In the Days of Famine

• 1915
• Other, Drama

Jan De Bar, a young French-Canadian, is sent out from the Hudson Bay Company's post at God's Lake to perform the perilous task of burning the plague-stricken cabins of those who have died of the dreaded smallpox. In one of them he finds Jeanette, a little girl, who, by some miracle, has escaped the plague. Knowing that by entering the cabin he has exposed himself to danger of the disease, Jan builds an isolated camp and puts up the red flag of warning. After making sure he has not caught the plague, Jan returns to the post, and having grown very fond of the child, he brings it up as his own. Five years later Jeanette, now a beautiful young lady, returns from school, her education finished. Walker, a young sergeant in the Royal Mounted Police, has fallen in love with the girl and Jan, noticing this, is awakened to the first pangs of heartache in the realization that he no longer cares for Jean in a fatherly manner. He fears she could never think of him otherwise, and feels it his duty to hide his love, taking it for granted her preference would be for the younger man. Apparently he is not altogether successful in concealing his affection, for Jeanette purposely devotes more attention to the young officer, just to see what effect it will have on Jan. It makes him feel very badly, but he still keeps silent. Just before the two men start out on a long journey she places a note, confessing her love, in what she supposes is Jan's sack. Walker finds it in his pack and Jan then gives up all hopes. Later, a thief of the north steals their guns and food and Jan breaks his leg. Jan, telling the man he must live for Jean's sake, persuades Walker to go on to the post alone. There Walker hears from Jeanette's own lips that the note was intended for Jan. He is heartbroken, but manfully leads the rescue party back to Jan, who has kept alive almost by sheer grit. Jan is overwhelmed by his great joy when Jeanette, looking into his eyes without wavering, tells him her note was for him, Jan.