred veal; there's your 'horsey,' as + Dunbar calls her, safe, and laughing at you.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie and Jenny now returned from the pursuit of the bear. E—— + fastened all the cattle into the back yard, close to the house. By + daylight he and Moodie had started in chase of Bruin, whom they tracked by + his blood some way into the bush; but here he entirely escaped their + search. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE OUTBREAK. + </h2> + <p> + THE long-protracted harvest was at length brought to a close. Moodie had + procured another ox from Dummer, by giving a note at six months' date for + the payment; and he and John E—— were in the middle of sowing + their fall crop of wheat, when the latter received a letter from the old + country which conveyed to him intelligence of the death of his mother, and + of a legacy of two hundred pounds. It was necessary for him to return to + claim the property, and though we felt his loss severely, we could not, + without great selfishness, urge him to stay. John had formed an attachment + to a young lady in the country, who, like himself, possessed no property. + Their engagement, which had existed several years, had been dropped, from + its utter hopelessness, by mutual consent. Still the young people + continued to love each other, and to look forward to better days, when + their prospects might improve so far that E—— would be able to + purchase a bush farm, and raise a house, however lowly, to shelter his + Mary. He, like our friend Malcolm, had taken a fancy to buy a part of our + block of land, which he could cultivate in partnership with Moodie, + without being obliged to hire, when the same barn, cattle, and implements + would serve for both. Anxious to free himself from the thraldom of debts + which pressed him sore, Moodie offered to part with two hundred acres at + less than they cost us, and the bargain was to be considered as concluded + directly the money was forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + It was a sorrowful day when our young friend left us; he had been a + constant inmate in the house for nice months, and not one unpleasant word + had ever passed between us. He had rendered our sojourn in the woods more + tolerable by his society, and sweetened our bitter lot by his friendship + and sympathy. We both regarded him as a brother, and parted with him with + sincere regret. As to old Jenny, she lifted up her voice and wept, + consigning him to the care and protection of all the saints in the Irish + calendar. For several days after John left us, a deep gloom pervaded the + house. Our daily toil was performed with less cheerfulness and alacrity; + we missed him at the evening board, and at the evening fire; and the + children asked each day, with increasing earnestness, when dear E—— + would return. + </p> + <p> + Moodie continued sowing his fall wheat. The task was nearly completed, and + the chill October days were fast verging upon winter, when towards the + evening of one of them he contrived—I know not how—to crawl + down from the field at the head of the hill, faint and pale, and in great + pain. He had broken the small bone of his leg. In dragging, among the + stumps, the heavy machine (which is made in the form of the letter V, and + is supplied with large iron teeth) had hitched upon a stump, and being + swung off again by the motion of the oxen, had come with great force + against his leg. At first he was struck down, and for some time was unable + to rise; but at length he contrived to unyoke the team, and crawled partly + on his hands and knees down the clearing. + </p> + <p> + What a sad, melancholy evening that was! Fortune seemed never tired of + playing us some ugly trick. The hope which had so long sustained me seemed + about to desert me altogether; when I saw him on whom we all depended for + subsistence, and whose kindly voice ever cheered us under the pressure of + calamity, smitten down hopeless, all my courage and faith in the goodness + of the Divine Father seemed to forsake me, and I wept long and bitterly. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I went in search of a messenger to send to Peterborough + for the doctor; but though I found and sent the messenger, the doctor + never came. Perhaps he did not like to incur the expense of a fatiguing + journey with small chance of obtaining a sufficient remuneration. + </p> + <p> + Our dear sufferer contrived, with assistance, to bandage his leg; and + after the first week of rest had expired, he amused himself with making a + pair of crutches, and in manufacturing Indian paddles for the canoe, + axe-handles, and yokes for the oxen. It was wonderful with what serenity + he bore this unexpected affliction. Buried in the obscurity of those + woods, we knew nothing, heard nothing of the political state of the + country, and were little aware of the revolution which was about to work a + great change for us and for Canada. + </p> + <p> + The weather continued remarkably mild. The first great snow, which for + years had ordinarily fallen between the 10th and 15th of November, still + kept off. November passed on, and as all our firewood had to be chopped by + old Jenny during the lameness of my husband, I was truly grateful to God + for the continued mildness of the weather. On the 4th of December—that + great day of the outbreak—Moodie was determined to take advantage of + the open state of the lake to carry a large grist up to Y——'s + mill. I urged upon him the danger of a man attempting to manage a canoe in + rapid water, who was unable to stand without crutches; but Moodie saw that + the children would need bread, and he was anxious to make the experiment. + </p> + <p> + Finding that I could not induce him to give up the journey, I determined + to go with him. Old Wittals, who happened to come down that morning, + assisted in placing the bags of wheat in the little vessel, and helped to + place Moodie at the stern. With a sad, foreboding spirit I assisted to + push off from the shore. The air was raw and cold, but our sail was not + without its pleasure. The lake was very full from the heavy rains, and the + canoe bounded over the waters with a free, springy motion. A slight frost + had hung every little bush and spray along the shores with sparkling + crystals. The red pigeon-berries, shining through their coating of ice, + looked like cornelian beads set in silver, and strung from bush to bush. + We found the rapids at the entrance of Bessikakoon Lake very hard to stem, + and were so often carried back by the force of the water that, cold as the + air was, the great exertion which Moodie had to make use of to obtain the + desired object, brought the perspiration out in big drops upon his + forehead. His long confinement to the house and low diet had rendered him + very weak. + </p> + <p> + The old miller received us in the most hearty and hospitable manner; and + complimented me upon my courage in venturing upon the water in such cold, + rough weather. Norah was married, but the kind Betty provided us an + excellent dinner, while we waited for the grist to be ground. + </p> + <p> + It was near four o'clock when we started on our return. If there had been + danger in going up the stream, there was more in coming down. The wind had + changed, the air was frosty, keen, and biting and Moodie's paddle came up + from every dip into the water, loaded with ice. For my part, I had only to + sit still at the bottom of the canoe, as we floated rapidly down with wind + and tide. At the landing we were met by old Jenny, who had a long story to + tell us, of which we could make neither head nor tail—how some + gentleman had called during our absence, and left a large paper, all about + the Queen and the Yankees; that there was war between Canada and the + States; that Toronto had been burnt, and the governor killed, and I know + no what ether strange and monstrous statements. After much fatigue, Moodie + climbed the hill, and we were once more safe by our own, fireside. Here we + found the elucidation of Jenny's marvellous tales: a copy of the Queen's + proclamation, calling upon all loyal gentlemen to join in putting down the + unnatural rebellion. + </p> + <p> + A letter from my sister explained the nature of the outbreak, and the + astonishment with which the news had been received by all the settlers in + the bush. My brother and my sister's husband had already gone off to join + some of the numerous bands of gentlemen who were collecting from all + quarters to march to the aid of Toronto, which it was said was besieged by + the rebel force. She advised me not to suffer Moodie to leave home in his + present weak state; but the spirit of my husband was aroused, he instantly + obeyed what he considered the imperative call of duty, and told me to + prepare him a few necessaries, that he might be ready to start early in + the morning. Little sleep visited our eyes that night. We talked over tie + strange news for hours; our coming separation, and the probability that if + things were as bad as they appeared to be, we might never meet again. Our + affairs were in such a desperate condition that Moodie anticipated that + any change must be for the better; it was impossible for them to be worse. + But the poor, anxious wife thought only of a parting which to her put a + finishing stroke to all her misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Before the cold, snowy morning broke, we were all stirring. The children, + who had learned that their father was preparing to leave them, were crying + and clinging round his knees. His heart was too deeply affected to eat; + the meal passed over in silence, and he rose to go. I put on my hat and + shawl to accompany him through the wood as far as my sister Mrs. T——'s. + The day was like our destiny, cold, dark, and lowering. I gave the dear + invalid his crutches, and we commenced our sorrowful walk. Then old + Jenny's lamentations burst forth, as, flinging her arms round my husband's + neck, she kissed and blessed him after the fashion of her country. + </p> + <p> + “Och hone! oeh hone!” she cried, wringing her hands, “masther dear, why + will jou lave the wife and the childher? The poor crathur is breakin' her + heart intirely at partin' wid you. Shore an' the war is nothin' to you, + that you must be goin' into danger; an' you wid a broken leg. Och hone! + Och hone! come back to your home—you will be kilt, and thin what + will become of the wife and the wee bairns?” + </p> + <p> + Her cries and lamentations followed us into the wood. At my sister's, + Moodie and I parted; and with a heavy heart I retraced my steps through + the wood. For once, I forgot all my fears. I never felt the cold. Sad + tears were flowing over my cheeks; when I entered the house, hope seemed + to have deserted me, and for upwards of an hour I lay upon the bed and + wept. Poor Jenny did her best to comfort me, but all joy had vanished with + him who was my light of life. Left in the most absolute uncertainty as to + the real state of public affairs, I could only conjecture what might be + the result of this sudden outbreak. Several poor settlers called at the + house during the day, on their way down to Peterborough; but they brought + with them the most exaggerated accounts. There had been a battle, they + said, with the rebels, and the loyalists had been defeated; Toronto was + besieged by sixty thousand men, and all the men in the backwoods were + ordered to march instantly to the relief of the city. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, I received a note from Emilia, who was at Peterborough, in + which she informed me that my husband had borrowed a horse of Mr. S——, + and had joined a large party of two hundred volunteers, who had left that + morning for Toronto; that there had been a battle with the insurgents; + that Colonel Moodie had been killed, and the rebels had retreated; and + that she hoped my husband would return in a few days. The honest + backwoodsmen, perfectly ignorant of the abuses that had led to the present + position of things, regarded the rebels as a set of monsters, for whom no + punishment was too severe, and obeyed the call to arms with enthusiasm. + The leader of the insurgents must have been astonished at the rapidity + with which a large force was collected, as if by magic, to repel his + designs. A great number of these volunteers were half-pay officers, many + of whom had fought in the continental wars with the armies of Napoleon, + and would have been found a host in themselves. + </p> + <p> + In a week, Moodie returned. So many volunteers had poured into Toronto + that the number of friends was likely to prove as disastrous as that of + enemies, on account of the want of supplies to maintain them all. The + companies from the back townships had been remanded, and I received with + delight my own again. But this reunion did not last long. Several + regiments of militia were formed to defend the colony, and to my husband + was given the rank of captain in one of those then stationed in Toronto. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of January, 1838, he bade us a long adieu. I was left with old + Jenny and the children to take care of the farm. It was a sad, dull time. + I could bear up against all trials with him to comfort and cheer me, but + his long-continued absence cast a gloom upon my spirit not easily to be + shaken off. Still his very appointment to this situation was a signal act + of mercy. From his full pay, he was enabled to liquidate many pressing + debts, and to send home from time to time sums of money to procure + necessaries for me and the little ones. These remittances were greatly + wanted; but I demurred before laying them out for comforts which we had + been so long used to dispense with. It seemed almost criminal to purchase + any article of luxury, such as tea and sugar, while a debt remained + unpaid. + </p> + <p> + The Y——'s were very pressing for the thirty pounds that we + owed them for the clearing; but they had such a firm reliance upon the + honour of my husband, that, poor and pressed for money as they were, they + never sued us. I thought it would be a pleasing surprise to Moodie, if, + with the sums of money which I occasionally received from him, I could + diminish this debt, which had always given him the greatest uneasiness; + and, my resolution once formed, I would not allow any temptation to shake + it. The money was always transmitted to Dummer. I only reserved the sum of + two dollars a month, to pay a little lad to chop wood for us. After a + time, I began to think the Y——'s were gifted with + second-sight; for I never received a money-letter, but the very next day I + was sure to see some of the family. + </p> + <p> + Just at this period I received a letter from a gentleman, requesting me to + write for a magazine (the Literary Garland), just started in Montreal, + with promise to remunerate me for my labours. Such an application was like + a gleam of light springing up in the darkness; it seemed to promise the + dawning of a brighter day. I had never been able to turn my thoughts + towards literature during my sojourn in the bush. When the body is + fatigued with labour, unwonted and beyond its strength, the mind is in no + condition for mental occupation. + </p> + <p> + The year before, I had been requested by an American author, of great + merit, to contribute to the North American Review, published for several + years in Philadelphia; and he promised to remunerate me in proportion to + the success of the work. I had contrived to write several articles after + the children were asleep, though the expense even of the stationery and + the postage of the manuscripts was severely felt by one so destitute of + means; but the hope of being of the least service to those dear to me + cheered me to the task. I never realized anything from that source; but I + believe it was not the fault of the editor. Several other American editors + had written to me to furnish them with articles; but I was unable to pay + the postage of heavy packets to the States, and they could not reach their + destination without being paid to the frontier. Thus, all chance of making + any thing in that way had been abandoned. I wrote to Mr. L——, + and frankly informed him how I was situated. In the most liberal manner, + he offered to pay the postage on all manuscripts to his office, and left + me to name my own terms of remuneration. This opened up a new era in my + existence; and for many years I have found in this generous man, to whom I + am still personally unknown, a steady friend. I actually shed tears of joy + over the first twenty-dollar bill I received from Montreal. It was my own; + I had earned it with my own hand; and it seemed to my delighted fancy to + form the nucleus out of which a future independence for my family might + arise. I no longer retired to bed when the labours of the day were over. I + sat up, and wrote by the light of a strange sort of candles, that Jenny + called “sluts,” and which the old woman manufactured out of pieces of old + rags, twisted together and dipped in pork lard, and stuck in a bottle. + They did not give a bad light, but it took a great many of them to last me + for a few hours. + </p> + <p> + The faithful old creature regarded my writings with a jealous eye. “An', + shure, it's killin' yerself that you are intirely. You were thin enough + before you took to the pen; scribblin' an' scrabblin' when you should be + in bed an' asleep. What good will it be to the childhren, dear heart! if + you die afore your time, by wastin' your strength afther that fashion?” + </p> + <p> + Jenny never could conceive the use of books. “Shure, we can live and die + widout them. It's only a waste of time botherin' your brains wid the like + of them; but, thank goodness! the lard will soon be all done, an' thin we + shall hear you spakin' again, instead of sittin' there doubled up all + night, desthroying your eyes wid porin' over the dirthy writin'.” + </p> + <p> + As the sugar-making season drew near, Jenny conceived the bold thought of + making a good lump of sugar, that the “childher” might have something to + “ate” with their bread during the summer. We had no sugar-kettle, but a + neighbour promised to lend us his, and to give us twenty-eight troughs, on + condition that we gave him half the sugar we made. These terms were rather + hard, but Jenny was so anxious to fulfil the darling object that we + consented. Little Sol and the old woman made some fifty troughs more, the + trees were duly tapped, a shanty in the bush was erected of small logs and + brush and covered in at the top with straw; and the old woman and Solomon, + the hired boy, commenced operations. + </p> + <p> + The very first day, a terrible accident happened to us; a large log fell + upon the sugar-kettle—the borrowed sugar-kettle—and cracked + it, spilling all the sap, and rendering the vessel, which had cost four + dollars, useless. We were all in dismay. Just at that time Old Wittals + happened to pass, on his way to Peterborough. He very good-naturedly + offered to get the kettle repaired for us; which, he said, could be easily + done by a rivet and an iron hoop. But where was the money to come from! I + thought awhile. Katie had a magnificent coral and bells, the gift of her + godfather; I asked the dear child if she would give it to buy another + kettle for Mr. T——. She said, “I would give ten times as much + to help mamma.