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CONTEMPORARY CANADIAN

Business Law PRINCIPLES & CASES


12th
E dition

John A. Willes, QC
BA, LLB, MBA, LLM
Barrister-at-Law
Barrister and Solicitor, Notary
Professor Emeritus, Queen’s University

John H. Willes
BComm, LLB, MBA, LLM, CIM, FSALS
Barrister and Solicitor, Notary

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 1 1/6/20 6:41 PM


viii | Table of Contents

Review Questions 467 Rights of a Landlord for Breach of the Lease 558
Mini-Case Problems 467 Rights of a Tenant for Breach of the Lease 561
Case Problems for Discussion 467 Termination 561
Shopping Centre Leases 564
Chapter 21 The Sale of Goods 472 Summary 566
Codification of the Law 472 Key Terms 566
Nature of a Contract of Sale 473 Review Questions 566
Contractual Duties of the Seller 481 Mini-Case Problems 567
Contractual Duties of the Buyer 489 Case Problems for Discussion 567
Remedies of the Buyer 489
Remedies of the Seller 490 Chapter 25 Commercial and Residential
Electronic Sale of Goods 493 Real Estate Transactions 571
Summary 494 Introduction 571
Key Terms 494 Modern Real Estate Transactions 573
Review Questions 494 Summary 583
Mini-Case Problems 495 Key Terms 584
Case Problems for Discussion 495 Review Questions 584
Mini-Case Problems 584
Chapter 22 Interests in Land 499 Case Problems for Discussion 585
Introduction 499
Historical Development 500 Chapter 26 Intellectual Property, Patents,
Estates in Land 501 Trademarks, Copyright, and Franchising 589
Registration of Property Interests 508 Introduction 589
Lesser Interests in Land 511 Trade Secrets and Non-Disclosure Agreements 590
Fixtures 517 Patents 591
Title to Land 519 Trademarks 597
Summary 520 Franchises 602
Key Terms 520 Copyright 603
Review Questions 521 Industrial Designs 609
Mini-Case Problems 521 Licence Agreements 609
Case Problems for Discussion 521 IP in a World of Technological Change 610
Summary 611
Chapter 23 The Law of Mortgages 526 Key Terms 611
Introduction 526 Review Questions 612
Historical Development 527 Mini-Case Problems 612
The Nature of Mortgages 530 Case Problems for Discussion 612
Priorities between Mortgages 531
Rights and Duties of the Parties 532 Part 6 Special Legal Rights
Special Clauses 534 and Relationships 617
Discharge of Mortgage 535
Assignment of Mortgage 535 Chapter 27 Consumer Protection Legislation 618
Sale of Mortgaged Property 535 Introduction 618
Default, Foreclosure, and Sale 538 Historical Development 619
Business Applications of Mortgage Security 541 Modern Development 619
Summary 543 Consumer Safety 620
Key Terms 543 Consumer Information 623
Review Questions 544 Consumer-Product Quality and Performance Protection 624
Mini-Case Problems 544 Consumer Protection Related to Business Practices 627
Case Problems for Discussion 544 Credit-Granting Consumer Protection 632
Credit-Reporting Consumer Protection 633
Chapter 24 Leasehold Interests 548 Summary 634
Leasehold Interest 548 Key Terms 635
Historical Development 549 Review Questions 635
Creation of a Tenancy 550 Mini-Case Problems 635
Rights and Duties of the Landlord and Tenant 553 Case Problems for Discussion 636

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 8 1/6/20 6:42 PM


Table of Contents | ix

Chapter 28 Law of Negotiable Instruments 640 Restrictive Trade Practices 732


Introduction 640 Mergers and Firms in a Dominant Position 732
Historical Development of the Law 641 Conspiracies and Combinations in Restraint
The Bills of Exchange Act 642 of Trade 734
Bills of Exchange 643 Offences Relating to Distribution and
Sale of Products 737
Liability of the Parties to a Bill of Exchange 646
Reviewable Activities 738
Cheques 647
Offences Relating to Promotion and
Promissory Notes 650
Advertising of Products 739
Defences to Claims for Payment of Bills of Exchange 653
Civil Actions under the Competition Act 742
Consumer Protection and Negotiable Instruments 658
Summary 743
Summary 660
Key Terms 744
Key Terms 660
Review Questions 744
Review Questions 660
Mini-Case Problems 744
Mini-Case Problems 661
Case Problems for Discussion 745
Case Problems for Discussion 661
Chapter 33 International Business Law 748
Chapter 29 Security for Debt 665
Introduction 748
Introduction 665
The Importation of Goods into Canada 749
Forms of Security for Debt 667
The Export of Goods from Canada 752
Statutory Protection of Creditor Security 679
International Trade Regulation 752
Summary of Priorities between Security Interests 684
International Trading Relationships 757
Summary 684
International Contracts of Sale 760
Key Terms 685
Arbitration of International Trade Disputes 763
Review Questions 685
Enforcement of Arbitration Awards 764
Mini-Case Problems 685
Summary 766
Case Problems for Discussion 686
Key Terms 766
Chapter 30 Bankruptcy and Insolvency 689 Review Questions 766
Introduction 689 Mini-Case Problems 767
Historical Background 690 Case Problems for Discussion 767
Insolvency versus Bankruptcy 691
Chapter 34 Environmental Law 769
Bankruptcy Legislation in Canada 691
The Common Law 769
Summary 704
Environmental Legislation 772
Key Terms 704
Responsibility for Existing Contamination 778
Review Questions 704
Summary 780
Mini-Case Problems 705
Key Terms 780
Case Problems for Discussion 705
Review Questions 780
Chapter 31 Insurance Law 708 Mini-Case Problems 781
Historical Development 708 Case Problems for Discussion 781
Forms of Insurance 709
The Nature of the Insurance Contract 713 Chapter 35 Privacy Law 784
The Concept of Indemnity for Loss 718 Privacy Legislation 784
The Parties Associated with Insurance Contracts 720 Anti-Spam Legislation 791
Summary 723 Summary 794
Key Terms 723 Key Terms 794
Review Questions 723 Review Questions 794
Mini-Case Problems 723 Mini-Case Problems 795
Case Problems for Discussion 724 Case Problems for Discussion 795

Chapter 32 Restrictive Trade Practices 728 GlossaryGL-1


Introduction 728 Reference ListRE-1
Nature of the Legislation 730 IndexIN-1

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 9 1/6/20 6:42 PM


Preface
This 12th Edition of Contemporary Canadian Business Law continues the
tradition of more than 30 years of providing students with a clear understand-
ing of the legal environment for business professionals, owners, and managers
in Canada.

This text provides students with the legal knowledge and edge they require,
matched to the course offerings of Canada’s universities and colleges. We cover
all the core topics of business law, as well as many emerging topics, allowing
instructors to design courses appropriate for the particular needs and interests of
their students and the requirements of their business program.

Covering the full span of business law in the everyday commercial world,
the text is divided into six parts. Part 1 introduces the law and the legal system,
establishing the nature of law and its system of administration. Part 2 delves into
torts, one of the oldest and most interesting areas of the law, and one that rapidly
comes to the fore when business ventures cause injury to others. Part 3 looks at
the heavy lifting of commercial relationships, the law of contract, while Part 4
examines the various forms of business organizations as well as common com-
mercial relationships. Part 5 explores the rights and responsibilities associated
with property, including intellectual property. Part 6 treats a variety of special
legal rights and relationships, from consumer protection and bankruptcy to
environmental law, international legal issues, and privacy.

Contemporary Canadian Business Law adopts a learning-goals approach to the


law, with clear learning goals leading the way as each chapter opens. In addition
to clarity in development and explanation, scope, depth, interest, and debate are
further fuelled through use of special features. These range from management
advisories and checklists to ethical questions, case summaries, and spotlighted
examples that will be familiar to many students. Tying it all together, review ques-
tions, mini-cases, and discussion cases provide not only review, but drive home
the application of legal principles and rules to business problems.

JAW
JHW

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 10 1/6/20 6:42 PM


Preface | xi

A Student’s Guide
Contemporary Canadian Business Law, 12th edition, offers pedagogical features to help
students learn and apply the concepts found throughout the text. Each chapter is orga-
nized to enhance the learning process, and includes a concise outline of the important
business and legal principles relating to each topic. The following will help to guide you
through the text.

Part Openers
The text is organized into six parts and each part opens with a list of the chapters that
are included within the part.

Part 3: The Law


of Contract

7 An Introduction to Contracts

8 The Requirement of Consideration

9 Legal Capacity to Contract and the Requirement of Legality

10 The Requirements of Form and Writing

11 Failure to Create an Enforceable Contract

12 The Extent of Contractual Rights

13 Performance of Contractual Obligations

14 Breach of Contract and Remedies

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 11 1/6/20 6:42 PM


could never have afforded to hire a lawyer (despite having a good case) now have a
route to being heard. Those opposed say it brings the worst of U.S. justice to Canada:
frivolous cases brought for all manner of slight injuries on slim hopes of success.
Regardless of choices between lawyers and their clients, it must be remembered that
losing a case under a contingency fee relationship does not rule out a court order of
CHAPTER 2
costs payable to the victor.

|
xii Preface
Class ActionsThe Judicial System
and Alternative
class action Some circumstances lend themselves to class proceedings (commonly known as class
Chapter Objectives
an action where a single actions) in which a single person could stand as the representative for an entire class of
person represents the similar individuals. This person usually represents a group of plaintiffs, but the law does

