I found, however, they had never been instructed in musketry, and a soldier is useless if he can't shoot. I asked the colonel's permission to put them through a course of musketry, which he was pleased to grant, and selected a site for the ranges a few miles outside of St. Boniface. I put the battalion through up to 600 yards; the course was carried out according to the school of musketry regulations, and I rendered all the returns in manuscript, the report showing fair average shooting. There was a band of twenty under Bandmaster Harry Walker, late of the Imperial 7th Fusiliers. It was in good shape and kept busy, for bands were scarce in the city at that time. We gave entertainments at the fort occasionally. There was excellent talent among the men and it was always put to good use. The bandmaster was always ready to help us in every way possible. A most pleasing incident took place during the winter. Sergeant-Major Steele, N.W.M.P., returning from leave of absence, and passing through Winnipeg, called on his friend Adjutant Reed, and during their conversation asked Mr. Reed who his sergeant-major was. Mr. Reed replied that it was ex-Color-Sergeant Rundle.
"Why," said Sergeant-Major Steele, "that's my old drill instructor; please send for him."
An orderly came to my room and said that Mr. Reed would like to see me. I went to the adjutant's quarters, where I met an old pupil of the Military School, Toronto, 1867. We were both pleased to meet and had a good old chat about the times past and future. The sergeant-major obtained a first class certificate at this time, and we all know what brilliant services Colonel Steele has rendered to the Empire, especially in South Africa.
Some months later I received an offer to become musketry instructor to the Mounted Police. I declined because I could not ride a horse.
I had many friends in Winnipeg. Amongst them was Rev. Mr. Fortin, All Saints, now a bishop; Rev. Mr. Matheson, Manitoba College, now bishop and Primate of Canada, who married Miss Fortin, the bishop's sister (I sang at the wedding); Rev. Mr. German, Grace Methodist Church, of whose choir I was a member; the late Colonel William N. Kennedy, of distinguished Nile memory, who was also a member of the choir. The late Mrs. Chambers, formerly of Peterboro', was the organist. I can say with much delight that my acquaintances and associations during the two years were fraught with much pleasantness and reciprocated kindness.
The N.W.M. Police, having been thoroughly established, was sufficient protection against attacks from Indians or half-breeds; therefore, on the 3rd of August, 1877, the battalion was disbanded, each man receiving a grant of 160 acres of land for his services. A good many remained in the country. Others went to their homes in the East.
I was now engaged in organizing single companies, making my headquarters at Emerson. A company was raised in Winnipeg under the command of Captain C. W. Allen and Lieutenant Killer. I spent another two years in perfect enjoyment with the good people of Emerson, and assisted in every way to build up this young town. I made my home with Mr. and Mrs. Hooper and family, who resided on the west side of the river, opposite Emerson.
One lovely evening in August Mr. Thos. Hooper, Jr., with his young bride, came over to spend the evening. It was near midnight, the ferry had stopped running, and I offered to row Mrs. Hooper over in my skiff and return for her husband and a gentleman friend. We were passing where the ferry was moored, and Mrs. Hooper, reaching to seize the end of the ferry, lost her balance and fell into the river and sank. I immediately sprang to the rescue and succeeded in bringing her to shore.
The fall was approaching and I made up my mind to visit my friends in the East. My Emerson friends having learned of my intentions, Mr. Carney, who was to be first mayor of the town, offered me the office of clerk if I remained, but my arrangements had been made and I could not cancel them. I was invited by the citizens to meet them in Library Hall the night previous to my departure. A programme had been prepared, the band was present and played my old favorites. During the evening Mr. Fairbank, J.P., read an address regretting my departure from the town, and also presented me with a handsome purse.
CHAPTER XI.