THE MAKING OF A MAN

BY W. D. FLATT

TORONTO WILLIAM BRIGGS 1918

Copyright, Canada, 1918 by W. D. FLATT.

NOTE

THIS BOOK IS NOT SOLD FOR THE USUAL COMMERCIAL RETURNS. THE PROFITS WILL BE DEVOTED TO PATRIOTIC PURPOSES

TO The Twenty-eight Boys in My Sunday School Class at Port Nelson, Ontario, whose joys and sorrows I try somewhat to share—this story of real men and women is dedicated

Your battle of Life, boys, has just begun. If you have the courage to be fair, honest, strong and clean now, and if you follow along the paths your conscience indicates, you will have the strength of character which produces heroes, in your years of manhood

FOREWORD

The story within these covers has been written from impressions received in boyhood days, ideas which time could not erase and which the passing of the years has developed and strengthened. It is perhaps only fair to state frankly that the story is largely founded on fact, though, for purposes which will be obvious, the characters have been treated from a general rather than a particular sense.

The aim has been to follow a young man’s life from his home in the Orkney Islands, one hundred years ago, through his experiences in what was then an untravelled country in the Canadian West, and to show how, in his humble, commonplace way, he took hold of the opportunities which presented themselves, small though they might seem to us to be, and built up a character and a place for himself in the community which stood the test of time.

Hundreds of our Canadian pioneers did just this in the simple, honest, straightforward lives they led in the early days of this country, and it is on the foundations they laid in those days that Canada’s greatness now has been reared.

All honor to the stalwart Canadian pioneer. Both the young and the old of to-day may well renew in[10] memory the struggles and sacrifices by which Canada’s foundation was well and truly laid. It is one of the greatest legacies which the past has bequeathed to us. It is one of the treasures that we should fondly cling to.

May we never forget the heroic daring, the finer qualities of self-denial, of loyalty to duty, stronger than the love of life, of the temper which dreads dishonor more than it fears death and the patriotism which makes love of home and country a passion.

Never were the fortunes of a vast heritage, such as Canada possessed, entrusted to stouter hearts than those of the pioneers. They were the resolute, grim, silent heroes of the majestic Canadian forest solitudes. They were intense in doing good and were possessed of great, chivalrous souls.

Those rugged sons and daughters of the Motherland crossed the sea and marched into the Canadian forest solitude without beat of drum. They built their log cabins amidst the towering forest giants, the giants which reached heavenward.

The fire of love for right and liberty which shone so brightly in the pioneers’ everyday life still burns fiercely in the hearts of Canada’s sons. The heroic deeds of valor, of service and sacrifice on the battlefields of Flanders by our boys have thrilled the heart of the world and welded forever an unbroken chain between that of the early pioneer fathers and[11] mothers, and that of their sons and daughters of to-day, for the cause of liberty, freedom and righteousness, for the love of home and country, for the love of the Motherland, for the love of peace and goodwill to men.

If the story herein told marks the path of duty more plainly for others; if it assists the youth in steering his life ship clear of the danger shoals discovered on my life’s voyage; if it inspires a more sturdy character, or if it influences one young man or young woman helpfully, I shall be well repaid.

W. D. Flatt

[12]

THE MAKING OF A MAN

CHAPTER I. LEAVING HOME.

Close to the bleak coast of the Orkney Islands, not far from where Lord Kitchener found his final resting-place and where the waves seemed to dash ceaselessly upon the rocky coast with an echo of the wonderful leader’s message, “Your King and Country need you,” there resided, in a cottage home, a family of seven, father and mother, four brothers and a sister. Luxuries were things unknown in the home, since the securing of a mere living was in itself a considerable problem, and so, while the children had been reared in habits of industry and thriftiness, they early appreciated that under these circumstances the future did not present an especially rosy aspect.

ROBERT AND WILL HEARING THE STORY OF OPPORTUNITY IN A NEW LAND.

The situation appealed particularly to the eldest sons, Robert and William, who were sixteen and eighteen years of age, stalwart youths who, if no other gifts had been given them, were endowed with splendid constitutions, capable of great endurance.[14] There was little or no work to be had at their island home and consequently little opportunity for advancement. Their father realized that the sons should be given an opportunity to hew out a destiny greater than their immediate condition would permit, but the mother, like all good mothers, found it exceedingly hard to countenance the thought of her boys leaving home. Even so early as this, a hundred years ago, stories of the wonderful opportunities of the new colony across the seas, Canada, had found their way to the little Islands, and it was perhaps only natural that the thoughts of the youths should turn toward this country of untried hopes. Since money was not plentiful in the home there was no means at hand to provide for the securing of a passage, but ultimately the opportunity was presented

