The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-11-15
CHAPTER XIX.
In ScIf.Oefense.

In seIf.Defense.
Rather early the next morning the
big, red.faccd. blear.eyed man came
alone to the Office. lie found Hardy
making u a final report as acting
agent.
Getting ready to turn over?" he
asked.
II am prepared 10 do so the moment
the new agent arrives and has checked
the lists of agency property" vas
Hardy's curt reply.
IAN right. I'll o. X. your report.
Don't need to check the lists of an OIL
Ger and gentleman" the man purred
In his oillest tone. He handed over Il
packer. Here are the papers reliev-
ing you, and my appointment. I'm the
new agent. | held them back to give
young Nandervyn the chance to spring
his pleasant little surprises IN you"
every considerable said Hardy. He
opened and read the official document
with care, pockcted his own, and hand
ed the other back to the new agent.
Every good. Now, II 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 Il pen. you've certified
their correctness. That's enough for
me. I'll give you my O. X. 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 n night OF It. 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. l prefer to ride my
mare" said Hardy. 81 shall ask you,
however, to send one of the police with
my trunk in DupOnt's blackboard"
"Ill send II In the motor. There's
n lot more of our own baggage to be
brought out from the railroad" In.
sisted the new agent.
He receiptcd Hardy's papers, and
went to hunt up the chauffeur Of the
second car. Hardy took his private pa
pcrs anu the reports that he wished to
mail, and went over to his quarters 10
pack his baggage. Dupont sent a po-
liceman to fetch Ilardy's mare and
came In to offer his big hand.
"Iiope you amt going off with NO
hard feelings. Cap" he said.
Hardy gravely shook hands with
him.
"None. 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. md ended by
complying with the request. They
found old Ti-owa-konza seated In his
tepee, waiting for the white chiefs to
call n council. When, with Dupont's
Md, Hardy explained that he must 20
AWAY, the noble old chiefs stolidity
fell from him like N mask. and he
rose 10 cry out In impassioned speech
against the departure Of the tribes
true friend. Hardy could only express
his deep regret, and repeat that he hat
to obey the orders of his own heat
chief. When he had explained tn,
report on irrigation that he wns mail
Ing 10 the Indian bureau. he exchanged
trifllng gifts OF friendship with tn,
chief and tore himself away.
The policeman was waiting with thu
mare. Hardy gave him u coin ans
swung into the saddle.
zone last word, Dupont" he said
kindly tell your daughter what I sui,
about not cherishing enmity."
GLOW about Mr.. van?" questione,
Dupont.
"You need say nothing to him from
me. But" Hardy bent over In tn
saddle to bring his stern face nea
the Traders II advise you to watcl
that young man."
Dupont stood for some time stnrinI
after the officer. When he started 10
his store. before which a crowd of In
dians were waiting. his shrewd eye
were narrow with calculation, and hi
stubby forehnger was rubbing the griz
xled hair under the brim Of his hat.
Hardy permitted the mare to choos
her W pace.
As he neared the foot of the valley
he saw Redbear and Olnna riding u
the creek from the road crossing. Til
girl dropped In ner saddle as II Ill. 1
nearer view confirmed his SUSPICION