The Fiery Totem: A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian North-West

"The Fiery Totem" by C. F. Argyll Saxby is a novel written in the early 20th century. This tale of adventure follows the journeys of two pairs of companions—fathers and sons—who venture into the Canadian North-West in search of game and excitement. The storyline hints at themes of survival, the unknown, and cultural encounters, particularly as the characters face both natural and supernatural challenges in their quest. The opening of the novel presents a scene where two fathers, Arnold and Holden, set out in a canoe for a hunting expedition, leaving their sons, Bob and Alf, back at camp. As the fathers navigate the river, they quickly find themselves in danger when their canoe gets caught in a rapid and capsizes, resulting in their separation as they struggle in the water. Meanwhile, the boys at camp experience their own thrill and tension as they prepare for their adventure and ponder the whereabouts of their fathers, indicating a growing concern over their absence. The setup creates a palpable sense of foreboding and anticipation as both pairs grapple with the wilderness and the unexpected trials that lie ahead.