The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-11-01
CHAPTER xIv-contlnued.

Hardy was greeted with a murmur
Of welcome and admiration, and the
crowd made a path through their
midst to the inner ring OF the chiefs.
Followed by Redbear, Vandervyn and
Oinna. he walked along the passage
between the living walls Of silent,
furtive-eyed Indians, and seated HIM
self on the blanket that had been
spread for him beside old Ti-owa-
konxa. Shortly before the start down
Into the valley vandervyn had as ain
borrowed his superior's writing pad
and fountain pen. He now sat down
at Hardy's shoulder. with the pad and
pen ready.
After ceremonious silence the
head chiefs crier announced the pur-
pose Of the council. This was fol-
lowed BY declarations from three Or
stors, whose main purpose seemed to
be to give an exhibition of their abil-
ity in painting word pictures. When
they had finished, T-owa-konza arose,
and warmed the hearts Of his people
with an impassioned eulogy Of their
new friend, the chief Of the Long
knives, who had come to be a father
30 the tribe.
Hardy then explained the good that
had resulted on other reservations
from the taking Of land In severalty,
and advised that the council name u
delegation Of chiefs to go at once to
Washington and ask for the cOnfir-
nation Of the new treaty. More than
once during Redbear's Interpretation
Of the acting agents statements Oinna
betrayed surprise. Ti-owa-konza no.
decd this sooner than Hardy. He
spoke to his granddaughter. The girl
cast a timid look at vandervyn and
hesitated.
Her brother smiled cunningly and
said: ats oil right. Tell him."
whats that" queried Hardy.
"Nothing-nothing. SIR" ~quavered
the girl. "Only, Charl.e-he added
something to what you said"
II put In that you and Mr.. Van
would try to get them big pay for
the mineral lands" boldly explained
Redbear.
Surely you've no objection to that,
captain" remarked vandervyn.
"was that ALP Hardy asked the
girl.
"Yes. sir. He only"
"Very well. / have no objection To
the statement. But I now must de-
cidedly insist upon an exact inter
probation Of what l say. Miss Red
bear, you will tell me at once II your
brother either fails to interpret what
l tell him or makes any additions
Yes, sir, If" faltered Oinna. Her
covert glance Of appeal met with q
r%eassuring smile from vandervyn. She
ventured to look up at Hardy, and her
voice became steadier: Eyes, sir, OF
course. Only Charlie was just trying
to help, and he won't do II again."
Hardy resumed his explanations and
advice. When he had finished, several
more orators had u exhibit their elo
quencs. The council then proceeded
TO accept the acting agents advice ant
name q delegation. As T~i-owa-konzi
insisted that he was too old to ven
ture so long a Journey among th'
white men, Ave OF the younger sub
chiefs and headmen were chosen L
represent the tribe.
During he closing ceremonies o.
the council yandervyn leaned forward
beside Hardy, and show"i him an alb
breviated but accurate memorandum
Of the proceedings.
ITS as well to have these thing
in black and white" he suggested
ave could get the chiefs TO sign thl
before the council breaks up."
"Very good. A record may be valu
able for future reference" agree'
Hardy.
He rapidly read the writing. inter
polated o few words. added n line
and gave II TO Redbear to interpret
When tie council acknowledged tn
accuracy Of the memorandum. Hard,
signed II. and asked the chiefs to I'D,
their marks. with Redbear and OHM
acting as witnesses. At this Wander
vyu volunteered TO serve as penmar
and oficiously ordered Redbear I
bring the chiefs over to a nearb
bowlder. where they could more cor
~veniently make their marks on tn
paper.
Hardy offered no objection to thil
The council had finished Its work. an
there was nothing suspicious abou
vandervyn's suggestion that tn
bowlder would AFFORD an easy plac
for the chiefs to sign. He rose an
returned to his mare. while the crow
focked OF to the bowlder after theI
chiefs. He did not see vandervy
iay out two papers on the top of u