“Frischette,” said the mounted policeman a moment later, “I wish to ask a favor of you.”

“Yes, monsieur.”

“You are going south?”

“Yes, monsieur.”

“How soon?”

“In ver’ few days, corporal. Why you ask.”

“Because I may need your help. I am going to ask you to remain here for a while. I shall ask you to stay here until I have recovered Dewberry’s gold.”

Rand watched the other closely. The eyes of the road-house keeper narrowed slightly—but that was all.

“Et ees as you say, monsieur.”

Then Frischette turned and walked back into the kitchen.