Dispute Resolution
Each ofchapter
interests begins
a group, who with afor
also provide lista representative
of its primary learning
of a class objectives. This useful tool
of defendants.
will share in any award.
enables students to see Considerwhata case theyof should expect act
a single negligent to that
learn in each
derails chapter.
a passenger train, injuring a
hundred persons. There is nothing to be gained through a series of a hundred trials on
the same facts, so judicial economy would be achieved by combining all the actions into
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES one. Secondly, the cost of proving a complex case (for instance, faulty research behind
a dangerous medicine) could possibly be greater than the possible damages and costs
After study of this chapter,
awarded to astudents
single person. should Thus bethe ablelargeto:collective (and then shared) damage award
makes the case worth mounting,
• Describe the development, content, and structure of the judicial system.
where otherwise no one would have stepped forward.
This increases the access to justice for all claimants. Finally, class actions remind society
• Explain the sequence
that a largeof stepsprofitinfromcourtaprocedure,
tiny wrongparticularly
done to many civil people
court is not a technique that will
procedure. escape justice, and thus hopefully prevents such opportunism in the first place.
• Identify how and why Class alternative
proceedings disputefirstresolution may be the best
require identification optionrecognition
and legal for that a class of two
54 | theR settlement
pA of more
T 1 The Legal
or business
environment
people disputes.
for Business
really exists, with issues in common that could shelter under the repre-
• Explain the role sentative
of barristersclaim. andThe representative
solicitors, the range plaintiff must be
of services someone
provided by who can fairly represent
everyone
the legal profession, with
andeffect enough time,
the concept money, and
and limitations understanding
of court costs. ifofa the issues, and not have a
and give to the action undertaken. For example, client wishes to enter into a
conflict of interest with the other claimants.
contract with another business person to sell certain assets, the lawyer will advise the
Once certified as a class, the claim moves forward much like any other litigation.
client of the nature of the sale agreement required, the tax implications of the sale, and
It can however, be difficult to assess the correct amount of damages in class actions.
perhaps the need for any special licence or permit required to sell the assets if the buyer
Introduction Accommodation exists as a result for different degrees of injury among claimants, uncer-
Case in Point resides abroad and the assets are goods subject to export restrictions. The lawyer will
tainty as to how many persons were affected by the wrong done, how many claimants
also either prepare the agreement of sale, or review the sale agreement if it is prepared
Case in Point features actually participate, in and different remedies for different claimants. Often aa settlement is
by the appear most
lawyer,chapters.
as inCase inoritPoint
protectsboxes
States,give brief
clientdescrip-
In a complex, modern society, such Canada the United the courts play
other party’s to make certain that the rights of the and
an important
reached betweenrole theinclass
the lives
and of thecitizens.
defendant.First and
Theforemost, the courts
representative decide
of the disputes
class may accept
tion of a recent legal givesdecision
effect individuals
the between
settlement,
to the that
but affects
client’s wishesthe
first(including
it must be business
in the sale. In
corporations),
approved byand world,
the
the
event that
between
court as reinforcing
the other party
individuals
being in andthe thethe lessons
fails
state.
interest of
to
complete the role
transaction, a lawyer will advise the client of his or her rights under the
learned in the text all and
the
agreement
the
Thismembers
is the court
and, The
ofthat decisions.
the generally
if retained
class. comes to mind when the function of the courts in society
to do so, will
is considered. courts have other very take the necessary
important functions legal actionason
to perform behalf
well, how-of the
client
ever.toTheyenforce
are thethechief
agreement.
interpreters of the constitution, and in this capacity decide if
Apart from
legislation passedadvising
by eitherclients on the government
the federal legal implications of business
or the provincial transactions,
legislatures exceeds
CASE IN POIN Tthefrequently
firms government’s engage lawyers
respective to assist
powers in thethe
or violates negotiation of collective
rights and freedoms agreements
of individuals.
withIn the
this labour
sense, the courtsthat
unions are represent
the guardians the of theseemployees.
firm’s rights and freedoms,
Collectiveand through are
agreements
their interpretation
A term in a cell phone enforceable
contract excluded courtof
contracts theset
constitution
proceedings
that out as may enlarge
thea terms
dispute remedy,
and or substituting
restrict of
conditions its employment
provisions.
binding arbitration
under in which
its place. Regardless, a the
subscriber
employees sued will
the carrier
work, withand the oftenintention
requireofmuch recovering certain before
discussion airtime the
charges on behalf
agreement is
of a class, representingreached.
all subscribers.
Lawyers To shutwhodown the class
specialize in action,
labour the carrier are
relations relied on the agreement
frequently called uponto gototoassist
private arbitration. Theorganizations
Supreme Court For example,
ofofemployees
Canada s. 2(b) of the Canadian
disagreed,
(unions) and Charter
in allowed
their theofclass
negotiationsRights and
action to
as well. Bothprovides
Freedoms
proceed, as justice and
employers
would not be well served by afor
unions freedom
series
call upon of
of isolated expression,
members low-profile including
of the private freedom of the
and confidential
legal profession press. Section
arbitrations.
to process disputes 1 permits
arising out of
a government to establish a limit on the exercise of this freedom if the limit is
collective agreements (CanLII). at the stage where the dispute is brought before an arbitrator or
See: Seidel v. TELUS Communications“demonstrably
Inc., 2011 SCC 15 justified in a free and democratic society.” If the government
arbitration board for a determination.
passed a law prohibiting the publication in a newspaper of any literary review of
Some
certain lawkinds
firmsofspecialize
literature, wouldin thethisareaviolate
of patents,
freedom trademarks,
of the press and under copyright
s. 2(b) of law,
and these firms assist inventors and firms that develop new products to establish patent
the Charter?
protection for their products or processes. They also assist businesses with trade names
A Question of Ethics
30
or trademarks by attending to the necessary legal work associated with the protection of
the name or mark.
This feature raises ethical In largequestions
financial centres, for discussion
many law firms with respect
specialize to particular
in providing advice and business
assis-
activities and compliance tance in thewith the law.ofA
incorporation Question
firms, the mergers of Ethics
of firms, acts and legalas aworkspringboard
associated with for
the financing of takeovers. This is often complex work, as it frequently involves not only
the exploration ofexpertise legal issues in business that are in today’s headline news and are
in the area of securities (bonds, debentures, and shares) but also taxation and,
timeless. to some extent, public policy related to restrictive trade practices.

A QUESTION OF ETHICS

Eighty-eight-year-old Edgar O’Malley, a 70-year cigarette smoker diagnosed with lung cancer, commenced legal
action against the cigarette maker of the brand he had smoked for over 40 years. Over the next three years, the
case was adjourned six times at the request of lawyers for the manufacturer, and 26 motions were made before the
court for O’Malley to produce various bits of evidence. At age 91 O’Malley died, leaving only a possible claim in
the hands of his widow, and extinguishing any possibility of O’Malley giving evidence toward the claim. The suit
was settled on undisclosed terms. What do you make of this?

Summary
The legal system is the vehicle by which the law is in nature. The earliest courts were not courts as we know
enforced. This was not always the case, however. The them today, but simply meetings of the community.
development of the legal system has been evolutionary Community pressure to support a decision was common

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 12 1/6/20 6:42 PM


Preface | xiii

Court Decisions
Court Decisions convey to students the overall importance of “classic” cases in the
development of the law and their continuing relevance to business today. These boxes
are presented with commentary at the beginning and end, with the main body being
C h a p T E r 1 The Law and the Legal System | 19
excerpted from actual cases.

COURT DECISION: PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE LAW

CHARTER OF RIGHTS—FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION


Excerpted from: RJR-MacDonald Inc. v. Canada (Attorney General), [1995] 3 SCR 199, 1995 CanLII
64 (SCC).

In September 1995, the Supreme Court of Canada settled a manufacturer’s challenge to the Tobacco Products Control
Act, which had imposed a virtual ban on tobacco advertising, sales displays, and displays of brand names at sporting

CHAPTER 3
and cultural events. The Supreme Court concluded that the statute violated s. 2(b) expression rights of the Charter, and
were not demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. The test for justification was set out by Madam Justice
(later Chief Justice) McLachlin as follows:

Business Regulation
THE SUPREME COURT of Canada — There is merit in reminding ourselves of the words chosen by those who
framed and agreed upon s. 1 of the Charter. First, to be saved under s. 1 the party defending the law (here the
Attorney General of Canada) must show that the law which violates the right or freedom guaranteed by the Charter
is “reasonable.” In other words, the infringing measure must be justifiable by the processes of reason and rationality.
The question is not whether the measure is popular or accords with the current public opinion polls. The question is
rather whetherOBJECTIVES
CHAPTER it can be justified by application of the processes of reason. In the legal context, reason imports the
notion of inference from evidence or established truths. This is not to deny intuition its role, or to require proof to the
standards required by science in every case, but it is to insist on a rational, reasoned defensibility.
After study
Second, of thisitschapter,
to meet burden understudents
s. 1 of theshould bestate
Charter, the able to:show that the violative law is “demonstrably
must
justified.” The choice of the word “demonstrably” is critical. The process is not one of mere intuition, nor is it one
• Describe the effect of regulation and distinguish it from legislation.
of deference to Parliament’s choice. It is a process of demonstration. This reinforces the notion inherent in the word
• Identify andof describe the activities of administrative tribunals.
Your Business at Risk
“reasonable” rational inference from evidence or established truths.
The bottom line is this. While remaining sensitive to the social and political context of the impugned law and
• Recognize matters ofofproof
allowing for difficulties federal versus
inherent provincial
in that context, thejurisdiction.
courts must nevertheless insist that before the state can
Most chapters open
override constitutional
with
rights, of
there
abefeature
a reasoned
example that relates the chapter content to the
• Describe the elements natural justice.demonstration of the good which the law may achieve in relation to
management
the seriousness ofoftherisk in a business
infringement. It is the taskorganization.
of the courts to maintain this bottom line if the rights conferred by our
Constitution are to have force and meaning. The task is not easily discharged, and may require the courts to confront the
tide of popular public opinion. But that has always been the price of maintaining constitutional rights. No matter how
important Parliament’s goal may seem, if the state has not demonstrated that the means by which it seeks to achieve its
Your Business at Risk
goal are reasonable and proportionate to the infringement of rights, then the law must perforce fail.
...
Many businesses
. . . In determining are tempted
whether to gloss
the objective over
of the law or ignore seemingly
is sufficiently important to be capable of overriding a
burdensome
guaranteed administrative
right, the court must examine rulestheand procedures.
actual However,
objective of the govern- proportionality, it must
law. In determining
determine the actual connection
ment regulation between the objective
and administrative tribunals andhave
what the law power
more will in fact achieve; the actual degree to
than
which it impairs the right; and whether the actual benefit which the law is calculated to achieve outweighs the actual
most business persons realize. Failing to comply with administrative
seriousness of the limitation of the right. In short, s. 1 is an exercise based on the facts of the law at issue and the
lawoffered
proof provisions can result
of its justification, notinonimmediate
abstractions. and drastic consequences for
. . . Context and
businesses is essential
their inowners.
determining legislative objective and proportionality, but it cannot be carried to the
extreme of treating the challenged law as a unique socio-economic phenomenon, of which Parliament is deemed the
best judge. This would be to undercut the obligation on Parliament to justify limitations which it places on Charter rights.

In spite of this judgment, today there are no tobacco advertisements. How do you think government(s) accomplished
this, faced with a Charter protection of expression?
Management
Introduction Alert: Best Practice
These features illustrate risky situations in which business law principles can be used to
46 | pA R T 1 The Legal environment for Business
Mobility
avoid seriousand personal
hazards Liberty
or to seize
Administrative law,business opportunities.
broadly speaking, encompasses much more than what we normally
consider to be “laws,” because it includes not only legislative acts of all levels of govern-
An important
ments, right
but the enshrined
rules, in theand
decisions, otheris directives
Charter found in s.of
6, public
which provides
officials,that Canadian
agencies, boards,
citizens are free to remain
and commissions createdin,by
enter,
theseor statutes
leave Canada, andout
to carry to move freely within
the policies set outthein the legisla-
MANAGEMENT
country. ALERT:
Canadians
tion. Unlike BEST
have PRACTICE
legislationalways assumed
that clearly that they laws
establishes enjoyed
thatthese
are rights, but in through
enforceable the past, the
courts, administrative laws generally set out broad policy objectives of the government,
While simple actions can then bedelegate
undertakenthebyenforcement
a paralegal in of
SmalltheClaims
policyCourt,
to anthe
entity that is created
complexities of cases to
andadminister
senior the
courts rapidly require policy and of
the services ensure compliance
a lawyer. withcharge
Many lawyers it by hundreds
affected ofparties.
dollars per hour for services that
range from an hour of workThe process
to weeks is usually quite
of preparation uniform.
for trial. In person
A business most cases, a statute
must coldly is passed
analyze whethertoa create
lawsuit is cost-effectivea in the dispute
board, at hand,
agency, or whether settlement
or commission to supervise or alternative dispute
an activity. Theresolution is more
statute will also set out
appropriate. broad policy guidelines for the regulation of the activity by the particular agency. These
administrative
tribunals boards or commissions are sometimes referred to as administrative tribunals, and to
enable the tribunals to carry out their public policy goals they are generally allowed to
agencies created
The Law
by legislation to Reports and
set their ownCase Citations
procedures and rules. These may either be approved by the government as
regulate activities or an Order-in-Council, or approved by the minister in charge of the tribunal, depending
do specific things. The
uponCommon Law, as noted
the importance in Chapter
attached 1, consists of the recorded judgments of the
to the regulations.
courts. Each time a judge hands down a decision, the decision constitutes a part of
the body of Common Law. Most of these decisions simply confirm or apply existing 57
Common Law principles. However, when a Common Law principle is applied to a new
or different situation, the decision of the court is usually published and circulated to the
wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 13 legal profession. These published decisions are called law reports. 1/6/20 6:42 PM
Chapter 2 the Judicial System and alternative Dispute resolution | 43

xiv | Preface Hearsay example: Steve is the defendant. Terri, as witness, tells the Court: “On
Thursday, Marjan told me that on Wednesday, Steve admitted to him that he had
driven the car to Edmonton.”

Clients, Suppliers, or Operations


Hearsay problem: in Quebec
What matters to the court is what was said by the defendant,
Steve. Terri was not present on Wednesday to know what, if anything, Steve said
Businesses in the Common
to Marjan.LawSteveprovinces
may have saidthat deal
others with
things Quebec
as well firms
(for better will be
or worse), andsubject
to the rules imposedTerri knows only what
by Quebec’s CivilMarjan
Code.has Tochosen to tell her,
emphasize thiswhether true the
reality, or not.
Clients,
Suppliers, or Operations
Hearsay infix:
Quebec feature
Terri should not beillustrates how common
a witness. Marjan transactions
should be called as a witnessmay
to be
attest to what Steve did, or did not, say to Marjan on Wednesday.
treated differently in Quebec.

ChApTeR 2 The Judicial System and Alternative Dispute Resolution | 43


CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, OR OPERATIONS IN QUEBEC

Be aware that civil law legal proceedings are conducted very differently in Quebec. In addition to significant proce-
Hearsay example: Steve is the defendant. Terri, as witness, tells the Court: “On
dural differences, civil law judges play a much more active role in the trial than their Common Law counterparts.
Thursday, Marjan told me that on Wednesday, Steve admitted to him that he had
For example, the civil law judge is active in the conduct of investigation of the facts at issue, questioning witnesses
driven the car to Edmonton.”
from the bench in both criminal and civil matters.
Hearsay problem: What matters to the court is what was said by the defendant,
Steve. Terri was not present on Wednesday to know what, if anything, Steve said
Appeal
to Marjan. Steve may have said others things as well (for better or worse), and
Checklists
Terri knows only what Marjan
If either of thehas chosen
parties to tell
believe her,
that thewhether trueerred
trial judge or not.
in some manner (such as in
42 | pA R T 1 The Legal environment
Hearsay fix:forTerri
These numbered lists
the application
Business
should not be aofwitness.
substantiate the key
the law, Marjan
points
or the admission
in Atheshould beofcalled
chapter.
certain
asevidence),
a witness an
to appeal may be
lodged with the appropriate Appeal Court. notice of appeal must be served within
attest to what Steve did, or did not, say to Marjan on Wednesday.
a relatively short time after the trial judgment is handed down. Then an appeal book
Checklist containing all material for
for Examinations concerning
Discoverythe appeal is prepared by counsel for the Appeal
Court. The Appeal Court will review the case and, if it finds no errors, will affirm the
decision of the Trial Court and dismiss the appeal. On the other hand, if it should
1. Attend the discovery with legal counsel, and keep calm.
CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, find that the Trial Court erred in reaching its decision, it may admit the appeal and
2. Say nothing in the presence of IN
OR OPERATIONS QUÉBEC
others before or after the examination.
reverse the decision of the Trial Court, vary the decision, or send the case back for a
3. When questioned, be truthful, and tell the whole truth. Your forthrightness or
new trial.
deception are
Be aware that civil law legal proceedings willconducted
be evidentveryin the transcript
differently or at trial.
in Quebec. In addition to significant proce-
dural differences, civil law4. Listen
judges playtoa questions
much moreand do role
active not rush
in thetotrial
respond.
than their Common Law counterparts.
For example, the civil law 5. Request
judge clarification
is active of questions
A Small
in the conduct ofClaims you do
Court
investigation of not
judge really
facts atunderstand,
therefused to and request
allowquestioning
issue, a defendant to enter certain evidence
witnesses
simplification of concerning
overly her defence.
complex questions. The defendant appealed the resulting judgment against
from the bench in both criminal and civil matters.
6. Think, form your her to theand
answer, provincial Court ofYour
speak clearly. Appeal.
answerThe will
Court
beoftranscribed
Appeal dismissed the appeal.
from a tape recording,The defendant
so do notthen appealed
answer with the Appeal Court
an expression or decision
gesture;to the Supreme Court
your
oral answer must of Canada.
stand on itsThe Supreme Court of Canada gave leave to appeal, heard the appeal,
own.
Appeal
7. Speak only of facts and sent the
within case
your back toknowledge.
personal the Small Claims Court for a new trial, directing the
8. If you don’t know,court to hear
say so. Don’ttheguess,
defendant’s evidence exaggerate,
give opinions, in the courseorofestimate.
If either of the parties believe that the trial judge erred in some manner (such as in
the trial.
9. Reject attempts
the application of questioners
of the law, to summarize
or the admission or re-characterize
of certain evidence), an your appealanswers
may be
for your
lodged with theagreement.
appropriate Appeal Court. A notice of appeal must be served within the litigation
Very recently, a number of provinces have made efforts to streamline
10. Onceshort
a relatively you have answered
timeprocess.
after the the question,
trial judgment stop speaking.
is handed down.
Most have attempted to remove some Then
of the an appeal book
unnecessary steps in the
11. Lookalltomaterial
containing your counsel for guidance
concerning whenisyou
the eliminated
appeal need it. by counsel for the Appeal
prepared
pleadings process, archaic terms and the use of Latin terminology, and
Court. The Appeal Court have will
placereview
greaterthe responsibility
case and, ifonitlegal
findscounsel to expedite
no errors, trial matters.
will affirm the
decision of the Trial Court and dismiss the appeal. On the other hand, if it should
Trialthat the Trial Court erred in reaching its decision, it may admit the appeal and
find
Shaded Examples
reverse the decision of the Trial Court, vary the decision, or send the case back for a
At trial, the case follows a procedure that differs from that of a criminal action. In a civil
new trial. are shaded throughout the text to reinforce the chapter material.
Examples
matter, the counsel for the plaintiff usually begins the case with an opening statement
that briefly sets out the issues and the facts that the plaintiff intends to prove. Witnesses
are Acalled,
Smalland evidence
Claims Courtisjudge
presented
refusedto prove theafacts
to allow in the claim.
defendant to enterAllcertain
witnesses may
evidence
be subject to cross-examination
concerning her defence. Theby defence counsel.
defendant appealed the resulting judgment against
On the completion of the plaintiff’s case, counsel for the defendant may ask the
her to the provincial Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.
judge to dismiss the plaintiff’s case if the evidence fails to establish liability on the
The defendant then appealed the Appeal Court decision to the Supreme Court
defendant’s part. Again, if the judge does not agree with the defendant, the action will
of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada gave leave to appeal, heard the appeal,
proceed, and the defendant must enter evidence by way of witnesses to prove that the
and sent the case back to the Small Claims Court for a new trial, directing the
plaintiff’s claim is unfounded. Defence witnesses, like the plaintiff’s witnesses, may be
court to hear the defendant’s evidence in the course of the trial.
subject to cross-examination.
Witnesses may be of two kinds: ordinary witnesses who testify as to what they saw,
heard, or did (direct evidence); and expert witnesses who are recognized experts on
Very recently,
a particular subjecta and
number
give of provinces
opinion have on
evidence made efforts
matters to fall
that streamline the litigation
within their area of
process. Most have attempted to remove some of the unnecessary
special knowledge. A medical expert testifying as to the likelihood of a plaintiff steps in the
suffering
pleadings
permanentprocess,
physicaleliminated
damage as archaic
a result ofterms and the
an injury use be
would of an
Latin terminology,
example andof
of this type
have place greater responsibility on legal counsel to expedite trial matters.
expert witness. An accountant testifying about the financial accounts or transactions of
a corporation would be another example of an expert witness.
Courts will generally insist that only the “best evidence” available be presented to
the court, so, for this reason, a court will not normally allow hearsay evidence. Hearsay
evidence is evidence given by a person that is not within that person’s own direct
knowledge. Because the statements would not be open to challenge on cross-examina-
tion, the courts will not usually admit such evidence. Consequently, a party wishing
to have the particular evidence placed before the court would be obliged to bring the
person with the direct knowledge before the court to testify about it.
wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 14 1/6/20 6:42 PM
When all of the evidence has been entered, counsel argue the relevant points of law
CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, OR OPERATIONS IN QUEBEC

The Civil Code of Quebec provides the following Articles, which chiefly govern failure to create enforceable contracts
within the province:
1375. The parties shall conduct themselves in good faith both at the time the obligation is created and at the time it
is performed or extinguished.
1399. Consent may be given only in a free and enlightened manner. It may be vitiated by error, fear or lesion.
Preface | xv
1407. A person whose consent is vitiated has the right to apply for annulment of the contract; in the case of error
occasioned by fraud, of fear or of lesion, he may, in addition to annulment, also claim damages or, where he prefers

Charts and Diagrams


that the contract be maintained, apply for a reduction of his obligation equivalent to the damages he would be
justified in claiming.

