The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-03-10

Don't need to check the lists of an Off
Ger and gentleman" the man purred
in his Oiliest tone. He handed over a
packet. Here are the papers reliev-
ing you, and my appointment. I'm the
! new agent. l held them back to give
young Vandervyn the chance to spring
his pleasant little surprises on you"
VERY cOnsiderate." said Hardy. He
opened and read the official document
with care. pocketed his own, and hand
Very good. Now, if you will examine
the accounts of the chief clerk and the
issue clerk. 1 have brought them down
to date, together with my report"
The new agent glanced at the papers
| and took up pen. you've certified
| their correctness. That's enough for
me. I'll give you my o. K. of the turn
over"
you would oblige me by checking
| the property in the warehouse"
Waste of time, captain. You'll
want to be starting for the railroad.
We made a night of it. Commission
ers' heads are sore this morning. They
want to get to work, and this is the
best place. 1 can loan you my touring
car to take you over to the railroad"
THANK you. I prefer to ride my
mare" said Hardy. 81 shall ask you.
however, to send one of the police with
my trunk in Dupont'S blackboard"
I'll send it in the motor. There's
lot more of our own baggage to be
brought out from the railroad" in
sisted the new agent.
He receipted Hardy's papers. and
went to hunt up the chauffeur of the
second car. Hardy took his private pa
pers and the reports that he wished to
mail, and went over to his quarters to
pack his baggage. Dupont sent a po-
liceman TO fetch Hardy's mare and
came in to offer his big hand.
''Hope you amt going off with no
hard feelings, Cap" he said.
Hardy gravely shook hands with
him.
None, this morning" he assured.
"a man cannot afford to cherish en-
nifty. I shall ask you to go with me to
the tepee of the head chief"
Dupont hesitated, and ended by
complying with the request. They
] found old Ti-owa-konza seated in his
/ tepee, waiting for the white chiefs to
call a council. When, with Dupont'S
aid, Hardy explained that he must go
away, the noble old chiefs stolidity
fell from him like a mask. and he
rose to cry out in impassiOned speech
against the departure OF the tribes
true friend. Hardy could only express
his deep regret. and repeat that he had
| to obey the orders OF his own head
chief. When he had explained the
report on irrigation that he was mail
ling to the Indian bureau, he exchanged
trifling gifts of friendship with the
chief and tore himself away.
The policeman was waiting with the
mare. Hardy gave him a coin and
swung into the saddle.
Zone last word, Dupont" ne said.
Kindly tell your daughter what said
about not cherishing enmity."
How about Mr.. Van?" questioned
Dupont.
You need say nothing to him from
me. But" Hardy bent over in the
saddle to bring his stern face near
the traders Il advise you to watch
that young man.
Dupont stood for some time staring
after the officer. When he started for
his store, before which crowd Of In
dams were waiting, his shrewd eyes
were narrow with calculation, and his
stubby forefnger was rubbing the griz-
zled hair under the brim of his hat.
Hardy permitted the mare to choose
her own pace.
AS he neared the foot of the valley
he saw Redbear and Oinna riding W
the creek from the road crossing. The
girl dropped in ner saddle as If I'll. a
nearer view confirmed his suspicious
Redbear was intoxicated, and he was
abusing his sister in the foulest Of
language. When Hardy approached
the girl averted her, shame-reddene(
face, and dropped still lower over hel
pony's witherS. Redbear leered insO
lently at the intruder mad burst into {
drunken laugh. Though his body wa!
Keeling, he had almost perfect contro
of his tongue
Look at him, Weena; the" Her,
followed a number of obscene cpl
thetS. ''That man of yours lost n,
time The tin soldier is on the run
Told you we had fixed him."
''You drunken dog!' said Hardy
Keep quiet and go home"
who's going to make meg chal
Ienged the halfbreed, his bloodsho
eyes faring with vicious anger. "a
don't take any more orders from you
You'd try to put the killing of Noge
on me-try to make out it was me sho
him, and tried to shoot you those tw
timesi But Van fixed you. He prom
ised TO keep you from putting me i
jail. That's why let him have Ween
when we went into the mountains"
"You curt" cried Hardy. $50 70
s permitted him?"
= Oinna threw up her head with tn
courage OF outraged innocence.
It 's'Why should he stop him from tai
q ing me?'' she shrilled- 81 am only
l. breed girl, but my man loves me-, 10
d onIyI had right to be his wife
1t 1 wanted to-"
Ills wife?' incredulously exclaime
Hardy. "a man OF his stamp neve
could have married you"
He did! he didI'' insisted OHM.
81 thought you too kind to think