Meade County news., 1917-03-29


| "You do not regret saving my life,"
asserted Hardy.
"Well, mebbe not. Just the same,
it's mighty hard luck ON us. Here we
went and blocked out all that there
Ore-three hundred thousand dollars
as good as in our pockets-not to
speak of all that's down under and
t'Other side the shaft. For all we know,
1t runs clean through the mountain
and down to China |"
'"That does not alter the situation"
said Hardy.
"Mebbe 1t don't, and then ag'in-"
Dupont began to scratch his head.
Eyes, mebbe 1t don't, and then, ag'in,
mebbe 1t does. Just you take look
at 1t this way, Cap. Suppose that new
treaty goes through, the tribe don't
git nothing out of this mine, and we
don't, neither. Just some lucky bum
beats us to it, and the government says
it's hisn. Is that fair and square?"
"You have acted outside the law"
said Hardy. "You must take your
chances with other locators."
"How about the tribe?" Queried Du-
pont. 'Don't you care nothing about
their interests? Just supposing you
and me and Mr.. Van took hold of this
here proposition for the tribe and split
even with them on the proceeds. 1 call
that square deal to them and us, too
and know Marie would think the
same. She likes you, Cap. Just show
her you want to do what's best for all
concerned, and I'm dead sure She"
"Stop" commanded Hardy. leave
your daughter out of this"
you've got to tell me how I'm
going to do It," replied Dupont in an
injured tone. "If don't git my share
in the mine, Mr.. Van can't afford to
take her; and you won't have no
show. But you git in right with Marie,
and she'd work her hands to the bone
for you. She amt no common breed
girl, neither. You know that Shed
only you amt going to give her no
chance"
"She knows that ! wish to marry
her." said Hardy.
"Think she believes that when
you're going to rob me and her of a
| fortunrT
Hardy looked directly at the temp
ter, his eyes clear and resolute, though
his face was white and drawn. ut is
of no use, Dupont. 1 shall do what l
consider my duty"
Dupont's face darkened. $50 that's
what 1 git for saving your life. You
amt got a particle Of gratitude, and
you don't care hang about her" y
81 must beg to differ with you," said
Hardy. 'But cannot expect you, to
understand my position"
Dupont drew out his pipe and. -te-
turned to his .sesaatt-en the. mine dump,
to, brood on his wrongs iri morose ST.
lence. Hardy thoughtfully walked
back to the cabin, drew out writing
pad from one of his saddlebags and
began to draft semioflicial letter to
the most influential of his few ac-
qualntances in Washington.
He soon became so intent that he
did not notice the half-dozen figures
in dark blue uniform that came swing
ing down the precipitous mountain
side above the terrace. When at last
he finished the letter and looked up,
he saw all the members of the police
escort drawn up in line before him,
their swarthy faces alight with re-
spectful friendllness. Their sergeant
uttered a cultural word Of salutation,
and began making signs.
Hardy smiled, sshook his head, and
looked around for an interpreter. Du-
pont still sat sulking on the mine
dump, but Marie and Vandervyn
were coming back up the mountain
side. They appeared only few
yards away, as Hardy glanced about.
His lips drew tense when he per-
ceived the girls happy bushes and
the look with which vandervyn was
regarding her half-averted face.
At sight Of Hardy she Strengthened
with proud disdain, and would have
Immediately gone around into the
cabin had he not spoken.
"Pardon me, Miss Dupont. These
men wish to report to me. May ask
you to interpret for themT
The girl turned coldly to the SER
geant, who at once poured out an i'm
passioned defamation, emphasized
with swift-formed signs. He was still
talking, when Dupont sullenly sham
bled over from the mine-dump. His
dlscontented face darkened still more
when he came within hearing of the
speakers.
At last the sergeant finished his Inn
promptu Grafton. Without looking at
Hardy, Marie gave the substance of
the speech with contemptuous curt
ness: