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diff --git a/6223-h/6223-h.htm b/6223-h/6223-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05fd350 --- /dev/null +++ b/6223-h/6223-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2095 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The March of the White Guard, by Gilbert Parker + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Project Gutenberg's The March Of The White Guard, by Gilbert Parker + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The March Of The White Guard + +Author: Gilbert Parker + +Release Date: October 18, 2006 [EBook #6223] +Last Updated: August 27, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MARCH OF THE WHITE GUARD *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + THE MARCH OF THE WHITE GUARD + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Gilbert Parker + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> XI </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + I + </h2> + <p> + “Ask Mr. Hume to come here for a moment, Gosse,” said Field, the chief + factor, as he turned from the frosty window of his office at Fort + Providence, one of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s posts. The servant, or more + properly, Orderly-Sergeant Gosse, late of the Scots Guards, departed on + his errand, glancing curiously at his master’s face as he did so. The + chief factor, as he turned round, unclasped his hands from behind him, + took a few steps forward, then standing still in the centre of the room, + read carefully through a letter which he had held in the fingers of his + right hand for the last ten minutes as he scanned the wastes of snow + stretching away beyond Great Slave Lake to the arctic circle. He meditated + a moment, went back to the window, looked out again, shook his head + negatively, and with a sigh, walked over to the huge fireplace. He stood + thoughtfully considering the floor until the door opened and sub-factor + Jaspar Hume entered. + </p> + <p> + The factor looked up and said: “Hume, I’ve something here that’s been + worrying me a bit. This letter came in the monthly batch this morning. It + is from a woman. The company sends another commending the cause of the + woman and urging us to do all that is possible to meet her wishes. It + seems that her husband is a civil engineer of considerable fame. He had a + commission to explore the Coppermine region and a portion of the Barren + Grounds. He was to be gone six months. He has been gone a year. He left + Fort Good Hope, skirted Great Bear Lake, and reached the Coppermine River. + Then he sent back all of the Indians who accompanied him but two, they + bearing the message that he would make the Great Fish River and come down + by Great Slave Lake to Fort Providence. That was nine months ago. He has + not come here, nor to any other of the forts, so far as is known, nor has + any word been received from him. His wife, backed by the H.B.C., urges + that a relief party be sent to look for him. They and she forget that this + is the arctic region, and that the task is a well-nigh hopeless one. He + ought to have been here six months ago. Now how can we do anything? Our + fort is small, and there is always danger of trouble with the Indians. We + can’t force men to join a relief party like this, and who will volunteer? + Who would lead such a party and who will make up the party to be led?” + </p> + <p> + The brown face of Jaspar Hume was not mobile. It changed in expression but + seldom; it preserved a steady and satisfying character of intelligence and + force. The eyes, however, were of an inquiring, debating kind, that moved + from one thing to another as if to get a sense of balance before opinion + or judgment was expressed. The face had remained impassive, but the eyes + had kindled a little as the factor talked. To the factor’s despairing + question there was not an immediate reply. The eyes were debating. But + they suddenly steadied and Jaspar Hume said sententiously: “A relief party + should go.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, but who is to lead them?” + </p> + <p> + Again the eyes debated. + </p> + <p> + “Read her letter,” said the factor, handing it over. Jaspar Hume took it + and mechanically scanned it. The factor had moved towards the table for + his pipe or he would have seen the other start, and his nostrils slightly + quiver, as his eyes grew conscious of what they were seeing. Turning + quickly, Hume walked towards the window as though for more light, and with + his back to the factor he read the letter. Then he turned and said: “I + think this thing should be done.” + </p> + <p> + The factor shrugged his shoulders slightly. “Well, as to that, I think so + too, but thinking and doing are two different things, Hume.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you leave the matter in my hands until the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, and glad to do so. You are the only man who can arrange + the affair, if it is to be done at all. But I tell you, as you know, that + everything will depend upon a leader, even if you secure the men.... So + you had better keep the letter for to-night. It may help you to get the + men together. A woman’s handwriting will do more than a man’s word any + time.” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume’s eyes had been looking at the factor, but they were studying + something else. His face seemed not quite so fresh as it was a few minutes + before. + </p> + <p> + “I will see you at ten o’clock to-morrow morning, Mr. Field,” he said + quietly. “Will you let Gosse come to me in an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Good-night.” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume let himself out. He walked across a small square to a log + house and opened a door which creaked and shrieked with the frost. A dog + sprang upon him as he did so, and rubbed its head against his breast. He + touched the head as if it had been that of a child, and said: “Lie down, + Bouche.” + </p> + <p> + It did so, but it watched him as he doffed his dogskin cap and buffalo + coat. He looked round the room slowly once as though he wished to fix it + clearly and deeply in his mind. Then he sat down and held near the + firelight the letter the factor had given him. His features grew stern and + set as he read it. Once he paused in the reading and looked into the fire, + drawing his breath sharply between his teeth. Then he read it to the end + without a sign. A pause, and he said aloud: “So this is how the lines meet + again, Varre Lepage!” He read the last sentence of the letter aloud: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In the hope that you may soon give me good news of my husband, + I am, with all respect, + + Faithfully yours, + + ROSE LEPAGE. +</pre> + <p> + Again he repeated: “With all respect, faithfully yours, Rose Lepage.” + </p> + <p> + The dog Bouche looked up. Perhaps it detected something unusual in the + voice. It rose, came over, and laid its head on its master’s knee. Hume’s + hand fell gently on the head, and he said to the fire: “Ah, Rose Lepage, + you can write to Factor Field what you dare not write to your husband if + you knew. You might say to him then, ‘With all love,’ but not ‘With all + respect.’” + </p> + <p> + He folded the letter and put it in his pocket. Then he took the dog’s head + between his hands and said: “Listen, Bouche, and I will tell you a story.” + The dog blinked, and pushed its nose against his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Ten years ago two young men who had studied and graduated together at the + same college were struggling together in their profession as civil + engineers. One was Clive Lepage and the other was Jaspar Hume. The one was + brilliant and persuasive, the other, persistent and studious. Lepage could + have succeeded in any profession; Hume had only heart and mind for one. + </p> + <p> + “Only for one, Bouche, you understand. He lived in it, he loved it, he saw + great things to be achieved in it. He had got an idea. He worked at it + night and day, he thought it out, he developed it, he perfected it, he was + ready to give it to the world. But he was seized with illness, became + blind, and was ordered to a warm climate for a year. He left his idea, his + invention, behind him—his complete idea. While he was gone his bosom + friend stole his perfected idea—yes, stole it, and sold it for + twenty thousand dollars. He was called a genius, a great inventor. And + then he married her. You don’t know her, Bouche. You never saw beautiful + Rose Varcoe, who, liking two men, chose the one who was handsome and + brilliant, and whom the world called a genius. Why didn’t Jaspar Hume + expose him, Bouche? Proof is not always easy, and then he had to think of + her. One has to think of a woman in such a case, Bouche. Even a dog can + see that.” + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a moment, and then he said: “Come, Bouche. You will keep + secret what I show you.” + </p> + <p> + He went to a large box in the corner, unlocked it, and took out a model + made of brass and copper and smooth but unpolished wood. + </p> + <p> + “After ten years of banishment, Bouche, Hume has worked out another idea, + you see. It should be worth ten times the other, and the world