ROBINSON'S PORTAGE--GUNPOWDER TRANSPORTATION--HOLE IN THE KEG--THE
FRIGHTFUL EXPLOSION--ENSCONCED AT HEADQUARTERS--DELIGHTFUL HOME IN THE
WILDERNESS--STURGEON FISHING--INVOLUNTARY PLUNGES.
At Robinson's Portage there occurred a startling accident of a most
unique character. It caused much consternation both among the boys and
the Indians.
In one of the boats, which was most carefully guarded, were quite a
number of barrels of gunpowder for the different trading posts. Large
quantities of this dangerous material are required for the Indians all
over the country. The company is very particular in its transportation,
and only the most experienced men are allowed to have charge of the
powder boat.
When the brigade reached Robinson's Portage, which is a long one, some
men who had charge of the powder carefully rolled or dragged the barrels
across the portage, which has over its whole length a fairly good forest
road. The rest of the men, with their carrying straps, conveyed, as
usual, the many "pieces," and piled them close to the landing stage.
Three boatloads of supplies, as well as the cargo of gunpowder, had been
taken across and piled up ready for reshipment. Before bringing over
the other cargoes and dragging the great boats, which were as usual to
be dragged overland by the united strength of all the men, it was
resolved to have dinner at the end of the portage where they had landed,
and then go on with their work. Wood was gathered and a fire was
kindled and dinner was prepared.
While the men were dining it was noticed that the fire had increased,
and had at length reached in the dry grass the place where the powder
kegs had been placed when they had been taken out of the boats, and from
which spot they had been carried to the other end of the portage. Soon
the Indians and boys were interested in seeing a fuselike running of
fire spluttering and flashing on the trail. On and on along the road it
sped, until at length it disappeared over the hill leading to the other
end of the portage, where the barrels of powder and bales of goods were
now piled. For a moment or two the men continued their dinners; then
suddenly there was a report so loud and so deafening that those who were
standing were nearly thrown to the ground, and all were so shaken that
it seemed as though a small earthquake had occurred.
In an instant the cause was well surmised, and away they hurried as
rapidly as possible to the other end of the portage. A strange sight,
indeed, met their gaze. Some of the trees were badly shattered, and the
parts of those left standing, instead of being covered with green
foliage, were well decorated with coloured calicoes and ribbons,
tattered blankets, men's clothing, and many other things. The well
piled up bundles and pieces had disappeared, and the contents seemed to
be anywhere within the radius of half a mile. A large quantity had been
blown out into the river, and had gone floating down the stream.
Where stood the piles of powder kegs was an excavation in the ground,
but, alas! no powder was left. All had gone to cause that great
explosion that had borne such a near approach to an earthquake. Of
course, Big Tom and his men were a humiliated lot, as there is a great
deal of ambition among these hardy boatmen to deliver their cargoes in
as good condition to the Hudson Bay Company's officials as possible.
But here was a disaster. Three boatloads of supplies, as well as a
cargo of gunpowder, were simply annihilated, or nearly so.
Quickly did they set to work to secure what was in the water, but it was
of little value. Some of the most adventurous climbed the high trees
and managed to pull off a few of the garments there securely lodged, but
much was beyond their reach, and for several years the articles
fluttered in the winds of winter and of summer, and vividly reminded all
who passed over that portage of that singular disaster.
And how had it come about?
This was easily found out. One of the powder barrels had a little
unnoticed hole in it, and from this had silted out a tiny little stream
of powder all along the whole length of the portage. When the fire was
kindled at the other end, where the dinner was cooked, it touched the
beginning of this strangely laid fuse, which in running along had so
interested those who had seen it at the beginning, but who had had no
idea of there being any danger in it or of the damage it would inflict
upon the supplies.
"Well," said Big Tom, in his quiet way, "I am sorry for John Company to
lose so much property; but he is rich, and it will not hurt him. I am
glad we did not do as is our general way--come over here and have our
dinner near our loads. If we had done so perhaps some of our arms or
legs might be now hanging up there in the branches where those red
calicoes and other things are."
So, while all regretted the great misfortune, they were very thankful
that there had been no loss of life or anybody even wounded. With a
will they set to work, and soon the other cargoes were carried over, and
then the boats were dragged across by the united crews. Soon were they
launched and loaded, some with only half cargoes on account of the
disaster, and then the journey was resumed.
