BOB HUNT IN CANADA
by
GEORGE W. ORTON, Ph.D.
Graduate Coach of Track and Cross Country Teams University ofPennsylvania, Joint Manager of Camp Tecumseh, N. H., and author of"Bob Hunt at Camp Pontiac," and "Bob Hunt, Senior Camper."
Whitman Publishing Co.Racine, Wis.Copyright, 1916, by George W. Jacobs & Co.Printed in 1924 by Western Printing & Lithographing Co. Racine, Wis.Printed in U. S. A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I OFF TO CANADA 7 II UP THE ESCOUMAINS 30 III CAMP AT LAKE PARENT 45 IV ACROSS THE PORTAGE 60 V THE SHORT TRAIL TO ESCOUMAINS 71 VI PIERRE'S BEAR STORY 82 VII BOB'S CLUE 94 VIII THE WIRELESS IN THE WILDERNESS 106 IX A WEEK ON THE TRAIL 117 X MOCCASINS AS FOOD 130 XI A RESCUE IN THE RAPIDS 145 XII PIERRE'S BIG SALMON 157 XIII THE PLATINUM MINE 168
BOB HUNT IN CANADA
OFF TO CANADA
"Hey there, Pud. Come here," yelled Bill Williams one day late in May toPud Jones, as the latter sauntered across the athletic field.
"I'm coming," said Pud, as he rushed across, and grabbing Bill by theshoulders slammed him up against the fence around the track.
"What do you think this is?" asked Bill. "A football game, or do youtake me for a tackling dummy?"
"Well, some kind of a dummy," replied Pud, as he held Bill so firmlythat he could not get at him to punch his head.
"That'll do, you big rhinoceros," said Bill, as Pud released him.
"What's the news?" said Pud.
"I've just had a letter from Bob Hunt and he wants us to go up to Canadawith him to a fishing and hunting camp there," said Bill.
"That would be fun but I don't know whether my father would let me go ornot. He's been talking about having me work this summer," said Pud.
"Well, you see what you can do with your father and I'll get aftermine," replied Bill. "I rather think that I won't have much trouble asfather was saying just the other day that he thought the open air lifewas the only thing for a boy in the summer."
"All fathers think that, but some of them want to have us around duringthe summer," said Pud, rather gloomily for him.
"Yes, I've noticed that oftentimes they make cheap chauffeurs out ofus," said Bill. "They tell us they cannot spare us during the summer andthen make us drive them around at all hours. That's quite a snap forthem, I think, but it doesn't get us any place."
"You're right," assented Pud. "I had a very poor time last summer for myfamily was always having me drive them some place where I did not wantto go. They couldn't see that I would much rather get out on a lot inthe hot sun and have a game of ball than take the finest drive thereis."
"You ought to have been at Pontiac last year. We had a great time. Therewas something doing every minute," said Bill.
"Yes, I heard that you had a great summer," said Pud. "How did you getalong without Bob as a pitcher?"
"We certainly missed him as he was a whole team by himself," said Bill."That's one reason why I would like to go to Canada with Bob, for Ihaven't seen him since two summers now, and I would like to spendanother summer with him."
"So would I," said Pud. "Whereabouts in Canada does Bob want to go?"
"Wait," said Bill, pulling a letter out of his pocket. "I'll read youwhat he says. Here it is: 'Father wants me to go up to a camp in Canadacalled Camp Tadousac. It is situated east of the Saguenay River andthere is some wonderful fishing to be had there. I've decided to go andI hope that your father will let you come along. It will be a newexperience for us. This camp has no permanent quarters but the membersgo from one part of the country to the other and live out of doors allthe time. They use shelter tents sometimes but often they will be awayfor a week with only one's pack and sleeping bag as protection againstthe weather. I'm eager to try it for father says that it is fine sport.He's been up in that country and says it is a sportsman's paradise. Hewas farther west in the Lake St. John region, but it should be evenbetter farther east. So, Bill, get busy. Talk it up with father andwrite me that you'll be with me.' That sounds good, don't it?" concludedBill.
"It 'listens' very well," said Pud. "But, don't you let Professor Garyhear you say 'Don't it' again or you'll get into trouble."
