“How long will you remain with us, Mr. Relmond?” he asked.
“Only until night.”
“I was in hopes you would accompany us to the settlement.”
“I should be glad to do so, but circumstances forbid.”
“It was quite fortunate,” he smiled, “that you and Biddon were acquainted. He is a noble fellow.”
“Most assuredly he is. I accompanied him, as a seeker of adventures, last summer from Independence, and we separated in the autumn, while in the wilderness. I was considerably surprised to find him in your service.”
“He had a misunderstanding with his employers, I believe. He had a dispute with one of their agents, and gave him a severe pounding. He was reproved rather sharply for this and left the company in disgust. This was during the winter. Shortly after he visited Red River settlement, and volunteered his services, and they were gladly accepted, as his skill was known to many.”
“He has been then but a short time with you.”
“Only a few weeks—but long enough to let us know the value of his services. This brigade is all owing to him.”
“How so?”