V
AT MIWASA LANDING
Miwasa Landing is the jumping-off place of civilization; here, atTrudeau's, is the last billiard table, and the last piano; here, thewayfarer sleeps for the last time on springs, and eats his last "square"ere the wilderness swallows him. It is at once the rendezvous, the placeof good-byes, and the gossip-exchange of the North; here, the incomerfirst apprehends the intimate, village spirit of that vast land, where aman's doings are registered with more particularity than in the smallesthamlet outside. For where there are not, in half a million square miles,enough white men to fill a room, or as many white women as a man hasfingers, each individual fills a large space in the picture. Away up inFort Somervell, three months' journey from Prince George, they speak of"town" as if it were five miles off.
And Trudeau's on the river bank, quite imposing with its three storiesand its gingerbread gallery, is the nucleus of it all. Trudeau's is areminder of the jolly bustling inns of a century ago. The traders, thepolicemen, the mail-carriers, the rivermen and the freighters come andgo; each sits for a day or two in the row of chairs tipped back againstthe wall--for no one is ever in a hurry in the North--gives his news,if he be on the way "out"; takes it if he be coming "in"; and appointsto meet his friends there next year. The commonest type of all is thegenial dilettante, the man who traps a little, prospects a little, growsa few potatoes, and loafs a great deal. Trudeau's is also the eddy whichsooner or later sucks in the derelicts of the country, sons or brothersof somebody, incredibly unshaven and down at heel; capitalists ofbluster and labourers with the tongue.
Such was the crowd that witnessed Natalie's arrival open-mouthed; andsuch the individuals that fastened themselves in turn on Garth, withthe determination of extracting a full explanation of the phenomenon.Garth succeeded in avoiding at the same time giving offense and givinginformation. But he could not prevent a fine podful of rumours frombursting at the Landing, and scattering seeds broadcast over the North.
He found a letter awaiting him from the Bishop.
"I find," he wrote, "that Captain Jack Dexter's steamboat will be going up the river to the Warehouse in the middle of the week; and as my preparations are completed a day or two earlier than I expected, I am starting on ahead with my outfit. You will probably overtake us in the big river, as we have to track all the way; but should you be delayed, I will go on up the rapids; and will see that a wagon is waiting for you at the Warehouse, to bring you to me at Pierre Toma's house on Musquasepi. This will be more comfortable for you, as all this first part of the journey is tedious up-stream work."
The good man little suspected when he wrote it what a quandary his kindlynote would throw Garth into.
After supper, he and Natalie, sitting in the rigid little parlourupstairs, talked it over; while Mademoiselle Trudeau, aged fifteen, soughtto entertain them by rendering effete popular songs on the famous piano.From below came the rise and fall of deep-voiced talk, and the incessantclick of billiard balls.
Natalie made a picture of adorable perplexity to Garth's eyes as she said:"What would you advise me to do?"
"How can I advise you?" he said, looking away; "I do not know all thecircumstances."
"But I can't tell you now," she said appealingly. "Don't you see, myreasons for going must not be allowed to influence our decision as towhether I _can_ go?"
Garth did not exactly see this; but unwilling to beg for her confidence,he remained silent.
"My trouble is," she continued presently, "that if we follow the Bishopand overtake him, he'll virtually be obliged to take me; and I do notwish to force myself on him."
"As to that," Garth said, "one has to give and take in the North. It's notlike it is outside. Besides, we pay our own score you know; and carry ourown grub. I'll answer for the Bishop."
"Then I see no reason why I should not go," she said.
The journey with her stretched itself rosily before Garth's mind's eye;but his instinct to take care of her made him oppose it. "There is me,"he said diffidently; "travelling alone with me, I mean. Even in theNorth a girl is obliged to consider what people will say."
Natalie shook her shoulders impatiently. "There's not the slightestuse urging reasons of propriety," she said resolutely. "As long asmy conscience is clear, I can't afford to consider it. This is tooimportant. It affects my whole life," she added in a deeper voice."There's something up there I have to find out!"
Something in this made Garth's hopes lift up a little; for she did notspeak as one whose heart was in thrall.
Mademoiselle Trudeau concluded her piece with an ear-tearing discord;and turned, self-consciously inviting applause.
