Mirimichi Pete of the River Bank Farm
By Nonie Creaghan (Mother of sandbunting)
Table of Contents
Intro
Chapter One How Pete Gets His Name
Chapter Two An Old Friend In Trouble
Chapter Three Perils of Autumn
Chapter Four Pete the Hunter
Chapter Five Orphans
Chapter Six Killer
Chapter Seven Winter Water Adventure
Chapter Eight Sleighride
Chapter Nine Christmas Tree
Chapter Ten Special Gift
Chapter Eleven Winter Holiday
Chapter Twelve Fire
Chapter Thirteen Leprauchan
Chapter Fourteen Crossing the River
Chapter Fifteen A Monster
Chapter Sixteen Bad Water
Chapter Seventeen Easter
Chapter Eighteen Freak Weather
Chapter Nineteen Forest Fire
Chapter Twenty Weeit Returns
Intro
The Miramichi River has many little branch rivers and flows
into a bay of the same name.
Some say it signifies "land of plenty". Others say it is called
"land of the strange people". Some even call it "land of the bad people".
Whatever it means, it is a unique mix of Mi'himaq, Acadian,
English, Scot and Irish communities living on the banks of the river in the
north-east area of New Brunswick. Other cultures have now joined to
create a rich blend of people.
-1-
How Pete Gets His Name
Pete Owleye hated his name. He was ashamed because the name
"Owl-eye" brought a curious look from grown-ups, and the sound "Owl"
made children laugh and tease. "Hoot, hoot", they would say.
Pete lived on a farm near the bank of the Miramichi River. This he
liked because his favourite pastime was fishing, and next to fishing, he
liked to watch the big ships go up and down the river, especially at night,
when they looked like big, beautiful hotels.
One day Pete came down to the river just to cry. He cried because he
was lonely and shy. He cried because he had no friends. His name
made him feel that way, as who would want to know an "Owl"? If Pete
only knew that many children might like and enjoy the little boy behind the
name! Children often tried to be friendly but Pete always shied away.
He stopped crying and played with the cones that had fallen from the
big pines. He listened to the sounds of nature...to the bird songs...the rustle
of the leaves...the splash of the fish and to the whistle of the ships on the
river.
Suddenly he heard voices and footsteps coming in his direction. He
ran and hid on the side of the bank. He was not there very long when he
got tired. The sandy soil was slippery and he had to squat and hold on to a
wiggly rock. The wiggly rock gave way suddenly and Pete felt himself slide
down into the river.
"Help! Help!", he cried.
Splash! He went into the cold water.
A man jumped in, grabbed Pete, and brought him back to shore.
Another man helped the boy up the bank.
"What's your name?", the man asked.
"Pete", the boy answered.
"Miramichi Pete, , the man laughed in fun at the wet boy.
"Miramichi Pete", the boy echoed.
The name made him feel important and brave. He told all the boys
and girls his new name. Miramichi Pete was the name he got from that
day forward, and he never felt lonely again.
-2-
An Old Friend In Trouble
Miramichi Pete's troubles didn't end with the finding of a new name.
He liked horses. There were two on the farm where he lived. There was
"Appleye" and "Saucy". Appleye was the boy's favourite. He was smaller
and Mirimichi Pete felt well on his back.
One day the boy overheard his father say that the two horses would
have to be sold. He had new machines to take their place. Miramichi Pete
was very sad. He ran to the barn and over to Appleye. The horse bent his
head and nuzzled the boy playfully. Pete stroked Appleye's head gently and
as he did, big tears came to the little boy's eyes and rolled slowly down his
cheeks.
Suddenly he had and idea! He would take Appleye into the woods - he'd
take the horse to the river. He led Appleye from the barn over to the fence
and climbed onto his back. They rode happily through the fields to a path
in the forest. A Moosebird followed them when they reached the woods.
Somehow, the wooded path didn't seem wide enough for the horse and
the boy . Maybe they were too high or too wide. Tree branches were in the
way as they passed.
Horses have a way of telling when they are unhappy. Appleye
stopped and shook his head sideways, making sneezing noises like horses
do when they don't like something.
"Never mind, we'll turn back," the boy said.
It wasn't easy turning because Appleye didn't want to get brushed by
the scratchy branches again. Miramichi Pete gave an extra hard tug of the
reins and the horses made a quick turnabout. Not caring now, he galloped
along the narrow path to the clearing.
Miramichi Pete felt the scratches on his face as they rode through the
field to the highway. The boy pulled the reins tightly to bring the animal to
a halt. The highway was busy with traffic. It was noisy with the sound of
engines and tooting of horns.
Appleye made nervous, sneezing sounds again. He tried to move
away. He was very frightened. When the highway was clear, Appleye
wouldn't even move with the extra tug of the reins. Pulling one rein
brought Appleye to a full turn and back towards the farm.
The boy's daddy was waiting at the farmyard. He was angry but told
Pete that Appleye could remain.
-3-
Perils of Autumn
Satisfied that Appleye would remain on the farm, Pete relaxed and
for Pete, there was no better place for real relaxing than in the forest. Mr.
Owleye warned Pete not to go to the woods during October. There were
men with guns behind big spruce trees. These men, his Daddy said, were
hunting deer and partridge and often shot at little sounds and movements.
It was a very dangerous time.
Miramichi Pete missed the songs of the birds . He missed the smell of
the spruce . He missed searching for little treasures of the forest. He often
collected moss, leaves or berries, the kind of things not found on the farm.
Miramichi Pete stood and looked at the forest. He started to walk,
and before he even thought, he was walking towards the old stream. The
stream had become a pond. There were beavers swimming in it, carrying
sticks between their teeth. They looked so busy and didn't even see
Miramichi Pete. They were building something that made the water rise.
He threw a pebble, but the beavers worked on as if whatever they were
doing has to be done at that very minute.
A brown rabbit ran into the clearing. When he saw the boy, he
stopped. He sat on his hind legs and perked his ears as rabbits do when
taken by surprise, then ran very quickly back into the woods. Miramichi
Pete heard a song. He left the busy beavers to follow it, but as he did,
bullets shot past. He only now remembered his father's warning!
The sound of gun shots were loud. Miramichi Pete hid behind a tree.
He heard footsteps. Then he saw two men with guns, and as they passed,
he called out for help. The men looked, and there was Miramichi Pete with
big tears flowing down his cheeks.
He was lucky. The two men were friendly . They even walked the boy back
to the farm. Miramichi Pete decided that his Daddy was right. The woods
were no place for little boys in October!
-4-
Pete The Hunter
After the experience in the woods, Mr. Owleye decided that it
was time Miramichi Pete learned how to handle a gun. After several
weeks of practise, Pete's dad said the boy could return to the woods,
giving him all the safety rules along with his instructions.
When the big day arrived, Pete reached over and peeked under the
window blind to see if there was any sign of daylight. He had been awake
for some time and could now see traces of the approaching dawn. He was
going hunting. He checked out his small rifle. Though not large enough for
big game, he'd get a table bird, in fact, dozens of them. he thought, enough
to last a winter. He packed a wee lunch, enough to last until he returned
for breakfast.
It was a cold morning and he walked quickly to the woods. Once
there, he stopped and listened for the sounds of game. He could neither see
nor hear a sign of any. In fact, the forest was unusually quiet. His first
hunting adventure was becoming a great disappointment. He felt
annoyed, so much so that he shot his rifle off into the air. As he did, he
thought he saw something move among the trees. He shot. A big grizzly
bear appeared from behind the bush. Miramichi Pete didn't know what to
do. Maybe he should fall to the ground, lie flat and still. He couldn't. He
was shaking with fear. The beast growled and walked closer to the boy.
Then suddenly it backed away. The bear shook, scratched at his wound,
then fell to the ground, turned over and moaned. Tears filled the boy's
eyes. He felt helpless and ashamed that he had wounded one of his _
animals. He couldn't help in any way because the grizzly was thrashing
about in pain. Its great claws seemed ready to claw at anything within
reach.
"Please don't die", the boy begged from a distance.
The bear cried -loud- like only bears can cry. As it did so, two little bears
appeared and covered the big one with friendly licks. Then they nudged the
big animal until it stood on its big paws. Though unsteady - it walked
away and Miramichi Pete knew it would recover.
The boy waited until the animals were out of sight. Then he ran all
the way back to the farm, feeling quite sure that he wasn't
ready yet to use a gun.
-5-
Orphans
Miramichi Pete sometimes played with girls. He liked Patti Diddle
better than any little girl he had ever known. In fact, Patti was a better
friend than most boys. Patti liked the woods. She liked the river. She liked
animals and almost everything else Miramichi Pete liked. She often
walked over to the Owleye farm to feed Appleye a sugar lump. The horse
liked Patti and even permitted her to ride on his back without bucking.
Hitching the old wagon to Appleye took all morning. Miramichi Pete
was too short to reach up and around the horse's body. It was very
awkward -and even the stool that aided him was a bit unsteady.
Patti fed the horse sugar and helped attach the strap on one side.
Once ready, they climbed into the wagon. Appleye walked slowly as he
knew they were headed towards that dreaded highway. As they
approached, the horse took one large stride as if to get it over with. The
feel of the pavement was hard and the sweet odour of the fields
disappeared. Appleye went at a slow pace.
The first turn-off was a dirt road. Miramichi Pete pulled the right
rein and they turned off. The horse took on new energy and trotted happily
along. The road seemed to be a cross road for rabbits. It wasn't really like
rabbits to use main roads but there were dozens or so in sight.
Appleye's head was held high as he proudly galloped along the dirt
road sniffing the oat fields as he went along. He was so absorbed with the
enjoyment of the run that he didn't notice a family of rabbits hopping
in front of him.Suddenly, Miramichi Pete pulled the reins firmly and the
horse came to a sudden stop. On the road beside them was a mother
rabbit lying still, surrounded by her little ones. The wagon wheels had gone
over her and she was dead.
The children jumped off and carried the dead rabbit to the ditch and
covered her with leaves. Then they picked up the four wee rabbit orphans,
turned around and headed for home.
Appleye felt responsible. He couldn't bear to have the rabbits out of
his sight. He allowed them to crawl all over him when he laid down to rest
and didn't object to them being around his hooves. If anyone went near the
little ones, he made such a noise that the commotion could be heard from
the house. The whole matter became such a nuisance that Mr. Owleye
built a wire shelter outside. Appleye accepted this and remained calm from
then on.
-6
Killer
Late fall often brought snow to the Miramichi. The snow was deep
for the first snowfall of the season. Pete discovered a little path where the
snow had been trampled down. He followed it until he came to a hilly
clearing. He could hear the sounds of jets flying overhead. He waited and
watched them until they were out of sight. Then he decided to return to the
farm. He walked, kicking the sticks that were in the way with his foot. He
saw a beautiful young deer. He stopped and stood quietly so as not to
disturb the animal. Suddenly a big bobcat leapt from a tree branch and
attacked the deer.
Miramichi Pete wanted to yell for help but he didn't want to bring
attention to himself. Besides, there was no one within calling range. It was
so painful to be quiet, to watch the bobcat kill the innocent deer. If only he
had his slingshot! Soon the struggle was over, and the wildcat went off,
dragging his victim between his teeth. When the cat was out of sight, the
boy ran all the way and was out of breath when he reached the farm. His
eyes were filled with tears, and his throat choked up so that he couldn't
talk, even to Patti Diddle who was waiting for him when he returned .
"What happened?", she asked. "You're so pale. What is it?"
The boy started to cry. Patti had never seen Pete cry before.
"I'm going to get that bobcat."he said.
"What are you talking about?" Patti asked.
Miramichi Pete told Patti what had happened, and she too became sad.
"I'll get my slingshot and finish him," Mirimichi Pete said.
"Let's trap him," she suggested.
"I don"t know how to trap a bobcat", he answered.
He ran into the house and came out with a big shotgun.
"Mirimichi Pete, you put that back. You don't know how to use a
big gun like that", she scolded.
