Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1917-05-24
CHAPTER XIX.
In self.pefensa.


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 over1' he
asked.
II 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 q
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"
Every considerable" said Hardy. He
opened and read the omcial document
with care. pocket&d his own. and hand
ed the other back to the new agent.
every good. Now. II You will examine
the accounts of the chief clerk and the
issue cler4. have brought them down
to date. together with my report"
The new agent glanced at the papers
and took up a pen. you've certified
their correctnessl That's enough for
me. I'll give you my .. <. Of the turn
over"
"You would obhige mo BY checking
the property in the warehouse"
Waste of tihe. captain. You'll
want to be starting for the railroad.
We made a night \of II. Commission
ers' heads are sore this morning. They
want to get to work. and this is the
best place. I can loah you my touring.
car to take you over 70 the railroad"
'"ThaDk you. I prefer to ride my
mare" said Hardy. II hall ask you.
however, to send one Of the police with
my trunk in Dupont's blackboard"
"rll send It in The motapr. There's
a lot more Of our own baggage to be
brought out from the raillf oad," in
sisted the new agent
He receipted Hardy's pabers, and
went to hunt up the chaufe@lr Of the
second car. Hardy took his private pa
pers and the reports that he " to
mail, and went over to his gu to
pack his baggage. Dupont Sc 60
liceman to fetch Hardy's m End
came in to offer his big hand.
slope you amt going of mo
hard feelings. Cap" he said. n
Hardy gravely shook handsa 18th
him.
"None. this morning." he a; ed.
"A man cannot afford to cher en-
nifty. I shall ask you to go witts to
the tepee of the head chief.".
Dupont hesitated, and endt = by
complying with the request. hey
found old Ti-owa-konza seated }his
teDee, waiting for the white chi y to
call council. When. with Du bnt'a
aid, Hardy explained that he mi It 60
away. the noble old chiefs std 1idity
fell from him like mask, ar Id be
rose to cry out in imprisoned d peech
against the departure of the q Eibe'a
true friend. Hardy could only ex press
his deep regret, and repeat that hd had
to obey the orders of his own bead
chief. When he had explained the
report on irrigation that he was d all.
ing to the Indian bureau. he exchap Eted
trifing gifts Of friendship with he
chief and tore himself away. Luz
The policeman was waiting with vtAe
mare. Hardy gave him a coin I'D
swung into the saddle.
Zone last word, Dupont" he edd
kindly tell your daughter what I q I'D
about not cherlshing enmity."
"How about Mr.. Van?" question I'd
Dupont. a
"You need say nothing to him d ~
me. But" Hardy bent over In HE
saddle to bring his stern face d (al
the traders II advise you to va Itct
that young man."
Dupont stood for some time star nl
after the officer. When he started { eol
his store. before which a crowd Of In
dians were waiting, his shrewd q Re,
were narrow with calculation, and d 81
stubby forefnger was rubbing the Gr1 =
sled hair under the brim Of his haiti;
Hardy permitted the mare to choos <
her own pace.
As he neared the foot Of the valle y
he saw Redbear and Oinna riding Hul
the creek from the road crossing. n,
girl dropped In ner saddle 40 II Ill
noaRop vlA- mnuA,v,,>.a 81. 80