"How well you play, dear!" said Natalie, the wheedler. "Isn't it niceto have music away up here! Try something else."
The performer, adoring Natalie, promptly turned her pig-tails to themagain, and attacked "Two Little Girls in Blue." Garth groaned.
"Discourages listeners," remarked Natalie, indicating the curtaineddoorway.
"So," she continued presently, "if you haven't any better reasons tourge against it, we'll consider the matter settled."
"Couldn't I go for you?" asked Garth.
She resolutely shook her head. "I have promised," she said.
"It was a promise given in ignorance of the conditions," Garth persistedwith rough tenderness. "This wild country is no place for you. I couldnot bear to see you wet and hungry and cold and tired, and all that isbefore us--besides dangers we may not suspect."
Natalie faced him with shining eyes. "Clumsy man!" she cried--but therewas tenderness in her scorn too. "Do you think this is persuading me notto go? I'm not a doll; I won't spoil with a little rough handling! If youonly knew how I longed to experience the real; to work for my living, toget under the surface of things!"
Garth, amazed and admiring of her bold spirit, was silenced.
As they were parting for the night, she said: "As soon as the steamboatcasts off, and it's too late to turn back, I will tell you what I haveto do up there."
* * * * *
Next morning Garth sought an interview with Captain Jack Dexter of the_Aurora Borealis_. At once proprietor, skipper and business manager ofhis boat, and serenely independent of competition, he was a type newto Garth. His single concession to sea-faring attire was a yachting capseveral sizes too small, perched on his spreading brown curls. His facewas red; his eyes anxious, blue and bulging. He had the unwholesome,frenetic aspect of the patent medicine enthusiast, not uncommon in theNorth. Garth interrupted him in a grave discussion of the relativemerits of "Pain Killer" and "Golden Discovery."
"I may take a run up to the Warehouse," he said guardedly, in answer tothe question. "I'll let you know to-morrow."
"Aren't you sure of going?" asked Garth in some dismay.
"Never sure of nothing in this world," said Captain Jack, with a glancearound the circle, sure of applause.
Garth bit his lip. "Haven't you freight to go up?" he asked quietly.
"Plenty of freight offered me," said the skipper coolly. "Plenty to godown-stream too."
"But it's highly important I should know what you're going to do," saidGarth with increasing heat.
Captain Jack cocked a wary eye at the sky, and spat. "No water in theriver," he said at length.
"Then you're _not_ going," said Garth.
"Didn't say so," said Captain Jack. "May rain shortly, and bring her upan inch or so."
The sky was clear and speckless as an azure bowl. "Do you mean I've gotto wait around here indefinitely on the bare chance of its raining?"demanded Garth.
"Told the Bishop I'd bring you up," said Captain Jack in his detachedway. "Reckon I can't break my word to the Church."
"Well, why didn't you say so in the beginning?" said Garth, wondering ifthis was a joke. "When will you be starting?"
"Oh, to-morrow, maybe," said the skipper without suspecting the leasthumour in the situation; "or Thursday--or Friday; whenev
er I can get theboys together. You just stay around and I'll let you know."
With this Garth was forced to be content.
Next there was the business of laying in supplies from the "Company."Garth tasted to the full the sweets of partnership, as he and Nataliegauged each other's appetite, and made their calculations. Paul Smileyaccompanied them in the capacity of expert adviser; but the old man wasinclined to be scandalized at the extravagant luxuries Garth insisted onadding to the five great staples of Northern travel; viz., bacon, flour,baking-powder, tea and sugar. Garth must have besides, canned vegetablesand milk for Natalie; also cocoa, jam and fresh butter. The whole wascontained in four goodly boxes.
"Mercy!" exclaimed Natalie. "Fancy our two little selves getting outsideall that! Picture us waddling back to civilization."
Garth also made the necessary rougher additions to her wardrobe; andbought her a rifle of small calibre.
In the afternoon, with strict injunctions to Natalie to remain indoorsduring his absence, he set off to a half-breed cabin a mile up theriver, to obtain a supply of moccasins for both. Mademoiselle Trudeauundertook to bear Natalie company at home.