Charts
Note, in and diagrams
Article 1399, haveequal
“lesion” is roughly been included throughout the text serving to illustrate and
to “exploitation.”
clarify important concepts.
Figure 11–1 illustrates the effect of flaws on a contract.

FIGURE 11–1 Summary of Flaws in Creation of a Legal relationship


Effect on Additional Rights of
Flaw Agreement Injured Party

Mistake Void/Voidable

Innocent
Voidable
Misrepresentation

Fraudulent
aGrEEMENt Voidable tort of Deceit
Misrepresentation

Negligent
Voidable
Misrepresentation

Undue Influence Voidable

Duress Voidable

29. Kaufman v. Gerson, [1904] 1 K.B. 591.

End of Chapter Material

Chapter Summary
A summary at the end of each chapter reviews the important concepts of the chapter.

Key Terms
Within each chapter of the eBook, key terms appear as a pop-tip definition. In the print
text, there is a running glossary in the margins of the text for quick reminders. For
reference, there is a comprehensive list of key terms at the end of each chapter and a
full glossary at the back of the text.

Review Questions
These questions assist students with their review of the chapter material.

Mini-Case Problems
The brief mini-case problems allow students to apply the concepts learned in the
chapter.

Case Problems for Discussion


Each chapter concludes with extensive case material that offers students the opportu-
nity to apply the law to specific situations and arrive at their own conclusions as to how
a case should be decided.

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 15 1/6/20 6:42 PM


xvi | Preface

A Note about Access to Canadian Legal Cases


Canadian courts and legislatures have recognized that public electronic access to the
full text of legal judgments and statutes is an important aspect of access to justice, and
virtually all are now available via the Internet. Of note is the work of the Canadian
Legal Information Institute (CanLII) whose website, www.canlii.org, provides free
comprehensive access to current Canadian cases and legislation. Other commercial
data banks cross-reference cases in a number of different ways to permit advanced
computer-accessible searches, with holdings that include an increasing number of
older leading cases.
JAW / JHW

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xvii

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 17 1/6/20 6:42 PM


xviii | Abbreviations

Abbreviations of Legislation
C.C.C. Criminal Code of Canada
C.C.S.M. Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba
C.S. <province> Consolidated Statutes of <province>
Edw. Edward, followed by Roman numeral, Kings of England or (later)
United Kingdom
Eliz. Elizabeth II, Queen of United Kingdom and other
Commonwealth realms
Geo. George, followed by Roman numeral, Kings of Great Britain or
(later) United Kingdom
Hen. IV Henry IV, King of England
R.S. <province> Revised Statutes of <province>, followed by year of revision
R.S.C. Revised Statutes of Canada, followed by year of revision
S. <province> Statutes of <province>, followed by year of enactment
S.C. Statutes of Canada, followed by year of enactment
Vic. Victoria, Queen of United Kingdom & Ireland
Wm. IV William IV, King of United Kingdom & Ireland

Abbreviations of Courts of Canada or a Province,


appearing in neutral citation
SCC Supreme Court of Canada
FC Federal Court of Canada
FCA Federal Court of Appeal
TCC Tax Court of Canada
CACT Competition Tribunal

ABCA Alberta Court of Appeal


ABQB Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench
BCCA British Columbia Court of Appeal
BCSC British Columbia Supreme Court
MBCA Manitoba Court of Appeal
MBQB Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench
NBCA Court of Appeal of New Brunswick
NBQB Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Trial Division
NLCA Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Court of Appeal)
NLTD Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Trial Division)
NSCA Nova Scotia Court of Appeal
NSSC Nova Scotia Supreme Court
NUCA Nunavut Court of Appeal
NUCJ Nunavut Court of Justice
NWTCA Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories
NWTSC Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories
ONCA Court of Appeal for Ontario
ONSC Ontario Superior Court of Justice
ONSCDC Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 18 1/6/20 6:42 PM


Abbreviations | xix

PESCAD Prince Edward Island Supreme Court, Appeal Division


PESCTD Prince Edward Island Supreme Court, Trial Division
QCCS Quebec Superior Court
QCCA Quebec Court of Appeal
SKCA Court of Appeal of Saskatchewan
SKQB Court of Queen’s Bench of Saskatchewan
YKCA Court of Appeal of the Yukon Territory
YKSC Supreme Court of the Yukon Territory

Acknowledgments
Text revisions require constructive comments from users as well as from others in the
academic community, and we, the authors, are grateful to many reviewers who have
provided suggestions and advice to assist us in the preparation of this new edition.
Their feedback and comments during the review process were most appreciated, and
to them we give credit for making this edition a more useful and responsive text for the
business law student.
Our special thanks also go to our researchers and professional colleagues, Demi
McGoldrick, BA, DipLP (University of Edinburgh), and Michael McGoldrick, BA, DipLP
(University of Edinburgh), both of the Bar of Ontario. Their skill, dedication, and interest
in this text, and above all, their many and fine contributions to the finished product, are
greatly appreciated.
As always, our very special thanks go to Fran Willes, BA, MPl. For all 12 editions
she has not only managed the many administrative details associated with the prepara-
tion of the manuscript for publication with unflagging dedication, but also used her
unique management skills to organize the authors and their work to ensure that produc-
tion deadlines were met. Our special thanks also go to Melissa Hudson, our Content
Developer, for her skill, enthusiasm, and professionalism in her careful editing work on
the text.
Special thanks also go to the McGraw-Hill staff: Kevin O’Hearn, Senior Product
Manager; Janie Deneau, Supervising Editor; Sarah Fulton, Copy Editor; and Tracey
Tanaka, Permissions Editor, for their kind support and encouragement in the prepara-
tion of the text for publication. Our thanks as well to Dianne Reynolds, cover designer,
David Montle, interior designer, and MPS Limited, typesetter, for their professional and
thorough work on the layout and design.

wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 19 1/6/20 6:42 PM


wil54893_fm_i-xx.indd 20 1/6/20 6:42 PM
Part 1: The Legal
Environment
for Business

1 The Law and the Legal System

2 The Judicial System and Alternative Dispute Resolution

3 Business Regulation

wil54893_ch01_001-029.indd 1 1/6/20 6:45 PM


Chapter 1

The Law and the


Legal System
Chapter Objectives
After study of this chapter, students should be able to:
• Describe the sources, role, and development of Canadian law.
• Distinguish between statute and Common Law, and describe the significance
of stare decisis.
• Recognize matters of federal versus provincial jurisdiction.
• Describe the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in the Charter of Rights
and Freedoms.

Learning the Law


You are a player in the game of life, and Canadian society has its own set of rules for
playing the game. Many of these rules — laws — you know already through educa-
tion, experience, or the media. However, you probably know there are gaps in your
education and experience in this field, and the media tends to dwell on only the
sensational stories.
Together we will bridge this gap, for business law is important to business persons.
To begin with, this knowledge keeps your business out of trouble. Better yet, you can
use the law and your rights to advance your business interests. You can be sure you will
encounter people who are well aware of their rights — your customers, employers, and
investors, to name three — and they will be unforgiving if you and your business do not
know the business law applicable to your enterprise.
There are some peculiarities, however, about learning the law. For instance, you will
notice that some of the cases in this book are centuries old, while others are only a few
months old. This is not a random choice. Old cases making clear statements of the law
are the “fine wine” of our legal system. They have withstood the test of time, and are
used daily in our courts. New cases become important when the legal principles of our
society change. Thus you will find a case in this book from the year 1348 — when it was
established that it was a bad thing to throw an axe at someone. It is still a bad thing to
chuck nasty objects at people, so the case remains a valid statement of the law. You will
also find cases from today’s news, for example, a case of defamatory emails sent by a
dissatisfied customer. Old laws or new developments, we include cases that display the
current law as clearly as possible.
Clarity is important and it comes from understanding the big picture as well as
necessary details. It is nice to learn that there is a good restaurant “on the east side of
town,” but it is even more useful to get the address. Rest assured that we will provide
2

wil54893_ch01_001-029.indd 2 1/6/20 6:45 PM


C h a p te r 1 The Law and the Legal System | 3

you with the big picture, and we will give you the details where they are important. In
fact, when we plunge into some serious detail, that is your cue to watch out for things
that can have a serious impact on your business.
One final thought on the big picture: many of our chapters have an historical sec-
tion telling you the roots of today’s law. We are not history buffs, but these sections are
included because they are sometimes the best explanation of why rather strange aspects
of the law exist today. In addition, knowing where the law has come from is a big help
in understanding where it is going — which makes this book useful long after the course
is over.

The Legal Environment for Business


In Canada, one would expect that any individual or group of individuals would be free
to establish and carry on a business activity in any manner that they see fit. This is not
the case, however. Modern business operates in an exceedingly complex legal environ-
ment. Laws govern the formation of many types of business organizations, the products
they may manufacture or sell, the conditions under which the employees of a business
may work, the relationships between customers and competitors and, indeed, between
the business owners themselves. These laws present a complicated web of rules and
regulations for the business person, and they may ensnare the unwary as well as those
who deliberately ignore them.
Very briefly, business law may be divided into a number of general areas. These
include tort law, which represents an area of the law largely concerned with injury to
others. These injuries may arise as a result of the negligent production of goods causing
injury to the consumer, careless professional service causing physical or economic loss,
unsafe operating premises, or injury to others in a myriad of other ways either directly
or through the actions of employees.
A second major area of the law is concerned with the basis of most business activity.
This is contract law, and represents the law that has, perhaps, the greatest application
in the day-to-day operations of a business organization. Contract law facilitates the
purchase and sale of goods, the employment of staff, the assignment or reduction of risk
(through insurance contracts), and some forms of organization of the business itself.
Special contractual relationships and laws that control these and other business relation-
ships include bailment, labour law and employment, negotiable instruments, consumer
protection, and the law relating to restrictive trade practices.
A knowledge of the law relating to the formation and operation of business
organizations is also important in order to determine the appropriate vehicle by which
to conduct business activities. For this reason, an understanding of partnerships,
corporations, and certain trusts is essential. Also important is a knowledge of how
a physical location is acquired for business operations. Land law, which covers the
purchase or leasing of premises or the financing of the purchase of land and build-
ings, sets out the rules for these business activities. The final areas of the law that are
of interest to business include the securing of debt in credit transactions, bankruptcy
law, international trade, environmental law, and the protection of intellectual and
industrial property. Persons engaged in business must have at least a rudimentary
knowledge of these areas of the law in order to function effectively in a business
environment.
Many of these laws simply reflect behavioural norms — how fair-minded people
would expect to be treated by others — but some laws go much further in that they
are designed to enforce or control policy. Legislation that requires the licensing of the

wil54893_ch01_001-029.indd 3 1/6/20 6:45 PM


4 | Pa r t 1 The Legal Environment for Business

various professions or laws that control the possession or use of certain goods, such as
drugs or explosives, are examples of the latter policies.
It is important for all business persons to be aware of the areas of the law that
affect them in the conduct of their business activities, not only from the point of view
of knowing their rights at law, but to ensure their own compliance with all relevant
legislation.