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote a little note to Emilia, who was still at her father's; and Mr. W——, + the storekeeper, sent us a fine sugar-kettle back by Wittals, and also the + other mended, in exchange for the useless piece of finery. We had now two + kettles at work, to the joy of Jenny, who declared that it was a lucky + fairy who had broken the old kettle. + </p> + <p> + While Jenny was engaged in boiling and gathering the sap in the bush, I + sugared off the syrup in the house; an operation watched by the children + with intense interest. After standing all day over the hot stove-fire, it + was quite a refreshment to breathe the pure air at night. Every evening I + ran up to see Jenny in the bush, singing and boiling down the sap in the + front of her little shanty. The old woman was in her element, and afraid + of nothing under the stars; she slept beside her kettles at night, and + snapped her fingers at the idea of the least danger. She was sometimes + rather despotic in her treatment of her attendant, Sol. One morning, in + particular, she bestowed upon the lad a severe cuffing. I ran up the + clearing to the rescue, when my ears were assailed by the “boo-hooing” of + the boy. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened? Why do you beat the child, Jenny?” + </p> + <p> + “It's jist, thin, I that will bate him—the unlucky omad-hawn! Has he + not spilt and spiled two buckets of syrup, that I have been the live-long + night bilin'. Sorra wid him; I'd like to strip the skin off him, I would! + Musha! but'tis enough to vex a saint.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jenny!” blubbered the poor boy, “but you have no mercy. You forget + that I have but one eye, and that I could not see the root which caught my + foot and threw me down.” + </p> + <p> + “Faix! an' 'tis a pity that you have the one eye, when you don't know how + to make a betther use of it,” muttered the angry dame, as she picked up + the pails, and, pushing him on before her, beat a retreat into the bush. + </p> + <p> + I was heartily sick of the sugar-making, long before the season was over; + however, we were well paid for our trouble. Besides one hundred and twelve + pounds of fine soft sugar, as good as Muscovado, we had six gallons of + molasses, and a keg containing six gallons of excellent vinegar. + </p> + <p> + Fifty pounds went to Mr. T——, for the use of his kettle: and + the rest (with the exception of a cake for Emilia, which I had drained in + a wet flannel bag until it was almost as white as loaf sugar) we kept for + our own use. There was no lack, this year, of nice preserves and pickled + cucumbers, dainties found in every native Canadian establishment. + </p> + <p> + Besides gaining a little money with my pen, I practised a method of + painting birds and butterflies upon the white, velvety surface of the + large fungi that grow plentifully upon the bark of the sugar-maple. These + had an attractive appearance; and my brother, who was a captain in one of + the provisional regiments, sold a great many of them among the officers, + without saying by whom they were painted. One rich lady in Peterborough, + long since dead, ordered two dozen to send as curiosities to England. + These, at one shilling each, enabled me to buy shoes for the children, + who, during our bad times, had been forced to dispense with these + necessary coverings. How often, during the winter season, have I wept over + their little chapped feet, literally washing them with my tears! But these + days were to end; Providence was doing great things for us; and Hope + raised at last her drooping head to regard with a brighter glance the + far-off future. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the winter rolled away; but he to whom every thought turned was + still distant from his humble home. The receipt of an occasional letter + from him was my only solace during his long absence, and we were still too + poor to indulge often in this luxury. My poor Katie was as anxious as her + mother to hear from her father; and when I did get the long looked-for + prize, she would kneel down before me, her little elbows resting on my + knees, her head thrown back, and the tears trickling down her innocent + cheeks, eagerly drinking in every word. + </p> + <p> + The spring brought us plenty of work; we had potatoes and corn to plant, + and the garden to cultivate. By lending my oxen for two days' work, I got + Wittals, who had no oxen, to drag me in a few acres of oats, and to + prepare the land for potatoes and corn. The former I dropped into the + earth, while Jenny covered them up with the hoe. + </p> + <p> + Our garden was well dug and plentifully manured, the old woman bringing + the manure, which had lain for several years at the barn door, down to the + plot, in a large Indian basket placed upon a hand-sleigh. We had soon + every sort of vegetable sown, with plenty of melons and cucumbers, and all + our beds promised a good return. There were large flights of ducks upon + the lake every night and morning; but though we had guns, we did not know + how to use them. However, I thought of a plan, which I flattered myself + might prove successful; I got Sol to plant two stakes in the shallow + water, near the rice beds, and to these I attached a slender rope, made by + braiding long strips of the inner bark of the bass-wood together; to these + again I fastened, at regular intervals, about a quarter of a yard of + whip-cord, headed by a strong perch-hook. These hooks I baited with fish + offal, leaving them to float just under the water. Early next morning, I + saw a fine black duck fluttering upon the line. The boy ran down with the + paddles, but before he could reach the spot, the captive got away by + carrying the hook and line with him. At the next stake he found upon the + hooks a large eel and a catfish. + </p> + <p> + I had never before seen one of those whiskered, toad-like natives of the + Canadian waters (so common to the Bay of Quinté, where they grow to a + great size), that I was really terrified at the sight of the hideous + beast, and told Sol to throw it away. In this I was very foolish, for they + are esteemed good eating in many parts of Canada; but to me, the sight of + the reptile-like thing is enough—it is uglier, and for more + disgusting-looking than a toad. + </p> + <p> + When the trees came into leaf, and the meadows were green, and flushed + with flowers, the poor children used to talk constantly to me of their + father's return; their innocent prattle made me very sad. Every evening we + walked into the wood, along the path that he must come whenever he did + return home, to meet him; and though it was a vain hope, and the walk was + taken just to amuse the little ones, I used to be silly enough to feel + deeply disappointed when we returned alone. Donald, who was a mere baby + when his father left us, could just begin to put words together. “Who is + papa?” “When will he come?” “Will he come by the road?” “Will he come in a + canoe?” The little creature's curiosity to see this unknown father was + really amusing; and oh! how I longed to present the little fellow, with + his rosy cheeks and curling hair, to his father; he was so fair, so + altogether charming in my eyes. Emilia had called him Cedric the Saxon; + and he well suited the name with his frank, honest disposition, and large, + loving blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + June had commenced; the weather was very warm, and Mr. T—— had + sent for the loan of old Jenny to help him for a day with his potatoes. I + had just prepared dinner when the old woman came shrieking like a mad + thing down the clearing, and waving her hands towards me. I could not + imagine what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Ninny's mad!” whispered Dunbar; “she's the old girl for making a noise.” + </p> + <p> + “Joy! joy!” bawled out the old woman, now running breathlessly towards us. + “The masther's come—the masther's come!” + </p> + <p> + “Where?—where!” + </p> + <p> + “Jist above in the wood. Goodness gracious! I have run to let you know—so + fast—that my heart—is like to—break.” + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to comfort poor Jenny, off started the children and + myself, at the very top of our speed; but I soon found that I could not + run-I was too much agitated. I got to the head of the bush, and sat down + upon a fallen tree. The children sprang forward like wild kids, all but + Donald, who remained with his old nurse. I covered my face with my hands; + my heart, too, was beating audibly: and now that he was come, and was so + near me I scarcely could command strength to meet him. The sound of happy + young voices roused me up; the children were leading him along in triumph; + and he was bending down to them, all smiles, but hot and tired with his + long journey. It was almost worth our separation, that blissful meeting. + In a few minutes he was at home, and the children upon his knees. Katie + stood silently holding his hand, but Addie and Dunbar had a thousand + things to tell him. Donald was frightened at his military dress, but he + peeped at him from behind my gown, until I caught and placed him in his + father's arms. + </p> + <p> + His leave of absence only extended to a fortnight. It had taken him three + days to come all the way from Lake Erie, where his regiment was stationed, + at Point Abino; and the same time would be consumed in his return. He + could only remain with us eight days. How soon they fled away! How bitter + was the thought of parting with him again! He had brought money to pay the + J——'s. How surprised he was to find their large debt more than + half liquidated. How gently did he chide me for depriving myself and the + children of the little comforts he had designed for us, in order to make + this sacrifice. But never was self-denial more fully rewarded; I felt + happy in having contributed in the least to pay a just debt to kind and + worthy people. You must become poor yourself before you can fully + appreciate the good qualities of the poor—before you can sympathize + with them, and fully recognize them as your brethren in the flesh. Their + benevolence to each other, exercised amidst want and privation, as far + surpasses the munificence of the rich towards them, as the exalted + philanthropy of Christ and his disciples does the Christianity of the + present day. The rich man gives from his abundance; the poor man shares + with a distressed comrade his all. + </p> + <p> + One short, happy week too soon fled away, and we were once more alone. In + the fall, my husband expected the regiment in which he held his commission + would be reduced, which would again plunge us into the same distressing + poverty. Often of a night I revolved these things in my mind, and + perplexed myself with conjectures as to what in future was to become of + us. Although he had saved all he could from his pay, it was impossible to + pay several hundreds of pounds of debt; and the steamboat stock still + continued a dead letter. To remain much longer in the woods was + impossible, for the returns from the farm scarcely fed us; and but for the + clothing sent us by friends from home, who were not aware of our real + difficulties, we should have been badly off indeed. + </p> + <p> + I pondered over every plan that thought could devise; at last, I prayed to + the Almighty to direct me as to what would be the best course for us to + pursue. A sweet assurance stole over me, and soothed my spirit, that God + would provide for us, as He had hitherto done—that a great deal of + our distress arose from want of faith. I was just sinking into a calm + sleep when the thought seemed whispered into my soul, “Write to the + Governor; tell him candidly all you have suffered during sojourn in this + country; and trust to God for the rest.” + </p> + <p> + At first I paid little heed to this suggestion; but it became so + importunate that at last I determined to act upon it as if it were a + message sent from heaven. I rose from my bed, struck a light, sat down, + and wrote a letter to the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir George Arthur, a simple + statement of facts, leaving it to his benevolence to pardon the liberty I + had taken in addressing him. + </p> + <p> + I asked of him to continue my husband in the militia service, in the same + regiment in which he now held the rank of captain, which, by enabling him + to pay our debts, would rescue us from our present misery. Of the + political character of Sir George Arthur I knew nothing. I addressed him + as a man and a Christian; and I acknowledge, with the deepest and most + heartfelt gratitude, the generous kindness of his conduct towards us. + Before the day dawned, my letter was ready for the post The first secret I + ever had from my husband was the writing of that letter; and, proud and + sensitive as he was, and averse to asking the least favour of the great, I + was dreadfully afraid that the act I had just done would be displeasing to + him; still, I felt resolutely determined to send it. After giving the + children their breakfast, I walked down and read it to my brother-in-law, + who was not only much pleased with its contents, but took it down himself + to the post-office. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after, I received a letter from my husband, informing me that the + regiment had been reduced, and that he should be home in time to get in + the harvest. Most anxiously I awaited a reply to my application to the + Governor; but no reply came. + </p> + <p> + The first week in August our dear Moodie came home, and brought with him, + to our no small joy, J. E——, who had just returned from + Ireland. E—— had been disappointed about the money, which was + subject to litigation; and, tired of waiting at home until the tedious + process of the law should terminate, he had come back to the woods, and, + before night, was reinstated in his old quarters. + </p> + <p> + His presence made Jenny all alive; she dared him at once to a trial of + skill with her in the wheat-field, which E—— prudently + declined. He did not expect to stay longer in Canada than the fall, but, + whilst he did stay, he was to consider our house his home. + </p> + <p> + That harvest was the happiest we ever spent in the bush. We had enough of + the common necessaries of life. A spirit of peace and harmony pervaded our + little dwelling, for the most affectionate attachment existed among its + members. We were not troubled with servants, for the good old Jenny we + regarded as an humble friend, and were freed, by that circumstance, from + many of the cares and vexations of a bush life. Our evening excursions on + the lake were doubly enjoyed after the labours of the day, and night + brought us calm and healthful repose. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE WHIRLWIND. + </h2> + <p> + The 19th of April came, and our little harvest was all safely housed. + Business called Moodie away for a few days to Cobourg; Jenny had gone to + Dummer, to visit her friends, and J. E—— had taken a grist of + the new wheat, which he and Moodie had threshed the day before, to the + mill. I was consequently left alone with the children, and had a doable + portion of work to do. During their absence it was my lot to witness the + most awful storm I ever beheld, and a vivid recollection of its terrors + was permanently fixed upon my memory. + </p> + <p> + The weather had been intensely hot during the three preceding days, + although the sun was entirely obscured by a blueish haze, which seemed to + render the unusual heat of the atmosphere more oppressive. Not a breath of + air stirred the vast forest, and the waters of the lake assumed a leaden + hue. After passing a sleepless night, I arose, a little after daybreak, to + superintend my domestic affairs. E—— took his breakfast, and + went off to the mill, hoping that the rain would keep off until after his + return. + </p> + <p> + “It is no joke,” he said, “being upon these lakes in a small canoe, + heavily laden, in a storm.” + </p> + <p> + Before the sun rose, the heavens were covered with hard-looking clouds, of + a deep blue and black cast, fading away to white at their edges, and in + form resembling the long, rolling waves of a heavy sea—but with this + difference, that the clouds were perfectly motionless, piled in long + curved lines, one above the other, and so remained until four o'clock in + the afternoon. The appearance of these clouds, as the sun rose above the + horizon, was the most splendid that can be imagined, tinged up to the + zenith with every shade of saffron, gold, rose-colour, scarlet, and + crimson, fading away into the deepest violet. Never did the storm-fiend + shake in the face of day a more gorgeous banner; and, pressed as I was for + time, I stood gazing like one entranced upon the magnificent pageant. + </p> + <p> + As the day advanced, the same blue haze obscured the sun, which frowned + redly through his misty veil. At ten o'clock the heat was suffocating, and + I extinguished the fire in the cooking-stove, determined to make our meals + upon bread and milk, rather than add to the oppressive heat. The + thermometer in the shade ranged from ninety-six to ninety-eight degrees, + and I gave over my work and retired with the little ones to the coolest + part of the house. The young creatures stretched themselves upon the + floor, unable to jump about or play; the dog lay panting in the shade; the + fowls half buried themselves in the dust, with open beaks and outstretched + wings. All nature seemed to droop beneath the scorching heat. