“Not a bit of it! You’re not! Might as well disillusion you right now. You’re to undertake another errand, equally as important and dangerous.”
“What is it?” asked Dick.
“You’re to lead the way to the barren lands. Escort to Doctor Brady.”
The boys exchanged furtive glances. Cameron continued:
“Dick, I’m placing you in charge. You’re the oldest. Sandy and Toma will be your lieutenants. This expedition must not fail. Nothing must happen to it. I’ll hold you all responsible.”
“Yes, sir,” trembled Dick. “But how do we get there?”
“There’s no trail. I’ll try and find a guide for you. You proceed northeast, cross the Wapiti, the Little Moose, pass over a height of land known as ‘The Divide,’ enter the barren lands and thus eventually come to the Keechewan Mission, an important Catholic missionary center. It’s a hard trip and you’ll never forget it.”
“Are there many people at this mission?” inquired Sandy.
“Yes, there’s a sort of village there—a mission-village: flour mill, schools, hospital and the like. There are always several large Indian encampments close by. The plague has found its way there. Scores have died. As far as I know, no other section of the country is in such dire straits.”
The inspector paused, scowling again and for a moment seemed to have forgotten that he was not alone.