"Doesn't it. Doesn't it, you boob," said Bill impatiently. "Mr. Shieldstold us a good one this morning about a boy who would write 'I havewrote' instead of 'I have written.' The teacher kept him in after schoolone day and made him write it out one hundred times. The teacher wascalled from the room and the boy got through his task. He waited a fewminutes but as the teacher did not return, the boy wrote a note asfollows. 'Dear Teacher, I have wrote "I have written" one hundred times.You have not came back so I have went home.'"
"Ha, ha, ha!" roared Pud. "That's a good one, but to get down to cases,are you really going up to Canada with Bob?"
"I am if I can get father and mother to let me go," replied Bill.
"Well, I'll see what I can do, for I think that a month or six weeks upin those Canadian woods would make me real husky."
"You, real husky," said Bill in a commiserating tone. "I suppose thatyou're not as hard as nails and nearly two hundred pounds in weight.Now, don't get in wrong at home by telling them that you would like togo to Canada to get husky. That would be no reason at all for you to gothere. Tell them anything you like but that."
"I'll see them to-night and let you know to-morrow," said Pud.
The two boys then separated, Pud to go in to get his baseball suit andBill to go out to the diamond, as he already had his suit on. Both boyswere members of the school team. Bill was now the best player in theschool, having made quite a reputation in scholastic circles as apitcher. He was the captain of the team, which shows better thananything else how he had developed since first we met at Camp Pontiac'sJunior camp.
Pud was waiting for Bill the next morning at the school gate.
"I'm going, I'm going!" cried Pud, as soon as Bill appeared.
"That's fine," said Bill in rather a gloomy tone.
"What's the matter?" asked Pud. "Don't they want you to go?"
"I'm not sure," said Bill. "Father is willing, but mother is making abig fuss. She's almost as bad as she was before I went to Pontiac."
"Gee, that's bad. I don't think they'll let me go unless you go," saidPud, and he too looked as if he had just lost his best friend.
"I'll just bet that your father persuades your mother to let you go,"said Pud. "He did the other time, you know."
"Yes, that's so, but he told me as we walked down to school this morningthat there really was some danger in such a trip as we planned and thathe did not feel that he should persuade mother to let me go. He saidthat if he did and then something happened that he wouldn't have anexcuse," said Bill.
"That's so," said Pud in a hopeless voice. "I guess it's all off, then,and I was counting on having such a fine summer."
"It's not all off. I'll have a chance to talk to mother this afternoonand I'll show her why she should let me go," said Bill.
"It's not so dangerous, is it?" asked Pud.
"No, of course not," replied Bill. "Mr. Waterman, the head of the camp,told me that he was always careful and that unless one got careless orfoolhardy that there was little real danger. He said that they gottipped over now and then and were sometimes temporarily lost, but thatthese things only lent spice to the summer and were the thingsremembered in after years."
"He's right," said Pud. "Well, I hope that you can get your mother onyour side for my parents did not raise any objections."
"It's going to help me tell mother that you're going and that
yourfather and mother are contented about it. I'll bring her round allright."
"I hope you do," said Pud, as they separated to go to their classes.
The next morning, Bill was waiting for Pud at the school gate. There wassuch a light in Bill's eye that Pud exclaimed on seeing him.
"Don't tell me. Don't tell me, Bill. I can see in your eyes that you'regoing to Canada."
"You bet I am," said Bill, swelling up his chest. "I talked mother overand she even got enthusiastic before I got through. Father was all rightas soon as mother felt satisfied."
"Let's write Bob to-day that we'll be with him," said Pud.
"Don't worry," said Bill, with a twinkle in his eye. "I did that lastnight and I'm going round to see Mr. Waterman to-night to find out whatI'll have to get for the trip."
"I'll go with you," said Pud. "We'll both need the same kit, for I havenever been to a real fishing camp before, nor have you."
"That's right," said Bill. "We'll have to get a whole lot of things wedidn't have to get for Camp Pontiac; dunnage bags, sleeping bags, tumplines, fishing tackle, a lot of flies--"
"A lot of flies,--why, you dummy, we'll have to take some stuff along toget rid of the flies, from all I hear."
"You big dub, don't you know that they fish with flies?" said Bill in adisgusted tone.
"How do you catch them?" asked Pud.
"Say, what are you driving at?" asked Bill. "Do you really mean that youdo not know that they fish with artificial flies?"
"Oh, artificial flies," said Pud. "Yes, I've heard of that, but I neversaw any. My father's not a fisherman like yours."
"I should think not," said Bill.
"Well, don't swell up and bust because you know more about artificialflies than I do," said Pud, digging Bill in the ribs. "Before we comeback, I'll be telling you a few things."
"Stop your kidding, you small giant," said Bill. "You can't be even sureof going until you see Mr. Waterman. I would not be surprised if theycharge you two prices, for they will surely have to get an extra guideto carry the big canoe they'll have to have for you and another extraman to carry extra grub."
"Now, Bill, stop kidding and let me know if you really are going aroundto see Mr. Waterman to-night, for if you are, I'll go along," said Pudin a serious tone.
"Yes, I'm going," said Bill. "For heaven's sake, don't let on to Mr.Waterman that you've never seen an artificial fly or he'll be disgusted.Thank goodness, you learned to paddle a canoe well and to swim well asCamp Pontiac, for those two accomplishments are really necessary forsuch a trip."
"I'll be all right in that way," said Pud.
"Well, don't boast, for though you can probably swim better than anyguide we may see, they'll show you a few things about handling a canoethat you never dreamed of. Father says that the Lake St. John guides arewonders and we'll be only a little farther east, so our guides should bejust as clever," said Bill enthusiastically.
"Gee, it's going to be some summer," said Pud. "I wouldn't miss it forthe world."
* * * * *
Two weeks later, Bob Hunt, Pud Jones and Bill Williams left Broad StreetStation for Canada. They were going to travel to Tadousac at the mouthof the Saguenay River, where they would be met by Mr. Waterman or one ofhis men. All three boys were big enough to make such a journey alone.The boys had their dunnage bags with them and had practically no otherbaggage excepting a suitcase. Mr. Waterman had told them to take theirdunnage bags right along with them so they would run no risk of havingthem held up in the Custom House at Quebec. They were all provided withpassports, as the big European war was going on and they might have usefor this means of identification.
The boys arrived in New York without any unusual happenings, but Pud gotseparated from them at the Big Pennsylvania Railroad Station and theywere worried until they saw his big good-natured form looming up at thetrain gate at the Grand Central Station.
"Where have you been?" asked Bill.
"Gee, I'm glad I found you," said Pud. "How did you get lost?"
"We get lost, you big duffer," said Bill. "Why, you were the one thatgot lost. We've been looking all over for you."
"That's rich," said Pud, breaking out into a big laugh. "I thought thatyou were lost. I know New York like a book."
"You remind me of a little boy," said Bob. "A policeman found himwandering round the Pennsylvania Railroad Station and on going up tohim, the little boy said, 'Have you seen my muvver. I think she's gotlosted. I can't find her any place.'"
"Ha! ha! Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Pud. "That's good, but I don't see how youcan liken me to a little boy."
"All aboard! all aboard for the Montreal and Eastern Canada Express!"yelled the crier.
"That means us, fellows," said Bob. "Let's hustle."
The three boys went through the gate and were soon sitting in thePullman bound for Quebec.
"That was some idea of father's to get us this drawing-room," said Bill."We'll certainly enjoy life on this trip."
"You bet," said Pud.
They certainly were traveling in style. They tossed up to see who wouldget the lower berth or the sofa. Pud was the one left over and he gotthe upper berth, whereupon Bill, who had the lower, said that he wouldnot take any chances but would take the upper berth himself. Agood-natured, argument followed and the result was that Bob took thelower berth, Pud the sofa and Bill went upstairs. They awoke in themorning to find themselves at Sherbrooke and to get their first taste ofthe Canadian habitant. When they got down to stretch their legs beforebreakfast, they found most of the Canadians speaking French.
"Here's a chance to spout your French, Bob," said Bill.
"Who told you that I talked French?" asked Bob.
"Father told me some time ago," answered Bill. "He said that you couldtalk it like a native."
"I could a few years ago, but I'm rusty now, as I haven't talked Frenchfor at least five years," replied Bob.
"They don't talk real French here anyway," said Pud.
"Oh, yes, they do," said Bill. "It's a kind of dialect, but father tellsme that it is much easier to understand a French-Canadian than many ofthe French people from Paris."
"That's very true," said Bob. "My father, as I've told you before, hasbeen up in the Lake St. John region, and he says that he gets alongquite well with the inhabitants. He says that they have some peculiarexpressions, but that it is quite easy to talk to them as they speak apretty pure dialect of French."
