A young man named Kweetchel discovers a dead sailor's compass while fishing, which he believes possesses a spirit. He decides to marry Kolite, a woman he loves, and they live happily until a Haida attack during a potlatch leaves Kweetchel wounded and presumed dead. He survives, but Kolite is captured and enslaved by the Haida chief, Annoish-Haung. Kweetchel, determined to find Kolite, embarks on a journey guided by the compass. He traverses various landscapes, eventually locating Kolite, who is praying for Kweetchel's return. They reunite, but Annoish-Haung pursues them. In a desperate escape, they navigate treacherous waters, aided by a storm summoned by Kolite's prayers. Kweetchel and Kolite manage to evade capture, but a confrontation with Annoish-Haung ensues in a cave. Kweetchel defeats the chief, and they spend days recovering on a rock before attempting to return home. They are rescued by a trading schooner, where Kweetchel learns the compass points both north and south, allowing them to return without fear. Back in their village, Kweetchel adapts to a new life, eventually becoming a Christian and abandoning his old ways. Years later, he carves a totem pole depicting their saga, including the compass, symbolizing their journey and the spirit that guided him.
By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1913 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction