Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 1.

"Pierre and His People: Tales of the Far North Volume 1" by Gilbert Parker is a compilation of short stories that presents a captivating look at Pierre, a mixed-race figure, as he maneuvers through the rough and challenging landscape of the Canadian frontier, encountering lawmen and native populations. The stories investigate difficult topics like morality, fairness, and the severe conditions of living as a pioneer in the Far North. "The Patrol of the Cypress Hills," the first story, introduces us to Old Brown Windsor and Young Aleck as they talk about Sergeant Fones, a stern member of the Mounted Police force, followed by Pretty Pierre whose gambling and schemes bring to light both his resourcefulness and cunning. A love triangle with Mab, Aleck, and Pierre, as well as hints of an inevitable clash with law and order, are all artfully woven into the beginning of this series of intertwined lives in the brutal North.