The captain paused a moment, his head bowed in an attitude of sorrow.
“That, gentlemen, is the reason why I hid my identity all these years—during more recent months,” he continued. “I preferred to lose title and riches rather than bring shame and dishonor on one of England’s proudest names—not to speak of the danger of arrest and conviction.”
“Who was the man you shot?” the factor demanded eagerly. “His name—quick!”
“He was a Frenchman—Henri Salvat.”
“Ah, I thought so!” cried Macdonald. “He did not die—he recovered from the wound. And as he did not know your name, you were not suspected of the deed, I was in Montreal shortly afterward, and heard of the affair.”
“And I learned the truth but a few weeks ago—when I was coming down country,” Captain Rudstone replied huskily. “I met an old trapper who had been in Montreal at the time, and by adroit questioning I drew from him what you have just told me. I need not say what a relief it was. I determined at once to find Mr. Burley and reveal all. Does the explanation satisfy you?”
“You were certainly justified in keeping silence,” Macdonald answered. “The reason was sound. But there is one little point I would like to have cleared; Why, when you believed yourself a fugitive from justice, did you use your real name at Fort Garry?”
“Simply because there was no alternative,” said the captain. “The first person I met when I entered Fort Garry in April of 1788 was a man who had known me as Osmund Maiden in Quebec a few months before; so I had to leave the trunk in that name. At the time, of course, no word of the affair at Montreal had reached the fort—I came here by rapid marches. But fearing that the clew might be followed up, I abandoned my intention of going north, and went south instead, ultimately crossing the border into the United States. I remained there for twelve years.”
“And afterward, Captain Rudstone, I think you visited England—your native land?” Flora exclaimed at this point. “At least, I have heard you say so.”
The captain gave her a sharp glance, and I fancied I read a hidden menace in his eyes. Then he shrugged his shoulders and smiled.