"Sit quiet, Robin," said Alick. "Take the paddle and steer the canoe."
Poor Bouncer would have jumped overboard also, but one of his front legs
pained him, and he stood quiet with the water rushing about his feet.
Alick took the painter in his mouth and towed ahead, while Martin and I
swam astern, pushing the canoe before us. Robin paddled, now on one
side, now on the other. We thus proceeded towards the bank, being
carried down, however, farther than we intended by the current. We were
all three pretty well exhausted by the time we reached the shore, where,
as soon as Robin had bailed her out, we hauled up the canoe, he and
Bouncer jumping out of her.
"We shall have to camp here," said Alick, "for it will be nearly dark
before we can repair the canoe, and cook one of the swans, and get our
clothes dried."
"I suggest that we get our clothes dried first," said Martin. "We are
hardy fellows, but we may catch cold notwithstanding if we remain in our
wet garments."
Agreeing with him, we all set to work to collect wood for a large fire,
before which, as soon as it burned up brightly, he and I spread out our
clothes, while we sat down wrapped in Alick's and Robin's thick coats,
which had been kept dry. They meanwhile searched for some gum and
birch-bark wherewith to repair our damaged canoe. Martin and I employed
ourselves in plucking one of the swans and preparing it for cooking. I
proposed cutting it into several portions, that it might cook the
sooner; but he advocated cooking it whole, declaring that it would not
take much longer to dress than if cut up, and be far better. We were
still discussing that knotty point, when Alick came up and settled it in
favour of Martin's proposal.
"One long spit, which we can tend better than several small ones, will
then serve the purpose," he observed.
Being hung up close to the fire, our lower garments were soon dried, and
while the swan was cooking we again examined our canoe. So extensive
was the rent that we found it would be necessary to sew on a piece of
birch-bark, and then to cover the seams over with gum. We fortunately
found some fibre which would answer the purpose of thread. The
operation of sewing in the piece was a long one, as every hole had to be
carefully made and the fibre passed through it and secured; the only
tool we had to work with being a small pricker from Alick's
pocket-knife.
Robin had remained by the fire to tend the roasting of the swan, and as
we worked away we every now and then shouted to him to know how the swan
was getting on.
"Pretty well," he answered, "but it would be all the better for basting,
as it seems to dry very fast, and has somewhat of a fishy odour."
"We must not be particular," said Alick; "and the sooner you can manage
to get it done the better, for I am sharp set, and so, I am sure, are
Martin and David."
"The scent has taken off my appetite," said Robin, as he continued to
turn the spit.
We at last got the piece of bark sewn on, and had then to heat the gum
which Alick had collected. It required a good quantity, as it was not
equal to what we had before obtained. We were rather afraid that it
would fall out and allow the canoe to leak.
By the time we had accomplished part of our task Robin announced that
the swan was cooked, and as we found it difficult to labour by the light
of the fire, we put off finishing the repairs of the canoe till the next
morning. With appetites ravenous from long fasting we sat down round
the fire to eat the swan. It had the advantage of being hot, but
possessed no other commendable quality, being somewhat tough and of a
strong flavour; still it completely satisfied our hunger, and Bouncer,
at all events, made no objection to the portion we gave him. He had
been much more quiet than usual, having stretched himself by Robin's
side, and remained in that position till he got up to eat his supper.
He seemed much better after it, though he still limped when he attempted
to walk, and his nose showed the scars which the swan's beak had made on
it. Had he been capable of any feeling of revenge, it would have
afforded him infinite satisfaction to know that he was devouring his
late antagonist; but such a thought did not enter his canine mind.
There was the food; he ate it, and was grateful.
By the time supper was over all our clothes were dry, and we put them on
to prepare ourselves for the night. The air felt much cooler than
usual, so we determined to build a wigwam in which to shelter ourselves.
