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Show counts on promoEvery little thing tion like merit marks at school." "You see 1" agreed Hardy. , "I cant am ambitious pretend to altruism. . I If I In well my profession. to stand make a goo showing when given a recdetail, I put merit marks on my so has aptly ord, as Mr. Vandervyn expressed It. Maries challenging guze softened, and she looked thoughtfully down at her white hands. a form of Isn't even selfishness? she murmured. The appearance of the Indian boy In the dining room doorway checked Hardys reply. During supper the girl remained unusuully thoughtful and silent. Hardy discussed with Dupont plans for the instruction of the tribe In agriculture. The Idea had occurred to him that the government might permit him to build an Irrigation system for the Infarming lands of the tribe, using the for dian laborers, and paying work out of money appropriated for the sale of the mineral lands. When Vandervyn chose to listen. It was smile that did not with a cover cynical the underlying always Irony. Most of the time he devoted himself to an attempt to rally Marie Instead out of her thoughtfulness. of responding, she became more pen- s L J rxYTTTixrannmmnrTT self-sacrifi- An Indian Reservation Tale by ROBERT AMES BENNET the killing of Agent Nogen and threats of an outbreak FOLLOWING Indians, Cupt. Floyd Hardy, U. S. A., goes to Lakotah reservation as acting agent to quell the trouble. He is wounded from ambush, and falls In love with Marie Dupont, who nurses him. She neither accepts nor refuses his proposul of marriage, because she and Vandcrvyn are Intimates. Hardy learns the Indians are disaffected because Maries father, Jacques Dupont, a wily post trader, and Reginald Vandervyn, agency clerk and nephew of Senator have cheated them in an Illegal tribal mine deal, and purposes to right the wrong. He makes friends with the tribesmen and calls a council at the mine. What occurs there how desperate conspirators work agulnst the captain Is told In this Installment Clem-me- r, CHAPTER XIV Continued. llardy was greeted with a murmur of welcome and admiration, and the crowd made a path through their jnldst to the Inner ring of the chiefs. Followed by Redbear, Vandervyn and Olnna, he walked along the passage between the living walls of silent, furtlve-eyeIndians, and seated himself on the blanket that had been ' ' spread for him beside old Shortly before the start down Into the valley Vandervyn had again borrowed his superiors writing pod and fountain pen. He now sat down at Hardy's shoulder, with the pad and pen ready. After a ceremonious silence the head chiefs crier announced the purpose of the council This was followed by declamations from three orators, whose main purpose seemed to be to give an exhibition of their ability In painting word pictures. When arose, they had finished. and warmed the hearts of his people with an Impassioned eulogy of their new friend, the chief of the who had couio to be a father to the tribe. Hardy then explained the good that had resulted on other reservations from the taking of land In severalty, and advised that the council name a delegation of chiefs to go at once to n Washington and ask for the of the new treaty. More than once during Iledbears Interpretation of the acting agents statements Olnna nobetrayed surprise. ticed this sooner than Hardy. He spoke to .his granddaughter. The girl cast a timid look at Vandervyn and hesitated. Her brother smiled cunningly and d . Long-knive- s, conflr-tnintlo- said: Its all right Tell him. rock, nor did he hear the smooth explanation that the agent wanted the n chiefs two copies of the memorandum. This statement was unhesitatingly Interpreted by Redbear, and the chiefs, who knew by experience that most agency papers were signed in duplicate, made their crosses and thumb-print- s as fast as Vandervyn wrote their names on the two papers. Olnna ventured to whisper to her brother that the papers did not look alike. He hastily repeated the remark to Vandervyn. The girl cringed close to her grandfather. But Vandervyn showed no anger. He smiled at her In a manner that brought a blissful glow Into her soft eyes, and explained that one paper gave the proceedings of the council In full, while the other consisted of brief notes. He then murmured 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 Olnna had attested as witnesses. Vandervyn thrust the documents into his pocket and went to rejoin Hardy. As he banded 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 until 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. "We can start at once, If you wish, assented Vandervyn. ' The girl Very well," said llardy shall remain here, and you will come with me. Vandervyn shrugged, smiled and vaulted Into his saddle. Still doubtful of his companion. Hardy took the ponies of Redbear and Olnna In lead, and rode