ADIRONDACK IMAGES AND TALES; A Hidden Canoe

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I wish you could see this canoe a little better. I built it with my own hands.

It has lasted a long time because I take care of it.

I had a habit of bringing it up on shore out of the wind and water. Then I started noticing that someone else had been using it when I was not there. Whoever it was did not wash it and clean it like I did. He left mud on the bottom.

So I had to hide it in the rushes like this. I was concerned that it may rot from the water or get blown away by the wind. I needed not to worry. I found that the water kept the wood fresh and the rushes held it tight in their grip.

French Louie Seymour let the cat out of the bag one day. We were enjoying a pipe full by his cave house. He told me that John Leaf, Louie’s Indian friend, had almost died in the cave from illness. We talked about John for some time and Louie finally told me that it was John who was using my canoe.

Louie hinted that I should let John use my canoe because John was very ill these days. I told him I would think about it.

I did. I thought that I will not tell John were my canoe is hidden because he cannot seem to respect other people’s property.

Louie said nothing more about it but I could tell he was not too pleased with my decision.

The next year was when John was murdered.

I felt bad about my decision.