“The epidemic is bad enough,” he resumed, “but to add to the horror of the situation, a revolt has taken place among the Indians. I’ve been compelled to send Corporal Rand up there. You will follow but I doubt if you will overtake him. He’s travelling light, while you will have medicine, supplies, mail——”
“Mail!” interrupted Dick in surprise.
“Yes, mail. All of the mail for the Keechewan Mission comes here and is forwarded, usually through the efforts of the R. N. W. M. P. There will be three large sacks, including one packet of registered letters. Are you willing to undertake this responsibility?”
The boys were a little confused and shy. For a time no one spoke.
“I asked you a question,” persisted the inspector. “Do you or do you not want to take the mail?”
“Yes, sir,” said Dick hurriedly, “we’ll be glad to.”
“All right. Then that’s settled. I’ve given you an idea of the route. Anything you wish to know?”
“It will be necessary to supply us with some sort of transport,” Dick reminded him. “Would you suggest ponies?”
Inspector Cameron smiled.
“I might suggest ponies did I not know the North as well as I do. The season is growing late. It is now the last week in October. The weather has been wonderful—unusual, but we’re due for a change almost any day now. You’ll have to take both ponies and dogs. Just as soon as the first snowstorm comes, you can turn the ponies loose and proceed with the huskies.”