He had not been gone long before the Convent-bred child with her precisephrases began to get on the nerves of the irrepressible Natalie. At thesame time the exquisite clarity of the Northern summer air, the delicatemantling blue overhead, and the liquid sunshine on the foliage all beganto tempt her sorely. Across the road a field of squirrel-tail, dimplingsilkily in the breeze, stretched to the river bank, and she saw shecould cross it without passing any house. Natalie was never the one toresist such a lure; she sent the child away on an imaginary errand, andslipping out by the side door, crossed the field, and gained the bankwithout, as she fondly hoped, having been seen by the row of gossiperswith their chairs tipped back against the front of the building.Rejoicing in her freedom, she followed the path Garth had taken alongthe edge of the bank, thinking how pleasant it would be to surprise himcoming home, and planning how she would cajole him into forgiving herdisobedience. The thought of Garth's being angry with her caused astrange, vague little thrill, half dismay, half pleasure.
Natalie had not escaped the hotel unobserved; as she went leisurelywaving her banners along the river path, a gross, burly figure withdowncast head followed, pausing when she paused, and taking advantageof the taller bushes for cover. It was not characteristic of Natalieto look behind her; she continued her zigzag course all unconscious;sweeping her skirts through the grass, and ever and anon whistlingsnatches like a bird. Presently finding herself among wild raspberrybushes laden with fruit, she gave herself up to delicate feasting;searching among the leaves bright-eyed, like a bird, and popping theberries into her mouth--the raspberries paled beside the bloomy lipsthat parted to receive them. At last she plumped down on a stone besidethe path; and gazing up the unknown river of her journey, thought herbirdlike thoughts.
Nick Grylls appeared around the bushes. For the fraction of a secondshe was utterly dismayed; then sharply calling in her flying forces, shenodded politely, as one nods to a passer-by; and looked elsewhere.
But the man had no intention of taking the hint. He had the grace topull off his hat--the first time he had bared his head to a woman inmany a long day--and he paused, awkwardly searching in his mind for theingratiating thing to say. What he finally blurted out was not at allwhat he intended.
"You think I'm a coarse, rude fellow, Miss," he said with the air of awhipped schoolboy.
Natalie's thoughts beat their wings desperately against her head. Here,indeed, was a situation to try the pluck of a highly civilized younglady. What should she do? What should she say? What tone should shetake? In the end she was quite honest.
"You have never given me any reason to think otherwise," she said. Hersecret agitation peeped out in the added briskness of her tones.
Grylls incessantly turned his hat brim in his fat freckled hands. "I amnot as bad as you think," he said dully. "Somehow I seem to have a worselook when I am by you."
Natalie let it go at that.
"I ain't had early advantages," he continued. "I never learned how todress spruce; and talk good grammar. But a man may have good metal inhim for all that."
"Certainly!" said Natalie crisply.
"There ain't no reason why we shouldn't be friends," he said humbly.
"None at all," she returned. "Neither do I see any reason why we shouldbe."
"But say, I can help you up here," he said eagerly. "I know the ropes. Ihave the trick of mastering the breeds. I have money in the country. Ican do what I like."
"You wouldn't want me to simulate friendship for the purpose of usingyou?" said Natalie.
"Yes, I would," he sullenly returned. "I'd take your good will on anyterms."
The difficulties of her position, it seemed to her, were increasing ata frightful ratio. The fact that Garth might at any moment come face toface with Grylls only added to her fears. But she gave Grylls no signof the weakness within.
"I can't make believe to be friendly," she said briefly. "I give itgladly when I can."
"Show me what to do to be friends with you," he pleaded, not withouteloquence. "I have the time and the money and the determination to doit--anything!"
But it was impossible Natalie should feel the slightest pity for acreature of so gross an aspect. "I cannot show you," she said coolly."You must teach yourself."
Grylls began to be encouraged by his own rising passion. "All I ask isa fair show," he said in a more assured voice. "Give me a chance as wellas this squib of a reporter you picked up in Prince George. What can_he_ do for you? Let me take you to the Bishop. I can carry his wholeparty through the country at a rate he never thought of!"
Downright anger now came to Natalie's aid. "My arrangements are made,"she said curtly. "I do not care to change them."
Grylls's eyes quailed again under the direct look of hers; and a deeperred crept under his skin. His tone changed. "If I can't help, I canhinder," he muttered.