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for me, a gentleman arrived about one o'clock from Kingston, + to transact some business with my husband. He had not tasted food since + six o'clock, and I was obliged to kindle the fire to prepare his dinner. + It was one of the hardest tasks I ever performed; I almost fainted with + the heat, and most inhospitably rejoiced when his dinner was over, and I + saw him depart. Shortly afterwards, my friend Mrs. C—— and her + brother called in, on their way from Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + “How do you bear the heat?” asked Mrs. C——. “This is one of + the hottest days I ever remember to have experienced in this part of the + province. I am afraid that it will end in a hurricane, or what the Lower + Canadians term 'L'Orage.'” + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock they rose to go. I urged them to stay onger. “No,” said + Mrs. C——, “the sooner we get home the better. I think we can + reach it before the storm breaks.” + </p> + <p> + I took Donald in my arms, and my eldest boy by the hand, and walked with + them to the brow of the hill, thinking that the air would be cooler in the + shade. In this I was mistaken. The clouds over our heads hung so low, and + the heat was so great, that I was soon glad to retrace my steps. + </p> + <p> + The moment I turned round to face the lake, I was surprised at the change + that had taken place in the appearance of the heavens. The clouds, that + had before lain so motionless, were now in rapid motion, hurrying and + chasing each other round the horizon. It was a strangely awful sight. + Before I felt a breath of the mighty blast that had already burst on the + other side of the lake, branches of trees, leaves, and clouds of dust were + whirled across the lake, whose waters rose in long sharp furrows, fringed + with foam, as if moved in their depths by some unseen but powerful agent. + </p> + <p> + Panting with terror, I just reached the door of the house as the hurricane + swept up the hill, crushing and overturning every thing in its course. + Spell-bound, I stood at the open door, with clasped hands, unable to + speak, rendered dumb and motionless by the terrible grandeur of the scene; + while little Donald, who could not utter many intelligible words, crept to + my feet, appealing to me for protection, while his rosy cheeks paled even + to marble whiteness. The hurrying clouds gave to the heavens the + appearance of a pointed dome, round which the lightning played in broad + ribbons of fire. The roaring of the thunder, the rushing of the blast, the + impetuous down-pouring of the rain, and the crash of falling trees, were + perfectly deafening; and in the midst of this up-roar of the elements, old + Jenny burst in, drenched with wet and half dead with fear. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord preserve us!” she cried, “this surely is the day of judgment. + Fifty trees fell across my very path, between this an' the creek. Mrs. C—— + just reached her brother's clearing a few minutes before a great oak fell + on her very path. What thunther!—what lightning! Misthress, dear!—it's + turn'd so dark, I can only jist see yer face.” + </p> + <p> + Glad enough was I of her presence; for to be alone in the heart of the + great forest, in a log hut, on such a night, was not a pleasing prospect. + People gain courage by companionship, and in order to reassure each other, + struggle to conceal their fears. + </p> + <p> + “And where is Mr. E——?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not on the lake. He went early this morning to get the wheat + ground at the mill.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, the crathur! He's surely drowned. What boat could stan' such a + scrimmage as this?” + </p> + <p> + I had my fears for poor John; but as the chance that he had to wait at the + mill till others were served was more than probable, I tried to still my + apprehensions for his safety. The storm soon passed over, after having + levelled several acres of wood near the house, and smitten down in its + progress two gigantic pines in the clearing, which must have withstood the + force of a thousand winters. Talking over the effects of this whirlwind + with my brother, he kindly sent me the following very graphic description + of a whirlwind which passed through the town of Guelph in the summer of + 1829. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: Written by Mr Strickland, of Douro.] “In my hunting excursions + and rambles through the Upper Canadian forests, I had frequently met with + extensive wind-falls; and observed with some surprise that the fallen + trees lay strewn in a succession of circles, and evidently appeared to + have been twisted off the stumps. I also remarked that these wind-falls + were generally narrow, and had the appearance of a road slashed through + the forest. From observations made at the time, and since confirmed, I + have no doubt that Colonel Reid's theory of storms's a correct one, viz., + that all wind-storms move in a circular direction, and the nearer the + centre the more violent the force of the wind. Having seen the effects of + several similar hurricanes since my residence in Canada West, I shall + proceed to describe one which happened in the township of Guelph during + the early part of the summer of 1829. + </p> + <p> + “The weather, for the season of the year (May), had been hot and sultry, + with scarcely a breath of wind stirring. I had heard distant thunder from + an early hour in the morning, which, from the eastward, is rather an + unusual occurrence. About 10 A. M., the sky had a most singular, and I + must add a most awful appearance, presenting to the view a vast arch of + rolling blackness, which seemed to gather strength and density as it + approached the zenith. All at once the clouds began to work round in + circles, as if chasing one another through the air. Suddenly the dark arch + of clouds appeared to break up into detached masses, whirling and mixing + through each other in dreadful commotion. The forked lightning was + incessant, accompanied by heavy thunder. In a short time, the clouds + seemed to converge to a point, which approached very near the earth, still + whirling with great rapidity directly under this point; and apparently + from the midst of the woods arose a black column, in the shape of a cone, + which instantly joined itself to the depending cloud. The sight was now + grand and awful in the extreme. Picture, to your imagination a vast column + of smoke, of inky blackness, reaching from earth to heaven, gyrating with + fearful velocity—bright lightnings issuing from the vortex; the roar + of the thunder—the rushing of the blast—the crash of timber—the + limbs of trees, leaves, and rubbish, mingled with clouds of dust, whirling + through the air;—you then have a faint idea of the scene. + </p> + <p> + “I had ample time for observation, as the hurricane commenced its + devastating course about two miles from the town, through the centre of + which it took its way, passing within fifty yards of where a number of + persons, myself among the rest, were standing, watching its fearful + progress. + </p> + <p> + “As the tornado approached, the trees seemed to fall like a pack of cards + before its irresistible current. After passing through the clearing made + around the village, the force of the wind gradually abated, and in a few + minutes died away entirely. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the storm was over, I went to see the damage it had done. From + the point where I first observed the black column to rise from the woods + and join the clouds, the trees were twisted in every direction. A belt of + timber had been levelled to the ground, about two miles in length and + about one hundred yards in breadth. At the entrance of the town it crossed + the river Speed, and uprooted about six acres of wood, which had been + thinned out, and left by Mr. Gait (late superintendent of the Canada + Company), as an ornament to his house. + </p> + <p> + “The Eremosa road was completely blocked up for nearly half-a-mile, in the + wildest confusion possible. In its progress through the town the storm + unroofed several houses, levelled many fences to the ground, and entirely + demolished a frame barn. Windows were dashed in; and, in one instance, the + floor of a log house was carried through the roof. Some hairbreadth + escapes occurred; but, luckily, no lives were lost. + </p> + <p> + “About twelve years since a similar storm occurred in the north part of + the township of Douro, but was of much less magnitude. I heard an + intelligent settler, who resided some years in the township of Madoc, + state that, during his residence in that township, a similar hurricane to + the one I have described, though of a much more awful character, passed + through a part of Marmora and Madoc, and had been traced, in a + north-easterly direction, upwards of forty miles into the unsurveyed + lands; the uniform width of which appeared to be three quarters of a mile. + </p> + <p> + “It is very evident, from the traces which they have left behind them, + that storms of this description have not been unfrequent in the wooded + districts of Canada; and it becomes a matter of interesting consideration + whether the clearing of our immense forests will not, in a great measure, + remove the cause of these phenomena.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after our household had retired to rest, my first sleep was + broken by the voice of J. E——, speaking to old Jenny in the + kitchen. He had been overtaken by the storm but had run his canoe ashore + upon an island before its full fury burst, and turned it over the flour; + while he had to brave the terrors of a pitiless tempest—buffeted by + the wind, and drenched with torrents of rain. I got up and made him a cup + of tea, while Jenny prepared a rasher of bacon and eggs for his supper. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, J. E—— bade a final adieu to Canada, with + his cousin C. W——. He volunteered into the Scotch Greys, and + we never saw him more; but I have been told that he was so highly + respected by the officers of the regiment that they subscribed for his + commission; that he rose to the rank of lieutenant; accompanied the + regiment to India, and was at the taking of Cabul; but from himself we + never heard again. + </p> + <p> + The 16th of October, my third son was born; and a few days after, my + husband was appointed paymaster to the militia regiments in the V. + District, with the rank and full pay of captain. This was Sir George + Arthur's doing. He returned no answer to my application, but he did not + forget us. As the time that Moodie might retain this situation was very + doubtful, he thought it advisable not to remove me and the family until he + could secure some permanent situation; by so doing, he would have a better + opportunity of saving the greater part of his income to pay off his old + debts. + </p> + <p> + This winter of 1839 was one of severe trial to me. Hitherto I had enjoyed + the blessing of health; but both the children and myself were now doomed + to suffer from dangerous attacks of illness. All the little things had + malignant scarlet fever, and for several days I thought it would please + the Almighty to take from me my two girls. This fever is so fatal to + children in Canada that none of my neighbours dared approach the house. + For three weeks Jenny and I were never undressed; our whole time was taken + up in nursing the five little helpless creatures through the successive + stages of their alarming disease. I sent for Dr. Taylor; but he did not + come, and I was obliged to trust to the mercy of God, and my own judgment + and good nursing. Though I escaped the fever, mental anxiety and fatigue + brought on other illness, which for nearly ten weeks rendered me perfectly + helpless. When I was again able to creep from my sick bed, the baby was + seized with an illness, which Dr. B—— pronounced mortal. + Against all hope, he recovered, but these severe mental trials rendered me + weak and nervous, and more anxious than ever to be re-united to my + husband. To add to these troubles, my sister and her husband sold their + farm, and removed from our neighbourhood. Mr. —— had returned + to England, and had obtained a situation in the Customs; and his wife, my + friend Emilia, was keeping a school in the village; so that I felt more + solitary than ever, thus deprived of so many kind, sympathizing friends. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE WALK TO DUMMER. + </h2> + <p> + Reader! have you ever heard of a place situated in the forest-depths of + this far western wilderness, called Dummer? Ten years ago it might not + inaptly have been termed “The <i>last</i> clearing in the World.” Nor to + this day do I know of any in that direction which extends beyond it. Our + bush-farm was situated on the border-line of a neighbouring township, only + one degree less wild, less out of the worid, or nearer to the habitations + of civilization than the far-famed “English Line,” the boast and glory of + this <i>terra incognita</i>. + </p> + <p> + This place, so named by the emigrants who had pitched their tents in that + solitary wilderness, was a long line of cleared land, extending upon + either side for some miles through the darkest and most interminable + forest. The English Line was inhabited chiefly by Cornish miners, who, + tired of burrowing like moles underground, had determined to emigrate to + Canada, where they could breathe the fresh air of heaven, and obtain the + necessaries of life upon the bosom of their mother earth. Strange as it + may appear, these men made good farmers, and steady, industrious + colonists, working as well above ground as they had toiled in their early + days beneath it. All our best servants came from Dummer; and although they + spoke a language difficult to be understood, and were uncouth in their + manners and appearance, they were faithful and obedient, performing the + tasks assigned to them with patient perseverance; good food and kind + treatment rendering them always cheerful and contented. + </p> + <p> + My dear old Jenny, that most faithful and attached of all humble domestic + friends, came from Dummer, and I was wont to regard it with complacency + for her sake. But Jenny was not English; she was a generous, warm-hearted + daughter of the Green Isle—the emerald gem set in the silver of + ocean. Yes, Jenny was one of the poorest children of that impoverished but + glorious country where wit and talent seem indigenous, springing up + spontaneously in the rudest and most uncultivated minds; showing what the + land could bring forth in its own strength, unaided by education, and + unfettered by the conventional rules of society. Jenny was a striking + instance of the worth, noble self-denial, and devotion, which are often + met with—and, alas! but too often disregarded—in the poor and + ignorant natives of that deeply-injured and much-abused land. A few words + about my old favourite may not prove uninteresting to my readers. + </p> + <p> + Jenny Buchanan, or, as she called it, Bohanon, was the daughter of a petty + exciseman, of Scotch extraction (hence her industry), who, at the time of + her birth, resided near the old town of Inniskillen. Her mother died a few + months after she was born; and her father, within the twelve months, + married again. In the mean while the poor orphan babe had been adopted by + a kind neighbour, the wife of a small farmer in the vicinity. + </p> + <p> + In return for coarse food and scanty clothing, the little Jenny became a + servant of all work. She fed the pigs, herded the cattle, assisted in + planting potatoes and digging peat from the bog, and was undisputed + mistress of the poultry-yard. As she grew up to womanhood, the importance + of her labours increased. A better reaper in the harvest-field, or footer + of turf in the bog, could not be found in the district, or a woman more + thoroughly acquainted with the management of cows and the rearing of young + cattle; but here poor Jenny's accomplishments terminated. + </p> + <p> + Her usefulness was all abroad. Within the house she made more dirt than + she had the inclination or the ability to clear away. She could neither + read, nor knit, nor sew; and although she called herself a Protestant, and + a Church of England woman, she knew no more of religion, as revealed to + man through the Word of God, than the savage who sinks to the grave in + ignorance of a Redeemer. Hence she stoutly resisted all idea of being a + sinner, or of standing the least chance of receiving hereafter the + condemnation of one. + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure thin,” she would say, with simple earnestness of look and + manner, almost irresistible, “God will never trouble Himsel' about a poor, + hard-working crathur like me, who never did any harm to the manest of His + makin'.” + </p> + <p> + One thing was certain, that a benevolent Providence had, “throubled + Himsel'” about poor Jenny in times past, for the warm heart of this + neglected child of Nature contained a stream of the richest benevolence, + which, situated as she had been, could not have been derived from any + other source. Honest, faithful, and industrious, Jenny became a law unto + herself, and practically illustrated the golden rule of her blessed Lord, + “to do unto others as we would they should do unto us.” She thought it was + impossible that her poor services could ever repay the debt of gratitude + that she owed to the family who had brought her up, although the + obligation must have been entirely on their side. To them she was greatly + attached—for them she toiled unceasingly; and when evil days came, + and they were not able to meet the rent-day, or to occupy the farm, she + determined to accompany them in their emigration to Canada, and formed one + of the stout-hearted band that fixed its location in the lonely and + unexplored wilds now known as the township of Dummer. + </p> + <p> + During the first year of their settlement, the means of obtaining the + common necessaries of life became so precarious, that, in order to assist + her friends with a little ready money, Jenny determined to hire out into + some wealthy house as a servant. When I use the term wealth as applied to + any bush-settler, it is of course only comparatively; but Jenny was + anxious to obtain a place with settlers who enjoyed a small income + independent of their forest means. + </p> + <p> + Her first speculation was a complete failure. For five long, hopeless + years she served a master from whom she never received a farthing of her + stipulated wages. Still her attachment to the family was so strong, and + had become so much the necessity of her life, that the poor creature could + not make up her mind to leave them. The children whom she had received + into her arms at their birth, and whom she had nursed with maternal + tenderness, were as dear to her as if they had been her own; she continued + to work for them, although her clothes were worn to tatters, and her own + friends were too poor to replace them. + </p> + <p> + Her master, Captain N——, a handsome, dashing officer, who had + served many years in India, still maintained the carriage and appearance + of a gentleman, in spite of his mental and moral degradation, arising from + a constant state of intoxication; he still promised to remunerate at some + future day her faithful services; and although all his neighbours well + knew that his means were exhausted, and that that day would never come, + yet Jenny, in the simplicity of her faith, still toiled on, in the hope + that the better day he spoke of would soon arrive. + </p> + <p> + And now a few words respecting this master, which I trust may serve as a + warning to others. Allured by the bait that has been the ruin of so many + of his class, the offer of a large grant of land, Captain N—— + had been induced to form a settlement in this remote and untried township; + laying out much, if not all, of his available means in building a log + house, and clearing a large extent of barren and stony land. To this + uninviting home he conveyed a beautiful young wife, and a small and + increasing family. The result may be easily anticipated. The want of + society—a dreadful want to a man of his previous habits—the + total absence of all the comforts and decencies of life; produced + inaction, apathy, and at last, despondency, which was only alleviated by a + constant and immoderate use of ardent spirits. As long as Captain N—— + retained his half pay, he contrived to exist. In an evil hour he parted + with this, and quickly trod the down-hill path to ruin. + </p> + <p> + And here I would remark that it is always a rash and hazardous step for + any officer to part with his half pay; although it is almost every day + done, and generally followed by the same disastrous results. A-certain + income, however small, in a country where money is so hard to be procured, + and where labour cannot be attained but at a very high pecuniary + remuneration, is invaluable to a gentleman unaccustomed to agricultural + employment; who, without this reserve to pay his people, during the brief + but expensive seasons of seed-time and harvest, must either work himself + or starve. I have known no instance in which such sale has been attended + with ultimate advantage; but, alas! too many in which it has terminated in + the most distressing destitution. These government grants of land, to + half-pay officers, have induced numbers of this class to emigrate to the + backwoods of Canada, who are totally unfit for pioneers; but, tempted by + the offer of finding themselves landholders of what, on paper, appear to + them fine estates, they resign a certainty, to waste their energies, and + die half-starved and broken-hearted in the depths of the pitiless wild. + </p> + <p> + If a gentleman so situated would give up all idea of settling on his + grant, but hire a good farm in a favourable situation—that is, not + too far from a market—and with his half pay hire efficient + labourers, of which plenty are now to be had, to cultivate the land, with + common prudence and economy, he would soon obtain a comfortable + subsistence for his family. And if the males were brought up to share the + burden and heat of the day, the expense of hired labour, as it yearly + diminished, would add to the general means and well-being of the whole, + until the hired farm became the real property of the industrious tenants. + But the love of show, the vain boast of appearing richer and better + dressed than our neighbours, too often involves the emigrant's family in + debt, from which they are seldom able to extricate themselves without + sacrificing the means which would have secured their independence. + </p> + <p> + This, although a long digression, will not, I hope, be without its use; + and if this book is regarded not as a work of amusement but one of + practical experience, written for the benefit of others, it will not fail + to convey some useful hints to those who have contemplated emigration to + Canada: the best country in the world for the industrious and + well-principled man, who really comes out to work, and to better his + condition by the labour of his hands; but a gulf of ruin to the vain and + idle, who only set foot upon these shores to accelerate their ruin. + </p> + <p> + But to return to Captain N——. It was at this disastrous period + that Jenny entered his service. Had her master adapted his habits and + expenditure to his altered circumstances, much misery might have been + spared, both to himself and his family. But he was a proud man—too + proud to work, or to receive with kindness the offers of service tendered + to him by his half-civilized, but well-meaning neighbours. + </p> + <p> + “Hang him!” cried an indignant English settler (Captain N—— + was an Irishman), whose offer of drawing wood had been rejected with + unmerited contempt. “Wait a few years and we shall see what his pride will + do for him. <i>I am</i> sorry for his poor wife and children; but for + himself, I have no pity for him.” + </p> + <p> + This man had been uselessly insulted, at the very moment when he was + anxious to perform a kind and benevolent action; when, like a true + Englishman, his heart was softened by witnessing the sufferings of a young + delicate female and her infant family. Deeply affronted by the Captain's + foolish conduct, he now took a malignant pleasure in watching his arrogant + neighbour's progress to ruin. + </p> + <p> + The year after the sale of his commission, Captain N—— found + himself considerably in debt, “Never mind, Ella,” he said to his anxious + wife; “the crops will pay all.” + </p> + <p> + The crops were a failure that year. Creditors pressed hard; the Captain + had no money to pay his workmen, and he would not work himself. Disgusted + with his location, but unable to change it for a better; without friends + of his own class (for he was the only gentleman then resident in the new + township), to relieve the monotony of his existence with their society, or + to afford him advice or assistance in his difficulties, the fatal + whiskey-bottle became his refuge from gloomy thoughts. + </p> + <p> + His wife, an amiable and devoted creature, well born, well educated, and + deserving of a better lot, did all in her power to wean him from the + growing vice. But, alas! the pleadings of an angel, in such circumstances, + would have had little effect upon the mind of such a man. He loved her as + well as he could love any thing, and he fancied that he loved his + children, while he was daily reducing them, by his favourite vice, to + beggary. + </p> + <p> + For awhile, he confined his excesses to his own fireside, but this was + only for as long a period as the sale of his stock and laud would supply + him with the means of criminal indulgence. After a time, all these + resources failed, and his large grant of eight hundred acres of land had + been converted into whiskey, except the one hundred acres on which his + house and barn stood, embracing the small clearing from which the family + derived their scanty supply of wheat and potatoes. For the sake of peace, + his wife gave up all her ornaments and household plate, and the best + articles of a once handsome and ample wardrobe, in the hope of hiding her + sorrows from the world, and keeping her husband at home. + </p> + <p> + The pride, that had rendered him so obnoxious to his humbler neighbours, + yielded at length to the inordinate craving for drink; the man who had + held himself so high above his honest and industrious fellow-settlers, + could now unblushingly enter their cabins and beg for a drop of whiskey. + The feeling of shame once subdued, there was no end to his audacious + mendicity. His whole time was spent in wandering about the country, + calling upon every new settler, in the hope of being asked to partake of + the coveted poison. He was even known to enter by the window of an + emigrant's cabin, during the absence of the owner, and remain drinking in + the house while a drop of spirits could be found in the cupboard. When + driven forth by the angry owner of the hut, he wandered on to the distant + town of P——, and lived there in a low tavern, while his wife + and children were starving at home. + </p> + <p> + “He is the filthiest beast in the township,” said the aforementioned + neighbour to me; “it would be a good thing for his wife and children if + his worthless neck were broken in one of hit, drunken sprees.” + </p> + <p> + This might be the melancholy fact, but it was not the less dreadful on + that account. The husband of an affectionate wife—the father of a + lovely family—and his death to be a matter of rejoicing!—a + blessing, instead of being an affliction!—an agony not to be thought + upon without the deepest sorrow. + </p> + <p> + It was at this melancholy period of her sad history that Mrs. N—— + found, in Jenny Buchanan, a help in her hour of need. The heart of the + faithful creature bled for the misery; which involved the wife of her + degraded master, and the children she so dearly loved. Their want and + destitution called all the sympathies of her ardent nature into active + operation; they were long indebted to her labour for every morsel of food + which they consumed. For them, she sowed, she planted, she reaped. Every + block of wood which shed a cheering warmth around their desolate home was + cut from the forest by her own hands, and brought up a steep hill to the + house upon her back. For them, she coaxed the neighbours, with whom she + was a general favourite, out of many a mess of eggs for their especial + benefit; while with, her cheerful songs, and hearty, hopeful disposition, + she dispelled much of the cramping despair which chilled the heart of the + unhappy mother in her deserted home. + </p> + <p> + For several years did this great, poor woman keep the wolf from the door + of her beloved mistress, toiling for her with the strength and energy of a + man. When was man ever so devoted, so devoid of all selfishness, so + attached to employers, yet poorer than herself, as this uneducated + Irishwoman? + </p> + <p> + A period was at length put to her unrequited services. In a fit of + intoxication her master beat her severely with the iron ramrod of his gun, + and turned her, with abusive language, from his doors. Oh, hard return for + all her unpaid labours of love! She forgave this outrage for the sake of + the helpless beings who depended upon her care. He repeated the injury, + and the poor creature returned almost heart broken to her former home. + </p> + <p> + Thinking that his spite would subside in a few days, Jenny made a third + effort to enter his house in her usual capacity; but Mrs. N—— + told her, with many tears, that her presence would only enrage her + husband, who had threatened herself with the most cruel treatment if she + allowed the faithful servant again to enter the house. Thus ended her five + years' service to this ungrateful master. Such was her reward! + </p> + <p> + I heard of Jenny's worth and kindness from the Englishman who had been so + grievously affronted by Captain N——, and sent for her to come + to me. She instantly accepted my offer, and returned with my messenger. + She had scarcely a garment to cover her. I was obliged to find her a suit + of clothes before I could set her to work. The smiles and dimples of my + curly-headed, rosy little Donald, then a baby-boy of fifteen months, + consoled the old woman for her separation from Ellie N——; and + the good-will with which all the children (now four in number) regarded + the kind old body, soon endeared to her the new home which Providence had + assigned to her. + </p> + <p> + Her accounts of Mrs. N——, and her family, soon deeply + interested me in her fate; and Jenny never went to visit her friends in + Dummer without an interchange of good wishes passing between us. + </p> + <p> + The year of the Canadian rebellion came, and brought with it sorrow into + many a bush dwelling. Old Jenny and I were left alone with the little + children, in the depths of the dark forest, to help ourselves in the best + way we could. Men could not be procured in that thinly-settled spot for + love nor money, and I now fully realized the extent of Jenny's usefulness. + Daily she yoked the oxen, and brought down from the bush fuel to maintain + our fires, which she felled and chopped up with her own hands. She fed the + cattle, and kept all things snug about the doors; not forgetting to load + her master's two guns, “in case,” as she said, “the ribels should attack + us in our retrate.” + </p> + <p> + The months of November and December of 1838 had beer unnaturally mild for + this iron climate; but the opening of the ensuing January brought a short + but severe spell of frost and snow. We felt very lonely in our solitary + dwelling, crouching round the blazing fire, that scarcely chased the cold + from our miserable log tenement, until this dreary period was suddenly + cheered by the unexpected presence of my beloved friend, Emilia, who came + to spend a week with me in my forest home. + </p> + <p> + She brought her own baby-boy with her, and an ample supply of buffalo + robes, not forgetting a treat of baker's bread, and “sweeties” for the + children. Oh, dear Emilia! best and kindest of women, though absent in + your native land, long, long shall my heart cherish with affectionate + gratitude all your visits of love, and turn to you as to a sister, tried, + and found most faithful, in the dark hour of adversity, and amidst the + almost total neglect of those from whom nature claimed a tenderer and + holier sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Great was the joy of Jenny at this accession to our family party, and + after Mrs. S—— was well warmed, and had partaken of tea—the + only refreshment we could offer her—we began to talk over the news + of the place. + </p> + <p> + “By the by, Jenny,” said she, turning to the old servant, who was + undressing the little boy by the fire, “have you heard lately from poor + Mrs. N——? We have been told that she and the family are in a + dreadful state of destitution. That worthless man has left them for the + States, and it is supposed that he has joined Mackenzie's band of ruffians + on Navy Island; but whether this be true or false, he has deserted his + wife and children, taking his eldest son along with him (who might have + been of some service at home), and leaving them without money or food.” + </p> + <p> + “The good Lord! What will become of the crathurs?” responded Jenny, wiping + her wrinkled cheek with the back of her hard, brown hand. “An' thin they + have not a sowl to chop and draw them firewood; an' the weather so + oncommon savare. Och hone! what has not that <i>baste</i> of a man to + answer for?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard,” continued Mrs. S——, “that they have tasted no food + but potatoes for the last nine months, and scarcely enough of them to keep + soul and body together; that they have sold their last cow; and the poor + young lady and her second brother, a lad of only twelve years old, bring + all the wood for the fire from the bush on a hand-sleigh.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear!—oh, dear!” sobbed Jenny; “an' I not there to hilp them! + An' poor Miss Mary, the tinder thing! Oh, 'tis hard, terribly hard for the + crathurs! an' they not used to the like.” + </p> + <p> + “Can nothing be done for them?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “That is what we want to know,” returned Emilia, “and that was one of my + reasons for coming up to D——. I wanted to consult you and + Jenny upon the subject. You who are an officer's wife, and I, who am both + an officer's wife and daughter, ought to devise some plan of rescuing this + unfortunate lady and her family from her present forlorn situation.” + </p> + <p> + The tears sprang to my eyes, and I thought, in the bitterness of my heart, + upon my own galling poverty, that my pockets did not contain even a single + copper, and that I had scarcely garments enough to shield me from the + inclemency of the weather. By unflinching industry, and taking my part in + the toil of the field, I had bread for myself and family, and this was + more than poor Mrs. N—— possessed; but it appeared impossible + for me to be of any assistance to the unhappy sufferer, and the thought of + my incapacity gave me severe pain. It was only in moments like the present + that I felt the curse of poverty. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued my friend, “you see, Mrs. Moodie, that the ladies of P—— + are all anxious to do what they can for her; but they first want to learn + if the miserable circumstances in which she is said to be placed are true. + In short, my dear friend, they want you and me to make a pilgrimage to + Dummer, to see the poor lady herself; and then they will be guided by our + report.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us lose no time in going upon our own mission of mercy.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, my dear heart, you will be lost in the woods!” said old Jenny. “It + is nine long miles to the first clearing, and that through a lonely, + blazed path. After you are through the beaver-meadow, there is not a + single hut for you to rest or warm yourselves. It is too much for the both + of yees; you will be frozen to death on the road.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear,” said my benevolent friend; “God will take care of us, Jenny. It + is on His errand we go; to carry a message of hope to one about to + perish.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord bless you for a darlint,” cried the old woman, devoutly kissing + the velvet cheek of the little fellow sleeping upon her lap. “May your own + purty child never know the want and sorrow that is around her.” + </p> + <p> + Emilia and I talked over the Dummer scheme until we fell asleep. Many were + the plans we proposed for the immediate relief of the unfortunate family. + Early the next morning, my brother-in-law, Mr. T——, called + upon my friend. The subject next our heart was immediately introduced, and + he was called into the general council. His feelings, like our own, were + deeply interested; and he proposed that we should each provide something + from our own small stores to satisfy the pressing wants of the distressed + family; while he promised to bring his cutter, the next morning, and take + us through the beaver-meadow, and to the edge of the great swamp, which + would shorten four miles, at least, of our long and hazardous journey. + </p> + <p> + We joyfully acceded to his proposal, and set cheerfully to work to provide + for the morrow. Jenny baked a batch of her very best bread, and boiled a + large piece of beef; and Mr. T—— brought with him, the next + day, a fine cooked ham, in a sack, into the bottom of which he stowed the + beef and loaves, besides some sugar and tea, which his own kind wife, the + author of “The Backwoods of Canada,” had sent. I had some misgivings as to + the manner in which these good things could be introduced to the poor + lady, who, I had heard, was reserved and proud. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jenny,” I said, “how shall I be able to ask her to accept provisions + from strangers? I am afraid of wounding her feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, darlint, never fear'that! She is proud, I know; but 'tis not a stiff + pride, but jist enough to consale her disthress from her ignorant English + neighbours, who think so manely of poor folk like her who were once rich. + She will be very thankful to you for your kindness, for she has not + experienced much of it from the Dummer people in her throuble, though she + may have no words to tell you so. Say that old Jenny sent the bread to + dear wee Ellie, 'cause she knew she would like a loaf of Jenny's bakin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But the meat.