Meade County news., 1917-04-19
cAAPrER xvIII--contlnued.


he paper in the office. They decline to
show me their authority for an inspec-
aion of my accounts. Therefore l have
declined to make an official presenta-
tiOn to them of agency affairs. There
Is nothing to conceal from any in
ouirer. You may hand every document
10 these persons-in my presence"
Vandervyn nonchalantly shrugged,
and went over to open the safe. One
Of the commissioners remarked in an
oficious tone: "Where is the issue
clerk? He ought to be present to ex-
plain his accounts"
'That's Charlie Redbear, gentle
man-the interpreter" explained Du-
pOnt. "He Lit out with his sister, down
the creek to his house, when we was
eating. Want me to send for him?
You1l need him to make your official
talk to the Chiefs"
'You will do as well for that, jake"
Anterposed Vandervyn. Besides, 1 be-
lieve the commissioners will wish to
put off the powwowing 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
aands."
The big, blear-eyed man who had
ridden in the front seat Of the Car, nod
ded and replied in an oily tone: "If
you assure us the accounts are cor
rect, Mr.. Vandervyn, think 1t is need
less trouble at this time to make fur
ther investigation"
"Still, oughtn't 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
filious 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. This
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-eyed.
Marie did not seem to perceive him.
She stepped in beside Hardy, and wait
I'D with perfect composure while the
ther guests passed out after her IA
ther. Vandervyn's 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-
eiously assigned to the seat on her
left.
Hardy was deeply gratifled, but he
failed to realize the full meaning Of
his preferment as the most distin-
guished gentleman present. Wander
yyn alone was fully aware Of the mo-
tives that had prompted Marie to hon
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
into the bubbling amber of his cham
pagne, his lips curved in an odd smile.
At last merry quip from Marie STIR
red him to action. He rose and bowed
to her.
'Lady-and gentlemen" he smiling
ly remarked. II have two very pleas
ant little announcements to make. 1t
is my fond expectation that you will
relish them quite as much as you have
relished this delicious little dinner"
He looked at Marie, smiled, and con-
tinued:
My first announcement relates to
our martial fellow-guest, the gallant
ana distinguished Captain Floyd Har-
dy. The privilege and pleasure are
mine to inform the distinguished Off
Ger that the war department has been
pleased to relieve him of this irksorne
detail to grant him permission imme-
diately to join his regiment, which is
at Vancouver barracks, Washington,
under orders to sail for Alaska"
All eyes turned upon Hardy. Some
glinted with malice; others were cold.
Marie's alone were sympathetic. Hardy
glanced around the table with an i'm
perturbed look. and bowed to Wander
Vyn.
Pray accept my acknowledgment
OF the kindness with which you make
the announcement" he said, and he
turned to smile gravely into Marie's
uoubled face. II could have asked