“The factor’s, McAndrews. I had to have it.”
“Explain, Morely.”
“I will explain at headquarters,” he said slowly.
Father du Bois laid a trembling hand on Hardy’s arm.
“Sergeant, I beg of you, do not take this man. You can free heem if you would. You are not onlee an exponent of ze law. You are ze law itself. You who are clad with ze authority of courts, can make your own court here, try, an’ release this man.”
Hardy was silent, his troubled gaze on the priest’s pleading eyes.
“There ees so much sickness. Ze people need ze doctor. Of a certainty he ees needed. Do not take heem away.”
“Father, this is not a case wherein I could act as judge.” Hardy’s voice was low. “I realize all you say. And I also realize my own obligation to my prisoner. Yet, father, you, who would not betray a confession, cannot ask me to violate the code of the Mounted? I cannot possibly consider my personal wishes.”
Keith Morely came to his feet.
“I am ready, sergeant. And by the way, your uniform is at my cabin. No doubt you want to wear it? It has been fumigated and aired. We shall stop at the store and get a pair of very dark goggles for your eyes. You must be careful.”