Mystery at Shildii Rock by Robert Feagan

Author:Robert Feagan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV028000
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2007-01-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

The Hudson's Bay Company store was the centre of activity in Fort McPherson. Along with Krutko's Trading Post, it was one of only two shops in town. Plain in appearance with red shingles, white siding, and red trim, the exterior of the Hudson's Bay store revealed no clue about the bustling activity that took place within. Besides groceries, the store also handled most of the local fur trading and housed the community's post office.

The store was situated at the north end of town on the bank of the Peel River. In summer the men sat out front on benches, chatting as they took in the summer glow of the river and the view of the distant Richardson Mountains. In the winter they gathered inside, using the guise of manly duties and business to conceal the true enjoyment of swapping stories and laughter. If someone wanted the latest gossip or to visit a bit, the Hudson's Bay store provided such diversion along with an hour or so of shopping. That being the case Robin didn't mind when his mother asked him to pick up a few items at the store for her baking.

When Robin entered the store, he paused to savour the sights, sounds, and smells that defined life in a small northern community. The murmur of voices and laughter exchanged between friends who shared experiences and a way of life greeted his ears. The walls were painted plywood and the floor was oiled wood. The strong but not unpleasant odour of moose and caribou hides mingled with the smoky tang of camp and fire; the aroma of furs, duffle cloth, Stroud cloth, and other dry goods; the scent of close-quartered humans; and a whiff of freshly rolled and smoked cigarettes.

Shelves lined the perimeter, and islands had been sporadically spaced to display canned goods and other merchandise throughout the store. Robin moved ahead past the post office counter where Chief John Kay, Robert Alexi, Charlie Snowshoe, and Henri Bertrand chatted and laughed.

Robert Alexi placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, and he turned to face the man. "Now just wait a minute, young fella. Let me take a good look at you. I haven't seen you since early in the summer."

Robin grimaced as the men surveyed him and rumpled his hair.

"Now if I'm not mistaken, this young man's grown a foot since I last saw him," Charlie Snowshoe said.

Robert Alexi grinned. "The last time I saw him, he had to stand on a log to kick a duck in the butt."

The men all guffawed as Robin happily continued to move through the store, which was quite crowded. He recognized many of the elders who were in town: Caroline Kunnizzi, Brian Francis, Lucy Rat, George Vittrekwa, and Old Harriet. Lucy Rat and Old Harriet were very respected in the community. They both had their own trap lines and were amazing women.

With her cotton dress, powder-blue sweater, and red head scarf, Old Harriet looked frumpy and subdued, but her bright, intelligent eyes and

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