Under the Great Bear
K >> Kirk Munroe >> Under the Great Bear[Frontispiece: From it was evoked a monstrous shape.]
"Above this far northern sea Ursa
Major sailed so directly overhead
that he seemed like to fall on us."
--_From an early voyage to the coast of Labrador_.
Under the Great Bear
BY
KIRK MUNROE
AUTHOR OF
"The Flamingo Feather," "Dorymates," "The White Conquerors," Etc.
New York
International Association of Newspapers and Authors
1901
COPYRIGHT, 1900, BY
DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
I. GRADUATION: BUT WHAT NEXT?
II. AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
III. THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER
IV. ALONE ON THE LIFE RAFT
V. WHITE BALDWIN AND HIS "SEA BEE"
VI. THE FRENCH SHORE QUESTION
VII. DEFYING A FRIGATE
VIII. A CLASSMATE TO BE AVOIDED
IX. SENDING IN A FALSE REPORT
X. CABOT ACQUIRES A LOBSTER FACTORY
XI. BLUFFING THE BRITISH NAVY
XII. ENGLAND AND FRANCE COME TO BLOWS
XIII. A PRISONER OF WAR
XIV. THE "SEA BEE" UNDER FIRE
XV. OFF FOR LABRADOR
XVI. MOSQUITOES OF THE FAR NORTH
XVII. IMPRISONED BY AN ICEBERG
XVIII. FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE NATIVES
XIX. A MELANCHOLY SITUATION
XX. COMING OF THE MAN-WOLF
XXI. A WELCOME MISSIONARY
XXII. GOOD-BYE TO THE "SEA BEE"
XXIII. THE COMFORT OF AN ESKIMO LAMP
XXIV. OBJECTS OF CHARITY
XXV. LOST IN A BLIZZARD
XXVI. AN ELECTRICIAN IN THE WILDERNESS
XXVII. THE MAN-WOLF'S STORY
XXVIII. CABOT IS LEFT ALONE
XXIX. DRIFTING WITH THE ICE PACK
XXX. THE COMING OF DAVID GIDGE
XXXI. ASSISTANT MANAGER OF THE MAN-WOLF MINE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
From It Was Evoked A Monstrous Shape . . . _Frontispiece_
On The Deck Of The Steamer "Lavinia"
He Began To Kick At It With The Hope Of Smashing
One Of Its Panels
At This The Enraged Officer Whipped Out A Revolver
"Did This Come From About Here?"
Others Fell On The New-Comers With Their Fists
Livid With Rage, The Frenchman Whipped Out An
Ugly-Looking Knife
A Solitary Figure Stood On The Chest Of A Bald Headland
"Yim"
"My Name Is Watson Balfour"
He Reached A Point From Which He Could Look Beyond The Barrier
"My Dear Boy, You Have Done Splendidly"
UNDER THE GREAT BEAR.
CHAPTER I.
GRADUATION: BUT WHAT NEXT?
"Heigh-ho! I wonder what comes next?" sighed Cabot Grant as he tumbled
wearily into bed.
The day just ended marked the close of a most important era in his
life; for on it he had been graduated from the Technical Institute, in
which he had studied his chosen profession, and the coveted sheepskin
that entitled him to sign M.E. in capital letters after his name had
been in his possession but a few hours.
Although Cabot came of an old New England family, and had been given
every educational advantage, he had not graduated with honours, having,
in fact, barely scraped through his final examination. He had devoted
altogether too much time to athletics, and to the congenial task of
acquiring popularity, to have much left for study. Therefore, while it
had been pleasant to be one of the best-liked fellows in the Institute,
captain of its football team, and a leading figure in the festivities
of the day just ended, now that it was all over our lad was regretting
that he had not made a still better use of his opportunities.
A number of his classmates had already been offered fine positions in
the business world now looming so ominously close before him. Little
pale-faced Dick Chandler, for instance, was to start at once for South
Africa, in the interests of a wealthy corporation. Ned Burnett was to
be assistant engineer of a famous copper mine; a world-renowned
electrical company had secured the services of Smith Redfield, and so
on through a dozen names, no one of which was as well known as his, but
all outranking it on the graduate list of that day.
