He was convinced that there was some hidden motive in the inspector's actions.
What was he to understand?
Suddenly he stopped, a hundred yards from the glimmering lights of the Little Saskatchewan hotel, and chuckled audibly as he stuffed his pipe.
It flashed upon him now why MacGregor had chosen him instead of an ordinary service man to bring down the prisoner from Wekusko.

MacGregor knew that he, Philip Steele, college man and man of the world, would reason out the key to this little puzzle, whereas Sergeant Moody and others of his type would turn back for explanations.

And Inspector MacGregor, twenty years in the service, and recognized as the shrewdest man-hunter between the coasts, wished to give no explanation.

Philip's blood tingled with fresh excitement as the tremendous risk which the inspector himself was running, dawned upon him.

Publicity of the note which he held in his hand would mean the disgrace and retirement even of Felix MacGregor.
He thrust the letter in his pocket and hurried on.