Summary

In Chapter 1, René Sel is following his new master, Monsieur Claude Trépagny through New France. The novel observes the thoughts and actions of all of the characters, indicating a third-person omniscient narrator. René, along with another man, Charles Duquet, are indentured to Trépagny for three years. During that period, Trépagny is having the men cut trees so he can sell the timber. The forests are wild, thick, and unlike anything René has ever seen. René is fascinated by the constant barrage of new sights. Trépagny, on the other hand, seems familiar with the land.

At the base camp, they see Trépagny’s house, which is French in style. Next to it, is a wikuom, where a native woman named Mari lives with her three children. René and Duquet and told to sleep...