Dick Kent on Special Duty

"Dick Kent on Special Duty" by Milton Richards is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Corporal Rand of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police as he investigates the mysterious death of road-house keeper Louis Frischette, a case intertwined with robbery, deceit, and potential murder. As the plot unfolds, characters like "Rat" MacGregor and Frischette’s half-breed wife contribute to the complexity of the mystery, challenging Rand to unravel the truth hidden beneath layers of intrigue. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the tense atmosphere surrounding a series of crimes, including a murder involving a prospector named Dewberry. The narrative begins with the looming threat of theft as "Rat" MacGregor attempts to rob Dewberry while he sleeps, leading to unexpected complications. This incident sets off a chain of events that leads Corporal Rand on a pursuit involving various suspects, including Frischette and his dubious associates. As Rand gathers clues, the revelation about Frischette’s death deepens the mystery, prompting Rand to consider whether suicidal notes may be fabrications, further complicating the case he is trying to solve.