called the + other the work of a genius, dog.” + </p> + <p> + Then he became silent, the animal watching him the while. It had seen him + working at this model for many a day, but had never heard him talk so much + at a time as he had done this last ten minutes. He was generally a silent + man—decisive even to severity, careless carriers and shirking + under-officers thought. Yet none could complain that he was unjust. He was + simply straight-forward, and he had no sympathy with those who had not the + same quality. He had carried a drunken Indian on his back for miles, and + from a certain death by frost. He had, for want of a more convenient + punishment, promptly knocked down Jeff Hyde, the sometime bully of the + fort, for appropriating a bundle of furs belonging to a French half-breed, + Gaspe Toujours. But he nursed Jeff Hyde through an attack of pneumonia, + insisting at the same time that Gaspe Toujours should help him. The result + of it all was that Jeff Hyde and Gaspe Toujours became constant allies. + They both formulated their oaths by Jaspar Hume. The Indian, + Cloud-in-the-Sky, though by word never thanking his rescuer, could not be + induced to leave the fort, except on some mission with which Jaspar Hume + was connected. He preferred living an undignified, un-Indian life, and + earning food and shelter by coarsely labouring with his hands. He came at + least twice a week to Hume’s log house, and, sitting down silent and + cross-legged before the fire, watched the sub-factor working at his + drawings and calculations. Sitting so for perhaps an hour or more, and + smoking all the time, he would rise, and with a grunt, which was answered + by a kindly nod, would pass out as silently as he came. + </p> + <p> + And now as Jaspar Hume stood looking at his “Idea,” Cloud-in-the-Sky + entered, let his blanket fall by the hearthstone and sat down upon it. If + Hume saw him or heard him, he at least gave no sign at first. But he said + at last in a low tone to the dog: “It is finished, Bouche; it is ready for + the world.” + </p> + <p> + Then he put it back, locked the box, and turned towards Cloud-in-the-Sky + and the fireplace. The Indian grunted; the other nodded with the debating + look again dominant in his eyes. The Indian met the look with + satisfaction. There was something in Jaspar Hume’s habitual reticence and + decisiveness in action which appealed more to Cloud-in-the-Sky than any + freedom of speech could possibly have done. + </p> + <p> + Hume sat down, handed the Indian a pipe and tobacco, and, with arms + folded, watched the fire. For half an hour they sat so, white man, Indian, + and dog. Then Hume rose, went to a cupboard, took out some sealing wax and + matches, and in a moment melted wax was dropping upon the lock of the box + containing his Idea. He had just finished this as Sergeant Gosse knocked + at the door, and immediately afterwards entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “Gosse,” said the sub-factor, “find Jeff Hyde, Gaspe Toujours, and Late + Carscallen, and bring them here.” Sergeant Gosse immediately departed upon + this errand. Hume then turned to the Indian, and said “Cloud-in-the-Sky, I + want you to go a long journey hereaway to the Barren Grounds. Have twelve + dogs ready by nine to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + Cloud-in-the-Sky shook his head thoughtfully, and then after a pause said: + “Strong-back go too?” Strongback was his name for the sub-factor. But the + other either did not or would not hear. The Indian, however, appeared + satisfied, for he smoked harder afterwards, and grunted to himself many + times. A few moments passed, and then Sergeant Gosse entered, followed by + Jeff Hyde, Gaspe Toujours, and Late Carscallen. Late Carscallen had got + his name “Late” from having been called “The Late Mr. Carscallen” by the + chief factor because of his slowness. Slow as he was, however, the stout + Scotsman had more than once proved himself a man of rare merit according + to Hume’s ideas. He was, of course, the last to enter. + </p> + <p> + The men grouped themselves about the fire, Late Carscallen getting the + coldest corner. Each man drew his tobacco from his pocket, and, cutting + it, waited for Hume to speak. His eyes were debating as they rested on the + four. Then he took out Mrs. Lepage’s letter, and, with the group looking + at him, he read it aloud. When it was finished, Cloud-in-the-Sky gave a + guttural assent, and Gaspe Toujours, looking at Jeff Hyde, said: “It is + cold in the Barren Grounds. We shall need much tabac.” These men could + read without difficulty Hume’s reason for summoning them. To Gaspe + Toujours’ remark Jeff Hyde nodded affirmatively, and then all looked at + Late Carscallen. He opened his heavy jaws once or twice with an + animal-like sound, and then he said, in a general kind of way: + </p> + <p> + “To the Barren Grounds. But who leads?” + </p> + <p> + Hume was writing on a slip of paper, and he did not reply. The faces of + three of them showed just a shade of anxiety. They guessed who it would + be, but they were not sure. Cloud-in-the-Sky, however, grunted at them, + and raised the bowl of his pipe towards the subfactor. The anxiety then + seemed to disappear. + </p> + <p> + For ten minutes more they sat so, all silent. Then Hume rose, handed the + slip of paper to Sergeant Gosse, and said: “Attend to that at once, Gosse. + Examine the food and blankets closely.” + </p> + <p> + The five were left alone. + </p> + <p> + Then Hume spoke: “Jeff Hyde, Gaspe Toujours, Late Carscallen, and + Cloud-in-the-Sky, this man, alive or dead, is between here and the Barren + Grounds. He must be found—for his wife’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + He handed Jeff Hyde her letter. Jeff rubbed his fingers before he touched + the delicate and perfumed missive. Its delicacy seemed to bewilder him. He + said: in a rough but kindly way: “Hope to die if I don’t,” and passed it + on to Gaspe Toujours, who did not find it necessary to speak. His comrade + had answered for him. Late Carscallen held it inquisitively for a moment, + and then his jaws opened and shut as if he were about to speak. But before + he did so Hume said: “It is a long journey and a hard one. Those who go + may never come back. But this man was working for his country, and he has + got a wife—a good wife.” He held up the letter. “Late Carscallen + wants to know who will lead you. Can’t you trust me? I will give you a + leader that you will follow to the Barren Grounds. To-morrow you will know + who he is. Are you satisfied? Will you do it?” + </p> + <p> + The four rose, and Cloud-in-the-Sky nodded approvingly many times. Hume + held out his hand. Each man shook it, Jeff Hyde first. Then he said: + “Close up ranks for the H.B.C.!” (H.B.C. meaning, of course, Hudson’s Bay + Company.) + </p> + <p> + With a good man to lead them, these four would have stormed, alone, the + Heights of Balaklava. + </p> + <p> + Once more Hume spoke. “Go to Gosse and get your outfits at nine to-morrow + morning. Cloud-in-the-Sky, have your sleds at the store at eight o’clock, + to be loaded. Then all meet me at 10.15 at the office of the chief factor. + Good night.” + </p> + <p> + As they passed out into the semi-arctic night, Late Carscallen with an + unreal obstinacy said: “Slow march to the Barren Grounds—but who + leads?” + </p> + <p> + Left alone Hume sat down to the pine table at one end of the room and + after a short hesitation began to write. For hours he sat there, rising + only to put wood on the fire. The result was three letters: the largest + addressed to a famous society in London, one to a solicitor in Montreal, + and one to Mr. Field, the chief factor. They were all sealed carefully. + Then he rose, took out his knife, and went over to the box as if to break + the red seal. He paused, however, sighed, and put the knife back again. As + he did so he felt something touch his leg. It was the dog. + </p> + <p> + Hume drew in a sharp breath and said: “It was all ready, Bouche; and in + another six months I should have been in London with it. But it will go + whether I go or not—whether I go or not, Bouche.” + </p> + <p> + The dog sprang up and put his head against his master’s breast. + </p> + <p> + “Good dog, good dog, it’s all right, Bouche; however it goes, it’s all + right,” said Hume. + </p> + <p> + Then the dog lay down and watched his master until he drew the blankets to + his chin, and sleep drew oblivion over a fighting soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II + </h2> + <p> + At ten o’clock next morning Jaspar Hume presented himself at the chief + factor’s office. He bore with him the letters he had written the night + before. + </p> + <p> + The factor said: “Well, Hume, I am glad to see you. That woman’s letter + was on my mind all night. Have you anything to propose? I suppose not,” he + added despairingly, as he looked closely into the face of the other. “Yes, + Mr. Field, I propose that the expedition start at noon to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Start-at noon-to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “In two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are the party?” + </p> + <p> + “Jeff Hyde, Gaspe Toujours, Late Carscallen, and Cloud-in-the-Sky.” + </p> + <p> + “Who leads them, Hume? Who leads?” + </p> + <p> + “With your permission, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “You? But, man, consider the danger and—your invention!” + </p> + <p> + “I have considered all. Here are three letters. If we do not come back in + three months, you will please send this one, with the box in my room, to + the address on the envelope. This is for a solicitor in Montreal, which + you will also forward as soon as possible; and this last one is for + yourself; but you will not open it until the three months have passed. + Have I your permission to lead these men? They would not go without me.