The Ordway new era., 1917-07-13
CHAPTER xvi-contInusd.

81 began the second period OF liar.
Ms close companionship with the girl,
nd the Intimacy appeared as sincere
nd friendly as the first one, when Van
,ryyn was In the mountains with
(edbear. Almost every day they rode
n to examine the Wolf river water
ed, and estimate as best they could
hthout surveying instruments the
umber of acres that could be put un-
n ditch.
Hardy had at once written for re-
brts on similar undertakings. Be-
re receiving them he was agreeably
prised by an official telegram from
ashIngton lnstructing him to at once
nd on the tribal delegation, In the
large Of Redbear. So swift an un.
cling Of government red tape proved
1t powerful influences were favor
/ the consummation of the new
eaty. Hardy ungrudgingly gave
|ndervyn the credit of being a very
ccessful benevolent lobbyist.
a runner was dispatched to bring in
dbear and the delegates. They
me without delay. Redbear's arm
IS so nearly nealed that he had full
b Of It. Oinna did not accompany
b. He said their grandfather had
eome so fond of her that he had
listed upon her remaining In the
untains until the return of the del
btion from Washington. Marie Of
led to send for her and give her q
ne while her brother was away, but
dbear hastily declared that the girl
he'd to stay with the old chief.
Hardy took charge Of the delegation
far as the railroad, and Marie and
pont went along to keep him COM
y. He provided for the comfort
(an train Of Redbear and the i've
emn chiefs. and shipped them of
D through tickets to Washington
careful set Of Instructions to
them In the conduct of their mis-
Ny only wish is that I might go
them" he remarked. as the
% horse" whirled them away
ard the land of the sunrise. "They
be like Babes In the Woods"
You sure have done your level best
them, Cap" replied Dupont. "You
got no license to worry nohow.
Van Is there to boost 'em along"
Sesides, you have your work here"
60 Marie with a glance that COM
ely diverted his thoughts.
ney 'pent the night In the rough
u ashamed a hotel, and at dawn
sd on their return to the agency.
'upont's pony was continually lag
behind. Hardy had the pleasure
aries company virtually alone for
greater part Of the ride. She
ped to enjoy this quite as much
and remained In gracious good
ot even through the blazing heat
laday. Nor did she allow herself
ei fatigue until, after their arrival
ne agency. she had cooked q So
supper, and then entertained
~ Tor an hour or more In her ar
little parlor.
e next day, fresh as ever, Marie
ready to ride up to the falls and
nifh run line of levels with the
uments TINT he had hired in
Never had he known anyone
pouhdlng In life. Mentally as well
lysically, she seemed ever tireless,
ant animated.
after day they worked and
'eu Tor the good Of the tribe;
.1tef day her graciousness toward
acreased. And day after day his
lof her deepened and strength
until 1t could be seen in his every
anu act, and heard In every In
W u, ot his voice when he spoke to
ahough her manner toward him
ea no trace of overt coquetry, she
uo effort to repulse his silent
|assion.
week utter the departure Of the
aon found him fully looking the
gallant lover-ardent, youth
'most as handsome. He had lost
~ " MS former look of pensive
w. Even the silvery hairs over
a. np.es seemed to be regaining
~.s,nal ruddy brown.
uays later one Of the lines Of
A.uappened to bring him and the
M .ue edge of the coulee, across
"s quite. He suggested that
uown and across to the spring
a drink.
'ss A turned back, Marie recog-
sAe. I exact spot where he had
,.U.' sns Womanliks, shs shud-
~ ~ turned pale at ths rscol-
|. 1vusn ss at the time Of he %
- me s had been . 1hsavs.
me said in 4 kalf.g1k kiipses
= killed r. \! n " !, N An.
1psrissss - ~ W. y ~ w