"Guns are dangerous", she warned.
"And so are bobcats", he replied.
The little girl followed as the boy walked towards the forest.
Miramichi Pete was too angry to think of the danger. He followed the
path, then struggled through the snow in the woods. They found what was
left of the deer, but there was no sign of the wildcat. Patti tugged at the
boy's sleeve.
"Let's go home", she begged.
"Not yet", he replied.
"That cat killed the deer because he was hungry. Men kill animals for sport.
You're not being fair." "Let's go home", she begged.
Miramichi Pete decided that maybe Patti was right. He would give
up the hunt and leave. He bent down and picked up the rifle. It was very
heavy. Patti tugged at the boy's sleeve and whispered something in his ear.
Miramichi Pete looked up and there was the wildcat. He was standing still
with his jaws open. The children shivered with fear. Pete lifted the big rifle
to aim. He fired but there were no shots.
The cat moved towards them slowly. The children held on to each other for
protection, waiting for the bobcat to attack. Suddenly, the noise of jets
broke through the silence, and the cat took off farther into the woods. Patti
and Mirimichi Pete returned safely to the farm.
-7-
Winter Water Adventure
Miramichi Pete laughed when he saw the big mountain of snow in
the farmyard. He climbed up, pulling his new toboggan behind him. The
snow was hardened just right for sliding. He lay on his tummy and down
he slid. It was so much fun! He slid down and walked up a dozen times.
Like most little boys, he grew tired of being in one place for too long, so he
decided to find a bigger mountain of snow. He walked across the road to
the river bank. The bank was very steep. Miramichi Pete worried about
how steep it was. He placed his tobaggan facing the frozen over river, but
he had to find the courage to start.
There was a ship stuck in the ice below. The little ice-breaker arrived
to help break it away. Miramichi Pete watched the little boat work through
the ice. He got on the tobaggan, forgetting about the steep bank, and gave
himself a push with one foot. The tobaggan went down the slope at such a
great speed that Miramichi Pete had to hold on very tightly. He tried to
drag his foot to slow the speed, but the tobaggan sped on, and before
anything could be done, Miramichi Pete found himself almost in
midstream.
The little tug-like boat kept coming forward. The ice started to crack,
Miramichi Pete found himself on a little island of ice. He called out and
waved at the big ship. He called out and waved at the little icebreaker. No
one saw or heard the little boy. Miramichi Pete cried. He was cold and
frightened. He couldn't even try to swim. It would be dangerous in the
freezing water. He might even get caught under the ice if he tried.
"Ahoy", Miramichi Pete yelled.
His voice was getting tired and his arms were sore from waving.
"They would never see him," he thought.
They we all too busy getting the big ship out to the channel. He would be
left to freeze. Poor little Miramichi Pete!
The boy danced up and down to kept moving as much as he could against
the cold.Suddenly, he saw a rubber boat being thrown over the side of the
big ship. A rope ladder was thrown over and a sailor climbed down to the
ice below.
"Ahoy", Mirimichi Pete yelled.
No one replied. The sailor grabbed the rubber boat and carried it across the
ice to the open water.
"He's coming! He's coming!, Mirimichi Pete cried in delight.
The sailor took him to the wheel room and gave the boy some hot
tea. The captain radioed ashore to send news that Miramichi Pete was
aboard. The little boat could not take him ashore until later.
Miramichi Pete had his first sail through the river ice.
-8-
Sleigh Ride
The snow was firm and cold. Miramichi Pete felt bored. He went
skating. He went sliding. However, the cold forced him indoors. The snow
froze to his mitts and he shivered. He went to the kitchen, opened the
range oven door and put up his legs to warm and thaw out. The boy's
mother brought him a crust of freshly baked bread and molasses, along
with a cup of hot milk. His mother's bread tasted best just out of the oven.
Little boys get restless and Miramichi Pete grew tired of staying in.
His clothes were dry and warm again. He decided to hitch his horse to his
new red sleigh, and ride around the farm. His mother didn't like the idea
as it was such a cold day, but the boy was determined and took his
mother's big bear rug to put over himself.
After the boy hitched the horse to the sleigh, he added bells to
Appleye's harness. He could hardly wait to get started, to hear them jingle!
They rode over to the next farm to pick up Patti. The bells tingled just as he
had hoped they would. They sounded beautiful. Patti must have heard
them coming because she waved from the window. She put her outdoor
clothes on in a hurry and ran out. She brought along a red bow and tied it
to the harness next to the horse's face. Mirimichi Pete hopped out of the
sleigh to inspect it. They both laughed. Appleye had never looked so
beautiful!
They were snug and warm under the bear rug in the sleigh, and feeling
very proud of Appleye, they decided he should be seen by all. They headed
into town on the main highway. The going was not good, as the snow was
worn down by traffic. Appleye felt the weight of the sleigh and couldn't
gallop along as freely as usual.
"Giddiup! Giddiup! Giddiup! Pete urged the horse.
"That's not right. The road is almost bare", Patti protested.
The horse moved slowly until he had almost slowed down to barely a
walk. The boy stood up and jiggled and jiggled the reins.
You're mean, Miramichi Pete. All you care about is showing Appleye off.
You don't really are about him at all, "the girl scolded.
The boy saw a side road that led to a back road leading back to the
farm. He turned off, and as soon as the horse's feet reached the
hard-packed snow, he started off in a gallop again. They both laughed and
it became a happy sleigh ride again for all.
-9-
Christmas Tree
Miramichi Pete was excited about Christmas. He wanted everything
in sight. He visited the shops and looked at toy soldiers, helmets, games,
cars and an assortment of every kind of toy imaginable. He expected and
even bragged that Santa would bring him all these things on Christmas
day. Friends warned him not to be so greedy, but Miramichi laughed in
reply.
It wasn't like Miramichi Pete to want so much, but the look of all
those toys made him forget everything else. He wanted them all. "
A whole mountain of toys", he boasted to everyone within hearing reach.
He even expected an old-fashioned sleigh for his horse Appleye. It was sad
what Christmas was doing to Miramichi Pete.
Still fevered with the excitement of Christmas, the boy went out to
the woods with an axe to fell a tree. He walked along the narrow path in
the forest. He passed a number of healthy little trees but shook his head in
disapproval. Suddenly Pete caught sight of the tree he wanted...the tallest
tree in the forest.
As he began chopping with his axe, the little bushy trees sighed as
they rocked back and forth in the wind. Pete chopped and chopped, then
wiped his forehead. He grew tired and sat down. As he did, a big winged
reindeer appeared from the thicket. He was bigger than any animal Pete
had ever seen.
"Who are you?' Pete asked.
"I'm Dija and this is my tree you are hurting", the giant animal said.
"I didn't mean to hurt it. I just wanted a Christmas tree", the boy replied.
Dija spread his big wings and took off and flew over the forest.
As Miramichi Pete started for home, the little bushy trees closed in on
him.
"Please, I have to get through. I want to go home", he pleaded in a
frightened tone.
The bushy little trees didn't move.
Tears came to his eyes and he muttered,
"I'm sorry".
The trees moved away. The winged reindeer landed again. Little elves
jumped off his back and walked around to examine the cuts on the giant
tree. They looked from the boy to the tree, then back.
"You want the biggest and the most of everything," Dija announced.
"What is Christmas?"
"It's Baby Jesus' birthday. It's the most special birthday of all."
"You forgot that or you wouldn't have been so greedy," Dija scolded.
"I'm sorry", the little boy replied, while looking from Dija to
King Fir and then to the little bushy trees.
"One of the little trees would be happy to be yours", Dija announced in a
softer tone.
Miramichi Pete chose one, chopped it and dragged it home
carefully. He dressed it beautifully with painted pine cones, bright ribbon
and candy canes.
He forgot all about his mountain of toys -he was too busy -too happy
with the sight of the decorated tree. Even if Santa didn't come because he
had been greedy, the boy knew he had enough in just remembering the true
meaning of Christmas -the biggest birthday party of all.
-10-
Special Gift
Santa did come to the Owleye farm at Christmas. In fact, he left a lot
more than Pete had expected. The boy had secretly hoped for a Raven King
figure, the star of his favourite cartoon. After being so greedy, he hadn't
liked to tell anyone though. Nevertheless, he couldn't help feeling a wee bit
disappointed.
On his way to the forest on Christmas morning, he brought Appleye
a special treat of delicious apples and sugar lumps. Then he went on his
way. Thinking of the Raven King, he forgot to bring his snow shoes
along. It was hard-going and with each step he sank deeply. It took him
longer than he ever remembered to get to his little camp in the woods. He
was almost breathless when he arrived.
The camp-house was cold and bleak and he felt sorry that he had left
the warmth of his home and his sparkling little tree. After all, it was
Christmas day.
He couldn't stand the bleakness any longer. He started to walk
home. On his way, to make everything seem stranger, he kept hearing a
"caw caw" sound. He looked backwards and sideways, but there was
nothing to be seen. The sound followed him with each step. Spotting a log,
he decided to have a rest. The "caw caw" sound grew louder. Then he saw
a big bird swoop down and land on the log beside him. It was a shiny blue-
black in colour, just like the Raven King figure he dreamed of having. But
this was no figure. It was very real.
The bird flapped its wings. Pete turned to examine it. Around the
next was a disc and on it in fine print was written, "Merry Christmas,
Miramichi Pete".
Santa has remembered after all. The Raven was his very
own. Pete whistled as he walked on with the Raven close by. Once back at
the farm, he brought the Raven into the barn. Appleye made a fuss. But
then, as if he realised he'd be sharing his shelter with the bird from then
on, he calmed down.
-11-
Winter Carnival
It was winter carnival time. Miramichi Pete had never attended a
carnival before. It had snowed during the week , the temperature took a
dip downwards and the sun was bright, just the right conditions for a
winter celebration. The highway was firmly parked with snow, making it
possible to take Appleye out for a trot. Pete dressed Appleye up with his
special red harness, bow and bells, for the occasion.
They rode into town. As they went through the streets, people
cheered and waved as Appleye trotted by. Miramichi Pete could see his
breath as he sat holding the reins. It was very cold, but he was warmly
dressed. Besides, he had a buffalo robe to pull up in case. At the moment,
the frost was just nippy enough to pinch the cheeks of boys and girls to
bring out a rosy, healthy glow and a happy look.
Everyone looked happy. Miramichi had never seen so many smiling
faces all at once. Maybe the cold tickled their humour, or maybe it was
Appleye's bells that tickled them.
"That's it", he thought , and felt proud.
They trotted up to the schoolyard to see the students' snow
sculptures. Miramichi Pete brought Appleye to a halt and hopped off and
made for a snow ship. He boarded it. The frosty air made the snow boat
firm enough to hold him seated.
Then he heard Appleye call, the way horses call, that is. He jumped
off and ran over to see the horse surrounded by boys and girls. Appleye,
being naturally shy, didn't like all the attention. In fact, he was frightened.
Pete could always tell, as the horse's eyes always look sideways and shifty
when he was nervous. Pete pushed the children aside and gave the horse a
confident pat. He stroked his nose until Appleye's eyes focused back to a
normal state.
The children begged for a sleigh ride. It wasn't possible to take them
all so Mirimichi Pete decided to charge ten cents and take five at a time,
making it 50 cents a ride. This was so successful that in no time Pete had
made five dollars, the largest amount of money he's ever had. He took the
money and went downtown, hitching Appleye to a parking meter. He went
into a shop and ended up just buying sugar lumps for the horse. The rest
would be used to buy wading boots for Spring fishing.
When Pete brought back the sugar, Appleye was hopping up and
down in so far as horses can hop. He shook his head in a terrible state.
Someone had pinned a piece of paper to his harness and it hung over his
right eye. The boy soon discovered that it was a parking ticket. Appleye
looked exhausted. There were so many people, so many cars and
then to have a ticket pinned over his eye. It was too much, especially for a
horse.
