Meade County news., 1917-04-19
CHAPTER XIX.
In self.pefense.


Rather early the next morning the
big, red-faced, blear-eyed man came
alone to the Office. He found Hardy
making out a final report as acting
agent.
Getting ready to turn over" he
asked.
II am prepared to do so the moment
the new agent arrives and has checked
the lists of agency property" was
Hardy's curt reply.
i "All right. I'll o. K. your report.
Don't need to check the lists of an Off
Ger and gentleman" the man purred
in his oiliest tone. He handed over a
packet. "Here are the papers reliev-
ing you, and my appointment. I'm the
new agent. 1 held them back to give
young Vandervyn the chance to spring
his pleasant little surprises on you."
Every considerate," said Hardy. He
opened and read the official document
with care, pocketed his own, and hand
ed the other back to the new agent.
every good. Now, if you will examine
the accounts Of the chief clerk and the
issue clerk. have brought them down
to date, together with my report"
The new agent glanced at the papers
and took up a pen. you've certified
their correctness. That's enough for
me. I'll give you my o. K. Of the turn
over"
"You would oblige me by checking
the property in the warehouse"
"Waste of time, captain. You'll
want to be starting for the railroad.
We made night of 1t. Commission
ers' heads are sore this morning. They
want to get to work, and this is the
best place. can loan you my touring
car to take you over to the railroad"
"Thank you. 1 prefer to ride my
mare" said Hardy. II shall ask you,
however, to send one of the police with
my trunk in Dupont's blackboard"
"I'll send 1t in the motor. There's
lot more of our own baggage to be
brought out from the railroad" in
sisted the new agent.
He receipted Hardy's papers, and
went to hunt up the chauffeur Of the
second car. Hardy took his private pa
pers and the reports that he wished to
mail, and went over to his quarters to
pack his baggage. Dupont sent a 'po-
liceman to fetch Hardy's mare and
came in to offer his big hand.
slope you amt going off with no
hard feelings, Cap" he said.
Hardy gravely shook hands with
him.
'rNone, this morning." he assured.
"a man cannot afford to cherish en-
nifty. I shall ask you to go with me to
the tepee Of the head chief"
Dupont hesitated, and ended by
complying with the request. They
found old Ti-owa-konza seated in his
tepee, waiting for the white chiefs to
call council. When, with Dupont's
aid, Hardy explained that he must go
away, the noble old chiefs stolidity
fell from him like a mask, and he
rose to cry out in impassioned speech
against the departure of the tribes
true friend. Hardy could only express
his deep regret, and repeat that he had
to obey the orders of his own head
chief. When he had explained the
report on irrigation that he was mail
ing to the Indian bureau, he exchanged
trifing gifts Of friendship with the
chief and tore himself away.
The policeman was waiting with the
mare. Hardy gave him a coin and
swung into the saddle.
"One last word, Dupont" he said.
Kindly tell your daughter what / said
about not cherishing enmity."
"How about Mr.. VanT questioned
Dupont.
"You need say nothing to him from
me. But" Hardy bent over in the
saddle to bring his stern face near
the traders II advise you to watch
that young man."
Dupont stood for some time staring
after the officer. When he started for
his store, before which a crowd Of In
dams were waiting, his shrewd eyes
were narrow with calculation, and his
stubby forefnger was rubbing the griz-
zled hair under the brim of his hat.
Hardy permitted the mare to choose
her own pace.
AS he neared the foot Of the valley,
he saw Redbear and Oinna riding up
the creek from the road crossing. The
girl dropped in ner saddle as If Ill. A
nearer view confirmed his suspicious.