The Land of the // 'inani.Jie 



Monsieur's rod and coat. It is a point 

 of honor, however, with these men never 

 to risk a passenger's comfort, much less 

 his safety. Any recklessness or bungling 

 would meet sharp criticism over the camp- 

 fire. They are cool and courageous in 

 real danger, however, and among them- 

 selves the rivalry is very keen. Nothing 

 delights them more than to have a Mon- 

 sieur who can appreciate their points, and, 

 not minding a few bucketfuls of water, 

 gives them a chance of display. After all, 

 the passenger has the best of guaranties in 

 the fact that very few of them can swim.* 

 Life in a forest fishing-lodge is much 

 the same in one place as in another, and 

 its delights have been often enough dwelt 

 upon. To some its charm seems inexpli- 

 cable ; and such it must remain if they 

 forget that it lies less in the joys that are 

 present than in the cares, the worries, and 

 the annoyances that are left behind. But 

 if he has been able for a time to put aside 

 his occupations, and to enter upon a well- 

 earned leisure with a free mind, the gray- 

 haired man gets from his simple surround- 

 ings a pleasure that is as unalloyed as that 



* We s peak only of the professional canoemen of the Decharge. 

 Some of the Pointe Bleue Indians are good enough in the canoe; 

 but the railway has brought forward many men without experience, 

 either of these heavy waters or of the niceties of winanishe-fishing. 



69 



