Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1916-12-21
CHAPTER W.
Tl,underbolt.

=
Thunderbclt.
But Dupont was not at home. When
they failed to find him either In the
store or the living rooms. Marie
stepped to the door for another look
Mt the Indians, and then calmly went In
to prepare q noon dinner.
Vnndervyn sauntered over 10 the Of
fee. On the way back he observed Red
bear, out back of the warehouse, drift.
Ing unobtrusively from one group of
Indians to another. Hardy was at his
desk In the Office. intent on the gov
ernment treaty with the tribe.
At noon, as the head chief OF the
tribe had not yet arrived, Hardy and
vandervyn started to 60 for their mid
day meal. As they rounded Hardy's
cabin, they were overtaken by Dupont.
who came from the direction OF the
stable. His face was as stolid rs the
faces Of the chiefs and headmen
among whom he had passed.
swell, Jake, what's the good wordf"
inquired vandervyn.
The trader gloomlfy shook his head.
"Ain't none. Mr.. Van. No women, no
children, no old mQn-just bucks. No
trading ! been over to the p'leece
camp. Ponies all In; tepees down.
They're Citing ready to slip down
creek"
''Do you mean they expect troublef'
asked Hardy.
swell, II kind of looks that way" an
swcred Dupont.
Explain" ordered Hardy.
"You remember / told you there was
a lot Of bad blood stirred up. II all
turns on whether Thunderbolt feels tho
same That's old Ti-owa- konza, the
head chief. II he's feeling bad, we'd
better look out"
II am confident there will be no
trouble" said Hardy. 1--WE hive only
to find ont the cause Of the III feeling
and remove It."
"If 1t can be removed" qualified
Vanf ervyn.
'7Setter figure on letting the ware.
house 90 and piling into my place, Cap
IL they start to ki-yi." suggested Du.
pont. "I'll show you how got II all
loopholed. Water inside and lot oil
grub and ammunition--we can hold II
ag'in the whole tribe. X the FLEECE
don't 60 back on US"
They will not, nor will there be any
outbreak" insisted Hardy. "Do not
needlessly alarm your daughter"
"Can't scare her." grunted Dupont.
They were now almost at the house
porch. Marie appeared In the door,
way, aglow with animation.
Good day, Captain Hardy. I fear
we had breakfast too early for you.
Pere, you look sober as an awl. You
can't be afraid Of an outbreak. What
IL they do turn loose? I have every
thing ready-aIl the loopholes opened
and the meat brought In from the Ice
house. 1t will keep In the cellar"
Hardy followed the others Into the
parlor, and looked at the slots cut
through the wallpaper to expose the
loopholes. from which the chlnks had
been removed.
Miss Dupont" he said, "you are a
very brave young lady"
"Yes. Il took courage to cut my wall
paper" she replied.
And oil for nothing, I feel sure"
he declared.
swell, it's best to be ready, In case"
muttered Dupont.
The girls eyes sparkled. II wouldn't
mind day or two Of fighting. What
fun It must have been In the old days I"
"Funw exclaimed vandervyn.
II have no doubt we could defend
the house." remarked Hardy. I'VE
could hold out until the arrival of
troops. But there will be no uprising.
no trouble"
''Oh, captain!" protested Marie.
They passed on into the dining room,
where the silent Indian boy ut once
served dinner. 1t was plain family
meal. hut the china and plated ware
were artistic. the table linen was clean.
and the food very well cooked.
Dupont was still gormandizing when
Redbear came with the news that
Ti-owa-konza had at last reached the
agency. The halfbreed looked 50 wOr-
rted that vandervyn rose from the
table AZ quickly as Hardy. Dupont
paused with q slice Of pumpkin pie
appraised In his hand.
What's the runpus, Chariie7" he
asked. "Old Thunderboit Amt gone
nr tho xvnrr,atS, has nnY
mo, he looks quiet low. But one
of the headmen told me he said he
would wipe out the agency II the new
agent didn't do what he wanted"
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