Away in the Wilderness

In Short

Set in the sprawling, untamed stretches of Rupert’s Land, this adventure follows Jasper Derry, a master hunter, and John Heywood, an enthusiastic but inexperienced artist, as they navigate the perils of the Canadian frontier. Through a blend of canoe voyages, buffalo hunts, and narrow escapes from both man and beast, the pair experiences the isolation and profound beauty of the wilderness. More than a simple travelogue, it remains a testament to the endurance of friendship and the stark, often harsh, realities of mid-19th-century frontier life.

The Story

The journey begins on a summer evening, where the seasoned hunter Jasper Derry reluctantly agrees to escort the young, idealistic painter John Heywood into the deep wilderness. Accompanied by their guide, a stoic Indian named Arrowhead, the trio sets out in a canoe, traversing vast lakes and daunting rapids. For Heywood, the trip is an artistic odyssey, though his lack of survival skills frequently lands him in precarious situations—such as when he is nearly swept away by a river after a brush with a grizzly bear. Jasper, ever the steady mentor, balances his patience for the youth with the immense physical demands of portaging heavy gear and navigating treacherous terrain.

As they travel, the group visits isolated trading posts, encountering the rough-and-ready men of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Here, the narrative broadens to include the personal history of Jasper’s future father-in-law, Laroche, a man who has earned the enmity of local tribes. The trio’s adventures reach a climax during a buffalo hunt, where Heywood’s lack of experience nearly costs him his life in a comic yet dangerous tumble, and eventually leads to a calmer, more domestic period as winter sets in.

The harsh reality of the frontier eventually interrupts their relative peace. During a celebration, the threat of tribal vengeance—foreshadowed by earlier tensions—turns fatal when Laroche is assassinated through a window by a hidden assailant. The loss leaves the community and the young couple, Jasper and Marie, reeling in grief. Despite this tragedy, the cycle of the wilderness continues. When the spring thaw arrives, the survivors conclude their business and prepare for the long journey back to the relative safety of Canada.

Years later, the narrative shifts to the comforts of "Erie Cottage," where an older, settled Jasper recounts these exploits to his children. He is frequently visited by his old companions, Arrowhead and the now-aged Heywood. These reunions serve as a bridge between their rugged past and their quiet present, highlighting how the shared trauma and beauty of the wild forged an unbreakable bond. Jasper, though older, retains his identity as a man of the woods, forever defined by the time he spent in the vast, silent reaches of the north.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Jasper Derry, a man defined by his skill and composure, reluctantly accepts the responsibility of guiding the novice artist John Heywood into the untamed interior. Their initial departure establishes the dynamic between Jasper’s practical mastery and the artist’s romantic, albeit clumsy, curiosity.

A life of portage The daily rhythm of the trio is defined by the relentless challenge of the landscape, where water, rapids, and steep banks dictate their pace. The necessity of carrying their canoe and supplies over land reveals the grueling, physical labor required to traverse the territory.

Encounters at the post The travelers find sanctuary and news at the remote trading stations, where the isolation of the fur-traders becomes apparent. These meetings reveal the tensions between the settlers and the indigenous population, providing critical context for the violence that eventually strikes.

The shift of seasons As the landscape transforms into a desolate, frozen expanse, the journey enters a phase of survival and domestic development. The marriage of Jasper and Marie momentarily anchors the group in a life of promise, only for that joy to be shattered by the sudden, brutal murder of Laroche.

Looking back The narrative concludes with a leap forward in time, showing the survivors in a domestic setting far from the wilderness. The final scenes reflect on how the memory of their shared struggles continues to shape their lives, turning past dangers into the stories of a lifetime.

The People

Jasper Derry serves as the anchor of the story. A man of immense physical strength and quiet intelligence, he represents the ideal frontiersman who treats the wild with respect rather than bravado. His desire for a simple life and his eventual marriage to Marie give him a sense of permanence that balances his nomadic skills.

John Heywood provides a sharp contrast to Jasper. As a young artist driven by romantic notions of the wilderness, he represents the outsider. Though initially incompetent with a paddle or a gun, he earns the respect of his companions through his intellect and his dedication to capturing the world on canvas. By the end, he has shed his naivety, becoming a lifelong friend to the men who once viewed him as a burden.

Arrowhead, the Indian guide, is the third pillar of the group. His stoic, laconic nature and unmatched survival instincts serve as the essential map for the other two. He is not merely a servant but a participant in the brotherhood, and his presence in the final scenes suggests that the bond formed in the wild transcends the cultural divides of the time. Together, these three men form a microcosm of the frontier experience: the master, the observer, and the native guide.

In Its Own Voice

"Jasper could fight like a lion when there was occasion to do so; but he was gentle and grave, and quiet by nature."

This description summarizes the temperament of the protagonist, who serves as the moral and physical center of the journey.

"If his canoe won't carry him, he carries his canoe!"

The author uses this line to illustrate the sheer, stubborn ingenuity required to overcome the obstacles of the North American wilderness.

"It seemed to Heywood that he had not been asleep more than five minutes, when he was aroused by Jasper laying his heavy hand on his shoulder."

This moment captures the relentless, early-morning start that defined the daily routine of the travelers.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book explores the necessity of adaptation. The wilderness is portrayed as an indifferent, monumental force that demands either total submission to its laws or a mastery of its tools. The narrative argument suggests that true civilization is not found in cities, but in the strength of character and the bonds formed between individuals when stripped of modern comforts. It also touches upon the clash of cultures on the frontier, observing the harsh reality of life for both the traders and the indigenous tribes. Ultimately, it questions the price of survival, positing that one must endure profound hardship—and even loss—to truly appreciate the stability and peace of a settled life.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical adventure will find a unique, unvarnished look at a world that has largely vanished. The prose is straightforward and descriptive, focusing heavily on the sensory details of the Great Lakes region and the mechanics of 19th-century survival. For those interested in the history of the fur trade or the realities of life in the Canadian interior, the book offers a wealth of period-accurate detail, from the making of a portage to the social dynamics of isolated trading outposts.

However, a modern reader should be prepared for the period attitudes embedded in the narrative. The depictions of indigenous people and the roles of women reflect the prevailing, and often reductive, viewpoints of the 19th century. While these attitudes are clearly a product of the author’s time, they are woven into the text and require a critical eye. If you can navigate these dated perspectives, you will find a story that moves with the brisk, steady pace of a canoe on a river. It is an evocative read that lingers in the mind, capturing the quiet, vast stillness of a world governed by the sun, the seasons, and the simple, enduring need for companionship.