“The Coppermine beyond a doubt,” said Farnum.
In this diagnosis, Mr. Hampton and Art agreed. And, before long, all question of doubt was conclusively settled by the discovery of great rocks of a dull reddish color lining the banks. These were the copper deposits from which the river took its name.
“Sometime, when the transportation problem has been solved, this region will be supplying copper to the world,” Mr. Hampton observed.
The canoe containing the boys was close alongside, as the older men had let their paddles swing idly to enable Bob and Jack to catch up with them.
“Why can’t it be taken out now, Dad?” asked Jack.
“Because,” explained Mr. Hampton, “the only method would be by ship through the Arctic, and even in the short Summer that is a passage often blocked by ice. No, development of the copper resources of this wilderness, as well as of the oil we hope to find, will have to wait on the building of a railroad.”
“But ice and snow will block the railroad.”
“Not nearly to the same extent,” Mr. Hampton said. “Throughout the Summer, such a road could be in continuous operation. Even in Winter, with properly designed equipment, the road could be kept open—perhaps. That, however, is doubtful, for of the continuous severity of Winter here you boys can have no conception.”
“Well, if we don’t turn back soon, they’ll get some idea of it, all right,” said Farnum, grimly.
“You mean we’ll be caught by Winter before we can get out?” asked Mr. Hampton.