Drear and desolate4 is it in winter, when the straits are filled with ice, which, in the shape of floe5, and berg, and pinnacle6, pass in ghostly procession to and fro, as the wind wafts7 them, or they feel the diurnal8 impetus9 of the tides they cover, to escape in time from the narrow limits of the pass, and lose themselves in the vast ice-barrier that for five long months shuts out the havens11 of St. Jean from the open sea.
No ship can enter the deserted12 ports, over whose[Pg 10] icy covering the farmer carries home his year's firing, and the young gallant13 presses his horse to his greatest speed to beat a rival team, or carry his fair companion to some scene of festivity twenty miles away. Many spend the whole winter in idleness; and to all engaged in aught but professional duties, the time hangs heavily for want of enjoyable out-of-door employment. It is, therefore, a season of rejoicing to the cooped-up sportsman when the middle of March arrives, attended, as is usually the case, by the first lasting14 thaws15, and the advent16 of a few flocks of wild geese.
Among the wealthier sportsmen great preparations are made for a spring campaign, which often lasts six or eight weeks. Decoys of wood, sheet-iron, and canvas, boats for decoy-shooting and stealthy approach, warm clothes, caps, and mittens17 of spotless white, powder by the keg, caps and wads by the thousand, and shot by the bag, boots and moccasins water and frost proof, and a vast variety of small stores for the inner man, are among the necessaries provided, sometimes weeks in advance of the coming of the few scattering18 flocks which form, as it were, the skirmish line of the migrating hosts of the Canada goose.
It is usual for a small party to board with some farmer, as near as possible to the shooting grounds, or rather ice, for not infrequently the strong-winged foragers, who press so closely on the rearguard of the retreating frost king, find nothing in the shape of[Pg 11] open water; but after leaving their comrades, dead and dying, amid the fatal decoys on the frozen channels, sweep hastily southward before cold, fatigue19, hunger, and the wiles20 and weapons of man, can finish the deadly work so thoroughly21 begun.
Such a party of six, in the spring of 186-, took up their quarters with Captain Lund, a pilot, who held the larger portion of the arable22 land of the little Island of St. Pierre, which lies three miles south of the mouth of the harbor of C., and ends in two long and dangerous shoals, known as the East and West Bars.
The party was composed of Messrs. Risk, Davies (younger and older), Kennedy, Creamer, and La Salle. Mr. Henry Risk was an English gentleman, of about fifty-five years of age, handsome, portly, and genial23, a keen sportsman, and sure shot with the long, single, English ducking-gun, to which he stuck, despite of the jeers24 and remonstrances25 of the owners of muzzle26 and breech-loading double barrels.
Davies the elder, an old friend of the foregoing, had for many years been accustomed to leave his store and landed property to the care of his partners and family, while, in company with Risk, he found in the half-savage life and keen air of the ice-fields a bracing27 tonic28, which prepared them for the enervating29 cares of the rest of the year. The two had little in common—Risk being a stanch30 Episcopalian, and Davies an uncompromising Methodist. Risk, rather conservative, and his comrade a ready liberal; but they both possessed[Pg 12] the too rare quality of respect for the opinions of others, and their occasional disputations never degenerated31 into quarrels.
Ben Davies, a nephew of the foregoing, and also a merchant, was an athletic32 young fellow, of about five feet eight, just entering upon his twenty-second year. A proficient33 in all manly34 exercises, and a keen sportsman, he entered into this new sport with all the enthusiasm of youth, and his preparations for the spring campaign were on the most liberal scale of design and expenditure35. In these matters he relied chiefly on the skill, experience, and judgment36 of his right-hand man and shooting companion, Hughie Creamer.
Hughie was of Irish descent, and middle size, but compact, lithe37, and muscular, with a not unkindly face, which, however, showed but too plainly the marks of habitual38 dissipation. A rigger by occupation, a sailor and pilot at need, a skilful40 fisherman, and ready shot, with a roving experience, which had given him a smattering of half a score of the more common handicrafts, Hughie was an invaluable41 comrade on such a quest, and as such had been hired by his young employer. It may be added, that a more plausible42 liar43 never mixed the really interesting facts of a changeable life with well-disguised fiction; and it may be doubted if he always knew himself which part of some of his favorite "yarns44" were truths, and which were due, as a phrenologist would say, "to[Pg 13] language and imaginativeness large, insufficiently45 balanced by conscientiousness46."
Kennedy was a wiry little New Brunswicker, born just across the St. Croix, but a thorough-going Yankee by education, business habits, and naturalization. "A Brahmin among the Brahmins," he believed in the New York Tribune, as the purest source of all uninspired wisdom; and bitterly regretted that the manifold avocations47 of Horace Greeley had thus far prevented that truly great man from enlightening his fellow-countrymen on the habits and proper modes of capture of the Anser Canadiensis. As, despite his attenuated48 and dry appearance, there was a deal of real humor in his composition, Kennedy was considered quite an addition to our little party.
