when the Hudson's Bay Company's trading
was robbed, everyone in the little
town of Rolling River was certain who
done it: it was Carcajou Andre, of course!
Andre was called Carcajou because, like the
real carcajou, or 'wo1verirle, he was a trap robbed
He stole the catch out of traps and didn’t
care whose traps they were.
2 But this time he had robbed more than
traps; he had broken into the trading post
Warehouse and had taken all the beaver furs
that were waiting to be shipped.
3 Both Carcajou Andre and the furs had dis-
appeared. Now it was a job for the Royal
Canadian Mounted PoIice. The Mounties
would find the thief. Didn’t they always?
4 But Marie Leburn hoped they would not, for
Marie knew two things that one else knew.
She knew where the furs were hidden, and
she knew who the thief Was.
5 After school Marie worked the traplines
with her father and her older brother, Paul.
Marie admired her brother and looked up to
him. That was what made her discovery so
heartbreaking.
6 Today it had been her turn E6 check the
traps along Lost Creek. A cold rain, together
with an icy wind, drove her to a cave, where
she could make a fire and warm her wey feet
it was a creekside cave where she and her
brother had played as children
It was in the cave that Marie made her
discovery. The cave was filled with bundles of
beaver furs-—-the bundles that had been re»
ported stolen!
8 Fresh boot marks were everywhere. They
were made by new boots, and Marie knew her
brother had new boots. Then Marie noticed
something else. She bent to pick up a leather
glove. Only last evening at the supper table
her brother had mentioned losing his glove!
9 Marie was more confused and unhappy
than she had ever been in her life. She wanted
to deny the evidence. Her brother couldn’t
have done it - he had never stolen anything
before. Yet here was the proof. what other
conclusion was there?‘ Her brother was certainly the criminal.
10 Marie hurried from the cave to look for her
brother, eager to know what he would say.
But before Marie could find him, one of the
Mounties found her. The two met on the trail
not far from the cave.
11 The Mountie asked a quick question:
“Young woman, can you tell me where l can
find Pawn Lebrun?”
12 Paul is my brother “Marie answered
13 then you’ll know where he is
14 no Marie said firmly I don’t know she gestured towards the horizon he has gone away
15 away – where
16 I don’t know
17 for a long quiet moment the Mountie looked at Marie then he spoke you are lying to me. why
18 I’m not lying Marie half shouted if you want to know the truth I did it
19 Did what
20 stole the Hudson’s Bay’s furs
21 then you’ll know where they are hidden the Mountie replied
22 Of course I do
23 then take me to them
24 Marie nodded and they started out
25 As they approached the cave Marie saw that someone had arrived before them As they drew closer she saw that it was her brother Marie shouted his name to give him an opportunity to escape but to Marie’s astonishment her brother did not run away but hurried to meet them instead
26 Marie was equally surprise when the Mountie smiled and extended a friendly hand to Paul
27 I think your sister has something to say to both of us the Mountie said
28 I – I have nothing to say she replied very confuse
29 then let me say it said the Mountie your brother found Carcajou Andre with the stolen furs he took the furs from him and carried them to this cave for safekeeping and then he came to the police post to tell us about it we have Carcajou in prison and now we have the furs now do you have anything to say
30 Marie signified no with a shake of her head
31 you have a very loyal sister Lebrun said the Moutie
32 Paul put his arm around Marie
33 Oh Paul I’m so sorry I thought “ she stammered
34 never mind said Paul let’s go home now. Your feet are wet