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, the mate, is it? Maybe, you'll think of some excuse for the mate + when you get there.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so; but I'm a sad coward with strangers, and I have lived so long + out of the world that I am at a great loss what to do. I will try and put + a good face on the matter. Your name, Jenny, will be no small help to me.” + </p> + <p> + All was now ready. Kissing our little bairns, who crowded around us with + eager and inquiring looks, and charging Jenny for the hundredth time to + take especial care of them during our absence, we mounted the cutter, and + set off, under the care and protection of Mr. T——, who + determined to accompany us on the journey. + </p> + <p> + It was a black, cold day; no sun visible in the gray, dark sky; a keen, + cutting wind, and hard frost. We crouched close to each other. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens, how cold it is!” whispered Emilia. “What a day for such a + journey!” + </p> + <p> + She had scarcely ceased speaking, when the cutter went upon a stump which + lay concealed under the drifted snow; and we, together with the ruins of + our conveyance, were scattered around. + </p> + <p> + “A bad beginning,” said my brother-in-law, with a rueful aspect, as he + surveyed the wreck of the cutter from which we had promised ourselves so + much benefit. “There is no help for it but to return home.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said Mrs. S——; “bad beginnings make good endings, + you know. Let us go on; it will be far better walking than riding such a + dreadful day. My feet are half frozen already with sitting still.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear madam,” expostulated Mr. T——, “consider the + distance, the road, the dark, dull day, and our imperfect knowledge of the + path. I will get the cutter mended to-morrow; and the day after we may be + able to proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “Delays are dangerous,” said the pertinacious Emilia, who, woman-like, was + determined to have her own way. “Now or never. While we wait for the + broken cutter, the broken hearted Mrs. N—— may starve. We can + stop at Colonel C——'s and warm ourselves, and you can leave + the cutter at his house until our return.” + </p> + <p> + “It was upon your account that I proposed the delay,” said the good Mr. T——, + taking the sack, which was no inconsiderable weight, upon his shoulder, + and driving his horse before him into neighbour W——'s stable. + “Where you go, I am ready to follow.” + </p> + <p> + When we arrived, Colonel C——'s family were at breakfast, of + which they made us partake; and after vainly endeavouring to dissuade us + from what appeared to them our Quixotic expedition, Mrs. C—— + added a dozen fine white fish to the contents of the sack, and sent her + youngest son to help Mr. T—— along with his burthen, and to + bear us company on our desolate road. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the Colonel's hospitable house on our left, we again plunged into + the woods, and after a few minutes' brisk walking, found ourselves upon + the brow of a steep bank that overlooked the beaver-meadow, containing + within its area several hundred acres. + </p> + <p> + There is no scenery in the bush that presents such a novel appearance as + those meadows, or openings, surrounded, as they invariably are, by dark, + intricate forests; their high, rugged banks covered with the light, airy + tamarack and silver birch. In summer they look like a lake of soft, rich + verdure, hidden in the bosom of the barren and howling waste. Lakes they + certainly have been, from which the waters have receded, “ages, ages long + ago;” and still the whole length of these curious level valleys is + traversed by a stream, of no inconsiderable dimensions. + </p> + <p> + The waters of the narrow, rapid creek, which flowed through the meadow we + were about to cross, were of sparkling brightness, and icy cold. The + frost-king had no power to check their swift, dancing movements, or stop + their perpetual song. On they leaped, sparkling and flashing beneath their + ice-crowned banks, rejoicing as they revelled on in their lonely course. + In the prime of the year, this is a wild and lovely spot, the grass is of + the richest green, and the flowers of the most gorgeous dyes. The gayest + butterflies float above them upon painted wings; and the whip-poor-will + pours forth from the neighbouring woods, at close of dewy eve, his strange + but sadly plaintive cry. Winter was now upon the earth, and the once green + meadow looked like a small forest lake covered with snow. + </p> + <p> + The first step we made into it plunged us up to the knees in the snow, + which was drifted to a great height in the open space. Mr. T—— + and our young friend C—— walked on ahead of us, in order to + break a track through the untrodden snow. We soon reached the cold creek; + but here a new difficulty presented itself. It was too wide to jump + across, and we could see no other way of passing to the other side. + </p> + <p> + “There must be some sort of a bridge hereabout,” said young C——, + “or how can the people from Dummer pass constantly during the winter to + and fro. I will go along the bank, and halloo to you if I find one.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he gave the desired signal, and on reaching the spot, we + found a round, slippery log flung across the stream by way of bridge. With + some trouble, and after various slips, we got safely on the other side. To + wet our feet would have been to ensure their being frozen; and as it was, + we were not without serious apprehensions on that score. After crossing + the bleak, snowy plain, we scrambled over another brook, and entered the + great swamp, which occupied two miles of our dreary road. + </p> + <p> + It would be vain to attempt giving any description of this tangled maze of + closely-interwoven cedars, fallen trees, and loose-scattered masses of + rock. It seemed the fitting abode of wolves and bears, and every other + unclean beast. The fire had run through it during the summer, making the + confusion doubly confused. Now we stopped, half doubled, to crawl under + fallen branches that hung over our path, then again we had to clamber over + prostrate trees of great bulk, descending from which we plumped down into + holes in the snow, sinking mid-leg into the rotten trunk of some + treacherous, decayed pine-tree. Before we were half through the great + swamp, we began to think ourselves sad fools, and to wish that we were + safe again by our own firesides. But, then, a great object was in view,—the + relief of a distressed fellow-creature, and like the “full of hope, + misnamed forlorn,” we determined to overcome every difficulty, and toil + on. + </p> + <p> + It took us an hour at least to clear the great swamp, from which we + emerged into a fine wood, composed chiefly of maple-trees. The sun had, + during our immersion in the dark shades of the swamp, burst through his + leaden shroud, and cast a cheery gleam along the rugged boles of the lofty + trees. The squirrel and chissmunk occasionally bounded across our path; + the dazzling snow which covered it reflected the branches above us in an + endless variety of dancing shadows. Our spirits rose in proportion. Young + C—— burst out singing, and Emilia and I laughed and chatted as + we bounded along our narrow road. On, on for hours, the same interminable + forest stretched away to the right and left, before and behind us. + </p> + <p> + “It is past twelve,” said my brother T——, thoughtfully; “if we + do not soon come to a clearing, we may chance to spend the night in the + forest.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am dying with hunger,” cried Emilia. “Do, C—— give us + one or two of the cakes your mother put into the bag for us to eat upon + the road.” + </p> + <p> + The ginger-cakes were instantly produced. But where were the teeth to be + found that could masticate them? The cakes were frozen as hard as stones; + this was a great disappointment to us tired and hungry wights; but it only + produced a hearty laugh. Over the logs we went again; for it was a + perpetual stepping up and down, crossing the fallen trees that obstructed + our path. At last we came to a spot where two distinct blazed roads + diverged. + </p> + <p> + “What are we to do now?” said Mr. T——. + </p> + <p> + We stopped, and a general consultation was held, and without one + dissenting voice we took the branch to the right, which, after pursuing + for about half-a-mile, led us to a log hut of the rudest description. + </p> + <p> + “Is this the road to Dummer?” we asked a man, who was chopping wood + outside the fence. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you are in Dummer?” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + My heart leaped for joy, for I was dreadfully fatigued. + </p> + <p> + “Does this road lead through the English Line?” + </p> + <p> + “That's another thing,” returned the woodman. “No; you turned off from the + right path when you came up here.” We all looked very blank at each other. + “You will have to go back, and keep the other road, and that will lead you + straight to the English Line.” + </p> + <p> + “How many miles is it to Mrs. N——'s?” + </p> + <p> + “Some four, or thereabouts,” was the cheering rejoinder. “'Tis one of the + last clearings on the line. If you are going back to Douro to-night, you + must look sharp.” + </p> + <p> + Sadly and dejectedly we retraced our steps. There are few trifling + failures more bitter in our journey through life than that of a tired + traveller mistaking his road. What effect must that tremendous failure + produce upon the human mind, when, at the end of life's unretraceable + journey, the traveller finds that he has fallen upon the wrong track + through every stage, and instead of arriving at the land of blissful + promise sinks for ever into the gulf of despair! + </p> + <p> + The distance we had trodden in the wrong path, while led on by hope and + anticipation, now seemed to double in length, as with painful steps we + toiled on to reach the right road. This object once attained, soon led us + to the dwellings of men. + </p> + <p> + Neat, comfortable log houses, surrounded by well-fenced patches of + clearing, arose on either side of the forest road; dogs flew out and + barked at us, and children ran shouting indoors to tell their respective + owners that strangers were passing their gates; a most unusual + circumstance, I should think, in that location. + </p> + <p> + A servant who had hired two years with my brother-in-law, we knew must + live somewhere in this neighbourhood, at whose fireside we hoped not only + to rest and warm ourselves, but to obtain something to eat. On going up to + one of the cabins to inquire for Hannah J——, we fortunately + happened to light upon the very person we sought. With many exclamations + of surprise, she ushered us into her neat and comfortable log dwelling. + </p> + <p> + A blazing fire, composed of two huge logs, was roaring up the wide + chimney, and the savoury smell that issued from a large pot of pea-soup + was very agreeable to our cold and hungry stomachs. But, alas, the + refreshment went no further! Hannah most politely begged us to take seats + by the fire, and warm and rest ourselves; she even knelt down and assisted + in rubbing our half-frozen hands; but she never once made mention of the + hot soup, or of the tea, which was drawing in a tin tea-pot upon the + hearth-stone, or of a glass of whiskey, which would have been thankfully + accepted by our male pilgrims. + </p> + <p> + Hannah was not an Irishwoman, no, nor a Scotch lassie, or her very first + request would have been for us to take “a pickle of soup,” or “a sup of + thae warm broths.” The soup was no doubt cooking for Hannah's husband and + two neighbours, who were chopping for him in the bush; and whose want of + punctuality she feelingly lamented. + </p> + <p> + As we left her cottage, and jogged on, Emilia whispered, laughing, “I hope + you are satisfied with your good dinner? Was not the pea-soup excellent?—and + that cup of nice hot tea!—I never relished any thing more in my + life. I think we should never pass that house without giving Hannah a + call, and testifying our gratitude for her good cheer.” + </p> + <p> + Many times did we stop to inquire the way to Mrs. N——'s, + before we ascended the steep, bleak hill upon which her house stood. At + the door, Mr. T—— deposited the sack of provisions, and he and + young C—— went across the road to the house of an English + settler (who, fortunately for them, proved more hospitable than Hannah J——), + to wait until our errand was executed. + </p> + <p> + The house before which Emilia and I were standing had once been a + tolerably comfortable log dwelling. It was larger than such buildings + generally are, and was surrounded by dilapidated barns and stables, which + were not cheered by a solitary head of cattle. A black pine forest + stretched away to the north of the house, and terminated in a dismal, + tangled cedar swamp, the entrance to the house not having been constructed + to face the road. + </p> + <p> + The spirit that had borne me up during the journey died within me. I was + fearful that my visit would be deemed an impertinent intrusion. I knew not + in what manner to introduce myself and my embarrassment had been greatly + increased by Mrs. S—— declaring that I must break the ice, for + she had not courage to go in. I remonstrated, but she was firm. To hold + any longer parley was impossible. We were standing on the top of a bleak + hill, with the thermometer many degrees below zero, and exposed to the + fiercest biting of the bitter, cutting blast. With a heavy sigh, I knocked + slowly but decidedly at the crazy door. I saw the curly head of a boy + glance for a moment against the broken window. There was a stir within, + but no one answered our summons. Emilia was rubbing her hands together, + and beating a rapid tattoo with her feet upon the hard and glittering + snow, to keep them from freezing. + </p> + <p> + Again I appealed to the inhospitable door, with a vehemence which seemed + to say, “We are freezing, good people; in mercy let us in!” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a stir, and a whispered sound of voices, as if in + consultation, from within; and after waiting a few minutes longer—which, + cold as we were, seemed an age—the door was cautiously opened by a + handsome, dark-eyed lad of twelve years of age, who was evidently the + owner of the curly head that had been sent to reconnoitre us through the + window. Carefully closing the door after him, he stepped out upon the + snow, and asked us coldly but respectfully what we wanted. I told him that + we were two ladies, who had walked all the way from Douro to see his + mamma, and that we wished very much to speak to her. The lad answered us, + with the ease and courtesy of a gentleman, that he did not know whether + his mamma could be seen by strangers, but he would go in and see. So + saying he abruptly left us, leaving behind him an ugly skeleton of a dog, + who, after expressing his disapprobation at our presence in the most + disagreeable and unequivocal manner, pounced like a famished wolf upon the + sack of good things which lay at Emilia's feet; and our united efforts + could scarcely keep him off. + </p> + <p> + “A cold, doubtful reception, this!” said my friend, turning her back to + the wind, and hiding her face in her muff. “This is worse than Hannah's + liberality, and the long, weary walk.” + </p> + <p> + I thought so too, and begun to apprehend that our walk had been in vain, + when the lad again appeared, and said that we might walk in, for his + mother was dressed. + </p> + <p> + Emilia, true to her determination, went no farther than the passage. In + vain were all my entreating looks and mute appeals to her benevolence and + friendship; I was forced to enter alone the apartment that contained the + distressed family. + </p> + <p> + I felt that I was treading upon sacred ground, for a pitying angel hovers + over the abode of suffering virtue, and hallows all its woes. On a rude + bench, before the fire, sat a lady, between thirty and forty years of age, + dressed in a thin, coloured muslin gown, the most inappropriate garment + for the rigour of the season, but, in all probability, the only decent one + that she retained. A subdued melancholy looked forth from her large, dark, + pensive eyes. She appeared like one who, having discovered the full extent + of her misery, had proudly steeled her heart to bear it. Her countenance + was very pleasing, and, in early life (but she was still young), she must + have been eminently handsome. Near her, with her head bent down, and + shaded by her thin, slender hand, her slight figure scarcely covered by + her scanty clothing, sat her eldest daughter, a gentle, sweet-looking + girl, who held in her arms a baby brother, whose destitution she + endeavoured to conceal. It was a touching sight; that suffering girl, just + stepping into womanhood, hiding against her young bosom the nakedness of + the little creature she loved. Another fine boy, whose neatly-patched + clothes had not one piece of the original stuff apparently left in them, + stood behind his mother, with dark, glistening eyes fastened upon me, as + if amused, and wondering who I was, and what business I could have there. + A pale and attenuated, but very pretty, delicately featured little girl + was seated on a low stool before the fire This was old Jenny's darling, + Ellie, or Eloise. A rude bedstead, of home manufacture, in a corner of the + room, covered with a coarse woollen quilt, contained two little boys, who + had crept into it to conceal their wants from the eyes of the stranger. On + the table lay a dozen peeled potatoes, and a small pot was boiling on the + fire, to receive this their scanty and only daily meal. There was such an + air of patient and enduring suffering in the whole group, that, as I gazed + heart-stricken upon it, my fortitude quite gave way, and I burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. N—— first broke the painful silence, and, rather proudly, + asked me to whom she had the pleasure of speaking. I made a desperate + effort to regain my composure, and told her, but with much embarrassment, + my name; adding that I was so well acquainted with her and her children, + through Jenny, that I could not consider her as a stranger; that I hoped + that, as I was the wife of an officer, and, like her, a resident in the + bush, and well acquainted with all its trials and privations, she would + look upon me as a friend. + </p> + <p> + She seemed surprised and annoyed, and I found no small difficulty in + introducing the object of my visit; but the day was rapidly declining, and + I knew that not a moment was to be lost. At first she coldly rejected all + offers of service, and said that she was contented, and wanted for + nothing. + </p> + <p> + I appealed to the situation in which I beheld herself and her children, + and implored her, for their sakes, not to refuse help from friends who + felt for her distress. Her maternal feelings triumphed over her assumed + indifference, and when she saw me weeping, for I could no longer restrain + my tears, her pride yielded, and for some minutes not a word was spoken. I + heard the large tears, as they slowly fell from her daughter's eyes, drop + one by one upon her garments. + </p> + <p> + At last the poor girl sobbed out, “Dear mamma, why conceal the truth? You + know that we are nearly naked, and starving.” + </p> + <p> + Then came the sad tale of domestic woes:—the absence of the husband + and eldest son; the uncertainty as to where they were, or in what engaged; + the utter want of means to procure the common necessaries of life; the + sale of the only remaining cow that used to provide the children with + food. It had been sold for twelve dollars, part to be paid in cash, part + in potatoes; the potatoes were nearly exhausted, and they were allowanced + to so many a day. But the six dollars she had retained as their last + resource! Alas! she had sent the eldest boy the day before to P——, + to get a letter out of the post-office, which she hoped contained some + tidings of her husband and son. She was all anxiety and expectation—but + the child returned late at night without the letter which they had longed + for with such feverish impatience. The six dollars upon which they had + depended for a supply of food were in notes of the Farmer's Bank, which at + that time would not pass for money, and which the roguish purchaser of the + cow had passed off upon this distressed family. + </p> + <p> + Oh! imagine, ye who revel in riches—who can daily throw away a large + sum upon the merest toy—the cruel disappointment, the bitter agony + of this poor mother's heart, when she received this calamitous news, in + the midst of her starving children. For the last nine weeks they had lived + upon a scanty supply of potatoes;—they had not tasted raised bread + or animal food for eighteen months. + </p> + <p> + “Ellie,” said I, anxious to introduce the sack, which had lain like a + nightmare upon my mind, “I have something for you; Jenny baked some loaves + last night, and sent them to you with her best love.