The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1937-02-11, Page 6THE WINGHAM ADVANCE-TIMES Thursday, February 11, 1937' WW r*-r SYNOPSIS: Klien Mackay, on her way from school at Winnipeg, to join her father at Fort Edson, misses the boat by which she was to travel. Hearing that another boat is to start north in the morning, Ellen goes to the owner, John Benham, and begs him to give her a passage. To her surprise he flatly refuses. Angry and puzzled, Ellen tells Pat McClatchney, a kindly old storekeep er of her difficulty, and Pat with the help of one of Benham’s crew, suc ceeds in getting Ellen on board as a stowaway. When the vessel is well under way Ellen emerges from her hiding place and faces John Benham, who now cannot help taking her with him. * * * Twice had her father called him a “Squaw’s whelp”—a “half-breed,” and somehow this thought was like a dag ger thrust in Ellen's heart, It seem ed beyond all reason that such a thing could be so, for John Benham’s ■eyes were blue and clear and his hair richly brown. Yet . , , She thought of her father, broken ■and discouraged, and by his own words brought to such a state by the evil machinations of this — this “half- And now Ellen had taken her stand by her father's side. His bat tle was to be her battle; his hate was •her hate. It was long before she finally slept and when she did so there was the moistness of tears upon her cheeks. In the week that followed, Ellen Mackay learned the reason for her father’s despair and broken pride. Long hours she spent over the books of the post. A hundred lengthy tallies she drew up, studied and des troyed. Her thoughts were driven an inevitable conclusion. The fur trade at Fort Edson was no longer paying. Wher ethe trade had once been thousands of lynx, bear, beaver, otter, marten and other skins, the present return was but a few scanty hundreds. The shelves of the storehouse were piled high with trade goods that had not been moved for over three years. It was simple to see the season when the decline had started. Three years ago it was. Ellen probed further. Three years before had been the peak of the sev en-year cycle of the rabbits, and all old records showed that when, the rabbit tide was at its height, that was the rich year in returns on lynx. Yet the lynz tally three years ago was far below normal. Ellen went to the fur store room. Ruthlessly she ripped open several bales, and from old experience grad ed the furs disclosed. They were all far below par, not a prime skin in . the whole iot. Her lips trembled and tears came again to her eyes. How deep the shame of it must cut her father, for MACHINE GUNS TRAINED ON STRIKE PLANT IN FLINT With their machine-gun mounted and trained on General Motors plant tri Flint, Mich., these National guards men stand guard as Governor Frank Murphy of Michigan works to bring about a peaceful conciliation between plant officials and leaders of the auto motive workers sit-down strike* A in the past Fort Edson had. been the boast of the company. From there had come the richest returns, the fin est furs. Rich in the pride of achieve ment, Angus Mackay had gloried in the reputation of his post, And now he must drink the bitterest dregs. Ellen went to the door of the trade room and looked out upon the open ground which surrounded the post buildings. A few Indians were there, a very few. And she could remember when, at this time of year, there would be hundreds. And what were camped there were of the poorest. Dog-ribs ami Yellow-Knives and Hhy- river Indians, notoriously poor and unthrifty. Their tepees were ragged and filthy; their families plainly un dernourished; their dogs mere peram bulating skeletons. And the scanty furs they brought in for trade would, in the older, better years, hardly have been considered- An overpowering discouragement flooded Ellen, particularly harsh be cause she was at a loss to understand this terrible decline, 'This, is Bernard Detero ux, lass,” said the factor. John Benham was the cause, her father claimed; John Benham who, by nefarious free trading methods, had enticed the Indians from him, who had gleaned the richest and best furs and left to him only the ragged remnants. Ellen wondered if such a thing were reasonable, that one lone man could move into a territory and in three short years overthrow the re putation and prestige of such a post as Fort Edson. She voiced this won der to her father just once, and his answering spasm of rage left her trembling and disheartened. Angus Mackay hated all free trad ers violently and unswervingly. All his life had been spent in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company. He was one of the old school who, al though he knew full well that the Hudson Bay