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, I know that, Hume. I can’t say no. Go, and good luck go with + you.” + </p> + <p> + Here the manly old factor turned away his head. He knew that Hume had done + right. He knew the possible sacrifice this man was making of all his + hopes, of his very life; and his sound Scotch heart appreciated the act to + the full. But he did not know all. He did not know that Jaspar Hume was + starting to search for the man who had robbed him of youth and hope and + genius and home. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a letter that the wife has written to her husband on the chance + of his getting it. You will take it with you, Hume. And the other she + wrote to me—shall I keep it?” He held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I will keep it, if you will allow me. It is my commission, you + know.” The shadow of a smile hovered about Hume’s lips. + </p> + <p> + The factor smiled kindly as he replied: “Ah, yes, your commission—Captain + Jaspar Hume of—of what?” Just then the door opened and there entered + the four men who had sat before the sub-factor’s fire the night before. + They were dressed in white blanket costumes from head to foot, white + woollen capotes covering the grey fur caps they wore. Jaspar Hume ran his + eye over them and then answered the factor’s question: “Of the White + Guard, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” was the reply. “Men, you are going on a relief expedition. There + will be danger. You need a good leader. You have one in Captain Hume.” + </p> + <p> + Jeff Hyde shook his head at the others with a pleased I-told-you-so + expression; Cloud-in-the-Sky grunted his deep approval; and Late + Carscallen smacked his lips in a satisfied manner and rubbed his leg with + a schoolboy sense of enjoyment. The factor continued: “In the name of the + Hudson’s Bay Company I will say that if you come back, having done your + duty faithfully, you shall be well rewarded. And I believe you will come + back, if it is in human power to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Here Jeff Hyde said: “It isn’t for reward we’re doin’ it, Mr. Field, but + because Mr. Hume wished it, because we believed he’d lead us; and for the + lost fellow’s wife. We wouldn’t have said we’d do it, if it wasn’t for him + that’s just called us the White Guard.” + </p> + <p> + Under the bronze of the sub-factor’s face there spread a glow more red + than brown, and he said simply: “Thank you, men”—for they had all + nodded assent to Jeff Hyde’s words—“come with me to the store. We + will start at noon.” + </p> + <p> + At noon the White Guard stood in front of the store on which the British + flag was hoisted with another beneath it bearing the magic letters, + H.B.C.: magic, because they opened to the world regions that seemed + destined never to know the touch of civilisation. The few inhabitants of + the fort were gathered at the store; the dogs and loaded sleds were at the + door. It wanted but two minutes to twelve when Hume came from his house, + dressed also in the white blanket costume, and followed by his dog, + Bouche. In a moment more he had placed Bouche at the head of the first + team of dogs. They were to have their leader too. Punctually at noon, Hume + shook hands with the factor, said a quick good-bye to the rest, called out + a friendly “How!” to the Indians standing near, and to the sound of a + hearty cheer, heartier perhaps because none had a confident hope that the + five would come back, the march of the White Guard began. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III + </h2> + <p> + It was eighteen days after. In the shadow of a little island of pines, + that lies in a shivering waste of ice and snow, the White Guard were + camped. They were able to do this night what they had not done for days—dig + a great grave of snow, and building a fire of pine wood at each end of + this strange house, get protection and something like comfort. They sat + silent close to the fires. Jaspar Hume was writing with numbed fingers. + The extract that follows is taken from his diary. It tells that day’s + life, and so gives an idea of harder, sterner days that they had spent and + must yet spend, on this weary journey. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + December 25th.—This is Christmas Day and Camp twenty-seven. We + have marched only five miles to-day. We are eighty miles from Great + Fish River, and the worst yet to do. We have discovered no signs. + Jeff Hyde has had a bad two days with his frozen foot. Gaspe + Toujours helps him nobly. One of the dogs died this morning. + Bouche is a great leader. This night’s shelter is a god-send. + Cloud-in-the-Sky has a plan whereby some of us will sleep well. We + are in latitude 63deg 47’ and longitude 112deg 32’ 14”. Have worked + out lunar observations. Have marked a tree JH/27 and raised cairn + No. 3. + + We are able to celebrate Christmas Day with a good basin of tea and + our stand-by of beans cooked in fat. I was right about them: they + have great sustaining power. To-morrow we will start at ten + o’clock. +</pre> + <p> + The writing done, Jaspar Hume put his book away and turned towards the + rest. Cloud-in-the-Sky and Late Carscallen were smoking. Little could be + seen of their faces; they were snuffled to the eyes. Gaspe Toujours was + drinking a basin of tea, and Jeff Hyde was fitfully dozing by the fire. + The dogs were above in the tent—all but Bouche, who was permitted to + be near his master. Presently the sub-factor rose, took from a knapsack a + small tin pail, and put it near the fire. Then he took five little cups + that fitted snugly into each other, separated them, and put them also near + the fire. None of the party spoke. A change seemed to pass over the faces + of all except Cloud-in-the-Sky. He smoked on unmoved. At length Hume spoke + cheerily: “Now, men, before we turn in we’ll do something in honour of the + day. Liquor we none of us have touched since we started; but back there in + the fort, and maybe in other places too, they will be thinking of us; so + we’ll drink a health to them, though it’s but a spoonful, and to the day + when we see them again!” + </p> + <p> + The cups were passed round. The sub-factor measured out a very small + portion to each. They were not men of uncommon sentiment; their lives were + rigid and isolated and severe. Fireside comforts under fortunate + conditions they saw but seldom, and they were not given to expressing + their feelings demonstratively. But each man then, save Cloud-in-the-Sky, + had some memory worth a resurrection. + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume raised his cup; the rest followed his example. “To absent + friends and the day when we see them again!” he said; and they all drank. + Gaspe Toujours drank solemnly, and, as though no one was near, made the + sign of the cross; for his memory was with a dark-eyed, soft-cheeked + habitant girl of the parish of Saint Gabrielle, whom he had left behind + seven years before, and had never seen since. Word had come from the + parish priest that she was dying, and though he wrote back in his homely + patois of his grief, and begged that the good father would write again, no + word had ever come. He thought of her now as one for whom the candles had + been lighted and masses had been said. + </p> + <p> + But Jeff Hyde’s eyes were bright, and suffering as he was, the heart in + him was brave and hopeful. He was thinking of a glorious Christmas Day + upon the Madawaska River three years agone; of Adam Henry, the blind + fiddler; of bright, warm-hearted Pattie Chown, the belle of the ball, and + the long drive home in the frosty night. + </p> + <p> + Late Carscallen was thinking of a brother whom he had heard preach his + first sermon in Edinburgh twenty years before. And Late Carscallen, slow + of speech and thought, had been full of pride and love of that brilliant + brother. In the natural course of things, they had drifted apart, the slow + and uncouth one to make his home at last in the Far North, and to be this + night on his way to the Barren Grounds. But as he stood with the cup to + his lips he recalled the words of a newspaper paragraph of a few months + before. It stated that “the Reverend James Carscallen, D.D., preached + before Her Majesty on Whitsunday, and had the honour of lunching with Her + Majesty afterwards.” Remembering that, Late Carscallen rubbed his left + hand joyfully against his blanketed leg and drank. + </p> + <p> + Cloud-in-the-Sky’s thoughts were with the present, and his “Ugh!” of + approval was one of the senses purely. Instead of drinking to absent + friends he looked at the sub-factor and said: “How!” He drank to the + subfactor. + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume had a memory of childhood; of a house beside a swift-flowing + river, where a gentle widowed mother braced her heart against misfortune + and denied herself and slaved that her son might be educated. He had said + to her that some day he would be a great man, and she would be paid back a + hundredfold. And he had worked hard at school, very hard. But one cold day + of spring a message came to the school, and he sped homewards to the house + beside the dark river down which the ice was floating,—he would + remember that floating ice to his last day, and entered a quiet room where + a white-faced woman was breathing away her life. And he fell at her side + and kissed her hand and called to her; and she waked for a moment only and + smiled on him, and said: “Be good, my boy, and God will make you great.” + Then she said she was cold, and some one felt her feet—a kind old + soul who shook her head sadly at him; and a voice, rising out of a strange + smiling languor, murmured: “I’ll away, I’ll away to the Promised Land—to + the Promised Land.... It is cold—so cold—God keep my boy!” + Then the voice ceased, and the kind old soul who had looked at him, + pityingly folded her arms about him, and drawing his brown head to her + breast, kissed him with flowing eyes and whispered: “Come away, laddie, + come away.” + </p> + <p> + But he came back in the night and sat beside her, and remained there till + the sun grew bright, and then through another day and night, until they + bore her out of the little house by the river to the frozen hill-side. + </p> + <p> + Sitting here in this winter desolation Jaspar Hume once more beheld these + scenes of twenty years before and followed himself, a poor dispensing + clerk in a doctor’s office, working for that dream of achievement in which + his mother believed; for which she hoped. And following further the boy + that was himself, he saw a friendless first-year man at college, soon, + however, to make a friend of Clive Lepage, and to see always the best of + that friend, being himself so true. At last the day came when they both + graduated together in science, a bright and happy day, succeeded by one + still brighter, when they both entered a great firm as junior partners. + Afterwards befell the meeting with Rose Varcoe; and he thought of how he + praised his friend Lepage to her, and brought him to be introduced to her. + He recalled all those visions that came to him when, his professional + triumphs achieved, he should have a happy home, and happy faces by his + fireside. And the face was to be that of Rose Varcoe, and the others, + faces of those who should be like her and like himself. He saw, or rather + felt, that face clouded and anxious when he went away ill and blind for + health’s sake. He did not write to her. The doctors forbade him that. He + did not ask her to write, for his was so steadfast a nature that he did + not need letters to keep him true; and he thought she must be the same. He + did not understand a woman’s heart, how it needs remembrances, and needs + to give remembrances. + </p> + <p> + Hume’s face in the light of this fire seemed calm and cold, yet behind it + was an agony of memory—the memory of the day when he discovered that + Lepage was married to Rose, and that the trusted friend had grown famous + and well-to-do on the offspring of his brain. His first thought had been + one of fierce determination to expose this man who had falsified all + trust. But then came the thought of the girl, and, most of all, there came + the words of his dying mother, “Be good, my boy, and God will make you + great”; and for his mother’s sake he had compassion on the girl, and + sought no restitution from her husband. And now, ten years later, he did + not regret that he had stayed his hand. The world had ceased to call + Lepage a genius. He had not fulfilled the hope once held of him. Hume knew + this from occasional references in scientific journals. + </p> + <p> + And now he was making this journey to save, if he could, Lepage’s life. + Though just on the verge of a new era in his career—to give to the + world the fruit of ten years’ thought and labour, he had set all behind + him, that he might be true to the friendship of his youth, that he might + be clear of the strokes of conscience to the last hour of his life. + </p> + <p> + Looking round him now, the debating look came again into his eyes. He + placed his hand in his breast, and let it rest there for a moment. The + look became certain and steady, the hand was drawn out, and in it was a + Book of Common Prayer. Upon the fly-leaf was written: “Jane Hume, to her + dear son Jaspar, on his twelfth birthday.” + </p> + <p> + These men of the White Guard were not used to religious practices, + whatever their past had been in that regard, and at any other time they + might have been surprised at this action of their leader. Under some + circumstances it might have lessened their opinion of him; but his + influence over them now was complete. They knew they were getting nearer + to him than they had ever done; even Cloud-in-the-Sky appreciated that. + Hume spoke no word to them, but looked at them and stood up. They all did + the same, Jeff Hyde leaning on the shoulders of Gaspe Toujours. He read + first, four verses of the Thirty-first Psalm, then followed the prayer of + St. Chrysostom, and the beautiful collect which appeals to the Almighty to + mercifully look upon the infirmities of men, and to stretch forth His hand + to keep and defend them in all dangers and necessities. Late Carscallen, + after a long pause, said “Amen,” and Jeff said in a whisper to Gaspe + Toujours: “That’s to the point. Infirmities and dangers and necessities is + what troubles us.” + </p> + <p> + Immediately after, at a sign from the sub-factor, Cloud-in-the-Sky began + to transfer the burning wood from one fire to the other until only hot + ashes were left where a great blaze had been. Over these ashes pine twigs + and branches were spread, and over them again blankets. The word was then + given to turn in, and Jeff Hyde, Gaspe Toujours, and Late Carscallen lay + down in this comfortable bed. Each wished to give way to their captain, + but he would not consent. He and Cloud-in-the-Sky wrapped themselves in + their blankets like mummies, covering the head completely, and under the + arctic sky they slept alone in an austere and tenantless world. They never + know how loftily sardonic Nature can be who have not seen that land where + the mercury freezes in the tubes, and there is light but no warmth in the + smile of the sun. Not Sturt in the heart of Australia with the mercury + bursting the fevered tubes, with the finger-nails breaking like brittle + glass, with the ink drying instantly on the pen, with the hair fading and + falling off, would, if he could, have exchanged his lot for that of the + White Guard. They were in a frozen endlessness that stretched away to a + world where never voice of man or clip of wing or tread of animal is + heard. It is the threshold to the undiscovered country, to that untouched + north whose fields of white are only furrowed by the giant forces of the + elements; on whose frigid hearthstone no fire is ever lit; where the + electric phantoms of a nightless land pass and repass, and are never + still; where the magic needle points not towards the north but darkly + downward; where the sun never stretches warm hands to him who dares + confront the terrors of eternal snow. + </p> + <p> + The White Guard slept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV + </h2> + <p> + “No, Captain; leave me here and push on to Manitou Mountain. You ought to + make it in two days. I’m just as safe here as on the sleds, and less + trouble. A blind man’s no good. I’ll have a good rest while you’re gone, + and then perhaps my eyes will come out right. My foot’s nearly well now.” + </p> + <p> + Jeff Hyde was snow-blind. The giant of the party had suffered most. + </p> + <p> + But Hume said in reply: “I won’t leave you alone. The dogs can carry you + as they’ve done for the last ten days.” + </p> + <p> + But Jeff replied: “I’m as safe here as marching, and safer. When the dogs + are not carrying me, nor any one leading me, you can get on faster; and + that means everything to us, now don’t it?” + </p> + <p> + Hume met the eyes of Gaspe Toujours. He read them. Then he said to Jeff: + “It shall be as you wish. Late Carscallen, Cloud-in-the-Sky, and myself + will push on to Manitou Mountain. You and Gaspe Toujours will remain + here.” + </p> + <p> + Jeff Hyde’s blind eyes turned towards Gaspe Toujours, who said: “Yes. We + have plenty tabac.” + </p> + <p> + A tent was set up, provisions were put in it, a spirit-lamp and matches + were added, and the simple menage was complete. Not quite. Jaspar Hume + looked round. There was not a tree in sight. He stooped and cut away a + pole that was used for strengthening the runners of the sleds, fastened it + firmly in the ground, and tied to it a red woollen scarf, used for + tightening his white blankets round him. Then he said: “Be sure and keep + that flying.” + </p> + <p> + Jeff’s face was turned towards the north. The blindman’s instinct was + coming to him. Far off white eddying drifts were rising over long hillocks + of snow. When he turned round again his face was troubled. It grew more + troubled, then it brightened up again, and he said to Hume: “Captain, + would you leave that book with me till you come back—that about + infirmities, dangers, and necessities? I knew a river-boss who used to + carry an old spelling-book round with him for luck. It seems to me as if + that book of yours, Captain, would bring luck to this part of the White + Guard, that bein’ out at heels like has to stay behind.” + </p> + <p> + Hume had borne the sufferings of his life with courage; he had led this + terrible tramp with no tremor at his heart for himself; he was seeking to + perform a perilous act without any inward shrinking; but Jeff’s request + was the greatest trial of this critical period in his life. + </p> + <p> + Jeff felt, if he could not see, the hesitation of his chief. His rough but + kind instincts told him something was wrong, and he hastened to add: “Beg + your pardon, Mr. Hume, it ain’t no matter. I oughtn’t have asked you for + it. But it’s just like me. I’ve been a chain on the leg of the White Guard + this whole tramp.” + </p> + <p> + The moment of hesitation had passed before Jeff had said half-a-dozen + words, and Hume put the book in his hands with the words: “No, Jeff, take + it. It will bring luck to the White Guard. Keep it safe until I come + back.” + </p> + <p> + Jeff took the book, but hearing a guttural “Ugh” behind him, he turned + round defiantly. Cloud-in-the-Sky touched his arm and said: “Good! + Strong-back book—good!” Jeff was satisfied. + </p> + <p> + At this point they parted, Jeff and Gaspe Toujours remaining, and Hume and + his two followers going on towards Manitou Mountain. There seemed little + probability that Clive Lepage would be found. In their progress eastward + and northward they had covered wide areas of country, dividing and meeting + again after stated hours of travel, but not a sign had been seen; neither + cairn nor staff nor any mark of human presence. + </p> + <p> + Hume had noticed Jeff Hyde’s face when it was turned to the eddying drifts + of the north, and he understood what was in the experienced huntsman’s + mind. He knew that severe weather was before them, and that the greatest + danger of the journey was to be encountered. + </p> + <p> + That night they saw Manitou Mountain, cold, colossal, harshly calm; and + jointly with that sight there arose a shrieking, biting, fearful north + wind. It blew upon them in cruel menace of conquest, in piercing + inclemency. It struck a freezing terror to their hearts, and grew in + violent attack until, as if repenting that it had foregone its power to + save, the sun suddenly grew red and angry, and spread out a shield of + blood along the bastions of the west. The wind shrank back and grew less + murderous, and ere the last red arrow shot up behind the lonely western + wall of white, the three knew that the worst of the storm had passed and + that death had drawn back for a time. What Hume thought may be gathered + from his diary; for ere he crawled in among the dogs and stretched himself + out beside Bouche, he wrote these words with aching fingers: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + January 10th: Camp 39.—A bitter day. We are facing three fears + now: the fate of those we left behind; Lepage’s fate; and the going + back. We are twenty miles from Manitou Mountain. If he is found, + I should not fear the return journey; success gives hope. But we + trust in God. +</pre> + <p> + Another day passed and at night, after a hard march, they camped five + miles from Manitou Mountain. And not a sign! But Hume felt there was a + faint chance of Lepage being found at this mountain. His iron frame had + borne the hardships of this journey well; his strong heart better. But + this night an unaccountable weakness possessed him. Mind and body were on + the verge of helplessness. Bouche seemed to understand this, and when he + was unhitched from the team of dogs, now dwindled to seven, he leaped upon + his master’s breast. It was as if some instinct of sympathy, of + prescience, was passing between the man and the dog. Hume bent his head + down to Bouche for an instant and rubbed his side kindly; then he said, + with a tired accent: “It’s all right, old dog, it’s all right.” + </p> + <p> + Hume did not sleep well at first, but at length oblivion came. He waked to + feel Bouche tugging at his blankets. It was noon. Late Carscallen and + Cloud-in-the-Sky were still sleeping—inanimate bundles among the + dogs. In an hour they were on their way again, and towards sunset they had + reached the foot of Manitou Mountain. Abruptly from the plain rose this + mighty mound, blue and white upon a black base. A few straggling pines + grew near its foot, defying latitude, as the mountain itself defied the + calculations of geographers and geologists. A halt was called. Late + Carscallen and Cloud-in-the-Sky looked at the chief. His eyes were + scanning the mountain closely. Suddenly he motioned. A hundred feet up + there was a great round hole in the solid rock, and from this hole there + came a feeble cloud of smoke! The other two saw also. Cloud-in-the-Sky + gave a wild whoop, and from the mountain there came, a moment after, a + faint replica of the sound. It was not an echo, for there appeared at the + mouth of the cave an Indian, who made feeble signs for them to come. In a + little while they were at the cave. As Jaspar Hume entered, + Cloud-in-the-Sky and the stalwart but emaciated Indian who had beckoned to + them spoke to each other in the Chinook language, the jargon common to all + Indians of the West. + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume saw a form reclining on a great bundle of pine branches, and + he knew what Rose Lepage had prayed for was come to pass. By the + flickering light of a handful of fire he saw Lepage—rather what was + left of him—a shadow of energy, a heap of nerveless bones. His eyes + were shut, but as Hume, with a quiver of memory and sympathy at his heart, + stood for an instant, and looked at the man whom he had cherished as a + friend and found an enemy, Lepage’s lips moved and a weak voice said: “Who + is there?” + </p> + <p> + “A friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Come-near-me,—friend.” + </p> + <p> + Hume made a motion to Late Carscallen, who was heating some liquor at the + fire, and then he stooped and lifted up the sick man’s head, and took his + hand. “You have come—to save me!” whispered the weak voice again. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I’ve come to save you.” This voice was strong and clear and true. + </p> + <p> + “I seem—to have—heard—your voice before—somewhere + before—I seem to—have—” + </p> + <p> + But he had fainted. + </p> + <p> + Hume poured a little liquor down the sick man’s throat, and Late + Carscallen chafed the delicate hand—delicate in health, it was like + that of a little child now. When breath came again Hume whispered to his + helper “Take Cloud-in-the-Sky and get wood; bring fresh branches. Then + clear one of the sleds, and we will start back with him in the early + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Late Carscallen, looking at the skeleton-like figure, said: “He will never + get there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he will get there,” was Hume’s reply. + </p> + <p> + “But he is dying.” + </p> + <p> + “He goes with me to Fort Providence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to Providence he goes, but not with you,” said Late Carscallen, + doggedly. + </p> + <p> + Anger flashed in Hume’s eye, but he said quietly “Get the wood, + Carscallen.” + </p> + <p> + Hume was left alone with the starving Indian, who sat beside the fire + eating voraciously, and with the sufferer, who now was taking mechanically + a little biscuit sopped in brandy. For a few moments thus, then his sunken + eyes opened, and he looked dazedly at the man bending above him. Suddenly + there came into them a look of terror. “You—you—are Jaspar + Hume,” his voice said in an awed whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” The hands of the sub-factor chafed those of the other. + </p> + <p> + “But you said you were a friend, and come to save me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have come to save you.” + </p> + <p> + There was a shiver of the sufferer’s body. This discovery would either + make him stronger or kill him. Hume knew this, and said: “Lepage, the past + is past and dead to me; let it be so to you.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “How—did you know—about me?” + </p> + <p> + “I was at Fort Providence. There came letters from the Hudson’s Bay + Company, and from your wife, saying that you were making this journey, and + were six months behind—” + </p> + <p> + “My wife—Rose!” + </p> + <p> + “I have a letter for you from her. She is on her way to Canada. We are to + take you to her.” + </p> + <p> + “To take me—to her.” Lepage shook his head sadly, but he pressed to + his lips the letter that Hume had given him. + </p> + <p> + “To take you to her, Lepage.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall never see her again.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, you shall. You can live if you will. You owe that to her—to + me—to God.” + </p> + <p> + “To her—to you—to God. I have been true to none. I have been + punished. I shall die here.