Miramichi Pete directed the horse to the police station and knocked
at the door while holding on to the reins. He couldn't leave Appleye alone
again. Miramichi Pete explained to the officer that Appleye was a very
sensitive horse.
"It might take him months, even years, to get over his trip to town", Pete
explained.
The policeman's face broke into a smile. He patted the horse and told them
to be on their way, warning them not to forget to feed the meter next time.
As usual, as on most outings with Appleye, getting settled back on the farm
was a comforting feeling.
-12-
Fire
It was a nasty day. The sun wasn't out and the cold wind blew hard.
Miramichi Pete didn't like the force of the wind. Its strength made it
difficult for him to walk. He decided to play Boy Scout. He got his hammer,
his hatchet and nails from the barn and put snowshoes on, as the snow
was deep in the field. The narrow path in the woods was covered with
snow drifts. Miramichi Pete was going to build a bough house at the edge
of the forest. He cut tree stems and leaned the narrow lengths of wood
against the fence dividing the field and forest. He cut boughs and covered
the top. It was too difficult as the wind was against him and the snow was
so soft, it was hard to get a firm grip.
Miramichi Pete decided to camp out in his bough house. The
following day, he harnessed Appleye and put his camp supplies on the
sleigh. Patti arrived just in time to join him and they started off. Appleye
galloped until he reached the middle of the field. The soft deep snow made
the going bad for the horse -he had to wade through it.
When they arrived, Patti was delighted when she saw what Pete had
done. They left the supplies on the sled. Miramichi Pete shovelled snow in
and away from the lean-to. He took the bear rug and laid it on the ground.
He had thought of everything. He had even brought matches and kindling
for a fire. The fire was laid. It burned slowly. The children decided that
maybe more wood was necessary. Miramichi Pete placed the boughs on
the fire, making a high pile, and Patti sat down to enjoy her sandwich. The
pile caught and there was such a fire that the flames seemed to go every
which way. Patti moved quickly and called to Pete. The boy ran over to the
bough house and pulled the rug out. Within minutes , the lean-to was gone.
Miramichi Pete felt bad about and the loss of the wooden structure and
because the fire was so dangerous, he decided he'd never start
one again until he became a real boy scout.
-13-
The Leprechaun
Miramichi Pete made ready to fix his camp in the woods. His camp
was a little abandoned hut in need of repairs. He hammered nails into the
loose boards on the floor. A tiny creature appeared. Miramichi Pete had
never seen anything like it in the woods before.
It was no larger than his hand He wondered if it was an animal or an
insect. It stood on two legs and its head was shaped like a boy's, only its
eyes were too large and its mouth too small. It was dressed in a green suit
with built-in green shoes and a tassel hood. It was all green, except for
the face, which seemed to be made of flesh.
"Ye're not wer'in of the green, me lad? it asked.
Miramichi Pete jumped when it spoke.
"Where's the Irish in ye lad", it asked.
"I'm Canadian", Pete replied.
"Canadian, blarney, lad, sure ye're all Irish on St. Paddy's Day".
Pete agreed, not sure what to expect from the creature.
"I'll call him Weeit". And just as he thought of a name for the little man,
"Weeit" flashed a shiny gold nugget before the boy. Miramichi Pete had
never seen anything like it in his life.
"Tis a trade for silver, me lad," Weeit explained.
Miramichi felt deeply in his pocket and brought out a shiny five cent piece.
"Ah, no, me lad - "tis the silver fish I seek, the wonder fish of the
Miramichi".
Miramichi Pete looked from the gold nugget to the shiny nickle.
"Weeit must be after a salmon", he thought.
He tried to explain that salmon were only caught during the warm
seasons, and that it would be mpossible to get one at that time.
Weeit became so excited that Miramichi Pete was not able to
understand his chatter. Weeit climbed onto the boy's shoulder.
"Tis the command of the Wee Folks. They're awaitin' in Ireland", he said.
The little creature said he could not enter the land of the Leprechauns
without it.
The boy left camp, promising to do what he could. He decided the
only thing he could do would be to get a smelt, in hope that it would pass
for the Wonder Fish.
He walked down to the river bank. the ice looked as it was was ready
to break. He didn't like taking the risk of walking out to the nets. Besides,
the nets were too heavy to lift and they belonged to someone else. He felt
for the nickel in his pocket. He walked over to the fish shed and examined
the fish. They did not look very silvery, nor were they very large.
Nevertheless, the nickel bought one and Pete ran back to the farm. Then he
cleaned, dried and rubbed the smelt until it shone. He put it in a container
and took it to the little hut where Weeit was waiting. He held his breath
while Weeit examined the fish.
After looking it over carefully, Weeit passed over the gold nugget.
The boy refused. After all, he didn't feel very happy about passing the smelt
off for a salmon! He wondered how Weeit would get the fish back to
Ireland. As he was thinking all this, the fish disappeared, followed by
Weeit. The only thing that remained was the gold nugget on the floor.
-14-
Crossing the River
Miramichi Pete added more bells to Appleye's harness. They jingled
as he trotted long the highway. They were going to cross the bridge
spanning the river. The bridge led to other towns and villages of the
Miramichi.
The horse trotted proudly and the boy sat holding the reins
loosely between his hands. It would be the first time that Appleye had ever
been on a bridge.
On approaching the bridge, the horse slowed down to a slow
walking pace. The cars and heavily loaded trucks made him nervous. The
drivers gave him that kind of uppity look, the "you don't belong" look, that
some people give on intrusion. Appleye looked straight at them. Then he
raised his head in a haughty way as if to say it was more his bridge than
theirs.
He smartened up and began to trot again. He didn't even slow down
at the sight of a huge truck coming his way. Appleye started to tremble.
The wagon shook. The boy shook, so much so the Miramichi Pete was still
shaking when they reached the other side. Appleye lost his smart stride. In
fact, he looked rather haggard. His pace was so slow that the bells on his
reins hardly tinkled at all.
Miramichi Pete swung the reins over and directed the horses to a
side road along the river. Appleye calmed down as they stopped just in
time to see a ship approach. The bridge draw opened and the vessel
started to pass through. Somehow, as if too large for the opening, it struck
the side with a bang. the bridge was broken.
Miramichi Pete wondered how he'd ever get back to the other side.
Appleye's eyes filled with tears. The boy had never seen a horse with real
tears in his eyes before.
Maybe they could swim he thought,but then Pete remembered that in
the cool waters of April, it was hardly likely. They trotted through the
villages to the little branches of the river until they found a bridge. They
crossed and Appleye trotted at a quick nervous pace through the darkness
until they reached the farm. Never did the solid ground of the farm fields
feel so good. Miramichi Pete decided his horse was best kept in the farm
fields and open spaces and to only allow him to view the other side of the
river from where he was.
-15-
Stranger
The thought of joining his parents on their weekly visit to town gave
Miramichi Pete a ticklish feeling in his tummy all week. Saturday arrived
and now that he was in town, he wished he was back in the country.
Town was too busy. Driving through was almost like playing musical
chairs. The cars drove slowly around the circle park, while the drivers
looked for a place to stop. There were too many cars and too few places to
park. As one car pulled out, one pulled in and the others drove 'round and
'round the circle square.
Finally after getting their car parked, Pete and his Mom and Dad
walked from store to store. Pete's feet burned and ached from the heat and
hard paved sidewalks. He became worried about Appleye back at the
farm. The horse didn't seem himself. He decided he had to go back but
how was the question. As if his question had suddenly ignited, there was a
neighbour farmer stuck in the circle of cars. Pete bid a quick goodbye to his
Mom and dad and joined the man. The farmer was happy to have him
climb aboard. He was a very impatient man at the best of times and Pete
knew that he'd be leaving town as soon as possible. Though he held his
tongue and his temper, Pete could see the slow moving cars. It angered
him and his face grew red and was almost going purple by the time the
cars moved. The man moved directly to the highway and home.
Once on the farm, Pete rushed towards the barn, and as he did so, he
saw a cougar streaking away towards the woods. It was no wonder that
Appleye had been in such a state. The boy ran to the house and phoned the
sheriff and returned to his horse, who by this time needed attention. The
animal was in such a sweat that he had to be wetted down with a cloth,
then covered with a blanket, as horses catch cold very easily.
Appleye had just settled when the sheriff arrived. Miramichi Pete told him
about the cougar. He said it was a magnificent animal but very dangerous
to have so near to the farm.The sheriff listened but took it all very lightly,
not believing that such an animal existed in the Miramichi forest.
Pete locked the barn door, making sure thatnothing could disturb Appleye.
He knew the cougar was lurking about and would pounce whenever the
chance presented itself. The boy felt that he too was in danger and that he
had to somehow outwit the animal. But how was the question!
Back at the farmhouse, Pete found a roast in the fridge and decided
to bait the cougar into the old chicken coop. It was latched from outside.
The bait was set and the boy hid and waited. Sure enough, the cougar
reappeared. Pete trembled, hoping the animal would make for the meat
and not for him. As if his wish was a command, the animal entered the
empty chicken house. Pete sneaked up, latched the door and the cougar
was trapped.
Miramichi Pete was pleased, not only because the threat of danger
was gone but that the doubt as to the truth of his fear was erased. As for
the cougar, he'd remain in the chicken coup until his parents returned.
-16-
Bad Water
Miramichi Pete decided to take Appleye and go to the salmon stream.
The horse hadn't been off the farm for months and the boy wasn't sure
how the animal would react to being on the highway again. The highway
led to the stream.
Once off, Appleye trotted along at a good pace. The boy felt proud
because he knew the horse was timid and very nervous of the passing cars.
When they reached the cutoff to a narrow dirt road that led to the
stream, the horse broke into a run, happy to be on farm-like ground again.
Once settled beside the stream, the horse took to nibbling grass while
the boy prepared his fishing gear. He noticed that the water had somehow
changed in the stream. It had a dull, soupy look and dust seemed to float
on its surface, even its mood seemed different. It was very still, lending an
unhappy look to the whole scene.
There was so little movement that the boy wondered whether any
salmon still remained in the once merry stream. He decided to cast his line
hoping to get a bite. No such luck however. He sat until the sun lowered in
the sky, telling him that the day had almost ended. It was time to leave. He
pulled in his line and as he did a salmon appeared.
The salmon didn't want the bait. It opened and closed his mouth,
looking sadly at the film of the water. Suddenly, the fish bravely swam up
and nudged the boy and didn't stop until Pete waded into the water, the
fish jumped and dived to the stream bed.
The boy knelt and looked down to discover the sea plants had wilted
and the little fish lay dead on the sandy bottom. Waste had destroyed
them. The little stream had been popular. People had picnicked nearby and
threw bottles, old food waste and dirt into the water. Now it was sick.
The boy decided it was not too late to save the precious little stream.
He left his fishing gear on the farm and returned daily to clean up. He
worked until the little stream became its merry self again. It twinkled in the
sunlight and new life appeared in its depths.
Mirimichi Pete sighed and then sang, "twinkle go, twinkle come" to
the little stream of fun. The salmon jumped. It was ready for business.
Miramichi Pete was too. He took out his fishing line, knowing that the
fishing game was truly on.
-16-
Easter
The ice broke early on the river and big pieces of it flowed slowly out
to the sea. Miramichi Pete watched from the wooded banks of the river.
He sat watching, not doing anything in particular and actually not
thinking of anything in particular either. The feeling that Easter was truly
coming was felt though as he watched the river open. He listened to the
sounds of the birds, the sounds on the highway. Sounds seemed so much
louder in the Spring.
Miramichi Pete felt uncomfortable. He heard a new little sound. He
listened very carefully. He heard it again and looked into the woods and
saw something move. He got up on his feet, and a big brown rabbit ran out
and disappeared before he could catch him. The boy walked over to where
the rabbit had been and there he found a whole family of baby rabbits. They
crept over each other and didn't mind Miramichi Pete watching over them
at all. The boy picked them up one by one. He picked them up as he would a
puppy dog though he knew that the proper way to pick bunnies up was by
their ears. He just wasn't sure that this method wouldn't hurt the little
creatures.
