The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-12-06
but wss roo dnzed TO perceive n

chnrgcsV ha murlnured. "On NIL
chargcs--i Honorable mention recon-
mended-Approved-the President"
Marie smiled with cool condescen-
sion.
Merely n question of doing Justice
to you, Captain Hardy. Whea Il man
has done his duty, however harshly,
II Is the duty OF others to see that he
receives just compensation. take
credit for having helped to bring this
about"
You" he exclaimed. "Of course,
though, IL you really did not love
him"
THAT does not follow. You must
know did love him. But to fiLd that
had for rival another breed girl
one not half so beautiful as IL could
not endure the thought. You have
seen the proof that there Is n good deal
OF my mothers red grandfather In my
blood. No, | had to give him up, and
/ have decided To marry another man."
Another !" echoed Hnrdy.
Twill you not congratulate mel"
she asked.
He rallied. "I congratulate him.
After what has happened, / feel conf
dent that you must nave chosen some
one more worthy Of you"
"1Ie Is" declared the girl, her glo-
rlous eyes melting with tenderness.
"lie is far more worthy of me thun /
ain OF him :"
With nm effort she recovered her cool
composure.
But now, before going, / wish to
take this opportunity to discharge In
II way the obligation that, as a member
OF the tribe. | owe TO you for your
services. | shall therefore return the
mine to you"
She held out n document. lie
stepped back.
mo, Miss Dupont" he said. ~ can
not accept it."
You must. / took II from you.
Though / have used the income from
it not altogether for personal gratif-
cation, you must realize that my pride
Will not permit me TO keep 1t any
longer. Let me add that 1t has not
pinched out, as you may have inferred
from what / said ut the ball. II Is a
bonanza"
II regret that I cannot accept IT," he
replied. "a captains pay is quite SUI.
iiclcnt for a-bachelor."
Marie gave him n hooking glance.
Really now, Captain Hardy, you do
not expect me to believe you will long
remain unmarrled?"
He tried his best to conceal how her
frivolity tortured him. "You may not
believe 1t, Miss Dupont. Yet 1t is
true
ut is not" she co%ntradicted. "When
Monte Carlo. l fancy the gambling
spirit infected me. Let us settle the
ownership OF the mine with a wager.
If you do not marry this year, / agree
tn keep II. But II you marry within
that time, you will accept 1t back from
me on your wedding day"
at Is not fair for me to bet on a GER
tainty but If you insist, l 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
50 hcartlessly mocking.
"You-c mot realize-how this"
She handed him another sealed en-
velope.
Here Is the order detailing you to
special service with the general stan
for h winter. You will then be re-
qulred TO return to the reservation and
carry out all the plans recommended
by you for the clvilizing OF the tribe.
\ our mare Is in the same stable as the
thoroughbred that ! have bought to
use as her riding mate"
The changed tone in the girls voice
compelled Hardy TO look VI. In her
eyes he saw a look that could
be mistaken. The smile that had
so knocking was now tenderly
"Marie-you-" he stammered. Are
certain It i~s-love-not a passing
feeling of pity?"
PITY! For your she cried. do
think l could dare pity youf--a
nan like you! ! could not have been
70 presuilptuouS even had those
..reacherous conspirators succeeded In
rushing you. DO you think Il was
1lty that made me live a lie all this
ime-that forced me to fiout you and
'ccept his detestable attentIonsT"
Her voice sank to a note Of deep
humility,
Il know how very unworthy OF you
AN. Yet l hope l am not so un
ms that first day ut the coulee,
hen | scorned you, and you. with
our skill and courage and moderation,
aved us without harming those whose
ttack he had wantonly brought upon
49, l was II coquctte-a coQuette IN
atuated with the kind OF man with
'hou a coquette deserves 10 be infat-
ated. But ! was not altogether frlv-
Gus. q perceived your immeas-