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall go to Fort Providence. Do that in payment of your debt to me, + Lepage. I demand that.” In this transgressor there was a latent spark of + honour, a sense of justice that might have been developed to great causes, + if some strong nature, seeing his weaknesses, had not condoned them, but + had appealed to the natural chivalry of an impressionable, vain, and weak + character. He struggled to meet Hume’s eyes, and doing so, he gained + confidence and said: “I will try to live. I will do you justice—yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Your first duty is to eat and drink. We start for Fort Providence + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + The sick man stretched out his hand. “Food! Food!” he said. + </p> + <p> + In tiny portions food and drink were given to him, and his strength + sensibly increased. The cave was soon aglow with the fire kindled by Late + Carscallen and Cloud-in-the-Sky. There was little speaking, for the sick + man soon fell asleep. Lepage’s Indian told Cloud-in-the-Sky the tale of + their march—how the other Indian and the dogs died; how his master + became ill as they were starting towards Fort Providence from Manitou + Mountain in the summer weather; how they turned back and took refuge in + this cave; how month by month they had lived on what would hardly keep a + rabbit alive; and how, at last, his master urged him to press on with his + papers; but he would not, and stayed until this day, when the last bit of + food had been eaten, and they were found. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Lepage was placed upon a sled, and they started back, + Bouche barking joyfully as he led off, with Cloud-in-the-Sky beside him. + There was light in the faces of all, though the light could not be seen by + reason of their being muffled so. All day they travelled, scarcely + halting, Lepage’s Indian marching well. Often the corpse-like bundle on + the sled was disturbed, and biscuits wet in brandy and bits of preserved + venison were given. + </p> + <p> + That night Hume said to Late Carscallen: “I am going to start at the first + light of the morning to get to Gaspe Toujours and Jeff Hyde as soon as + possible. Follow as fast as you can. He will be safe, if you give him food + and drink often. I shall get to the place where we left them about noon; + you should reach there at night or early the next morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn’t you better take Bouche with you?” said Late Carscallen. + </p> + <p> + The sub-factor thought a moment, and then said: “No, he is needed most + where he is.” + </p> + <p> + At noon the next day Jaspar Hume looked round upon a billowy plain of sun + and ice, but saw no staff, no signal, no tent, no sign of human life: of + Gaspe Toujours or of Jeff Hyde. His strong heart quailed. Had he lost his + way? He looked at the sun. He was not sure. He consulted his compass, but + it quivered hesitatingly. For awhile that wild bewilderment which seizes + upon the minds of the strongest, when lost, mastered him, in spite of his + struggles against it. He moved in a maze of half-blindness, half-delirium. + He was lost in it, swayed by it. He began to wander about; and there grew + upon his senses strange delights and reeling agonies. He heard church + bells, he caught at butterflies, he tumbled in new-mown hay, he wandered + in a tropic garden. But in the hay a wasp stung him, and the butterfly + changed to a curling black snake that struck at him and glided to a + dark-flowing river full of floating ice, and up from the river a white + hand was thrust, and it beckoned him—beckoned him. He shut his eyes + and moved towards it, but a voice stopped him, and it said, “Come away, + come away,” and two arms folded him round, and as he went back from the + shore he stumbled and fell, and... What is this? A yielding mass at his + feet—a mass that stirs! He clutches at it, he tears away the snow, + he calls aloud—and his voice has a faraway unnatural sound—“Gaspe + Toujours! Gaspe Toujours!” Then the figure of a man shakes itself in the + snow, and a voice says: “Ay, ay, sir!” Yes, it is Gaspe Toujours! And + beside him lies Jeff Hyde, and alive. “Ay, ay, sir, alive!” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume’s mind was itself again. It had but suffered for a moment the + agony of delirium. + </p> + <p> + Gaspe Toujours and Jeff Hyde had lain down in the tent the night of the + great wind, and had gone to sleep at once. The staff had been blown down, + the tent had fallen over them, the drift had covered them, and for three + days they had slept beneath the snow, never waking. + </p> + <p> + Jeff Hyde’s sight was come again to him. “You’ve come back for the book,” + he said. “You couldn’t go on without it. You ought to have taken it + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + He drew it from his pocket. He was dazed. + </p> + <p> + “No, Jeff, I’ve not come back for that, and I did not leave you yesterday: + it is three days and more since we parted. The book has brought us luck, + and the best. We have found our man; and they’ll be here to-night with + him. I came on ahead to see how you fared.” + </p> + <p> + In that frost-bitten world Jeff Hyde uncovered his head for a moment. + “Gaspe Toujours is a papist,” he said, “but he read me some of that book + the day you left, and one thing we went to sleep on: it was that about + ‘Lightenin’ the darkness, and defendin’ us from all the perils and dangers + of this night.’” Here Gaspe Toujours made the sign of the cross. Jeff Hyde + continued half apologetically for his comrade: “That comes natural to + Gaspe Toujours—I guess it always does to papists. But I never had + any trainin’ that way, and I had to turn the thing over and over, and I + fell asleep on it. And when I wake up three days after, here’s my eyes as + fresh as daisies, and you back, sir, and the thing done that we come to + do.” + </p> + <p> + He put the Book into Hume’s hands and at that moment Gaspe Toujours said: + “See!” Far off, against the eastern horizon, appeared a group of moving + figures. + </p> + <p> + That night the broken segments of the White Guard were reunited, and Clive + Lepage slept by the side of Jaspar Hume. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI + </h2> + <p> + Napoleon might have marched back from Moscow with undecimated legions + safely enough, if the heart of those legions had not been crushed. The + White Guard, with their faces turned homeward, and the man they had sought + for in their care, seemed to have acquired new strength. Through days of + dreadful cold, through nights of appalling fierceness, through storm upon + the plains that made for them paralysing coverlets, they marched. And if + Lepage did not grow stronger, life at least was kept in him. + </p> + <p> + There was little speech among them, but once in a while Gaspe Toujours + sang snatches of the songs of the voyageurs of the great rivers; and the + hearts of all were strong. Between Bouche and his master there was + occasional demonstration. On the twentieth day homeward, Hume said with + his hand on the dog’s head “It had to be done, Bouche; even a dog could + see that.” + </p> + <p> + And so it was “all right” for the White Guard. One day when the sun was + warmer than usual over Fort Providence, and just sixty-five days since + that cheer had gone up from apprehensive hearts for brave men going out + into the Barren Grounds, Sergeant Gosse, who, every day, and of late many + times a day, had swept the north-east with a field-glass, rushed into the + chief-factor’s office, and with a broken voice cried: “They’ve all come! + They’ve come!” Then he leaned his arm and head against the wall and + sobbed. And the old factor rose from his chair tremblingly, and said his + thank-god, and went hurriedly into the square. He did not go steadily, + however, the joyous news had shaken him, sturdy old pioneer as he was. A + fringe of white had grown about his temples in the last two months. The + people of the fort had said they had never seen him so irascible, yet so + gentle; so uneasy, yet so reserved; so stern about the mouth, yet so kind + about the eyes as he had been since Hume had gone on this desperate + errand. + </p> + <p> + Already the handful of people at the fort had gathered. Indians left the + store, and joined the rest; the factor and Sergeant Gosse set out to meet + the little army of relief. To the factor’s “In the name of the Hudson’s + Bay Company, Mr. Hume,” when they met there came “By the help of God, + sir,” and he pointed to the sled whereon Lepage lay. A feeble hand was + clasped in the burly hand of the factor, and then they all fell into line + again, Cloud-in-the-Sky running ahead of the dogs. Snow had fallen on + them, and as they entered the stockade, men and dogs were white from head + to foot. + </p> + <p> + The White Guard had come back. Jaspar Hume as simply acknowledged his + strident welcome as he had done the God-speed two months and more ago. + With the factor he bore the sick man in, and laid him on his own bed. Then + he came outside again, and when they cheered him once more, he said: “We + have come safe through, and I’m thankful. But remember that my comrades in + this march deserve your cheers more than I. Without them I couldn’t have + done