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Such was, therefore, the magnitude of the undertaking, and such the far-famed hospitality of the McLeods, that no man within the range of the family acquaintance who was not sick, or away from home, or prevented by some special act of Providence, failed to appear at the raising that day.
The saw-mill, which the McLeods had an undoubted right to erect on the unoccupied lands, was being planted on the very border of the Company's reserve lands, which they had purchased, and which were clearly laid down in plans. He would see to it that these interlopers did not trespass by an inch no, not by an eighth of an inch if he had power to prevent it!
I've bin helping the McLeods of late with their noo saw-mill, and I've heard the father talking sometimes with his sons about the Betsy of Plymouth and their brother Roderick."
Having finished the goose between them, and turned its skeleton over with an inquisitive glance to make sure that nothing eatable had escaped, the two friends finished their frugal meal with a cup of tea and a fried cake of the simplest elements flour and water after which they drew their chairs to the fireplace, a large open chimney well filled with blazing logs, lighted their pipes, and entered on a discussion of the McLeods and their present position.
The raising was over, but no man asked which side had won. The dance was well on when Barney and Tom drove up to the McLeods' gate. They were met by Margaret and Barney's mother, who, with a group of girls and Mr. McLeod, had been waiting for them. As they drove into the yard they were met at once with eager questions as to the condition and fate of the unhappy Ben. "Ben, is it?" said Tom.
The rain was pattering on the flagged walk and he did not well understand their conversation, but it was altogether of the McLeods and their entertainments. Suddenly he heard the name of Sunna Vedder. Thrice he heard it, and he followed the men to the public house, called for whiskey, sat down at a table near them and pretended to be writing.
He entertained a strong suspicion that these McLeods had penetrated into the wilderness to the neighbourhood of the Cliff Fort, not so much for the purpose of cutting timber, as for secret opposition in the fur-trade, of which the company he represented had for many years enjoyed almost a monopoly. His pride was touched, his spirit was fired.
McLeod gazed at the Indian for a moment in silent amazement. "I fear," continued Sharpeye, with a smile, "that I have to ask your forgiveness for having ventured really to practise deception on you." He removed a dark wig as he spoke, and revealed to the astonished gaze of the McLeods the light curly hair of Reginald Redding!
The fact that the McLeods were said to be resolute men made him more determined to assert his rights. He therefore declined Mr Gambart's invitation firmly. "I will stay," said he, "only one day, to look out for a house, and then return." "Look out for a house!" exclaimed the surveyor, in surprise, "what mean you? Do you think of settling down here?" "Indeed I do," replied Redding, with a smile.
"Just so," returned Redding, "and as there is every probability that I shall be absent a good many days, I leave you in charge of this establishment, with strict injunctions to keep aloof from the McLeods, and at the same time to keep an eye on them. Francois Le Rue will accompany me.
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