The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1917-02-16
CHAPTER xx-Continued.

Mumbling an apology, Dupont has
tly unfolded the deed, SKINNED
through it, and grasped the fact that
1T purported to convey to him full
half-intereSt in the mine. He had
started to read it over more carefully
when an oath from Vandervyn caused
him to look up.
The younger man pointed along the
coulee bank to where the road topped
the spur ridge of the butte.
"The DEVIL" he exclaimed "Wha1
brings him back here?" eaH
Gap! 1t sure is Capt" muttered
Dupont. "Nom dun CHEN! You don't
think he's got on to the game, do your
Wouldn't do him any good if he
had"
''Then why d'you think he's"
ITO enter the coEfeSt!" OWNED
Vandervyn. There's time enough to
wire Washington and have him put un-
der arrest for disobeying orders"
Hold ont" cautioned Dupont. what
if he does try his lucks In the noun
rains there amt no horse nor mare
neither can break up your pinto COM
kine."
Vandervyn's face cleared. "You
ought to know. I'll chance it if"
"Ain't no chance to it," put in Du-
pont. ''It's dead cinch."
Hell think he's going to do me-" ex-
uited Vantiervyn. ''Let him register.
He's come back for the mine first
then Marie. l don't want her to see
him or to know he has come back.
You have your deed. Suppose you
start at once"
eff she's willing. I'll see," qualified
Dupont. "Look out you don't slip up.
I'll tend to my end. So long-good
luck!"
He rode off down the butte side of
the coulee.
Vandervyn cantered straight across,
and met Hardy few yards below the
tent sof the commissioners.
'Good day. captain" he spoke in
civil greeting. 81 am surprised to see
you back here. Have your orders been
countermanded?"
'No," replied Hardy with equal CT
Witty. II have resigned"
Vandervyn could not conceal his
blank establishment. "Not-not re-
signed from the army?"
"Yes. 1 telegraphed the war depart
ment, received an answer, and mailed
my resignation and application for
leave of absence to my commanding
officer at Vancouver barracks. AS an
officer it was not proper for me to en-
ter the contest" a....a .
"Ah!" Vandervyn's smile gave place
to look of panied surprise. $50 you
intend to enter the contest. But do
you think that quite honorable, cap
tain, in the circumstances"
II do not care to discuss questions
Of honor with you, Mr.. Vandervyn,"
replied Hardy with utmost GOODNESS.
"That can we'll understand" coun-
tered Vahdervyn. knowing that We
can maze no protest, you intend per-
sonally to take advantage of the infor-
nation that you pledged yourself to
keep secret"
3,
and placed himself at the end of the
line of registering entrymen. The sun
was far down in the sky when he came
before the secretary's table, at the
end of the line. Vandervyn rose from
his easy seat to take position behind
him. The secretary hesitated and
looked inquiringly at Vandervyn. He
met with nod to proceed.
''You wish to register?" came the
curt question of the chairman.
"Yes," replied Hardy with equal
curtness.
SIS an army officer entitled to enter
the contest" questioned the smallest
commissioner.
'You. need not debate the matter"
said Hardy. II have resigned my COM
mission" ~N
Again Vandervyn nodded, and there
were no further objections raised.
Hardy and he signed the register and