How Big Tom explained the story of the explosion to the Hudson Bay
officials, and what were their answers, we know not; suffice to say, Big
Tom was very glum for some time after, and was not anxious to have many
questions put to him in reference to the interview.
To the residence of Mr Ross the boys were escorted by a party of Hudson
Bay clerks, after they had dined at Norway House. All their outfits,
which fortunately, like their owners, had escaped the explosion, were
brought over a few hours later by some of the servants of the company.
Of the hearty welcome which the boys received from Mr Ross and his
family at Sagasta-weekee we have already made mention.
During the evening the chief factor and some of the other officials of
the fort, who had had advices of the coming of our three young
gentlemen, Frank, Alec, and Sam, came over to meet them. They most
cordially welcomed them to the country, stating at the same time that
they had received, by way of Montreal and Fort Garry, advance letters in
reference to them, and would gladly carry out the instructions received,
and do all they could to make the year's sojourn in the country as
pleasant and interesting as possible.
This was good news to the boys, and was especially welcome to Mr Ross,
who, now that he was no longer actively in the employ of the company,
was a little nervous about the reception which would be accorded to
these young hunters, who in this way had come into the country.
Strange as it may now appear, yet it is a well-known fact that persons
coming into these territories were not welcome unless they came on the
invitation and kept themselves completely under the company's direction
and guidance. However, the old despotic rules were being relaxed, and
especially was it so in the case of our boys, as thoughtful friends at
home, who had influence with the London directors, had so arranged
matters that everything was most favourable for their having a
delightful time. That they had it these pages will surely testify.
As we have stated, very cordially were they received and welcomed by Mr
Ross, whose home was on the mighty Nelson River, a few miles away from
Norway House Fort. This great establishment of the Hudson Bay Company
was for a great many years the great distributing centre for the
supplies sent out from England to the many smaller posts throughout the
country. The houses were very substantially built of hewn logs, boarded
over and painted white. They occupied the four sides of a hollow
square, room only being left for two or three massive gateways. The
interior was kept during the summer months beautifully green, and was
the favourite resort of officials, employees, and servants, and white
and Indian visitors.
The relations between Mr Ross and the officials from this large
establishment were most cordial, and visits were frequently
interchanged.
The house which Mr Ross had built was as good as the material of the
country afforded. The walls were of squared logs, the interstices
between them being made as nearly frost-tight as possible. The outsides
were well boarded, and so was the interior. As there is no limestone in
that part of the country, the partitions dividing the rooms were all
made of timber.
In the fall of the year, ere the ground freezes up, the house was banked
up to the lower edges of the windows. Double sashes were placed in
every window. As there is no coal in that part of the country, wood is
used altogether in its place. Great iron stoves are used, in which
roaring fires are kept burning incessantly from October until May. In
this genuine native house the three boys were cordially welcomed, and
soon felt themselves to be as members of the delightful family.
Shortly after their arrival, of course, there were many conversations as
to the various excursions that could be made, and the different hunting
expeditions that would be possible. While they expected to have some
good times hunting the bears, beavers, wolves, reindeer, and other
animals that were within easy reaching distance of their present
headquarters, they were also ambitious enough to hope that they would
have time to reach the haunts of the buffalo on the great western
prairies, the musk ox in the far north, and even the grizzly bear in the
mountain ravines.
In the meantime they had much to interest and amuse themselves with in
studying the habits and customs of the Indians, who were constantly
coming to see Mr Ross, whom they found to be a universal favourite, and
the wise counsellor and adviser of all when in trouble or perplexity.
With the twelve or fifteen splendid dogs which were owned by their host
they soon became fast friends, and with them they had many a run, either
in the forests or along the shores of the great water stretches that
were near. Each boy soon had his favourite dog, and naturally did all
he could to develop his intelligence and bring out all of his latent
sagacity. While in a measure they succeeded in this, they also found,
in some instances, that in some dogs downright mischief and trickery
could be about as easily developed as the more noble qualities.
The canoes, of course, were tackled, and after a few laughable upsets
they all soon became experts in the use of them, and had many a glorious
trip and many an exciting adventure. Often did they go in the company
of Mr Ross and with some experienced Indians to the place still
retaining the name of the Old Fort, although the buildings were
destroyed long ago. There the accumulated waters of some scores of
rivers that pour into Lake Winnipeg rush out in one great volume to form
the mighty Nelson River.
