The Fur Traders of the West, Or, Adventures Among the Redskins (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. Springtime.--The Hunter Refitted.--A Glance at Her Stores, --Her Cargo.--The Plan of Campaign.--The Hunter Sails. Spring had succeeded the mild winter which is usual in our most favoured county of Cornwall, and everyone in Fowey was happy and busy preparing for the harvest, both of land and sea, which would in due time take place. The harvest of the sea would come first, and at that the inhabitants would toil cheerfully, while others, probably of the same family, would be tilling the soil and sowing the seed, which by-and-by would grow up and ripen into corn, and produce the land harvest. But besides thesetwo harvests yet another was being looked forward to, and that was a harvest of skins and peltries in the far West of America. Mr. and Mrs. Doone and their famify had signified their intention of joining' their fortunes with that of Uncle David, and preparations were being made for a long voyage and a long sojourn in an uncivilised land. The Hunter was hauled high and dry on the stocks, and while some were scraping and re-caulking her bottom, the sailmaker and his mate were helping the rigger to recanvas and refit her spars. Two carpenters were busy refitting her interior and placing a bulkhead across her hold so as to partition off a considerable space towards the stern for a comfortable cabin, which was to be fitted with lockers, tables, cupboards, and other contrivances in most unexpected places. The hold was fitted for the reception of skins, and the forecastle made comfortable for the men. The cook's galley amidships was considerably enlarged, and received a brand new cooking range and a perfect armoury of pots, pans, and the other glittering articles vi hich go to make a good batferie de cuisine. Rupert and Bernard, styling themselves " s...