anything.” + </p> + <p> + “In our infirmities and in all our dangers and necessities,” added Jeff + Hyde. “The luck of the world was in that book!” + </p> + <p> + In another half-hour the White Guard was at ease, and four of them were + gathered about the great stove in the store, Cloud-in-the-Sky smoking + placidly, and full of guttural emphasis; Late Carscallen moving his + animal-like jaws with a sense of satisfaction; Gaspe Toujours talking in + Chinook to the Indians, in patois to the French clerk, and in broken + English to them all; and Jeff Hyde exclaiming on the wonders of the march, + the finding of Lepage at Manitou Mountain, and of himself and Gaspe + Toujours buried in the snow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII + </h2> + <p> + In Hume’s house at midnight Lepage lay asleep with his wife’s letters—received + through the factor—in his hand. The firelight played upon a dark, + disappointed face—a doomed, prematurely old face, as it seemed to + the factor. + </p> + <p> + “You knew him, then,” the factor said, after a long silence, with a + gesture towards the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, well, years ago,” replied Hume. + </p> + <p> + Just then the sick man stirred in his sleep, and he said disjointedly: + “I’ll make it all right to you, Hume.” Then came a pause, and a quicker + utterance: “Forgive—forgive me, Rose.” The factor got up, and turned + to go, and Hume, with a sorrowful gesture, went over to the bed. + </p> + <p> + Again the voice said: “Ten years—I have repented ten years—I + dare not speak—” + </p> + <p> + The factor touched Hume’s arm. “He has fever. You and I must nurse him, + Hume. You can trust me—you understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can trust you,” was the reply. “But I can tell you nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not want to know anything. If you can watch till two o’clock I will + relieve you. I’ll send the medicine chest over. You know how to treat + him.” + </p> + <p> + The factor passed out, and the other was left alone with the man who had + wronged him. The feeling most active in his mind was pity, and, as he + prepared a draught from his own stock of medicines, he thought the past + and the present all over. He knew that however much he had suffered, this + man had suffered more. In this silent night there was broken down any + barrier that may have stood between Lepage and his complete compassion. + Having effaced himself from the calculation, justice became forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + He moistened the sick man’s lips, and bathed his forehead, and roused him + once to take a quieting powder. Then he sat down and wrote to Rose Lepage. + But he tore the letter up again and said to the dog: “No, Bouche, I can’t; + the factor must do it. She needn’t know yet that it was I who saved him. + It doesn’t make any burden of gratitude, if my name is kept out of it. The + factor mustn’t mention me, Bouche—not yet. When he is well we will + go to London with It, Bouche, and we needn’t meet her. It will be all + right, Bouche, all right!” + </p> + <p> + The dog seemed to understand; for he went over to the box that held It; + and looked at his master. Then Jaspar Hume rose, broke the seal, unlocked + the box and opened it; but he heard the sick man moan, and he closed it + again and went over to the bed. The feeble voice said: “I must speak—I + cannot die so—not so.” Hume moistened the lips once, put a cold + cloth on the fevered head, and then sat down by the fire again. + </p> + <p> + Lepage slept at last. The restless hands grew quiet, the breath became + more regular, the tortured mind found a short peace. With the old debating + look in his eyes, Hume sat there watching until the factor relieved him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII + </h2> + <p> + February and March and April were past, and May was come. Lepage had had a + hard struggle for life, but he had survived. For weeks every night there + was a repetition of that first night after the return: delirious + self-condemnation, entreaty, appeal to his wife, and Hume’s name mentioned + in shuddering remorse. With the help of the Indian who had shared the sick + man’s sufferings in the Barren Grounds, the factor and Hume nursed him + back to life. After the first night no word had passed between the two + watchers regarding the substance of Lepage’s delirium. But one evening the + factor was watching alone, and the repentant man from his feverish sleep + cried out: “Hush, hush! don’t let them know—I stole them both, and + Rose did not know. Rose did not know!” + </p> + <p> + The factor rose and walked away. The dog was watching him. He said to + Bouche: “You have a good master, Bouche.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX + </h2> + <p> + In an arm-chair made of hickory and birch-bark by Cloud-in-the-Sky, Lepage + sat reading a letter from his wife. She was at Winnipeg, and was coming + west as far as Regina to meet him on his way down. He looked a wreck; but + a handsome wreck. His refined features, his soft black beard and blue + eyes, his graceful hand and gentle manners, seemed not to belong to an + evil-hearted man. He sat in the sunlight at the door, wrapped about in + moose and beaver skins. The world of plain and wood was glad. Not so + Lepage. He sat and thought of what was to come. He had hoped at times that + he would die, but twice Hume had said: “I demand your life. You owe it to + your wife—to me.” He had pulled his heart up to this demand and had + lived. But what lay before him? He saw a stony track, and he shuddered. + </p> + <p> + As he sat there facing the future, Hume came to him and said: “If you feel + up to it, Lepage, we will start for Edmonton on Monday. I think it will be + quite safe, and your wife is anxious. I shall accompany you as far as + Edmonton; you can then proceed by easy stages, in this pleasant weather. + Are you ready to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite ready,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X + </h2> + <p> + On a beautiful May evening Lepage, Hume, and the White Guard were welcomed + at Fort Edmonton by the officer in command of the Mounted Police. They + were to enjoy the hospitality of the fort for a couple of days. Hume was + to go back with Cloud-in-the-Sky and Late Carscallen, and a number of + Indian carriers; for this was a journey of business too. Gaspe Toujours + and Jeff Hyde were to press on with Lepage, who was now much stronger and + better. One day passed, and on the following morning Hume gave + instructions to Gaspe Toujours and Jeff Hyde, and made preparations for + his going back. He was standing in the Barracks Square, when a horseman + rode in and made inquiry of a sergeant standing near, if Lepage had + arrived at the fort. A few words brought out the fact that Rose Lepage was + nearing the fort from the south. The trooper had been sent on ahead the + day before, but his horse having met with a slight accident, he had been + delayed. He had seen the party, however, a long distance back in the early + morning. He must now ride away and meet Mrs. Lepage, he said. He was + furnished with a fresh horse, and he left, bearing a message from Lepage. + </p> + <p> + Hume decided to leave Fort Edmonton at once, and to take all the White + Guard back with him; and gave orders to that effect. Entering the room + where Lepage sat alone, he said: “Lepage, the time has come for good-bye. + I am starting for Fort Providence.” + </p> + <p> + But the other replied: “You will wait until my wife comes. You must.” + There was trouble in his voice. “I must not.” + </p> + <p> + Lepage braced himself for a heavy task and said: “Hume, if the time has + come to say good-bye, it has also come when we should speak together for + once openly: to settle, in so far as can be done, a long account. You have + not let my wife know who saved me. That appears from her letters. She asks + the name of my rescuer. I have not yet told her. But she will know that + to-day when I tell her all.” + </p> + <p> + “When you tell her all?” + </p> + <p> + “When I tell her all.” + </p> + <p> + “But you shall not do that.” + </p> + <p> + “I will. It will be the beginning of the confession which I shall + afterwards make to the world.” + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven you shall not do it. Do you want to wreck her life?” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume’s face was wrathful, and remained so till the other sank back + in the chair with his forehead in his hands; but it softened as he saw + this remorse and shame. He began to see that Lepage had not clearly + grasped the whole situation. He said in quieter but still firm tones: “No, + Lepage, that matter is between us two, and us alone. She must never know—the + world therefore must never know. You did an unmanly thing; you are + suffering a manly remorse. Now let it end here—but I swear it + shall,” he said in sharp tones, as the other shook his head negatively: “I + would have let you die at Manitou Mountain, if I had thought you would + dare to take away your wife’s peace—your children’s respect.