Cabot had often heard that the career of Institute students was closely
watched by individuals, firms, and corporations in need of young men
for responsible positions, and had more than once resolved to graduate
with a rank that should attract the attention of such persons. But
there had been so much to do besides study that had seemed more
important at the time, that he had allowed day after day to slip by
without making the required effort, and now it appeared that no one
wanted him.
Yes, there was one person who had made him a proposition that very day.
Thorpe Walling, the wealthiest fellow in the class, and one of its few
members who had failed to gain a diploma, had said:
"Look here, Grant, what do you say to taking a year's trip around the
world with me, while I coach for a degree next June? There is no such
educator as travel, you know, and we'll make a point of going to all
sorts of places where we can pick up ideas. At the same time it'll be
no end of a lark."
"I don't know," Cabot had replied doubtfully, though his face had
lighted at the mere idea of taking such a trip. "I'd rather do that
than almost anything else I know of, but----"
"If you are thinking of the expense," broke in the other.
"It isn't that," interrupted Cabot, "but it seems somehow as though I
ought to be doing something more in the line of business. Anyway, I
can't give you an answer until I have seen my guardian, who has sent me
word to meet him in New York day after to-morrow. I'll let you know
what he says, and if everything is all right, perhaps I'll go with you."
With this the matter had rested, and during the manifold excitements of
the day our lad had not given it another thought, until he tumbled into
bed, wondering what would happen next. Then for a long time he lay
awake, considering Thorpe's proposition, and wishing that it had been
made by any other fellow in the class.
Until about the time of entering the Technical Institute, from which he
was just graduated, Cabot Grant, who was an only child, had been
blessed with as happy a home as ever a boy enjoyed. Then in a breath
it was taken from him by a railway accident, that had caused the
instant death of his mother, and which the father had only survived
long enough to provide for his son's immediate future by making a will.
By its terms his slender fortune was placed in the hands of a trust and
investment company, who were constituted the boy's guardians, and
enjoined to give their ward a liberal education along such lines as he
himself might choose.
The corporation thus empowered had been faithful to its trust, and had
carried out to the letter the instructions of their deceased client
during the past five years. Now less than a twelvemonth of their
guardianship remained and it was to plan for his disposal of this time
that Cabot had been summoned to New York.
He had never met the president of the corporation, and it was with no
little curiosity concerning him that he awaited, in a sumptuously
appointed anteroom, his turn for an audience with the busy man. At
length he was shown into a plainly furnished private office occupied by
but two persons, one somewhat past middle age, with a shrewd,
smooth-shaven face, and the other much younger, who was evidently a
private secretary.
Of course Cabot instantly knew the former to be President Hepburn; and
also, to his surprise, recognised him as one who had occupied a
prominent position on the platform of the Institute hall when he had
graduated two days earlier.
"Yes," said Mr. Hepburn, in a crisp, business tone, as he noted the
lad's flash of recognition, "I happened to be passing through and
dropped in to see our ward graduate. I was, of course, disappointed
that you did not take higher rank. At the same time I concluded not to
make myself known to you, for fear of interfering with some of your
plans for the day. It also seemed to me better that we should talk
business here. Now, with your Institute career ended, how do you
propose to spend the remainder of your minority? I ask because, as you
doubtless know, our instructions are to consult your wishes in all
matters, and conform to them as far as possible."
"I appreciate your kindness in that respect," replied Cabot, who was
somewhat chilled by this business-like reception, "and have decided, if
the funds remaining in your hands are sufficient for the purpose, to
spend the coming year in foreign travel; in fact, to take a trip around
the world."
"With any definite object in view," inquired Mr. Hepburn, "or merely
for pleasure?"
"With the definite object of studying my chosen profession wherever I
may find it practised."
"Um! Just so. Do you propose to take this trip alone or in company?"
"I propose to go with Thorpe Walling, one of my classmates."
"Son of the late General Walling, and a man who failed to graduate, is
he not?"
"Yes, sir. Do you know him?"
"I knew his father, and wish you had chosen some other companion."
"I did not choose him. He chose me, and invited me to go with him."
"At your own expense, I suppose?"
"Certainly! I could not have considered his proposition otherwise."