They were soon off again, now headed for Quebec. They got a seat in thedining-car and watched the scenery as they rode along. They found thequaint little Canadian cottages of the habitants much like the farmers'homes in New England. The land was rolling and, as usual, they followedthe course of some river. As they went along, they heard less and lessEnglish and Bob was often called on to translate the cries that wereheard at the different stations.
"I'll soon get my French back up here," said Bob. "They seem to talkpretty good French. I can understand them quite easily."
About ten o'clock, they came into a hilly country and found evidences ofmining being carried on. On Bob's inquiring, they found that they wereasbestos mines and that it was practically a new industry for this partof Canada. They also noted that many new farms were being cleared by theyoung Frenchmen and that much lumber was being transported both by therivers and the railroad. The look of the people was quite foreign bythis time and the boys felt that they were indeed in a foreign land.
"Have you ever been in Toronto?" suddenly asked Bill.
"No," said Pud.
"Well, that is certainly different from this part of Canada," said Bill."You can hardly tell that you are out of the United States when you arethere."
"I should think that the French talk would make it seem foreign anyway,"said Pud.
"That's it," said Bob. "You don't hear any more French there than you doin Chicago, Philadelphia or any other American city. I remember that Iwas up there to the great Toronto Fair and I hardly knew that I was inCa
nada."
"This is certainly different," said Bill.
"Many people that visit only Quebec and Montreal have an entirely wrongimpression of Canada. They think there are just as many French all overas they find in those cities. The fact is that outside of the provinceof Quebec, Canada is just as much an English-speaking country as theUnited States.
"Is that so?" said Pud. "Why didn't we go, then, to some place wherethey talk sense? I'm going to have a fine time getting along with thesefellows. I can't talk French."
"Get busy and you'll learn a lot this summer," said Bob. "Mr. Watermantold me that two of the guides talk English a little, so we'll get alongall right."
"I'm glad they talk English," said Bill. "All the French I know youcould put in your eye tooth."
A short time later, they arrived at Levis and saw the majestic heightsof Quebec opposite.
"This St. Lawrence is some river," said Pud.
"I should think it is," said Bob. "The biggest ocean liners can come upthis far, while there is a twenty-seven-foot channel all the way up toMontreal."
"You don't say so," said Pud. "Well, there is one thing sure that I'mlearning some geography at first hand this morning."
"When do we leave for Tadousac?" asked Bill.
"We go down to-morrow on the boat," said Bob.
"That's fine," said Pud. "We can see the town this afternoon."
"You bet we will," said Bill.
"Where are we staying?" asked Pud.
"At the Chateau Frontenac," said Bob. "It's that building up on thecliff there."
"That's some hotel," said Pud.
"You'll think so before to-morrow," said Bill.
"Say, let's go up to the Plains of Isaac and see where John Paul Jonesfell when he captured Quebec from the English," said Pud.
At this, Bill and Bob just curled up and laughed until they nearly felloff their chairs.
"What's the matter?" asked Pud. "Isn't that the real place to see inQuebec?"
"You need some history lessons as well as geography," said Bill.
"Well, let's have it," said Pud. "I know I'm always getting thingsfatally twisted."
"You mean the Plains of Abraham," said Bob.
"Oh, Abraham, Jacob or Isaac, it's all the same, isn't it?" said Pud,apparently rather disgusted that they had blamed him for such a naturalmistake.
"And, who ever heard of John Paul Jones taking Quebec?" asked Bill,looking at Bob.
"Well, who was it?" said Pud. "Those historical names always get me."
"It was Wolfe, the famous young English general. He was killed in themoment of victory, and the French general, Montcalm, also was killed,"said Bob.
"Well, let's go out there and see the place," said Pud. "It must beinteresting."
By this time, they were across the St. Lawrence and at the mercy ofabout a hundred cab drivers. Bob led the way and they were soon going upthe hill to the Chateau. In the dining-hall, they heard practicallynothing but English spoken as the Chateau was the place where most ofthe tourists stayed. After an excellent lunch, they sauntered out tosee the sights. They were again mobbed by the cabbies.
"Let's take one of those funny-looking cabs," said Pud.
"That's just what I was looking for," said Bob. "Father told me to besure and have a ride in a 'caleche,' as he called it."
