writing, and then read it over to himself. It ran as follows:--

"MY DEAR ED.,

"I sail for England on the 27th. But before I leave I want to have
another look at the Shawenegan Falls. Their roar has been in my ears
ever since I left there. That tremendous hillside of foam is before my
eyes night and day. The sketches I took are not at all satisfactory, so
this time I will bring my camera with me, and try to get some snapshots
at the falls.

"Now, what I ask is this. I want you to hold that canoe for me against
all comers for Tuesday. Also, those two expert half-breeds. Tell them I
am coming, and that there is money in it if they take me up and back as
safely as they did before. I don't suppose there will be much demand for
the canoe on that day; in fact, it astonishes me that Americans, who
appreciate the good things of our country better than we do ourselves,
practically know nothing of this superb cataract right at their own
doors. I suppose your new canoe is not finished yet, and as the others
are up in the woods I write so that you will keep this particular craft
for me. I do not wish to take any risks, as I leave so soon. Please drop
me a note to this hotel at Quebec, and I will meet you in Le Gres on
Tuesday morning at daybreak.

"Your friend,

"JOHN TRENTON."

Mason was a millionaire and a lumber king, but every one called him
Ed. He owned baronial estates in the pine woods, and saw-mills without