The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-03-08
CHAPTER xx-contlnued.

mumbling an apology, Dupont has
ily unfolded the deed, skinned
through 1t, and grasped the fact tha1
1t purported to convey to him a full
half-interest In the mine. He hat
started to read 1t over more carefully
when an oath from Vandervyn caused
him to look up.
The younger man pointed along the
cOulee bank to where the road topped
the spur ridge Of the butte.
'The devil" he exclaimed "Whai
brings him back here"
"Capl 1t sure is Capt." muttered
Dupont. "Nom dun CHEN! You don't
think he's got on to the game, do your
Wouldn't do him any good If he
had"
"Thcn why d'you think he's
'To enter the contest" OWNED
y%andervyn. "There's time enough to
wire Washington and have him put IN
der arrest for dlsobeying orders"
Hold on! cautioned Dupont. what
II he does try his luck? In the noun
rnins there amt no horse nor mare
neither can break up your pinto COM
bine."
yandervyn's face cleared. "You
ought to know. I'll chance 1t If"
"Ain't no chance to It," put in Du-
pont. ats a dead cinch."
Hell think he's going to do me-" ex-
ulted Vandervyn. LET him register.
He's come back for the mine first ;
then Marie. l don't want her to see
him or to know he has come back.
You have your deed. Suppose you
start at once"
"If she's willing. I'll see." qualified
Dupont. "Look out you don't slip up.
I'll tend to my end. So long-good
luck"
He rode of down the butte side Of
the coulee.
vandervyn cantered straight across,
and met Hardy n few yards below the
tent Of the commissioners.
-GOod day, captain" he spoke in
civil greeting. 81 am surprised to see
you back here. Have your orders been
countermandedT
"No," replied Hardy with equal CT
Witty. 81 have resigned"
vandervyn could not conceal his
blank establishment. "Not-not re-
signed from the army?"
"Yes. l telegraphed the war depart
aient, received an answer, and mailed
my resignation and application for
leave of absence to my commanding
officer at Vancouver barracks. AS an
officer 1t was not proper for me to en-
her the contest"
-Ah" Vandervyn's smile gave place
TO d look Of panied surprise. $50 you
intend to enter the contest. But do
you think that quite honorable. cap
tain, In the circumstances"
III do not care to discuss questions
Of honor with you. Mr.. Va%ndervyn,"
replied Hardy with utmost GOODNESS.
luUl L Cul we'll uiuti Stuuu, touu-
tered yandervyn. "Knowing tina, We
can make no protest, you intend per-
sonally to take advantage of the infor-
nation that you pledged yourself to
keep secret"
Hardy dismounted without replying.
and placed himself Mt the end OF the
line OF registering entrymen. The sun
was far down In the sky when he came
before the secretary's table, Mt the
end Of the line. Vandervyn rose from
his easy seat to take n position behind
him. The secretary hesltated and
looked lnqulrlngly at Vandervyn. He
met with a nod to proceed.
"You wish to register?" came the
curt question Of the chairman.
ayes" replied Hardy with equal
e~urtness.
Els an army officer entitled to enter
the contest?" questioned the smallest
commissioner.
"You need not debate the matter"
said Hardy. ~ have resigned my COM
mission"
Again vandervyn nodded, and there
were no further objections raised.
Hardy and he signed the register, and