They got into the 'caleche,' which is just like a hansom cab except thatthe old-fashioned leather springs were used, and instead of the driversitting behind, he rode in front on a sort of wide dashboard. Away theywent and the driver plied the whip. The horse was not large but provedstrong and wiry. In a short time, the boys were out on the Plains ofAbraham, looking at the various monuments marking the great battle whichmeant the end of the French dominion in Canada. They saw the monumentsto Wolfe and Montcalm and enjoyed the view far south into the UnitedStates. Their guide showed them the path up which Wolfe climbed with hissoldiers to surprise the French that memorable morning. After seeing thesights there, they drove back and went through part of the citadel. Thisproved to be one of the strongest forts in America, and its strength,the number of British Tommies about, the guns of large caliber thatcould be seen, so impressed the boys that Bob at last broke out.
"This is some fort. It would take a real siege gun to make much of animpression on those walls and ramparts while I guess those big cannonwould do a little talking themselves."
"I should think so," said Pud.
"Wait a minute," said Bill. "I'd like to get some photos."
Thereupon, he pulled out a little pocket kodak he had, and got ready tofocus on a big gun set in an embrasure of the walls. Before he couldmove almost, a soldier was at his side and said,
"You are under arrest. It is forbidden to bring kodaks or cameras of anykind within these walls."
"I didn't know that," said Bill. "I simply wanted to take a few photosof the place."
"You'll have to explain all that to the Commandant," said the Tommie, ashe led the way.
The whole thing had happened so suddenly that neither Bob nor Pud hadtime to say a word before they saw Bill turn to follow the soldier.
"May we not go with our friend?" asked Bob of the Tommie.
"I was about to ask that you accompany us, for though you are not underarrest, I'll have to bring you along as witnesses."
"Don't worry, Pud," said Bob. "It'll be all right. We're not at war andwe were not doing anything very wrong."
"That's all very well," said Pud also in a low tone. "They may take usfor spies and keep us locked up here all summer."
"Oh, Tommyrot," said Bob, though at heart he did not know just what wasliable to happen.
In the meantime, the party went along the walk until they came to a bigdoor. They entered and soon were asked to seat themselves in a largeroom in which there were many desks with officers seated and busilywriting. Gold lace, silver spurs, bright officer's swords, red caps, andthe air of discipline and business that characterized the whole room didnot fail to have its effect on the boys. Nor did they fail to noticethat each of the doors was guarded by soldiers with fixed bayonetsstanding at attention. The Tommy who was escorting them took them up toone of the desks and said,
"Captain Davidson, I have here under arrest, this young man with thesetwo others as witnesses."
"Of what are they accused?" asked the officer, as he glanced sharply atthe three of them.
"Of espionage," said the soldier.
"Of espionage?" said the officer. "That is a serious offense."
"I know it is but that is the term under which the offense comes,"replied the soldier.
"This must be taken up by the Commandant himself," said the Captain, ashe touched a bell at his side. Immediately a young officer appeared.
"Captain Abercrombie, tell Major-General Norris, the Commandant, that wehave here a prisoner accused of espionage."
The orderly saluted and was soon lost to view behind a door at one endof the hall. He was back in a few minutes. During that time, our threeadventurers stood and watched with interest the varied scene that wastaking-place before them.
"This is some lark," said Bill to Bob in a low tone.
"No communication between the prisoner and witnesses," said the Tommy atonce, as he moved nearer as if to enforce his demands. Pud looked overat Bill with a sort of reproach in his eyes, for he had heard theremark. Bob kept his eyes front for he was very much interested in thecomings and goings of the officers, orderlies and soldiers that came andwent throughout the hall.
"Captain Davidson," said the orderly as he returned, "the Commandantrequests that you send in the prisoner and witnesses to him at once.'
"Very well," said the Captain. "Here they are and I hand them over toyou together with Private Watkins, who arrested them."
They were then marched into the next room where they found a bigwhite-haired man sitting at a desk busily engaged. The orderly stoppedhis charges at a respectful distance. The Commandant kept on writing fora few minutes but suddenly he turned around and g
ave a sharp andpiercing look at the young Americans.
"Americans," said he, in rather a relieved tone. "Captain Abercrombie,let me know the gist of this affair."
"Major-General Norris, I shall have to ask Private Watson to give youthe details at first hand, for as yet I know nothing about the matter,except that one of these young men is accused of being a spy."
"Private Watson, give me the details of the matter."