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of all the children grew bright. “You will find the sack with the + bread in the passage,” said I to one of the boys. He rushed joyfully out, + and returned with Mrs. —— and the sack. Her bland and + affectionate greeting restored us all to tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + The delighted boy opened the sack. The first thing he produced was the + ham. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said I, “that is a ham that my sister sent to Mrs. N——; + 'tis of her own curing, and she thought that it might be acceptable.” + </p> + <p> + Then came the white fish, nicely packed in a clean cloth. “Mrs. C—— + thought fish might be a treat to Mrs. N——, as she lived so far + from the great lakes.” Then came Jenny's bread, which had already been + introduced. The beef, and tea, and sugar, fell upon the floor without any + comment. The first scruples had been overcome, and the day was ours. + </p> + <p> + “And now, ladies,” said Mrs. N——, with true hospitality, + “since you have brought refreshments with you, permit me to cook something + for your dinner.” + </p> + <p> + The scene I had just witnessed had produced such a choking sensation that + all my hunger had vanished. Before we could accept or refuse Mrs. N——'s + kind offer, Mr. T—— arrived, to hurry us off. + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock when we descended the hill in front of the house, that + led by a side-path round to the road, and commenced our homeward route. I + thought the four miles of clearings would never be passed; and the English + Line appeared to have no end. At length we entered once more the dark + forest. + </p> + <p> + The setting sun gleamed along the ground; the necessity of exerting our + utmost speed, and getting through the great swamp before darkness + surrounded us, was apparent to all. The men strode vigorously forward, for + they had been refreshed with a substantial dinner of potatoes and pork, + washed down with a glass of whiskey, at the cottage in which they had + waited for us; but poor Emilia and I, faint, hungry, and foot-sore, it was + with the greatest difficulty we could keep up. I thought of Rosalind, as + our march up and down the fallen logs recommenced, and often exclaimed + with her, “Oh, Jupiter! how weary are my legs!” + </p> + <p> + Night closed in just as we reached the beaver-meadow. Here our ears were + greeted with the sound of well-known voices. James and Henry C—— + had brought the ox-sleigh to meet us at the edge of the bush. Never was + splendid equipage greeted with such delight. Emilia and I, now fairly + exhausted with fatigue, scrambled into it, and lying down on the straw + which covered the bottom of the rude vehicle, we drew the buffalo robes + over our faces, and actually slept soundly until we reached Colonel C——'s + hospitable door. + </p> + <p> + An excellent supper of hot fish and fried venison was smoking on the + table, with other good cheer, to which we did ample justice. I, for one, + was never so hungry in my life. We had fasted for twelve hours, and that + on an intensely cold day, and had walked during that period upwards of + twenty miles. Never, never shall I forget that weary walk to Dummer; but a + blessing followed it. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when Emilia and I reached my humble home; our good friends + the oxen being again put in requisition to carry us there. Emilia went + immediately to bed, from which she was unable to rise for several days. In + the mean while I wrote to Moodie an account of the scene I had witnessed, + and he raised a subscription among the officers of the regiment for the + poor lady and her children, which amounted to forty dollars. Emilia lost + no time in making a full report to her friends at P——; and + before a week passed away, Mrs. N—— and her family were + removed thither by several benevolent individuals in the place. A neat + cottage was hired for her; and, to the honour of Canada be it spoken, all + who could afford a donation gave cheerfully. Farmers left at her door, + pork, beef, flour, and potatoes; the storekeepers sent groceries, and + goods to make clothes for the children; the shoemakers contributed boots + for the boys; while the ladies did all in their power to assist and + comfort the gentle creature thus thrown by Providence upon their bounty. + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. N—— remained at P—— she did not want + for any comfort. Her children were clothed and her rent paid by her + benevolent friends, and her house supplied with food and many comforts + from the same source. Respected and beloved by all who knew her, it would + have been well had she never left the quiet asylum where, for several + years, she enjoyed tranquillity, and a respectable competence from her + school; but in an evil hour she followed her worthless husband to the + Southern States, and again suffered all the woes which drunkenness + inflicts upon the wives and children of its degraded victims. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A CHANGE IN OUR PROSPECTS. + </h2> + <p> + During my illness, a kind neighbour, who had not only frequently come to + see me, but had brought me many nourishing things, made by her own fair + hands, took a great fancy to my second daughter, who, lively and volatile, + could not be induced to remain quiet in the sick chamber. The noise she + made greatly retarded my recovery, and Mrs. H—— took her home + with her, as the only means of obtaining for me necessary rest. During + that winter, and through the ensuing summer, I only received occasional + visits from my little girl, who, fairly established with her new friends, + looked upon their house as her home. + </p> + <p> + This separation, which was felt as a great benefit at the time, greatly + estranged the affections of the child from her own people. She saw us so + seldom that she almost regarded us, when she did meet, as strangers; and I + often deeply lamented the hour when I had unwittingly suffered the + threefold cord of domestic love to be unravelled by absence, and the + flattering attentions which fed the vanity of a beautiful child, without + strengthening her moral character. Mrs. H——, whose husband was + wealthy, was a generous, warmhearted girl of eighteen. Lovely in person, + and fascinating in manners, and still too young to have any idea of + forming the character of a child, she dressed the little creature + expensively; and, by constantly praising her personal appearance, gave her + an idea of her own importance which it took many years to eradicate. + </p> + <p> + It is a great error to suffer a child, who has been trained in the hard + school of poverty and self-denial, to be transplanted suddenly into the + hot-bed of wealth and luxury. The idea of the child being so much happier + and better off blinds her fond parents to the dangers of her new + situation, where she is sure to contract a dislike to all useful + occupation, and to look upon scanty means and plain clothing as a + disgrace. If the reaction is bad for a grown-up person, it is almost + destructive to a child who is incapable of moral reflection. Whenever I + saw little Addie, and remarked the growing coldness of her manner towards + us, my heart reproached me for having exposed her to temptation. + </p> + <p> + Still, in the eye of the world, she was much better situated than she + could possibly be with us. The heart of the parent could alone understand + the change. + </p> + <p> + So sensible was her father of this alteration, that the first time he paid + us a visit he went and brought home his child. + </p> + <p> + “If she remain so long away from us, at her tender years,” he said, “she + will cease to love us. All the wealth in the world would not compensate me + for the love of my child.” + </p> + <p> + The removal of my sister rendered my separation from my husband doubly + lonely and irksome. Sometimes the desire to see and converse with him + would press so painfully on my heart that I would get up in the night, + strike a light, and sit down and write him a long letter, and tell him all + that was in my mind; and when I had thus unburdened my spirit, the letter + was committed to the flames, and after fervently commending him to the + care of the Great Father of mankind, I would lay down my throbbing head on + my pillow beside our first-born son, and sleep tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + It is a strange fact that many of my husband's letters to me were written + at the very time when I felt those irresistible impulses to hold communion + with him. Why should we be ashamed to admit openly our belief in this + mysterious intercourse between the spirits of those who are bound to each + other by the tender ties of friendship and affection, when the experience + of every day proves its truth? Proverbs, which are the wisdom of ages + collected into a few brief words, tell us in one pithy sentence that “if + we talk of the devil he is sure to appear.” While the name of a + long-absent friend is in our mouth, the next moment brings him into our + presence. How can this be, if mind did not meet mind, and the spirit had + not a prophetic consciousness of the vicinity of another spirit, kindred + with its own? This is an occurrence so common that I never met with any + person to whom it had not happened; few will admit it to be a spiritual + agency, but in no other way can they satisfactorily explain its cause. If + it were a mere coincidence, or combination of ordinary circumstances, it + would not happen so often, and people would not be led to speak of the + long absent always at the moment when they are just about to present + themselves before them. My husband was no believer in what he termed my + fanciful, speculative theories; yet at the time when his youngest boy and + myself lay dangerously ill, and hardly expected to live, I received from + him a letter, written in great haste, which commenced with this sentence: + “Do write to me, dear S——, when you receive this. I have felt + very uneasy about you for some days past, and am afraid that all is not + right at home.” + </p> + <p> + Whence came this sudden fear? Why at that particular time did his thoughts + turn so despondingly towards those so dear to him? Why did the dark cloud + in his mind hang so heavily above his home? The burden of my weary and + distressed spirit had reached him; and without knowing of our sufferings + and danger, his own responded to the call. + </p> + <p> + The holy and mysterious nature of man is yet hidden from himself; he is + still a stranger to the movements of that inner life, and knows little of + its capabilities and powers. A purer religion, a higher standard of moral + and intellectual training, may in time reveal all this. Man still remains + a half-reclaimed savage; the leaven of Christianity is slowly and surely + working its way, but it has not yet changed the whole lump, or transformed + the deformed into the beauteous child of God. Oh, for that glorious day! + It is coming. The dark clouds of humanity are already tinged with the + golden radiance of the dawn, but the sun of righteousness has not yet + arisen upon the world with healing on his wings; the light of truth still + struggles in the womb of darkness, and man stumbles on to the fulfilment + of his sublime and mysterious destiny. + </p> + <p> + This spring I was not a little puzzled how to get in the crops. I still + continued so weak that I was quite unable to assist in the field, and my + good old Jenny was sorely troubled with inflamed feet, which required + constant care. At this juncture, a neighbouring settler, who had recently + come among us, offered to put in my small crop of peas, potatoes, and + oats, in all not comprising more than eight acres, if I would lend him my + oxen to log-up a large fallow of ten acres, and put in his own crops. + Trusting to his fair dealing, I consented to this arrangement; but he took + advantage of my isolated position, and not only logged-up his fallow, but + put in all his spring crops before he sowed an acre of mine. The oxen were + worked down so low that they were almost unfit for use, and my crops were + put in so late, and with such little care, that they all proved a failure. + I should have felt this loss more severely had it happened in any previous + year, but I had ceased to feel that deep interest in the affairs of the + farm, from a sort of conviction in my own mind that it would not long + remain my home. + </p> + <p> + Jenny and I did our best in the way of hoeing and weeding; but no industry + on our part could repair the injury done to the seed by being sown out of + season. + </p> + <p> + We therefore confined our attention to the garden, which, as usual, was + very productive, and with milk, fresh butter, and eggs, supplied the + simple wants of our family. Emilia enlivened our solitude by her company, + for several weeks during the summer, and we had many pleasant excursions + on the water together. + </p> + <p> + My knowledge of the use of the paddle, however, was not entirely without + its danger. + </p> + <p> + One very windy Sunday afternoon, a servant-girl, who lived with my friend + Mrs. C——, came crying to the house, and implored the use of my + canoe and paddles, to cross the lake to see her dying father. The request + was instantly granted; but there was no man upon the place to ferry her + across, and she could not manage the boat herself—in short, had + never been in a canoe in her life. + </p> + <p> + The girl was deeply distressed. She said that she had got word that her + father could scarcely live till she could reach Smith-town; that if she + went round by the bridge, she must walk five miles, while if she crossed + the lake she could be home in half-an-hour. + </p> + <p> + I did not much like the angry swell upon the water, but the poor creature + was in such grief that I told her, if she was not afraid of venturing with + me, I would try and put her over. + </p> + <p> + She expressed her thanks in the warmest terms, accompanied by a shower of + blessings; and I took the paddles and went down to the landing. Jenny was + very averse to my <i>tempting Providence</i>, as she termed it, and wished + that I might get back as safe as I went. However, the old woman launched + the canoe for me, pushed us from the shore, and away we went. The wind was + in my favour, and I found so little trouble in getting across that I began + to laugh at my own timidity. I put the girl on shore, and endeavoured to + shape my passage home. But this I found was no easy task. The water was + rough, and the wind high, and the strong current, which runs through that + part of the lake to the Smith rapids, was dead against me. In vain I + laboured to cross this current; it resisted all my efforts, and at each + repulse I was carried further down towards the rapids, which were full of + sunken rocks, and hard for the strong arm of a man to stem—to the + weak hand of a woman their safe passage was impossible. I began to feel + rather uneasy at the awkward situation in which I found myself placed, and + for some time I made desperate efforts to extricate myself, by paddling + with all my might. I soon gave this up, and contented myself by steering + the canoe in the path it thought fit to pursue. After drifting down with + the current for some little space, until I came opposite a small island, I + put out all my strength to gain the land. In this I fortunately succeeded, + and getting on shore, I contrived to drag the canoe so far round the + headland that I got her out of the current. All now was smooth sailing, + and I joyfully answered old Jenny's yells from the landing, that I was + safe, and would join her in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + This fortunate manoeuvre stood me in good stead upon another occasion, + when crossing the lake, some weeks after this, in company with a young + female friend, during a sudden storm. + </p> + <p> + Two Indian women, heavily laden with their packs of dried venison, called + at the house to borrow the canoe, to join their encampment upon the other + side. It so happened that I wanted to send to the mill that afternoon, and + the boat could not be returned in time without I went over with the Indian + women and brought it back. My young friend was delighted at the idea of + the frolic, and as she could both steer and paddle, and the day was calm + and bright, though excessively warm, we both agreed to accompany the + squaws to the other side, and bring back the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Muskrat had fallen in love with a fine fat kitten, whom the children + had called “Buttermilk,” and she begged so hard for the little puss, that + I presented it to her, rather marvelling how she would contrive to carry + it so many miles through the woods, and she loaded with such an enormous + pack; when, lo! the squaw took down the bundle, and, in the heart of the + piles of dried venison, she deposited the cat in a small basket, giving it + a thin slice of the meat to console it for its close confinement. Puss + received the donation with piteous mews; it was evident that mice and + freedom were preferred by her to venison and the honour of riding on a + squaw's back. + </p> + <p> + The squaws paddled us quickly across, and we laughed and chatted as we + bounded over the blue waves, until we were landed in a dark cedar swamp, + in the heart of which we found the Indian encampment. + </p> + <p> + A large party were lounging around the fire, superintending the drying of + a quantity of venison which was suspended on forked sticks. Besides the + flesh of the deer, a number of muskrats were skinned, and extended as if + standing bolt upright before the fire, warming their paws. The appearance + they cut was most ludicrous. My young friend pointed to the muskrats, as + she sank down, laughing, upon one of the skins. + </p> + <p> + Old Snow-storm, who was present, imagined that she wanted one of them to + eat, and very gravely handed her the unsavoury beast, stick and all. + </p> + <p> + “Does the old man take me for a cannibal?” she said “I would as soon eat a + child.” + </p> + <p> + Among the many odd things cooking at that fire there was something that + had the appearance of a bull-frog. + </p> + <p> + “What can that be?” she said, directing my eyes to the strange monster. + “Surely they don't eat bull-frogs!” + </p> + <p> + This sally was received by a grunt of approbation from Snow-storm; and, + though Indians seldom forget their dignity so far as to laugh, he for once + laid aside his stoical gravity, and, twirling the thing round with a + stick, burst into a hearty peal. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Muckakee!</i> Indian eat <i>muckakee?</i>—Ha! ha! Indian no eat + <i>muckakee!</i> Frenchmans eat his hind legs; they say the speckled beast + much good. This no <i>muckakee!</i>—the liver of deer, dried—very + nice—Indian eat him.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish him much joy of the delicate morsel,” said the saucy girl, who was + intent upon quizzing and examining every thing in the camp. + </p> + <p> + We had remained the best part of an hour, when Mrs. Muskrat laid hold of + my hand, and leading me through the bush to the shore, pointed up + significantly to a cloud, as dark as night, that hung loweringly over the + bush. + </p> + <p> + “Thunder in that cloud—get over the lake—quick, quick, before + it breaks.” Then motioning for us to jump into the canoe, she threw in the + paddles, and pushed us from the shore. + </p> + <p> + We saw the necessity of haste, and both plied the paddle with diligence to + gain the opposite bank, or at least the shelter of the island, before the + cloud poured down its fury upon us. We were just in the middle of the + current when the first peal of thunder broke with startling nearness over + our heads. The storm frowned darkly upon the woods; the rain came down in + torrents; and there were we exposed to its utmost fury in the middle of a + current too strong for us to stem. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do? We shall be drowned!” said my young friend, turning her + pale, tearful face towards me. + </p> + <p> + “Let the canoe float down the current till we get close to the island; + then run her into the land. I saved myself once before by this plan.” + </p> + <p> + We did so, and were safe; but there we had to remain, wet to our skins, + until the wind and the rain abated sufficiently for us to manage our + little craft. “How do you like being upon the lake in a storm like this?” + I whispered to my shivering, dripping companion. + </p> + <p> + “Very well in romance, but terribly dull in reality. We cannot, however, + call it a dry joke,” continued she, wringing the rain from her dress. “I + wish we were suspended over Old Snow-storm's fire with the bull-frog, for + I hate a shower-bath with my clothes on.” + </p> + <p> + I took warning by this adventure, never to cross the lake again without a + stronger arm than mine in the canoe to steer me safely through the + current. + </p> + <p> + I received much kind attention from my new neighbour, the Rev. W. W——, + a truly excellent and pious clergyman of the English Church. The good, + white-haired old man expressed the kindest sympathy in all my trials, and + strengthened me greatly with his benevolent counsels and gentle charity. + Mr. W—— was a true follower of Christ. His Christianity was + not confined to his own denomination; and every Sabbath his log cottage + was filled with attentive auditors, of all persuasions, who met together + to listen to the word of life delivered to them by a Christian minister in + the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + He had been a very fine preacher, and though considerably turned of + seventy, his voice was still excellent, and his manner solemn-and + impressive. + </p> + <p> + His only son, a young man of twenty-eight years of age had received a + serious injury in the brain by falling upon a turf-spade from a loft + window when a child, and his intellect had remained stationary from that + time. Poor Harry was an innocent child; he loved his parents with the + simplicity of a child, and all who spoke kindly to him he regarded as + friends. Like most persons of his caste of mind, his predilection for pet + animals was a prominent instinct. He was always followed by two dogs, whom + he regarded with especial favour. The moment he caught your eye, he looked + down admiringly upon his four-footed attendants,—patting their sleek + necks, and murmuring, “Nice dogs—nice dogs.” Harry had singled out + myself and my little ones as great favourites. He would gather flowers for + the girls, and catch butterflies for the boys; while to me he always gave + the title of “dear aunt.” + </p> + <p> + It so happened that one fine morning I wanted to walk a couple of miles + through the bush, to spend the day with Mrs. C——; but the + woods were full of the cattle belonging to the neighbouring settlers, and + of these I was terribly afraid. Whilst I was dressing the little girls to + accompany me, Harry W—— came in with a message from his + mother. “Oh,” thought I, “here is Harry W——. He will walk with + us through the bush, and defend us from the cattle.” + </p> + <p> + The proposition was made, and Harry was not a little proud of being + invited to join our party. We had accomplished half the distance without + seeing a single hoof; and I was beginning to congratulate myself upon our + unusual luck, when a large red ox, maddened by the stings of the gadflies, + came headlong through the brush, tossing up the withered leaves and dried + moss with his horns, and making directly towards us. I screamed to my + champion for help; but where was he?—running like a frightened + chissmunk along the fallen timber, shouting to my eldest girl, at the top + of his voice, + </p> + <p> + “Run, Katty, run!—The bull, the bull! Run, Katty!—The bull, + the bull!”—leaving us poor creatures far behind in the chase. + </p> + <p> + The bull, who cared not one fig for us, did not even stop to give us a + passing stare, and was soon lost among the trees; while our valiant knight + never stopped to see what had become of us, but made the best of his way + home. So much for taking an innocent for a guard. + </p> + <p> + The next month most of the militia regiments were disbanded. My husband's + services were no longer required at P——, and he once more + returned to help to gather in our scanty harvest. Many of the old debts + were paid off by his hard-saved pay; and though all hope of continuing in + the militia service was at an end, our condition was so much improved that + we looked less to the dark than to the sunny side of the landscape. + </p> + <p> + The potato crop was gathered in, and I had collected my store of dandelion + roots for our winter supply of coffee, when one day brought a letter to my + husband from the Governor's secretary, offering him the situation of + sheriff of the V—— district. Though perfectly unacquainted + with the difficulties and responsibilities of such an important office, my + husband looked upon it as a gift sent from heaven to remove us from the + sorrows and poverty with which we were surrounded in the woods. + </p> + <p> + Once more he bade us farewell; but it was to go and make ready a home for + us, that we should no more be separated from each other. + </p> + <p> + Heartily did I return thanks to God that night for all his mercies to us; + and Sir George Arthur was not forgotten in those prayers. + </p> + <p> + From B——, my husband wrote to me to make what haste I could in + disposing of our crops, household furniture, stock, and farming + implements; and to prepare myself and the children to join him on the + first fall of snow that would make the roads practicable for sleighing. To + facilitate this object, he sent me a box of clothing, to make up for + myself and the children. + </p> + <p> + For seven years I had lived out of the world entirely; my person had been + rendered coarse by hard work and exposure to the weather. I looked double + the age I really was, and my hair was already thickly sprinkled with gray. + I clung to my solitude. I did not like to be dragged from it to mingle in + gay scenes, in a busy town, and with gayly-dressed people. I was no longer + fit for the world; I had lost all relish for the pursuits and pleasures + which are so essential to its votaries; I was contented to live and die in + obscurity. + </p> + <p> + My dear Emilia rejoiced, like a true friend, in my changed prospects, and + came up to help me to cut clothes for the children, and to assist me in + preparing them for the journey. + </p> + <p> + I succeeded in selling off our goods and chattels much better than I + expected. My old friend, Mr. W——, who was a new comer, became + the principal purchaser, and when Christmas arrived I had not one article + left upon my hands save the bedding, which it was necessary to take with + us. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGIC SPELL. + </h2> + <p> + Never did eager British children look for the first violets and primroses + of spring with more impatience than my baby boys and girls watched, day + after day, for the first snow-flakes that were to form the road to convey + them to their absent father. + </p> + <p> + “Winter never means to come this year. It will never snow again!” + exclaimed my eldest boy, turning from the window on Christmas-day, with + the most rueful aspect that ever greeted the broad, gay beams of the + glorious sun. It was like a spring day. The little lake in front of the + window glittered like a mirror of silver, set in its dark frame of pine + woods. + </p> + <p> + I, too, was wearying for the snow, and was tempted to think that it did + not come as early as usual, in order to disappoint us. But I kept this to + myself, and comforted the expecting child with the oft-repeated assertion + that it would certainly snow upon the morrow. + </p> + <p> + But the morrow came and passed away, and many other morrows, and the same + mild, open weather prevailed. The last night of the old year was ushered + in with furious storms of wind and snow; the rafters of our log cabin + shook beneath the violence of the gale, which swept up from the lake like + a lion roaring for its prey, driving the snow-flakes through every open + crevice, of which there were not a few, and powdering the floor until it + rivalled in whiteness the ground without. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a dreadful night!” we cried, as we huddled shivering, around the + old broken stove. “A person abroad in the woods to-night would be frozen. + Flesh and blood could not long stand this cutting wind.” + </p> + <p> + “It reminds me of the commencement of a laughable extempore ditty,” said I + to my young friend, A. C——, who was staying with me, “composed + by my husband, during the first very cold night we spent in Canada: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh, the cold of Canada nobody knows, + The fire burns our shoes without warming our toes, + Oh, dear, what shall we do? + Our blankets are thin, and our noses are blue— + Our noses are blue, and our blankets are thin, + It's at zero without, and we're freezing within. + (<i>Chorus</i>.) Oh, dear, what shall we do? +</pre> + <p> + “But, joking apart, my dear A——, we ought to be very thankful + that we are not travelling this night to B——.” + </p> + <p> + “But to-morrow,” said my eldest boy, lifting up his curly head from my + lap. “It will be fine to-morrow, and we shall see dear papa again.” + </p> + <p> + In this hope he lay down on his little bed upon the floor, and was soon + fast asleep; perhaps dreaming of that eagerly-anticipated journey, and of + meeting his beloved father. + </p> + <p> + Sleep was a stranger to my eyes. The tempest raged so furiously without + that I was fearful the roof would be carried off the house, or that the + chimney would take fire. The night was far advanced when old Jenny and + myself retired to bed. + </p> + <p> + My boy's words were prophetic; that was the last night I ever spent in the + bush—in the dear forest home which I had loved in spite of all the + hardships which we had endured since we pitched our tent in the backwoods. + It was the birthplace of my three boys, the school of high resolve and + energetic action, in which we had learned to meet calmly, and successfully + to battle with, the ills of life. Nor did I leave it without many + regretful tears, to mingle once more with a world to whose usages, during + my long solitude. I had become almost a stranger, and to whose praise or + blame I felt alike indifferent. + </p> + <p> + When the day dawned, the whole forest scenery lay glittering in a mantle + of dazzling white; the sun shone brightly, the heavens were intensely + blue, but the cold was so severe that every article of food had to be + thawed before we could get our breakfast. The very blankets that covered + us during the night were stiff with our frozen breath. “I hope the sleighs + won't come to-day,” I cried; “we should be frozen on the long journey.” + </p> + <p> + About noon two sleighs turned into our clearing. Old Jenny ran screaming + into the room, “The masther has sent for us at last! The sleighs are come! + Fine large sleighs, and illigant teams of horses! Och, and it's a cowld + day for the wee things to lave the bush.” + </p> + <p> + The snow had been a week in advance of us at B——, and my + husband had sent up the teams to remove us. The children jumped about, and + laughed aloud for joy. Old Jenny did not know whether to laugh or cry, but + she set about helping me to pack up trunks and bedding as fast as our cold + hands would permit. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the confusion, my brother arrived, like a good genius, to + our assistance, declaring his determination to take us down to B—— + himself in his large lumber-sleigh. This was indeed joyful news. In less + than three hours he despatched the hired sleighs with their loads, and we + all stood together in the empty house, striving to warm our hands over the + embers of the expiring fire. + </p> + <p> + How cold and desolate every object appeared! The windows, half blocked up + with snow, scarcely allowed a glimpse of the declining sun to cheer us + with his serene aspect. In spite of the cold, several kind friends had + waded through the deep snow to say, “God bless you!—Good-bye;” while + a group of silent Indians stood together, gazing upon our proceedings with + an earnestness which showed that they were not uninterested in the scene. + As we passed out to the sleigh, they pressed forward, and silently held + out their hands, while the squaws kissed me and the little ones with + tearful eyes. They had been true friends to us in our dire necessity, and + I returned their mute farewell from my very heart. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— sprang into the sleigh. One of our party was missing. + “Jenny!” shouted my brother, at the top of his voice, “it is too cold to + keep your mistress and the little children waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure thin, it is I that am comin'!” returned the old body, as she + issued from the house. + </p> + <p> + Shouts of laughter greeted her appearance. The figure she cut upon that + memorable day I shall never forget. My brother dropped the reins upon the + horses' necks, and fairly roared. Jenny was about to commence her journey + to the front in three hats. Was it to protect her from the cold? Oh, no; + Jenny was not afraid of the cold! She could have eaten her breakfast on + the north side of an iceberg, and always dispensed with shoes, during the + most severe of our Canadian winters. It was to protect these precious + articles from Injury. + </p> + <p> + Our good, neighbour, Mrs. W——, had presented her with an old + sky-blue drawn-silk bonnet, as a parting benediction. This, by way of + distinction, for she never had possessed such an article of luxury as a + silk bonnet in her life, Jenny had placed over the coarse calico cap, with + its full furbelow of the same yellow, ill-washed, homely material, next to + her head, over this, as second in degree, a sun-burnt straw hat, with + faded pink ribbons, just showed its broken rim and tawdry trimmings, and, + to crown all, and serve as a guard to the rest, a really serviceable gray + beaver bonnet, once mine, towered up as high as the celebrated crown in + which brother Peter figures in Swift's “Tale of a Tub.” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy, Jenny! Why, old woman, you don't mean to go with us that figure?” + </p> + <p> + “Och, my dear heart! I've no bandbox to kape the cowld from desthroying my + illigant bonnets,” returned Jenny, laying her hand upon the side of the + sleigh. + </p> + <p> + “Go back, Jenny; go back,” cried my brother. “For God's sake take all that + tomfoolery from off your head. We shall be the laughing-stock of every + village we pass through.