It would also give us some slight protection from bears or wolves. We
did not expect to be annoyed by any of the latter on this side of the
river, but it was very probable that a grizzly or black bear might pay
us a visit; for they roam throughout the whole of the Hudson Bay
Territory, the white bears taking their place in the more northern
regions. The axe we had found enabled us quickly to cut down some long
poles to form the framework of the wigwam. As there were numerous large
birch trees about, we soon collected a sufficient number of slabs of
bark to cover it. Some were of considerable size, and all we had to do
was to place them on their ends against the conical framework of poles.
In a few minutes we had a serviceable wigwam formed. As after our
fatigues we were anxious to have comfortable couches, we cut down the
tops of a number of small spruce firs, with which we covered the floor,
using our knapsacks for pillows, and before long three of us were fast
asleep.
Alick, who was better able than any of us to endure fatigue, agreed to
keep the first watch. I took the watch after him. Though I paced up
and down before the fire, I had great difficulty in keeping my eyes
open. The murmur of the stream as it flowed by, and the suppressed hum
of insects with the occasional cry of some bird, had a very soporific
effect. I kept walking about and stamping my feet, but every moment I
stopped my head began to nod; and when I got a little distance from the
fire and turned round to look at it, I could not make out whether it was
the sun or the moon just rising. I pinched myself, and sang, and walked
faster up and down. When I stopped for a moment the same overpowering
drowsiness came over me.
I had gone to the farthest extent of my beat, when I thought that I
would just lean against a tree for a few seconds to rest, myself. It
was an imprudent act, and the consequences might have been serious. I
remember that I felt myself sinking down, but the movement fortunately
aroused me. I just then heard the cracking of branches and a low growl.
Turning round, the light from the fire revealed to me a huge hairy
creature not ten paces off.
It was a bear! but whether a black or a grizzly I could not make out.
The latter would prove a formidable enemy, and I knew that if I ran
towards the fire he would run after me. I therefore stood where I was,
cocking my piece and shouting loudly to my companions, "A bear! a bear!
Up, up, or he'll be upon us."
In a moment they all three, awakened by my cries, started to their feet.
"Don't fire," cried Alick, "till we are ready; or should you only wound
him, he'll make a rush at you."
Alick's advice was sound, though it lost us the bear; for the animal,
seeing so many opponents ready to do battle with him, turned tail and
ran off through the forest. We followed for a short distance, but he
made his way amid the trees much faster than we could; and not knowing
the nature of the locality, Alick thought it wiser to return.
The glare of the fire enabled us to regain our camp without difficulty,
or otherwise we might have lost ourselves in the gloom of the forest.
This incident showed us the importance of being constantly on the watch;
for the bear, if a grizzly, might have picked one of us up before we
were aware of his vicinity. After this, during the remainder of my
watch, I had no inclination to sleep; but the moment Martin relieved me,
I was in the land of dreams, or rather forgetfulness, for neither bears
nor swans, nor any of the events of the previous days, in the slightest
degree troubled me.
Next morning Robin's voice--he having taken the last watch--aroused us
at daybreak; and making a hearty breakfast on the remainder of our swan,
we set to work to continue the repairs of our canoe. It was a long job,
but we hoped that it was effectually done.
Some hours had passed since sunrise, and we could not hope to accomplish
much of our voyage before nightfall.
"I wish we had some of that bear," said Martin. "We must try to get
some fish, or something better, for dinner. It won't be worth while to
carry these swans with us; will it?"
"Don't let us throw away what will keep body and soul together till we
have procured something better," answered Alick, who wisely considered
that many hours might pass before we could replace what had taken so
much trouble to obtain.
We put the birds into the canoe, and followed by Bouncer took our seats.
The repairs on which we had bestowed so much labour were satisfactory,
for not a drop of water came in. Plying our paddles, for the wind was
up the stream, and we could not use our sail, we began to make our way
down it. The current being moderate did not help us much, and it
appeared as if we should never reach the mouth. In our eagerness when
chasing the swans we were not aware how far we had gone up. Of course,
we kept our guns ready to shoot any animals we might see on the banks;
but though we caught sight of a few birds among the branches, they were
too far off to afford us a fair chance of killing them.