Company had parted with its old franchise in 1870, thought in his blind fervour and faithfulness, that any free trader was still a ters- passer, a despoiler, and a schemer against the interests of the mother company. There were many others like him, scattered about in the numerous posts of the north—-stern, uncompromising men who had grown old in the ser vice, and to whom the Hudson Bay Company was both life and religion, There was something appealing in this blind faith and support, yet there was something tragic also, These men, men like Angus Mackay, were hurling their frail old bodies against the ponderous, inexorable, titanic ad vance of progress. It was hopeless, it was tragic, but splendid in its blind fervour. Ellen turned back into the dusky trading room and read, for the hun dredth time it seemed, a brusque, au thoritative letter, written on the dig nified parchment used in official com munications. The, message did not mince words. It contained less than a dozen lines. Yet the words of it seemed like a funeral bell. In effect it stated that unless Angus Mackay could, by the following spring, bring back the production of Fort Edson to something approximating its ,old- time volume, he would have to be replaced. - Sudden, hot anger gripped Ellen, A year—they gave him—one short year to fight back and recuperate. One year! To this man who had giv-’ en them a lifetime of faithful, treas Ureful service. True, the letter hint ed. also of a pension, a pitiful dole,' court order demanded sit-down strik ers leave the plants was granted but strikers have refused to leave in spite of the threat ,nf force, that was more insulting than it was comforting. A pension! The mark of the old and useless. Charity! Bure vitriol on the open wounds of her father. Ellen lifted her head defiantly. A yeaf! Very well, she would show them what a Mackay, could do in a year, Shp would fight back, fight to the last ounce of strength and will she possessed. And if anyone, John Benham in particular, opposed her, she would bring back the methods of open battle the very earliest days of the fur trade had known. She was in a corner, her back to the wall. Her father’s reputation; his life; his wel fare were at stake. To win there would be nothing she would not dare, At that moment Ellen Mackay turned savage. Her face settled into hard, cold lines. The youthfulness of her fled, somehow. She put away the books and re cords, lpcked the storerooms and Strode off to the home cabin. As she went she became aware of shouts down upon .the beach. -From the doorway of the cabin she surveyed the scene below. Several scows and a York boat or two were grounded on the shingle, A crowd of Indians and rivermen were grouped on the shore. Ellen saw her father talking to one of them, a big burly figure who towered' above the rest like a giant among pigmies. Presently these two advanced up the slope towards the post. Angus Mackay with a toiling effort that brought a catch to Ellen throat and momentary dinmess to her eyes; the stranger with a lithe ease which be lied the impression of clumsiness his huge hulk gave. Once, when the old factor stumbled, his companion stead ied him with one powerful hand and after that helped the old man over the steepest part of the trail, This ges ture, slight as- it was, brought a warm glow to Ellen, and when the two fin ally reached the cabin Ellen’s eyes were bright and she was smiling. While they were still some yards away Ellen felt the impact of the newcomer’s gaze. She saw one of the biggest men she had ever looked up on. His shoulders were tremendously broad, his chest arched like a barrel. His flanks were lean, his legs long and slightly bowed as though protest ing under the weight of his huge torso. His arms, bared half-way to the shoulders, were bulged and knot ted with muscle. Elis features were ’heroic, yer lean and cleanly cut, and dark with the combined effect of ex posure and heritage. His eyes were deep and black and, to Ellen’s slight discomfiture, curiously hard gnd in scrutable. There .seemed no depth to them. They were all surface. Un consciously Ellen recoiled slightly at their cold, almost arrogant survey, Yet the man was smiling, disclosing two. rows of even, white teeth. . “This is Bernard Deteroux, lass,” panted the factor. “Bernard—my daughter Ellen.” Deteroux bowed slightly. “1 am honored, mam’selle.” Ellen murmured a reply and led the way into the 'living room. "When they bad seated themselves old An gus went on with further explana tions. “Bernard is one of our men, lass. He is our roving source of sup ply, His duties are to keep an even., balance in the trade goods at our various posts. Tell me, lass—is there anything we are in needj of?” “We have enough of