Part 4

The _frenzied_ people were all on shore. Under the calming influence of tobacco, the wrecked crew surveyed the damage. The boat was intact though leaking a little. It was impossible for them to extricate themselves. Even if any of them could swim, an attempt to make the shore would have proved fatal. They relied on us. Their hope was founded on a rock as surely as their craft.

_Getting Ready for the Rescue_

It was not long ere some of the sixty odd men, at Mr. Cornwall's direction, on the island had run to the warehouse to get rope. Fortunately being on the scene, he took matters in hand, and as soon as the necessary tackle had been brought, essayed to rescue the endangered crew. The only way that this could be done was to get a line aboard the scow and pull her off. The distance from shore was too great to permit of a rope being thrown, but there was a rock standing well out of the water about half way between, from which it might be possible to hurl a stick; so Cornwall, taking a club in his hand to which was attached a long cord held by the men on shore, started to work his way out to the vantage point through the rock-studded stream, struggling from boulder to boulder, the swirling water gripping and tearing at his legs in an effort to sweep him away.

_Fighting the Torrent_

To the tense crowd of men watching it seemed impossible that he could attain his object, but in spite of the great physical strain slowly and surely the figure--now waist deep in the current, now pulling himself up on to a rock, clinging always to the meagre support with a tenacity that the raging torrent could not break--reached its goal.

_Getting A Line Aboard the Wreck_

A sense of relief came to those who watched, but not for long. He rested for a moment to recover his breath; then coolly gathering the small rope into a coil he made the first throw. A gasp went up from the crowd on shore. The distance was too great; the stick hit the water fully twenty feet short. Again and again the attempt failed. Sometimes the missile fell so close that the rope could almost be reached but they had no boat-hook aboard. The thrower could not stand up with good footing to do his work, but from a precarious position threw with arms alone. He rested, tired by his exertions. Suddenly he gathered all his strength and at imminent hazard of hurling himself into the river sent the stick with unerring aim over its mark.

_We Pulled the Scow Off the Rock_

A mighty cheer went up from all the watchers. It was but a moment's work to haul in the cable and make it fast to the end of the scow; every available man on shore found a place on the line, and pulled with might and main to the cry of "Yo heave ho!" that she creaked in every seam and her square end was drawn bow-shaped under the strain on that fragile rope. Pull as we might, our efforts to dislodge her were unavailing. Something had to give, however. It was the line which parted with a snap, hurling us to the ground. A groan went up from those in danger, for in a moment they fell from the highest hope to the lowest depth of despair. They were in worse plight than before, but steadfastly the business of renewing communication with the scow proceeded without delay. Cornwall's efforts were again crowned with success. Little by little our task was accomplished and we were gratified to see the men who were in the water scramble aboard in great haste, as with a rousing cheer we let go the cable.

_A Tenderfoot Spectator_

When we had first arrived at the head of the rapids the previous day, a little man with a large outfit was found encamped on the river bank unable to proceed any further, waiting for something or somebody to turn up. Ten days had passed before help arrived. He had been brought hither by a gasoline engine and canoe, his only companions so far as is known being two spaniels. This gentleman styled himself a prospector ostensibly bound for Fond-du-Lac to investigate the silver strike there; but his proceedings and appearance belied the assertion, for if there were a man who should not have left the shelter of the paternal wings, it was he. The impression gained was that he was one of those helpless useless atoms of humanity that are misfits anywhere, but in the North, where one must be self-reliant, doubly out of place. He having arranged with Mr. Cornwall for a "lift" from there to Fort McMurray, lay all day on his bedding in the sand surrounded by his goods and chattels, playing with his dogs, bestirring himself only to take a photograph occasionally or get a bite to eat.

