MAGIC IN THE BERRIES.
The sun was just peeping above the horizon, but the air still remained
chilly after the long night; to husky boys this amounted to little, and
as soon as the camp was abandoned they would soon warm themselves up
with paddle exercise, for it was no childish work battling against that
swift current.
"Anyhow, it was a mighty comfortable camp," remarked Cuthbert, as they
moved away, and his eyes rested fondly upon the scene of their last
night's experience; so it ever is with those who live the life in the
open, for the unconscious things appeal to their affections, and a
staunch boat, a favorite paddle, a gun, knife, belt hatchet, or even the
spot where they found comfort and built their shrine at which they
temporarily worshiped, the campfire, arouses emotions in their hearts
that cannot be fully appreciated by those not of the mystic guild.
Owen led the way in his bullboat.
He was more than usually silent after his talk over the trap and the
poor little mink's foot up the creek, and Cuthbert wondered what it
might be that affected him--could the coming of Stackpole have had
anything to do with it--the idea was not impossible, for he had
evidently known the gaunt timber-cruiser before, and if the story of the
boy's sad past were known the gigantic woodsman might occupy a place in
it.
Still, upon reflection, Cuthbert was of the opinion that there must be
another reason for his thoughtfulness this morning.
He remembered what hints Owen had let fall concerning the old factor
connected with the Hudson Bay post, and that there had been trouble
between them; many things gave Cuthbert the opinion that the other had
been fleeing from the region at that time they made his acquaintance so
strangely, not in terror, but rather in anger, and he felt sure strange
happenings had been taking place at the post on the day preceding the
storm.
If so, then it was the fact that he must evidently soon face the stern
factor again that disquieted Owen so; the way in which he tried hard to
throw off his morose mood, and answer the sallies of his comrades in a
spirit of frolic proved that he was fighting against his nature, and had
laid out a course which he was determined to tread, no matter what pain
or distress it brought in its train.
At any rate, it would soon appear what ailed the lad, and Cuthbert,
greatly as he wished to know Owen's story, had too much delicacy to
influence him in the telling; he had promised to open his heart to this
new and sympathetic chum, and all would come when the spirit moved.
About an hour after leaving camp they suddenly came upon two bullboats
that were descending the river swiftly, in each of which a trio of Cree
Indians sat or knelt, wielding the paddles after the deft manner of
those with whom the art has become second nature.
Cuthbert did not anticipate any trouble from these fellows, who were
evidently in the employ of the fur company; but he was keen to notice
how they took the presence of the young Canadian in the company of
strangers, realizing that they must in all probability know him, and be
acquainted with whatever of trouble had hovered around him of late.
Just as he expected, they seemed surprised at sight of Owen, and hasty
words were passed among them; but they made no motion to interfere with
the forward progress of the two boats, and answered the civil salutation
of Cuthbert with a series of "how-hows" until the current had swept them
past; but it might have been noticed that not once did their shrewd
black eyes leave the figure of the young Canadian squatted in his old
boat, and sweeping his spruce blade back and forth methodically, as he
urged his craft against the stream.
"They know him all right, and are more than surprised to see him with a
party of strangers, heading upstream. Now, I wonder if they were sent
out to look for a fellow of his description? Gee, but this is a
conundrum, all right," whispered Cuthbert to his fellow paddler, at
which Eli grunted and nodded assent.
The young Canuck guide in the lead did not so much as turn his head
after the boats containing the Indians had passed, but continued to dip
his paddle in and out with the methodical rhythm so characteristic of
the voyager who has spent his life amid these scenes.
No so Cuthbert, whose curiosity had been excited in connection with the
untutored sons of the wilderness--ever and anon he twisted his head
around so that he could secure a survey of the river below; and on such
occasions Eli kept his eager eyes on the face of his comrade, knowing
full well that should there be anything happening he would discover it
reflected there.
About the fifth time Cuthbert turned thus he gave vent to a little
exclamation, whether of satisfaction or annoyance it would have been
difficult to say, and immediately whispered to Eli:
"They're coming all right, just as I expected, old fellow. That proves
my idea correct, and that they had been sent out from the post, to find
what had become of the youngster. He knows they are coming after us just
as well as I do, but he's too proud to give them a single look. I like
his grit, and between you and me, he's going to show us something before
long. I'm in a fever to set eyes on that same old Tartar, Alex Gregory.
Already I seem to dislike him immensely, and possibly I'll end by hating
him good and hard. He's more than a little to blame for Owen's troubles,
whatever they may be. Say nothing, Eli, but keep your eyes open."
"What if the copper-skinned critters attack us--I've got my gun handy,
and I give you my word there'll be the very old dickens to pay if they
start rough-housing it with us," answered the young logger; and it was
not in a boastful spirit that he spoke, for Eli usually showed a modest
disposition; only he, too, had taken a great fancy to the new chum who
had been sent to them by such a freak of fortune, and Cuthbert's
intimation that the other must be the victim of oppression rather riled
him.
"Oh, I have no idea they will try any funny business; they know we are
armed, and besides they have their orders from the head boss. You'll
find that they only mean to tag after us, keeping on our heels until
sure we mean to go to the post. These chaps possibly saw that smoke
signal the other Cree we met downstream sent up, and they knew Owen was
somewhere around. You noticed that they just stared at him all the time,
and paid little attention to us. Well, let it go at that; we'll be apt
to know a heap more than we do now when another day comes along. One
thing I'll wager a lot on, and that is he's worth sticking to through
thick and thin, eh, Eli?" ventured the explorer, earnestly.
"You bet!" was the laconic but expressive answer he received, and
Cuthbert, who knew the logger so well, understood all that was implied.
Eli also glanced back just before they turned a bend, and as there was
quite a little stretch of clear water back of them ere the stream
twisted its way around a big bunch of birch trees that stood like
sentinels on a projecting knoll, he was able to see the two bullboats
come around the curve, and follow grimly in their wake, the occupants
evidently making no effort at speed, for had they chosen they could have
given our youngsters a warm proposition in the way of a race, their
muscles being inured to the monotonous labor of the paddle.
Cuthbert began asking questions of Owen, who allowed the other boat to
gain a position alongside, so that conversation might be the more easily
carried on. Thus he learned that, proceeding leisurely they would
readily make the Hudson Bay post ere nightfall; had there been any
reason for haste this time might have been shortened by several hours;
but it suited all of them to arrive around the sunset hour.
Having an abundance of time they went ashore at high noon, built a fire
and had quite a healthy little lunch, washing it down with a pot of
coffee, the delightful aroma of which must have reached the nostrils of
the Cree paddlers who had drawn their boats ashore just below, for the
wind lay in that quarter.
Cuthbert expected to hear from those who were playing this comical game
of tag, and, indeed, he had purposely caused the coffee to boil madly in
order that the appetizing scent might be wafted with the breeze;
consequently when Eli declared one of the Indians was advancing toward
the fire, the explorer grinned as though he might be patting himself on
the back over having accomplished a rather pretty piece of strategy.
The fellow came directly up to where they sat finishing their meal.
Cuthbert did not altogether like his looks, but then he realized that he
was hardly capable of judging a good Indian from a bad one, since he had
only a limited experience with the natives--what appeared to be a
scowling phiz to him might seem only the natural expression to be found
upon the dusky faces of these Saskatchewan dwellers of the woods, when
viewed by Owen.
As he drew near the Indian made certain mysterious motions with his
hands, which Cuthbert understood must be the peace signs, and he began
to imitate the other, not wishing to be outdone in politeness.
"How," said the copper-colored intruder, with a rising inflection.
"How," repeated Cuthbert, in just the same tone of voice.
"You camp boss?" pursued Mr. Lo, keenly eyeing the young fellow, as
though he might be dubious concerning this fact.
"Well, perhaps you might call me that, seeing this is my outfit; but
just say that I'm an Easy Boss, and let it go at that. Now, what can I
do for you?" remarked the explorer, who was as yet unknown to fame, but
who had aspirations.
"Huh, you got um coffee--we smell um good--can stand no more--s'pose you
give Injun drink, him be glad, much so--no have coffee many moons--set
um up in other alley--how?" was what followed, much to the amusement of
both Cuthbert and Eli, for evidently the fellow had seen a bowling alley
in Winnipeg, or some other city.
"Well, I like your nerve, my copper-colored friend, which I see you
carry with you all the time; but after all I don't know that I can blame
you asking, for the smell of good coffee is enough to set any chap wild.
