Chapter 1 Summary

Mark Brian, a newly ordained vicar, is on his way to his first post in a remote Indian village in the Pacific Northwest. Jim Wallace, a young Indian from one of the towns in the region, is returning home after a year working in a mill town and joins Mark in the journey. Jim serves as Mark's tutor in the ways of the diesel boat that will serve as Mark's transportation in this roadless part of the country and indirectly begins to teach Mark about the native culture as well. Caleb, a former vicar, also provides gruff advice on dealing with the boat and the inhabitants of the area. One piece of advice is to always use the Victorian "we" rather than more direct language when expressing ideas. It is apparent, despite his rough exterior, that Caleb has truly valued his time in...