_Fondled His Spaniels and Looked On_

He was apparently oblivious to the tragedy being enacted within a hundred yards of him. This man called down upon himself the contempt and scorn of all men present by remaining inert, lazily fondling his spaniels whilst men's lives trembled in the balance. His hand upon the rope would not perhaps have helped much, but we should at least have known that he was a man. The sequel to his apathy was that next day he was deposited on the main land below the rapids and where it was intimated to him that his company was no longer desirable.

_An All Night Mosquito Raid_

Whether fired by a spirit of recklessness by the events of the day, or whether the writer was too tired to return to his camp on the mainland with the men is of little consequence, but be it known that his mosquito-bar was there. Needless to say, the mosquitoes were victorious. We needed no alarm clock that morning because the enemy forced me out of bed during the night to upbraid myself for a fool. Not a wink of sleep for me as a result; however, we got an early breakfast out of it.

_The Tug "Crester" Wrecked_

My Russians were making good progress removing the rails, the freight having been all portaged, and the scows run through the previous day were being drawn up to the Island and reloaded. About 10 o'clock Captain Barber started to run the tug "Crester" through the rapids without steam, steering with auxiliary in case of accident. Disaster dogged the footsteps of the railroad party apparently. Nothing had gone well so far. The climax had arrived. Those who were watching the river gave a shout. All eyes went to the rapid immediately; there was the "Crester" shooting down through the roughest of the water well over on the land side, out of control. We learned later that her rudder had been smashed. We saw her take a few bad bumps from a distance of two hundred yards; then with a final heave she seemed to be lifted bodily and dashed on the rocks close inshore where she lay a wreck with her bottom stove in, broadside to the current with the waves breaking over her.

_The "Crester" Dismantled_

There were no casualties. With the aid of spars, the crew were easily able to make the land. It was the middle of the afternoon before it was possible for me to go over and see the tug. In the space of six hours the captain, engineer and boatmen had her completely dismantled and all her "innards" ashore, whilst preparations were being made to pull her off and float her down the rest of the way into the Big Eddy, where she could be patched up.

(_To be continued_)

Moose Island Afire

_Clergyman's Bonfire Grows Into Conflagration, Threatening H.B.C. Post and Natives' Homes_

BY GEO. FINDLAY, Moose Factory

A Journal extract, dated August 25th, 1920, states briefly that:

"The Rev. Mr. Haythornthwaite while burning old tree stumps at the back of the Mission allowed the fire to run on, thereby setting alight the adjoining bush."

That day, a Wednesday, was excessively hot, and, as the whole summer had been very warm, all the bush and undergrowth must have been perfectly dry. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the cry of "Fire" went up, and from the southwest end of the island a big column of smoke began to darken the air, blowing in the direction of the Post.

For some minutes the natives stood gazing and then the realization that the Island was afire broke upon them. Something akin to panic set in. Canoes were loaded. Food, blankets and tents were thrown haphazardly into them, and they were swiftly paddled to the opposite bank of the river by the fear-stricken natives.

Imagine the scene: The river dotted with canoes, with their multicoloured loads; the roar of the ever-increasing fire, as it was fanned by a slight breeze, and the strange stillness that pervaded the Post, which can be sensed only in a deserted place.

The servants returned as soon as their families were safely "entrenched" on the other side of the river, and each with his axe hurried to the scene of the outbreak.

In company with Mr. Gaudet, our Post Manager, I went to see the progress made by the fire. Often we were compelled to change our route through the bush on account of the terrific heat and the choking, blinding smoke. In many places great patches of undergrowth were blazing quite a distance from the body of the fire, sparks having been blown ahead by the wind.

The roar of the fire was deafening as it caught fresh trees, shooting great lurid tongues of flame up their entire thirty feet. Darker and darker grew the air; the heat became fiercer; the fire advanced as if to satisfy its terrible hunger by enveloping the entire Island in its scorching clutch; and as we walked back to the deserted Post thoughts of having to abandon it ran through our minds.

However the wind dropped, and the little band of fire fighters worked hard to accomplish their task. Had the wind risen, the whole island would have been devastated.

