The Ordway new era., 1917-07-13

caAAJ AA tAc uAIcEuOOu VI tue lOuOWluk
day would have taken the agency by
surprise If Hardy had not posted a
lookout on the signal mountain. The
prearranged smoke-sign gave warning
Of the approach Of the party while
1t was yet many miles away over
the plains. Even at that, Hardy
and Marie and Dupont were not
quite ready to greet the visitors
when they came into view down the
valley. The explanation Of their quick
trip from the railroad at once became
evident. Commissioners, Indian dele
gates and all were slowed in two
large touring cars.
Vandervyn was driving the foremost
car. He brought 1t up the slope Of the
agency terrace with rush, and spun
1t around In curve that ended before
the porch Of the Dupont house. The
second car rolled straight on across
the terrace to the tepee Of Ti-owa.
konza.
Hardy, who was about to start
across to the Office. paused in the
porch to welcome the commissioners.
Dupont hurried out of the rear door
way Of his store. Marie, after a slight
bow In acknowledgment of Wander
vyn's respectful salute, quietly drew
back into her parlor.
In the front seat beside Vandervyn
was big, red-faced man. whose
bleared eyes Immediately began to
scrutinize Hardy, and as quickly
turned away when they met his clear
gaze. The five men In the tonneau all
had the look of a certain kind Of poll
tician. and all met Hardy's cordial
greeting with a cold formality that
would have chilled even place-hunter.
Put upon his dignity by this unex-
pected rebuff, the captain drew back
into the porch. Dupont received a
more pleasant response to his bluft
welcome. He jerked open the door of
the tonneau, and offered his hand to
each Of the commissioners In turn as
they stepped stiff1y out into the porch.
MY friend Jake Dupont, gentle
men," said Vandervyn.
Every member Of the party at once
smiled upon the trader, and shook
hands with him. Most cordial Of all
was the big man who had sat in the
front seat.
Marie now stepped out to greet the
visitors, and was formally introduced
by Vandervyn. With gracious COM
posure that would have done credit
to the most exclusive Of drawing
rooms, she welcomed the visitors, and
invited them to luncheon.
The most portly member Of the COM
mission promptly accepted the invita-
tlon on behalf of himself and his COM
panions, and the party followed their
hostess into her parlor. Vandervyn
fingered moment to favor Hardy with
a smile Of ironical coincidence.
"Chesty lot, these lame ducks!" he
said. "But they stand in with the big
fellows. They had the cars shipped
out from Chicago to accommodate
them. Better snuggle up on their
warm side What, not going, surely
You must come In to lunch and show
us how tactful tactician can be-"
''Thanks, no." replied Hardy. "I'n
ask you kindly to excuse me to Miss
Dupont. The commissioners may find
me at the Office at any time that suits
them"
vandervyn shrugged and went In
once Joined his party in their eager
acceptance Of Dupont's most cordial
expression of hospitality, his eight
year-old whisky. Marie had excused
herself to the guests. By the time she
reappeared every member of the party
was aglow with good feeling. The girl
at once became the target for a shower
Of compliments, all In doubtful taste,
and some decidedly too free and easy.
She looked to Vandervyn, and met
only with an uneasy smile. Seeing
that he would say nothing. she replied
to the offenders with wit and dig
nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
q garden rose In this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reali-
cation that they were not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
luncheon completed her conquest.
vandervyn came to the table with
all the uneaslness gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
ed to extol Marie's skill as chef.
Olnna, bearing tray, came In, and
began to serve luncheon. Though ex-
tremely shy, she started with deft-
ness that showed careful training.
Several moments passed before Van
dervyn looked up and perceived her.
The surprise was too sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short in
his talk, and stared at her. discon-
certed.
At sight Of his frown the girl
dropped her tray, now fortunately
empty, and with a little, gasping cry
fed from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed of the awk-
ward Incident with smile and D tact