"I hear there's a special in from outside," began the factor in his blandest manner. "Hope he had a good trip."
"Aye, not so bad," returned the constable, as communicative as a seal.
"By any chance, did he bring any mail for me?"
"Nothing but police business,—this special."
If Karmack was disturbed, he took pains not to show it.
"But surely he brought some newspapers. Might I borrow——"
"I'm sending a spare paper over to Mission House," was the chilly response. "You'd best go there for your news, Karmack."
The factor made as graceful an exit as any one could have asked, nodding pleasantly to the newly arrived corporal. Familiar with the usual fraternity of life in the land of bared boughs and grieving winds, the genial Gaspard expressed surprise.
"What the hell how is?" he asked. "You gots something on that crow, non?"
"I don't like him," was all La Marr replied, not caring to bare his superior's heart troubles even to one of the Force.