There was something so sudden and awful in the mishap5 that had befallen them, that for some minutes they stood upon the spot where they had settled without moving or addressing a word to one another. They gazed after the canoe. They knew that it was wrecked7, although they could see nothing either of it or its contents. Thick darkness enveloped8 them, rendered more intense from the sudden extinction9 of the torchlight. They saw nothing but the foam10 flickering11 along the river; like the ghosts of the swans they had killed, and they heard only the roaring of the water, that sounded in their ears with a hoarse12 and melancholy13 wail14.
For a long time they stood impressed with the lamentable15 condition into which the accident had plunged16 them; and a lamentable condition it was, sure enough. They were on a small rock in the midst of a rapid river. They were in the midst of a great wilderness17 too, many long miles from a settlement. The nearest could only be reached by travelling through pathless forests, and over numerous and deep rivers. Impassable swamps, and lakes with marshy18 shores, lay on the route, and barred the direct course, and all this journey would have to be made on foot.
But none of our young voyageurs were of that stamp to yield themselves to despair. One and all of them had experienced perils19 before—greater even than that in which they now stood. As soon, therefore, as they became fully20 satisfied that their little vessel was wrecked, and all its contents scattered21, instead of despairing, their first thoughts were how to make the best of their situation.
For that night, at least, they were helpless. They could not leave the rock. It was surrounded by rapids. Sharp, jagged points peeped out of the water, and between these the current rushed with impetuosity. In the darkness no human being could have crossed to either shore in safety. To attempt it would have been madness, and our voyageurs soon came to this conclusion. They had no other choice than to remain where they were until the morning; so, seating themselves upon the rock, they prepared to pass the night.
They sat huddled22 close together. They could not lie down—there was not room enough for that. They kept awake most of the night, one or other of them, overcome by fatigue23, occasionally nodding over in a sort of half-sleep, but awakening24 again after a few minutes’ uncomfortable dreaming. They talked but little, as the noise of the rushing rapids rendered conversation painful. To be heard, they were under the necessity of shouting to one another, like passengers in an omnibus. It was cold, too. None of them had been much wetted in escaping from the canoe; but they had saved neither overcoat, blanket, nor buffalo-robe; and, although it was now late in the spring, the nights near Lake Winnipeg, even at that season, are chilly25. They were above the latitude26 of 50 degrees; and although in England, which is on that parallel, it is not very cold of a spring night, it must be remembered that the line of equal temperature—in the language of meteorologists the “isothermal line,”—is of a much lower latitude in America than in Europe.
Another fact worth remembering is, that upon the eastern or Atlantic coast of the American Continent it is much colder in the same latitude than on the western or Pacific side. The Pacific “sea-board” in its climate is more like the western edge of the old continent. This would seem to indicate that the climate of a coast country is much influenced by the side upon which the ocean lies, whether east or west. This in reality is the case, for you may observe on your map that the western coasts of both the “old world” and the “new” are somewhat similarly placed in regard to their oceans, and hence the similarity of their climates.
There are many other causes connected with this; such as the direction of winds, and the different effects produced by them on the atmosphere when they have passed over water or over land. It was, and is still by many people believed, that the winds are produced by the air becoming heated in a particular place, and then ascending27, and leaving a “vacuum” into which the colder air rushes from all sides around. This “rushing,” it was supposed, made the wind. To some extent this theory is true, but there are several other causes that operate in producing wind. Electricity—an agent hitherto but little known, but one of the most important elements of our Earth—has much to do with the winds; and the revolution of the Earth on its own axis28 has also an influence upon them. Indeed it is to be wondered at, that mankind should have so long remained satisfied with the very unsatisfactory theory of the heated air. But it is not to be wondered at either, when we consider how little mankind has had to do with these things—when we consider that as yet nearly every country upon the face of the globe is despotic; that the whole time of the great body of the people is occupied in a struggle for life—occupied in toiling29 for a few, who by the most cunning devices rob them of the fruits of their toils—rob them so skilfully31 that the poor blinded masses have grown to consider eternal toil30 as the natural state of man—nay more, are ready to persecute32 him who would elevate them, and worship him who would sink them deeper in baseness and bondage33;—when we reflect on this almost hopeless darkness of soul that has marked the history of the past, and is too much the character of the present, we need not wonder that so few have had either leisure or inclination34 to yield themselves to the acquirement or prosecution35 of scientific knowledge. “The winds have blown where they listed, and we have heard the sound thereof,” but men absorbed in the hard struggle of life have found but little time to inquire “whence they come or whither they go.”