What is your name, may I humbly inquire?" ventured Cuthbert, keeping a
very straight face, though he could hear Eli chuckling, and wanted to
laugh outright himself; for it was evident that while music is said to
have "power to soothe the savage beast," the aroma of the subtle coffee
bean in the process of cooking seemed capable of subjugating the savage
man himself, and bringing him to "eat humble pie," as Eli put it.
"Name all same Springing Elk--son of Chief Wolf-killer, him same head of
Crees on big river Saskatch. You say we have coffee--ugh, much good, and
we not forget," and not waiting to receive additional assurance he
raised his hand to his mouth and gave vent to a series of sharp barks
or yelps that must have been an eagerly awaited signal conveying good
news to his mates, for immediately the whole bunch started for the
campfire of the three boys.
Cuthbert, in an aside, asked Owen if they need fear any danger from the
Crees; but the young Canuck shook his head in the negative, answering
back:
"Not at all. The only failing they have is a weakness for appropriating
anything that strikes their fancy, when they think no one is looking,
and I think we can avoid that by being on guard all the time until we
embark again. They are crazy about coffee, and would go to great trouble
to get a drink of the stuff."
Nevertheless, Eli, though hearing what was said, did not feel disposed
to take any great stock in the pacific intentions of the heathen; he had
read stories of their treacherous nature, and heard men speaking so
derisively about the "only good Indian being a dead Indian," that he
felt it his bounden duty to maintain a watchful eye upon the sextette
while they were present, all the while keeping his gun in his clasp,
ready to meet any emergency that might arise.
But then Eli had led a hard life, and there was considerable excuse for
his suspicious nature--we are often creatures of circumstances and
environment, and his school had been the rough logging camps, where the
worst that is in men usually crops out.
Cuthbert busied himself in making a new pot of coffee, an operation
which the group of bucks watched with glistening eyes; and when a little
later the steam began to pour out from the nozzle of the pot, and the
aroma struck their olfactory nerves, really several of them could not
stand it, but had to walk away, those more masterful standing on one
foot and snuffing the air, while their expressions in anticipation would
have done credit to so many children.
They each had two big tin cups of the decoction, steaming hot, and
undefiled by either sugar or condensed milk, showing that they possessed
the proper taste for the beverage of the gods, according to the ideas of
those who grow the royal berry, and know how it should be drunk.
Cuthbert had accommodated the untutored sons of the forest partly
because he had a warm heart, and again with the half-formed idea that
possibly his little party might benefit from the act in the
future--frequently the old saying of "bread cast upon the waters
returning after some days" comes true.
Still, there was a limit to his indulgence; and he certainly did not
intend to allow this thirsty crowd of skin-hunters to become regulation
camp-followers; his supply of coffee would not long stand the strain,
even if his patience did.
So as soon as the last cups were drained of every drop of the delicious
fluid the boys captured the same, deposited them in the receptacle where
they belonged, thrust this into the cedar canoe, and then Cuthbert, as
master of ceremonies, cried out:
"Yo-ho, all aboard!"
In another minute the canoes of the expedition began to cleave the
waters, headed upstream.
The Indians also tumbled into their boats, nor were they longer
satisfied to hang back one or more hundred yards as formerly--that
elixir had quite captured their hearts, and they scrambled to keep in
close proximity to the magical "floating coffin," as they denominated
the cedar canoe, as if they could scent future feasts along the line of
that which they had just enjoyed.
Cuthbert laughed over the situation more than a few times, and declared
that he need fear no evil from the copper-faced denizens of the timber
country so long as a shot remained in their locker--a grain of Java in
their caddy.
But the Indians after a while struck a faster gait and vanished around a
bend above, nor did they see them again for several days, when they
arrived at the trading post.
They paddled leisurely, with Owen leading the way as before, for being
familiar with the region he would know how to time matters so that they
should reach the vicinity of the post.
As the afternoon waned Cuthbert could see that the other was struggling
with some strong emotion, and he understood that it must be connected
with the return trip he was making to the post, which he had evidently
abandoned for good at the time of his hasty run down the river.
He fancied that Owen might take occasion to give them some inkling as to
how matters stood with him here, for he had promised to reveal the
secret of his lonely life at the first favorable opportunity; but
somehow he did not appear to be in the humor just then, being wrapped up
in his own gloomy reflections.
'Well, it could not long be delayed now, and Cuthbert, being built along
the lines of a patient and philosophical lad, felt that he could wait.