It was a glorious evening. A big moon rising over the bluffs
beyond us transformed the river into a silvery thread stretching
far down through the dark valley. Behind us the black spruce
forest made our roaring fire seem more cheerful in contrast. A
cold east wind had driven away the flies and the mosquitoes.
Supper eaten, our cup of contentment was full to the brim. After
all, the wilderness was not so inhospitable. Who would be anywhere
else, if he could? Not one of us.

With the sensation that we were the only people in Labrador, a
fancy struck me and I suggested to my companions that we ought to
organise some sort of government.

"We'll make you, Hubbard," I said, "the head of the nation and call
you the Great Mogul. Of course you will be commander-in-chief of
the army and navy and have unlimited power. We're your subjects."

"I suspect," replied Hubbard, "you are looking for a political job.
However, I, of course, stand ready, like our politicians at home,
to serve the country when duty calls--if there's enough in it. As
the Great Mogul of Labrador, I appoint you, Wallace, Chief Justice
and also Secretary of State. George I shall appoint Admiral of the
Navy."

"Where are my ships?" asked George.

"Ships!", exclaimed Hubbard. "Well, there will be only one for the
present. But she's a good staunch one--eighteen feet long, with a
beam of thirty-three and a half inches. And she carries two quick-
fire rifles."