Charlevoix county herald., 1914-07-11


sets for foxes that was wonderfully
effective. The bait was hung from
a sapling bent over q large pool of
water. In the middle of this was a
tiny island, not larger than the palm
of mans hand, most convenient
for the fox to step on; but it con-
cealed the trap that was set under
water beyond the animals scent.
The tracks of the trappers left no
smell, either for the moccasins had
been rubbed with an aromatic oil
that concealed all trace of mankind
Much as he taught the girl during
their long evening lessons, Lorimer
realized that she was giving him in
valuable knowledge of the ways of
the wilderness.
The shorter nights returned, and
the wild geese, far up in the sky,
came sailing on their way toward
Hudson Bay, their "a-honk, a-honk !"
changing bell-like down to earth.
Then other waterfowl arrived, and
the lakes cleared of ice, while the
rivers, first roaring with the melting
of snow, lowered their waters, which
again became clear and mirrorlike
or frothed pure white over rapids
and falls.
The Indians began to return, and
life at the post became busy. The
winter residents began to look for
the return of the brigade-the one
great yearly event. 1t would mean
news from the outside world; it
would also mean being in touch with
people who had mingled with some
sort of civilization.
The weather was studied, and the
height of water and strength of cur
rent were noted. Days were counted
until the time came when if any one
stepped out of the post or from a
tent his eyes were turned to the
southwark, for the long canoes
might be in sight.
Yet Lorimer, who had always been
so eager in other years, was more in
different now than any one else at
the post. Provisions and trading
goods were evidently needed; but his
world was very well filled just then
and was holding forth longings for
impossible things no longer.
One morning an old Indian ran up
to the post and proudly announced
that he could smell smoke on the
southwest wind, proving conclusively
that people might have lighted fire
at the old stopping-place just be-
yond the turn.
The Indians all came out Of their
tents and stood on the bank, gestic-
ulating, while those women detained
by household cares ran out and
peeped from time to time.
Presently, after impatient waiting.
the high bow of the first canoe ap-
peared as the craft rounded the dis
tant point 1t took the sharp vision
of the Indians to decide at once that
it certainly was company canoe.
Then followed another-and a third
ard fourth-and the last. After a
time, as the canoes came on fast
with the current, old familiar songs
wer. family heard.
The booming of guns was soon
heard, and the Indians on the shore,
always glad to make noise, burned
expensive black "pouk," as they
called gunpowder. With shouts and
the waving of hats they greeted the
voyageurs.
The landing was quite a formal
affair. First ashore was the canoe
of Boyce Curran. Jumping in the
shallow water, his men drew the
craft sidewise against the bank.
Then the brigade chief rose and
stepped on dry land, utterly disre-
garding the men of the brigade.
With hand outstretched and words of
friendliness, he approached Lorimer.
who welcomed him heartily.
This is Ameou, my wife," Lori
mer announced simply, indicating the
girl, who was standing beside him.
"She has become beautiful
lady," said Curran, taking off his
tuque and bowling with too great
semblance of courtesy. Thou art
become fine grown woman.
Ameou," he added in Montagnais.
"I am the wife of Lawrence Lori
mer," she replied in good English.
The man glanced at her, and a
swift smile passed over his thin lips
Let us go to he post" he said.
Il am sorry that ! have no letters
for you this time; but I've brought a
few books and quite bunch of mag
azines, which will keep until open
my pack"
The two men strolled up to the
post, Lorimer telling about such fur
as he had already bought, while
Ameou followed at a short distance.
In the meantime the men Of the
brigade and the Indians were chat
tering Ike magpies, giving and ask
ing for all sorts of news. They were
stretched out on the bank, happy in
the long rest they were to enjoy
until the bales of fur should be gath
cred for the return journey, a matter
of at least couple of weeks.
Mashkaugan, leaning on his pad
die, had been following the two
agents with his eyes.
Zone too many" he told himself
and spat on the ground.
Then he turned to the voyageurs.
Get to work and unload" he
shouted.
Another procession was soon
formed, the men clambe ring slowly
up the bank with great loads and
dumping them cheerfully in the
storeroom, for these backbreaking
packs would never have to be car
ried by them again and the loads of
fur for the return would be much
lighter.