"Your Excellency," said Private Watson, "I know nothing more than thatas I stood at my post on the Ramparts, near Gun No. 145, I saw thisyoung man (pointing to Bill) suddenly produce one of those very smallGerman cameras and try to take a photo of the gun and its location."
"Young man, is this so?" asked the Commandant in a serious voice.
"It is so, except that I did not intend to do any harm; the gun seemedvery picturesque to me and I wanted a photo of it," said Bill.
"Were you not told that you should leave cameras of all kinds with thegateman?" asked the Commandant.
"No," said Bill. "We came in a carriage and nothing was said to us."
"Then, you were given a card and asked to read it, were you not?"continued the Commandant.
"Yes," said Bill, "but to tell the truth, I didn't read it carefully."
"Where is that card?" was the next question.
Bill fumbled in his pocket and in a moment held it out.
"Private Watson, kindly show the prisoner the order relating tocameras," said the Commandant.
Private Watson then came forward and, taking the card, he showed Billthe paragraph stating that all cameras must be left at the gate.
"I am very sorry, sir, that I was so careless," said Bill. "I did notthink that anything I could do would get me into trouble here and Ididn't think it necessary to read the card. There were so many thingsto see that I just put it in my pocket."
"That is not much of an excuse," said the Commandant in a stern voice."You must remember that you are here in a military fortress and that wecan't be too strict in some matters."
"I recognize that now, but I assure you that I had no motive whatever intaking the picture except to get a unique photo," said Bill humbly.
The Commandant for the next ten minutes put the three boys through aregular third degree examination. They told him who they were, wherethey came from, who their parents were, what business they were in, anda hundred other questions.
"Boys," said the Commandant, "I'm afraid that I'll have to detain youuntil Captain Abercrombie here can verify some of your statements."
Then, turning to the orderly, he said,
"Captain Abercrombie, call up the Chateau and see if these three areregistered there as they state. Send Private Watson out to the West Gateto get the driver who took them to the Plains of Abraham this afternoon.Call up the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company's office and see ifpassage is booked for to-morrow for three in the name of Hunt. Lookthrough their luggage at the Chateau and report as soon as possible."
"Very well, your Excellency," said the Captain, and saluting, hevanished.
"Private Watson," said the Commandant.
"At your orders, sir," said the private, clicking his heels as hesaluted.
"Take these young gentlemen to the guard-house and remain with themuntil I send Captain Abercrombie to you with orders for their release."
"Very well, your Excellency," said Private Watson, as he led the way outof the room.
The boys followed him through the big room, out into the air and along apath until they came to a smaller building with iron bars at thewindows. Private Watson had to stop and tell the nature of the errand tothe soldier at the door, who finally saluted and let them in. They foundthemselves in a rather large antechamber. After a talk with the Captainin charge, the boys were led to a bright airy room on the second floor.
"I've brought you here, boys," said Private Watson, "because you canlook out of the windows and find something to interest yourselves with.I can tell by the way in which Major-General Norris spoke that he thinksyou are all right, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. When youget tired of seeing the scenery, take a look at those old guns in thecases over there."
Thereupon, their escort left them and could be seen pacing in front ofthe door.
"You're a fine specimen," said Pud, as soon as the door was closed.
"Ah, what's the matter?" said Bill. "I suppose you think that I broughtthe camera along just to get us into trouble."
"You didn't seem to think it was serious a little while ago," repliedPud. "Then, you said it was a lark. This is a fine lark. If we're kepthere, we'll miss our boat to-morrow and that will make us miss the otherboat to Escoumains and then Mr. Waterman won't know where we are and itwill ball everything up."
"Dry up, you old tear-bag," said Bob. "This isn't very serious. I cansee why it's only right that they should be very careful around afortress and any trouble we're in is our own fault, but CaptainAbercrombie will find everything straight and we'll be out of here justin time to have a good dinner and to talk over our experience withgusto."
"I hope so, I hope so," said Pud, in such a dejected tone that even Billhad to laugh at him.
"Gee, I'm sorry, Bob, to get you two into all this trouble," said Billto Bob.
"Don't worry. Things will be all right."
The boys then busied themselves watching the boats ply to and fro on thebroad St. Lawrence. The people seemed like small flies far down on theesplanade near the Chateau Frontenac, while further down on the wharves,they could see a jumbled mass of people, carriages, carts, wagons, etc.,all indicating how busy things were in Quebec. They found plenty tointerest them, but at last they turned and began to examine the oldmuskets and arms in the cases by the walls.
