way in this country also to
perpetuate the memory of deeds of goodness or of bravery, anything
which is remarkable and worth remembering. Here and there along the
Peace River, and far to the north on the Athabasca, you will see a
tree trimmed like this, different from the others, and noticeable to
all passers-by. Perhaps one tells where a man has saved the life of
another man, or where a party have divided their food until all
starved, or where some great deed was done, such as a fight with some
animal. Any great event in our history we may keep in mind in this
way. When the men go by on the river they think of that. We believe it
may make their hearts stronger, or make them more disposed to do good
or brave things themselves. It is our custom."

"But what have we done to deserve this?" demanded Rob.

"Moise and I and those other men who were here have the right to
decide in regard to that," said Alex. "We would not be foolish enough
to leave a 'lob-stick' for any light reason. To us it seemed that you
were brave, considering your years, in facing the grizzly this morning
as you did; also, that you are brave to undertake this trip, young as
you are, and with us whom you did not know, across this wild country,
which daunted even Mackenzie and Fraser in the old days. Having met in
council, Moise and I have determined to do this. We think there is no
other 'lob-stick' on the river above here, and that there is not apt
to be."

By this time Moise had lopped off all the branches of the tree except
the top ones, which stood out like an umbrella. Descending from stub
to stub, he now trimmed off all the remaining branches clear to the
ground. As Alex had said, the tree stood straight and unmistakable, so
that any _voyageur_ on the river must notice it.

Rob took off his hat, and the others did the same. "We do not know how
to thank you for this honor, Alex and Moise," said he, "but we will
try never to do anything which shall make you ashamed of us. If we do,
you may come and cut down this tree."

"I believe it will stand," smiled Alex. "Not many men pass here in
these days, but by and by every man who does come here will know where
this tree stands and why it was made a 'lob-stick.' They will measure
distances by it on the river. And always when the _voyageurs_ pass, or
when they camp here near the tree, they will know your story. That is
the way history is made in this country. I think that a hundred years
from now, per