Classic Book Reader
Cover of Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5.

Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5.

by Gilbert Parker (1862–1932)

  • Free to read
  • 1 hour to read
  • 5 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5" by Gilbert Parker is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book encapsulates the rich tapestry of life in the Canadian North, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, hardship, and the human spirit against a backdrop of challenging landscapes. The tales weave in the trials and tribulations of various characters, bringing forth the beauty and brutality of life in this remote region. The stories within the collection feature a range of characters, including Antoine and Angelique, who guard a precious mine while confronting the encroaching isolation of winter and their deep fears. In another tale, Hilton encounters Ida, a deaf-mute girl, and navigates their unspoken bond as he grapples with societal expectations. "A Tragedy of Nobodies" delves into the complexities of love and loss, illustrating the harsh realities faced by women in rough frontier settlements, particularly through the character Blanche. Lastly, "A Sanctuary of the Plains" follows Father Corraine as he shelters a wounded outlaw, leading to a profound confrontation with morality and redemption. Through each narrative, Parker captures the resilience of his characters in the face of both external and internal struggles, inviting readers to explore the depths of human emotion amidst the beauty of the Far North.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • Canada, Northern
  • Short stories, Canadian

Read the opening

The Cipher

Hilton was staying his horse by a spring at Guidon Hill when he first saw her. She was gathering may-apples; her apron was full of them. He noticed that she did not stir until he rode almost upon her. Then she started, first without looking round, as does an animal, dropping her head slightly to one side, though not exactly appearing to listen. Suddenly she wheeled on him, and her big eyes captured him. The look bewildered him. She was a creature of singular fascination. Her face was expressive. Her eyes had wonderful light. She looked happy, yet grave withal; it was the gravity of an uncommon earnestness. She gazed through everything, and beyond. She was young—eighteen or so.

Hilton raised his hat, and courteously called a good-morning at her. She did not reply by any word, but nodded quaintly, and blinked seriously and yet blithely on him. He was preparing to dismount. As he did so he paused, astonished that she did not speak at all. Her face did not have a familiar language; its vocabulary was its own. He slid from his horse, and, throwing his arm over its neck as it stooped to the spring, looked at her more intently, but respectfully too. She did not yet stir, but there came into her face a slight inflection of confusion or perplexity. Again he raised his hat to her, and, smiling, wished her a good-morning. Even as he did so a thought sprung in him. Understanding gave place to wonder; he interpreted the unusual look in her face.

Keep reading Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5. →

Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. The Cipher
  3. A Tragedy of Nobodies
  4. A Sanctuary of the Plains
  5. Etext Editor's Bookmarks

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5. by Gilbert Parker comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #6178, released 2004-07-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

More by Gilbert Parker