“I can begin to see where I’ve been duped, too,” he told them. “What you’ve just divulged helps to throw light on some of Frazer’s former actions. For one thing, it was never quite clear to me why he kept sending me away on such trivial errands. Twice during the month preceding his discharge, I was despatched to outlying districts ostensibly to drum up trade among the Indians. It seemed foolish to me at the time, but I had no choice in the matter. It didn’t make a bit of difference how busy we were, he’d always find some pretext to send me away.”
“Exactly! He worked the same scheme on us,” Sandy cut in. “Say! What’s the matter with you, Toma?”
The injured boy raised his hand, commanding silence.
“Listen,” he said. “I think I hear somebody come up the stairs.”
CHAPTER XXI.
FRAZER’S RUSE.
Dick ran to the door and opened it. In the hallway outside was the young half-breed boy, whom Mr. Scott employed in various capacities.
“Yes, yes, Meschel, what is it?”
The boy’s eyes were round and staring.
“Mr. Scott here?” he cried. “Tell Mr. Scott to come quick. Fellow downstairs very drunk, try to break in through the window.”
“Who was he?” demanded the factor, who now stood immediately behind Dick. “But never mind, Meschel, I’ll be right down.”