"The joy has been all mine, I assure you," replied René, wondering what would come next.
"But three people eat more than two, and I laid in supplies for two to last until the holiday trading."
"I have no money, but I will leave the pay for my keep at Fort Norman next summer."
A swift flush of anger reddened the cheek of Victor. "Pay! Who talks of pay? Think you I would accept pay from my own brother?"
"What then?"
"Only this, you must make the trip to Fort Norman for food. I will give you a note to McTavish, and the stuff will be charged to me. It is three days travelling light, and four on the return. You can take my dogs. They know the trail."
There was a long pause before the younger man spoke. "I cannot go to Fort Norman. I cannot be seen on the river."
Victor glanced up in surprise. "Why?"
René shifted uneasily. "The police," he answered. "They think I have broken their law."