everything, father,” said Ellen slowly. ’ “Except perhaps of blankets.” “I will be pleased to oblige, mam’- selle,” broke in Deteroux quickly. “A hundred pairs, perhaps. Would that be enough?” “That would be enough, Mr. De teroux,” nodded Ellen. “Good. You Shall have them im mediately.” He stepped to the open door and in a deep resonant voice shouted an order down the . slope. Then he turned back. “The blankets will be at your storeroom in five min utes, mam’selle.” A mdment later Ellen left the room to assist Gitchie in preparation of the midday meal. She found the old Chippcwyan squaw, working in the kitchen in a strangely silent mood, and despite Ellen’s curious question ing, Gitchie would utter no word. And later, when the meal was over with she went out to the storeroom with, her father and Deteroux, Ellen saw old Mqosac bend a look upon Deteroux of frank, savage hostility. This, reasoned Ellcii, was very, strange, for her father was plainly overjoyed at the presence of Deter oux, and she know that both Moosac and Gitchie were very faithful to her father. For herself, Ellen found it hard to define just how Deteroux affected her. There was an undeniable magnetism about the man. His very size, his rip pling strength, and the lithe, easy swiftness of his movements and the gleam of his white teeth were attrac tive, And be was not unhandsome. Yet his eyes were repelling, and whenever Ellen felt them upon her, which was disconcertingly often, she was hard put to It 10 keep from shiv ering openly. The man wm at once Business and Professional Directory Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Established 1*840. Risks taken on all classes of insur ance at reasonable rates. Head Office, Guelph, Ont. ABNER CQSENS, Agent. Wingham* DR. R. L. STEWART PHYSICIAN Telephone 29. Dr. Robt. C. REDMOND M.R.C.S. (England) L.R.C.P. (London) PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON DR. W. M. CONNELL PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Phone 19. W. A. CRAWFORD, M.D. Physician and Surgeon Located at the office of the late I. Dr. j. P. Kennedy. Phone 150 Wingham attractive and repulsive. When .the blankets had been prop erly checked in and receipted for, De teroux and Angus Mackay left again, but Ellen stayed at the trading room, once more immersed in the study of her father's predicament, and trying to plan a course of action that might avert the threatened calamity of the following spring. Here, an hour later, Bernard Dete roux came to her alone. “You will pardon me, mam’selle,” he began swiftly, “But I have a great affection for your father, and it would ■be well perhaps, if you and I should talk of a certain injustice which the future portends.” Ellen knew immediately what Dete roux meant. Some way, doubtless through the channels of gossip, or be cause Angus Mackay had confided in him, this' gigantic riverman knew of the threat which hung over the old factor. Though she would not ac knowledge it, Ellen realised that the task of rehabilitation she had set her self loomed as well nigh impossible. Therefore she seized upon Deteroux’s suggestion with unconscious eager ness. o ■ (Continued Next Week) t - TESTED RECIPES Bavarian Cream 1 tablespoon granulated gelatine 14 cup cold water 2 egg yolks % cup sugar 1 cup hot milk 2 whites of eggs 1 cup whipping cream •1 teaspoon vanilla. Pinch of salt Soak gelatine in water, using at least twice as much water as gelatine. Beat egg yolks and combine with sugar and salt. Gradually* add the hot milk and cook in top of double boil er, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Add gelatine. Cool, and when mixture is partially set, fold in stiffly beaten egg whites, whipped cream and vanilla. Pour into a mould oi‘ pile in sherbet glasses. Maple Bisque 1 tablespoon granulated’ gelatine 3 tablespoons cold water 2 egg yolks % cup maple syrup IVz cups whipping cream M cup chopped walnuts Soak gelatine in cold water, using at least twice as much water as gela tine. Beat egg yolks into maple sy rup and cook in top of double boiler until mixture thickens. Add gelatine. Cool, and when mixture is partially set, fold in whipped cream and wal nuts. Chill. Apple Bavariosc 1 tablespoon granulated gelatine 3 tablespoons cold water 2 egg yolks Vs cup sugar 1 cup hot milk 1 cup apple sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice % cup whipping cream Dr. W. A. McKibbon, B.A. PHYSICIAN And SURGEON Located at the Office of the Late Dr. H. W. Colbome. Office Phone 54. Nights 107 j. w. bushfield Barrister, Solicitor^ Notary, Etc. Money to Loan. Office — Meyer Block, Wingham Successor to Dudley Holmes. 1 H. CRAWFORD iBarrister, Solicitor, Notary, Etc.