Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1917-01-19
CHAPTER xVIII-continued.

before these com nissioners every pub
lie paper in the Office. They decline to
Show me their au' hority for an inspec-
ton of my accounts. Therefore l have
declined to make an official presenta-
ton to them of agency affairs. There
is nothing to conceal from any in
4u1rer. You may hand every document
to these persons-in my presence"
Vandervyn nonchalantly shrugged,
and went over to open the SAFE One
of the commissioners remarked in an
officious tone: "Where is the issue
clerk? He ought to be present tG ex-
plain his accounts"
That's Charlie Redbear, gentle
mantle interpreter" explained Du-
pont. 'HC lit out with his sister, down
the creek to his house, when we was
eating. Want me to send for him?
You'll need him to make your official
talk to the Chiefs"
"You will do as well for that jake"
interposed Vandervyn. Besides, be-
lieve the commissioners will wish to
put off the pewwowing until tomor-
row. It's a tiresome trip across from
the railroad. No doubt they will
glance through the agency papers,
and then go over to your house to
plan the opening of the mineral
lands"
The big, blear-eyed man who had
ridden in the front seat of the car, nod
ded and replied in an oily tone: eff
you assure us the accounts are cor
rect, Mr.. Vandervyn, think it is need
less trouble at this time to make fur
Their investigation"
"Still, oughtnt we to" One of the
commissioners began a querulous OBJ
lection. But his fellows were rising
to leave the office, and he bent to the
will of the majority.
Hardy bowed them out with pune
tilious courtesy. He was still working
when Marie's Indian boy brought word
that she wished him to come to din
ner without fail. He hesitated, but at
last sent back the reply that he would
be present.
Having in mind the cold and almost
insulting manner of the visitors he cut
his arrival as close as possible. Thls
proved to be a tactful move, Though
the newcomers were all mellow with
whisky, a chilling silence followed the
entrance of the acting agent. Even
Dupont turned his thick shoulder and
poured himself another drink without
a word of greeting.
Only Vandervyn raised his empty
glass to the last guest, and called
ironically: "Just in time, captain.
Here's to your quick progress along
the course of your career"
Hardy did not reply. He was bow
ing to Marie, who had that moment ap-
peared in the dining room doorway.
Dinner is served, gentlemen" she
said, and she bowed in her most grande
dame manner. Captain Hardy, you
may take me in"
Vandervyn sprang up, angry-cyed.
Marie did not seem to perceive MIN.
She stepped in beside Hardy, and wait
ed with perfect compOsure while the
other guests passed out after her Ia
Their. Vandervyns face was far from
pleasant as he followed the others. The
girl did not look at him. Hardy escort
ed her to the head of the table, and
she gave him the seat of honor. The
chairman of the commission was gra-
cicusly assigned to the seat on her
left.
Hardy was deeply gratified, but he
fsiled to realize the full meaning or
his preferment as the most dlstln-
Wander
yyn alone was fully aware of the mo-
tives that had prompted Marie TO non
or his rival. He bent over his plate
his lip between his teeth. For time
he could neither eat nor talk. Then
he rallied and, for while, sat staring
iato the bubbling amber of his cham
payne, his lips curved in an odd smile.
at last a merry quip from Marie stir
red him to action. He rose and bowed
TO her.
"Lady-and gentlemen" he smiling
~ remarked. 81 have two very pleas
ant little announcements TO make. 1t
IS my fond expectation that you VIII
relish them quite as much as you have
relished this delicious little dinner.
he looked Ut haIle, SlhiACu, ahN 49,
einued:
MY first announcement relates TO
our martial fellow-guest, the gallant
and distinguished Captain Floyd Har-
DIV. The privilege and pleasure are
mine to inform the distinguished OH
Ger that the war department has been
pleased to relieve him of this irksome
detail to grant him permission imne-
,1iately TO join his regiment, when Is
mt Vancouver barracks, Washington,
under orders to sail for Alaska.
All eyes turned upon Hardy. Some
s.inted with malice: others were colo.
Marie's alone were sympathetic. hardy
glanced around the table with an i'm
aerturbed look. and bowed TO Wander
yyn.
"Pray accept my acknowledgment
cP the kindness with which you make
the announcement" he said. and he
surned to smile gravely into Mares
troubled face. 81 could have asked
49, - oorrv nl1f ntIr irrigation