The Nature of Law


The law holds a special fascination for most people. This is perhaps partly due to the
fact that the law has become so all-pervasive that we are constantly reminded of its
presence. The law is also of interest because it reflects the society in which we live. It
determines the rights and freedoms of the individual, and the extent to which privileges
may be enjoyed. At any given time the law represents the values and concerns of the
people in the jurisdiction from which it arose, and examining the historical development
of the laws of a society is much like examining the society itself, for the two are woven
together. The law touches so many facets of human endeavour that it would be difficult
to imagine how a modern society might exist without it. It has become, in fact, the
very essence of society. This is reason enough to justify the study of its principles and
application.

Definitions of “Law”
The word “law” has been applied to so many rules, principles, and statements that it
is probably incapable of exact definition. Legal philosophers have agonized over the
meaning of the term and have wrestled with its sources and nature since the earliest of
times. Part of the difficulty in reaching a precise definition is the nature of law itself.
It is very much a concept rather than an object or thing that has clearly defined limits.
Simple definitions may be attempted, however, bearing in mind that the definition may
not be precise or all-encompassing.
We could say “the law” is society’s rules and processes that try to create fair and
predictable outcomes in our relationships. This definition covers much of the law that
affects interpersonal and commercial relationships and, in particular, the Common
Law (which is simply the recorded judgments of the courts). Modern society has
prompted others to offer definitions of the law, each in an attempt to explain the nature
and purpose of the law as succinctly and precisely as possible. Salmond, for example,
described the law as the “body of principles recognized and applied by the state in the
administration of justice.”1
Oliver Wendell Holmes, the distinguished American jurist, once described the
law as “a statement of circumstances in which the public force will be brought to bear
through the Courts.”2 Blackstone, in his famous Commentaries on the Law of England,
defined the law as “a rule of civil conduct, prescribed by the supreme power in a state,
commanding what is right, and prohibiting what is wrong.”3

1. Williams, G., Salmond on Jurisprudence, 11th ed. (London: Sweet & Maxwell Ltd., 1954), p. 41.
2. Corley, R.N., and Black, R.L., The Legal Environment of Business, 2nd ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1968), p. 4.
3. Lewis, W.D., Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Law of England (Philadelphia: Rees, Welsh & Company, 1897), book 1, s. 2, para 44.

wil54893_ch01_001-029.indd 4 1/6/20 6:45 PM


C h a p te r 1 The Law and the Legal System | 5

Rights versus Privileges


Each of these definitions implies that something will happen if an individual does not
obey the rules or respect the rights of others. To understand the operation or application
of the law, then, it is necessary to know what constitutes a right, and to distinguish this
right from that which constitutes a privilege. When we say we have the “right” to do
something, we are saying that we may do the particular act with impunity, or with the
force of the state behind us. Because rights are closely associated with duties, our right
to do an act usually imposes a duty on others not to interfere with our actions. What the
law does is set out our rights and duties so that everyone will know what they are, and
to whom they apply. In a similar fashion, the law sets out actions that are not rights and
duties, but privileges.
Privileges are actions that may be taken by an individual under specific cir-
cumstances and that may be withdrawn or limited by the state. Rights enjoyed by
individuals often become privileges as a result of social pressure or public policy.
Sometimes, rights may also become privileges out of a desire by government to increase
public safety as well as increase the flow of funds to the public purse through licence
fees. Statutes relating to driver's licences or broadcasting licences are examples of laws
of this nature.

The Role of Law


The law also represents a means of social control, and a law in its most basic form is
the law simply an obligatory rule of conduct.4 The law, in contrast to a single law, consists of
the body of rules the body of rules of conduct laid down by a sovereign or governing body to control the
of conduct that are actions of individuals in its jurisdiction. It is normally enforced by sanctions. The law
obligatory in the sense
develops to meet the needs of the people in a free society and changes with their chang-
that sanctions are
normally imposed if a ing needs. For this reason, the law tends to respond to the demands of a free society,
rule is violated. rather than shaping its nature. However, laws may arise in other ways as well.

Social Control
Laws established and enforced by legislators that are not in response to the demands
of the majority of citizens of the state may be introduced to shape or redirect society
in ways that legislators perceive as desirable. Laws of this type represent a form of
social engineering that frequently restricts individual rights and freedoms, and very
often transfers individual rights and powers to the governing body. Laws of this nature
represent a growing proportion of Canadian law, but this form of legislation is not a
recent phenomenon.
Laws that legislatures have attempted to impose on society to alter the behaviour of
the majority normally prove to be ineffective unless enforced by oppressive penalties or
complete government control of the activity. In a business context, compulsory, pro-
vincially operated automobile-insurance schemes in a number of provinces in Canada
represent examples of legislation of the latter kind. It tends to be of a confiscatory
nature: the government, by decree, transfers the right to engage in the activity to itself
and virtually excludes all private-sector insurers. Provinces with this type of legislation

4. Osborn, P.G., The Concise Law Dictionary, 7th ed. (London: Sweet & Maxwell, Ltd., 1983), p. 194.

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alinomaa, ja ahnaat liekit ahmivat niitä kuin rohtimia. Hiki valui
lämmittäjän kasvoilta ja paita oli selässä kiinni vääntömärkänä.
Tuntui oikein hyvältä, kun välillä pääsi pikkuhetkeksi tenderiin
latomaan uutta pinoa etualalle. Tuuli puhalsi vilpoisesti kosteaan
ihoon. Terveenä miehenä hän vielä saattoi nauttia siitä.

Koneisto kävi kaikella mahdollisella voimallaan.

Akkunat tärähtelivät sen iskuista, ilma sihisi ja vinkui luukun


rakosissa, kulki ulvoen vetolukkojen kautta läpi valkohehkuisen
rovion. Siitä huolimatta hiljeni vauhti alinomaa. Oli tullut muutamien
jännittävien minuuttien, muutamien määräävien kiskonmittojen aika.
Mentiin jo niin hiljaa, että olisi pikkujuoksulla saattanut seurata
mukana. Oli vaan odotettava, miten kävisi, sillä oli varustauduttu
juuri näitä viimeisiä silmänräpäyksiä varten. Mäenharjun yli
pääseminen tiesi matkan jatkamista, pysähtyminen takaisin
palaamista melkein sinne, mistä oli lähdettykin.

Karhula oli kallellaan lysmäpolvisena, ikäänkuin hän siten olisi


tahtonut ainakin ruumiinsa painon siirtää tuolle puolelle kirotun
kukkulan, joka tällä tavalla saattoi koetella ihmisen kärsivällisyyttä.
Saattoi nähdä, kuinka jotakin hänessä oli aivan kiehumapisteessään
valmiina purkautumaan. Ja aivan kuin siihen todellakin tilanteen olisi
pitänyt kehittyä, ikäänkuin joku epäilys olisi häntä vetänyt, kumartui
hän katsomaan sivuakkunasta. Mutta nyt hän mylvi kuin raivostunut
kontio:

"Yh! Menettekös marjailemaan, tuhannen vietävät?" Erkkikin riensi


välikköön katsomaan Karhulan raivostumisen syytä. Tornista oli
laskeutunut jarruttaja ja noppi jotakin maasta, toinen käveli sivulla ja
työnsi muka auttaakseen. Se oli katkera hetki Karhulalle. Hän heristi
nyrkkejään avonaisesta ikkunasta ja kirosi, että mäki tärähteli.

"Kömmi tapuliisi!" karjasi hän miehelle, tarttui viheltimen varteen ja


antoi pitkän luihauksen merkiksi, että kone oli jo kukkulan harjalla ja
palaamisen vaara vältetty.

Ja pianpa taasen alkoivatkin maat aleta ja metsät vilistä. Raskas


juna kiisi alas mäkeä kasvavalla nopeudella.

2
Veturin 375 hytissä ei vallinnut oikea toverisuhde. Erkki sai kokea
nöyryytyksen toisensa jälkeen. Karhulan omituisuudet eivät
miellyttäneet häntä. Hänessä oli jotakin tavattomasti ärsyttävää, joka
kuohutti mieltä. Hänen täytyi hillitä itsessään petoa, joka kiihoitti
johonkin kamalaan tekoon, jota hän ei sen tarkemmin osannut
määritellä. Ja joka kerta, kun hänen piti tulla yhteen Karhulan
kanssa, ahdisti tuo epämääräinen tunne — matkalla, kahden ollessa
enimmän. Veturiin astuttuaan olivat he kuin vihityt juuri samallaisiin
tehtäviin, joita olivat suorittaneet viikkoja toistensa jälkeen, samoihin
asentoihin, samoihin ammattisanoihin. Heidän katseensa kiertelivät
höyrykelloon, vesilasiin, radalle. — Toiminta järjestyi niiden mukaan.
Kun siinä sitten jostakin syystä rupesi kasvamaan erimielisyys,
kääntyivät miesten seljät kuin itsestään vastakkain. Toinen katsoi
vasemman olkansa, toinen oikean olkansa yli kumpikin akkunastaan
eteensä radalle; siellä etäisyydessä näytti yhtyvän kaksi teräskiskoa,
joita myöten heidän veturinsa kolisi eteenpäin. —

Erkki koetti torjua tätä sietämätöntä tilannetta yrittämällä saada


keskustelua aikaan, mutta joko Karhula piti sopimattomana tarttua
"pojan" tarjoamaan sanaan tai jotenkin tunsi vastenmielisyyttä
tällaiseen, Erkin yritys ei onnistunut. Siitäpä alkoi kasvaa peloittava
äänettömyys. Erkki ei enään yrittänytkään. Mitäpä siitä, ei kai hän
ollut puheita kaupalla. Jos Karhula todellakin piti itseään niin paljon
parempana, että katsoi arvoaan alentavaksi käydä keskusteluun, niin
eipä suinkaan hän tahtonut häiritä. — Kaikkea muuta hän olisi
kuitenkin ennemmin sietänyt kuin tätä. "Onhan Karhula tosin
esimieheni, mutta onko mitään syytä käyttää esimiehyyttä tuolla
tavalla, kohdella suorastaan halpamaisesti. Millä olen sen
ansainnut? Enkö ole tehnyt työtäni säännöllisesti, koettanut kaikin
tavoin oppia kunnolliseksi ammattimieheksi, joka kykenisi toimimaan
omin päin? Vai onko juuri se Karhulalle vastenmielistä? Pitääkö
minun odottaakin vain hänen käskyään ennenkuin saan mihinkään
koskea, toimia kuin joku veivi tai kiertokanki? Ehkäpä hän juuri sitä
tahtoo."

