The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1917-02-15
CHAPTER xVIlI-continued.


before these commissioners every pub
lie paper in the office. They decline to
show me their authority for an inspec-
ton of my accounts. Therefore l have
declined TO make an official presenta-
ton to them of agency affairs. There
IS nothing to conceal from any in
quirer. You may hand every document
10 these persons-in my presence"
Vandervyn nOnChalantly shrugged,
and went over to open the safe. One
of the commissioners remarked in an
officious tone: "Where is the issue
clerk? He ought to be present to ex-
plain his accounts"
That's Charlie Redbear, gentle
man-the interpreter" explained Du-
pont. HE lit out with his sister, down
the creek TO his house, when we was
eating. Want me to send for him?
You'll need him to make your official
talk to the Chiefs"
"You will do as we'll for that, Jake"
lnterposcd Vandervyn. Besides, l be-
lleve the commissioners will wish to
put off the powwowing until tOmOr-
row. It's tircsome trip across from
the railroad. No doubt they will
glance through the agency papers,
and then go over to your house to
plan the opening of the mineral
lands
The big, blear-eyed man who had
ridden in the front seat of the car, nod
ded and replied in an oily tone: "If
YOU assure us the accounts are cor
rect, Mr.. Vandervyn. think it Is need
less trouble at this time to make fur
ther investigation"
Still oughtn't we to" One Of the
commissioners began a QuerulOuS OBJ
lection. But his fellows were rising
to leave the office, and he bent to the
will Of the majority.
Hardy bowed them out with pune
tilious courtesy. He was still working
when Msrie's Indian boy brought word
that she wished him to come to din
ner without fail He hesitated, but at
last sent back the reply that he would
he present.
Having in mind the cold and almost
insulting manner of the visitors, he cut
his arrival as close as possible. This
proved to be tactful move. Though
the newcomers were all mellow with
whisky, chilling silence followed the
entrance of the acting agent. Even
Dupont turned his thick shoulder and
poured himself another drink without
II word of greeting.
Only Vandervyn raised his empty
glass to the last guest, and called
ironically: Just in time, captain
Here's to your quick progress along
the course of your career"
Hardy did not reply. He was bow
ing to Marie, who had that moment ap
peared in the dining room doorway.
Dinner is served, gentlemen" she
said, and she bowed in her most grande
dame manner. Captain Hardy, you
may take me iL."
Nandcrvyn sprang up, angry-eyed
Marie did not seem to perceive him
She stepped in beside Hardy and wait
ed with perfect cOmpOSure while the
other guests passed out after her ia
thor. Vandervyn'S face was far from
pleasant as he followed the others. The
girl did not look at him. Hardy escort
cd her to the head of the table, ant
she gave him the seat of honor The
chairman of the commission was gra
left.
lIGrdy was deeply gratifed, but he
failed to realize the full meaning O1
his preferment as the most diStin
TuiShed gentleman present. Wander
vyn alone was fully aware of the mo
tlvcs that had prompted Marie to hon
or his rival. He bent over his plate
his in between his teeth. For timt
he could neither eat nor talk. ThcI
he rallied And, for a while, sat staring
into the bubf.,ing amber of his cham
VuGne, his lips cI.:ved in IN odd smile
At last a merry quiz from Marie stir
red him to action. lie ru2e and boweC
to her.
"Lady-and gentlemen" he SrS%!ing
ly remarked, Il have two very plert
is my fond expectation that you viii
relish them quite as much as you hav
rciShed this delicious little dinner"
He looked at Marie, smiled, and con
tipued:
My first announcement relates t
our martial fellow-guest. the gallan
and distinguished Captain Floyd Hal
dy. The privilege and pleasure ar
mine to inform the distinguished of
Cer that the war department has bee
pleased to relieve him Of this irksOm
detail to grant him permission immt
diatcly to join his regiment, which
at Vancouver barracks, Washington
under orders to sail for Alaska"
All eyes turned upon Hardy. Som
glinted with malice; others were cole
Marie's alone were sympathetic. Hard
glanced around the table with an in
perturbed loGH, and bowed to Vande
vyn.
Pray accept my acknowledged
of the kindliness with which you max
The announcement" he said, and h
turDed to smile gravely into Marie
troubled face. II could have aske
for time 10 carry out our irrigatio
plans. But, doubtless, the bureau wi
find some one more competent tina
myself"
viii you not demonstrate again
this unjust order?" she exclaimed.
You forget chat am soldier" |
replied. ARMY life is life of ser
Ice. You will now understand wi
rlost army women are army girls b
fore thew nre nrmv wives ",