The people of the United States are yet but partially36 free. They still inherit, from customs and prejudices, the fruits of an ancestral oppression, and a bondage of centuries of duration. But even their partial freedom has already shown its good effects. At this moment knowledge is progressing faster among these people than any other on the face of the earth. Meteorology begins to assume the palpable shape of an exact science. The winds are being traced in their currents, and followed through all their windings38, by Maury and other men of talent; and if you live twenty years longer (and I hope you may live three times as many years), you will no doubt be able to tell “whence the wind cometh and whither it goeth.”
Well, we began this politico-scientific discussion by observing that it was very cold in the latitude of Lake Winnipeg, even in late spring. Only at night though; the days are sometimes so hot there that you might fancy yourself in the tropics. These extremes are characteristic of the climate of all American countries, and particularly those that lie at a distance from the sea-coast.
Our voyageurs were chilled to the very bones, and of course glad to see the daylight glimmering39 through the tops of the trees that grew upon the banks of the river. As soon as day broke, they began to consider how they would reach those trees. Although swimming a river of that width would have been to any of the four a mere40 bagatelle41, they saw that it was not to be so easy an affair. Had they been upon either bank, they could have crossed to the other without difficulty—as they would have chosen a place where the water was comparatively still. On the rock they had no choice, as the rapids extended on both sides above and below it. Between the boulders42 the current rushed so impetuously, that had they attempted to swim to either bank, they would have been carried downward, and perhaps dashed with violence against one or other of the sharp stones.
As soon as it was light, they saw all this; not without feelings of apprehension44 and uneasiness. Their whole attention was now occupied with the one object—how they should get to the bank of the river.
The right bank was the more distant; but the passage in that direction appeared the easier one. The current was not so swift, nor yet did it seem so deep. They thought they might ford45 it, and Basil made the attempt; but he soon got beyond his depth; and was obliged, after being carried off his feet, to swim up under the lee of the rock again.
From the rock to the right bank was about an hundred yards’ distance. Here and there, at irregular intervals46, sharp, jagged stones rose above the surface, some of them projecting three feet or more out of the water, and looking very much like upright tombstones. Lucien had noticed these, and expressed the opinion that if they only had a rope, they might fling it over one of these stones, and then, holding it fast at the other end, might pass by that means from one to the other.
The suggestion was a good one, but where was the rope to come from? All their ropes and cords—lassoes and all—had been swept away in the wreck6. Not a string remained, except those that fastened their horns, flasks47, and other accoutrements; and these were only small thongs48, and would be of no use for such a purpose. It would require a rope strong enough to carry the weight of a man impelled50 by a rapid current—in fact, a weight equal to that of several men. They all set to thinking how this was to be obtained. Each looked at the other, and scanned the straps51 and thongs that were around their bodies. They were satisfied at a glance that these would not be sufficient to make such a rope as was wanted. They did not give up the hope of being able to obtain one. They were all of them accustomed to resort to strange expedients52, and a sufficiently53 strange one now suggested itself. Basil and Norman seemed to have thought of it at the same time, for both at once unbuckled their straps, and commenced pulling off their buckskin hunting-shirts. The others said nothing, as they knew well what they were going to do with them—they knew they intended cutting them into strips, and then twisting a rope out of them.
