Williams news., 1917-04-19

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 1 by Vandervyn. With a gracious con- 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- tiOn on behalf of himself and his con- panions, and the party followed their hostess into her parlor. Vandervyn fingered moment to favor Hardy with smile of ironical condolence.
 "Chesty lot, these lame ducksi' i' he said. "But they stand in with the pig 1 fellows. They had the cars shipped out from Chicago to accommodate thcm. Better snuggle up on their warm side What, not going, surely ? 1od must come in to lunch and show us how tactful tactician can be-
 Thanks, no," replied Hardy. I'll ask you kindly to excuse me 10 Hiss Dupont. The commissioners may ind me- lat the office at any time that suits them"
 Vandervyn shrugged and went in doors, his smile trife forced. He at once joined his party in their eager acceptance of Dupont's most cordial 1 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 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 notning, she replied | to the offenders with a wit and dig nity that soon altered their bearing toward her. They were puzzled to find garden rose in this rough wilderness, put she soon brought them to the reali- cation that they were not at liberty 10 splash mud on her petals. The luncheon completed her conquest.
 Vandervyn came to the table with ll the uneasiness gone from his smile. He took his seat, and proceed ,d to eXtol Marie's skill as a chef. )imla, bearing tray, came in, and began to serve luncheon. Though ex- remedy shy, she started with delft less that showed careful training. Several moments passed before Van lervyn looked up and perce.-~.d her. The surprIse was too sharp even for lis assurance. He stopped short m lis talk, and stared at her, discon- .erted.
 At sight of his frown the girl dropped her tray, now fortunately smpty' ana with a little, gasping cry lea from the room. She did not re- ippear. Marie passed off the awk- yard incident with a smile and a tact ul explanation of Oinnas excessive 'hyness. The Indian boy finished the l ierving.
 Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's messages. They had been received alike by Marie and by the commission CTS without comment. After luncheon one of the commissioners brusquely proposed that Hardy be summoned to attend upon t:em. Vandervyn inter- posed with the suave suggestion that the acting agent might leave in the safe some of the papers necessary to a full understanding of the affairs of the agency.