
Chapter One. - The Hunter.
Chapter Two. - The Three Friends.
Chapter Three. - The Encampment.
Chapter Four. - Mosquitoes—Camp-Fire Talk.
Chapter Five. - Journeying in the Wilderness.
Chapter Six. - The Outpost.
Chapter Seven. - A Savage Family, and a Fight with a Bear.
Chapter Eight. - Running the Falls—Wild Scenes and Men.
Chapter Nine. - The Fort, and an Unexpected Meeting.
Chapter Ten. - Buffalo-Hunting on the Prairies.
In the late summer glow of the Hudson’s Bay wilderness, a lone figure surveys a pristine lake that mirrors sky and trees. Jasper Derry, a seasoned backwoodsman, is as comfortable in his weather‑worn leather coat as he is at rest, pipe in hand, eyes steady on the horizon. His reputation as a trapper, hunter, and quiet companion precedes him, and his thoughtful demeanor hints at more than brute strength. The scene sets the tone for a tale that celebrates both the raw beauty of untamed land and the steady heart of its most skilled inhabitant.
Yet Jasper’s trek across endless woods and icy rivers is not driven solely by the hunt. He carries a quieter burden—a promise of love that has drawn him far from familiar trails toward a remote settlement where marriage awaits. Along the way, the wilderness will test his skill, his patience, and the resolve of his heart. Those early challenges hint at encounters that could reshape his destiny.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (145K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-06-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1894
Best known for classic adventure stories such as The Coral Island, this Scottish writer drew on real travel and working life to give his tales energy, danger, and a strong sense of place. He wrote for young readers, but his stories still carry the pull of exploration and survival.
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