"Of course not," agreed Mr. Hepburn, "seeing that you have funds quite
sufficient for such a venture, if used with economy. And you have
decided that you would rather spend the ensuing year in foreign travel
with Thorpe Walling than do anything else?"
"I think I have, sir."
"Very well, my boy. While I cannot say that I consider your decision
the best that could be made, I have no valid objections to offer, and
am bound to grant as far as possible your reasonable desires. So you
have my consent to this scheme, if not my whole approval. When do you
plan to start?"
"Thorpe wishes to go at once."
"Then, if you will call here to-morrow morning at about this hour, I
will have arranged for your letter of credit, and anything else that
may suggest itself for making your trip a pleasant one."
"Thank you, sir," said Cabot, who, believing the interview to be ended,
turned to leave the room.
"By the way," continued Mr. Hepburn, "there is another thing I wish to
mention. Can you recommend one of your recent classmates for an
important mission, to be undertaken at once to an out-of-the-way part
of the world? He must be a young man of good morals, able to keep his
business affairs to himself, not afraid of hard work, and willing as
well as physically able to endure hardships. His intelligence and
mental fitness will, of course, be guaranteed by the Institute's
diploma. Our company is in immediate need of such a person, and will
engage him at a good salary for a year, with certain prospects of
advancement, if he gives satisfaction. Think it over and let me know
in the morning if you have hit upon one whom you believe would meet
those requirements. In the meantime please do not mention the subject
to any one."
Charged with this commission, and relieved that the dreaded interview
was ended, Cabot hastened uptown to a small secret society club of
which he was a non-resident member. There he wrote a note to Thorpe
Walling, accepting his invitation, and expressing a readiness to set
forth at once on their proposed journey. This done, he joined a group
of fellows who were discussing summer plans in the reading-room.
"What are you going in for, Grant?" asked one. "Is your summer to be
devoted to work or play?"
"Both," laughed Cabot. "Thorpe Walling and I are to take an
educational trip around the world, during which we hope to have great
fun and accomplish much work."
"Ho, ho!" jeered he who had put the question. "That's a good one. The
idea of coupling 'Torpid' Walling's name with anything that savors of
work. You'll have a good time fast enough. But I'll wager anything
you like, that in his company you will circumnavigate the globe without
having done any work harder than spending money. No, no, my dear boy,
'Torpid' is not the chap to encourage either mental or physical effort
in his associates. Better hunt some other companion, or even go by
your lonely, if you really want to accomplish anything."
These words recurred to our lad many times during the day, and when he
finally fell asleep that night, after fruitlessly wondering who of his
many friends he should recommend to President Hepburn, they were still
ringing in his ears.
CHAPTER II.
AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT.
Thorpe Walling had never been one of Cabot Grant's particular friends,
nor did the latter now regard with unmixed pleasure the idea of a
year's intimate association with him. He had accepted the latter's
invitation because nothing else seemed likely to offer, and he could
not bear to have the other fellows, especially those whose class
standing had secured them positions, imagine that he was not also in
demand. Besides, the thought of a trip around the world was certainly
very enticing; any opposition to the plan would have rendered him the
more desirous of carrying it out. But in his interview with his
guardian he had gained his point so easily that the concession
immediately lost half its value. Even as he wrote his note to Thorpe
he wondered if he really wanted to go with him, and after that
conversation in the club reading-room he was almost certain that he did
not. If Mr. Hepburn had only offered him employment, how gladly he
would have accepted it and declined Thorpe's invitation; but his
guardian had merely asked him to recommend some one else.
"Which shows," thought Cabot bitterly, "what he thinks of me, and of my
fitness for any position of importance. He is right, too, for if ever
a fellow threw away opportunities, I have done so during the past four
years. And now I am deliberately going to spend another, squandering
my last dollar, in company with a chap who will have no further use for
me when it is gone. It really begins to look as though I were about
the biggest fool of my acquaintance."
It was in this frame of mind that our young engineer made a second
visit to his guardian's office on the following morning. There he was
received by Mr. Hepburn with the same business-like abruptness that had
marked their interview of the day before.
"Good-morning, Cabot," he said. "I see you are promptly on hand, and,
I suppose, anxious to be off. Well, I don't blame you, for a pleasure
trip around the world isn't offered to every young fellow, and I wish I
were in a position to take such a one myself. I have had prepared a
letter of credit for the balance of your property remaining in our
hands, and while it probably is not as large a sum as your friend
Walling will carry, it is enough to see you through very comfortably,
if you exercise a reasonable economy. I have also written letters of
introduction to our agents in several foreign cities that may prove
useful. Let me hear from you occasionally, and I trust you will have
fully as good a time as you anticipate."
"Thank you, sir," said Cabot. "You are very kind."
"Not at all. I am only striving to carry out your father's
instructions, and do what he paid to have done. Now, how about the
young man you were to recommend? Have you thought of one?"
"No, sir, I haven't. You see, all the fellows who graduated with
honours found places waiting for them, and as I knew you would only
want one of the best, I can't think of one whom I can recommend for
your purpose. I am very sorry, but----"
"I fear I did not make our requirements quite clear," interrupted Mr.
Hepburn, "since I did not mean to convey the impression that we would
employ none but an honour man. It often happens that he who ranks
highest as a student fails of success in the business world; and under
certain conditions I would employ the man who graduated lowest in his
class rather than him who stood at its head."
Cabot's face expressed his amazement at this statement, and noting it,
Mr. Hepburn smiled as he continued:
"The mere fact that a young man has graduated from your Institute, even
though it be with low rank, insures his possession of technical
knowledge sufficient for our purpose. If, at the same time, he is a
gentleman endowed with the faculty of making friends, as well as an
athlete willing to meet and able to overcome physical difficulties, I
would employ him in preference to a more studious person who lacked any
of these qualifications. If you, for instance, had not already decided
upon a plan for spending the ensuing year, I should not hesitate to
offer you the position we desire to fill."
Cabot trembled with excitement. "I--Mr. Hepburn!" he exclaimed.
"Would you really have offered it to me?"
"Certainly I would. I desired you to meet me here for that very
purpose; but when I found you had made other arrangements that might
prove equally advantageous, I believed I was meeting your father's
wishes by helping you carry them out."
"Is the place still open, and can I have it?" asked Cabot eagerly.
"Not if you are going around the world; for, although the duties of the
position will include a certain amount of travel, it will not be in
that direction."
"But I don't want to go around the world, and would rather take the
position you have to offer than do anything else I know of," declared
Cabot.
"Without knowing its requirements, what hardships it may present, nor
in what direction it may lead you?" inquired the other.
"Yes, sir. So long as you offer it I would accept it without question,
even though it should be a commission to discover the North Pole."
"My dear boy," said Mr. Hepburn, in an entirely different tone from
that he had hitherto used, "I trust I may never forfeit nor abuse the
confidence implied by these words. Although you did not know it, I
have carefully watched every step of your career during the past five
years, and while you have done some things, as well as developed some
traits, that are to be regretted, I am satisfied that you are at least
worthy of a trial in the position we desire to fill. So, if you are
willing to relinquish your proposed trip around the world, and enter
the employ of this company instead, you may consider yourself engaged
for the term of one year from this date. During that time all your
legitimate expenses will be met, but no salary will be paid you until
the expiration of the year, when its amount will be determined by the
value of the services you have rendered. Is that satisfactory?"
"It is, sir," replied Cabot, "and with your permission I will at once
telegraph Thorpe Walling that I cannot go with him."
"Write your despatch here and I will have it sent out. At the same
time, do not mention that you have entered the employ of this company,
as there are reasons why, for the present at least, that should remain
a secret."
When Cabot's telegram was ready, Mr. Hepburn, who had been glancing
through a number of letters that awaited his signature, handed it to
his secretary, to whom he also gave some instructions that Cabot did
not catch. As the former left the room, the president turned to our
young engineer and said:
"As perhaps you are aware, Cabot, there is at present an unprecedented
demand all over the world for both iron and copper, and our company is
largely interested in the production of these metals. As existing
sources of supply are inadequate it is of importance that new ones
should be discovered, and if they can be found on the Atlantic
seaboard, so much the better. In looking about for new fields that may
be profitably worked, our attention has been directed to the island of
Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. While the former has been
partially explored, we desire more definite information as to its
available ore beds. There is a small island in Conception Bay, not far
from St. Johns, known as Bell Island, said to be a mass of iron ore,
that is already being worked by a local company. From it I should like
to have a report, as soon as you reach St. Johns, concerning the nature
of the ore, the extent of the deposit, the cost of mining it, the
present output, the facilities for shipment, and so forth. At the same
time I want you to obtain this information without divulging the nature
of your business, or allowing your name to become in any way connected
with this company.