The rabbit returned and Miramichi Pete put the bunnies down on
the ground. The animal didn't look angry at the boy intruding, but then
rabbits never did. They always seemed to have a gentle look no matter
what.Miramichi Pete moved on. He looked back and the rabbit had real
tears flowing down its furry cheeks. "A rabbit crying"! The boy had never
seen a rabbit cry. He went back to where they were.
"What's wrong?, he asked.
"They lost their Mommy and I can't work and look after them too,"
the rabbit replied.
"Work? Rabbits don't work" the boy stated.
"At Easter, I paint eggs for the boys and girls", the rabbit explained.
"You're not....you're not...the Easter Bunny, are you?"
The rabbit nodded.
Miramichi Pete became excited. He would never have guessed that
this rabbit was so important. If he didn't helplittle children would be
disappointed. He thought hard, as little boys can, and the right thought
seemed to come. He decided to look after the bunnies himself. He picked
them up, one by one, and they made quite an armful for a little boy. The
rabbit, satisfied with the boy's plan, took off.
There was no time to lose as Easter was only a few days away.
-17-
Freak Weather
Miramichi Pete dreamed of the streams and jumping trout. It was
Saturday morning and he was now eager to go to the forest stream. He
could hear the birds chatter loudly outside his bedroom window. He looked
out and to his surprise, the month of May had either jumped backwards
or far forwards season wise. The roof, the trees and the ground were
covered with snow. It seemed most bewildering that May presented such a
temperamental display of weather. The birds chattered and fluttered and
seemed most frustrated by the intrusion of snow. The noisiest bird, Mr.
Robin, just arrived from the South to summer on the Miramichi.
Mr. Robin was usually very quiet and usually very happy. He was
most upset and Pete could tell that Mr. Robin was beginning to think that
possibly for the first time he had made a mistake in the seasons.
Pete pulled the curtains, got dressed and hurried out, not even taking
time out for breakfast. He had to convince Mr. Robin it was truly May. He
broke a branch off a tree and called the bird. Mr. Robin hopped on the roof,
then flew over and perched on the branch and studied the little buds. For
the first time since his arrival, he quieted down. The boy took his fishing
tackle and hiked to the stream. The forest around him seemed livelier and
there were sounds of excitement. He left his tackle when he reached the
water and went to investigate.
In a small clearing there was a family of rabbits scolding and talking
at once. They were trying to wiggle out of their new brown coats. Further
on in the woods, a family of bears quarrelled. They scolded one another
and blamed each other for getting them up to soon out of their winter
sleep. The squirrel family didn't take time out to argue. They scampered
back to their little tree home, just peeking out occasionally to check on their
surroundings. The intrusion of winter in May had upset the whole animal
kingdom.
Pete returned to his tackle and when he arrived at the stream, the
water was its cheery self. It splashed and flowed merrily over its rocky
bottom. The only difference was that the trout seemed livelier. They just
didn't stay still at all and Pete knew they were too restless to catch, too
excited even to take time out for a nibble.
Miramichi Pete wished he could help. Unlike people who
just look at a calendar to know it was May, the animals and fish followed
their instincts when it came to knowing when a new season had arrived.
This had gone astray with the unsuspected snow
The boy stood thinking.Thoughts seemed to be out of proportion
to the size of his head. The thoughts could measure around on the outside
comfortably but inside there were too many to be pleasant. Suddenly up
popped one thought that seemed to fit the problem. Miramichi Pete
walked over into the woods. He swept the snow aside under the big spruce
branches and uncovered a mayflower.
The fragrance of the beautiful pink flowers latched on to a breeze
and blew through the forest. All sounds became still. The birds and animals
sniffed and followed the scent to find the Mayflower in bloom. Life in the
forest was restored to its natural order.
-18-
Forest Fire
Miramichi Pete saw smoke.
"It's a fire!", he yelled Patti looked up.
She was kneeling on the ground digging worms for the fishing trip they
planned. In front of her was a big smoke cloud. It was still and weird and
hovered over their beloved woods. She put the spade aside and moved
slowly to her feet. The stream where they had planned to fish was in the
forest and now they could not go.
Miramichi Pete took hold of Patti's hand and started to run, pulling
her along as he did.
"Hurry up", he urged, but Patti didn't want to run towards the woods.
We've got to save our new cabin", he cried tugging the girl to come
faster.
Patti started running freely now and as they approached the woods
smoke filled their lungs. They could smell nothing else and it was so
dreadful that Patti began to choke a little.
They followed the little path to the cabin. There was no actual fire in
sight, just smoke. When they arrived, the cabin seemed to be surrounded
by fog. They yanked open the door. Everything was in place. They heard a
crash and a bang and ran out to see animals running in terror from the
forest they had called home.
Miramichi Pete took the little girl's hand and urged her to run home.
Patti hesitated. The animals were so blind with panic that they'd bump
into anything and Patti didn't want to be trampled.
It was a difficult journey back, though not far. They had to walk and
keep watch for approaching animals. They could hear the sound of hoofs
and the cries of a forest in distress. Suddenly, a deer ran by and Miramichi
Pete in hopes of getting him out and chased him along the path until they
reached the clearing. The deer stood and looked the land over and the
children broke into a run. When they arrived, the boy hitched the cart to his
horse Appleye and Patti filled buckets with water. The deer had followed
and was so thirsty that he drank one of the buckets dry. Appleye stood
ready while the children loaded his wagon with water and food scraps.
They jumped aboard and headed back to the forest.
They could see the red of the flames now. The fire was getting worse.
Miramichi Pete had sense enough to know that two children and the
wagon's water supply could be of little use in fighting it. The water would
be used for the thirsty animals. They took an old wash tub, filled it with
water and left it at the edge of the forest. They went back and forth
keeping the tub filled. When the job was done, they lay back on the hay field
exhausted. Patti had almost gone off to sleep when she heard a splash. She
sat up quickly and there in the tub was a raccoon cooling off.
"You naughty animal", she cried.
They boy got to his feet and chased the raccoon away, but not far. He made
for the food scraps, pushing the poor little rabbits aside. He was very
greedy and if Patti hadn't stopped him, there would have been nothing left.
The supplies couldn't possibly satisfy many, but it would help.
They headed home feeling a job was done for the day. They took the
greedy little raccoon along with them. Once back on the farm, the raccoon
got into everything. Such mischief they had never known.
The sunset in the sky was scarlet. Pete's father stood facing their
beloved forest, watching and wondering. There were clouds in the sky, but
they couldn't cry. The tears of the sky were spent.
-19-
Weeit Returns
The forest fires died out and the Miramichi woods were reopened.
Miramichi Pete packed his fishing gear and headed for the brook near his
cabin. The woods lacked the usual noises. In fact, it was quieter than he
had ever remembered. the merry brook near his cabin lost its happy little
trickle sound and seemed very still. the water was low and the trout
jumped from the surface into the air and back. There was so little water
that the boy wondered if the fish would be bruised in landing. The trickle
sound was gone, but there was another to replace it. Miramichi Pete
looked around and under a small tree, he discovered "Weeit", the
leprachaun. The little creature sobbed as he watched the brook fish. A
leprachaun's sob is a very strange sound indeed.
The boy talked to Weeit. Between sobs, he learned that the wee Irish
folk were not pleased with the Miramichi wonder fish that Weeit had
brought back in March. In fact, they did not now believe that there was
even such a fish. Miramichi Pete explained that he was sorry that it had
been a smelt and not really the wonder fish at all. The smelt was the winter
fish of the area. On hearing this, Weeit went into a tantrum. The thought
of being tricked made him mad. He jumped up and down and his already
red nose grew scarlet. The boy was feeling sad. He had only passed the
smelt off as a salmon to Weeit to get him back to Ireland.
Sending the smelt had only made matters worse. Weeit had been
ordered to leave in shame. Suddenly the right thought came. They'd get a
wonder fish, and with the real wonder fish, Weeit would surely be allowed
to return. He told the leprachaun of the thought and Weeit sniffed,
bringing his crying to a stop.
Late that afternoon, they stowed away on a drifter, hiding in the
cabin in the bow. They waited for some time before voices could be heard,
Men's voices, footsteps and at last the sound of the engine. They were off.
They could feel the vibration of the engine and the swell of the sea. Weeit
groaned. His groans grew louder with the sway of the boat. He must have
been heard, as one of the men opened the cabin door. The boy looked at the
leprachaun in the light. He had turned green. It was not the bright Irish
green but a horrible sickly colour.
The men were surprised. They showed no anger, only curiosity.
"What is this?" asked one man.
"I'm Miramichi Pete and this is Weeit. He needs a salmon to get home",
Pete explained.
The men laughed and didn't ask any further questions. They turned off
their engines when they reached mid-bay and drifted. Darkness fell and
the water looked black, cold and still. It was very silent on the boat with
only the occasional sound of water beating against the boat. The splash of
salmon excited Weeit, but he was hushed into silence by the men.
Miramichi Pete felt relaxed. The sounds were interesting, and the moon
lit a path on the water and the sky. He had never had a better view
of the stars in the sky before. There were billions.
Pete must have fallen asleep as the next thing the boy remembered
was daylight. The men pulled up their nets and they were full. Weeit stood
in awe at the sight of the salmon. He squealed and danced with joy. If he
just had his magic powers, he'd take the fish and return home. He was sure
he was robbed of his magic, but then again maybe it was still with him
after all. He chose his salmon, the largest in the catch. He examined the
silvery scales of the fish and started to laugh and make strange little noises
and signs. He then climbed on the salmon's back. It jumped back into the
water.
"I'm off home across the sea" Weeit shouted excitedly.
"Thanks and all the best, Miramichi Pete".
-20-
Autumn Leaves
Every season had its own attraction on the Miramichi. Nature was
at its best in the Autumn when the countryside reached its height of beauty.
The river bank displayed a colourful array of gold, yellow, green and red
maple leaves and the river reflected the colour of the tree branches on its
calm mirror-like surface. Even though Miramichi Pete found it a quiet
season, it was the most peaceful season of all. He enjoyed the Fall .The
sights, sounds and smells it offered demanded his attention.
He enjoyed walking through the woods. He liked listening to the
light footed animals scamper through the trees. They were busy
preparing for winter and occasionally he caught a glimpse of a rabbit, deer
or squirrel as they ran between the bushes. Even the birds seemed to be up
to something different...and so they were, as many were getting ready to
migrate.
As the boy walked through the woods, he jumped from the ground
and caught a branch of a vivid red and yellow leaves. Though lovely, they
were not quite so striking in colour as from a distance. Getting a better
grip on the branch, he struggled to break it off and almost succeeded when
it sprung away. The boy decided to climb the tree as he wanted a bunch of
leaves to preserve and last through the winter nights. Already he had dried
everlastings, white flowers that grow by the roadside ... sea wheat and
cattails...these bouquets would make gifts for his Mom's birthday in mid-
winter, and what better gift for a mother than something from Nature.
He had no difficulty climbing the tree but Miramichi Pete wasn't
strong enough to break off the branches that were low enough to reach.
Though the branches were too strong to break, Pete wondered if they were
strong enough to hold him. He stood on the joint between the trunk and
branch and it seemed very steady indeed -so steady that he decided to
attempt the crawl to break off a stem that led from the main branch,
He was midway across when he noticed that his weight caused it to
bounce up and down. He clutched the narrow branch between his hands
for support . He reached for the stem and just got it, when he heard a
creaking sound. "The branch is.........,"he stammered, but before he could
say "breaking", it broke and fell to the ground. And so did Miramichi Pete.
Though stunned from the fall, the boy pulled himself up on his
elbows. A slow smile spread across his face. The whole branch had fallen
beside him. He now had all the leaves he wanted. He stared picking them
off carefully one by one thinking of how he would dip each one in hot wax
to preserve their shiny vibrant colour.