La Salle was—Well, reader, you must judge for yourself of what he was, by the succeeding chapters of this simple history, for he it is who recalls from the past these faint pen-pictures of scenes and pleasures never to be forgotten, although years have passed since their occurrence, and the grave has already claimed two of the six,—Risk, the robust49 English gentlemen, and Hughie, the cheery, ingenious adventurer. It is not easy to draw a fair picture of one's self, even with the aid of a mirror, and when one can readily note the ravages50 of time in thinning locks and increasing wrinkles, it is hard to speak of the robust health of youth without exaggeration. At that time, however, he was about twenty-three, having[Pg 14] dark hair and eyes, a medium stature51, and splendid health. Like Hughie, in a humbler sphere, he was a dabbler52 in many things,—lawyer, novelist, poet, trader, inventor, what not?—taking life easily, with no grand aspirations53, and no disturbing fears for the future. In the intervals54 of business he found a keen delight in the half-savage life and wholly natural joys of the angler and sportsman, and ever felt that to wander by river and mere55, with rod and gun, would enable him to draw from the breast of dear old Mother Earth that rude but joyous56 physical strength, with the possession of which it is a constant pleasure even to exist.
It was late at night when, by the light of the winter moon, the boats and decoys were unloaded from the heavy sleds, and placed in position on the various bars and feeding-grounds. The ice that season was of unusual thickness, and gave promise of lasting for many weeks. As under the guidance of Black Bill, they entered the farm-yard of his master, the elder Lund, they found the rest of the family just entering the house, and joining them, attacked, with voracious57 appetites, a coarse but ample repast of bacon, potatoes, coarse bread, sweet butter, and strong black tea. After this guns were prepared, ammunition58 and lunch got ready for the coming morning, for, with the earliest gleam of the rising sun, they were to commence the first short day of watching for the northward59 coming hosts of heaven.
[Pg 15]The exact manner in which the ingenious Mrs. Lund managed to accommodate six sportsmen, besides her usual family of four girls, three boys, and a hired man, within the limits of a low cottage of about nine small apartments, has always been an unsolved mystery to all except members of the household. To be sure, Risk and the elder Davies occupied a luxurious60 couch of robes and blankets in the little parlor61, and a huge settle before the kitchen stove opened its alluring62 recesses63 to Ben and his man Friday, while one of the elder sons and Black Bill shared with Kennedy and La Salle the largest of the upper rooms. In later years, the question of where the eight others slept, has attained64 a prominent place among the unsolved mysteries of life; but at that time all were tired enough to be content with knowing that they could sleep soundly, at all events.
Few have ever passed from port to port of the great Gulf, without meeting, or at least hearing, of "Captain Tom Lund," known as the most skilful pilot on the coast.
"Alike to him was tide or time, Moonless midnight or matin's prime."
And when his skill could not make a desired haven10, or tide over a threatened danger, the mariners65 of the Gulf deemed the case hopeless indeed.
Every winter, however, the swift Princess lay in icy bonds, beside the deserted wharves66, and the vet[Pg 16]eran pilot went home to his farm, his little house with its brood of children, his shaggy horses, Highland67 cows, and long-bodied sheep, and became as earnest a farmer as if he had never turned a vanishing furrow68 on the scarless bosom69 of the ocean. Always pleasant, anxious to oblige, careful of the safety of his guests, and with a seaman's love of the wonderful and marvellous, he played the host to general satisfaction, and in the matter of charges set an example of moderation such as is seldom imitated in this selfish and mercenary world.
After supper, however, on this first evening, an unwanted cloud hung over the brow of the host, which yielded not to the benign70 influence of four cups of tea, and eatables in proportion; withstood the sedative71 consolations72 of a meerschaum of the best "Navy," and scarcely gave way when, with the two eldest73 of the party, he sat down to a steaming glass of "something hot," whose "controlling spirit" was "materialized" from a bottle labeled "Cabinet Brandy." After a sip39 or two, he hemmed74 twice, to attract general attention, and said, solemnly,—
"It is nonsense, of course, to warn you, gents, of danger, when the ice is so thick everywhere that you couldn't get in if you tried; but mark my words, that something out of the common is going to happen this spring, on this here island. I went over to the Pint75, just now, after you came into the yard, to look up one of the cows, and saw two men in white walking up the[Pg 17] track, just below the bank. I thought it must be some of you coming up from the East Bar, but all of a sudden the men vanished, and I was alone; and when I came into the yard, you were all here! Now something of the kind almost always precedes a death among us, and I shan't feel easy until your trip is safely over, and you are all well and comfortable at home."
"Now, Lund," said the elder Davies, "you don't believe in any such nonsense, do you?"
