The Skeleton On Round Island From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899 By: Mary Hartwell Catherwood (1847-1902)
In Mary Hartwell Catherwood's "Mackinac And Lake Stories," one story stands out as a captivating and haunting tale that lingers in the reader's mind long after turning the final page. Without revealing its title, this eloquent and atmospheric story transports readers to Round Island, where a small group of people must confront the mysteries and secrets buried within its shores. The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and desires. Catherwood masterfully weaves their stories together, effortlessly blending elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural. The protagonist, a young woman known for her curiosity and courage, finds herself thrust into a series of inexplicable events as she explores the enigmatic Round Island. As the title suggests, a skeleton plays a central role in the unfolding of the plot, symbolizing the secrets and darker truths that lie dormant on the island. Catherwood's skillful prose heightens the sense of anticipation and unease throughout the story. Her vivid descriptions bring Round Island to life, painting a vivid picture of its rocky shores, dense forests, and the imposing presence of an old lighthouse. Through her evocative language, Catherwood immerses readers in the atmosphere of mystery and isolation, capturing both the beauty and eerie quality of the island. The pacing of the story is expertly managed, providing just enough information to keep readers engaged and invested in the unfolding events. Catherwood's attention to detail adds depth to the plot, as she seamlessly incorporates historical and cultural elements specific to the region. This blend of fact and fiction adds richness to the story, anchoring it within a larger context and giving it a sense of authenticity. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this particular story is Catherwood's exploration of the human psyche. As the characters grapple with their own demons and fears, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets. Catherwood deftly probes the boundaries of human nature, posing thought-provoking questions about morality and the consequences of one's actions. "The Skeleton on Round Island" is an engrossing tale that effortlessly captures the reader's imagination. Catherwood's masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting combine to create a memorable reading experience. It is a story that transcends time, resonating with readers long after they have closed the book. First Page: THE SKELETON ON ROUND ISLAND From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899 By Mary Hartwell Catherwood On the 15th day of March, 1897, Ignace Pelott died at Mackinac Island, aged ninety three years. The old quarter breed, son of a half breed Chippewa mother and French father, took with him into silence much wilderness lore of the Northwest. He was full of stories when warmed to recital, though at the beginning of a talk his gentle eyes dwelt on the listener with anxiety, and he tapped his forehead "So many things gone from there!" His habit of saying "Oh God, yes," or "Oh God, no," was not in the least irreverent, but simply his mild way of using island English. While water lapped the beach before his door and the sun smote sparkles on the strait, he told about this adventure across the ice, and his hearer has taken but few liberties with the recital. THE SKELETON ON ROUND ISLAND I am to carry Mamselle Rosalin of Green Bay from Mackinac to Cheboygan that time, and it is the end of March, and the wind have turn from east to west in the morning. A man will go out with the wind in the east, to haul wood from Boblo, or cut a hole to fish, and by night he cannot get home ice, it is rotten; it goes to pieces quick when the March wind turns. I am not afraid for me long, tall fellow then; eye that can see to Point aux Pins; I can lift more than any other man that goes in the boats to Green Bay or the Soo; can swim, run on snow shoes, go without eating two, three days, and draw my belt in... Continue reading book >>

The Skeleton On Round Island From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899 By: Mary Hartwell Catherwood (1847-1902)

In Mary Hartwell Catherwood's "Mackinac And Lake Stories," one story stands out as a captivating and haunting tale that lingers in the reader's mind long after turning the final page. Without revealing its title, this eloquent and atmospheric story transports readers to Round Island, where a small group of people must confront the mysteries and secrets buried within its shores.

The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and desires. Catherwood masterfully weaves their stories together, effortlessly blending elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural. The protagonist, a young woman known for her curiosity and courage, finds herself thrust into a series of inexplicable events as she explores the enigmatic Round Island. As the title suggests, a skeleton plays a central role in the unfolding of the plot, symbolizing the secrets and darker truths that lie dormant on the island.

Catherwood's skillful prose heightens the sense of anticipation and unease throughout the story. Her vivid descriptions bring Round Island to life, painting a vivid picture of its rocky shores, dense forests, and the imposing presence of an old lighthouse. Through her evocative language, Catherwood immerses readers in the atmosphere of mystery and isolation, capturing both the beauty and eerie quality of the island.

The pacing of the story is expertly managed, providing just enough information to keep readers engaged and invested in the unfolding events. Catherwood's attention to detail adds depth to the plot, as she seamlessly incorporates historical and cultural elements specific to the region. This blend of fact and fiction adds richness to the story, anchoring it within a larger context and giving it a sense of authenticity.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this particular story is Catherwood's exploration of the human psyche. As the characters grapple with their own demons and fears, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets. Catherwood deftly probes the boundaries of human nature, posing thought-provoking questions about morality and the consequences of one's actions.

"The Skeleton on Round Island" is an engrossing tale that effortlessly captures the reader's imagination. Catherwood's masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting combine to create a memorable reading experience. It is a story that transcends time, resonating with readers long after they have closed the book.

First Page:

THE SKELETON ON ROUND ISLAND

From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899

By Mary Hartwell Catherwood

On the 15th day of March, 1897, Ignace Pelott died at Mackinac Island, aged ninety three years.

The old quarter breed, son of a half breed Chippewa mother and French father, took with him into silence much wilderness lore of the Northwest. He was full of stories when warmed to recital, though at the beginning of a talk his gentle eyes dwelt on the listener with anxiety, and he tapped his forehead "So many things gone from there!" His habit of saying "Oh God, yes," or "Oh God, no," was not in the least irreverent, but simply his mild way of using island English.

While water lapped the beach before his door and the sun smote sparkles on the strait, he told about this adventure across the ice, and his hearer has taken but few liberties with the recital.

THE SKELETON ON ROUND ISLAND

I am to carry Mamselle Rosalin of Green Bay from Mackinac to Cheboygan that time, and it is the end of March, and the wind have turn from east to west in the morning. A man will go out with the wind in the east, to haul wood from Boblo, or cut a hole to fish, and by night he cannot get home ice, it is rotten; it goes to pieces quick when the March wind turns.

I am not afraid for me long, tall fellow then; eye that can see to Point aux Pins; I can lift more than any other man that goes in the boats to Green Bay or the Soo; can swim, run on snow shoes, go without eating two, three days, and draw my belt in... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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