Copyright Nonie Creaghan
Table of Contents
Intro
Chapter One How Pete Gets His Name
Chapter Two An Old Friend In Trouble
Chapter Three Perils of Autumn
Chapter Four Pete the Hunter
Chapter Five Orphans
Chapter Six Killer
Chapter Seven Winter Water Adventure
Chapter Eight Sleighride
Chapter Nine Christmas Tree
Chapter Ten Special Gift
Chapter Eleven Winter Holiday
Chapter Twelve Fire
Chapter Thirteen Leprauchan
Chapter Fourteen Crossing the River
Chapter Fifteen A Monster
Chapter Sixteen Bad Water
Chapter Seventeen Easter
Chapter Eighteen Freak Weather
Chapter Nineteen Forest Fire
Chapter Twenty Weeit Returns
Intro
The Miramichi River has many little branch rivers and flows
into a bay of the same name.
Some say it signifies "land of plenty". Others say it is called
"land of the strange people". Some even call it "land of the bad people".
Whatever it means, it is a unique mix of Mi'himaq, Acadian,
English, Scot and Irish communities living on the banks of the river in the
north-east area of New Brunswick. Other cultures have now joined to
create a rich blend of people.
-1-
How Pete Gets His Name
Pete Owleye hated his name. He was ashamed because the name
"Owl-eye" brought a curious look from grown-ups, and the sound "Owl"
made children laugh and tease. "Hoot, hoot", they would say.
Pete lived on a farm near the bank of the Miramichi River. This he
liked because his favourite pastime was fishing, and next to fishing, he
liked to watch the big ships go up and down the river, especially at night,
when they looked like big, beautiful hotels.
One day Pete came down to the river just to cry. He cried because he
was lonely and shy. He cried because he had no friends. His name
made him feel that way, as who would want to know an "Owl"? If Pete
only knew that many children might like and enjoy the little boy behind the
name! Children often tried to be friendly but Pete always shied away.
He stopped crying and played with the cones that had fallen from the
big pines. He listened to the sounds of nature...to the bird songs...the rustle
of the leaves...the splash of the fish and to the whistle of the ships on the
river.
Suddenly he heard voices and footsteps coming in his direction. He
ran and hid on the side of the bank. He was not there very long when he
got tired. The sandy soil was slippery and he had to squat and hold on to a
wiggly rock. The wiggly rock gave way suddenly and Pete felt himself slide
down into the river.
"Help! Help!", he cried.
Splash! He went into the cold water.
A man jumped in, grabbed Pete, and brought him back to shore.
Another man helped the boy up the bank.
"What's your name?", the man asked.
"Pete", the boy answered.
"Miramichi Pete, , the man laughed in fun at the wet boy.
"Miramichi Pete", the boy echoed.
The name made him feel important and brave. He told all the boys
and girls his new name. Miramichi Pete was the name he got from that
day forward, and he never felt lonely again.
-2-
An Old Friend In Trouble
Miramichi Pete's troubles didn't end with the finding of a new name.
He liked horses. There were two on the farm where he lived. There was
"Appleye" and "Saucy". Appleye was the boy's favourite. He was smaller
and Mirimichi Pete felt well on his back.
One day the boy overheard his father say that the two horses would
have to be sold. He had new machines to take their place. Miramichi Pete
was very sad. He ran to the barn and over to Appleye. The horse bent his
head and nuzzled the boy playfully. Pete stroked Appleye's head gently and
as he did, big tears came to the little boy's eyes and rolled slowly down his
cheeks.
Suddenly he had and idea! He would take Appleye into the woods - he'd
take the horse to the river. He led Appleye from the barn over to the fence
and climbed onto his back. They rode happily through the fields to a path
in the forest. A Moosebird followed them when they reached the woods.
Somehow, the wooded path didn't seem wide enough for the horse and
the boy . Maybe they were too high or too wide. Tree branches were in the
way as they passed.
Horses have a way of telling when they are unhappy. Appleye
stopped and shook his head sideways, making sneezing noises like horses
do when they don't like something.
"Never mind, we'll turn back," the boy said.
It wasn't easy turning because Appleye didn't want to get brushed by
the scratchy branches again. Miramichi Pete gave an extra hard tug of the
reins and the horses made a quick turnabout. Not caring now, he galloped
along the narrow path to the clearing.
Miramichi Pete felt the scratches on his face as they rode through the
field to the highway. The boy pulled the reins tightly to bring the animal to
a halt. The highway was busy with traffic. It was noisy with the sound of
engines and tooting of horns.
Appleye made nervous, sneezing sounds again. He tried to move
away. He was very frightened. When the highway was clear, Appleye
wouldn't even move with the extra tug of the reins. Pulling one rein
brought Appleye to a full turn and back towards the farm.
The boy's daddy was waiting at the farmyard. He was angry but told
Pete that Appleye could remain.
-3-
Perils of Autumn
Satisfied that Appleye would remain on the farm, Pete relaxed and
for Pete, there was no better place for real relaxing than in the forest. Mr.
Owleye warned Pete not to go to the woods during October. There were
men with guns behind big spruce trees. These men, his Daddy said, were
hunting deer and partridge and often shot at little sounds and movements.
It was a very dangerous time.
Miramichi Pete missed the songs of the birds . He missed the smell of
the spruce . He missed searching for little treasures of the forest. He often
collected moss, leaves or berries, the kind of things not found on the farm.
Miramichi Pete stood and looked at the forest. He started to walk,
and before he even thought, he was walking towards the old stream. The
stream had become a pond. There were beavers swimming in it, carrying
sticks between their teeth. They looked so busy and didn't even see
Miramichi Pete. They were building something that made the water rise.
He threw a pebble, but the beavers worked on as if whatever they were
doing has to be done at that very minute.
A brown rabbit ran into the clearing. When he saw the boy, he
stopped. He sat on his hind legs and perked his ears as rabbits do when
taken by surprise, then ran very quickly back into the woods. Miramichi
Pete heard a song. He left the busy beavers to follow it, but as he did,
bullets shot past. He only now remembered his father's warning!
The sound of gun shots were loud. Miramichi Pete hid behind a tree.
He heard footsteps. Then he saw two men with guns, and as they passed,
he called out for help. The men looked, and there was Miramichi Pete with
big tears flowing down his cheeks.
He was lucky. The two men were friendly . They even walked the boy back
to the farm. Miramichi Pete decided that his Daddy was right. The woods
were no place for little boys in October!
-4-
Pete The Hunter
After the experience in the woods, Mr. Owleye decided that it
was time Miramichi Pete learned how to handle a gun. After several
weeks of practise, Pete's dad said the boy could return to the woods,
giving him all the safety rules along with his instructions.
When the big day arrived, Pete reached over and peeked under the
window blind to see if there was any sign of daylight. He had been awake
for some time and could now see traces of the approaching dawn. He was
going hunting. He checked out his small rifle. Though not large enough for
big game, he'd get a table bird, in fact, dozens of them. he thought, enough
to last a winter. He packed a wee lunch, enough to last until he returned
for breakfast.
It was a cold morning and he walked quickly to the woods. Once
there, he stopped and listened for the sounds of game. He could neither see
nor hear a sign of any. In fact, the forest was unusually quiet. His first
hunting adventure was becoming a great disappointment. He felt
annoyed, so much so that he shot his rifle off into the air. As he did, he
thought he saw something move among the trees. He shot. A big grizzly
bear appeared from behind the bush. Miramichi Pete didn't know what to
do. Maybe he should fall to the ground, lie flat and still. He couldn't. He
was shaking with fear. The beast growled and walked closer to the boy.
Then suddenly it backed away. The bear shook, scratched at his wound,
then fell to the ground, turned over and moaned. Tears filled the boy's
eyes. He felt helpless and ashamed that he had wounded one of his _
animals. He couldn't help in any way because the grizzly was thrashing
about in pain. Its great claws seemed ready to claw at anything within
reach.
"Please don't die", the boy begged from a distance.
The bear cried -loud- like only bears can cry. As it did so, two little bears
appeared and covered the big one with friendly licks. Then they nudged the
big animal until it stood on its big paws. Though unsteady - it walked
away and Miramichi Pete knew it would recover.
The boy waited until the animals were out of sight. Then he ran all
the way back to the farm, feeling quite sure that he wasn't
ready yet to use a gun.
-5-
Orphans
Miramichi Pete sometimes played with girls. He liked Patti Diddle
better than any little girl he had ever known. In fact, Patti was a better
friend than most boys. Patti liked the woods. She liked the river. She liked
animals and almost everything else Miramichi Pete liked. She often
walked over to the Owleye farm to feed Appleye a sugar lump. The horse
liked Patti and even permitted her to ride on his back without bucking.
Hitching the old wagon to Appleye took all morning. Miramichi Pete
was too short to reach up and around the horse's body. It was very
awkward -and even the stool that aided him was a bit unsteady.
Patti fed the horse sugar and helped attach the strap on one side.
Once ready, they climbed into the wagon. Appleye walked slowly as he
knew they were headed towards that dreaded highway. As they
approached, the horse took one large stride as if to get it over with. The
feel of the pavement was hard and the sweet odour of the fields
disappeared. Appleye went at a slow pace.
The first turn-off was a dirt road. Miramichi Pete pulled the right
rein and they turned off. The horse took on new energy and trotted happily
along. The road seemed to be a cross road for rabbits. It wasn't really like
rabbits to use main roads but there were dozens or so in sight.
Appleye's head was held high as he proudly galloped along the dirt
road sniffing the oat fields as he went along. He was so absorbed with the
enjoyment of the run that he didn't notice a family of rabbits hopping
in front of him.Suddenly, Miramichi Pete pulled the reins firmly and the
horse came to a sudden stop. On the road beside them was a mother
rabbit lying still, surrounded by her little ones. The wagon wheels had gone
over her and she was dead.
The children jumped off and carried the dead rabbit to the ditch and
covered her with leaves. Then they picked up the four wee rabbit orphans,
turned around and headed for home.
Appleye felt responsible. He couldn't bear to have the rabbits out of
his sight. He allowed them to crawl all over him when he laid down to rest
and didn't object to them being around his hooves. If anyone went near the
little ones, he made such a noise that the commotion could be heard from
the house. The whole matter became such a nuisance that Mr. Owleye
built a wire shelter outside. Appleye accepted this and remained calm from
then on.
-6
Killer
Late fall often brought snow to the Miramichi. The snow was deep
for the first snowfall of the season. Pete discovered a little path where the
snow had been trampled down. He followed it until he came to a hilly
clearing. He could hear the sounds of jets flying overhead. He waited and
watched them until they were out of sight. Then he decided to return to the
farm. He walked, kicking the sticks that were in the way with his foot. He
saw a beautiful young deer. He stopped and stood quietly so as not to
disturb the animal. Suddenly a big bobcat leapt from a tree branch and
attacked the deer.
Miramichi Pete wanted to yell for help but he didn't want to bring
attention to himself. Besides, there was no one within calling range. It was
so painful to be quiet, to watch the bobcat kill the innocent deer. If only he
had his slingshot! Soon the struggle was over, and the wildcat went off,
dragging his victim between his teeth. When the cat was out of sight, the
boy ran all the way and was out of breath when he reached the farm. His
eyes were filled with tears, and his throat choked up so that he couldn't
talk, even to Patti Diddle who was waiting for him when he returned .
"What happened?", she asked. "You're so pale. What is it?"
The boy started to cry. Patti had never seen Pete cry before.
"I'm going to get that bobcat."he said.
"What are you talking about?" Patti asked.
Miramichi Pete told Patti what had happened, and she too became sad.
"I'll get my slingshot and finish him," Mirimichi Pete said.
"Let's trap him," she suggested.
"I don"t know how to trap a bobcat", he answered.
He ran into the house and came out with a big shotgun.
"Mirimichi Pete, you put that back. You don't know how to use a
big gun like that", she scolded.
"Guns are dangerous", she warned.
"And so are bobcats", he replied.
The little girl followed as the boy walked towards the forest.
Miramichi Pete was too angry to think of the danger. He followed the
path, then struggled through the snow in the woods. They found what was
left of the deer, but there was no sign of the wildcat. Patti tugged at the
boy's sleeve.
"Let's go home", she begged.
"Not yet", he replied.
"That cat killed the deer because he was hungry. Men kill animals for sport.
You're not being fair." "Let's go home", she begged.
Miramichi Pete decided that maybe Patti was right. He would give
up the hunt and leave. He bent down and picked up the rifle. It was very
heavy. Patti tugged at the boy's sleeve and whispered something in his ear.
Miramichi Pete looked up and there was the wildcat. He was standing still
with his jaws open. The children shivered with fear. Pete lifted the big rifle
to aim. He fired but there were no shots.
The cat moved towards them slowly. The children held on to each other for
protection, waiting for the bobcat to attack. Suddenly, the noise of jets
broke through the silence, and the cat took off farther into the woods. Patti
and Mirimichi Pete returned safely to the farm.
-7-
Winter Water Adventure
Miramichi Pete laughed when he saw the big mountain of snow in
the farmyard. He climbed up, pulling his new toboggan behind him. The
snow was hardened just right for sliding. He lay on his tummy and down
he slid. It was so much fun! He slid down and walked up a dozen times.
Like most little boys, he grew tired of being in one place for too long, so he
decided to find a bigger mountain of snow. He walked across the road to
the river bank. The bank was very steep. Miramichi Pete worried about
how steep it was. He placed his tobaggan facing the frozen over river, but
he had to find the courage to start.
There was a ship stuck in the ice below. The little ice-breaker arrived
to help break it away. Miramichi Pete watched the little boat work through
the ice. He got on the tobaggan, forgetting about the steep bank, and gave
himself a push with one foot. The tobaggan went down the slope at such a
great speed that Miramichi Pete had to hold on very tightly. He tried to
drag his foot to slow the speed, but the tobaggan sped on, and before
anything could be done, Miramichi Pete found himself almost in
midstream.
The little tug-like boat kept coming forward. The ice started to crack,
Miramichi Pete found himself on a little island of ice. He called out and
waved at the big ship. He called out and waved at the little icebreaker. No
one saw or heard the little boy. Miramichi Pete cried. He was cold and
frightened. He couldn't even try to swim. It would be dangerous in the
freezing water. He might even get caught under the ice if he tried.
"Ahoy", Miramichi Pete yelled.
His voice was getting tired and his arms were sore from waving.
"They would never see him," he thought.
They we all too busy getting the big ship out to the channel. He would be
left to freeze. Poor little Miramichi Pete!
The boy danced up and down to kept moving as much as he could against
the cold.Suddenly, he saw a rubber boat being thrown over the side of the
big ship. A rope ladder was thrown over and a sailor climbed down to the
ice below.
"Ahoy", Mirimichi Pete yelled.
No one replied. The sailor grabbed the rubber boat and carried it across the
ice to the open water.
"He's coming! He's coming!, Mirimichi Pete cried in delight.
The sailor took him to the wheel room and gave the boy some hot
tea. The captain radioed ashore to send news that Miramichi Pete was
aboard. The little boat could not take him ashore until later.
Miramichi Pete had his first sail through the river ice.
-8-
Sleigh Ride
The snow was firm and cold. Miramichi Pete felt bored. He went
skating. He went sliding. However, the cold forced him indoors. The snow
froze to his mitts and he shivered. He went to the kitchen, opened the
range oven door and put up his legs to warm and thaw out. The boy's
mother brought him a crust of freshly baked bread and molasses, along
with a cup of hot milk. His mother's bread tasted best just out of the oven.
Little boys get restless and Miramichi Pete grew tired of staying in.
His clothes were dry and warm again. He decided to hitch his horse to his
new red sleigh, and ride around the farm. His mother didn't like the idea
as it was such a cold day, but the boy was determined and took his
mother's big bear rug to put over himself.
After the boy hitched the horse to the sleigh, he added bells to
Appleye's harness. He could hardly wait to get started, to hear them jingle!
They rode over to the next farm to pick up Patti. The bells tingled just as he
had hoped they would. They sounded beautiful. Patti must have heard
them coming because she waved from the window. She put her outdoor
clothes on in a hurry and ran out. She brought along a red bow and tied it
to the harness next to the horse's face. Mirimichi Pete hopped out of the
sleigh to inspect it. They both laughed. Appleye had never looked so
beautiful!
They were snug and warm under the bear rug in the sleigh, and feeling
very proud of Appleye, they decided he should be seen by all. They headed
into town on the main highway. The going was not good, as the snow was
worn down by traffic. Appleye felt the weight of the sleigh and couldn't
gallop along as freely as usual.
"Giddiup! Giddiup! Giddiup! Pete urged the horse.
"That's not right. The road is almost bare", Patti protested.
The horse moved slowly until he had almost slowed down to barely a
walk. The boy stood up and jiggled and jiggled the reins.
You're mean, Miramichi Pete. All you care about is showing Appleye off.
You don't really are about him at all, "the girl scolded.
The boy saw a side road that led to a back road leading back to the
farm. He turned off, and as soon as the horse's feet reached the
hard-packed snow, he started off in a gallop again. They both laughed and
it became a happy sleigh ride again for all.
-9-
Christmas Tree
Miramichi Pete was excited about Christmas. He wanted everything
in sight. He visited the shops and looked at toy soldiers, helmets, games,
cars and an assortment of every kind of toy imaginable. He expected and
even bragged that Santa would bring him all these things on Christmas
day. Friends warned him not to be so greedy, but Miramichi laughed in
reply.
It wasn't like Miramichi Pete to want so much, but the look of all
those toys made him forget everything else. He wanted them all. "
A whole mountain of toys", he boasted to everyone within hearing reach.
He even expected an old-fashioned sleigh for his horse Appleye. It was sad
what Christmas was doing to Miramichi Pete.
Still fevered with the excitement of Christmas, the boy went out to
the woods with an axe to fell a tree. He walked along the narrow path in
the forest. He passed a number of healthy little trees but shook his head in
disapproval. Suddenly Pete caught sight of the tree he wanted...the tallest
tree in the forest.
As he began chopping with his axe, the little bushy trees sighed as
they rocked back and forth in the wind. Pete chopped and chopped, then
wiped his forehead. He grew tired and sat down. As he did, a big winged
reindeer appeared from the thicket. He was bigger than any animal Pete
had ever seen.
"Who are you?' Pete asked.
"I'm Dija and this is my tree you are hurting", the giant animal said.
"I didn't mean to hurt it. I just wanted a Christmas tree", the boy replied.
Dija spread his big wings and took off and flew over the forest.
As Miramichi Pete started for home, the little bushy trees closed in on
him.
"Please, I have to get through. I want to go home", he pleaded in a
frightened tone.
The bushy little trees didn't move.
Tears came to his eyes and he muttered,
"I'm sorry".
The trees moved away. The winged reindeer landed again. Little elves
jumped off his back and walked around to examine the cuts on the giant
tree. They looked from the boy to the tree, then back.
"You want the biggest and the most of everything," Dija announced.
"What is Christmas?"
"It's Baby Jesus' birthday. It's the most special birthday of all."
"You forgot that or you wouldn't have been so greedy," Dija scolded.
"I'm sorry", the little boy replied, while looking from Dija to
King Fir and then to the little bushy trees.
"One of the little trees would be happy to be yours", Dija announced in a
softer tone.
Miramichi Pete chose one, chopped it and dragged it home
carefully. He dressed it beautifully with painted pine cones, bright ribbon
and candy canes.
He forgot all about his mountain of toys -he was too busy -too happy
with the sight of the decorated tree. Even if Santa didn't come because he
had been greedy, the boy knew he had enough in just remembering the true
meaning of Christmas -the biggest birthday party of all.
-10-
Special Gift
Santa did come to the Owleye farm at Christmas. In fact, he left a lot
more than Pete had expected. The boy had secretly hoped for a Raven King
figure, the star of his favourite cartoon. After being so greedy, he hadn't
liked to tell anyone though. Nevertheless, he couldn't help feeling a wee bit
disappointed.
On his way to the forest on Christmas morning, he brought Appleye
a special treat of delicious apples and sugar lumps. Then he went on his
way. Thinking of the Raven King, he forgot to bring his snow shoes
along. It was hard-going and with each step he sank deeply. It took him
longer than he ever remembered to get to his little camp in the woods. He
was almost breathless when he arrived.
The camp-house was cold and bleak and he felt sorry that he had left
the warmth of his home and his sparkling little tree. After all, it was
Christmas day.
He couldn't stand the bleakness any longer. He started to walk
home. On his way, to make everything seem stranger, he kept hearing a
"caw caw" sound. He looked backwards and sideways, but there was
nothing to be seen. The sound followed him with each step. Spotting a log,
he decided to have a rest. The "caw caw" sound grew louder. Then he saw
a big bird swoop down and land on the log beside him. It was a shiny blue-
black in colour, just like the Raven King figure he dreamed of having. But
this was no figure. It was very real.
The bird flapped its wings. Pete turned to examine it. Around the
next was a disc and on it in fine print was written, "Merry Christmas,
Miramichi Pete".
Santa has remembered after all. The Raven was his very
own. Pete whistled as he walked on with the Raven close by. Once back at
the farm, he brought the Raven into the barn. Appleye made a fuss. But
then, as if he realised he'd be sharing his shelter with the bird from then
on, he calmed down.
-11-
Winter Carnival
It was winter carnival time. Miramichi Pete had never attended a
carnival before. It had snowed during the week , the temperature took a
dip downwards and the sun was bright, just the right conditions for a
winter celebration. The highway was firmly parked with snow, making it
possible to take Appleye out for a trot. Pete dressed Appleye up with his
special red harness, bow and bells, for the occasion.
They rode into town. As they went through the streets, people
cheered and waved as Appleye trotted by. Miramichi Pete could see his
breath as he sat holding the reins. It was very cold, but he was warmly
dressed. Besides, he had a buffalo robe to pull up in case. At the moment,
the frost was just nippy enough to pinch the cheeks of boys and girls to
bring out a rosy, healthy glow and a happy look.
Everyone looked happy. Miramichi had never seen so many smiling
faces all at once. Maybe the cold tickled their humour, or maybe it was
Appleye's bells that tickled them.
"That's it", he thought , and felt proud.
They trotted up to the schoolyard to see the students' snow
sculptures. Miramichi Pete brought Appleye to a halt and hopped off and
made for a snow ship. He boarded it. The frosty air made the snow boat
firm enough to hold him seated.
Then he heard Appleye call, the way horses call, that is. He jumped
off and ran over to see the horse surrounded by boys and girls. Appleye,
being naturally shy, didn't like all the attention. In fact, he was frightened.
Pete could always tell, as the horse's eyes always look sideways and shifty
when he was nervous. Pete pushed the children aside and gave the horse a
confident pat. He stroked his nose until Appleye's eyes focused back to a
normal state.
The children begged for a sleigh ride. It wasn't possible to take them
all so Mirimichi Pete decided to charge ten cents and take five at a time,
making it 50 cents a ride. This was so successful that in no time Pete had
made five dollars, the largest amount of money he's ever had. He took the
money and went downtown, hitching Appleye to a parking meter. He went
into a shop and ended up just buying sugar lumps for the horse. The rest
would be used to buy wading boots for Spring fishing.
When Pete brought back the sugar, Appleye was hopping up and
down in so far as horses can hop. He shook his head in a terrible state.
Someone had pinned a piece of paper to his harness and it hung over his
right eye. The boy soon discovered that it was a parking ticket. Appleye
looked exhausted. There were so many people, so many cars and
then to have a ticket pinned over his eye. It was too much, especially for a
horse.
Miramichi Pete directed the horse to the police station and knocked
at the door while holding on to the reins. He couldn't leave Appleye alone
again. Miramichi Pete explained to the officer that Appleye was a very
sensitive horse.
