The Tom Thomson Mystery by Nancy M. Bell

Author:Nancy M. Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Death on Canoe Lake, Was Tom Thompson murdered?, Mystery surrounding the death of Tom Thompson, Death in Algonquin Park, Thompson’s death- unpaid loans or unwanted pregnancy?, Overturned canoe and missing paddle, Death by accident or design
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Published: 2024-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The eleventh of July was clear and hot. Harriet tramped through the bush solo, Winnie having cried off accompanying her on account of feeling ill. It was almost easier to be on her own with no constant complaints or whinging, although she could understand Winnie’s unease. Seeking higher ground and hopefully a clearing where the sun could get through and discourage some of the flies, Harriet hiked up the ridge. Grasping the slender trunk of a sapling to aid her tired legs she hauled herself the last few feet and then turned to look down on the lake. She shaded her eyes when she caught the flash of sunlight on the wake of a boat and wished she’d thought to bring a spyglass with her. The boat moving across the water was the Blechers as no one else had a motor launch, the middle area was empty of cargo, but something was making a large wake behind the boat although they appeared to be travelling fairly slow. “What is that?” she muttered. Holding the tree for support she leaned forward as if that small amount of distance would make it clearer. “They’re dragging something behind them, but what and why would they do that? It’s not a log, it’s not riding high enough in the water for that, and why would they drag a log anyway?” Harriet blinked and narrowed her eyes to cut the glare of the sunlight dancing on the waves. The boat disappeared between the two Wapomeo islands and was lost to her view. “Well, wasn’t that strange?” she whispered. “I wonder what on earth they’re up to now. It must be something to do with the bootlegging business. I must find an opportunity to speak with Mark about it.”

The Blechers appeared on the other side of the islands, coming a bit closer to where she stood. There didn’t appear to be anything behind the boat now and in her opinion the wake was much less than it was earlier. She shook her head; it must have just been a shadow on the water or a trick of the light bouncing off the wake of the boat. “Maybe you just don’t like them or trust them and you’re being paranoid,” Harriet chided herself.

Finding a convenient rock in the sunlight she ate her lunch and then struck off to continue her search. She returned to the lodge with a heavy heart. The longer they went without finding any sign of the missing man, the more she was sure there was something terribly wrong. From the glum look of the other searchers, the feeling was mutual.

“Has anyone notified his family in Owen Sound?” Harriet asked.

“Sent a telegram to the family. I believe his brother may come out and join the search,” Mark said.

“Never pleasant to get the news a family member is missing,” Harriet commented. “I’m exhausted. A bit of supper and then I’m for my bed.” She nodded in farewell to the men and took the path to the lodge.

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