over td where the brother and sister stood in the ( Whats that?" queried - Hardy. Nothing nothing, sir,"- quavered the girl. Only, Charlie he added something to what you said. I put in that yon and Mr. Van would try .to get them big pay for midst of their grandfather's Immedthe mineral lands, boldly explained iate family. When the girl confirmed ftedbeur. Vandervyn's statement that she wished Surely youve no objection ta that, to remain In the mountains, he took captain, remarked Vandervyn. ceremonious leave of the noble old Was that all?" Hardy asked the chief, and rode off to rejoin his party. girt. During the brief interval Vander-vyn- s Yes, sir. He only gay humor had disappeared. He Very well. I have no objection to met Hardy with a frown, and held out the statement. But I now must de- one of the letters that he had written n cidedly Insist upon nn exact that morning. Seeing that it was adof what I say. Miss Bed-bea- r, dressed to himself. Hardy tore open you will tell me at once If your the envelope and read the brief note i brother either falls to Interpret what within. 1 tell him or makes any additions. he said, fixing the younger So, Ye-faltered Olnna. Her man with a level glunce, your ressir, If covert glance of appeal tuet with a ignation to take effect at once. It is .reassuring smile from Vandervyn. She dated yesterday. 'ventured to look up at Hardy, and her It would have been dated and prevoice became steadier: Yes, air, of sented a week ago If I'd had the course. Only Charlie was Just trying slightest Idea you were going to Insult to help, and he won't do It again. llardy resumed his explanations and advice. When he hud finished, several more orators had to exhibit their eloquence. The council then proceeded to accept the acting agent's advice and jiame a delegation. As Insisted that he was too old to venture so long a Journey among the white men, five of the younger subchiefs and headmen were chosen to represent the tribe. During the closing ceremonies of the council Vandervyn leaned forward beside nurdy, and showed him an abbreviated tyit accurate meinorandum of the proceedings. ' It's as well to have these things In black and white, he suggested. '"We could get the chiefs to sign this before the council breaks up. Very good. A record may be valuable for future reference," agreed inter-.pretatlo- 1 -- s, , Hardy. He rapidly read tho writing, Interpolated a few words, added a line, and gave It to Bedbeur to Interpret. When the council acknowledged the accuracy of the memorandum. Hardy signed it, and asked the chiefs to add ithetr marks, with Bedbeur and Olnna acting ns witnesses. At this Yonder-vy- n volunteered to serve as penman, and officiously ordered Redbear to bring the chiefs over to a nearby bowlder, where they could more conveniently make their marks on the . paper. Hardy offered no objection to this. The council had finished Its work, and there wus nothing suspicious about that the Vundcrvyns suggestion bowlder would afford an easy place for the chiefs to sign, lie rose and returned to his innre, while the crowd Hocked off to the bowlder after their chiefs. He did not see Vandervyn Joy out two papers on the top of the Ive Had Enough of Your Bullying." me as you did yesterday, Vandervyn burst out angrily. You'd have had It on the spot if I could huve brought myself to borrow your pen and paper." I see, said llardy. He reflected a moment and remurked: There seems to be no reason why I should not accept your resignation, if you Insist upon my acting on It. I do," snld Vandervyn. Ive had enough of your bullying. I'm a free man now not your clerk." You will change your tone, sir, If you wish to ride In my company," said thut Hardy, with a cool cheeked the other's anger. Oadt If only you weren't such a prig!" exclaimed the You're so sure yon younger man. self-contr- I can show cards and spades to the angels! I'm out for the good things of life, and I make no bones over it But that doesnt prevent me from being a blooming benefactor as well. If you wish to know the real reason why Im resigning, It's because I have planned to go on to Washington with the delegation, and pull wires to get the tribe a big slice of graft for their mineral lands. Hardy saw the frank sincerity In his companions eyes, and responded to the assertion with an Instant apology: Mr. Vandervyn, I beg your pardon for misjudging you. At times your conduct has been but I no longer doubt your good Intentions. It takes an ofllcer and gentleman to eat crow as If It were quail rallied Vandervyn with seemingly genial sarcasm. Do I understand that my resignation is accepted?" , If you Insist I do. Now that Is settled. We make the return trip as equals, said Vundervyn, and, as If freed from all rancor by the thought, he fell Into a mood of suave gayety. half-amuse- d 1 A Lover's Promise. When, midafternoon of the next day, the two white men