Part 9 (2/2)
But, while Peter Rainy was satisfying curious ears outside, a far different scene was taking place in the factor's private office
Donald, the covering reus Fitzpatrick across the latter's desk, and briefly told the story of his adventures
When he had finished the account, there was silence in the roo about this young man, even his presence itself, seeet, McTavish?” asked the factor
”At Sturgeon Lake”
”He ought to be here in jail”
”I know it, sir I did the best I could”
”The Hudson Bay Company doesn't take that for an excuse It wants the man This is a hard country and a hard rule, but no other rule will keep a respect for law in our territories A shot, a dagger-thrust, anything to punish Seguis for his crime, and this ruffianly collection of free-traders would have disbanded, leaderless”
”But,” expostulated McTavish, ”surely you do not counsel murder as a punishment for murder”
”I counsel measures to fit needs In this vast desolation, I am the law; I represent the inevitable result of a cause, the inexorable, never-failing punish As uis should either be dead or a prisoner here”
Donald did not answer Theoretically, the factor was right; according to all the traditions of the Cootten that even the Company he worshi+ped was made up of men, ere human and not omnipotent Carried too far, his preood were arguments?
”Then, I have failed in e for yourself”
”What are your next orders for me?”
”A hundred dollars fine and a month's confineh a blow had been aimed at him
”You can't mean it, Mr Fitzpatrick,” he cried, passionately ”I have earned no such disgrace Co but that; send eon Lake, and throw my life away there, if you -post in Keewatin, but don't disgrace me needlessly, unjustly”
”I can only do what my conscience dictates,” said the factor coldly
”Well, all I can say is, that, if heaven has a conscience like yours, God help you when you die, Mr Fitzpatrick”
The factor touched a bell, and, an instant later Tee-ka-mee stepped noiselessly into the room
”Take Mr McTavish to his room in the old barracks,” Fitzpatrick directed ”And, by the way, please ask Miss Jean to come here a moment I wish to speak with her”
At the innocent request, Tee-ka-mee almost fell to the floor with terror