All that night, and the succeeding five days and nights, gangs of natives (who had by this time got over their fright) and servants watched the fire until it was successfully stamped out.

WINNIPEG

RESOLVED

_Jan. 1, 1921_

that New Year's resolutions are not going out of fashion, as witnessed by the following answers to the query, "What is One of your New Year's Resolutions."

_J. H. Pearen_--To remain young that I may laugh with my children. To be considerate at all times of the aged and infirm or those in need of encouragement.

_W. Ogden_--To think more, talk less and to go through each day fully realizing that the opportunities which come to me lie in the present and not in the future.

_Thos. F. Reith_, Card-writer--That I try to emulate the well-known Beaver and turn out heaps of

B_right_ E_ffective_ A_rtistic_ V_igorous_ E_nterprising and_ R_eadable_

show cards, tickets and signs during 1921, in which case I expect to "BE-A-VER-"Y busy Card-writer.

_Geo. W. Ashbrook_--It is my opinion that a New Year's resolution, if sincere, should be confined to the individual's eye alone and not open to the gaze of the public.

_S. Kaufman_--One of my resolutions for 1921 is to endeavor to reduce my weight twenty pounds by applying myself assiduously to the royal sport of curling during the winter season and by strenuously playing tennis during leisure hours in the summer time.

_Miss D. Bens_--To be true to my word, my work and my friends. To make all I can, to save all I can and give all I can.

_J. W. Frankish_--We are aiming at 100% efficiency in selling our merchandise. It should be sold on the same basis as we buy it. More attention by sales staff in introducing all the new merchandise as it enters the department. This is our intention in departments 3 and 5 for 1921.

_Chas. Healey_--Do it now! This is my New Year's resolution. It is so easy to put things off when just a little "pep," a little extra energy is needed. So much can be gained and greater satisfaction can be given to all. Do it now!

_A. C. Dunbar_--I will increase my efficiency--(power to produce)--by studying, plus analyzing, plus determination, plus application, equals increased efficiency.

_J. Whalley_--That every business act of mine will be executed with the full belief that it is for the best interest of the firm.

_Saml. Drennan_--To continue placing more confidence in the washboard than in the Ouija board.

_I. N. Cognito_--Not to engage any more handsome looking salesgirls, as those I now have are all engaged--and may get married.

_W. R. Ogston_--One of my resolutions for the New Year will be to govern my actions, thought and speech towards my fellowmen by the well-known principle of "The Golden Rule" and to do my work in such a way that at the close of each day I may feel that I have accomplished something.

Winnipeg Moustache Club

_Semi-Annual Report_

Just prior to the closing of the outfit ending January 31st, 1920, a careful inventory discloses the following state of affairs. The showing is not entirely satisfactory, but it is felt that some progress is being made.

_Moustaches on Hand_--None.

_Moustaches on Upper Lip_--Twenty divided among the following "heads of stocks": Messrs. Frankish, Goody, Grant, Moore (tailoring), Lade, Fuller, Hughes, Lackie, Weeden, Blowers, Leveque, Dickens, Harrison, Hardiman, Keeley, Chambers, Duckneau, Breitner, Clark, Pugsley (?).

_New Member_--Mr. T. Nichols. (Greetings, brother).

_Under Suspicion_--Mr. C. M. Thomas, Mr. C. Robinson, Mr. Robt. Cunningham.

_The Club's National Anthem_--"The Bonnie Bloomin' Heather."

_Legend for Club's New Escutcheon_--"The Weight of a Hair Will Turn the Scales."--_Shakespeare._

_Remarks_--All members and supporters are urged to consult Mr. Saalfeld re irregularities of growth observed from time to time. Renovation for spring should be undertaken early. Special rates to members for loan of Hoover electric sweepers. Use of garden rakes or weeders will result in suspension from Club privileges. Special attention is called to the alarming recurrence of the grasshopper plague prophesied for June and July.

