Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1916-12-14
CHAPTER III.
Condolences.

Condolences.
The rescuers from the agency had
refined in their sweating ponies to a
sope when they first caught sight of the
party ON the butte side of the coulee.
They struggled down the gulley at
walk, eight short-haired Indian police
men in blue uniform, and tall, loose
Tipped young halfbreed in ordinary
frontier clothes. AS they stopped in
the stream to water their ponies. each
furtively studied the rider who was ap-
preaching on the big rangy mare.
you're too late, Charlie" called
vandervyn. Captain Hardy climbed
the butte, and the whole bunch hit
OUT
"SoldiersT" queried the halfbreed.
mo, he's alone-our new agent" ex-
planned Vandervyn as his pony brought
him alongside Hardy at the edge of the
stream. Captain, this Is Charlie Red
bear, our issue clerk and interpreter"
Interpreter" repeated Hardy. "Red-
bear do any Of the police understand
English?"
"No, sir, only a few words" mumbled
the halfbreed.
Tell them I am a captain Of the
horse soldiers-the Longkniyes. / have
been sent here to be the agent"
Redbear interpreted in musical La
kotah, accompanying his words with
swift signs. The swarthy policemen
grunted approvingly, and their leader
rolled out sonorous reply. The half
breed interpreted mechanically HE
says your eye Is straight. He says
they are ready to trail and fight the In
dams whose hearts are bad"
"They are not to pursue the party"
ordered Hardy, II shall call coun-
ell of the chiefs, and ascertain the
cause of the tribal unrest. Tell Them
Redbear hesitated, and looked uncer-
tainly at Vandervyn. The chief clerk
spoke to him in sharp reproof: do as
you're told, Charlie. Captain Hardy Is
now in command of the reservation.
The halfbreed stared in astonish-
ment, but fastened to interpret. AT
once the faces Of the policemen De-
came stolid. They cast covert glances
at Vandervyn. Without seeming to no.
tice their sudden change OF manner
Hardy selected four to act as escort 10
the Indian trader and his daughter.
The rest of the party followed him
back up the gulley.
From the first the mare walked out
In the lead. She would soon have left
behind even Vandervyn's qulck-step-
ping pinto had not her rider happened
10 glance about and catch the troubled
expression on the younger mans face.
Hardy waited for him to come along
tide, and gravely remarked: Il wish
to express my regret. Mr.. Vandervyn,
that my detail here has deprived you
,f your expected promotion"
Vandervyn's small mouth curved
with a cynical smile, but softened to q
more agreeable expression as he met
the others gaze. "You admit itT' ne
muttered.
Having accepted the detail, I cannot
now ask to be relieved" said Hardy
But the extra pay was not one or the
Inducements. Permit me to suggest
that arrangements can be made to di'
vert to your salary the amount In ex'
cess of my regular compensation as an
officer"
The offer was as unexpected as II
was generous. yandervyn flushed. bill
his lip, and replied half inaudibly
you needn't think just because No
that's not quite You may mean well
but that's no excuse"
my fault, SIR. Pardon me-" apollo
gized Hardy.
vandervyn looked ahead at thu
mountains, considered, and turned t.
his companion with what seemed Z
cordial smile. II am not used to be
Ing patronized, captain; but as you dit
not mean 1t that way"
"Not at ALL"
vandervyn nodded. ''You now I'M
derstand that I'm not one OF the com
mon run Of Indian service employees
I was slated for attache to our EN-
bassy at the Court of Saint James
celebrated the coming event with som.
friends, and wound up by heaving {
brick through a window OF the Whit
House. Uncle shipped me out here un
i'll the storm should blow over"
Hardy may have recalled the hazing
In which he had shared at West Point
His only comment was: You wer'
fortunate to get any appointment"
"Oh, don't know" carelessly replies
yandervyn. II didn't wake the presi
dent, and I had some OF my wac left
The watchman seEt me home in taxi
r~ the Internal CRATER must haE'