* Successor to R. Vanstone. Wingham -:- Ontario R. S. HETHERINGTON BARRISTER and SOLICITOR Office — Morton Block. Telephone No. 66 F. A. PARKER OSTEOPATH All Diseases Treated. Office adjoining residence next to Anglican Church on Centre St. Sunday by appointment. Osteopathy Electricity Phone 272. Hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Soak gelatine in cold water, using at least twice as much water as gela tine. Beat egg yolks slightly. Add sugar and hot milk and cook in dou ble boiler, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and coats the spoon. Dissolve gelatine in hot custard. Cool and add apple sauce and lemon juice. Chill. When partially set, fold in whipped cream. Serve garnished with fresh berries or nuts. St. Valentine’s Day is a day of magic and delight for lovers both young and old. Surely nothing can be more exciting than those cryp tic cards the postman brings, with their mysterious signature of “Guess Who” concealing an identity well loved, or perhaps ... thrillingly ... unsuspected! "Guess Who” day dinners are fun, too—for they offer more oppor tunity for amusing games and un* usual dishes than any other holi day meal of thb year. Dainty cro quettes, a luscious salad, a cake or small cup cakes to serve with the holiday punch ... all are welcome tidbits that can be served with tiny candy hearts as decorations, carrying out the motif of sweet hearts’ day. Lima Croquettes 2 .cups cooked, dried Limas % cup cream teaspoon Salt , 14 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 tablespoon tomato catsup % teaspoon pepper % teaspoon powdered sage 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup flue dry bread crumbs Rub Limas through a coarse strainer. Add crumbs, cream, salt, pepper, sage and egg. Shape in the form of small cylinders, Roll in crumbs, dip in 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons cold water and again roll in crumbs. Fry in deep hot fat (390°. F.) until, brown, then drain on soft paper.” Place on serving plate and garnish with rings of fried apple. Tomato and White Grape Salad 1 package salad gelatin 2 cups tomato juice 1 cup seedless white grapes ■ Heat 1 cup of tomato juice to boiling, Four over salad gelatin and Stir until dissolved. Add 1 cup Cold tomato juice, Chili until mixture begins to thicken, then add White grapes. Pour Bio a lalfgo heart shaped mould, Of mould in a shah low pan and, when firm, Cut into HARRY FRY Licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director Furniture and Funeral Service Ambulance Service. Phones: Day 117. Night 109. THOMAS FELLS AUCTIONEER REAL ESTATE SOLD A Thorough knowledge of Farm Stock. Phone 231, Wingham. It Will Pay You to Have An EXPERT AUCTIONEER to conduct your sale. 7 See T. R, BENNETT At The Royal Service Station. Phone 174W. J. ALVIN FOX Licensed Drugless Practitioner CHIROPRACTIC - DRUGLESS THERAPY - RADIONIC EQUIPMENT Hours by Appointment. Phone 191. * Wingham A. R.&F. E. DUVAL CHIROPRACTORS CHIROPRACTIC and ELECTRO THERAPY North Street — Wingham Telephone 300. These recipes are taken from the bulletin “Cream Desserts” issued by the Dominion Department of Agricul ture. Teacher: “How many fingers have you?” Bobbie: “Eight'and two thumbs." “Well, if four were missing,’ what would' you have then?” “No music lesson.” small hearts with cutters available at the five-and-ten. Serve with let tuce and mayonnaise. Serves 6. Ginger Spear Top-Over Cake % cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1% cups pastry flour 1 teaspoon baking powder % teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon ginger % teaspoon cinnamon % cup butter % cup sugar 1 egg * Vs cup molasses % cup sour dr butter milk 8 or 10 Hawaiian pineapple spears Vs cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar Melt % cup butter in a 10-lnch iron frying pan or an 8% inch square deep cake pan. Add brown sugar and stir until melted. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, ginger, and cinnamon. Cream butter and sugar, stir in egg, molahsds, milk and dry ingredients. Arrange pine apple spears in melted butter and brown sugar; heat. Pour in cake mixture. Bake in a moderate oven, 350 to 375° F.f for about 35 minutes. When done loosen cake from the Sides of the pan with a spatula, in vert on a large serving plate. Serve hot with whipped cream* 8 serv ings. Magk Nut Cup Cakes 1 cup ground shelled peanuts % CUp sweetened condensed milk 1 egg, separated 1 teaspoon baking powder Shell peanuts; remove br.own skins, and force through food chop per. To ground peanuts, add sweet ened condensed milk, egg yolk and baking powder. Blend1 thoroughly. Fold In stiffly-beaten egg white. Drop by spoonfuls into small size greased cup cake tins. Bake in mod erate oven (350 degrees >,> 20 ihlnutes. Makes 12 small cu>: eahd#.-