ree nee entero

38 In Great Waters

now a staunch hull under me, a cosy, roomy cabin
around me, a strong, steady engine to drive us along,
and acompetent helper definitely responsible for boat
andengine. The combination has proved an immense
assistance to me. Ithasmade mecapable of render-
ing service to my people of an extent and quality
that I had neither strength nor heart to give them
before, so trying were conditions on the old boat.
The attention of the Presbyterian Church had
early been called to the needs of the Indians on the
west coast of Vancouver Island. In 1891 Rev.
John A. Macdonald was sent to Alberni to institute
a permanent mission amongst them. In 1892 Rev.
Melvin Swartout took charge. Later he made head-
quarters at Ucluelet. There he wrought nobly and
built up a strong cause. A church was erected,
a house for the missionary and his family, and a
school for the Indian children. His work prospered
from year to year. One Monday in July, 1904, he
started out alone in his little sailboat to visit a
village along the coast. There was a strong head-
wind blowing against which he had to tack, and a
heavy sea making. It was his last voyage. Three
months afterwards his body was discovered among
the drift-wood and the kelp. The boat was also
found broken to pieces on the rocks. A big comber
or specially fierce gust of wind had foundered the
boat and caused him to lose his life. With heroic,
devoted spirit Mrs. Swartout carried the work on
for years. As the need arose this Indian work was
developed at various other points on the West Coast