"It might take him months, even years, to get over his trip to town", Pete
explained.
The policeman's face broke into a smile. He patted the horse and told them
to be on their way, warning them not to forget to feed the meter next time.
As usual, as on most outings with Appleye, getting settled back on the farm
was a comforting feeling.
-12-
Fire
It was a nasty day. The sun wasn't out and the cold wind blew hard.
Miramichi Pete didn't like the force of the wind. Its strength made it
difficult for him to walk. He decided to play Boy Scout. He got his hammer,
his hatchet and nails from the barn and put snowshoes on, as the snow
was deep in the field. The narrow path in the woods was covered with
snow drifts. Miramichi Pete was going to build a bough house at the edge
of the forest. He cut tree stems and leaned the narrow lengths of wood
against the fence dividing the field and forest. He cut boughs and covered
the top. It was too difficult as the wind was against him and the snow was
so soft, it was hard to get a firm grip.
Miramichi Pete decided to camp out in his bough house. The
following day, he harnessed Appleye and put his camp supplies on the
sleigh. Patti arrived just in time to join him and they started off. Appleye
galloped until he reached the middle of the field. The soft deep snow made
the going bad for the horse -he had to wade through it.
When they arrived, Patti was delighted when she saw what Pete had
done. They left the supplies on the sled. Miramichi Pete shovelled snow in
and away from the lean-to. He took the bear rug and laid it on the ground.
He had thought of everything. He had even brought matches and kindling
for a fire. The fire was laid. It burned slowly. The children decided that
maybe more wood was necessary. Miramichi Pete placed the boughs on
the fire, making a high pile, and Patti sat down to enjoy her sandwich. The
pile caught and there was such a fire that the flames seemed to go every
which way. Patti moved quickly and called to Pete. The boy ran over to the
bough house and pulled the rug out. Within minutes , the lean-to was gone.
Miramichi Pete felt bad about and the loss of the wooden structure and
because the fire was so dangerous, he decided he'd never start
one again until he became a real boy scout.
-13-
The Leprechaun
Miramichi Pete made ready to fix his camp in the woods. His camp
was a little abandoned hut in need of repairs. He hammered nails into the
loose boards on the floor. A tiny creature appeared. Miramichi Pete had
never seen anything like it in the woods before.
It was no larger than his hand He wondered if it was an animal or an
insect. It stood on two legs and its head was shaped like a boy's, only its
eyes were too large and its mouth too small. It was dressed in a green suit
with built-in green shoes and a tassel hood. It was all green, except for
the face, which seemed to be made of flesh.
"Ye're not wer'in of the green, me lad? it asked.
Miramichi Pete jumped when it spoke.
"Where's the Irish in ye lad", it asked.
"I'm Canadian", Pete replied.
"Canadian, blarney, lad, sure ye're all Irish on St. Paddy's Day".
Pete agreed, not sure what to expect from the creature.
"I'll call him Weeit". And just as he thought of a name for the little man,
"Weeit" flashed a shiny gold nugget before the boy. Miramichi Pete had
never seen anything like it in his life.
"Tis a trade for silver, me lad," Weeit explained.
Miramichi felt deeply in his pocket and brought out a shiny five cent piece.
"Ah, no, me lad - "tis the silver fish I seek, the wonder fish of the
Miramichi".
Miramichi Pete looked from the gold nugget to the shiny nickle.
"Weeit must be after a salmon", he thought.
He tried to explain that salmon were only caught during the warm
seasons, and that it would be mpossible to get one at that time.
Weeit became so excited that Miramichi Pete was not able to
understand his chatter. Weeit climbed onto the boy's shoulder.
"Tis the command of the Wee Folks. They're awaitin' in Ireland", he said.
The little creature said he could not enter the land of the Leprechauns
without it.
The boy left camp, promising to do what he could. He decided the
only thing he could do would be to get a smelt, in hope that it would pass
for the Wonder Fish.
He walked down to the river bank. the ice looked as it was was ready
to break. He didn't like taking the risk of walking out to the nets. Besides,
the nets were too heavy to lift and they belonged to someone else. He felt
for the nickel in his pocket. He walked over to the fish shed and examined
the fish. They did not look very silvery, nor were they very large.
Nevertheless, the nickel bought one and Pete ran back to the farm. Then he
cleaned, dried and rubbed the smelt until it shone. He put it in a container
and took it to the little hut where Weeit was waiting. He held his breath
while Weeit examined the fish.
After looking it over carefully, Weeit passed over the gold nugget.
The boy refused. After all, he didn't feel very happy about passing the smelt
off for a salmon! He wondered how Weeit would get the fish back to
Ireland. As he was thinking all this, the fish disappeared, followed by
Weeit. The only thing that remained was the gold nugget on the floor.
-14-
Crossing the River
Miramichi Pete added more bells to Appleye's harness. They jingled
as he trotted long the highway. They were going to cross the bridge
spanning the river. The bridge led to other towns and villages of the
Miramichi.
The horse trotted proudly and the boy sat holding the reins
loosely between his hands. It would be the first time that Appleye had ever
been on a bridge.
On approaching the bridge, the horse slowed down to a slow
walking pace. The cars and heavily loaded trucks made him nervous. The
drivers gave him that kind of uppity look, the "you don't belong" look, that
some people give on intrusion. Appleye looked straight at them. Then he
raised his head in a haughty way as if to say it was more his bridge than
theirs.
He smartened up and began to trot again. He didn't even slow down
at the sight of a huge truck coming his way. Appleye started to tremble.
The wagon shook. The boy shook, so much so the Miramichi Pete was still
shaking when they reached the other side. Appleye lost his smart stride. In
fact, he looked rather haggard. His pace was so slow that the bells on his
reins hardly tinkled at all.
Miramichi Pete swung the reins over and directed the horses to a
side road along the river. Appleye calmed down as they stopped just in
time to see a ship approach. The bridge draw opened and the vessel
started to pass through. Somehow, as if too large for the opening, it struck
the side with a bang. the bridge was broken.
Miramichi Pete wondered how he'd ever get back to the other side.
Appleye's eyes filled with tears. The boy had never seen a horse with real
tears in his eyes before.
Maybe they could swim he thought,but then Pete remembered that in
the cool waters of April, it was hardly likely. They trotted through the
villages to the little branches of the river until they found a bridge. They
crossed and Appleye trotted at a quick nervous pace through the darkness
until they reached the farm. Never did the solid ground of the farm fields
feel so good. Miramichi Pete decided his horse was best kept in the farm
fields and open spaces and to only allow him to view the other side of the
river from where he was.
-15-
Stranger
The thought of joining his parents on their weekly visit to town gave
Miramichi Pete a ticklish feeling in his tummy all week. Saturday arrived
and now that he was in town, he wished he was back in the country.
Town was too busy. Driving through was almost like playing musical
chairs. The cars drove slowly around the circle park, while the drivers
looked for a place to stop. There were too many cars and too few places to
park. As one car pulled out, one pulled in and the others drove 'round and
'round the circle square.
Finally after getting their car parked, Pete and his Mom and Dad
walked from store to store. Pete's feet burned and ached from the heat and
hard paved sidewalks. He became worried about Appleye back at the
farm. The horse didn't seem himself. He decided he had to go back but
how was the question. As if his question had suddenly ignited, there was a
neighbour farmer stuck in the circle of cars. Pete bid a quick goodbye to his
Mom and dad and joined the man. The farmer was happy to have him
climb aboard. He was a very impatient man at the best of times and Pete
knew that he'd be leaving town as soon as possible. Though he held his
tongue and his temper, Pete could see the slow moving cars. It angered
him and his face grew red and was almost going purple by the time the
cars moved. The man moved directly to the highway and home.
Once on the farm, Pete rushed towards the barn, and as he did so, he
saw a cougar streaking away towards the woods. It was no wonder that
Appleye had been in such a state. The boy ran to the house and phoned the
sheriff and returned to his horse, who by this time needed attention. The
animal was in such a sweat that he had to be wetted down with a cloth,
then covered with a blanket, as horses catch cold very easily.
Appleye had just settled when the sheriff arrived. Miramichi Pete told him
about the cougar. He said it was a magnificent animal but very dangerous
to have so near to the farm.The sheriff listened but took it all very lightly,
not believing that such an animal existed in the Miramichi forest.
Pete locked the barn door, making sure thatnothing could disturb Appleye.
He knew the cougar was lurking about and would pounce whenever the
chance presented itself. The boy felt that he too was in danger and that he
had to somehow outwit the animal. But how was the question!
Back at the farmhouse, Pete found a roast in the fridge and decided
to bait the cougar into the old chicken coop. It was latched from outside.
The bait was set and the boy hid and waited. Sure enough, the cougar
reappeared. Pete trembled, hoping the animal would make for the meat
and not for him. As if his wish was a command, the animal entered the
empty chicken house. Pete sneaked up, latched the door and the cougar
was trapped.
Miramichi Pete was pleased, not only because the threat of danger
was gone but that the doubt as to the truth of his fear was erased. As for
the cougar, he'd remain in the chicken coup until his parents returned.
-16-
Bad Water
Miramichi Pete decided to take Appleye and go to the salmon stream.
The horse hadn't been off the farm for months and the boy wasn't sure
how the animal would react to being on the highway again. The highway
led to the stream.
Once off, Appleye trotted along at a good pace. The boy felt proud
because he knew the horse was timid and very nervous of the passing cars.
When they reached the cutoff to a narrow dirt road that led to the
stream, the horse broke into a run, happy to be on farm-like ground again.
Once settled beside the stream, the horse took to nibbling grass while
the boy prepared his fishing gear. He noticed that the water had somehow
changed in the stream. It had a dull, soupy look and dust seemed to float
on its surface, even its mood seemed different. It was very still, lending an
unhappy look to the whole scene.
There was so little movement that the boy wondered whether any
salmon still remained in the once merry stream. He decided to cast his line
hoping to get a bite. No such luck however. He sat until the sun lowered in
the sky, telling him that the day had almost ended. It was time to leave. He
pulled in his line and as he did a salmon appeared.
The salmon didn't want the bait. It opened and closed his mouth,
looking sadly at the film of the water. Suddenly, the fish bravely swam up
and nudged the boy and didn't stop until Pete waded into the water, the
fish jumped and dived to the stream bed.
The boy knelt and looked down to discover the sea plants had wilted
and the little fish lay dead on the sandy bottom. Waste had destroyed
them. The little stream had been popular. People had picnicked nearby and
threw bottles, old food waste and dirt into the water. Now it was sick.
The boy decided it was not too late to save the precious little stream.
He left his fishing gear on the farm and returned daily to clean up. He
worked until the little stream became its merry self again. It twinkled in the
sunlight and new life appeared in its depths.
Mirimichi Pete sighed and then sang, "twinkle go, twinkle come" to
the little stream of fun. The salmon jumped. It was ready for business.
Miramichi Pete was too. He took out his fishing line, knowing that the
fishing game was truly on.
-16-
Easter
The ice broke early on the river and big pieces of it flowed slowly out
to the sea. Miramichi Pete watched from the wooded banks of the river.
He sat watching, not doing anything in particular and actually not
thinking of anything in particular either. The feeling that Easter was truly
coming was felt though as he watched the river open. He listened to the
sounds of the birds, the sounds on the highway. Sounds seemed so much
louder in the Spring.
Miramichi Pete felt uncomfortable. He heard a new little sound. He
listened very carefully. He heard it again and looked into the woods and
saw something move. He got up on his feet, and a big brown rabbit ran out
and disappeared before he could catch him. The boy walked over to where
the rabbit had been and there he found a whole family of baby rabbits. They
crept over each other and didn't mind Miramichi Pete watching over them
at all. The boy picked them up one by one. He picked them up as he would a
puppy dog though he knew that the proper way to pick bunnies up was by
their ears. He just wasn't sure that this method wouldn't hurt the little
creatures.