"Nonsense!" said Lund, quietly but gravely; "little Johnnie there, my youngest boy, will tell you that he has often seen on the East Bar the warning glare of the Packet Light, which often warns us of the approach of a heavy storm. It is nearly thirty years since it first glowed from the cabin windows of the doomed76 mail packet, but to all who dwell upon this island its existence is beyond doubt. Few who have sailed the Gulf as I have, but have seen the Fireship which haunts these waters, and more than once I have steered77 to avoid an approaching light, and after changing my course nearly eight pints78, found the spectre light still dead ahead. No, gentlemen, I shan't slight the warning. If you value life, be careful; for if we get through the breaking up of the ice without losing two men, I shall miss my guess."
"Come, Tom," said Risk, quickly, "don't depress the spirits of the youngsters with such old-world[Pg 18] superstitions79. As you say, they couldn't get through the ice now if they would, without cutting a hole; and when the ice grows weak, will be time enough for you to worry. Take another ruffle80 to your night-cap, Tom, and you youngsters had better get to bed, and prepare to take to the ice at six o'clock, after a cup of hot coffee and a lunch of sandwiches. Here's luck all round, gentlemen."
The toasts were drank by the three elderly men, and re-echoed by the younger ones, who chose not to avail themselves of the proffered81 stimulant82, and then all sought repose83 in their allotted84 quarters. Fifteen minutes later the house was in utter darkness and silence, through which the varied85 breathings of sixteen adults and children would have given ample opportunities for comparison to any waking auditor86, had such there been; but no one kept awake, and to all intents and purposes "silence reigned87 supreme88."
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1
snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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3
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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floe
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| n.大片浮冰 | |
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pinnacle
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| n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰 | |
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7
wafts
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| n.空中飘来的气味，一阵气味( waft的名词复数 )；摇转风扇v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的第三人称单数 ) | |
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8
diurnal
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| adj.白天的，每日的 | |
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impetus
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| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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havens
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| n.港口，安全地方( haven的名词复数 )v.港口，安全地方( haven的第三人称单数 ) | |
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12
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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thaws
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| n.（足以解冻的）暖和天气( thaw的名词复数 )；（敌对国家之间）关系缓和v.（气候）解冻( thaw的第三人称单数 )；（态度、感情等）缓和；（冰、雪及冷冻食物）溶化；软化 | |
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advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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mittens
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| 不分指手套 | |
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scattering
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| n.[物]散射；散乱，分散；在媒介质中的散播adj.散乱的；分散在不同范围的；广泛扩散的；（选票）数量分散的v.散射(scatter的ing形式)；散布；驱散 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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wiles
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| n.（旨在欺骗或吸引人的）诡计，花招；欺骗，欺诈( wile的名词复数 ) | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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arable
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| adj.可耕的，适合种植的 | |
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genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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jeers
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| n.操纵帆桁下部（使其上下的）索具；嘲讽( jeer的名词复数 )v.嘲笑( jeer的第三人称单数 ) | |
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remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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muzzle
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| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
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bracing
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| adj.令人振奋的 | |
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tonic
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| n./adj.滋补品，补药，强身的，健体的 | |
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enervating
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| v.使衰弱，使失去活力( enervate的现在分词 ) | |
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stanch
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| v.止住（血等）；adj.坚固的；坚定的 | |
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degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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35
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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39
sip
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| v.小口地喝，抿，呷；n.一小口的量 | |
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40
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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41
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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42
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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43
liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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44
yarns
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| n.纱( yarn的名词复数 )；纱线；奇闻漫谈；旅行轶事 | |
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45
insufficiently
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| adv.不够地，不能胜任地 | |
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46
conscientiousness
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| 责任心 | |
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47
avocations
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| n.业余爱好，嗜好( avocation的名词复数 )；职业 | |
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48
attenuated
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| v.（使）变细( attenuate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变薄；（使）变小；减弱 | |
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49
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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50
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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51
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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52
dabbler
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| n. 戏水者, 业余家, 半玩半认真做的人 | |
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53
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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54
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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55
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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56
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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57
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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58
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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59
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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60
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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61
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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63
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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64
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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mariners
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| 海员，水手（mariner的复数形式） | |
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66
wharves
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| n.码头，停泊处( wharf的名词复数 ) | |
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67
highland
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| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
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68
furrow
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| n.沟；垄沟；轨迹；车辙；皱纹 | |
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69
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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70
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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71
sedative
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| adj.使安静的，使镇静的；n. 镇静剂，能使安静的东西 | |
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72
consolations
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| n.安慰，慰问( consolation的名词复数 )；起安慰作用的人（或事物） | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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pint
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| n.品脱 | |
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doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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pints
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| n.品脱( pint的名词复数 )；一品脱啤酒 | |
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superstitions
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| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
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ruffle
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| v.弄皱，弄乱；激怒，扰乱；n.褶裥饰边 | |
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81
proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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stimulant
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| n.刺激物，兴奋剂 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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84
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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auditor
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| n.审计员，旁听着 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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