Managers' Social Dramatic Affair

As merry a company as ever graced a festal board met at the store buyers', managers' and assistants' social in the lunchroom, Thursday evening, January sixth. The highly edible and diversified "wittles" were disposed of with a display of "wim" and "wigor" which did justice to all traditions. Entire arrangements for the occasion were undertaken by the ladies, and the zest with which the entertainment proceeded brought down the applause of the whole assembly.

Speech, anecdote, jest, song and a three-act drama, starring the celebrated tragedian, Samuel Drennan, were features of an altogether enjoyable and profitable evening.

Are We 100 Per Cent Efficient?

By R. J. HUGHES

I wonder how many of us could answer the question at the head of this article truthfully without a considerable amount of self-study, and if we did stop and analyze ourselves would we find that we could say, "Yes, I am 100 per cent. efficient." Now, let us consider for a minute what "efficient" really means.

Turning to your dictionary, you will find the definition, "capable of producing the desired results." Are we really prepared to say "yes, I am capable of producing the desired results." If you can't, you are not 100 per cent. efficient and must find the reason why. It does not matter what position you hold or what the nature of your work is, if you are efficient, advancement is bound to be waiting.

In a recent issue of _The Beaver_ was a copy of what was called "A man-rating chart" and a statement that stores' staff promotions are governed by efficiency. Study this chart and see how many points you can honestly claim to have mastered. Whatever you do, don't go round like some people saying, "I am 100 per cent. efficient." If you really are, the management will soon notice it and promotion will come your way. Next month I will tell you what an important part memory takes in efficiency.

Y-O-U!

_What's the Matter With You, Anyway?_

By ELMER PUGSLEY

There are two ways, 'tis said, by which to get into "society"--either by flattering or shocking it. But though the writer had the honeyed tongue of the anteater, this is no time to coddle and soothe you with some linseed-poultice sort of caressing lullaby. It's New Year's and I am deliberately setting out to fire up your "dander." Of course, you may be able to prove an alibi, but, otherwise, if these few plodding lines succeed in making you really boiling, red-hot "mad"--(not just angry, you understand)--that will be the best proof that you're still conscious--and there's hope for you. We shudder when we read of "so and so" being picked up unconscious, but I could pick up numbers of people in that pitiable predicament any day--people who somehow got into the business world, strange to say.

You stand at the outset of a New Year. Scientists think there have been living beings on this old planet for 500,000 of those time-measures we call years--but there is _only one_ you can be sure of--that's _this_ year. It's a wonder you didn't think of that without being told! Glance back over the old year's glimmering trail now fading into whatever such things fade into. It is strewed with regrets and wasted opportunities that slipped through your careless fingers! Aren't you ashamed?

What's the matter with you anyway? Don't you care much? Aren't you interested in the big proposition called "life", more than just enough to watch the procession of progressive mortals passing? You'll never keep up with them if you don't pad right along! Wouldn't you like to strike out for a real goal, eh? You have the stuff in you if you'd just shake yourself a little to rouse your rusting gifts. Don't turn over the key to the bailiff just because you weren't born under a favorable sign in the zodiac. Even if your teacup doesn't read right--pshaw! you wouldn't let a thing like that spoil your future! Never mind if the bumps on your head are in the wrong place; jump into the scuffle and you'll receive any other bumps you need before you're through. A chap is said to have advertised his brains for sale the other day--"good as new--never been used." He never served in The Hudson's Bay, that fellow. No, sir!

* * * * *

The very air is surcharged with pleas to you to launch out and distinguish yourself. Self advancement is the theme of the age. No one can do as much for you as you can do for yourself. You're a regular "powerhouse" of possibilities if you have enough gumption to utilize them. You remember you turned down a smashing good chance to get ahead, when, for the sake of a few paltry frivolities, you sacrificed that special study course which you could have mastered in 1920. You know better than that. You saunter along through life as if you had a thousand years to put in here. Train the microscope on your freckled career and set about to remedy things. Come now, get hold of yourself! It's all beginning over again--New Year--new page--new everything! Tackle something that's so much bigger than you that it scares you! That's the way to grow accustomed to accomplishing big things. This is _your_ year! How do you know that you're going to have another as good? Make this your motto--pin it to your New Year's resolutions--"This is _My_ Year!"--and in sooth it _will_ be your year!