"Threats will not help you," said Natalie, instantly and clearly.
"You don't know what you're up against," he continued, still muttering,"I tell you I carry the breeds in my pocket. No white man knows them butme. I can hold you up wherever I please. I've only to give the word andyou'll starve on the trail--you and your reporter!"
Natalie arose. For the moment she was too angry to speak. The man lookedon her flashing beauty; and in the madness of his desire to possess ithe forgot his awe of her.
"God! How beautiful you are!" was forced from his breast like a groan."You poison a man's blood!" His speech came in thick blurts likeclotting blood. "What business have you got up here? This is no countryfor the likes of you!... I was a strong man before you came; and sinceI looked at you I'm sick ... sick ... sick ... you've stolen my manhoodout of me! Don't you owe me common civility in return? I'd fawn like adog for a kindly look!... But don't you provoke me too far--don't think,because maybe I can't meet your eye, I couldn't crush you--or haveothers do it! You and your damned follower!... Oh, that would give meease!"
Natalie's breath came like a frightened bird's. Flight she realizedwas dangerous--but it was as dangerous to stay; and how could she staylistening to such impieties! Nick Grylls's own bulk cut off her retreatin the direction of the settlement--but somewhere in the other directionwas Garth. She sized up the man in a darting glance; his swollen bulkpromised shortness of breath.
He made a move toward her. "What's to prevent me from taking you now?"he muttered.
Natalie, turning, fled along the path; running like a bird withincredibly swift, short steps.
Nick Grylls plunged after her, passion lending his great bulk lightnessand speed. The path, which is used for tracking boats up-stream, skirtedthe extreme edge of a high-cut-bank bordering the river. On the one handa single false step would have precipitated them to the beach twenty-fivefeet below; on the other hand the branches of an impenetrable undergrowthscourged their faces as they ran. Here and there the rain ha
d worn deepfissures, across which leaped the nymph Natalie, with the panting Silenusclose at her heels. She was running desperately over unfamiliar ground,knowing nothing of what lay ahead. She got away quicker than he; but hegained on her. The pursuer always has the advantage, in that he canmeasure his distance; and the quarry must make the pace.
The scene flashed past her like the half-sensed panorama of a hideousdream. She dared not look over her shoulder, but she could hear hisheavy steps falling closer and closer. "He can run faster than I," shethought; and a dreadful sinking clutched her heart. She hazarded afearful glance at the water below. The man's fingers clawed at her back.In another instant she would have leapt over; but she felt the groundtremble and give under her feet. She staggered, and with a desperateleap, gained a firm foothold beyond. Behind her, with a rumble and ahissing roar a great section of the bank half slid, half fell to theriver beach beneath, carrying down bushes, trees, stones--and herpursuer.
She ran on without a backward look. In her thankful heart she could nowspare a glance of pity for the half-crazed man; but it did not carry herto the length of stopping to see what had befallen him.
A little way farther on, the bank flattened down into a little valley,which conveyed a brook to the river. A path struck inland here. Natalie,leaping from stone to stone across the stream, suddenly saw Garth'sfigure heave into sight around a bend in the path. Instantly sheslackened her pace; and her hands went to her breast to control theagitation of the tenant there. She did not intend he should learn whathad happened.
So when they met she was perfectly quiet; but her eyes were luminous,and her voice had a new dove-like note. To tell the truth, at the sightof him striding along, pipe in mouth, with an interested eye for allthat showed; so cool and strong; so honest and clean and young; afterwhat she had just been through, Natalie was hard put to it to forbearcasting herself on his breast forthwith, and letting her heart stillitself there.
He instantly started to scold her for venturing so far alone. She wasglad to be scolded. She could not help slipping her arm through hisfor a moment, just to feel that he was there.
"I will be good," she murmured in a moved, vibrant tone, like the deepestnote of the oboe. "Hereafter I will do exactly as you say."
Garth trembled at the sound; and was silent in the excess of hishappiness.
Returning, upon reaching the path up the valley, she made him turn inland;and they pursued a roundabout course back to the hotel. Nick Grylls,unhurt except as to certain abrasions of the countenance, and furiouslysullen, had reached there before them. During the rest of their stay hecarefully avoided them; but Garth was more than once conscious of thevenomous little eyes fixed upon him.