We saw no traces, either, of Indian encampments, though from the
pleasant character of the country we thought it probable that wood
Indians might have made it their abode. We had just rounded a point,
and were passing under some trees which overshadowed the water, throwing
a dark shade across it, when we saw ahead of us an object moving up
against the current. The darkness prevented us from distinguishing what
it was.
Robin, who had been talking about the tricks of the redskins, and was,
from having lived so long among them, inclined to be suspicious,
declared that they were the plumes of Indians who were lying in wait to
seize our canoe as we got near them.
"They are more likely to have waited on the shore concealed among the
bushes, and to have shot us with their arrows," observed Alick. "I
don't think any Indians would venture to attack us in the water."
Still Robin was not convinced, and Martin was inclined to agree with
him.
"Be ready, then, to fire if necessary," said Alick; "but not till I tell
you. We can easily paddle out of their way, and they'll not venture to
follow us; though I repeat that I feel nearly sure that those are not
Indians. We will push quickly on, and if they are Indians, when they
see that we approach them boldly and have guns ready, they'll keep out
of our way."
Soon after this a gleam of light coming through an opening in the wood
fell on the objects we had been watching, when our apprehensions were
completely dissipated; for we saw that they were coloured ducks, so
busily engaged among a shoal of small fry that they did not observe us.
"Paddle on gently, Robin," said Alick.--"Do you, Martin and David, be
ready to fire at the birds in the water, and we will do so as soon as
they rise."
The current helping us, we rapidly neared the ducks. Martin and I hit
two, and Alick and Robin brought down a brace. Hearing the report of
our guns, the flock flew towards the wood for shelter. We soon picked
up those we had shot; but the flock had got too far off to permit of our
killing any others. Those we had obtained were fine fat fellows with
rich plumage, and would afford us an ample feast, with some to spare for
Bouncer.
Our success encouraged us to hope that we should not want for provisions
during our voyage. We at last got into the main river. Evening was
approaching, and as we had eaten nothing since breakfast, and a
convenient spot appearing on the left bank, we could not resist the
temptation of landing to cook our ducks.
It of course took time to collect sticks for our fire. While Martin and
Robin were doing this, Alick and I prepared the ducks, which had not, it
must be understood, nearly as much flesh on them as tame ducks, and
would therefore, after all, not afford an overpoweringly large meal to
each of us, considering that Bouncer was to have his share.
We soon saw that by the time the ducks were cooked it would be too late
to proceed on our voyage, and therefore agreed to camp during the night
where we were. While Alick and I were engaged on our task, Robin
arrived with a large bundle of wood sufficient to kindle the fire. We
therefore at once set the ducks on to roast, hoping that Martin would
soon come in with a further supply of fuel. As he did not appear, Robin
and I set off to collect some more, lest our fire should burn out. We
were hurrying back when we heard Martin's voice.
He had only a small bundle of wood on his shoulders, while he carried
under his arm a number of deer-horns.
"I found these near an old Indian camp," he exclaimed, "and it struck me
at once that we could manufacture out of them some heads for spears,
with which we may manage to kill some fish."
"I don't know what Alick will think about it, but I suspect that it will
take too long a time," I said; "and where are the handles to be found?"
"As I came along I saw some saplings, which we can soon cut down with
our axe; besides which I found a quantity of deer sinews, which the
Indians must have dropped. Though it is some time since the Indians
were at the camp, the sinews are still in good condition."
Alick was better pleased with Martin's idea than I had fancied he would
be. Martin indeed was very ingenious, and could turn his hand to
anything, as could Robin. As soon as we had eaten our ducks, as there
was still some daylight remaining, Alick and I cut down four thin
saplings for spear-handles, while our two friends were working away at
the deer-horns, which they shaped into barbs.
"We shall not have time to manufacture more than two," said Martin; "and
those are as many as we can use, for two must paddle, while the others
strike the fish."
"How are we to get the fish to stop and be struck at?" I asked.
"We must try fishing by night," answered Martin.
"Still less likely we shall be to see them," I observed.
