Part 10 (1/2)
Trouble has been brewing this long time, and the crisis can't be far off By the by, have you had news fro?”
”Not a word The last ht me some London papers, left Fort Garry at the close of June”
The factor sighed He was fond of the life of towns and he had been buried in the wilderness for ten years!
”Gentlelasses,” he added ”Here's to the prosperity of the company!”
”May it continue forever!” supplemented the captain
I drank the toast, and then inquired as the state of the lower country
”There have been no open hostilities as yet,” the factor replied, ”but there are plenty of ruly ruht o”
”I rather expected to find hi of a subject which I had wished to come to
”He has abandoned that intention,” the factor stated ”He is afraid to leave at present The redskins have been ihborhood of late, and he thinks their loyalty has been taed me to send you and Miss Hatherton on to Fort Royal at the first opportunity after your arrival, and there happens to be one open now”
”How is that?” I asked
”My right-hand e--you met him at supper--has been transferred to Fort Garry,” the factor explained ”He is o by way of the Churchill River and Fort Royal Mrs Gue will be a companion to Miss Hatherton They expect to start in a week, so as to cover as round as possible before the winter sets in”
”The sooner the better,” said I
”And what about the e?” Captain Rudstone inquired carelessly
”There will be a priest here--one of the French fathers--in the course of a month,” said the factor, ”and I will send him on to Fort Royal”
I tried hard to appear unconcerned, for I saw that Captain Rudstone atching me keenly
”I trust I shall be present for the cereo south by that route when I have finished with the business that brought me to the bay I have three forts to visit hereabouts first”
The factor sucked thoughtfully at his pipe
”Hawke is a lucky ad, I envy him! Miss Hatherton is the prettiest bit of wo for Hawke,” said Captain Rudstone, with a sly glance in ood wife,” I replied aggressively
”There is another ishes to marry her,” he answered
”What do you mean by that?” I cried
”I refer to Cuthbert Mackenzie,” said the captain
I gave hi lass of brandy and water There was a pause, and then, to my relief, the factor turned the conversation on the prices of furs