The Ordway new era., 1917-07-20
CHAPTER XIX.
In Se1f.Oefense.

S'NT En- NbNs
In self.Defense.
Rather early the next morning the
big, red-faced, blear-eyed man came
alone to the Office. He found Hardy
making out final report as acting
agent.
Getting ready to turn over?" he
asked.
Il am prepared to do so the moment
the new agent arrives and has checked
the lists of agency property" was
Hardy's curt reply.
"All right. I'll O. K. your report.
Don't need to check the lists of an off,
Ger and gentleman" the man purred
In his oiliest tone. He handed over a
packet. Here are the papers reliev-
ing you. and my appointment. I'm the
new agent. held them back to give
young Vandervyn the chance to spring
his pleasant little surprises on YOU"
"Very considerate," said Hardy. He
opened and read the official document
with chre, pocketed his own, and hand
ed the other back to the new agent.
"Very good. Now. If you will examine
the accounts of the chief clerk and the
issue clerk. have brought them down
to date, together with my report"
The new agent glanced at the papers
and took up n pen. you've certified
their correctness. That's enough for
me. III give you my o. K. Of the turn
over"
"You would oblige me by checking
the property In the warehouse"
"Waste of time, captain. You'll
want to be starting for the railroad.
We made night of it. Commission
ers' heads are sore this morning. They
want to get to work, and this is the
best place. can loan you my touring
car to take you over to the railroad"
"Thank you. I prefer to ride my
mare" said Hardy. II shall ask you,
however, to send one Of the police with
my trunk in Dupont's blackboard"
"Ill send 1t in the motor. There's
lot more Of our own baggage to be
brought out from the railroad" in
sisted the new agent.
He receipted Hardy's papers, and
went to hunt up the chauffeur of the
second car. Hardy took his private pa
pers and the reports that he wished to
mail, and went over to his quarters to
pack his baggage. Dupont sent po-
liceman to fetch Hardy's mare and
came in to offer bis big hand.
"Hope you amt going of with no
hard feelings, Cap" he said.
Hardy gravely shook hands with
him.
"None, this morning." he assured.
"A man cannot afford to cherish en-
nifty, shall ask you to go with me TO
the tepee of the head chief"
Dupont hesitated, and ended py
complying with the request. Ihey
found old Ti-owa-konza seated IN MS
tepee, waiting for the white chiefs TO
call a council. When, with Duponts
aid, Hardy explained that he must go
away, the noble old chiefs stolidity
fell from him like mask, and ne
rose to cry out in impassioned speech
against the departure of the tribes
true friend. Hardy could only express
his deep regret, and repeat that ne mao
to obey the orders of his own head
chief. When he had explained the
report on irrigation that he was man,
ing to the Indian bureau, he excnangeo
trifling gifts of friendship with the
chief and tore himself away.
The policeman was waiting WIN tns
mare, Hardy gave him coin ana
tnko tho aadd1n.
zone last word, Dupont" he SAID.
"Kindly tell your daughter what saio
about not cherishing enmity."
aHow about Mr.. Van" questioned
Dupont. -. ...,,,
aYou need say nothing to him from
me. But" Hardy bent over In the
saddle to bring his stern race near
the trader's- II advise you TO Waten
that young man."
IN nunont stood for some time staring
a fter the officer. When he started for
h,s store, before which crowd Of In
dians were waiting, his shrewd eyes
ware narrow with calculation, ana nis
stubby forehnger was rubbing the slia-
yied hair under the brim OF his nst
Hardy permitted the mars to cneoss
her own pace.
x hs nearsd the foot Of the valiey: ~.
y. - Rsdbeat ard Oinna riding uR
~ 4, erssk ffoun the Rad cxoeelpe
aal 1spope1 ~ - M4ais g u -. ~
neaesk sieM - - ~ ~ !! Is Il !s.;s! s:.s