Abandoned - Forest Furs - Story 12 NWS

[Abandoned]

Chapter 15




  There was a brief thaw in early spring of year 7.  Some of the snow melted, enough so that a few boys ventured out on the ice to skate.  For the first time, the lone bear climbed over the fence and out onto the ice.  The boy skated as fast as they could to get away from the bear.  They were even more afraid when they heard the ice crack.  It may have been the weight of the bear or all the snow cover over the winter that insulted the ice and kept it from getting as thick as usual that caused it to crack.  Whatever the cause, the boys and the bear made it safely off the ice.



  The thaw only lasted a short time, long enough for the donkey and the sheep to be taken out of the barn and put in the animal pen.  It snowed all through spring and well into late spring.   The trapper was late heading to Newburg with the donkey and the cart of furs.  The trapper with the canoe of furs left early fearing another early winter.



  In late summer, just before you arrived in your houseboat, eager explorer, we had another visitor.  Lavenie, the food merchant, arrived in a standard riverboat.  He said he would take anything in trade except for the furs; he was going directly to Riverboat Depot not to Newburg.  He had nothing we need so there was no trade but he did take our order for apples, flour, and oats, and added that he could get here more often than the cargo ship.  He would also check if Newburg could be added to his route.



  So, eager explorer, we are very satisfied with the trade route and the river boatmen.  There's not much more I can add to what I've already told you; I know you want to be on your way before the first snow of the season starts to fall.  But please take one of the large furs to use as a rug for your houseboat, you'll be surprised how much warmer it will be.  Fare thee well, eager explorer, be well and stay safe. 


The End