The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-03-01
CHAPTER xvnI-contInued.

~ 0V hihu en W VBtb tAtt - of1 -
before these commissioners every pub
lie paper In the Office. They decline to
show me their authority for m lnspec-
ton Of my accounts. Therefore ! have
declined to make an official presenta-
ton to them Of agency affairs. There
Is nothing to conceal from any in
qulrer. You may hand every document
to these persons-in my presence"
yandervyn nonchalantly shrugged,
and went over to open the safe. One
OF the commissioners remarked In an
oficlous tone: "Where Is the issue
clerkf He ought to be present to ex-
plain bis accounts"
That's Charlie Redbear, gentle
mantle interpreter" explained Du-
pont. "He lit out with his sister, down
the creek to his house, when we was
eating. Want mt 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 of the powwowing until tornor-
row. It's a tircsome trip across from
the railroad. No doubt they will
glance through the agency papers,
and then go owe 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: IF
you assure US the accounts are cor
rect. Mr.. vandervyn. l think It is need
less trouble at this time to make fur
Their Investigation"
"StIll, oughtn't we to" One Of the
commissioners began n %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 hcsltated, 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 doorway.
DINNER is served, gentlemen" she
said. and she bowed In her most grande
dame manner. Captain Hardy, you
may take me In"
Vnndervyn sprang up, nngry-cyed.
Marie did not seem to perceive him.
She stepped In beside Hardy, and wait
ed with perfect composure while the
other guests passed out after her fa-
ther. V~andervyn's face was far from
pleasant as be followed the others. The
girl did not look ut him. Hardy escort
ed her 10 the head of the table, and
she gave him the seat Of honor. The
.I.t.., 80 tLo oA.p.tcofnp xxtaC nra-
ciously assigned TO the seat on her
left.
Hardy was deeply gratlfed, but he
failed to realize the full meaning OF
guished gentleman present. Wander
vyn alone was fully aware of the mo-
tlves that had prompted Marie to hon
or his rival. He bent owe his plate,
his lip between his teeth. For a time
he could neither eat nor talk. Then
he rallied and. for n while. sat staring
luto the bubbling amber Of his cham
payne. his lips curved In an odd smile.
At last u merry quip from Marie stir
red him to action. He rose and bowed
to her.
"Lady-and gentlemen" he smiling
ly remarked, 81 have two very pleas
ant little announcements to make. II
Is my fond expectation that you will
relish them quite as much as you have
rellshed this delicious little dinner"
He looked at Marie, smiled, and con
tinued:
"My first announcement relates to
our martial fellow-guest. the gallant
and distinguished Captain Floyd Har
dy. The privilege and pleasure are
mine to inform the distinguished Off
GER that the war department has beer
pleased to relieve him of this lrksomC
detail to grant him permission imme
diately to join his regiment, which Il
at Vancouver barracks. Washington
under orders to sail for Alaska"
All eyes turned upon Hardy. Some
gllnted with malice; others were cold
Marle's alone were sympathetic. Hardy
glanced nround 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 hi
turned to smile gravely into Marie'i
troubled face. 81 could have asked
for time to carry out our irrigation
plans. But, doubtless, the bureau viii
find some n more competent thar
myself"
"Will you not demonstrate agains
this unjust order2" she exclaimed.