"Gee, here's a good one," said Bill. "It's a musket that used to belongto old Count Frontenac. What do you think of that?"
"Who was Fronty?" asked Pud.
"Count Frontenac was one of the greatest governors that Canada ever hadin the time of the French regime."
"He was a great man, as our forefathers found out in the time of theFrench and Indian wars," said Bob. "There are so many stories told,showing what a wonderful man he was. It's like a touch of the past tolook at a gun that such a famous man once used."
"That's all right," said Pud, "but it don't help us any in getting outof here."
"Don't get impatient," said Bob. "It will take some time to look up thevarious things about us."
"That's so, but it's commencing to get dark and I'm getting hungry,"said Pud.
"I thought so," said Bob. "I thought it had something to do with yourstomach."
"It's too bad that I got into this," said Bill.
"Cut it out, Bill," said Bob. "I've really enjoyed myself so far, forwhen you come to think of it, we're not in the slightest danger. At theworst, we can call for aid on the American consul here and make himstraighten out the matter."
"That's so," said Pud. "I never thought of that."
"Of course, you didn't, you big puddenhead," said Bob. "At your time oflife, you have difficulty in thinking of anything but your stomach."
A little later, Captain Abercrombie came to the door. The boys rushedover to hear what he had to say.
"I am instructed by Major-General Norris, the Commandant, to say to youthat he regrets the inconvenience to which you have been put. He findsthat the information given him is correct in every particular, and hefeels that there was no idea of spying on your part. At the same time,he desires to recommend to all of you that in future, on going into afortress, whether here or elsewhere, that when given a card ofinstructions, you read and act according to the same. He desires thatyou be set at liberty at once and has a military carriage at the WestGate to drive you to the Chateau. Private Watson, will you kindly seethe gentlemen to the West Gate, where you will find the carriage ready?With your permission, I shall also accompany you as far as theCommandant's office."
"Hurray," said Pud. "I knew it would be all right."
"I'm
sorry to have put you to all this trouble, Captain," said Bill."I'm sure that I'll be more careful in the future."
"It was no bother. I am glad that you got off so easily. We have to becareful here at all times, for this is, you know, the strongest fortressin His Majesty's great Dominion, and its secrets must be guarded."
On arriving at the Commandant's office the captain left them, and it wasnot long afterwards that they were sitting around a table at the ChateauFrontenac, chatting and laughing and having a good feed, as Pudexpressed it.
"That experience of ours seems just like a dream to me," said Bob, asthe waiter left to get the dessert.
"It was no dream," said Pud. "If that old Major-General Norris had notbeen such a thoroughbred, he might have given us a peck of trouble."
"Never again for me," said Bill. "If ever I go into a public place andthey give me directions, I'm going to listen and do what's ordered."
"What's doing to-night?" asked Pud, who was always looking for fun insome form or other.
"Nothing much," replied Bob. "I understand that there's a band concertby the Highland Regiment band on the Esplanade this evening. We canlisten to that for a while and then get to bed. We must be up early asthe boat leaves for Tadousac at seven o'clock to-morrow morning."
"I'll never make it," said Pud.
"You'll make it, all right," said Bob. "We're all sleeping in the sameroom and I have a call in for five-thirty. That will give us time to getup and have a decent breakfast before going."
The boys enjoyed the band concert after their dinner. On the broad-walkon the river side of the Chateau, a large crowd gathered and saunteredup and down listening to the excellent music. The scene was interestingto the boys mainly because of the many kinds of military dress that wassprinkled throughout the crowd. The military men gave a touch of the OldWorld to the scene that was different from anything that the boys hadever noted in the United States. In good time they turned in, andfive-thirty saw Bob out of bed and on top of Pud, who said that he couldnot get awake.
"I'll waken you up, you lazy dog," said Bob, as he jumped on Pud's bed.This action thoroughly aroused Pud, and a five minutes' wrestling matchresulted in Bob's being finally buried beneath the covers.
"Help, Bill," yelled Bob. "This big elephant will crush the life out ofme if you do not come to my assistance."
Bill, thereupon, rushed over and grabbed Pud by the shoulders with sucha force that he finally had to cry quits.
"Oh, all right," said Pud, "but it takes two of you to do it."
