The Lamar register., 1917-03-21

TO have given the utmost Of his pow
ers He had always loved his prufes-
sion-and now
The woman whose skirt he had seen
was In front of him before he became
aware of her presence. He found hiIr
self looking into the cool. half-mocklng
face of Marie.
Are YOU afruid TO read your sen
tence?" she tuunted. Had 1t not been
for you. he would have had the mine
and million from his contract and
me. The president conferred with Sen
ntor Clemmer an hour ago. The treaty
appropriation bill viii he passed with
a clause that no commission is to be
paid for the services Of any tribal
agent or representative. He has lost
everything. And now-I am Whiting
to see you read that paper"
Hardy drew himself up, opened the
envelope. took out the document and
read.
As Marie saw the look Of blank IN
credulity that came into his face, her
eyes flashed under the lowering veil Of
their long lashes. He stared up at her,
hut was too dnzed to perceive the
change IN her expression.
Acquitted - honorably on all
charges :" he murmured. "On all
charges! Honorable mention recon-
ed-Approved-the President
Mnrie smiled with cool condescen-
sion.
Merely question of doing justice
to you. Captain Hardy. When man
has done his duty, however harshly,
1t is the duty of others to see that he
receives Just compensation. take
credit for having helped to bring this
,huut"
"You?" he exclaimed. "Of course
though. If you really did not love
him"
Tint does not follow. You must
know ! did love him. But 10 find that
had for rival another breed girl
pne not half 50 beautiful as IL could
NOT endure the thought You have
seen the proof that there is II good deal
4 my mothers red grandfather In my
blood No. had to give hun up, and
have decided TO marry another nun"
Another :" echoed Hardy.
"WiI you not congratulate mef"
she asked.
lie rallied. Il congratulate him.
After what has happened, feel conf
dent that you must have chosen some
me more worthy Of you"
He isr declared the girl her glo-
rious eyes melting with tenderness.
He is far more worthy Of zoe than
am Of him 70
With an effort she recovered her cool
composure.
but now, before going, l wish to
take this opportunity To discharge in
! ii WAY the obligation that. us II member
Of the tribe, owe To you for your
services. shall therefore return the
mine to you"
She held out document. lie
stepped back.
NO. Miss Dupont" he said. II can
not accept IT,"
you must. / took It from you.
| Though | have used the income from
II not altogether for personal gratih-
cation. you must realize that my pride
will not permit me to keep 1t any
longer. Let me add that II has not
pinched out, us you may have inferred
from what ! said at the ball. 1t is a
bonanza"
81 regret that / cannot accept it, he
replied. "A captains pay is quite suf-
hclent for a-buchelOr.'
Marie gave him mOcSing glance.
Really now, Captain Hardy, you do
not expect me to believe you will long
/ -.,r.Er ,tnYnorrladS" 2"
He tried his best to conceal how her
| griyolity tortured him. You may not
believe it, Miss Dupont. Yet it is
/ true"
'It is not" she contradicted. when
we were abroad. Pere and | went to
Monte Carlo. l fancy the gambling
spirit infected me. Let us settle the
ownership Of the mine with a wager,
II you do not marry this year, l agree
to keep It. But II you marry within
that time, you will accept 1t back from
me on your wedding day"
''It is not fair for me to bet on a GER
tainty but if you insist, ! agree to the
wager" said Hardy.
"Then be prepared to take the mine
A week from today" she bantered.
He tore his gaze away from the
lovely face whose gay smile appeared
so heartlessly mocklng.
''You-cannot realize-how this
She handed him another sealed en-