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no children; our baby died.” + </p> + <p> + Hume softened again. “Can you not see, Lepage? The thing cannot be mended. + I bury it all, and so must you. You will begin the world again, and so + shall I. Keep your wife’s love. Henceforth you will deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + Lepage raised moist eyes to the other and said: “But you will take back + the money I got for that?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, then Hume replied: “Yes, upon such terms, times, and + conditions as I shall hereafter fix. You have no child, Lepage?” he gently + added. + </p> + <p> + “We have no child; it died with my fame.” + </p> + <p> + Hume looked steadily into the eyes of the man who had wronged him. + “Remember, Lepage, you begin the world again. I am going now. By the + memory of old days, good-bye.” He held out his hand. Lepage took it, rose + tremblingly to his feet, and said, “You are a good man, Hume. Good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + The sub-factor turned at the door. “If it will please you, tell your wife + that I saved you. Some one will tell her; perhaps I would rather—at + least it would be more natural, if you did it.” + </p> + <p> + He passed out into the sunshine that streamed into the room and fell + across the figure of Lepage, who murmured dreamily: “And begin the world + again.” + </p> + <p> + Time passed. A shadow fell across the sunlight that streamed upon Lepage. + He looked up. There was a startled cry of joy, an answering exclamation of + love, and Rose was clasped in her husband’s arms. + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards the sweet-faced woman said: “Who was that man who + rode away to the north as I came up, Clive? He reminded me of some one.” + </p> + <p> + “That was the leader of the White Guard, the man who saved me, Rose.” He + paused a moment and then solemnly said: “It was Jaspar Hume.” + </p> + <p> + The wife came to her feet with a spring. “He saved you—Jaspar Hume! + Oh, Clive!” + </p> + <p> + “He saved me, Rose.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were wet: “And he would not stay and let me thank him! Poor + fellow, poor Jaspar Hume! Has he been up here all these years?” + </p> + <p> + Her face was flushed, and pain was struggling with the joy she felt in + seeing her husband again. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has been here all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he has not succeeded in life, Clive!” Her thoughts went back to the + days when, blind and ill, Hume went away for health’s sake, and she + remembered how sorry then she felt for him, and how grieved she was that + when he came back strong and well, he did not come near her or her + husband, and offered no congratulations. She had not deliberately wronged + him. She knew he cared for her: but so did Lepage. A promise had been + given to neither when Jaspar Hume went away; and after that she grew to + love the successful, kind-mannered genius who became her husband. No real + pledge had been broken. Even in this happiness of hers, sitting once again + at her husband’s feet, she thought with tender kindness of the man who had + cared for her eleven years ago; and who had but now saved her husband. + </p> + <p> + “He has not succeeded in life,” she repeated softly. Looking down at her, + his brow burning with a white heat, Lepage said: “He is a great man, + Rose.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure he is a good man,” she added. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Lepage had borrowed some strength not all his own, for he said + almost sternly: “He is a great man.” + </p> + <p> + His wife looked up half-startled and said: “Very well, dear; he is a good + man—and a great man.” + </p> + <p> + The sunlight still came in through the open door. The Saskatchewan flowed + swiftly between its verdant banks, an eagle went floating away to the + west, robins made vocal a solitary tree a few yards away, troopers moved + backwards and forwards across the square, and a hen and her chickens came + fluttering to the threshold. The wife looked at the yellow brood drawing + close to their mother, and her eyes grew wistful. She thought of their one + baby asleep in an English grave. But thinking of the words of the captain + of the White Guard, Lepage said firmly: “We will begin the world again.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and rose to kiss him as the hen and chickens hastened away + from the door, and a clear bugle call sounded in the square. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI + </h2> + <h3> + Eleven years have gone since that scene was enacted at Edmonton. + </h3> + <p> + A great gathering is dispersing from a hall in Piccadilly. It has been + drawn together to do honour to a man who has achieved a triumph in + engineering science. As he steps from the platform to go, he is greeted by + a fusilade of cheers. He bows calmly and kindly. He is a man of vigorous + yet reserved aspect; he has a rare individuality. He receives with a quiet + cordiality the personal congratulations of his friends. He remains for + some time in conversation with a royal duke, who takes his arm, and with + him passes into the street. The duke is a member of this great man’s club, + and offers him a seat in his brougham. Amid the cheers of the people they + drive away together. Inside the club there are fresh congratulations, and + it is proposed to arrange an impromptu dinner, at which the duke will + preside. But with modesty and honest thanks the great man declines. He + pleads an engagement. He had pleaded this engagement the day before to a + well-known society. After his health is proposed, he makes his adieux, and + leaving the club, walks away towards a West-end square. In one of its + streets he pauses, and enters a building called “Providence Chambers.” His + servant hands him a cablegram. He passes to his library, and, standing + before the fire, opens it. It reads: “My wife and I send congratulations + to the great man.” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume stands for a moment looking at the fire, and then says simply: + “I wish poor old Bouche were here.” He then sits down and writes this + letter: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My dear Friends,—Your cablegram has made me glad. The day is over. + My latest idea was more successful than I even dared to hope; and + the world has been kind. I went down to see your boy, Jaspar, at + Clifton last week. It was his birthday, you know—nine years old, + and a clever, strong-minded little fellow. He is quite contented. + As he is my god-child, I again claimed the right of putting a + thousand dollars to his credit in the bank,—I have to speak of + dollars to you people living in Canada—which I have done on his + every birthday. When he is twenty-one he will have twenty-one + thousand dollars—quite enough for a start in life. We get along + well together, and I think he will develop a fine faculty for + science. In the summer, as I said, I will bring him over to you. + There is nothing more to say to-night except that I am as always, + + Your faithful and loving friend, + JASPAR HUME. +</pre> + <p> + A moment after the letter was finished, the servant entered and announced + “Mr. Late Carscallen.” With a smile and hearty greeting the great man and + this member of the White Guard met. It was to entertain his old arctic + comrade that Jaspar Hume had declined to be entertained by society or + club. A little while after, seated at the table, the ex-sub-factor said: + “You found your brother well, Carscallen?” + </p> + <p> + The jaws moved slowly as of old. “Ay, that, and a grand meenister, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “He wanted you to stay in Scotland, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that, but there’s no place for me like Fort Providence.” + </p> + <p> + “Try this pheasant. And you are sub-factor now, Carscallen?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s two of us sub-factors—Jeff Hyde and myself. Mr. Field is + old, and can’t do much work, and trade’s heavy now.” + </p> + <p> + “I know. I hear from the factor now and then. And Gaspe Toujours, what of + him?” + </p> + <p> + “He went away three years ago, and he said he’d come back. He never did + though. Jeff Hyde believes he will. He says to me a hundred times, + ‘Carscallen, he made the sign of the cross that he’d come back from Saint + Gabrielle; and that’s next to the Book with a papist. If he’s alive he’ll + come.’” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he will, Carscallen. And Cloud-in-the-Sky?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s still there, and comes in and smokes with Jeff Hyde and me, as he + used to do with you; but he doesn’t obey our orders as he did yours, sir. + He said to me when I left: ‘You see Strong-back, tell him Cloud-in-the-Sky + good Injun—he never forget. How!’” + </p> + <p> + Jaspar Hume raised his glass with smiling and thoughtful eyes: “To + Cloud-in-the-Sky and all who never forget!” he said. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The March Of The White Guard, by Gilbert Parker + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MARCH OF THE WHITE GUARD *** + +***** This file should be named 6223-h.htm or 6223-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/2/6223/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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