Meade County news., 1917-05-10

ing with regard to his own case.
When, near morning, he at last fell
asleep, he was so near exhaustion that
he did not waken until late. The hour
set for the recOnvening of the court
martial had already come. He sprang
into his uniform with a celebrity that
might have reminded q fellow officer
of reveille in cadet barracks at West
Point.
The worn soles of his highly pol
ished shoes beat tattoo on the car
petless old stairs by which he descend
ed to the street. He did not turn to
go in for q belated breakfast at the
meager table of his landlady. He
hastened along the few feet of narrow
hall to the street door. AS he drew
it open, another man in uniform
stepped into the doorway and con-
fronted him. The other officer saluted.
Hardy responded mechanically. For
all his cool look, he was astonished.
The man before him was the presi-
dents military aide.
Captain Floyd Hardy"
"At your service"
"You should now be in attendance
upon the court-martial," stated the
aide with cold severity.
II shall explain to the court" re-
piled Hardy. "If not delayed, l shall
be only few"
"You will come with me-" interrupt
ed the aide, still more severely. your
conduct has been brought to the at
tention of the president. 1t Is to be
seen, sir, whether you will continue to
refuse to answer the inquiries of your
superiors."
Hardy went white, but his jaw set
firm with grim resolution. He stepped
out beside the aide, and crossed the
sidewalk to the waiting motor. AS
they were whirled away over the sleety
asphalt, the aide sat with more than
military stiffness, his head and body
half averted from his companion as If
to avoid contamination. Hardy sat
as stiffly at the other extreme Of the
seat.
The ride was short. The car made
a sudden turn, and curved around to
the executive offices Of the president.
Hardy looked at his companion, per-
picked. The face Of the aide showed
only the stern watchfulness of one
who has reputedly dangerous prls-
Oner under arrest. At the entrance he
stepped behind, as if apprehensive that
Hardy might attempt to escape. A
doorkeeper conducted them along a
corridor into q small waiting room.
He passed into the room beyond, but
reappeared in a few moments and
signed to Hardy to enter.
Hardy stepped into the room, and
the door was closed behind him. The
aide and the doorkeeper had remained
outside. Hardy looked around with a
frown Of perplexity. Across the room
q man sat writing at a businesslike
desk. There was no one else pres
ent.
The man turned in his swivel chair
and abruptly made beckoning ges-
ture. Hardy!s hand went up in salute
as he stepped forward. He was in the
presence of the commander In chief of
the army and navy.
The president looked him up and
down with severe glance.
"You are Captain Floyd Hardy"
"Yes, sir"
"The same who suppressed the late
insurrectlon in the Sulus?"
II happened to be in command at
the time, sir"
"After that you obtained a detail,
your conduct in discharge of which
has resulted in your trial by court
martial on serious charges. have be-
fore me the findings Of the court. The
circumstances are exceptional. Be-
cause of your record and Of certain
statements that have been presented
to me, have been persuaded to give
you an opportunity to explain your
conduct"
Hardy saluted Permit me, sir, to
first present for your consideration O
matter relating to the interests Of the
tribe which"
"Stopp ordered the president.
"Others are waiting for interviews.
can give you only ten minutes. If you
expend them on this other matter, you
will have no further opportunity to
state your own case"
"The evidence before the court-mar.
tial covered the facts, sir. If those
facts sustain the charges against me-
then am guilty, and desire no elem
ency. That is all have to say on my
own case, sir. With regard to the mat
ter which desire to present"
'Sit DOWN. ordered the president
"You have nine minutes. Be brief"
Hardy seated himself and proceeded
to present his argument against the
Vandervyn contract. He spoke dellb-
erately, but with a conclseness that
covered what he had to say fully and
clearly, in words as forceful as they
were few. The president listened at.
tentively, but with no change in his ex.
preston. At the end Of eight minute1
Hardy stopped.
The president showed trace of sur.
DriSe. as that nil Won have to saw