But this zeal was met in a new and robust spirit which held the issue of the conflict long in doubt. The beginning of the new century saw its force increase--a civil war carried on beyond the vision of the nations in the vast forests of the north. The story of this Homeric struggle, however, with its romantic episodes and opposing heroes--Cuthbert Grant, Colin Robertson, Duncan Cameron, and the rest--the battle of Greys against Blues, in which the chiefs of the north, issuing with their wild _bois brûles_ from the stronghold of Fort William,[43] raided and harried the despised "old countrymen," the "Pork-eaters," the "Workers in gardens," or suffered reprisals from these underestimated rivals; the history of Lord Selkirk's settlement in the Red River, around which the final battle wound in the year when Europe was witnessing the last great effort of Napoleon--all this does not fall within the scope of the present work. [Footnote 43: Founded in honour of William M'Gillivray in 1805.] [Illustration: SIMON M'TAVISH (Founder of the North-West Company in 1783)] In 1821, under pressure from the Duke of Richmond, the Greys and Blues agreed to merge their forces in an equal partnership, which, retaining the name of the older Company, was framed on the co-operative principle so effective in the success of the North-Western concern. Having received a fresh charter from the Government, the new Company began a peaceful and not less profitable career, until in exchange for an indemnity of three hundred thousand pounds, and a grant of seven million acres in the best districts of the North-West Territories, the feudal rights of the Hudson's Bay Company were at last taken over by the Dominion of Canada. The Company, however, still pursues its prosperous way. Its forts and posts are sources of influence, centres of safety; its officers and men a devoted and upright band who have proved their right to the gratitude of the empire--unliveried policemen of good government and national integrity. [Illustration: EARL OF SELKIRK (Founder of Selkirk Settlement, 1820)] CHAPTER XX THE NEW CENTURY