Chapter V THE SELKIRK SETTLERS I meet a friend. We follow the Cavalry and Infantry to Vernon River and shop there. We recall the lot-drawing contest, meet two "flats," and visit Belfast . We think of Selkirk , and of the election riot; wander through the Polly cemetery; and meet Point Prim 's oldest inhabitant. MY solitary wanderings were over. I found a friend in Charlottetown who was not only willing but also highly delighted at the thought of the proposed trip; but my means of locomotion did not suit her at all, at all. "We could go twice as fast on bikes," she observed. "What's the point in going fast?" I argued. "We have all summer ahead of us. Besides, we don't get any lifts if we go on bikes." The argument wore on—and wore out. Jean won. We bought two second-hand bicycles and started off. At least she started off. "Send me a card when you get there?" I shouted. Her speed decreased suddenly. For almost five minutes we cycled along together. Then, gradually, the space between us widened again. Soon she was a mere speck on wheels flying around a corner. When I eventually turned that corner I found her comfortably seated by the roadside, waiting for me. Events had made me determined. "It's your turn for Palsy Walsy," I insisted. "Give me Queen Mary." 92