Behind the stove was a bench, upon which stood a bucket of water and the family wash basin, and over the basin hung a towel for general family use.
Pasted upon the walls were pictures from old newspapers and magazines.
There were no other decorations but these and snowy muslin curtains at the windows, but the floor, table, chairs--all the woodwork, indeed--were scoured to immaculate whiteness with sand and soap, and everything was spotlessly clean and tidy.

Despite the austere simplicity of the room and its furnishings, it possessed an indescribable atmosphere of cosy comfort.
Doctor Joe's bed was spread upon the floor.

It was still candle-light when he was awakened by Thomas building a fire in the stove, for in this land of stern living there is no lolling in bed of mornings.
"Good-morning, Thomas," said Doctor Joe, with a yawn and a stretch as he sat up.
"Marnin'," said Thomas.
"How's the morning, Thomas, fair for our trip to Fort Pelican ?" "Aye, 'tis a fine marnin'," announced Thomas, "but I were thinkin' 'twould be better to wait over till to-morrow for the trip.

After your long voyage 'twould be a bit trying for you to turn back to-day to Fort Pelican without restin' up, and I'm not doubtin' a day whatever'll do no harm to the potaters and things." "I believe you're right, Thomas," and Doctor Joe spoke with evident relief.

"I thought you'd be getting ready for the trapping and would like to get the Fort Pelican trip out of the way.