and the pair of Indian police emerged from the canyon of Sioux creek Into the agency valley, Vandervyn was still as gay and good-humor- tone. If Dupont Is at home, may 1 ask you to send him to the officer Certainly," replied Vandervyn, and all the way down to the agency he chatted genially. When they came to the level behind the warehouse, he waved his band In friendly parting. Slong. See you later. Be sure to chops off your whiskers In time for Youll need to look your supper. best." Dupont soon clumped Into the agency office, fairly oozing with jovial friendliness. Howdy I - Howdy, Can 1" he greeted. Marie, she says shell look to see you at supper. Mr. Van says you wanted to see me. Anything I can do, Cap, JURt call on me. Im ready to call quits now, If you are. nardy accepted the proffered hand, and exchanged a cordial grip. This pleases me very much, Du"We will all pont, he responded. now work together for the tribe. I give you my best wishes that you may win the mine. We got a fair show to, seeing as how you aint going to let on about it In your report. Now, Just tell me what I can do for you. "Merely a few words as InterpreI wish one of the ter," said Hardy. police at once to ride over to the railroad with these telegrams and letters. The sooner I receive Instructions to send the delegation to Washington, the better. Thats no lie. Mr., Van says the money cant be appropriated till congress meets, but the treaty Is fixed up sos the amount can be settled on and the reservation ordered divided up by the treaty commission. "Ah!" exclaimed Hardy. We may get the agricultural lands allotted In time for the planting of winter wheat Come; we will send off these telegrams and letters. Since the return of the party from the mountalps, not one of the police but was more than willing to serve the new agent Two of the younger men were Boon cantering away down the valley on their best ponies, proud of the fact that they had been chosen to make the night ride to the railroad. llardy returned to the office with Dupont, and became deeply absorbed in discussing ways aud means for the development of the Indians us farmers. When Dupont noted the hour, there seemed scarcely time for even one of the captain's quick-chang- e toilets. Yet he appeared ut the door of the Dupont house, spick and span and his beard clean shaven, without huv-In- g required his hostess to wait supper hulf a minute. As he eutered In response to Dupont's hospitable bellow, there was a perceptible hesitancy In his munner. Mario was seated at the fur end of the room near Vandervyn. She rose, and came forward to greet llurdy, her chin proudly uptilted. There seems to have been a general misunderstanding of motives, captain, she remarked with frank directness. I still consider that you were unduly harsh, but I now understand that yob meant well and perhaps had some excuse. Reggie suys thut we are all to work together for -- granted DuP0Dt' Mine and allf are Ive told yourepeat, such vyn. things way the regular Its why handled In ull representative govern- so well get the mine and ments ours. the Canudlan and Eng- thing else and ru fix the German, the Didnt know you was itn' lish parliaments, him. Wasnt It all same." on all the French ' I do not You been acting that way." Chn Tbe girl's eyes clouded. WalJ and aee me rub hi. a. like to hear you speak la that cynical other way I Ill put over tone." t "Oh. its not because I dont be- him that Vandervyn chert!? ' democratic 'In government lieve In disclosure, and began askin.il despotic countries the regular proce- tlons about the traits dure would be for the officials to take chiefs- - chosen os tribal dJL the bulk of the appropriation, and Half an hour after Runrl. or came Jogging hack home, fo? give the tribe the percentage r " nothing." face set In a satisfied grin, n? I cannot believe that even your placency of his look lessened government will permit Its officials to entered, and saw the Indian rob either the tribe or tbe people of moving the evidences of kT1 the country, declared Marie. There solitary meal. . lie knocked cannot be a majority of dishonest con- daughters door. After quit , gressmen. she called to him that he mlgh, honest are No; the big majority He found her seated at the foot! fools. They are managed by means of bed, with a little leather-bouncommittees and the plea of party loy- In her lap. Though her eyelid, But that's not swollen, she met him alty and with h! I You know my fault, sweetheart. look of quiet "I know youve yet to receive perYou let Cap cat alone," fc mission to call me that broke In tbe marked., . Dont call that beln, be si glrL pltle,' do you?" . id, puff Vandervyn bit his lip. You forget be had been more cotuij, I am going away. they could have remained unt Reggie Back to Washington and your ' leaves," delegation coldly replied fiancee you paret Quite true. And Tm going to stay, glrL