Antoine nodded.
Hector held out a large official envelope, carefully sealed.
"For our representative in Prospect," he said. "You will hand it over to him, Antoine, and wait there for an answer. You may have to wait several days. The Sergeant there will give you the answer and you will bring it back to me here."
Antoine nodded again.
"Guard both despatch and answer with your life. No-one must see the despatch but the Sergeant. No-one must see the answer till you give it to me. Tell no-one your business either way. You must travel fast, Antoine, very fast—both going and coming; faster than ever before."
Antoine's eyes gleamed with the light of battle.
"All right. Now, this"—the Superintendent handed him a small, unsealed envelope—"is a letter which you will show to any Mounted Policeman or Mounted Police post, if necessary. It authorizes you to claim any assistance you wish. Understand?"
Antoine nodded.
"Dogs in good shape? That's fine. Start at once, Antoine. Good luck and goodbye. Remember—the fastest trip you've ever made——"
Antoine carefully stowed the two envelopes away and, drawing himself to his full height, saluted the Superintendent gravely.