The assertions were made with such deliberateness, with such sincerity, that Dick grinned in spite of himself. He turned his head quickly in the direction of Rand’s bed and discovered that person sitting up like himself, and staring moodily out through the thick obstruction of trees. Rand’s back was towards him. Apparently, the policeman believed that his remarks had fallen upon heedless ears. Naturally he supposed that the boys still slept.
“What’s wrong, corporal?” pleasantly inquired the eavesdropper.
Rand started and half-turned. His manner was a little sheepish, like that of a boy caught in some foolish prank.
“So you heard me?” Rand turned completely around and grinned. “Well, anyway, you know now what I think of myself. When you have finished dressing, Dick, come and clout me over the head. You have my permission. I’ve been guilty of blithering idiocy. How I ever contrived to persuade the R. N. W. M. P. to take me into the service will always remain an unsolved mystery.”
Dick laughed outright. “I don’t think you do yourself justice, corporal. What makes you say that?”
“My conscience hurts me. I’m an ass. When I awoke about twenty minutes ago, it suddenly dawned on me how completely we’ve been fooled.”
“By whom?” inquired Dick, wondering if the policeman had taken leave of his senses.
“By the outlaws.”
“You mean when they gave us the slip?”
“Yes. That’s it exactly.”