The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-03-17
CHAPTER xx-continued.

Mumbling an apology, Dupont has
lily unfolded the deed, skinned
through it, and grasped the fact that
it purported to convey TO him a full
haifinterest in the mine. He had
started to read it over more carefully
when an oath from Vandervyn caused
him to look up.
The younger man pointed along the
coulee bank to where the road topped
the spur ridge of the butte.
'sThe deviIl' he exclaimed "What
brings him back here?"
"Cap! 1t sure is Capt." muttered
Dupont. ''Nom dun CHEN! You don't
think he's got on to the game, do you %
Wouldn't do him any good if he
had"
''Then why d'you think he's"
''TO enter the contesti" OWNED
Vandervyn. There's time enough to
wire Washington and have him put un-
der arrest for disobeying orders"
''HoId oni'' cautioned Dupont. what
If he does try his luck? In the noun
Jains there amt no horse nor mare
neither can break up your pinto COM
bine."
ought to know. I'll chance it if"
''Ain't no chance to it," put in Du-
pont. Its a dead cinch."
He'll think he's going to do me-" ex-
ulted Vandervyn. Let him register.
He's come back for the mine first ;
then Marie. 1 don't want her to see
him or to know he has come back.
You have your deed. Suppose you
start at once"
IF she's willing. I'll see," qualified
Dupont. Look out you don't slip up.
I'll tend to my end. So long-good
luck ~
He rode off down the butte side of
the coulee.
Yandervyn cantered straight across,
and met Hardy few yards below the
tent of the commissioners.
GOOD day. captain" he spoke in
civil greeting. II am surprised to see
you back here. Have your orders been
countermanded?"
.'No," replied Hardy with equal ci-
Witty. 81 have resigned"
Vandervyn could not conceal his
blank astonishment. "Not-not re-
signed from the army?''
Eyes. 1 telegraphed the war depart
ment, received an answer, and mailed
my resignation and application for
leave of absence to my commanding
officer at Vancouver barracks. As an
officer it was not proper for me to en-
ter the contest"
"Ah!" Vandervyn'S smile gave place
TO a look of panied surprise. $50 you
intend to enter the contest. But do
you think that quite honorable, cap
tain, in the circumstances? ?"
81 do not care to discuss questions
of honor with you, Mr.. Vandervyn,"
replied Hardy with utmost GOODNESS.
THAT I can we'll understand coun-
tered Vandervyn. "Knowing that we
can make no protest, you intend per-
sonally to take advantage of the infor-
nation that you pledged yourself to
keep secret"
Hardy dismOunted without replying,
and placed himself at the end of the
line of registering entrymen. The sun
was far down in the sky when he came
before the secretary's table, at the
end of the line. Vandervyn rose from
his easy seat to take position behind
him. The secretary hesitated and
looked inQuiringly at Vandervyn. He
met with nod to proceed.
'sYou wish to regiSter?" came the
curt question Of the chairman.
YES" replied Hardy with equal
curtness.
as an army officer entitled to enter
the contest?" questioned the smallest
commissioner.
s'You need not debate the matter"
said Hardy. az have resigned my COM
mission"
Again Vandervyn nodded, and there
were no further objections raised.
Hardy and he signed the register. and