"Having finished with Bell Island, you will visit such other portions
of Newfoundland as are readily accessible from the coast, and seem to
promise good results, always keeping to yourself the true nature of
your business. Finally, you will proceed to Labrador, where you will
make such explorations as are possible. You will report any
discoveries in person, when you return to New York, as I do not care to
have them entrusted to the mails. Above all, do not fail to bring back
specimens of whatever you may find in the way of minerals. Are these
instructions sufficiently clear?"
"They seem so, sir."
"Very well, then. I wish you to start this very day, as I find that a
steamer, on which your passage is already engaged, sails from a
Brooklyn pier for St. Johns this afternoon. This letter of credit,
which only awaits your signature before a notary, will, if deposited
with the bank of Nova Scotia in St. Johns, more than defray your year's
expenses, and whatever you can save from it will be added to your
salary. Therefore, it will pay you to practise economy, though you
must not hesitate to incur legitimate expenses or to spend money when
by so doing you can further the objects of your journey. You have
enough money for your immediate needs, have you not?"
"Yes, sir. I have about fifty dollars."
"That will be ample, since your ticket to St. Johns is already paid
for. Here it is."
Thus saying, Mr. Hepburn handed over an envelope containing the
steamship ticket that his secretary had been sent out to obtain.
"I would take as little baggage as possible," he continued, "for you
can purchase everything necessary in St. Johns, and will discover what
you need after you get there. Now, good-bye, my boy. God bless you
and bring you back in safety. Remember that the coming year will
probably prove the most important of your life, and that your future
now depends entirely upon yourself. Mr. Black here will go with you to
the banker's, where you can sign your letter of credit."
So our young engineer was launched on the sea of business life. Two
hours later he had packed a dress-suit case and sent his trunk down to
the company's building for storage. On his way to the steamer he
stopped at his club for a bite of lunch, and as he was leaving the
building he encountered the friend with whom he had discussed his plans
the day before.
"Hello!" exclaimed that individual, "where are you going in such a
hurry. Not starting off on your year of travel, are you?"
"Yes," laughed Cabot. "I am to sail within an hour. Good-bye!"
With this he ran down the steps and jumped into a waiting cab.
CHAPTER III.
THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.
So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been
occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer
"Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her
departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his
prospects that had taken place within a few hours. That morning his
life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of
those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand. Now
he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too,
entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant
future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?
[Illustration: On the deck of the steamer "Lavinia."]
"And I will," he mentally resolved. "No matter what happens, if I live
I will succeed."
In spite of this brave resolve our lad could not help feeling rather
forlorn as he watched those about him, all of whom seemed to have
friends to see them off; while he alone stood friendless and unnoticed.
Especially was his attention attracted to a nearby group of girls
gathered about one who was evidently a bride. They were full of gay
chatter, and he overheard one of them say:
"If you come within sight of an iceberg, Nelly, make him go close to it
so you can get a good photograph. I should like awfully to have one."
"So should I," cried another. "But, oh! wouldn't it be lovely if we
could only have a picture of this group, standing just as we are aboard
the ship. It would make a splendid beginning for your camera."
The bride, who, as Cabot saw, carried a small brand-new camera similar
to one he had recently procured for his own use, promptly expressed her
willingness to employ it as suggested, but was greeted by a storm of
protests from her companions.
"No, indeed! You must be in it of course!" they cried.
Then it further transpired that all wished to be "in it," and no one
wanted to act the part of photographer. At this juncture Cabot stepped
forward, and lifting his cap, said:
"I am somewhat of a photographer, and with your permission it would
afford me great pleasure to take a picture of so charming a group."
For a moment the girls looked at the presumptuous young stranger in
silence. Then the bride, flushing prettily, stepped forward and handed
him her camera, saying as she did so: