Then Dick recounted his adventures. When he had finished, the corporal exclaimed:
“You’ve certainly had your share of trouble. It must have been a terrible ordeal.”
He rose hesitatingly to his feet.
“Will you think that I am inconsiderate if I leave you for a time alone?”
“Why, no,” quickly responded the invalid. “I’m all right. Don’t worry about me.”
“You see,” Rand hesitated, “after what you’ve told me, I feel a little apprehensive. I must go over and warn Toma. The warehouse will be the point of danger.”
Dick smiled weakly. “Certainly, go ahead. It’s the only thing to do.”
Rand threw more wood on the fire and departed. It was nearly two hours before he returned. The moment Dick saw him, he noted immediately that a marked change had come over the policeman. He was more lighthearted than before. He smiled frequently. He joked and laughed, regaling Dick with stories of the service—amusing anecdotes and breathless escapades. While he was preparing lunch, he looked up and grinned across at Dick.
“I suppose you’ll be sorry when this thing is over and we return to Fort Good Faith?”
Dick laughed outright. “Well, not exactly, although I wouldn’t have missed the experience for anything. By the way, corporal, how much of the fur did you recover?”