The Ordway new era., 1917-08-17
CHAPTER xx,v-con.'nued.

pSuent, lllut lac AuAsSN ~ So NA"AA ~
M she spoke to him. The first sight
Nor bewildered him, and his bow
l not altogether hide the effects of
delicious shock given him by her
zzlIng beauty. But he quickly re-
rered his self-pOssesslon when he
y TINT she was with Vandervyn.
nj Young man, though more boyish-
handsome than ever, bore himself
M rather sullen air. He met Har-
,s clear gaze with forced smile.
70 smile became still more forced
ben the girl transferred her hand
nm his arm to Hardy's.
4Only very few minutes" she
Iothed the disappointed lover.
rWhatever you say!" he deferred to
caprice, and he drew back to speak
sharp-eyed man near the presi-
Int.
Hardy was gazing into the wonder
blue-black eyes of his companion.
Aey were as inscrutnble as when he
IA last looked into their depths. He
led to speak calmly. but his voice
|ook.
"Do you know that you are by far
most beautiful woman hereT'
|Her long lashes dropped and rose
hin to disclose the same inscrutable
pk.
ESQ have been told several times
teady-I wished few moments
th you, that l might thank you for
ur generosity. 1t has given me the
eat opportunity of my trip abroad
ID this visit In Washington"
RI am saving all the reports of your
cial triumphs." he said "They have
Pde me very happy l-...
Again the girls lashes dropped.
that is good of yol- 1t Is quite nee
eary for me to become the rage-if
pm to force a recognition from Reg
Is relatives. He says that, fortu-
tely, his fiancee has become interest
In another man who Is quite as ell
ble as himself"
lIardy's eyes contracted. yet he did
falter:
-Since it will bring you happiness, I
wish him-good fortune"
fYou do?" The question was al
st an exclamation. But the girl at
rs regained her quiet composure.
do not understand. II you wish him
bd fortune. why then do you seek
prevent him from receiving his
mpensation us attorney for the
be-"
n said good fortune" replied Har-
ANY money paid him on that
ntract would be tainted"
Marie arched her black eyebrows.
1t not true that he will get through
much larger appropriation than 9TH
wise would have been nader"
TThe lands are fully worth the
pount agreed upon." stated Hardy.
he tribe should receive all the ap-
pprintion. Honest lobbying would
Fry the bill through at n cost of
hundred dollars. These supposed
ends of the tribe want millions"
DO you wish to deprive me of the
are that l would receive through
h!"
Yes-of every dishonest dollar"
Hardy, his mouth stern, though
eyes besought her to forgive his
rshness. You have enough al
hdy."
Are you certain?' she rejOined.
ou may have heard that mines often
nch out or run into valueless ore
can guess why Pere and l have
no one. least Of all Reggie"
hardy remained unshaken. "If he
worthy of you, that Will make no
Ference to him."
But myself? I am already used to
kury" pleaded the girl.
Down in your heart you know the
'ues In life that are real," he said.
gu do not wish for wealth gained
ough fraud"
have not admitted that there is
fraud In the contract"
ferhaps 1t Is as WE'LL" he remarked.
ou should not doubt your future
sband."
she flashed him an odd, quizzical
k' No, l cannot doubt my future
Soahd now, Captain Hardy. must
ieVe In him If am to be happy,
st not?"
ies' agreed Hardy.
lighter.
mat Is SO good Of you to say 1t,
p,a'h' 1t makes me feel that I
ny must do something for you In
ufn' May I not offer you little
OF, say. three or four thousand
urs' l understand that, for some
anse reasOn-or unreason-you
~ refused your pay as captain"
ny resignation has not been with
Mn' and am engaged In a private
e.prise. I cannot draw pay as an
UT ln the service" explained
sw would be 30 quixotic," she ar
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