CHAPTER VI

THE BELLE RIVER COMMUNITY AND BRUDENELL

We visit the Communist settlement at Belle River, talk about Island coins, and fish at Murray River. We discuss the Carnegie experiment and the politeness of Island trains. \Ne visit Brudenell Point, the Island cemetery, and the sleepy capital of the county.

“COMMUNISTS! Surely not—0n this small

Island!” “Yes, it’s true,” Jean insisted. “But, why . . .?”

I couldn’t quite believe it. Though the Island has history, lobsters, romance, potatoes, foxes, scenery, Communists seemed so—so unnecessary, so foreign to the little isle.

We cycled towards Belle River . . . quite puzzled

It seemed a long way there from Point Prim, and we halted several times to lean contentedly over the railings of bridges, and to watch the skeeters at play below. Again and again we prodded each other on— on to one of the very different, unique, and very secluded Communist settlements of Prince Edward Island. As we neared the district the road became a long, winding, narrow trail. It swung in and out, up and down, until finally it emerged suddenly at a clearing hollowed out of the surrounding forest. Belle River!

Our first glance was one of surprise. The village looked exactly the same as any other Island village! There was a large sawmill, a store, several houses, and

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