Here in this picturesque region, rich in Indian legends, and the resort
of various kinds of game, and a favourite spot for the fishermen, many
happy days were spent by our young friends in fishing and hunting.
Then, when wearied with the varied sport, delightful hours were passed
away, as, gathered round the bright, blazing camp fires, they listened
to various reminiscences of the past as given by white or Indian.
These excursions often lasted for a number of days at a time. The
party, which often consisted of from eight to a dozen persons, carried
with them in their canoes not only their guns and ammunition, but their
kettles and supplies and blankets. When the day's hunting was ended the
supper was cooked at a fire made on the rocks, the principal item of
which was supposed to be some of the game shot or fish caught.
As the boys' dexterity in the use of the canoes increased, they became
more adventurous in their excursions, and one day they struck out, of
course in company with experienced Indians, from the Old Fort and went
as far as to the mouth of the great Saskatchewan River. The long trip
across the north-west end of Lake Winnipeg was most exhilarating. The
boys up to that time had no idea that birch canoes could ride in safety
such enormous waves, or be propelled along continuously with such
rapidity.
They camped on the shores of the great river, near the foot of the
rapids, which are the only ones to be found in it for a thousand miles.
Here they pitched their camp and lay down to sleep. The music of the
rapids was a pleasant lullaby that soothed them into refreshing slumber.
Early the next morning they were visited by a number of friendly
Indians, who informed them that the sturgeon were very numerous in the
river at the foot of the rapids, and that excellent sport could be had
in killing some of them.
While the usual method of capturing the sturgeon is with large gill
nets, a more exciting way is by spearing them at the foot of the rapids,
where at times they gather in large numbers, or by shooting them as they
spring into the air. To spear a large sturgeon from a birch canoe, and
not get an upset, is a difficult matter. For a time the Indians alone
did the spearing; but after the boys had watched them at it they
imagined that it was not such a very difficult matter after all, and so
asked to be allowed to try for themselves. The Indians at first
hesitated, as they well knew how really difficult it was, and thought
that the boys had better keep at the safer sport of trying to shoot
those that sprang, porpoise-like, out of the water. This itself
afforded great amusement, and, while exciting, was not very successful,
as it is extremely difficult to strike a sturgeon in this way, so rapid
are its movements.
The boys had been fairly successful, and as the great fish, which were
from five to eight feet long, when shot, floated down the rapid current
some old Indian men and women, on the lookout in their canoes, were made
the richer and happier by being allowed to take possession of the
valuable fish as they came along. This was the thought ever in the
minds of the boys, that, whenever possible, no matter what they caught
in the waters or shot in the forests, or elsewhere, if they could not
use it all themselves, to have it reach some old or feeble Indians, who
would be thankful for the gifts thus bestowed. This conduct on the part
of the boys was most commendable, and everywhere secured them the good
will of the Indians, who are never jealous of those who, visiting their
lands for, sport and adventure, do not merely kill the animals for the
love of killing, but are also desirous that somebody may be benefited by
having for their use the fish or animals thus slaughtered.
As the boys were still anxious for an opportunity of trying their skill
in spearing, they at length induced the Indians to let them make the
attempt, even if they should not be very successful.
To be ready for any emergency, the cautious Indians arranged their
canoes so that if any accident should occur to these adventurous boys
they could prevent anything more serious than a good ducking taking
place. In this method of capturing the sturgeon, the one using the
spear takes his position in the front of the canoe, while the other men
noiselessly paddle the boat against the current to the spot where
sturgeon are seen to be quietly resting or rooting in the gravelly
bottom of the shallow places in the current.
Alec was the first to make the attempt at this new and rather uncertain
sport. In a good canoe manned by a couple of skilled Indians, he took
his position in the bow of the canoe, and with a good strong fishing
spear in his hands he steadied himself carefully in the cranky boat,
while the men silently paddled him to a spot where the occasional
appearance of part of a sturgeon above the water betrayed its presence.
The sun shining gloriously made the day delightful, but its very
brightness was the cause of Alec's discomfiture.
Nothing more quickly disturbs sturgeon than a sudden shadow thrown on
the water. Alec, not knowing this, was being quietly paddled against
the current, thus facing toward the west. As it was now about noon, the
bright sun was on his left. In this position he ought only to have
attempted to spear the fish on the left side of his canoe, where he
would have thrown no shadow. Ignorant of this, as soon as he observed a
large sturgeon not far ahead of him he quietly indicated by signs to the
canoemen which way he wished them to paddle, so as to bring him close
enough to spear the fish. The men from their positions not being able
to see the sturgeon paddled as directed, and soon Alec was brought close
enough to make the attempt. The sturgeon seemed to be an enormous one,
and so Alec, knowing that only a most desperate lunge would enable him
to drive the spear through the thick hide of the fish, which was just
now a little before him on the right, made the attempt with all the
strength that he could possibly muster.
