he Lord has been wonderful good to me, Doctor Joe, givin' me three
as fine lads and as fine a lass as He ever gave a man. Then He saves
the little lad's eyes, when they were goin' blind, by sendin' you to
cure un. And when I were breakin' my leg and couldn't work He sends
along Indian Jake to go to the trails to hunt with David and Andy, and
they makes a fine hunt and keeps us out o' debt. And this summer we
has as fine a catch of salmon as ever we has, and we're through with
un a fortnight ahead of ever before, with all the barrels filled and
the gear stowed, and the salt salmon traded in at the Post, and plenty
o' flour and pork and molasses and tea t' see us through the winter,
_what_ever."

"Last year at this time things looked pretty blue for us," said Doctor
Joe, "but everything worked out well in the end, Thomas."

"Aye," agreed Thomas, "wonderful well. I'm thinkin' that if we does
our best t' help ourselves when troubles come the Lord is like t' step
in and give us a hand. He wants us to do the best we can t' help
ourselves and when He sees we're doin' it He lifts the troubles."

"That's true," agreed Doctor Joe, "and if a man takes advantage of
every opportunity that comes to him, and don't waste his time, he's
pretty sure to succeed."

"Aye, that he is," said Thomas. "Now I were thinkin' that the lads
worked so wonderful hard at the salmon th' summer, I'd let un go with
you to Fort Pelican t' manage the boat, and I'll be staying home to
make ready for the trail. There's a-plenty to be done yet to make
ready without hurry, and a trip to Fort Pelican will be a rare treat
for the lads. But I'll go if you wants. I were just askin' if 'twould
be suitin' you if I stays home and lets they go?"

"Why, of course! That's great! Simply great!" exclaimed Doctor Joe.
"The boys will make a fine crew! Will Jamie go too?"

"Aye, Jamie's been workin' like a man, and he'll be keen for the
trip," said Thomas. "And last night I were thinkin' after I goes to
bed how fine 'tis that you're to be doctor to the coast. Indian
Jake's to be my trappin' pardner th' winter, and the lads'll 'bide
home. You'll be needin' dogs and komatik (sledge) to take you about.
There'll be little enough for the dogs to do, and you'll be welcome to
un. The lads can do the drivin' for you and whatever you wants un to
do. Use un all you needs. I wants to do my share to help you do the
doctorin'."

"Thank you! Thank you, Thomas!" Doctor Joe accepted