"Not if we have a light on board, and I have been thinking about that,"
he answered. "We must fill our pot with resinous wood, and by placing
it on the bows we shall have the means of attracting the fish. When
they come up we must spear them. I have seen the Indians on the upper
lakes catch fish in this way, and I know that they are caught in the
same manner in many other countries."
From Martin's description we all became eager to try to catch fish in
the way he spoke of. We soon found the wood he mentioned, a species of
fir which contained a large amount of resin, and split up into small
pieces it emitted a bright light.
While seated on the bank we had observed a number of fish leaping in the
river, which here formed a bay with little or no current; and we agreed
that as soon as the spears were ready we would go out and try our luck
that night.
As the deer-horns were hard, it took a long time to fashion even two
spearheads, so that it must have been past ten o'clock when they were
ready, though we all worked away diligently by the light of the fire.
Alick proposed lying down and waiting till the following night; but we
were all so eager to set out that we persuaded him to start at once,
that we might try the sport for an hour or so, and then land again with
our fish ready to cook for breakfast in the morning.
We should have time enough for sleep, as, having to sit in the canoe all
day, we could do very well with less than usual. All things being ready
we started. We still had our two swans, which Alick observed might be
useful should our spears not answer as well as we hoped. Martin and I
undertook to use the spears while Alick and Robin paddled.
As soon as we had got a short distance from the shore we lighted our
fire, which as it blazed up cast a lurid glare over the waters. Though
we looked eagerly for the fish none could we see. They had either swum
away or were not to be attracted by the bright light.
"Perhaps there may be more out in the stream," said Martin. "Let us
paddle slowly down, and ten to one we see some."
Alick consented, and proposed, moreover, that as we had embarked we
might as well proceed on our voyage, as the light enabled us to see our
way as well as in the daytime, while the air was cooler than when the
hot sun beat down on the stream. We had gone some distance when Martin
struck down his spear.
"I hit a fish," he exclaimed, "but it got off. We may have better luck
the next time."
I shortly afterwards saw another fish, which I succeeded not only in
striking but in securing, though it fell off the moment I got it into
the canoe. It showed us that our spears were not as perfectly barbed or
as sharp as was necessary. This success encouraged us to continue the
sport, and we went on and on, though we did not succeed in securing any
more fish. Our fire, however, had produced an effect we had not
expected. As we were passing a low cliff, loud cries of wild-fowl
saluted our ears. The birds, roused by the appearance of the light,
flew off from their nests, and came circling around us; so we fired
several shot at them, and brought three down.
The rest, not aware of what had happened, continued pursuing us; their
numbers increased from the other denizens of the banks. Alick, in his
eagerness to shoot the birds, was using less caution than before. I
fancied that I heard the rushing sound of water.
"There must be rapids near us," I exclaimed.
Just as I spoke Alick again fired, and two birds fell into the water
ahead of us. Taking his paddle, he urged the canoe forward to pick them
up. None of us could tell how it was, but all of a sudden we found
ourselves whirled onwards by an unseen power. Though we got the paddles
out, we had lost all control over our canoe. The next instant, her bow
striking a rock, she was whirled round, when her stern came in contact
with a snag also fixed in the crevices of another rock.
"Jump out for your lives, lads!" cried Alick, setting us the example.
The water, we found, was rushing over the ledge on to which he stepped.
Martin and I followed, carrying our guns. Robin sprang after us,
catching hold of the sail; while Bouncer, acting as a brave sailor does,
was the last to quit the ship.
I had just time to leap forward and catch hold of the iron pot when the
canoe was whirled away down the rapids. On examining our position we
found ourselves on a large rock nearly in the middle of the stream,
which afforded us a resting-place, but how we were to reach the bank was
the question.
We sat down very disconsolate to discuss the matter. It did not do just
then to think too much of the future. Our first business was to get on
shore where food was to be obtained; though, fortunately, having had a
good supper we were not hungry. As far as we could judge in the
darkness, the way to the left bank was most practicable; but even in
that direction there were broad places to be passed, across which we
might be unable to wade.
We had gone through many adventures, but this was the most trying and
perhaps the most dangerous. The rapids below us boiled and foamed, and
ran with great force. Should we lose our footing we might be carried
away and dashed against the rocks.
"Though this is not a pleasant place on which to pass the night, I think
we shall do wisely to remain here till daylight will enable us better to
see our way," observed Alick.
Our position was too uncomfortable to allow us to sleep; indeed, had we
done so we should have run the risk of slipping off into the water. We
therefore discussed various plans for getting on shore.
"If we had but a rope we might do it without danger," said Martin, "and
I think we have materials enough to manufacture one. The sail cut up
and twisted will form a good length."
"You shall have my overcoat," said Alick. "We must try to kill a deer,
the skin of which will make a covering for me at night. I can do very
well without it in the daytime."
I also had a coat, and imitating Alick offered to sacrifice it for the
public good. "A shirt which I have in my knapsack will supply its
place," I observed.
"I have a strong linen shirt in mine," said Martin.
Robin had a couple of handkerchiefs, besides which we had the straps of
our knapsacks and pouch-belts. With these materials we considered that
we could make a rope sufficiently strong for our purpose. It required
considerable ingenuity to fasten all these together. The parcel of
sinews which Martin had found were exceedingly useful; indeed, I don't
know how we could have secured the straps without them. We had to wait,
however, till daylight before we could perform the neater work, though
there was light sufficient in the open river to enable us to cut up and
twist some of the articles we had destined for the purpose. We had thus
made a pretty strong bit of rope when day broke.
We then began to secure the straps together. To do this we had to make
holes in the ends with the prickers of our knives, through which to pass
the threads--a long and tedious operation, as, of course, it was of
vital importance that they should be firmly secured: a weak part might
endanger our safety. As may be supposed, we worked very diligently, for
we were getting hungry, and had no chance of obtaining food where we
were. How long it might be after we reached the shore before we could
fall in with game of some sort it was impossible to say.
Our spears had been lost, so that even should we see any fish in the
rapids we could not catch them.
At last the rope was completed. It was sufficiently long, we
calculated, to reach from one side to the other of the broadest passage
we should have to cross, as there were several rocks which would serve
as resting-places between us and the left or northern bank.
Before using it, by Alick's advice we tried every part, hauling with all
our might, two against two. It was fortunate it did not give way, for
had it done so we all four might have fallen into the river on opposite
sides of the rock.
"Come, that will do," said Alick; "I'll go first, and you three hold on
to the other end. If I miss my footing, haul me in; but if I succeed,
you, David, remain behind, and let either Martin or Robin make their way
across, holding on to the rope. When they are safe over, you fasten it
round your waist, and we'll haul you after us."
The plan seemed a good one, with every prospect of success. The water
was apparently of no great depth, and did not run with nearly as much
force on the north side of the rapids as it did on the south, towards
which by a bend of the river the principal current was directed; still,
as we looked at the foaming, hissing, roaring waters below us, we saw
the fearful danger to which we should be exposed should we miss our
footing and be carried away in them. Indeed, without a rope, the
passage seemed to be altogether impossible.
Alick, of course, ran the chief danger, as he had nothing to support
him, and had, besides, the rope to drag and his rifle to carry. We
scrambled over to the west side of the rock, or that which looked up the
stream; then Alick fastened the rope round his waist, and offering up a
short prayer for protection, he stepped carefully into the foaming
water. At first it did not reach much above his ankles, but it soon
began to rise higher and higher, until it reached his knees; and as we
saw it foaming round him, we feared every instant that he would be
carried off his legs.
Though he stepped directly across the stream he kept looking upwards, so
that, should he have to swim, he might strike out at once in the right
direction. More than half the passage had been accomplished. There was
ample length of rope, which we allowed occasionally to run out as it was
required. Still the water got deeper.
Alick stopped for a moment, as if hesitating whether he should proceed.
Then again he stepped out, and the water surged up almost to his waist,
as it seemed to us at that distance.