Kaikista merkeistä päättäen oli ensi vapaapäivien aikana


kattilanpesu. Vesi oli käynyt jo sameaksi, joutui helposti
kuohumistilaan, jos kattila oli täynnä ja höyrynmenekki suuri, meni
sylintereihin ja teki monellaista kiusaa. Jo monta kertaa oli Karhula
kähähtänyt itsekseen, kun sylinterit alkoivat paukahdella. Hän oli
riuhtonut auki puhallushanat ja kirota sähissyt hammastensa välistä.

Muuta ei.

"Jos pestään, niin ilmoittakoon, muuten en ole tietääksenikään",


päätteli Erkki. "Sanokoon tai viittokoon, mutta nyt minä odotan
käskyä."

Tuli vapaapäivä. Ei sanaakaan, kun veturi heitettiin illalla talliin.


Erkki oli epävarma; ehkä Karhula oli jotenkin muuten ajatellut.

Erkki nukkui yönsä rauhallisesti, pukeutui aamulla vähän


paremmin ja asettui todellakin nauttimaan tästä ainoasta
lepopäivästä, mikä heillä oli ajovuorojen välillä. Aamupäivällä hän
kuitenkin lähti tallille katsomaan, olisiko mahdollisesti tuotu joitakin
määräyksiä ylimääräisellä junalla lähtemisestä. Jo etäältä hän näki,
kuinka pilttuun ovi oli auki, työ parhaassa käynnissä: Karhula
pesemässä kattilaa siivoojapoikain kanssa. Lattialla kierteli vesiletku,
puhdistusreijistä juoksi likainen vesi koneen alle kanavaan. Karhula
itse ohjasi suihkua, kuten tavallisesti, pää kallellaan, leuka rinnalla,
märkänä ja likaisena. — Ei silmäystä, ei sanaa. Paine nousi
molempien mielissä.
Erkki oli aivan suunniltaan palatessaan tallilta. Häntä harmitti
tuollainen menettely. Eikö hänellä ollut suuta sanoa? Vai tahtoiko
hän kaikkien silmissä heittäytyä poloiseksi, jonka piti yksin raataa
likaisessa työssä, silloin kuin lämmittäjä käveli pyhäpukuisena.

Mutta Erkki ei voinut puolustaa omaakaan menettelyään. Olisi kai


ollut hänen velvollisuutensa nuorempana kysyä. — Olisiko
todellakin? — Rauhaa ei tullut. Uhkamielinen hän oli ollut, mutta
oliko syytä matelemiseen. — "Jos menisin hänen luokseen ja tekisin
kerrankin puhdasta jälkeä, puhuisin tyyneesti — tai riitelisin, jos se
olisi parempi. Loppu tästä vain pitää tulla, tulkoon sitten miten
tuleekin." Mielessä pysähteli, jalat veivät pois päin. Hän karkoitti
huonot tuulet ja syventyi lukemalla kuluttamaan aikaansa. —
"Kerkiääpä tuollaisia munia hautoa pesän lämpymässäkin."

Lähdettiin matkalle taasen, elettiin yhdeksänvuorokautinen ajo.


Mäkeä ylös, alas, eteen, taakse, mutkasta mutkaan, halki kylien,
keskellä ihanasti hymyilevän kevätkesän luonnon. Hymyttömin
huulin. Syvä äänettömyys: "mökön turkkia paikattiin."

Erkki ei voinut enää entiselläkään huonolla tyyneydellä ottaa


vastaan Karhulan luukkuihin ja vedensyöttölaitoksiin kajoamista.
Jokainen sellainen teko tuntui kuin ruoskan sivallukselta ympäri
kasvoja, ja hän puri hampaansa yhteen, mielessä katkera uhka: vielä
kerran tämä laukeaa ja silloin…

Mutta eräs tapa ei ollut tänäkään aikana jäänyt Karhulalta pois:


suuren kahvipullon yhteisesti tyhjentäminen. Erkin oli vaikea
ymmärtää tätä. Ensimäinen kuppi juotiin Tiperon vahtituvan
seutuvilla, mäen korkeimmalla huipulla. Olipa paikkaa vähitellen
ruvettu kutsumaan Knorrimäeksi, sillä siinä myöskin kuljettaja Sirola
säännöllisesti teki puolikuppisensa. Toinen juotiin Ojakylän tornilta
lähdettyä. Samat paikat sopivat paluumatkallakin..

Mutta Erkkiä olivat alkaneet nämä juottelut kiusata. Mitä hän sitä
tyrkytteli, joisi itse. Ensin ylimielinen kohtelu, sitten kahvikuppi,
aivankuin piiskatulle lapselle piparikakku. Hän oli jo kauvan hautonut
mielessään mitä tehdä, nakatako kahvi Karhulan eteen lattialle vai
kieltäytyä siivosti ja kohteliaasti.

Noustiin Tiperon mäkeä, kattilassa ankara paine, koneella ankara


työ, "hännässä" valtava paino.

Oltiin juuri pääsemässä vastamäestä, ja kun ei ollut erikoista syytä


epäillä nousun onnistumista, otti Karhula jo kaapista sokeriastiansa.

Erkki kuuli sokeripalojen kalinan, kannen aukeavan, sillä koneen


jyrinään tottunut eroittaa pienenkin äänen, joka on siitä poikkeava,
nyt pullon kilisemisen hanojen metalleihin. Juuri silloin alkoi alamäki,
ja hänen oli käännyttävä hoitamaan vedensyöttölaitoksia.

Pullo oli jo Karhulan kainalossa. Nyt viittasi hän katonrajassa


koukussa olevaa astiaa. — "Ota!" sanoi katse.

Erkki otti sen vastenmielisesti, mielessä: en juo. Siitäpä syystä hän


tarttuikin pohjasta, heittäen korvan vapaaksi Karhulaa kohti.

Nyt jo pulppusi kahvi, kuumentaen sormenpäitä. Erkki ei


liikauttanutkaan kättänsä. Karhula katsoi pitkään ja viittasi käyrällä
sormellaan sokeriastiaa kohden. Erkki ei ottanut, vaan sanoi sen
sijaan:

"Ottakaa joutuin, polttaa sormiani!"


Karhulan silmät iskivät tulta. Kokonaan käsittämätön oli se
mylvähdys, joka läksi pullistuneesta rinnasta. Samassa
silmänräpäyksessä kuului jymähdys: Karhulan korko iski avainarkun
kanteen.

"Juo!"

Ja Erkki joi.

Hän ei uskaltanut olla sitä tekemättä. Hän joi vapisevin käsin,


kyyneleet silmissä, katkerin mielin, vihassa ja kiukussa, joi ja puhkesi
puhumaan.

Veturi kiisi kuin riivattu rinnettä alas aivan kuin sekin olisi juonut
jonkun hulluksi tekevän pisaran. Karhula repi vuoroin viheltimiä,
vuoroin höyrynsulkijaa. Vaunut paiskautuivat kiskoilla, jarruttajat
huojuivat torneissaan, sinkoillen seinästä toiseen, kauhistuen
kamalaa vauhtia. Varaventtiilit puhalsivat pois kattilan liikaa painetta,
joka oli kohonnut huomaamatta riidan aikana. Niin kiisi juna kähisten
ja kiskojen liitekohtia hakaten halki metsän kuin saalistaan takaa
ajava ärsytetty eläin. Oli onni, ettei ketään sattunut tielle…

Erkki potkasi ilmaluukun kiinni. Varaventtiilit alkoivat vähitellen


sulkeutua. Tuli vihdoin aivan tyventä. Kuului vain avatusta pesästä
tukahdutettu, nopea huounta. Juna vieri samalla painollaan
nopeuden yhä kasvaessa…

Ne olivat kauheat kilometrit, jolloin satoi purevia sanoja niinkuin


hauleja kummaltakin puolelta. Mutta tämä ei ollut mikään hävittävä
räjähdys, vaan oikeita teitä purkautuva liikakuormitus. Kumpikin
pohjimmaltaan kaipasi sovintoa ja se siitä vähitellen rupesi
muodostumaankin. Tyynnyttiin, rauhoituttiin sekä käytiin
avomieliseen keskusteluun, tunnustettiin, kuinka oli kyllä vika
toisessa huomattu, mutta ei niinkään itsessään. Karhula sanoi monta
kertaa hermostuneensa niin kovasti, että hänellä oli ollut täysi työ
pidättää itseään kiinni tarttumasta, ja Erkki syytti nuoren mielensä
intoa ja harkitsemattomuutta. Ja mitä pitemmälle he tulivat, sen
sovinnollisemmalta tuntui. Karhula sanoi sanottavansa katkonaisin,
takertuvin lausein, otti loppujen lopuksi pullonsa, asettaen sen
kainaloonsa. Ei oltukaan ennen juotu tällaisin mielin…

Muutamia vuosia tekeillä ollut Norvamon rata pohjoisessa oli aivan


äsken valmistunut. Liikkeen avaaminen aiheutti paljon muutoksia
rautatien henkilökunnassa. Tarvittiin suuri joukko virka- ja
palveluskuntaa. Tässä muutoksessa tuli Erkki Teräksestä vanhempi
veturinlämmittäjä, ja kaikesta päättäen hänen kuljettajaksi
nimityksensä ei ollut kaukana. Siihen hän olikin jo täysin valmistunut
sillä viime talvena oli hän käynyt veturinkuljettaja-kurssin
Helsingissä. Näiden nimityksien aikana oli hänestä tullut kuljettaja
Sirolan hyttitoveri.

Tämä oli Erkkiä vanhempi mies, mutta siitä huolimatta nuortea ja


reipas. Kaiken iloisuuden ja avomielisyyden ohessa oli hänessä
kuitenkin paljon itseensä sulkeutunutta. Oli joitakin kammioita, joihin
kukaan ei ollut päässyt katsomaan. Toisinaan valtasi hänet kiivas
himo väkijuomiin. Saattoi mennä vuorokausia, jolloin hän ei
erikoisesti näyttänyt niitä haluavan, mutta sitten taasen ryöstäysi
himo valloilleen, ja hän oli kuin mennyttä miestä. Omituista kuitenkin
oli, että vaikka hän olikin tällä tavalla poissa suunniltaan, tehtävänsä
hän siitä huolimatta suoritti nuhteettomasti.

