“Yes, it’s self-explanatory.”
Dick received the missive and opened it, considerably perplexed. He read quickly:
“Dear Richard:
I’ll be very grateful to you for any assistance you may be able to render to the bearer of this note, Corporal William Rand, of the Mackenzie River detachment. Corporal Rand will instruct you in certain matters of extreme importance. Please trust him implicitly in everything.
Please convey my very best wishes to Mr. MacClaren and your two young cronies, Sandy and Toma.
Sincerely, Henry C. Richardson, Sergeant R. N. W. M. P.”
When Dick had finished reading the letter, he looked across at Corporal Rand with new understanding in his eyes.
“I’ll help, of course. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Sergeant Richardson.”
“That’s splendid of you.”
The mounted policeman moved closer and spoke in a low tone.
“Sit down at that table and pick up that old magazine. Pretend you’re reading. Watch Nichols. In ten or fifteen minutes two half breeds will enter this room and will probably walk over and engage Murky in conversation. You won’t be able to hear a thing they say, but I want you to notice particularly whether or not any money passes between them.”
Dick had scarcely recovered from his astonishment, when Corporal Rand turned with quick, military precision and walked swiftly out of the room.