Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1917-01-12

surprise if Hardy had not posted
lookout on the signal mountain. The
prearranged smoke-sign gave warning
of the approach of the party while
it was yet many miles away over
the plains. Even at that, Hardy
and Marie and Dupont were not
quite ready to greet the visitors
when they came into view down the
valley. The explanation of their quick
trip from the railroad at once became
evident. Commissioners, Indian dele
gates and all were slowed in two
large touring cars.
Vandervyn was driving the foremost
car. He brought it up the slope of the
agency terrace with a rush, and spun
it around in curve that ended before
the porch Of the Dupont house. The
second car rolled straight on across
the terrace to the tepee of Ti-owa-
kOnza.
Hardy, who was about to start
across to the Office, paused In the
porch to welcome the commissioners.
Dupont hurried out of the rear door
way of his store. Marie, after slight
bow in acknowledgment of Wander
vyn's respectful salute, quietly drew
back into her parlor.
In the front seat beside Vandervyn
was a big, red-faced man, whose
bleared eyes Immediately began to
scrutinize Hardy, and as quickly
turned away when they met his clear
gaze. The five men in the tOnneau all
had the look of a certain kind of poll
tician, and all met Hardy's cordial
greeting with a cold formality that
would have chilled even place-hunter.
Put upon his dignity by this unex-
pected rebuff, the captain drew back
into the porch. Dupont received
more pleasant response to his bluff
welcome. He jerked open the door of
the tonneau, and offered his hand to
each of the commissioners in turn as
they stepped stiffiy out into the porch.
"My friend Jake Dupont, gentle
men," said Vandervyn.
Every member of the party at once
smiled upon the trader, and shook
hands with him. Most cordial of all
was the big man who had sat in the
front seat.
Marie now stepped out to greet the
visitors, and was formally introduced
by Vandervyn. With a gracious COM
posture that would have done credit
to the most exclusive of drawing
rooms, she welcomed the visitors, and
invited them to luncheon.
The most portly member of the COM
mission promptly accepted the invita-
ton on behalf of himself and his COM
panions, and the party followed their
hostess into her parlor. Vandervyn
fingered a moment to favor Hardy with
smile of ironical coincidence.
"Chesty lot, these lame ducks!" he
said. 'But they stand in with the big
fellows. They had the cars shipped
out from Chicago to accommodate
them. Better snuggle up on their
warm side What, not going, surely?
You must come in to lunch and show
US how tactful a tactician can be-"
Thanks, no." replied Hardy. "Pn
ask you kindly to excuse me TO Miss
| Dupont. The commissioners may find
me at the Office at any time that suits
| them"
Vandervyn shrugged and went in
doors, his smile a trifle forced. He at
once joined his party in their eager
acceptance Of Dupont's most cordial
expression of hospitality, his eight
year-old whisky. Marie had excused
herself to the guests. By the time she
reappeared every member of the party
was aglow with good feeling. The girl
at once became the target for a shower
of compliments, all in doubtful taste,
and some decidedly too free and easy.
| She looked to Vandervyn, and met
only with an uneasy smile. Seeing
that he would say nothing, she replied
| to the offenders with a wit and dig
nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
q garden rose in this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reali-
zation that they were not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
| luncheon completed her conquest.
NauuerVyn> came 10 the IdDte Wlln
all the uneasiness gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
| ed to extol Marie's skill as a chef.
| Oinna, bearing a tray, came in, and
began to serve luncheon. Though ex-
tremely shy, she started with a deft-
ness that showed careful training.
/ Several moments passed before Van
| dervyn looked up and perceived her.
The surprise wasNtoo sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short in
his talk, ard stared at her, discon-
certed.
AT sight of his frown the girl
dropped her tray, now fortunately
empty, and with a little, gasping cry
| fed from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed OFF the awk-
ward incident with smile and tact
/ full explanation Of Oinna's excessive
shyness. The Indian boy finished the
I serving.
Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's
messages. They had been received
alike by Marie and by the commission
ers without comment. After luncheon