But, alas, how different from what was expected! As Alec threw himself
forward to plunge the sharp spear into the body of the fish, he found
that it met with no firmer substance than the water, and so, instead of
the spear being buried in the body of the fish, the momentum of his
great effort threw him out of the boat, and down he went head first into
the river. Fortunately the water was not deep, and as the other canoes
were not far behind he was soon pulled into one of them, a bit
frightened, but none the worse for his involuntary plunge.
Nothing daunted, Sam was the next to volunteer to try his skill, and on
being informed that Alec's trouble was that he had raised his arm with
the spear so as to cast a shadow which had frightened the fish, he
resolved not to make a similar mistake. Taking his position as directed
in the front of the canoe, his men paddled him where he would be able to
strike his fish without casting his shadow. Soon the appearance of the
fins of a great sturgeon were seen, and noiselessly the Indians paddled
Sam's canoe close up to it. He was resolved if possible to succeed
where Alec had signally failed. When close enough to the large fish,
which seemed to be utterly unconscious of the canoe's presence, Sam,
taking the spear in both hands, plunged it well and true into the body
of the great sturgeon, that up to that instant seemed to have been sound
asleep. However, there was a great awakening when it felt that spear
thrust. Giving a great spring, so strong and sudden that it seemed to
fairly lift Sam, spear and all, out of the canoe, it started for the
great lake. Sam let go of the spear when he found himself being dragged
over the side of the boat, but the Indians afterward declared that he
hung on for some time, and had a ride on the back of the great fish.
Like Alec had been before him, he was quickly picked up and dragged into
another canoe.
The Indians imagined that now that two of the boys had come to grief the
third would not wish to attempt this risky sport. Those lads of ours
were not easily daunted, and so without any hesitancy Frank asked to be
allowed to see what he could do. Frank had this advantage, that he had
observed what had caused Alec and Sam to fail in their attempts. Arming
himself with a sharp spear, he took the position assigned to him, and
was paddled up to a place where the fish were numerous. The spear that
he had selected, instead of being one of the three-pronged variety, was
more of a chisel shape, and exceedingly sharp. With this in his hands,
he firmly braced himself in the narrow front of the canoe, while the now
intensely interested company watched his efforts. Even Sam and Alec
refused to leave until Frank had made his attempt. Some sturgeon were
observed very near, but Frank, even in the excitement of the moment, was
not to be diverted from his resolve, and so had the Indians paddle him
on and on until they brought him close to an enormous fellow, lying
quiet and still on the gravelly bottom.
With all his strength Frank struck him a blow, so quick and strong that
the first intimation of danger to the fish was the sharp spear crashing
through the strong bony scales, through flesh and vertebrae, into the
spinal cord, just behind the head. So instantaneous was the death of
the great sturgeon under this fatal stroke that there was not even the
usual spasmodic spring. Like as a log might have lain there on the
water, so did the great fish. The only movement was, as is the case
with most large fish thus killed, he rolled over, and at once began to
float away on the current.
"Well done, Frank!" shouted the dripping boys, who had pluckily refused
to be taken ashore until Frank had made his attempt, in which he had so
well succeeded. The Indians were delighted and, in their way, quite
demonstrative, and for long after, at many a camp fire, the story of
that strong, true, successful spear thrust had to be described and acted
out.
Thoroughly satisfied with these first adventures at sturgeon fishing,
the party went ashore, and at a large camp fire Alec and Sam dried their
garments as well as possible. Changes, of course, they had not on such
an excursion. However, they suffered but little inconvenience, and no
bad results followed from their submersions.
They spent another day or two at the mouth of the great Saskatchewan
River, and in the canoes of some of the experienced Indians, who there
reside, they several times ran the rapids. This was wild and
exhilarating sport, and was vastly enjoyed by the boys. During the
return trip nothing of very great importance occurred. They shot a
number of wild ducks from the canoes as they paddled along, and in due
time reached Sagasta-weekee tired and bronzed, and full of the
adventures of their first outing from the home of their kind host.