Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1917-01-25
CHAPTER xlv-continued.

g.
Hardy was greeted with murmur
Of welcome and admiration, and the
crowd made path through their
midst to the inner ring Of the chiefs.
Followed by Redbear. Vandervyn and
Oinna, he walked along the passage
between the living walls of silent,
furtive-eyed Indians, and seated him
self on the blanket that had been
spread for him beside old Ti-owa-
konza. Shortly before the start down
into the valley Yandervyn had again
borrowed his superior's writing pad
and fountain pen: He now sat down
at Hardy's shoulder, with the pad and
pen ready.
After q ceremonious silence the
head chiefs crier announced the pur-
pose of the council. This was fol-
lowed by declamations from three Or
ators, whose main purpose seemed to
be to give an exhibition of their abil-
ity in painting word pictures. When
they had finished, T-owa-konza arose,
and warmed the hearts of his people
with an impassioned eulogy Of their
new friend, the chief of the Long
knives, who had come to be father
to the tribe.
Hardy then explained the good that
had resulted ON other reservations
from the taking of land in severalty,
and advised that the council name a
delegation of chiefs to go at once to
Washington and ask for the confir-
nation of the new treaty. More than
once during Redbear's Interpretation
Of the acting agents statements Oinna
betrayed surprise. Ti-owa-konza no.
ticed this sooner than Hardy. He
spoke to his granddaughter. The girl
cast a timid look at Vandervyn and
hesitated.
Her brother smiled cunningly and
said: ats all right. Tell him."
whats that?" queried Hardy.
Notwithstanding, sir" quavered
the girl. "Only, Charlie-he added
something to what you said"
81 put in that you and Mr.. Van
would try to get them big pay for
the mineral lands" boldly explained
Redbedr.
"Surely you've no objection to thai
captain" remarked Vandervyn.
"Was that all?" Hardy asked the
girl.
Eyes, sir. He only"
"Very well. have no objection to
the statement. But I now must de
cidedly insist upon an exact inter
probation of what I say. Miss Red
bear, you will tell me at once If your
brother either fails to interpret what
tell him or makes any additions
Yes, sir. if" faltered Oinna. Hell
covert glance of appeal met with 9
reassuring smile from Vandervyn. She
ventured to look up at Hardy, and hel
voice became steadier: eyes, sir. OF
course. Only Charlie was just trying
to help, and. he won't do 1t again."
Hardy resumed his explanations and
advice. When he had finished, several
more orators had to exhibit their elo
quence. The council then proceeded
to accept the acting agents advice and
name a delegation. As Ti-ewa-konza
insisted that he was too old to ven
ture so long a journey among the
white men, five of the younger sub
chiefs and headmen were chosen te
represent the tribe.
During the closing ceremonies OF
the council Vandervyn leaned forward
beside Hardy, and showed him an alb
breviated but accurate memorandum
OF the proceedings.
tits as well to have these thilgs
In black and WHITE" he suggested
1--WE could get the chiefs to sign this
before the council breaks up"
Very good. A record may be valu
able for future reference" agreed
Hardy.
He rapidly read the writing, inter
polated few words, added a hne
and gave it to Redbear to interpret
When the council acknowledged tns
accuracy Of the memorandum, Harry
signed 1t, and asked the chiefs to ade
their marks, with Redbear and Olnnf
acting as witnesses. At this sanaer
vyn volunteered to serve as penman
and oficiously ordered Redbear u
bring the chiefs over to nearp.
bowlder, where they could more con
veniently make their marks on tn'
paper.
Hardy offered no objection to this
The council had finished its work. ant
there was nothing suspicious aDou
vandervyn's suggestion that tn'
bowlder would afford an easy place
for the chiefs to sign. He rose ant
returned to his mare, while the Grove
flocked off to the bowlder after theil
chiefs. He did not see sanderSyl
lay out two papers on tho too OF In