Erkistä oli aina tuntunut raukkamaiselta, että miehet huolensa ja


murheensa upottivat lasiin. Hänen oli paha olla nähdessään
toverinsa toisinaan juovuksissa. Vaikka Sirola oli silloin erinomaisen
hauska toveri, olivat nuo matkat kuitenkin ikävimpiä. Sen hän
sanoikin suoraan hänelle.

Sirolalla oli omituisia tottumuksia. Tuskinpa hän enää pääsi


Knorrimäen yli puolikuppisetta, ja turmiollisinta oli, ettei hän voinut
tehdä matkaa pohjoiseen rajakaupunkiin saamatta "rajantakaista".
Hän oli jo itsekin alkanut tuota kammoksua. Raja kiusasi häntä,
ikäänkuin sen takana olisi asustanut kiehtova paholainen, joka
lopullisesti oli hänet nielevä kitaansa. Hän oli toisinaan näkevinään
rajapyykin kiven vieressä tuhansilla tavoilla nauravan naamaan, ja
hän niin hyvin tiesi, mitä se merkitsi: niin pitkällä siis jo oltiin.

Enempi kuin Sirola aavistikaan huolehti Erkki hänestä. Oli aivan


kauheaa, että mies tällä tavalla vajosi vajoamistaan. Erkki aivan
pelkäsi pohjoisen radan ajovuoroja, eikä ollut koskaan varma, kuinka
ne päättyisivät. Saattaisihan Sirola jolloinkin jäädä sinne pitemmäksi
aikaa, ohi lähtöajan, tai muuten tulla kykenemättömäksi tehtäväänsä.
Miten silloin selviydyttäisiin? Mutta miten saada hänet pysymään
poissa sieltä?

Erään kerran, kun taas oltiin rajalla, ehdoitti Erkki Sirolalle:

"Ei suinkaan sinun ole välttämätöntä mennä itse sinne, laita joku
noutamaan."

Kun Sirola epäröi, jatkoi hän:


"Odota täällä, niin minä käyn."

Merkillisen helposti Sirola taipui, ja siitä Erkki ymmärsi hänen ehkä


itsekin pelkäävän pahinta.

Näin tämä asia toistaiseksi korjaantui ja ilman mitään


erikoisempaa kuukaudet kuluivat. Oli syksy taasen. Erkki oli yhdellä
noista inhoittavista matkoista: tulossa rajan takaa konjakkipullo
taskussaan. Hän käveli hitaasti sateen liottamia katuja.

"Sinä tulit jo! Saitko?⁰

"Mieluummin olisin tullut tyhjänä.⁰

"Älä, älä!"

Sirolan kasvoilla oli hymy, joka jo kuului hänessä asuvalle


paholaiselle. Erkkiä inhotti. Sirola piti silmällä Erkin takkia ja otti
vastaan pullon vapisevin käsin. Kurkusta kuului nieleskelemisen
korina.

"Hyvä ystävä, älä juo nyt. Älä ainakaan noin paljon!" pyysi Erkki.

Sirolan huulet vavahtivat.

"Anna pullo minulle!" Erkki koetti saada äänensä sydämelliseksi.


"Ota siitä jollakin toisella kerralla, jolloin olet levollisempi. Anna tämä
nyt minulle!"

Sirola istui alasluoduin katsein, ja Erkki jatkoi:

"Tämän pyynnön teen sinulle ystävänä, jolle ei ole aivan


yhdentekevää, juotko sinä tai et."
"Vie!" tuli kuin tuskan parahdus, mutta käsin piteli hän edelleenkin
lasista kiinni. "Ei, salli edes tämä lasi!"

Hän joi sen ahmien kuin janoinen eläin, ja Erkki riensi pullon
kanssa ulos. Ensi ajatuksensa oli lyödä se rikki rakennuksen
kivijalkaan, mutta hän uskoi sentään asian selviytyvän ilman sitäkin,
vei pullon omaan kaappiinsa ja pisti avaimen taskuunsa.

Mutta Erkki sai kokea, kuinka turhia kaikki keinot olivat.

He olivat silloin Kunnaan päivystyshuoneella odottamassa


kotiinpäin lähtöä etelästä tulevalla matkustajajunalla.

He olivat kumpikin matkastakin väsyneitä, sillä he olivat tuoneet


yöjunaa, saapuen Kunnaaseen kahden aikana aamulla.
Keskipäivällä oli Erkki vielä nakkautunut päivystyshuoneen
rautasänkyyn ja nukahtanut. Herättyään läksi hän talliin
kunnostamaan konetta. Sirola istui hytissä tukkihumalassa. Hän oli
murtautunut Erkin kaappiin ja juonut pullon melkein tyhjäksi. Erkki
tarttui työhönsä ääneti miettien, kuinka olisi nyt meneteltävä, sillä
Sirolan ollessa noin ylimmillään oli oltava varovainen.

Syksyinen iltapäivä alkoi jo hämärtyä ja puolipimeän tallin vielä


pimeämmässä veturihytissä istui juopunut mies synkkänä ja
äänettömänä.

"Jopa annoit lähdön rajantakaiselle," sanoi Erkki huolettoman


leikillisesti.

Sirola naurahti tuskin kuultavasti, josta Erkki huomasi oikealla


tavalla alkaneensa.

"Perhana vieköön! Mitäs Knorrimäessä? Vettäkö tenderistä?"


"Vasikka!" hönkäisi Sirola.

"Niin juuri, vettä ynisevä vasikka sinä olet, ellet anna pulloa tänne.
Loppu Knorrimäessä."

Sirola katsoi väsynein, toljottavin silmin, niinkuin ei olisi heti


ymmärtänyt mitä hänelle sanottiin.

"Mitä hittoa minä työnnän kitaani asumattomalla mäellä, ellei


minulla ole tinakaulaa kaapissani? Vai luuletko sinä näitä useampia
olevan? Ja jos olisi ollutkin, niin kyllä kai sinä olisit ne imenyt."

Sirolassa heräsi epäilys, ja hän tutki tarkoin, minkäverran pullossa


vielä oli, käänteli ja katseli sitä vesilasin rasvalampun valossa.

"Ei siitä ole varaa ottaa ollenkaan."

Erkki tarttui pulloon vetääkseen sen pois, mutta Sirola piti sitä
lujasti kiinni.

"Kelvoton! Minä lukitsen kaapin ja koetan siten säästää sinulle


kunnollisen iltaryypyn vastamäessä, niin sinä kehtaat murtautua ja
saada tällaisen häpeän aikaan. Mihin tästä nyt enää on? Silmän
voiteeksi!"

Erkki ajatteli kauhulla, mihin tämä olisi päättyvä. Sirola oli juonut
huimaavan paljon. Pullo täytyi saada pois ja siten viimeiset ryypyt
siirretyksi lähemmäksi kotia. Hän laski matkaa, mikä oli
Knorrimäestä Oulankaan. Onneksi ei tarvinnut ottaa puita sillä välillä.
Ei hän oikein tiennyt, mistä syystä teki noita laskelmia. Ne vain
tulivat mieleen. Saatuaan vihdoin houkutelluksi pullon Sirolalta pani
hän sen kaappiinsa, mutta katsoi sitä tehdessä, mitä muuta sinne oli
kertynyt aikojen kuluessa: tivistelankakerä, vyyhti sormenvahvuista
männänvarren tivistettä, trasseleita, ruuveja, muttereita… pala köyttä
— mitähän lämmittäjä Nevala sillä oli tehnyt?

Hytissä vallitsi alkumatkasta äänettömyys. Ulkona oli puhjennut


myrsky. Sade pieksi hytin akkunoita ja salamat välähtelivät taivaalla.
— Erkillä ei ollut syytä epäillä, ettei Sirola tekisi tehtäväänsä, vaikka
hän katsoikin eteensä elottomin silmin ja puoleksi makasi
suunnanvaihtajan yli. Kädet kuitenkin toimivat tottuneesti kuin
määrätyt koneenosat. Kuten tavallisesti juopottelutuulella ollessaan
oli hän nytkin enimmän kiusautunut, jos joku seikka asemilla
myöhästytti. Siitä syystä oli vauhti hyvä ja he pyrkivät tulemaan
asemille ennen määräaikaa.

Niin mentiin halki kylien ja lakeuksien, vinosti vasten painavaa


itätuulta, keskellä säkkipimeyttä. Vaunun akkunain tulet luikertelivat
tiepuolessa, mättäissä, kivissä ja ojan reunoissa, lyheten, pideten,
vääristellen ja tuuli repi höyry- ja savupilviä junan sivulla.

"Piru!" kirkaisi Sirola yht'äkkiä kamalasti, ja Erkki tunsi kylmän


väreen karahtavan seljässään.

"Mitä?" kysyi hän niin rauhallisesti kuin suinkin.

"Käyntisillalla, nokikaapin vieressä."

Erkin jäsenet vavahtelivat, mutta hän astui kuljettajan puolelle


katsoen muka hänkin ulos.

"Kas vaan, eikö olekin!"

"No, onpa siinäkin 'pasiseerari‘!" jatkoi hän tietämättä mitä sanoa.


Sirola ratkesi nauramaan; se kuului kamalalta tällä hetkellä. —
"Iloinen piru!" — Hän nauroi jälleen.

"Miten niin?"

"Tanssii kuin kone roudan nostamalla radalla… ylös, alas… ylös,


alas… noin, noin…"

Ja tietämättä taasenkaan mitä teki, sanoi Erkki:

"Annetaan tahtia sille." Hän alkoi viheltää, vaikka huulensa eivät


tahtoneet pariksi sopia.

"Pa— pane puita… täyteen… Me annamme kyytiä sille. Ja anna


pullo myös!"

Erkki oli toivonut, ettei hän sitä enää muistaisikaan, mutta huomasi
erehtyneensä. Nyt oli mentävä mukaan niin pitkälle kuin suinkin. Hän
antoi pullon, johon toinen tarttui kiihkeästi.

"Maljasi, herra Eerikki!" huusi Sirola, sitten hän nosti pullon


suullensa ja tyhjensi sen yhdellä siemauksella sekä heitti ulos
akkunasta.

