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Arctic angels

Written by A. DeHerries Smith

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Short storiesArctic regionsNorthwest TerritoriesRoyal North West Mounted Police (Canada)

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About this book

"Arctic Angels" by A. DeHerries Smith is a short story that falls under the category of adventure fiction, likely penned in the late 1920s. The narrative is set in the Arctic Northwest, showcasing the challenges faced by the Northwest Mounted Police in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The story revolves around themes of duty, survival, and the interaction between the police, local traders, and the indigenous Eskimo population. The plot centers on Sergeant Richard Cleaver, stationed at a remote detachment, who grapples with the moral dilemma of how to provide sustenance for starving Eskimos while dealing with the unscrupulous trader, Scarth. Tensions rise as Cleaver learns that Scarth has failed to feed his own starving huskies, and the desperation of the situation pushes him to hunt walrus for meat. The sergeant's determination to fulfill his promise to the indigenous people leads to a confrontation with the trader and a series of comical yet dire circumstances that test his leadership and integrity. Ultimately, the story resolves with a sense of triumph as Cleaver ensures that both the Eskimos and the dogs will receive the nourishment they desperately need, highlighting themes of compassion amidst adversity.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Arctic angels, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 2 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventure
  • tense
  • moral

A. DeHerries Smith's "Arctic Angels" is a short adventure story set in the late 1920s Arctic Northwest, chronicling the trials of Northwest Mounted Police Sergeant Richard Cleaver. Stationed at a remote detachment, Cleaver faces a profound moral dilemma: how to provide for the starving indigenous Eskimo population while contending with the cruel and avaricious trader, Scarth. The narrative escalates as Cleaver discovers Scarth's neglect of his own huskies, pushing the sergeant to undertake a perilous walrus hunt to secure sustenance. Ultimately, Cleaver's unwavering commitment to duty and compassion leads to a triumphant resolution, ensuring the survival of both the Eskimos and the dogs, and affirming his leadership in the face of adversity.

“The Arctic offered no quarter, only the stark choice between duty and oblivion.”

Key themes

Duty vs. Morality
This theme explores the conflict between adhering to official regulations and acting according to one's personal moral compass, especially when human lives are at stake. Sergeant Cleaver grapples with the bureaucratic constraints of his role and the immediate, desperate need to save the starving Eskimos, ultimately choosing a path dictated by compassion.
Compassion and Responsibility
A central tenet of the story, this theme emphasizes the importance of empathy and the moral obligation to care for the vulnerable. Cleaver's actions are driven by a deep sense of compassion for both the starving Eskimos and Scarth's neglected dogs, showcasing a universal responsibility to alleviate suffering.
Survival and Resilience
Set in the unforgiving Arctic Northwest, the story inherently explores the theme of survival, both for the indigenous population struggling against starvation and for Cleaver navigating the harsh environment. It highlights the resilience required to endure extreme conditions and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve life.

Worth discussing

How does the Arctic environment function as more than just a setting, and how does it influence the characters' choices and the story's themes?

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