DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to Victor Jacobson. He was a colorful sealing captain in Victoria, B.C. His life and exploits read like an adventure novel. His original (now heritage) house, complete with a sea view cupola, still stands on Head Street overlooking the West Bay anchorage in Victoria Harbour.

My fellow members of the Silver Threads Writers of Esquimalt encouraged me throughout this project and I am very thankful.

I also have very special thanks to my wife. She suffered my long hours of research, diligently read my manuscript and was my walking partner on the seaside trail from Victoria to the West Bay anchorage which I visited whenever I needed inspiration.

*****

Treachery

and

Treason

in

Canada’s Sealing Fleet

*****

Chapter One: McBains Farm

John McBain looked out to sea from his home on the slopes of Mount Douglas. He had a magnificent view of Fort Victoria, and its fine harbor. He could also see the adjoining naval base of Esquimalt. His farm stretched for two miles down the valley. He was one of the first farmers who had settled on Vancouver Island. Most men did not have agriculture in mind when they came west. The attractions of a quick and easy fortune drew them north from California to look for gold. Some, including John McBain, came west with the Hudson's Bay company to work in the fur trade. The lure of gold attracted men from all over the world. There were rumours of gold in the Goldstream River and in the Sooke hills but these rumours petered out faster then the gold itself. More credible stories came from the Caribou on the mainland. Victoria became a way station on the gold trail rather than a destination. John McBain decided to make his way in the mundane world of agriculture rather than take risks in an exciting and perilous search for gold.