The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-02-15


paper.
Hardy offered no objection to this.
The council had finished Its work, and
there was nothing suspicious about
Vandervyn's suggestion that the
bowlder would afford an easy place
for the chiefs to sign. He rose and
returned to his mare, while the crowd
Hooked off to the bowlder after their
chiefs. He did not see Vandervyn
lay out two papers on the top Of the
rock, nor did he hear the smooth ex-
PLANTATION that the agent wanted the
chiefs to sign two copies Of the memo
randum. This statement was unhesl-
tatingly interpreted by Redbear, and
the chiefs, who knew by experience
that most agency papers were signed
In duplicate, made their crosses and
t~humb-prints as fast rs Vandervyn
wrote their names on the two papers.
Oinna ventured to whisper to her
brother that the papers did not look
alike. He hastily repeated the remark
to Vandervyn. The girl crlnged close
to her grandfather. But Vandervyn
showed no anger. He smiled at her
In q manner that brought a blissful
glow into her soft eyes, and explained
that n paper gave the proceedings
of the council in full, while the other
consisted of brief notes. lie then muir
INJURED to her something that at first
brought a shadow into her joyous face,
but in the end left her radiant with
happiness.
When the leading men of the tribe
had signed the papers and Redbear
and Oinna had attested us witnesses,
Vandervyn thrust the documents into
his pocket and went to rejoin Hardy.
As he handed over the paper that
Hardy had signed, he remarked that,
If there was no objection, Redbear
and his sister would remain in the
mountains with their grandfather un-
I'll word should be received from the
government for the tribal delegation
to come on to Washington.
you are ready to return to the
agency with me?" asked Hardy.
1--WE can start at once, If you wish,"
assented Vandervyn.
Every WELL" said Hardy. 1.-THE girl
shall remain here, and you will come
with me-"
Vandervyn shrugged, smiled good
humoredly, and vaulted into his sad
die.
Still doubtful of his companion,
Hardy took the ponies of Redbear and
Oinna in lead, and rode over to where
the brother and sister stood In the
midst of their grandfather's immedi-
ate family. When the girl confirmed
Vandervyn's statement that she wished
TO remain In the mountains, he took
| ceremonious leave of the noble old
| chief, and rode off to rejoin his party.
During the brief interval Wander
vyn's gay humor bad disappeared. He
met Hardy with q irown, and held out
one of the letters that he had written
that morning. Seeing that 1t was adj
dressed to himself. Hardy tore open
the envelope and read the brief note
within.
$50" he said, fixing the younger
man with q level glance, "your res
lgnation-to take effect ut once 1t is
dated yesterday"
at would have been dated and pre-
scented a week ago If I'd had the
slightest idea you were going to insult
me as you did yesterday" Vandervyn
burst out angrily. "You'd have had II
on the spot If | could have brought my
self to borrow your pen and paper
II see" said Hardy. He reflected O
moment, and remarked "There seems
to be no reason why ! should not nc
cept your resignation, If you insist
upon my acting on It,"
IL do" said Vandervyn. "Tve had
enough of your bullying. I'm u free
man now-not your clerk"
"You will change your tone, sir, II
you wish to ride in my company" sale
Hardy, with q cool self-contr0l thai
checked the others anger.
cad! If only you weren't such @
self-rlghteous prigl' exclaimed the
younger man. you're so sure yor
can show cards and spades to the an
gels! I'm out for the good things OF
life, and / make no bones over it. Blu
that doesn't prevent me from being {
blooming benefactOr as well. If YOU
wish to know the real reason why In
reslgning, It's because | have planned
to go on to Washington with the dele
CATION, and pull wires to get the tribe
n big slice of graft for their minera
lands"
Hardy saw the frank sincerity In hi
companions eyes, and responded t.
the assertion with an instant apology
"AIr. Vandervyn, / beg your pardon
for m~isjrdglng you. At times you
conduct has been %ill-advised, but
no lorger doubt your good intentions.
st takes an officer and gentleman t,
eat crow as II 1t were quail !" rallie'
vandervyn with seemingly genial sar
casm. "Do understand that my res
ignatlon Is accepted?"
IF you insist.
81 do. Now that Is settled. W
make the return trip as equals" sal
vandervyn. and, as II freed from a
rancor by the thought, he fell into
mood ~ er1"e gayety.