“Oh, with my improved transport,” said Gault carelessly, “I can have in pretty much anything I want.”
It now became necessary to speak of business. Gault inquired if the season’s fur had been sent out.
“No,” said Loseis.
The trader might almost be said to have purred upon hearing that. Indeed, fearing himself that he might be betraying too much complacency about the mouth, he rubbed his upper lip, and gave a little cough. “I will charge myself with that,” he said comfortably. “Make your mind quite easy.”
Loseis looked unhappy, but said nothing.
“Of course,” Gault went on with the air of one who must be fair at whatever cost to himself, “being your father’s competitor, his rival as you might say, it is not proper that I should be your sole advisor.”
Loseis looked at him in surprise. Dared he to speak of that? Her confusion increased. This man was too much for her.
“I am mighty glad that Conacher is here,” said Gault.
“But I must return down the river to-night,” said Conacher. “I am already many days behind my schedule.”
Loseis’ eyes were close-hid now. “To-night?” she echoed softly. “But you paddled all last night to get here.”