Nyt he olivat juuri menossa Paavelan ja Tauvon välisellä


kolmipenikulmaisella taipaleella asumattomien kangasmaiden yli,
kiipesivät Knorrimäen rinnettä ylös, tai oikeammin kiisivät, minkä
kone eteensä otti. Miten oli päättyvä tämä, sitä ei Erkki osannut
ajatella, sillä hän eli sanan varsinaisessa merkityksessä
silmänräpäyksen kerrallaan. Hän ei kääntänyt hetkeksikään
selkäänsä, vaan oli joka silmänräpäys valmiina tarttumaan
toveriinsa, jos se olisi tarpeellista. Onneksi kuitenkin Sirola istui
paikallaan, etukumarassa suunnanvaihtajan yli, hullu katse
suunnattuna ulos.

"Vihellä niille perkeleille!"

Ei koskaan ollut Erkistä pesä laulanut niinkuin tänä myrskyiltana.


Iskujen yhtämittainen kaiku metsässä oli kuin saatanallisen naurun
kieriskely korven pimeydessä. Ja kun pesän vihertävänkeltainen
kirkkaus huikaisi hänen silmänsä ja saattoi ulos pimeyteen
katsoessa tulipallot leimuamaan silmissä, näyttivät ne paholaisen
silmiltä mustassa yössä…

Nyt saavuttivat he Knorrimäen huipun ja juna alkoi laskeutua alas,


mutta Sirola ei kai huomannut sitä eikä vähentänyt koneen tehoa.
Kauhulla katsoi Erkki häntä. Eikö hän todellakaan enää tiennyt mitä
teki? Vauhti lisääntyi nopeasti.

"Siinä sivuutettiin mäen harja," sanoi hän, saadakseen Sirolan


huomaamaan, missä oltiin.

Sirola tuijotti tylsänä eteensä…

Mitä tehdä nyt? Hänellä ei ollut oikeutta puuttua esimiehensä


tehtäviin, mutta mitä seuraisi, jollei yhä kiihtyvää vauhtia
pienennettäisi. Nyt jo alkoi veturi heittelehtiä kiskoilla. Pesä ei
ulvonut niinkuin vastamäen kiihkeässä ponnistuksessa, vaan
läähätti, nyyhki kuin suuri ihmisjoukko olisi tukahdettua itkua
itkenyt…

"Nyt on suljettava höyryventtiili!" sanoi hän päättävästi.

Kun Sirola ei vastannut, sulki hän sen. Mutta silloin Sirola kohosi
asennostaan ja hänen silmänsä leimahtivat heikossa valossa, joka
peitetyn kattolampun kupuun leikatun raon kautta lankesi hänen
kasvoilleen.

"Anna olla auki sen!" karjasi hän ja repäsi venttiilin selälleen.

"Me menemme kohti kuolemaa!"

"Antaa mennä — heee—i!"

Se oli mielipuolen karjaisu, joka saattoi Erkin vapisemaan.

"Ajattele, hullu ihminen: junallinen matkustajia…"

"Vihellä niille, vihellä sen…!"

Mutta nyt painoi Erkki uudestaan venttiilin kiinni. Tästä raivostui


Sirola, hyökkäsi ylös, ja Erkki näki jotakin vilahtavan hänen
kädessään. Samassa hän kuitenkin oli kiinni Sirolan ojennetussa
kädessä ja tavattomalla voimallaan, joka tällä epätoivoisella hetkellä
vaan kasvoi, sai hän väännetyksi kouran auki. Akkuna helähti ja
avonainen veitsi lensi ulos. Syntyi hetken kestävä kiivas kahakka. He
kiersivät molemmat nyyhkivän pesän edessä. Sirola oli
vahvarakenteinen mies, mutta kuitenkin hän herpaantui, ja Erkki sai
hänet nujerretuksi lämmittäjän puolelle kattilan ja seinän väliin.
Kiivaalla otteella oli hän samassa kiinni jarruventtiilissä, ja junan
vauhti alkoi vähetä. Oli jo aikakin, sillä pian alkoi Isonkaaran
laskeutuma, jonka alla oli tiessä mutka. Sitä ajatellessa ja vielä
äskeisestä ottelusta järkkyneenä täytyi Erkin tukea itseään akkunan
pielukseen ja nojata istuimen kulmaan. — Nopeusmittarin viisari
hamuili ennen kulkemattomilla alueilla. Hiki virtasi pitkin Erkin
ruumista, mutta tällä järkyttävällä hetkellä häntä kuitenkin elähdytti
tieto, että vaara oli vältetty. Oli vain saatava Sirola tyyntymään.
Tämä yritteli vielä ylös, kirosi kamalasti, haki housuntaskuistaan
jotakin, mutta käsi jäi taskuun ja mies raukesi vähitellen. Ja
kappaleen ajan kuluttua kuului ainoastaan örähtelyä… yhä
vaisummasti…

Juna saapui Tauvoon. —

Näihin aikoihin sai Erkki kirjekortin, johon oli kirjoitettu joustavalla


käsialalla: "Olen päässyt Norvantoon. Et usko, kuinka olen iloinen.
Irja." — Erkki kirjoitti lyhyesti vastaan: "Tervetuloa!"

Tuo kortti toi mieleen omituisia, valoisia muistoja. Irja, lapsuuden


ystävä Tauvosta! Koko heidän monivuotinen, usein katkeillut ja
epämääräinen suhteensa, jota hän ei ollut itselleenkään selvittänyt,
sukeltausi muistiin. Ja sydän sykki voimakkaammin tapaamisen
toivosta.

Erkki otti usein esille Irjan kortin ja katsoi sitä pitkään. Olipa siellä
tyttö riemuissaan. Ja olihan siitä räiskähtänyt pieni pisara tännekin.
Miksi oli hän siihen ollenkaan vastannut? Ensi vaikutuksesta kohta,
ja olikin se vilpitön tervetuloa. Puuttui vain, että olisi sen saanut
kädestä pitäen sanoa.

Eräänä päivänä, ollessaan toimestaan vapaana, meni Irja


asemalta postia noutamaan.

Postijunan kuljettajana oli Erkki. Hän oli huomannut Irjan ja tuli


alas veturista rientäen luokse.
"Joko sinä olet täällä!"

"Niinkuin näet. Missäs sinä olet ollut, kun ei ole täällä näkynyt?"

"Eteläisellä rataosalla, olen nyt pitkästä kotvasta täällä. — Siis


sinä olet tullut." — Erkin äänessä soi hillitty riemu. — "Toivon sinun
viihtyvän täällä paremmin kuin Kouvolassa."

Erkki oli muuttunut edukseen sitten viime näkemän. Hänen


käytöksessään oli entistä enemmän itsetietoisuutta ja varmuutta, oli
vähän laihtunutkin ja silmät syventyneet, mutta kasvoilla kuvastui
lujuus ja päättäväisyys. Ja kuinka hän katsoi sieltä korkeudesta.
Irjasta tuntui kuin olisi se aivan kohoksi nostanut. Miten komea!
Häntä puki erinomaisesti uusi kuljettajanlakkinsa, joka oli edestä ylös
kohonneena ja teki hänet niin erinomaisen reippaan, iloisen ja
avomielisen näköiseksi. No, hän tiesi, miten sitä piti pitää päässä.

Erkki viivähti tuskin paria minuuttia, tarttui kädestä ja sanoi:

"Näkemiin. Minä tulen pian."

Samassa oli hän poissa.

*****

Irja käveli malttamattomana asemasillalla. Minuutit kuluivat


hitaasti. Viisari valaistussa kellotaulussa asemahuoneen seinällä
näytti toisinaan pysähtyneen. Myrsky mylvi puistossa. Kaasulyhty
huojui tuulessa, suhisi ja näytti toisinaan sammuvan. Vihdoin läpäsi
lumiryöpyn veturin valo ja kinoksia kahlaten vyöryi pikajuna
asemalle. — Irja käveli asemasillalla samaan suuntaan.
"Hyvää iltaa!" kuului ylhäältä veturihytistä. Ääni tuli pehmeänä ja
lämpöisenä.

Samassa oli koliseva, lumikinosten peittämä veturi ohi ja pysähtyi


asemalaiturin päähän. Irja saavutti sen sieltä. Erkki oli laskeutunut
alas ja nosti lakkiaan.

"Niinhän sinä kuljet kuin lumivuoren sisällä", sanoi Irja.

"Me olemmekin kyntäneet halki kinoksien, eikä ole kumma, jos


niitä onkin vielä osa niskassamme."

"Mitähän, jos jäitkin välille," kiusotteli Irja.

"Eläpäs! Sitäkö sinä toivoit täällä?"

"Sitä!" — Irja nauroi käsipuuhkansa takaa.

"Vai niin! Mutta minä tulin kuitenkin."

"Ja nyt minulla on sinulle eräs ehdotus: sopisiko sinun tulla


luokseni tänä iltana?"

"Onko sinulla joku merkkipäivä?"

"Ei, muuten vain. Eräs tuttavani täältä, neiti Lillström tulee


myöskin. Se johtui äsken mieleeni, kun tiesin sinun olevan tänne
tulossa ja on tällainen huono ja kylmä ilma…"

"Kiitoksia ystävyydestäsi! Kutsuasi et olisi siltä kannalta katsoen


voinut paremmin asettaa. Sillä suoraan sanoen: lämmin kahvitilkka
ei nyt tee pahaa."

"Sen arvasin."
"Tulenko heti, kun joudun?"

"Tule vain."

Saavuttuaan asuntoonsa riisui Irja nopeasti päällysvaatteensa ja


haki puita säiliöstä pannakseen pesään.

Kohta räiski iloinen tuli uunissa ja sen loimussa järjesteli Irja


huonettaan ja iloitsi jokaisesta siirrosta, joka somisti sitä. Hymy
kaunisti hänen kasvojaan tällä hetkellä.

Hän ei tahtonut kieltää itseltään, että todella odotti Erkkiä. Hän


hymähti maltittomuudelleen, mutta samassa vakasivat viime
tapaamisien muistot hänet ja hän palautti ne toisen toisensa
jälkeen…

*****

Nyt hän tuli, kun pystyvalkea oli iloisimmilleen kerjennyt.

"Neiti Lillström ei ole tullut vielä. Hänellä lienee joku este. Mutta
voinemmehan odottaa kahdenkin?"

Heidän katseensa yhtyivät…

*****

"Kummallinen on ihmisten elämänjuoksu," puheli Erkki kuin


äänellään tarttuen johonkin mielessään kulkevista ajatuksista. "Jos
jäisi jotakin näkyvää jälkeä, viivat tai jotakin sellaista, joka tehtyä
matkaa kuvaisi, niin saisimme niistä nähdä, kuinka polkumme
risteilevät."

"Aluksi ne kuitenkin kulkisivat yhdessä."

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