"Let's hurry," said Bob. "I have ordered oatmeal, buckwheat cakes andmaple sirup, poached eggs on toast, chops--"
"Stop, stop," yelled Pud. "My mouth's watering now. I'll beat you all tothe dining room."
Ten minutes later they were having their last breakfast in Quebec formany a long day. A little later, they drove down to the wharf and weresoon on board. They found the boat large and roomy and filled withtourists, taking the Saguenay trip, that is, the trip from Quebec toMurray Bay, to Tadousac and up the far-famed Saguenay to Chicoutimi. Thescenery is noted all over the world as this is one of the bigsight-seeing trips of the Western continent. It was not long until theyswung out into the stream and headed for the Ile d'Orleans which liesjust below Quebec. Further along, they looked over to the northern bankof the river and saw the famous Montmorency Falls.
"I was going to suggest yesterday that we go down to Montmorency fordinner last night," said Bob. "Father told me to do this, but ouradventure at the Citadel made this out of the question."
"That's too bad," said Bill.
"That was some business," said Pud. "I thought it was all over with usfor awhile. I was dreaming of dungeons deep for weeks to come."
"Don't exaggerate, Pud," said Bob. "We might have had a lot of trouble.I wonder what that fine church over there is."
"That's the well known St. Ann de Beaupre cathedral," said an Englishmanor Canadian standing nearby.
"I never heard of it," said Bill.
"It's easily seen that you're not a Roman Catholic," said the stranger."I can't imagine a Catholic ever coming to Quebec without knowing of thevirtues and miracles of St. Ann."
"I must confess my ignorance too," said Bob.
"Well, St. Ann de Beaupre is the patron saint of this particular parishand for many, many years she had been doing miracles in that little townover yonder. That magnificent church is a tribute donated by thehundreds that have been blessed by her ministrations."
"In what special field does the gracious Saint consent to show herpower?" asked Bob, with his best manner.
"Towards the crippled," said the stranger. "Hundreds of crutches havebeen left in that church as proof of the divine powers of St. Ann."
"Is that so?" said Pud.
"Yes, and there really seems to be some miraculous influence at work."
"We must go there when we are coming home," said Bob.
"It will pay you," said the stranger, "for you will see there somethings to be seen in no other part of North America except in Mexico."
As they went down the river it gradually broadened, until they weresteaming along on what looked more like an inland sea than a river. Indue time, they came to the famous northern watering place, Murray Bay.The ship stopped there for some time and the boys had a chance to hire acarriage and go up into the town. They saw some nice hotels andevidences of fashionable country places. It was getting dark as theycame off the mouth of the Saguenay River, and the high rocks on eitherside as they moved on gave one the impression of great depth. Thisimpression was correct, as the river flows along a cleft in the stratarather than along any bed that has been made by the action of the watersthemselves. They moved into a wharf that merely jutted out from therocky shore. Everything was confusion, for there did not seem to be anyone but Frenchmen on the wharf. The boys got off and waited in the glareof a big torch light, made after the fashion of the lights used byitinerant showmen. No Mr. Waterman appeared.
"What was the name of that hotel?" asked Bob of Bill.
"I can't remember it, but I have it in my notebook," said Bill.
"Look it up, for if Mr. Waterman does not come soon, we'll go up thereas he directed us. Let's get our baggage."
They collected this and were just on the point of making a start whenBill was slapped on the back and turned to see Mr. Waterman standingbefore them, dressed for the woods.
"How are you boys?" asked Mr. Waterman, as he turned to Bob and Pud.
"Fine as silk," said Pud. "We were just going to try to find that littlehotel you wrote us about."
"We'll go up there to-night anyway and take the early boat down theriver in the morning. I've engaged rooms for you there and an earlybreakfast."
"Oh, Lord!" said Pud. "Early breakfast again. I'll be a 'shadder' of myformer self if this early rising stunt is to be my regular medicine."
"Get used to it," said Mr. Waterman, "for you'll be up early from nowon, only some days it will be earlier than others. But I'll guaranteethat you'll get all the sleep that's good for you."
"All right, I'm game," said Pud. "I came up here to have a good time andget into condition. You're the doctor and I'll not kick on taking themedicine."
"It will be the sweetest medicine you ever had," said Mr. Waterman."Why, boy, we're going to have a real man's time this summer and you'llbe the first one to say so six weeks from now."
Bob Hunt in Canada Page 1
