The Ordway new era., 1917-07-20
CHAPTER xvIII-censInusd.

n
80 these commissioners every pub
ma uaper In the office. They decline to
~ me their authority for an inspec-
wv ~ ~ INV accounts. Therefore have
..,,ned to make an official presenta-
an IN them of agency affairs. There
nothing to conceal from any In
,,rer You may hand every document
these persons-in my presence"
vsnderyyn nonchalantly shrugged.
NJ went over to open the safe. One
Tho commissioners remarked In an
,acIous tone: where is the issue
erk7 He ought to be present to ex-
aIn his accounts"
.Thats Charlie Redbear, gentle
I,n-the Interpreter" explained Du-
mt ale lit out with his sister. down
! creek to his house. when we was
tIne Want me to send for him ?
ANIL need him to make your official
hlk to the chiefs"
aYou will do us well for that, Jake"
Iterposed Vandervyn. Besides, / be-
eye the commissioners will wish to
h off the powwowing until tomor-
bw. It's a tiresome trip across from
y railroad. No doubt they will
lance through the agency papers,
Id then 60 over to your house to
lan the opening Of the mineral
nds"
The BIZ, blear-eyed man who had
dden In the front seat of the car, nod
ed and reElied in an oily tone: IF
ou assure US the accounts are cor
kct Mr.. ,vandervyn, I think 1t is need
kss trouble at this time to make fur
ber Investigation"
"Still, oughtn't we to" One Of the
pmmssioners began querulous OBJ
kcton. But his fellows were rising
leave the office, and he bent to the
ill Of the majority.
Hardy bowed them out with pune
llous courtesy. He was still working
Then Marie's Indian boy brought word
bat she wished him to come to din
er without fail. He hesitated, but at
lst sent back the reply that he would
present.
Having in mind the cold and almost
bsulting manner Of the visitors, he cut
Is arrival as close as possible. This
Foved to be tactful move. Though
be newcomers were all mellow with
hisky, chilling silence followed the
ntrance of the acting agent. Even
Dupont turned his thick shoulder and
oured himself another drink without
word of greeting.
Only Vandervyn raised his empty
iass to the last guest, and called
onically: Just in time, captain.
ieres to your quick progress along
be course of your career"
Hardy did not reply. He was bow
ns to Marie, who had that moment ap-
cared in the dining room doorway.
Dinner is served. gentlemen" she
lid, and she bowed In her most grande
anne manner. Captain Hardy. you
pay take me in."
'aadervyn sprang up, angry-eyed.
larie did not seem to perceive him.
ne stepped In beside Hardy, and walt
with perfect composure while the
ther guests passed out after her ia
ner. Vandervyn's face was far from
leasant as he followed the others. The
pfi did not look ut him. Hardy escort
her to the head of the table, and
ne gave him the seat Of honor. The
.aiflnan of the commission was gra-
pously assigned to the seat on her
hardy was deeply gratified. but he
i'sd to realize the full meaning of
~ preferment as the most dlstln-
ulsbed gentleman present. Wander
W alone was fully aware Of the mo-
'es that had prompted Marie to hon
ais rival. He bent over his plate.
up between his teeth. For a time
could neither eat nor talk. Then
rallied and, for a while, sat staring
'o tne bubbling amber Of his cham-
asae' his lips curved in an odd smile.
mst merry quip from Marie stir
her. -
Lady-and gentlemen" he smiling
remarked. II have two very pleas
n'..e announcements to make. Il
,, ms fond expectation that you will
" asa Them quite as much as you have
rsl'eo w this delicious little dinner"
|nued: s'N' a''N -
!, NY first announcement relates to
~ martial fellow-guest, the gallant
um,sunguished m Captain Floyd Har-
,no me privilege and pleasure are
~. ~ 70 inform the distinguished on
a,s sust the war department has been
stsW sSea 10 relieve him Of this irksome
sta, a 70 grant him permission imme-
,y TO Join his regiment, which IL
naa. ,sncouver barracks, washington,
v1 4" orders to sail for Alaska.~
in..s M sses turned upon Hardy. Some
,re, wlth malice; others were cold.
sns.s M alone were sympathetic. Hardy
a around the table with a In
e1VeQ look and r.r-nS -. $780,.