Miss McCheyne's name was inadvertently omitted from the formerly published list of names of those completing ten years' service.

Since the change in markets Miss Winslow, our postmistress-in-general, is worried for fear someone is going to tear in one of these days and ask what the new replacement price is on two cent postage stamps.

Someone turns in an unsigned report about the prevalence of "sparklers" getting hard on the eyes around the bureau of adjustment.

First Snowshoe Tramp

By Land Staff

Eighteen members of the Land Department staff snowshoed out to the home of Mr. B. Everitt, our genial associate editor, at East Kildonan, Saturday evening, December 18th. The party gathered at Redwood bridge and tramped north by way of Red River.

About half way it was found necessary to call a halt owing to the guide being missing. His rejuvenated appearance upon eventually overtaking the main party led to some doubt as to the generally accepted meaning of "air holes," which were reported to be the cause of the delay.

While there was not sufficient snow to make real good tramping, what was lacking in this respect was more than compensated for by the enjoyable time provided by the host and hostess at the conclusion of the hike. Here games and dancing were indulged in until midnight, when the party was brought to an end with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."--_F.H.N._

_An Error Rectified_

As some error in the names of the long service medalists had been made at the opening of the Anniversary Celebration, our general manager's office was the scene the other day of a pleasant little ceremony when Mr. Chas. E. Robinson was made the recipient of his long service medal. It was presented by Sir Augustus Nanton, chairman of the Canadian Advisory Committee, Mr. FitzGerald and Mr. Sparling being also present. "Charlie" has been with the Store since June 6, 1904, and is one of the bulwarks.

Mr. James Thomson, former Commissioner of lands and furs, was warmly welcomed home at Winnipeg, December 23rd, after an absence of several months in the Orkney's and Scotland.

EDMONTON

LAND OFFICE

Retail Store Notes

Recent Changes Among Store's Department Heads

Changes never seem to come singly, for since the first appearance of _The Beaver_ no less than five important executive appointments have been made in the store; and another is scheduled for the very near future.

* * * * *

Mr. Chasey, the new buyer for the men's clothing departments, and Miss M. Doherty, the new buyer for the hosiery and gloves, are now firmly established on their feet and are making noteworthy progress.

* * * * *

We now welcome to our ranks three more recent arrivals:

* * * * *

Mr. Pallett is another Easterner who has heard the call of the West. Mr. Pallett succeeds Mr. Jenkins as buyer of the trimmings and ribbons. He was previously with the T. Eaton Company for several years. Mr. Pallett is very favorably impressed with the City of Edmonton and predicts a great future for the store.

Mr. Secord is the new buyer of the ladies' ready-to-wear, and successor to Mr. Woodman. Mr. Secord was previously with the Robert Simpson Co., of Toronto, nine years buyer of the ladies' ready-to-wear and fur department. Since coming to the store, Mr. Secord has won the esteem of the entire staff and we predict a rosy future for the department under his supervision.

Mr. J. McLeod has succeeded Mr. McKee as buyer of the cigar and candy departments. Mr. McLeod was recently floor manager on the second floor and was previously manager of the grocery department, Hudson's Bay Company, Retail, Vernon, B.C.

Hail to Our New Assistant "Chief"

This new appointment was effective on December 13th, 1920. Besides holding the position of assistant manager, Mr. McKenzie will also act in the capacity of merchandise manager, thereby relieving Mr. F. F. Harker of a big burden. Mr. Harker has for the past twelve months acted in the dual capacity of manager of the store as well as merchandise manager.