Well, we got to keep In mt ere a unless there Is Borne Inducement for Mr, Van gits things fixed. ! till rn in i me to return here, he rejoined. parent It was Maries Jura to bite her lip. If he gits mad and reports on rt you now can you say that, when you Washington, well git kicked ot reservation and barred frog ou mu know that I thut I or Imm I told you how It was, and why chunce of the mine." Did ady to that? Reggie say I cannot break off with her until It Is r Yep. Its why, he says, belt He stepped nearer, his eyes aglow world to to It Yon about you keep quiet with passionate allurement. But know I love you, only you, Marie I gngeinent If you let ou Is a Jealous to I hes And likely git jou love me, sweetheart rose' Under the enticement of bis soft put Senator Clemmer next eyes and pleading voice, all her re- would queer the whole deal it fori serve melted. Instead of eluding his stage of the game." ed Ind! do I not believe that Captain 5 advance, she swayed forward, and perT U8. mitted him to take her fn his arms. would do such a thing," declared towar He crushed her to him, and showered glrL ot the All right Mr. Van leavet kisses on her lips and blushing cheeks e pare upon her dusky hair when, over- you to tell him, If you waatt rcumsi come, she pressed her face against aint saying Cap maynt be s sfe and tl his shoulder. laced In everything else. But ices tl He quivered with the joy of mas- It comes to being dead gone an and You are mine-m- ine like you, and at his age, too- -o tery and possession. at Scl I Say It! teU me be wont do bis level be of the I I will marry youl she whis- put Mr. Van out of the runnlnj ce. T way he can. pered. plrit, 1 Submissive and loving as was the ' The girl sprang up, her eyci or reply, It struck the ardent smile from with a flare of unreasoning anp si It is ne shall not!" she cried. IVandervyns face. Ills embrace reI ell, d laxed, and for a moment he stood lls coming back!" how staring over the girl's head, his lip ne wont have no chance between his teeth. sea Its leaks out about you and him got: cboos I love youl she murmured, git married." lust ai quick to sense the change that had scarle Married The angry come upon him. choose the girls cheeks deepened to 1 At the candid confession his eyes Notes of York, Indignation and joy ml a Mec again glowed, and again he crashed oddly in her her to him. ;e, I 1 tlon: He will come back! That! shoi You love me I You own It! be dler shall not prevent !" In ha: cried. You are mine !' You wont go and git Cap doc1 tv 1 .the Norwill With a sudden, violent thrust for us, Walt you?" remonstrated M 6 as t and see, she replied ) light which he was all unprepared, she When, at the usual supper 1 it telle burst from his clasp and sprang clear Hardy presented himself at tbe ible er of him. rear e wer he muttered, staring pont door, his bearing was What Is and somewhat diffident. Dupont contei at her, half bewildered. was alone In the genial); little ( Oh! she cried. It was the way him enter. But parlor,lingered !i convl, Hardy Oh I how could you?. She you until Marie appeared. bis ch doorway put up her hands, like a child, to hide Iardon me, Miss Dupont," hei the scarlet that flamed In her cheeks. as he met her look of surprise Go, please go! You have made me came minds to say that If you do not tell And I have promised to marry thlnkei elder board 1 It to worth while you when you come back, can make shift for myself. natu If I do come back, qualified Vanselect notf but Indeed, shall you dervyn in a flash of chagrin. ?d nnl Marie drew herself up to her full claimed the girl with a gracious ractloi his f that a into brought glow height, the color ebbing from her face. ut to Her voice was as cold as her eyes. face. What should we do iti bis k at your table?" company Do you wish to free me from my r; the You are very kind to say It promise? is pei She smiled. "Never 1 he burst out Youd give Where have jot I yourself to Hardy, ne shant have keeping yourself all day?" wns t ' I rode up Wolf river to tbe I ib ha; you. Youve promised you said It. Not now not yet not until you A canal to irrigate a large aret s occasl come buck to me, free from your be led down from there, and late It v cousin. Leave me, I asked you to go. When he perceived the look in her eyes, he picked up his hut and left the house, without attempting to argue. She closed the door, and hastened Into her dainty llttlb bedroom, to sink on her knees before the crucifix at the foot of her bed. T Hai Ai d log-rollin-g. 1 .If i 1 i CHAPTER XV. as at the start of the Jour ney. He even volunteered to intervene for Hardy with Marie. It is very kind of you to make the offer, replied Hardy In rather a stiff a Just price for their mineral lands, Dont look so shocked, Miss Canada. No, We Must Walt Until Freed From Your You Are Cousin. r Haray attributed the girls As to his presence. quietness they left the