the ashes from his pipe, arose, stretched himself, and sauntered off to
his bed, whether in a tent, under a canoe, or in the open. Walking
down to the water's edge I watched the moonlight for a while, then
passed quietly from one smouldering fire to another. Some of the men
were still talking together in low tones so as not to disturb those who
were already seeking slumber, while others were arranging their
bedding; and still others were devoutly kneeling in prayer to The
Master of Life.

Thus during the four seasons of the year I had lived with and observed
the men of the northern wilderness; and not only had I learned to like
and respect them, but to admire their generosity and honesty, their
simplicity and skill, their gentleness and prowess; and, above all, to
honour their spiritual attitude toward this world and the next. How
different they were from the city dwellers' conception of them! But
still you may want further proof. You may want first-hand knowledge of
those northern men. You may want to study their minds and to look into
their hearts. Then may I ask you to read the following letter, written
a few years ago by an old Canadian woodsman--Mr. A. B. Carleton--who
was born and bred in the northern wilderness. Then you may become
better acquainted with at least one of the men I have been trying to
picture to you.

"I was born in the heart of the northern forest, and in my wanderings
my steps have ever gone most willingly back toward the pine-covered
hills and the grassy glades that slope down to cool, deep waters. The
wanderlust has carried me far, but the lakes and waterfalls, the bluffs
and the bays of the great northern No-Man's Land are my home, and with
_Mukwa_ the bear, _Mah-en-gin_ the wolf, _Wash-gish_ the red deer, and
_Ah-Meek_ the beaver, I have much consorted and have found their