All four set to work together. Lucien and François held the shirts taut54, while Basil and Norman handled the knives, and in a few minutes the rock was covered with strips of buckskin about two inches wide, by a yard or so in length. These were next joined and plaited together in such a manner that a rope was formed nearly forty feet long. An eye was made at one end, and through this the other end was reeved—so that a running noose55 was obtained, in the same manner as the Mexicans and Indians make their lassoes. The rope was now ready for use, and Basil was the very hand to use it; for Basil knew how to fling a lasso as well as either Mexican or Indian. He had practised it often, and had lassoed many a long-horned bull upon the prairies of Opelousas and the Attakapas. To Basil, therefore, the rope was given. He placed himself on the highest part of the rock, having first coiled the new-made lasso, and hung the coil lightly over his left arm. He then took the noose-end in his right hand, and commenced winding37 it around his head. His companions had laid themselves flat, so as not to be in the way of the noose as it circled about. After a few turns the rope was launched forth56, and a loud “hurrah!” from François announced that the throw was successful. It was so in fact, as the noose was seen settling smoothly57 over the jutting58-stone, taking full hold upon it. A pull from Basil fixed59 it; and in a few minutes it was made quite fast, without the slightest danger of its slipping off. The other end was then carried round a projecting point of the rock on which they stood, and knotted firmly, so that the rope was quite taut, and stretched in a nearly horizontal direction, about a foot above the surface of the water.
The voyageurs now prepared to cross over. Their guns, pouches, and flasks were carefully secured, so that the water could not damage them. Then each took a piece of the buckskin thong49, and fastened it round his waist, leaving enough to form a running loop. This loop was intended to embrace the rope, and run along it, as they drew themselves forward by their hands.
Basil passed over first. He was the oldest, and, as he asserted, it was but right he should run the risk in testing the new-fashioned bridge, of which he was the architect. It worked admirably, and sustained the weight of his body, with the whole force of the current acting60 upon it. Of course he was swept far down, and the rope was stretched to its full tension, but he succeeded in handing himself along, until he was able to touch the second rock, and clamber upon it in safety. During the passage across he was watched by his companions with emotions of no ordinary character, but as soon as he had reached the opposite end of the rope all three uttered a loud and simultaneous cheer. Lucien passed over next, and after him François. Notwithstanding his danger, François laughed loudly all the time he was in the water, while his brothers were not without some fears for his safety. Marengo was next attached to the rope, and pulled safely over.
Norman was the last to cross upon the buckskin bridge, but, like the others, he landed in safety; and the four, with the dog, now stood upon the little isolated61 boulder43, where there was just room enough to give them all a footing.
A difficulty now presented itself, which they had not hitherto thought of. Another reach of rapid current was to be crossed, before they could safely trust themselves to enter the water. This they knew before, but they had also noticed that there was another jutting rock, upon which they might fling their rope. But the rope itself was now the difficulty. It was fast at both ends, and how were they to release it from the rock they had left? One of them could easily cross over again and untie62 it, but how was he to get back to the others? Here was a dilemma63 which had not presented itself before, and they now saw themselves no better off than ever. The rapid that remained to be crossed, was as dangerous as the one they had succeeded in passing. There was no hope that they could swim it in safety. They would certainly be swept with violence against the rocks below. There was no chance, then, of their going an inch farther—unless by some means similar to that they had just used, and the rope was no longer at their service.
For some time they all stood silent, each considering the matter in his own way. How could they free the rope?
“It cannot be done,” said one. “Impossible,” rejoined another. “We must make a second rope. François’s shirt still remains64, and our leggings—we can use them.”
This was the mode suggested by François and Norman, and Lucien seemed to assent65 to it. They had already commenced untying66 their leggings, when Basil uttered the ejaculation—
“Stop!”
“Well, what is it, brother?” asked Lucien.
“I think I can free the rope at the other end. At all events, let me try. It will not cost much, either in time or trouble.”
“How do you mean to do it, brother?”
“Sit close, all of you. Give me room—you shall see presently.”
