“He is. In fact, that’s the trouble. I like the man, but you had better get rid of him.”
“You’re giving me a curious reason.”
Morgan smiled.
“I expect our plans for the winter may lead to some trouble with the boys; such work as we can carry on is going to be severe. Now do you think it prudent to provide them with a highly intelligent leader?”
“Guess you’re right,” the clerk agreed. “He’ll have to go, though I’m sorry to part with him.”
“I’ll send him to another job nearer the coast,” said Morgan.
The next day Kermode was informed of this decision and took it good-humoredly. Before leaving the camp he spent an evening with Ferguson, who expressed keen regret at his departure.
“I have an idea that I may have got you into trouble, and it hurts me,” the minister said.
Kermode laughed in a reassuring manner.
“It’s likely that you’re wrong; but I’m not the first man who has found a righteous cause unprofitable.”