in an unexpected way. As we now know so well, early Canadian development, particularly in the West, was largely in the hands of the Hudson’s Bay Company, which had been, even for some years previous to this, carrying on a large fur trade under special Government permission. Since young men were exceedingly scarce in Canada, when the Company desired new employees they naturally turned to the Old Land. In this case an experienced employee on such a search, knowing something of the characteristics of the Orkney men, visited the Islands, and his requirements became known to the two brothers.[15] Only specially fitted young men of fine physique and those who had been trained in their homes to a knowledge of discipline and duty, which, of course, meant a knowledge of what hard work implied, were considered. The applicants must necessarily possess reputation without reproach, and a character which stood out upon their faces. What the Company wanted were young men of the highest type, who could be absolutely depended on to do their whole

duty amid the most trying circumstances. The necessity for this can be understood when it is known that the work of these employees demanded dealing with the Indians as well as with the white men, and possibly the protection of the rights of the Company against a whole Indian tribe. Robert and William, although they were somewhat younger than the men usually chosen, measured so fully up to the required standard that they made a splendid impression on the Company’s employee, and were consequently placed under contract.

Aside from the novelty and excitement of experiences to be expected in a new land, the immediate financial terms of the position were not great. An iron-clad contract providing for payment of ten pounds per year for the first four years was signed by the lads. This, it will be noted, was the equivalent of about fifty dollars each per year, which was surely a low salary for picked young men. When it[16] was considered that the duties to be expected of the men were not only arduous but dangerous, and would require isolation from civilization for a considerable period, the wages offered could not be said to be large. However, the outlook for a future in a country which was known in those days as a mighty wilderness, with rivers and lakes so large that the early explorers had been able to trace only a slight portion, and famed for its game and fur-bearing animals, possessed a wonderful attraction. Again, since money had been so little known at home the sum seemed very large to them, much larger than it would have done to lads under different circumstances.

Some idea of their characters may be gleaned from the fact that they requested a special clause in the contract providing for one half of their earnings to be paid direct to their parents, and with the contract once signed it was realized by all who knew them that it would be thoroughly lived up to. They were prepared to give their best in the hope of making a favorable impression upon the Company’s Chief Factor, who had charge of the concern’s business in Canada. To them the word of encouragement meant considerably more than did their wages.

Farewells in those days were just as painful as they are now. Naturally, as the time for departure drew near, the bustle of preparation was the main factor in evidence in that Orkney Island home.[17] Mother and sister worked early and late knitting socks, making warm underclothing and a supply of woolen shirts, together with every necessary outfit. Nowadays, lads in similar circumstances would have used trunks for their equipment, but such things were not known at all familiarly and, besides, could not have been afforded. The equipment was packed in two boxes which had been made by the two lads themselves and which, for strength and workmanship, were of a kind not seen to-day. Nails, too, were not known in that day, and their place was taken by wooden pegs. Nowadays, too, articles of other than home manufacture would have found a large place in the boxes. How this was obviated then is explained in a special case. The father of the home had been accustomed to making the footwear for the family. He made special inquiry from the Company’s agent as to what would be best for

his sons in their long and trying journeys in the wilderness, and after a good deal of labor intermingled with love, provided a supply to last a considerable time. One gift, however, was purchased. Out of the very small store of money which was kept for emergencies the mother took a little and, unknown to the others, sent the sister, Jeanette, to the little village to purchase two small Bibles. In them, written with her own hand and accompanied by an[18] earnest prayer commending them to God’s tender love and care, were their names.

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO THE HOME-FOLK.

Finally the day arrived for the departure. As could be anticipated, the family all went to the dock for the last farewell, and even the faithful collie which Robert had raised from a pup was there and appeared to understand in his own way that his master and chum was leaving, probably never to return. Robert patted the dog, who wagged his tail and looked up at his master with affection in his eyes. Outside the family, many of their school chums, both boys and girls, were present, and the tears in their eyes readily indicated their feelings. The young people had been, as it were, one big family, and the hearts of the others were touched when they realized that two of their chums were leaving them. This again gave evidence of the standing of the young men in the community. Their sterling deeds and kindly words had made a host of friends for them. They had no enemies and, of course, the preacher, the school teacher, and other people of standing in the community were present to sympathize and to be near the two young men who were so loved and respected. As the moments passed

before the vessel’s cables were drawn in all had said their farewell but the mother. She sobbed bitterly and clung to her sons, and apparently could not console[19] herself for allowing them to leave the fireside of their home. The boys in turn caressed their mother, moistening her cheeks with their tears, and spoke many cheery words, assuring her they would write to her often and would do their best to return some day when the bright future they anticipated had been realized. The mother’s last words were: “Remember your Bibles, boys. I wish you would read them often and get to know the good things in them well. Don’t forget that God will be with you just as well across the sea as He would here. It doesn’t matter where you are, in the wilderness or by the lakes, He will stay with you night and day just the same, and if you love and serve Him truly there will not be any doubt about the future for all of us.” After a moment, when she was again able to control herself, she went on: “If it should happen that I do not see you again at our home here, my

lads, I will be waiting for you in a better place up yonder.”