As directed by Basil, they all cowered67 closely down, so as to occupy as little space as possible. Basil, having uncovered the lock of his rifle—which had been carefully bound up in a piece of deer’s bladder—placed himself in a firm position, and appeared as if about to fire. Such was his intention—for in a few moments he was seen to raise the gun to his shoulder, and take aim. None of his companions uttered a word. They had already guessed the object of this movement, and sat silently awaiting the result.
On the rock which they had left, the rope still bound fast passed around one of the angles, in such a way that, from the point where Basil stood, it offered a fair mark. It was at this Basil was aiming. His object was to cut the thong with his bullet. He could not do it with a single shot, as the thong was broader than the bullet, but he had calculated that he might effect his purpose with several. If he did not succeed in cutting it clean through, the ball flattening68 upon the rock would, perhaps, tear the rope in such a manner that, by pulling by the other end, they might detach it. Such were the calculations and hopes of Basil.
A moment more and the crack of his rifle was heard. At the same instant the dust rose up from the point at which he had aimed, and several small fragments flew off into the water. Again was heard François’s “hurrah,” for François, as well as the others, had seen that the rope had been hit at the right place, and now exhibited a mangled69 appearance.
While Basil was reloading, Norman took aim and fired. Norman was a good shot, though perhaps not so good a one as Basil, for that was no easy matter, as there were few such marksmen to be found anywhere, not even among the professional trappers and hunters themselves. But Norman was a fair shot, and this time hit his mark. The thong was evidently better than half divided by the two; bullets. Seeing this, François took hold of the other end, and gave it a strong jerk or two, but it was still too much for him, and he ceased pulling, and waited the effect of Basil’s second shot.
The latter had now reloaded, and, taking deliberate aim again, fired. The rope was still held taut upon the rock, for part of it dragged in the current, the force of which kept pressing it hard downward. Scarcely was the report heard, when the farther end of the thong flew from its fastening, and, swept by the running water, was seen falling into the lee of the boulder on which the party now stood. A third time was heard the voice of François uttering one of his customary “hurrahs.” The rope was now dragged up, and made ready for further use. Basil again took hold of it; and, after coiling it as before, succeeded in throwing the noose over the third rock, where it settled and held fast. The other end was tied as before, and all passed safely to the new station. Here, however, their labour ended. They found that from this point to the shore the river was shallow, and fordable; and, leaving the rope where it was, all four took the water, and waded70 safely to the bank.
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1
pouches
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| n.（放在衣袋里或连在腰带上的）小袋( pouch的名词复数 )；（袋鼠等的）育儿袋；邮袋；（某些动物贮存食物的）颊袋 | |
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axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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utensils
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| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
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mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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extinction
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| n.熄灭，消亡，消灭，灭绝，绝种 | |
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foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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lamentable
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| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
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plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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marshy
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| adj.沼泽的 | |
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perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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chilly
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| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
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latitude
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| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
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ascending
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| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
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axis
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| n.轴，轴线，中心线；坐标轴，基准线 | |
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toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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persecute
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| vt.迫害，虐待；纠缠，骚扰 | |
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bondage
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| n.奴役，束缚 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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windings
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| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
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glimmering
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| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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40
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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bagatelle
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| n.琐事；小曲儿 | |
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42
boulders
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| n.卵石( boulder的名词复数 )；巨砾；（受水或天气侵蚀而成的）巨石；漂砾 | |
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43
boulder
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| n.巨砾；卵石，圆石 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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46
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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47
flasks
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| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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48
thongs
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| 的东西 | |
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thong
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| n.皮带；皮鞭；v.装皮带 | |
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50
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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51
straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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52
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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taut
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| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
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noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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jutting
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| v.（使）突出( jut的现在分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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60
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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62
untie
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| vt.解开，松开；解放 | |
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63
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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64
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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65
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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66
untying
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| untie的现在分词 | |
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67
cowered
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的过去式 ) | |
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68
flattening
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| n. 修平 动词flatten的现在分词 | |
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69
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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70
waded
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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