Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-01-05

"You lnsulted My Father!"
showed around a smelter report of
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. I'm view of the
general agreement, Miss Dupont, may
[ hope that you"
you may not, Captain Hardy" she
lngraciously Interrupted. "You in
suited my father. He and [ shall ut
once leave for home"
Dupont looked to Vandervyn, and
received a sign to acQuieSce.
Don't want to leave you in the
lurch, Cap" he said, ''but if Marie'a
set on going, guess III have to-
'Tell four Of IT, police they are
detailed to escort yourself and Miss
Dupont back to the agency" ordered
Hardy. He rassed his hat to Marie.
'Perlnit me to wish you u pleasant
Journey"
The girl turned away without reply
inc. Hardy stood for moment cool
and still under Vandervyn's eXultant
:miie; then faced about and steadily
walked off along the mountain ter
raae.
He did not return to the cabin I'M
Ill tie greater number Of the saddle
and pack ponies had been brought up
from the valley and the returning
ND nj
On the back trail. Vanderryn started
off with them, and uardy's keen, hazGl
eyes dimmed as, leaning against
gnarled pine on the slope above, h"
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, whD
0laccd a finger on her lips and Whis-
pered tiat 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 Q list of in
structions for lie tribal delegates to
Washington. lie was still writing
them when, shortly before nightfall,
vandervyn came jogging back 10 the
mine. He had had IL delightful ride
with Marie, and he complacently init
mated the fact to Hardy.
In the midst Of this subtle torment
| Ia; nj n 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. Harris
gave no sign that he Observed t;:l.s
sudden break Or the furtiye, adorlns
BiaAces that the girl bestowed on Yam
deiNyn rs she glidcd softly to and FRO
Ihe night came on, clear and still.
AS they pulled at their after-supper
pipes, Vandervyn suggested that out
of consideration for the young woman,
they roll up in their blankets outside
the cabin. To this Hardy made no OBJ
lection. They picked out a soft spot
matted with fallen pine needles under
II fow-growing tree and soon both
were seemingly fast asleep.
After several minutes Vanderyyn
spoke to bis companion in low tone.
Hardy did not answer. Vandervyn
drew out his pipe and struck q match,
He held the flame above Hardy's face,
The eyes were closed. and the severe,
Internationally expression OF the
harsh features was relaxed as il in
heavy slunber.
Vandervyn eXtinguished the match.
and slipped out of his blankets. Noise
leSSly he crept down to the cabin
and around to the door. 1t was barred
on the inside. He tapped on it.
There was & sliding sound within
the cabin, and the heavy door began
to swing inward. Vandervyn put his
foot on the threshold to enter. AT
the same moment q SineWy hand
gripped bis shoulder and jerked him
away. He cursed, and Capped his
hand to his holster as he whirled
about. 1t was empty. He bent for
ward to spring at the dark (orm If
the half-open doorway.
Stand backl" came the stern com.
mand, Il have your revolver. CHINA,