Free Royal Ransom by Eric Walters Page B

recognize the plane,” I said, over the increasing noise of the engine.
    What I could tell was that it was a large float plane. It looked as though it could probably hold eight or tenpeople. As it passed overhead I could see there were two canoes secured on the top of the floats. Victoria waved up at it.
    I wasn’t sure who these people were, or where they had come from, but I was willing to bet the plane was going into the bush to drop off some fishermen who didn’t want to have to paddle in.
    â€œThat was a big plane.”
    â€œBigger than my father’s. A plane that size could have come from as far away as Calgary … maybe even farther.”
    In the distance the plane began to bank. I watched as it started a long, slow circle back. It seemed to be circling right around us.
    â€œHe’s checking us out,” I said.
    â€œWhy would he be doing that?” Victoria asked.
    â€œProbably making sure we’re okay. When you waved he might have thought you were trying to get his attention.”
    â€œI was just trying to be friendly.”
    The plane completed a full circle and then broke off and headed in the direction it had been going before it saw us. It got smaller and smaller, and the noise from the engines became just a gentle buzz and then faded to nothing. Finally I lost sight of it.
    â€œThat’s certainly a faster way to move,” I said.
    â€œI greatly prefer our method of travel.”
    â€œIs that so?”
    â€œYes, I do,” she said firmly.
    â€œIn that case, how about you put that paddle in the water and we start travelling again.”
    â€œYes, sir!” she said, and saluted me. “Right away, sir!”
    â€œThat’s more like the kind of treatment I deserve. It’s about time you showed me a little respect.”
    Something told me it was no accident when her next paddle stroke skimmed the surface and soaked me, but good!

Chapter Eight
    T HE PORTAGE AROUND THE RAPIDS WAS SHORT and sweet. Ray made darn sure that Andrew took his share of the load, and Albert and Nigel demonstrated that they didn’t just look strong. I couldn’t believe how much they could carry.
    We put the canoes back in the water and paddled less than a kilometre before we put in to make camp for the night. It was a beautiful spot, slightly up on a hill where a breeze kept the bugs away, with a supply of wood close by, a little stream flowing in and a very gentle beach, where we could wash up and even take a swim. Finally, when the camp was set up and supper was ready, we sat down to eat.
    â€œHow many kilometres did we do today?” Victoria asked.
    â€œClose to thirty,” Ray said. “We could have done more if I wasn’t carrying so much dead weight,” he added looking pointedly at Andrew.
    â€œI tried hard today … much harder than yesterday,” Andrew protested.
    â€œUnless you were dead you’d have to work harder than yesterday,” Ray said.
    Andrew looked hurt.
    â€œBut you are learning,” Ray conceded. “By the end of this trip you might be halfway good.”
    Andrew perked up. “You really think I could be good?”
    â€œI said halfway good. The other half I’m not so sure about. But who knows, with enough practice you might make it all the way.”
    â€œSpeaking of practice,” Victoria said, “could I have a turn paddling in the back of the canoe tomorrow?”
    â€œNot without more instruction,” Ray said. “When you paddle stern, you’re responsible for steering the canoe. But there’s still more than an hour of light left. Do you think you could handle some more time on the water?”
    â€œSure!” she said.
    Ray stood up. “Good. Jamie, take her out on the lake for a short paddle and give her some instruction.”
    â€œPerhaps I can go as well,” Albert said, rising to his feet. I knew he didn’t want me to be alone with