Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-04-16


delicate knees and hooks. And behind
floated a heavy. glistening tail, held
with great pride.
by George, that is horse,
Where"
Then broke short. For he knew the
Indian who rode that great beast.
He was the one who had stood in
the lighted doorway, apparently watch
ing for a passer, that night Hardy first
rode with Texas: he was the one who
had waited in the shadow with the
outlaw the next evening, and who had
ridden away at a gallop on Hardy's
approach.
Now he was coming from the ranch
where Sears hid. What could be the
significance of that?
yes, it's the only thing he's ever
DONE" Ruth confided. Raising that
horse is his one accomplishment. He
got him as a colt and brought him up.
Beyond a doubt the most magnificent
animal on the reservation
The Indian boy rode along, stolid in
posture, not looking toward Hardy
and Ruth After bit his horse struck
into long, springy lope and he ga
loped off toward town.
ITO care for horse like that speaks
for something in the man. the doctor
said, wondering just how pertinent the
Indians association with the outlaws
might be.
"Of course it does. But he's-Oh,
like so many of the tribe"
She sighed.
Wealth has ruined my people, doc
tor. Fred there is typical. He has
been TO school and has more of an
education that lots of boys in this
country. But his homecoming was to
an environment of Incidence. Money
comes to him without a turn of his
hand.
THAT meant idleness--drink, gam
bling, uselessness. Why, his habits are
away beyond the limits of his income,
and Mr. Kennedy has helped him out
so long that the boys chances of get
ting out of debt don't amount to a row
Of pins. He'll lose everything he can
get his hands on"
And that information gave Hardy
an opening.
Mr.. Kennedy he does business
largely with the Indans?"
"Oh. yes - regular loan shark
She laughed and looked up
OF a sudden Hardy had come to
dread knowing of her attitude toward
Kennedy. and he sensed a sudden,
queer relief when she spoke lightly of
the fellow.
People here think he's coming
young man." she went on because he
has made a lot of money.
But | don't know. OF course
seriously "money.makin is impor-
tant, and Walter seems 10 be able TO
make it very fast. Why, he's big
stakeholder in the bank-for young
man. | mean, and he makes lot of
money on his loan business, which
don't understand very well
MY father thinks Walter is a fine
fellow and very capable. But don't
Know what is so creditable about lend
ing money and taking interest at the
big rates he gets it seems just a little
unfair TO me sometimes. Maybe I'm
FOOLISH"
Hardy stole a glance at her She
was looking down, knotting her bride
reins absently.
HE seemed to be very friendly
with yOu-the day after the hold.up!"
he ventured
"Oh, I've known Walter since we
were youngsters. Tossing her head
and looking at the doctor frankly.
I'VE used to be boy-and-girl lovers
- and he's always bossing me.
But"
Each time Hardy looked at Ruth
and his eyes were on her much of the
way--she seemed possessed of added
attractions. He went over her moods
one by one; each in its turn seemed
the most attractive, even the vindict.
i've one he had first known; but now
this at ease. confding. thoughtful atti.
tude struck closest to him.
When they rode into town they saw
the sorrel horse again. II was tied be.
fore Walter kennedy's office.
As Hardy and Ruth drew near Ken.
nedy and Little Foot emerged. When
the former saw the approaching riders
he halted his progress and remained
poised an instant; even at the distance
Hardy saw an evil look come over his
pale face.
kennedy's lips moved and the In.
dian boy looked up quickly, eyes rest.
ing on the doctor. He glanced back at
Kennedy, said something, was an
swered, looked at the doctor again and
shrugged his shoulders.
Interesting thought the doctor.
cHAPTeo vlIl.
The leonoclast.
The new dprtor In kihaku nod v,prh