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure now, Mr. S——, who'd think of looking at an owld + crathar like me! It's only yorsel' that would notice the like.” + </p> + <p> + “All the world, every body would look at you, Jenny. I believe that you + put on those hats to draw the attention of all the young fellows that we + shall happen to meet on the road. Ha, Jenny!” + </p> + <p> + With an air of offended dignity, the old woman returned to the house to + rearrange her toilet, and provide for the safety of her “illigant + bonnets,” one of which she suspended to the strings of her cloak, while + she carried the third dangling in her hand; and no persuasion of mine + would induce her to put them out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Many painful and conflicting emotions agitated my mind, but found no + utterance in words, as we entered the forest path, and I looked my last + upon that humble home consecrated by the memory of a thousand sorrows. + Every object had become endeared to me during my long exile from civilized + life. I loved the lonely lake, with its magnificent belt of dark pines + sighing in the breeze; the cedar swamp, the summer home of my dark Indian + friends; my own dear little garden, with its rugged snake-fence, which I + had helped Jenny to place with my own hands, and which I had assisted the + faithful woman in cultivating for the last three years, where I had so + often braved the tormenting mosquitoes, black-flies, and intense heat, to + provide vegetables for the use of the family. Even the cows, that had + given a breakfast for the last time to my children, were now regarded with + mournful affection. A poor labourer stood in the doorway of the deserted + house, holding my noble water-dog, Rover, in a string. The poor fellow + gave a joyous bark as my eyes fell upon him. + </p> + <p> + “James J——, take care of my dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear, ma'am, he shall bide with me as long as he lives.” + </p> + <p> + “He and the Indians at least feel grieved for our departure,” I thought. + Love is so scarce in this world that we ought to prize it, however lowly + the source from whence it flows. + </p> + <p> + We accomplished only twelve miles of our journey that night. The road lay + through the bush, and along the banks of the grand, rushing, foaming + Otonabee river, the wildest and most beautiful of forest streams. We slept + at the house of kind friends, and early in the morning resumed our long + journey, but minus one of our party. Our old favourite cat, Peppermint, + had made her escape from the basket in which she had been confined, and + had scampered off, to the great grief of the children. + </p> + <p> + As we passed Mrs. H——'s house, we called for dear Addie. Mr. H—— + brought her in his arms to the gate, well wrapped up in a large fur cape + and a warm woollen shawl. + </p> + <p> + “You are robbing me of my dear little girl,” he said. “Mrs. H—— + is absent; she told me not to part with her if you should call; but I + could not detain her without your consent. Now that you have seen her, + allow me to keep her for a few months longer!” + </p> + <p> + Addie was in the sleigh. I put my arm around her. I felt I had my child + again, and I secretly rejoiced in the possession of my own. I sincerely + thanked him for his kindness, and Mr. S—— drove on. + </p> + <p> + At Mr. R——'s, we found a parcel from dear Emilia, containing a + plum-cake and other good things for the children Her kindness never + flagged. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the bridge over the Otonabee, in the rising town of + Peterborough, at eight o'clock in the morning. Winter had now set in + fairly. The children were glad to huddle together in the bottom of the + sleigh, under the buffalo skins and blankets; all but my eldest boy, who, + just turned of five years old, was enchanted with all he heard and saw, + and continued to stand up and gaze around him. Born in the forest, which + he had never quitted before, the sight of a town was such a novelty that + he could find no words wherewith to express his astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Are the houses come to see one another?” he asked. “How did they all meet + here?” + </p> + <p> + The question greatly amused his uncle, who took some pains to explain to + him the difference between town and country. During the day, we got rid of + old Jenny and her bonnets, whom we found a very refractory travelling + companion; as wilful, and far more difficult to manage than a young child. + Fortunately, we overtook the sleighs with the furniture, and Mr. S—— + transferred Jenny to the care of one of the drivers; an arrangement that + proved satisfactory to all parties. + </p> + <p> + We had been most fortunate in obtaining comfortable lodgings for the + night. The evening had closed in so intensely cold, that although we were + only two miles from C—— Addie was so much affected by it that + the child lay sick and pale in my arms, and, when spoken to, seemed + scarcely conscious of our presence. + </p> + <p> + My brother jumped from the front seat, and came round to look at her. + “That child is ill with the cold; we must stop somewhere to warm her, or + she will hardly hold out till we get to the inn at C——.” + </p> + <p> + We were just entering the little village of A——, in the + vicinity of the court-house, and we stopped at a pretty green cottage, and + asked permission to warm the children. A stout, middle-aged woman came to + the sleigh, and in the kindest manner requested us to alight. + </p> + <p> + “I think I know that voice,” I said. “Surely it cannot be Mrs. S——, + who once kept the —— hotel at C——?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie, you are welcome,” said the excellent woman, bestowing upon + me a most friendly embrace; “you and your children. I am heartily glad to + see you again after so many years. God bless you all!” + </p> + <p> + Nothing could exceed the kindness and hospitality of this generous woman; + she would not hear of our leaving her that night, and, directing my + brother to put up his horses in her stable, she made up an excellent fire + in a large bedroom, and helped me to undress the little ones who were + already asleep, and to warm and feed the rest before we put them to bed. + </p> + <p> + This meeting gave me real pleasure. In their station of life, I seldom + have found a more worthy couple than this American and his wife; and, + having witnessed so many of their acts of kindness, both to ourselves and + others, I entertained for them a sincere respect and affection, and truly + rejoiced that Providence had once more led me to the shelter of their + roof. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— was absent, but I found little Mary—the sweet + child who used to listen with such delight to Moodie's flute—grown + up into a beautiful girl; and the baby that was, a fine child of eight + years old. The next morning was so intensely cold that my brother would + not resume the journey until past ten o'clock, and even then it was a + hazardous experiment. + </p> + <p> + We had not proceeded four miles before the horses were covered with + icicles. Our hair was frozen as white as Old Time's solitary forelock, our + eyelids stiff, and every limb aching with cold. + </p> + <p> + “This will never do,” said my brother, turning to me; “the children will + freeze. I never felt the cold more severe than this.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can we stop?” said I; “we are miles from C——, and I see + no prospect of the weather becoming milder.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I know, by the very intensity of the cold, that a change is at + hand. We seldom have more than three very severe days running, and this is + the third. At all events, it is much warmer at night in this country than + during the day; the wind drops, and the frost is more bearable. I know a + worthy farmer who lives about a mile ahead; he will give us house-room for + a few hours, and we will resume our journey in the evening. The moon is at + full; and it will be easier to wrap the children up, and keep them warm + when they are asleep. Shall we stop at Old Woodruff's?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” My teeth were chattering with the cold, and the + children were crying over their aching fingers at the bottom of the + sleigh. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes' ride brought us to a large farm-house, surrounded by + commodious sheds and barns. A fine orchard opposite, and a yard well + stocked with fat cattle and sheep, sleek geese, and plethoric-looking + swine, gave promise of a land of abundance and comfort. My brother ran + into the house to see if the owner was at home, and presently returned, + accompanied by the staunch Canadian yeoman and his daughter, who gave us a + truly hearty welcome, and assisted in removing the children from the + sleigh to the cheerful fire, that made all bright and cozy within. + </p> + <p> + Our host was a shrewd, humorous-looking Yorkshireman. His red, weather + beaten face, and tall, athletic, figure, bent as it was with hard labour, + gave indications of great personal strength; and a certain knowing twinkle + in his small, clear gray eyes, which had been acquired by long dealing + with the world, with a quiet, sarcastic smile that lurked round the + corners of his large mouth, gave you the idea of a man who could not + easily be deceived by his fellows; one who, though no rogue himself, was + quick in detecting the roguery of others. His manners were frank and easy, + and he was such a hospitable entertainer that you felt at home with him in + a minute. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how are you, Mr. S——?” cried the farmer, shaking my + brother heartily by the hand. “Toiling in the bush still, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Just in the same place.” + </p> + <p> + “And the wife and children?” + </p> + <p> + “Hearty. Some half-dozen have been added to the flock since you were our + way.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better—so much the better. The more the merrier, Mr. S——; + children are riches in this country.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not how that may be; I find it hard to clothe and feed mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till they grow up; they will be brave helps to you then. The price + of labour—the price of labour, Mr. S——, is the + destruction of the farmer.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not seem to trouble you much, Woodruff” said my brother, glancing + round the well-furnished apartment. + </p> + <p> + “My son and S—— do it all,” cried the old man. “Of course the + girls help in busy times, and take care of the dairy, and we hire + occasionally; but small as the sum is which is expended in wages during + seed-time and harvest, I feel it, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are married again, Woodruff?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said the farmer, with a peculiar smile; “not yet;” which seemed + to imply the probability of such an event. “That tall gal is my eldest + daughter; she manages the house, and an excellent housekeeper she is. But + I cannot keep her for ever.” With a knowing wink. “Gals will think of + getting married, and seldom consult the wishes of their parents upon the + subject when once they have taken the notion into their heads. But 'tis + natural, Mr. S——, it is natural; we did just the same when we + were young.” + </p> + <p> + My brother looked laughingly towards the fine, handsome young woman, as + she placed upon the table hot water, whiskey, and a huge plate of + plum-cake, which did not lack a companion, stored with the finest apples + which the orchard could produce. + </p> + <p> + The young girl looked down, and blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see how it is, Woodruff! You will soon lose your daughter. I wonder + that you have kept her so long. But who are these young ladies?” he + continued, as three girls very demurely entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “The two youngest are my darters, by my last wife, who, I fear, mean soon + to follow the bad example of their sister. The other <i>lady</i>,” said + the old man, with a reverential air, “is a <i>particular</i> friend of my + eldest darter's.” + </p> + <p> + My brother laughed slyly, and the old man's cheek took a deeper glow as he + stooped forward to mix the punch. + </p> + <p> + “You said that these two young ladies, Woodruff, were by your last wife. + Pray how many wives have you had?” + </p> + <p> + “Only three. It is impossible, they say in my country, to have too much of + a good thing.” + </p> + <p> + “So I suppose you think,” said my brother, glancing first at the old man + and then towards Miss Smith. “Three wives! You have been a fortunate man, + Woodruff, to survive them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, have I not, Mr. S——? but to tell you the truth, I have + been both lucky and unlucky in the wife way,” and then he told us the + history of his several ventures in matrimony, with which I shall not + trouble my readers. + </p> + <p> + When he had concluded, the weather was somewhat milder, the sleigh was + ordered to the door, and we proceeded on our journey, resting, for the + night at a small village about twenty miles from B——, + rejoicing that the long distance which separated us from the husband and + father was diminished to a few miles, and that, with the blessing of + Providence, we should meet on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + About noon we reached the distant town, and were met at the inn by him + whom, one and all so ardently longed to see. He conducted us to a pretty, + neat cottage, which he had prepared for our reception, and where we found + old Jenny already arrived. With great pride the old woman conducted me + over the premises, and showed me the furniture “the masther” had bought; + especially recommending to my notice a china tea-service, which she + considered the most wonderful acquisition of the whole. + </p> + <p> + “Och! who would have thought, a year ago, misthress dear, that we should + be living in a mansion like this, and ating off raal chaney? It is but + yestherday that we were hoeing praties in the field.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Jenny, God has been very good to us, and I hope that we shall never + learn to regard with indifference the many benefits which we have received + at His hands.” + </p> + <p> + Reader! it is not my intention to trouble you with the sequel of our + history. I have given you a faithful picture of a life in the backwoods of + Canada, and I leave you to draw from it your own conclusions. To the poor, + industrious workingman it presents many advantages; to the poor gentleman, + <i>none!</i> The former works hard, puts up with coarse, scanty fare, and + submits, with a good grace, to hardships that would kill a domesticated + animal at home. Thus he becomes independent, inasmuch as the land that he + has cleared finds him in the common necessaries of life; but it seldom, if + ever, in remote situations, accomplishes more than this. The gentleman can + neither work so hard, live so coarsely, nor endure so many privations as + his poorer but more fortunate neighbour. Unaccustomed to manual labour, + his services in the field are not of a nature to secure for him a + profitable return. The task is new to him, he knows not how to perform it + well; and, conscious of his deficiency, he expends his little means in + hiring labour, which his bush farm can never repay. Difficulties increase, + debts grow upon him, he struggles in vain to extricate himself, and + finally sees his family sink into hopeless ruin. + </p> + <p> + If these sketches should prove the means of deterring one family from + sinking their property, and shipwrecking all their hopes, by going to + reside in the backwoods of Canada, I shall consider myself amply repaid + for revealing the secrets of the prison house, and feel that I have not + toiled and suffered in the wilderness in vain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAPLE-TREE. + </h2> + <h3> + A CANADIAN SONG. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hail to the pride of the forest—hail + To the maple, tall and green; + It yields a treasure which ne'er shall fail + While leaves on its boughs are seen. + When the moon shines bright, + On the wintry night, + And silvers the frozen snow; + And echo dwells + On the jingling bells + As the sleighs dart to and fro; + Then it brightens the mirth + Of the social hearth + With its red and cheery glow. + + Afar, 'mid the bosky forest shades, + It lifts its tall head on high; + When the crimson-tinted evening fades + From the glowing saffron sky; + When the sun's last beams + Light up woods and streams, + And brighten the gloom below; + And the deer springs by + With his flashing eye, + And the shy, swift-footed doe; + And the sad winds chide + In the branches wide, + With a tender plaint of woe. + + The Indian leans on its rugged trunk, + With the bow in his red right-hand, + And mourns that his race, like a stream, has sunk + From the glorious forest land. + But, blithe and free, + The maple-tree, + Still tosses to sun and air + Its thousand arms, + While in countless swarms + The wild bee revels there; + But soon not a trace + Of the red man's race + Shall be found in the landscape fair. + + When the snows of winter are melting fast, + And the sap begins to rise, + And the biting breath of the frozen blast + Yields to the spring's soft sighs, + Then away to the wood, + For the maple, good, + Shall unlock its honied store; + And boys and girls, + With their sunny curls, + Bring their vessels brimming o'er + With the luscious flood + Of the brave tree's blood, + Into caldrons deep to pour. + + The blaze from the sugar-bush gleams red; + Far down in the forest dark, + A ruddy glow on the trees is shed, + That lights up their ragged bark; + And with merry shout, + The busy rout + Watch the sap as it bubbles high; + And they talk of the cheer + Of the coming year, + And the jest and the song pass by; + And brave tales of old + Round the fire are told, + That kindle youth's beaming eye. + + Hurra! for the sturdy maple-tree! + Long may its green branch wave; + In native strength sublime and free, + Meet emblem for the brave. + May the nation's peace + With its growth increase, + And its worth be widely spread; + For it lifts not in vain + To the sun and rain + Its tall, majestic head. + May it grace our soil, + And reward our toil, + Till the nation's heart is dead! +</pre> + <p> + Reader! my task is ended. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Life in the Backwoods, by Susanna Moodie + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS *** + +***** This file should be named 8393-h.htm or 8393-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/3/9/8393/ + + +Text file produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Bidwell and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +The HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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