The happenings on the dock had had an interested watcher. The captain of the vessel, a bluff old tar who had witnessed many similar partings, was naturally interested in the crowd which had gathered on the dock to say farewell to the two stalwart youths. As the mother clung to the boys past the moment of departure, he hadn’t the heart at once[20] to give the order to cast loose, and when finally the order came it was not in the gruff voice which usually prevailed, and as the vessel slowly drew away from the dock he doffed his cap to the mother and, in a voice still showing his feeling, called out:

“Don’t worry, mother. Your boys will be safe on my ship.”

CHAPTER II. THE VOYAGE.

Trans-Atlantic voyages in those days were not made with the same comfort nor by any means in the same time that are occupied now. The young men who have been coming to Canada in recent years board a ship in Liverpool on Friday and land at Montreal on Friday or Saturday. Nothing of the kind, however, was expected by the travellers on the Hudson’s Bay Company’s vessel. Even now we know how uncertain and even hazardous a voyage into the great northern inland sea—for in those days the most direct passage to the Company’s Western posts was by way of Hudson Bay—can be at certain seasons of the year. In those days, when the trip was made on a small sailing vessel, they started out with the anticipation of a voyage which might occupy six months, or even a year, and with this was the chance that the ship might be caught in the endless fields of ice which occupied the straits for so long a season and never reach its destination. The vessel was one of the Company’s regular ships, which was scheduled to make one trip each year and

carry the annual mail, which arrived at the Western[22] headquarters of the Company during the year. Her cargo was comprised of supplies for the various camps and trading-posts, and these materials were distributed from Fort Churchill and Port Nelson, on the Hudson Bay coast, to the inland stations which had been established from these bases. Ammunition, guns, traps, various kinds of food, heavy blankets and clothing constituted the greater part of the cargo, but along with these was carried a substantial supply of the trinkets which greatly pleased the Indians in those days and which were used for trading purposes. On their return journey the ships were loaded with furs which had been caught in the interior during the winter and forwarded to the Company’s stations, from which they had been in turn packed to the Hudson Bay ports.

In addition to the regular crew the ship’s company comprised a score or more picked young men from the Orkneys and other sections of northern Scotland. Favors were not very much known among these men of the sea, and usually the Company’s young men were left pretty much to themselves. The captain’s attention, however, had been specially drawn by the mother’s affectionate farewell to Robert and Will and, as might be expected, his heart had been warmed toward the youths. By reason of this, though it was not understood by the young men, they were given a favored spot for their sleeping[23] quarters and were placed rather nearer amidships than usual. To anyone who crossed in the early days on one of these small sailing vessels it will be at once apparent how much comfort this, as compared with other locations, would mean to the two lads.

Do you remember how you felt the first night you were away from home when darkness set in? If so you will realize something of what the two lads of our story felt that night, and their feelings were intensified by the realization that they were on the mighty deep, this thought being impressed by the lapping of the water on the ship’s bows and the realization that the farewell of the afternoon was to be possibly the last one. It is under such conditions that temptation to forget one’s home principles easily finds a place, and the first test was to come at this time to Robert and William. As can be appreciated, the crew of the vessel were largely old salts, who had known only a hard-and-fast life, with all the temptations which come to seafaring men. Since the sleeping quarters of the young men adjoined those of the crew, the type of language which came to the ears of the Company’s young employees when the crew were preparing for sleep can be imagined. For a time the two listened and contained themselves as best they could, and finally Robert spoke. “This is

not what we have been taught at home,” he said.[24] “We will kneel together and say our prayers.” And in the midst of this company of rough, inconsiderate men, they offered up a prayer, simple, uncultured, and yet one which meant so much, to the God they had learned to love and trust. The other youths who accompanied them were silent. Most of them had been reared in good homes, but they did not exhibit the courage of Robert and William. While the heroic stand of the two lads—and just how heroic the act was will not be appreciated immediately by many of my readers—did not seem to have much effect on the crew, and some of them had kept on with their oaths and curses, reflecting on the lads themselves, one member, and a leader among the others, had been strongly impressed. As he noted the manly way in which the two lads knelt, adhering to their principles, in the middle of the rough, uncouth crew, in spite of himself his mind turned back to his youthful days, to the old home fireside where he had knelt with mother, father, sisters and brothers; and

when he saw the two lads open the Bibles their mother had given them that afternoon he was reminded of the Bible his mother had presented to him forty or fifty years ago. He heard, also, his mother’s last words running in his ears and, as can be imagined, it was some time before he went to sleep. Sandy did not sleep well that night, either. Memories of home and of earlier days and better[25] things persisted, and when he woke a kindlier feeling than usual possessed his heart. He appreciated more than he had done before what it had meant to the two lads to take the stand they had done then, and perhaps because of this, when the ship’s company was called to breakfast, Robert was placed at the head of the table. He was the youngest of the company and could scarcely see why he was given this honor. As could be expected, many of the men fell to immediately, but Robert, again remembering his home principles and feeling that his position gave him some authority, rose and lifting his hand in a commanding way, said: “Men, if you will bow your

heads I will ask a blessing.” It might seem that this action would have been likely to stir up trouble, but perhaps by reason of Robert’s steady eye, his earnestness, and his commanding appearance, as well as by his manly act the night before, his wish was obeyed.