A cry escaped us. We thought he had gone, but he recovered himself and
sprang to a higher level. Again the water reached no higher than his
knees. He went on with more confidence, till he stood safe on the rock
for which he was making.
"Hold on tightly to the rope," he shouted.--"Robin, you come next.
Don't let go your grasp, though you may find yourself carried off your
legs."
"Ay, ay!" answered Robin. "I'll not do that; the rope is what I'm going
to trust to." And without more ado he plunged in, not walking steadily
as Alick had been compelled to do, but leaping like a dog in shallow
water, so that he got across in much less time with apparently less
risk.
Martin followed his example, and was twice nearly carried off his legs.
It was now my turn. The rope, should it not break, would haul me back
should I lose my footing; but the danger was that it might break, as it
would have to bear my weight with the current pressing against it, as
also that of the articles I carried.
There was a piece of rope to spare. I put the end into Bouncer's mouth,
and patting him on the head told him to hold on and swim after me. He
understood perfectly what was to be done. I did not for a moment
hesitate, as there was no time to be lost; and springing in, instead of
going directly across I waded diagonally up the stream, Bouncer holding
tight on to the rope, and bravely breasting the current. By this means
I found, as I expected, that I was in shallower water, and was able to
get across almost as fast as the others had done with the aid of the
rope.
The next passage we had to make was shorter, but was quite as deep, and
for a few seconds Alick was in great danger of being carried down the
stream. Two other watery spaces had still to be crossed; the last
looked the more dangerous, but Alick got over and stood safely on the
bank. He then went up the stream some way, when Robin and Martin
crossed as they had done at the other places. I followed, with Bouncer
towing after me, though I had to put no small strain on the rope to
enable myself to get over.
Every moment I thought that it would give way, but it held fast, and
most thankful we were to find ourselves at length safe on the northern
bank of the river. We had kept our guns and ammunition dry, though of
course our lower garments were perfectly wet.
"My boys," said Alick, "we have reason every day to be thankful to God
for His watchful care over us, but especially now we should return
thanks for our preservation, for I tell you we have run a fearful risk
of losing our lives. We might have been all drowned together when the
canoe was destroyed, and at any moment in crossing above these rapids we
might have been carried off our feet and swept down them."
We all acknowledged the truth of his remarks, and together kneeling down
on the grass, we lifted up our voices in a prayer of thanksgiving. We
then hurried away to collect wood for a fire, that we might dry our
drenched clothes and consider what was next to be done.
"One thing is very clear," observed Alick, as we sat round the fire.
"We have no food, and being hungry the sooner we can get some the
better. Our way is down the stream, and we must set off as soon as
possible in that direction."
The sun and wind assisted the fire in drying our clothes, and we were
soon ready to commence our journey. We kept our eyes about us as we
went on, on the chance of any birds or animals appearing. Hunger, it is
truly said, makes keen sportsmen, and we should not have let a mouse
escape us if we had seen one. We kept close to the bank, and for a mile
or more the rapids continued, though we saw that on the opposite side a
canoe might descend without danger. Alick was constantly examining the
bank. "I thought so," he exclaimed, when we had got about half a mile
below the rapid. Running forward he picked up three of our paddles and
one of the spears. The others could not be far off, unless they had
struck in the crevice of a rock. This, perhaps, they had done, for we
could not find them.
Martin immediately took possession of the spear.
"I may still have a chance of killing a fish, if we come to any deep
little bay or bend of the river, where some are likely to be at rest,"
he observed.
It was getting late, and unless we could kill something soon we should
have to go supperless to bed.
"Hillo! I see something," cried Robin, and rushing forward he held up
one of the despised swans.
The sight at all events gave pleasure to Bouncer, who began barking and
leaping round it.
"You shall have some directly, old fellow," cried Robin.
As we saw a suitable spot for encamping a little distance from the bank,
we agreed to stop for the night. The wind blowing somewhat colder than
usual, a wigwam, or at all events a lean-to, was considered advisable.
Martin and I set to work to collect the necessary materials, while Alick
and Robin lighted the fire and spitted the swan for cooking.