The rabbit returned and Miramichi Pete put the bunnies down on
the ground. The animal didn't look angry at the boy intruding, but then
rabbits never did. They always seemed to have a gentle look no matter
what.Miramichi Pete moved on. He looked back and the rabbit had real
tears flowing down its furry cheeks. "A rabbit crying"! The boy had never
seen a rabbit cry. He went back to where they were.
"What's wrong?, he asked.
"They lost their Mommy and I can't work and look after them too,"
the rabbit replied.
"Work? Rabbits don't work" the boy stated.
"At Easter, I paint eggs for the boys and girls", the rabbit explained.
"You're not....you're not...the Easter Bunny, are you?"
The rabbit nodded.
Miramichi Pete became excited. He would never have guessed that
this rabbit was so important. If he didn't helplittle children would be
disappointed. He thought hard, as little boys can, and the right thought
seemed to come. He decided to look after the bunnies himself. He picked
them up, one by one, and they made quite an armful for a little boy. The
rabbit, satisfied with the boy's plan, took off.
There was no time to lose as Easter was only a few days away.
-17-
Freak Weather
Miramichi Pete dreamed of the streams and jumping trout. It was
Saturday morning and he was now eager to go to the forest stream. He
could hear the birds chatter loudly outside his bedroom window. He looked
out and to his surprise, the month of May had either jumped backwards
or far forwards season wise. The roof, the trees and the ground were
covered with snow. It seemed most bewildering that May presented such a
temperamental display of weather. The birds chattered and fluttered and
seemed most frustrated by the intrusion of snow. The noisiest bird, Mr.
Robin, just arrived from the South to summer on the Miramichi.
Mr. Robin was usually very quiet and usually very happy. He was
most upset and Pete could tell that Mr. Robin was beginning to think that
possibly for the first time he had made a mistake in the seasons.
Pete pulled the curtains, got dressed and hurried out, not even taking
time out for breakfast. He had to convince Mr. Robin it was truly May. He
broke a branch off a tree and called the bird. Mr. Robin hopped on the roof,
then flew over and perched on the branch and studied the little buds. For
the first time since his arrival, he quieted down. The boy took his fishing
tackle and hiked to the stream. The forest around him seemed livelier and
there were sounds of excitement. He left his tackle when he reached the
water and went to investigate.
In a small clearing there was a family of rabbits scolding and talking
at once. They were trying to wiggle out of their new brown coats. Further
on in the woods, a family of bears quarrelled. They scolded one another
and blamed each other for getting them up to soon out of their winter
sleep. The squirrel family didn't take time out to argue. They scampered
back to their little tree home, just peeking out occasionally to check on their
surroundings. The intrusion of winter in May had upset the whole animal
kingdom.
Pete returned to his tackle and when he arrived at the stream, the
water was its cheery self. It splashed and flowed merrily over its rocky
bottom. The only difference was that the trout seemed livelier. They just
didn't stay still at all and Pete knew they were too restless to catch, too
excited even to take time out for a nibble.
Miramichi Pete wished he could help. Unlike people who
just look at a calendar to know it was May, the animals and fish followed
their instincts when it came to knowing when a new season had arrived.
This had gone astray with the unsuspected snow
The boy stood thinking.Thoughts seemed to be out of proportion
to the size of his head. The thoughts could measure around on the outside
comfortably but inside there were too many to be pleasant. Suddenly up
popped one thought that seemed to fit the problem. Miramichi Pete
walked over into the woods. He swept the snow aside under the big spruce
branches and uncovered a mayflower.
The fragrance of the beautiful pink flowers latched on to a breeze
and blew through the forest. All sounds became still. The birds and animals
sniffed and followed the scent to find the Mayflower in bloom. Life in the
forest was restored to its natural order.
-18-
Forest Fire
Miramichi Pete saw smoke.
"It's a fire!", he yelled Patti looked up.
She was kneeling on the ground digging worms for the fishing trip they
planned. In front of her was a big smoke cloud. It was still and weird and
hovered over their beloved woods. She put the spade aside and moved
slowly to her feet. The stream where they had planned to fish was in the
forest and now they could not go.
Miramichi Pete took hold of Patti's hand and started to run, pulling
her along as he did.
"Hurry up", he urged, but Patti didn't want to run towards the woods.
We've got to save our new cabin", he cried tugging the girl to come
faster.
Patti started running freely now and as they approached the woods
smoke filled their lungs. They could smell nothing else and it was so
dreadful that Patti began to choke a little.
They followed the little path to the cabin. There was no actual fire in
sight, just smoke. When they arrived, the cabin seemed to be surrounded
by fog. They yanked open the door. Everything was in place. They heard a
crash and a bang and ran out to see animals running in terror from the
forest they had called home.
Miramichi Pete took the little girl's hand and urged her to run home.
Patti hesitated. The animals were so blind with panic that they'd bump
into anything and Patti didn't want to be trampled.
It was a difficult journey back, though not far. They had to walk and
keep watch for approaching animals. They could hear the sound of hoofs
and the cries of a forest in distress. Suddenly, a deer ran by and Miramichi
Pete in hopes of getting him out and chased him along the path until they
reached the clearing. The deer stood and looked the land over and the
children broke into a run. When they arrived, the boy hitched the cart to his
horse Appleye and Patti filled buckets with water. The deer had followed
and was so thirsty that he drank one of the buckets dry. Appleye stood
ready while the children loaded his wagon with water and food scraps.
They jumped aboard and headed back to the forest.
They could see the red of the flames now. The fire was getting worse.
Miramichi Pete had sense enough to know that two children and the
wagon's water supply could be of little use in fighting it. The water would
be used for the thirsty animals. They took an old wash tub, filled it with
water and left it at the edge of the forest. They went back and forth
keeping the tub filled. When the job was done, they lay back on the hay field
exhausted. Patti had almost gone off to sleep when she heard a splash. She
sat up quickly and there in the tub was a raccoon cooling off.
"You naughty animal", she cried.
They boy got to his feet and chased the raccoon away, but not far. He made
for the food scraps, pushing the poor little rabbits aside. He was very
greedy and if Patti hadn't stopped him, there would have been nothing left.
The supplies couldn't possibly satisfy many, but it would help.
They headed home feeling a job was done for the day. They took the
greedy little raccoon along with them. Once back on the farm, the raccoon
got into everything. Such mischief they had never known.
The sunset in the sky was scarlet. Pete's father stood facing their
beloved forest, watching and wondering. There were clouds in the sky, but
they couldn't cry. The tears of the sky were spent.
-19-
Weeit Returns
The forest fires died out and the Miramichi woods were reopened.
Miramichi Pete packed his fishing gear and headed for the brook near his
cabin. The woods lacked the usual noises. In fact, it was quieter than he
had ever remembered. the merry brook near his cabin lost its happy little
trickle sound and seemed very still. the water was low and the trout
jumped from the surface into the air and back. There was so little water
that the boy wondered if the fish would be bruised in landing. The trickle
sound was gone, but there was another to replace it. Miramichi Pete
looked around and under a small tree, he discovered "Weeit", the
leprachaun. The little creature sobbed as he watched the brook fish. A
leprachaun's sob is a very strange sound indeed.
The boy talked to Weeit. Between sobs, he learned that the wee Irish
folk were not pleased with the Miramichi wonder fish that Weeit had
brought back in March. In fact, they did not now believe that there was
even such a fish. Miramichi Pete explained that he was sorry that it had
been a smelt and not really the wonder fish at all. The smelt was the winter
fish of the area. On hearing this, Weeit went into a tantrum. The thought
of being tricked made him mad. He jumped up and down and his already
red nose grew scarlet. The boy was feeling sad. He had only passed the
smelt off as a salmon to Weeit to get him back to Ireland.
Sending the smelt had only made matters worse. Weeit had been
ordered to leave in shame. Suddenly the right thought came. They'd get a
wonder fish, and with the real wonder fish, Weeit would surely be allowed
to return. He told the leprachaun of the thought and Weeit sniffed,
bringing his crying to a stop.
Late that afternoon, they stowed away on a drifter, hiding in the
cabin in the bow. They waited for some time before voices could be heard,
Men's voices, footsteps and at last the sound of the engine. They were off.
They could feel the vibration of the engine and the swell of the sea. Weeit
groaned. His groans grew louder with the sway of the boat. He must have
been heard, as one of the men opened the cabin door. The boy looked at the
leprachaun in the light. He had turned green. It was not the bright Irish
green but a horrible sickly colour.
The men were surprised. They showed no anger, only curiosity.
"What is this?" asked one man.
"I'm Miramichi Pete and this is Weeit. He needs a salmon to get home",
Pete explained.
The men laughed and didn't ask any further questions. They turned off
their engines when they reached mid-bay and drifted. Darkness fell and
the water looked black, cold and still. It was very silent on the boat with
only the occasional sound of water beating against the boat. The splash of
salmon excited Weeit, but he was hushed into silence by the men.
Miramichi Pete felt relaxed. The sounds were interesting, and the moon
lit a path on the water and the sky. He had never had a better view
of the stars in the sky before. There were billions.
Pete must have fallen asleep as the next thing the boy remembered
was daylight. The men pulled up their nets and they were full. Weeit stood
in awe at the sight of the salmon. He squealed and danced with joy. If he
just had his magic powers, he'd take the fish and return home. He was sure
he was robbed of his magic, but then again maybe it was still with him
after all. He chose his salmon, the largest in the catch. He examined the
silvery scales of the fish and started to laugh and make strange little noises
and signs. He then climbed on the salmon's back. It jumped back into the
water.
"I'm off home across the sea" Weeit shouted excitedly.
"Thanks and all the best, Miramichi Pete".
-20-
Autumn Leaves
Every season had its own attraction on the Miramichi. Nature was
at its best in the Autumn when the countryside reached its height of beauty.
The river bank displayed a colourful array of gold, yellow, green and red
maple leaves and the river reflected the colour of the tree branches on its
calm mirror-like surface. Even though Miramichi Pete found it a quiet
season, it was the most peaceful season of all. He enjoyed the Fall .The
sights, sounds and smells it offered demanded his attention.
He enjoyed walking through the woods. He liked listening to the
light footed animals scamper through the trees. They were busy
preparing for winter and occasionally he caught a glimpse of a rabbit, deer
or squirrel as they ran between the bushes. Even the birds seemed to be up
to something different...and so they were, as many were getting ready to
migrate.
As the boy walked through the woods, he jumped from the ground
and caught a branch of a vivid red and yellow leaves. Though lovely, they
were not quite so striking in colour as from a distance. Getting a better
grip on the branch, he struggled to break it off and almost succeeded when
it sprung away. The boy decided to climb the tree as he wanted a bunch of
leaves to preserve and last through the winter nights. Already he had dried
everlastings, white flowers that grow by the roadside ... sea wheat and
cattails...these bouquets would make gifts for his Mom's birthday in mid-
winter, and what better gift for a mother than something from Nature.
He had no difficulty climbing the tree but Miramichi Pete wasn't
strong enough to break off the branches that were low enough to reach.
Though the branches were too strong to break, Pete wondered if they were
strong enough to hold him. He stood on the joint between the trunk and
branch and it seemed very steady indeed -so steady that he decided to
attempt the crawl to break off a stem that led from the main branch,
He was midway across when he noticed that his weight caused it to
bounce up and down. He clutched the narrow branch between his hands
for support . He reached for the stem and just got it, when he heard a
creaking sound. "The branch is.........,"he stammered, but before he could
say "breaking", it broke and fell to the ground. And so did Miramichi Pete.
Though stunned from the fall, the boy pulled himself up on his
elbows. A slow smile spread across his face. The whole branch had fallen
beside him. He now had all the leaves he wanted. He stared picking them
off carefully one by one thinking of how he would dip each one in hot wax
to preserve their shiny vibrant colour.
Copyright Nonie Creaghan
posted by sandbunting @ 1:56 PM
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