In the end, Feng Shan still didn't get an answer.
Feng Shan didn't refuse Frank's request. He had a vague suspicion it had to do with his grand-uncle, and since Frank was unwilling to talk about it, there was no need to pry.
A night passed.
The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Frank announced he was leaving. Tom, who had hoped to mooch for another day of free food and drink, had no choice but to go with him.
The reindeer and gray wolf pelts were loaded into the plane. In the end, Feng Shan decided to let Tom take the Black Wolf pelt too. Tanning hides in the winter was just too time-consuming, and with a pile of other chores, he really couldn't spare the time.
Before they left,
Feng Shan pulled the still-recovering Frank into a hug.
"My promise still stands. There's always a place for you on the bus. Chin up. You're Frank, the sharp tongue of Fairbanks. Nothing can get you down."
"Is that so? If you ever find out the answer, you'll probably want to shoot me."
