
Chapter One. - The trapper’s camp—Beavers caught—The horses killed by wolves—Traps to catch the wolves.
Chapter Two. - Pursuit and capture of a white wolf—Laurence’s dream—Journey to the fort over the snow—Friendly reception at the fort—Laurence falls sick.
Chapter Three. - Anxiety of the trapper about his son—Jeanie tells Laurence about the Bible and God’s love to man—Laurence out of danger—The trapper leaves Laurence with his friends—Jeanie tries to teach Laurence to read—History of Mrs Ramsay.
Chapter Four. - Dangers in the fort—The winter sets in—Scarcity of food—Mr Ramsay’s account of his first meeting with the old trapper—His journey across the prairies—Attacked by Dacotahs—Death of his companions—Rescued by the old trapper—Prairie on fire—Ride for life.
Chapter Five. - Stock of provisions at the fort still further decreased—Reports of Sioux being in the neighbourhood—Preparations for defence—Children’s amusement of “coasting”—Sioux seen in the distance—The hunters caught by them—Camp-fires of Indians seen in the distance—Fresh bands join them.
Chapter Six. - The Indians blockade the fort—Laurence recognises the Sioux as old friends—Obtains leave to go out and meet them—Induces the Sioux chief to retire—Obtains presents for the Indians—Accompanies them—Laurence finds his old nurse—Laurence bids farewell to his friends at the fort.
Chapter Seven. - The life of Laurence among the Indians—Shooting the buffalo—The hunters’ camp and feast—Laurence in the wood—The Sioux hunters shot by Crees—Laurence lies concealed—His first prayer—Passes a fearful night—His encampment attacked by wolves—Journey over the snow—Falls into a snow-drift.
Chapter Eight. - Laurence in the snow—Discovered by Crees—Rescued—Conveyed to the chief’s tent—Kindness of the old chief—Escorted to the fort—Fears as to his reception—Kindly welcomed by Mr Ramsay—Laurence again falls sick—Mrs Ramsay explains the gospel to him—Laurence begins to understand it.
Chapter Nine. - Arrival of Mr Martin, the missionary—He preaches the gospel to the Indians—Laurence listens with attention—Learns more of the truth, and expresses his wish to make it known to others—The spring returns.
Chapter Ten. - Laurence learns what it is to be a Christian—Gets leave to set out in search of his father—Starts on an expedition with Peter, a Christian Cree—Discovers two of Michael’s traps—A party of Blackfeet—Blackfeet wound old Michael—Blackfeet captured—Laurence goes to his father’s assistance—Peter preaches to the Blackfeet, and invites them to the fort—The Blackfeet set at liberty—Hearing Laurence explain the gospel to him—Laurence conveys the old trapper to the fort—Narrates to Mr Martin his former life—Mr Martin tells him that the Queen has pardoned him—The old trapper at length believes the truth—Returns with Laurence to Canada—Laurence restored to his parents—Revisits the fort as a missionary.
In the crisp dawn of a remote western valley, a seasoned trapper and his teenage son make their way along a riverbank, checking the snares they have set for beavers, wolves, and other forest creatures. The landscape is vivid—maple, birch, and willow trees blaze with autumn colors, while snow‑capped hills loom over a shallow pond the beavers themselves have fashioned. Their routine is a quiet choreography of observation, patience, and the occasional surprise catch, each haul a testament to the harsh yet rewarding life of the frontier.
Between the steady rhythm of work, the father shares his hard‑won wisdom, comparing the cleverness of wildlife to the deceit of city folk who chase easy riches. He reminds his son that true sustenance comes from toil and respect for the land. As the day ends, they return to their modest camp, their haul of skins promising a hearty meal and a glimpse of the next leg of their journey toward Fort Elton, where winter will soon settle in.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (150K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-05-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1880
Best known for fast-moving adventure stories for young readers, this Victorian writer filled his books with sea voyages, survival, and a strong sense of duty. He also helped bring popular European tales to English readers through translation and adaptation.
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