supper table, he asked Dupont to come to the office. Marie and Vandervyn followed them as far as the parlor, where the young man dropped into the easiest chair, with a disgusted, Lord 1 he makes me weary all that benevolent blatter I" Of course he Is doing It merely to help himself In his career, murmured Marie. Or to get the handling of the tribal funds, Vandervyn. suggested Therell be a fat slice of graft for somebody out of all those millions. You really think that? "What else can you expect government on one side and Poor Lo on the other? It's the usual thing. I expect to get my share. You?" exclaimed the girl her eyes widening with a look of astonishment and reproach. Vandervyn laughed amusedly. Walt a bit before you dig up your tomahawk. Miss Sitting Bull If succeed In getting the tribe fifteen or twenty millions. Instead of the five that was talked about. It strikes me they could afford to allow yours truly give. half-sombe- a nice little percentage as commis- sion. Oh, Reggie, pardon me I Of course you should have good pay for proving yourself such a friend to the tribe. "And to each member of the tribe 1" he added, his blue eyes glowing golden with ardor. I dont want all my pay in money. How about an advance royalty In something else? He had risen, and was coming toward her. She blushed and retreated around the tea table. "No, no," she remonstrated. "I told you we must wait until until you Sre freed from youn cousin." Walt?" he rejoined. Youre trying to play me agulnst thut tinfoil hero. Do you think I'm going to stand for that? I'll have to go on at once, and fix things so that the delegation will not huve to hang round the capl-tall winter." Yoq will have to leave before the delegation?" The girl wus almost dismayed at the unexpectedness of the announcement. "Ill have to go at once," repeated I thought of Vandervyn, frowning. course he would have told me before sending his messages. I could have so worded them for him thut the game would hnve started off without a hitch. As It Is, he hus messed things up In a way that will require the presence of a good lobbyist to pull off the game In any kind of shape to suit us. I do not like the way you speak of It a gume, lobbying," murmured Marie. Vandervyn smiled condescendingly. My dear girl, a crooked deal cun twist through the devious wuys of congress and the departments without trouble. An honest, straightforward matter, such as this treaty, needs strong pulling to get as fur as the president's signature. But you will use only honest methods In your lobbying?" "What else?" queried Vandervyn, the good of the tribe. his eyes wide and guileless. I It pleases me very much to hear to earn my commission all free wish and It. above-boaryou say You need not be surWhat Interest have you In helping prised, however, If a big slice of graft them?" she queried, evidently reluc-tu- Is deducted from the amount approprito believe his motives uuselflsh. ated to pny the tribe." It means a good mark on his ofHow dishonest ficial record," buutered Vandurryn, It's the only way to get tho tribe ol nt 1 Go-th- 1 1 half-murmur- ltr I 1 CHAPTER XVI. The Fighting Chance. Vandervyn was up before dawn. But Marie was up an hour earlier, and sent her father over to make Bure that her lover come for the breakfast bad prepared for him. While he she stocked his saddlebags foe m trip, and gave the pinto a good feed of oats. lie tried to see her alone, and failed.. She was too clever for him. But when he went out to mount, 1 permitted him a single parting kiss the presence of her father. Duiiont hud saddled one of his own ponies to ride out" with the trnv eler. As they Jogged down the rc In the dim starlight, he bit off chaw" of plug tobacco, squinted ui the vague form of his companion, and chuckled. Whats the Joke?" Irritably queried Vandervyn. Tulnt no Joke, Mr. Van. Just the same, it tickles me to know you and Marie has agreed to hitch up." Who snld anything about an d the young man, Now, now, keep on your shirt I" soothed Dupont Mnrte never hnve let you kiss herwouldnt If she didn't Intend to tuke you." Undervyn suddenly his tone: Ini glad to hear changed you say It You Jake, sec,- she does not altogether like the Idea of keeping quiet about our engagement our betrothal you would say In Canada. But If henr of hB vn,?M Probably The Girl Sprang Up, Her Eye1 With" Unreasoning Anger. 1 I believe a dam could bo constf nbove the falls at a compari small cost. It would convert thel Icjr nbove Into a large storage voir, to hold the winter flood You must show me your Plaj tho fulls themselves I declared with an enthusiasm more agree-snappe- !21 T M."' T,cn I sonnl compliment They went in to supper, discussing his plans for tho betted I e-,- of the tribe. ' Do you believe that Mrl' aa crooked ae her father lover? Will Hardy vnt,h( be able to get a square d1 the Indian? " (TO UJfl CONTINUE SEVt CLOl CRCi |