The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-02-17

You see, captain" said Vandervyn.
LAS we discovered and developed the
lode, do you not think the honorable
thing would be to make no mention
OF the mine in your report?"
1.-The tribe should receive a large
payment for their mineral lands,'' re-
piled Hardy.
Quite true" agreed Vandervyn. his
voice ringing clear and strong with
sincerity There was talk OF pay
ing them fifteen millions. 1 think it
should be fifteen or twenty. We have
found indications of other Iodes. l
am sure you will see that it would be
perfectly honorable to report that
fact, but leave out all mention OF our
mine That would protect us, and do
no harm to the tribe. If you see it
that way, 1 will pull all the wires 1
can to convince the government that
this part of the reservation is rich in
minerals. My uncle is chairman of
the treaty commission. If his report
favors a payment Of fifteen or twenty
millions to the tribe. congress will ap-
propriate that amount"
IF there are indications of other
lodes as rich as this one, fifteen mil
lions is none too large a price," said
Hardy. You, agree to help obtain
fair compensation TO the tribe?"
Provided you do the fair and hon
orable thing by u.s." replied Wander
vyn.
Hardy considered, and nodded.
very well. As between you and the
other entrymen, it seems to me right
to withhold your secret. You found
and developed this mine. and it is not
the fault of yourself and Dupont that
Nogen had the work done at the ex-
pense Of the tribe"
t'Pere and Mr.. Van will pay them
for all the work" proudly stated Ma
RE.
Dupont gaped in blank amazement
at this unwelcome prediction. Not so
Vandervyn.
"Of course we shall pay them. cap
tain,' he confirmed. Il intend to list
the claimants and the amount due
them at the council tomorrow. Nei-
ther Jake nor L can afford to settle
with them out of hand. But Jake
will allow them part payment in trade
ments as fast as we get returns from
our next ore shipments
VERY good" agreed Hardy. "You
are to understand. however, that the
tribe must voluntarily bring the ore
to the reservation boundary and there
sell it to you. Have you considered
the risk of the public surmising the
existence of the mine from the ore
shipments?"
No chance of that" explained Du-
pont. 'Nogen let it out that he got
the ore from a prospect in the noun
tainS clean back across the other
boundary of the reservation, and he
showed around q smelter report of a
shipment of ore that we'd doctored
with barren rock SOS it just paid out
expenses
Hardy did not smile. He returned
gravely to Marie. in view of the
general agreement. Miss Dupont, may
1 hope that you
You may not. Captain Hardy" she
ungraciously interrupted. 'You in
suited my father. He and 1 shall at
once leave for home"
Dupont looked to Vanderyyn, and
received Il sign to acquiesce.
Don't want to leave you in the
lurch, Cap" he said. but if Marie's
set on going, guess I'll have to-"
''TeIl four of the police they are
detailed to escort yourself and Miss
Dupont back to the agency" ordered
Hardy He raised his hat to Marie.
Permit me to wish you a pleasant
journey"
The girl turned away without reply
ing. Hardy stood for a moment cool
and still under Vandervyn's exultant
smile; then faced about and steadily
walked of along the mountain ter
race.
He did not return to the cabin IN
til the greater number Of the saddle
and pack ponies had been brought I'D
from the valley and the returning
party had mounted and ridden away
on the back trail Vandervyn started
off with them, and Hardy's keen, hazel
eyes dimmed as, leaning against a
gnarled pine on the slope above, he.
watched the lovers ride away, side
by side.
Angered at himself for his momen-
tary weakness, he sprang down the
lodges to the terrace, and fastened
back to talk with Redbear. He was
met at the cabin door by Oinna. who
placed a finger on her lips and whis-
pered that her brother had at last
fallen asleep.
Hardy withdrew TO the shady side
OF the cabin, where he sat down on his
saddle and began drafting a list OF in
structions for the tribal Delegates to
Washington He was still writing
them when, shortly before nightfan.
Vandervyn came Jogging back to the
mine. He had had a delightful ride
with Marie. and he compIacently init
mated the fact to Hardy.
In the midst OF this subtle torment
ing of his rival. Oinna came out TO
serve the supper that she had cooked
in the cabin vandervyn abruptly
changed the subject, and began to talk
about the council next day. Hardy
gave no sign that he observed this
sudden break OK the furtive. adoring
giances that the girl bestowed on Van
dervyn as she glided softly to and fro.