The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-02-10

she served her grandfather and the
guest, Hardy suggested that she go
with him to the mine, where they prob
ably would find Marie and the rest of
the party. Reluctant as was Ti-owa-
konza to part with his half-white
granddaughter, he ordered her pony
brought in and saddled- When she ex-
planned to Hardy that the mine was
only mile away across the mountain,
he declined the offer of a saddleleSs
mount, took ceremoniouS leave of the
old chief and set out up the mountain
side with the girl and a young Indian
guide.
Hardy noted the bearings and dis
tances Of all prominent points around
him with the eye OF one well trained in
the art OF topography. A quarter
hour brought the little party to the
top of the low mountain Before them
the far side Of the mountain pitched
down a steep and rocky incline into
narrow valley. The silent Indian guide
pointed to terrace midway down the
descent. From amidst the pines was
rising a cloud of blue-black smoke.
Soon Oinna pointed out a cabin
among the pines They were within
fifty yards of it when VanderYyn and
Dupont came out Of a hole in the cliff
end OF a spur-ridge near the cabin, and
stood staring at the newcomers in IN
| disguised establishment Hardy
swerved and FASTENED toward them.
his eyes bright and cold. The two
men glanced at one another and ad-
vanced to meet him halfway
Dupont was the first to speak: "By
Gar, Cap, we sure are mighty glad TO
see you agfn all safe and sound
Thought you'd gone and lost yourself
/ on that cuSSed mountain. The p'leece
are back there now. looking for you
And you two are here, 1 see" dry
| " rejOined Hardy.
Il beg your pardon, Captain Hardy
replied Vandervyn, his eyes flashing
with quick anger You told me to go
ahead and guard Marie"
Il added for you to send the police
around to flank the assassin
Vandervyn drew himself up stifFly.
you have my word, sir, that 1 heard
nothing of that
I'm common decency, you might
have returned to see what had become
OF me-" returned Hardy.
Dupont FASTENED to interpose: mfr
Van got the idea you meant us to rush
Marie through here to the mine. where
she'd be safe. So we lit out fast as
we could. The pleece found your
mare, but lost your trail up in the
rocks. First thing this morning we
sent the whole bunch back to trail
you"
The honest bluffness of Duponts
tone and his straightforward statement
compelled belief. Hardy nodded
Every well. 1 could not expect that
either OF you would trouble TO go back
for me-"
"Just the same, We would've, Cap,
| you can bet your life on it-only on &C
count of Marie and The trader
turned a dubious glance on Oinna,
and remarked: ST see you stumbled
onto old Thunderbolt's camp"
81 did" said Hardy, and he smiled
Thanks to Miss Oinna, was able to
make myself better understood than
when her brother acted as interpre-
ter. I have reason to believe that he
wilfully misstated what said to the
chiefs"
by Carr swore Dupont. THAT old
Thunderbolt is a deep one. Just like
him to try to throw you off the track
by laying it all on Charlie"
I'm not so sure Of that, jake broke
In Vandervyn. 'EYou remember, Char
lie was scared stiff. He may have be-
come muddled-p
"We-ell. mebbe that had part to do
with it. Just the same, you can't tell
me the whole tribe amt sore. Look
at the way they've twice tried to git
Cap-and potting Charlie last night.
"Charlie?" gasped Oinna- You say
I-Oh, Mr.. Dupont. he's not-not-"
"No-buck up" brusquely replied
| Vandervyn. HE was only nipped
through the arm. He viii be all right
in a few days"
4