The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-03-07
"REMINISCENCES.
Trials and TrfbulatiOns
Experienced OH the Canadian Pacific
II. r., in Construction Days.
CHAPTER II.
BY S. Y.

1t was hot day and two miles out
tree until got wet through, and then kept
on, in the rain. About half mile from the
lake l heard the whistle of the tug. but
whether coming or going out l could not
tell, but hurried on to hold them awhile if
going out, SO could transfer the baggage
and thereby lose no time. l got there at
last, out of breath, for the last quarter of
mile was down hill, and L ran that part. But
was too late after all, for the boat had just
left. and all the men too, and l was an
chored for twenty four hours. The team
came up before long, unloaded and went
back. There was an accommodation log
shanty close by, where L obtained shelter
and food for Johnny and myself for the
landing to landing. in shape something like
an egg. or OblOng; and has high, precpitOuS
shores, and gradually narrOws to the ends
where the approaches are easy. The lake
and it's surroundings reminded me very
much of scenes in Scotland as described in
ScOtt's poems. Soon after dinner the next
day, the tug hove in sight, and before long
the baggage and teams were aboard. l
learned that the men remained over night
at the other end of the lake, and intended
to push on to lake ManitOu, sixteen miles,
so [ did not expect to see them again before
reaching camp. After landing at Maclen-
mans. on the left, to leave supplies, we
crossed over to the right, and put up for
the night. Here | found a very cOmfOrta-
BILE hosiery, for this wild country. 1t was
kept by young man whom l had known
at Winnepeg. and he made lis quite COM
Portable Here we had jewelry pedder
with us for the night. He had a fal-5ized
grip well filled with gold (?) and silver
watches, rings, chains, e;c. He sat at the
table against the wall, and kept his grip on
the floor, between his legs, and when he
wanted TO obtain any article. would reach
down and get it, The table was surrounded
by men. examining and purchasing. He
was doing finely, when, as if charged with
galvanic battery, he bounded from his
seat, grasped one of the lamps, and rushed
through the crowd to the door, never uttel-
ing word until he got outside and the
wind blew out his light; then such cry as
he gave wonld have frightened a hungry
wolf. | thought his mind had become sud
denly unbalanced, and in fact, it had for
the moment. for he had lost his grip of jew
elry. Poor fellow! No wonder he was
wild. He wrung his hands; tore his hair;
fell on his knees, and begged and implored
the men, one and all, to help him to regain
his lost treasure. He wept like child, and
offered a reward OF a fine watch to have ii
returned. Every man in the place started
out Immediately with lanterns, on the wild
search. 1t was continued until nearly morn
ing, when the grip was found under an over
turned boat near the blacksmith shop. A
happier man than the peddler was, have
seldom seen. True to his promise, he let
the finder pick out watch from the whole
stock put chain on it. and gave it to him.
Whether the finder was the thief or not, |
do not know. but do know the man got
back his property very cheaply.
Morning came, and begging and money
obtained team to convey us to Manitou,
and about ten o'clock we started. Although
it was light load for two good horses, it
was night before we reached there.
had left Johnny to come on with the
wagon while pushed ahead with three 9th
ers intending to wait for them at the eight
mile dinner place. We had made about