OCR Text |
Show i I for you discovered that an able man of unscrupulous character and political power enough to wreck your career was trying to do harm to the girl you loved by'stenllng her affections and turning them to evil purposes, would you shoot him before he spoiled the girl or wait until he did It and then kill him? Consider Captain llnrdys predicament, as described In this Installment The army officer, you will recall, went to Lakotah reservation os acting agent following the murder of Agent Nogen and a threatened uprising of the Indians. Wounded by an ambush shot, he falls In love with Marie Dupont, a quarterbreed, who nurses him, but gives no definite answer to his proposul of murrlage because Bhe Is enamored of Reginald Vandorvyn, agency clerk and scapegrace nephew of Senator Clemmer. Hardy learns the Ipdlans are disaffected because old Jacques Dupont, a wily post trader, end Vandervyn have cheated them In an Illegal tribal mine deal. At first the red men, deceived by Vandervyn, misunderstand the officers motives, but finally accept him as their friend, and a commission, led by Vanderwyn, prepares to go to Washington to secure a division of tribal lands and the sale of mines owned by Indians. Vandervyn plans to get profit for himself. , CHAPTER XVI Continued. ' while," be replied. Ills voice shook with the Irresistible passion of his So began the second perio4 of nnr-dy- s love. "Dearest I let me call you thut dose companionship with the girl, here, this once I It was here I first andthe Intimacy appeared as sincere looked Into the depths of yonr heart, and friendly as the first one, when Van- and learned how good and kind you dervyn was in the mountains with are." tledbeur. Almost every day they rode The girl turned (o hide her face aut to examine the Wolf river water-hc- from the reverent adoration of his and estimate as best they could gaze. without surveying Instruments' the No, no" she murmured. "Dont, number of acres that could be put un- please der ditch. I must speak, dear," he replied. I Hardy hnd at once written for re- ask nothing of you. It Is only that I ports on similar undertakings. Be--. wish to tell you how you made me fore receiving them he was agreeably realize again that life is worth living. surprised by an official telegram from When I came from the Coast, I had Washington Instructing him to at once lost one dearer to me tbun anyone else send on tho tribal delegation, In the In all the world my mother. She charge of Redbear. So swift an un- was a little woman, very frail her reeling of government red tape proved blue eye were dim and faded, her that powerful Influences were favor- hair white; but even when she was dear eyes sought ing the consummation of the new at the very end-- her treaty. Hardy ungrudgingly gave to ease my grief with the same look Vandervyn the credit of being a very you gave me as you bent over me here and thought me fatally Injured." successful benevolent lobbyist "Please begged the 'girl, choking A runner was dispatched to bring in back a sob. "I do not deserve Redbear and the delegates. They came without delay. Redbeurs arm Your mother 1 but I am not kind nor was so nearly nealed that he had full good I use. of It i Olnna did not accompany Hardy went on In the same voice him. He said their grandfather had of profound passion: "You lifted me become jro fond of her that be had out of the shadow of the Valley. You Insisted upon her remaining in the came to me in my blank darkness, a mountains until the return of the del- glorious light of divine goodness that egation flora Washington. Marie of- compelled me to see that all was not fered to send for her and give her a wrong with the- universe that even home while her brother was away, but so great a loss as mine might be for Redbear hastily declared that the girt the best" I am not what you think me I wished to stay with the old chief. am not!" she reiterated. took of the Ilardy charge delegation ss far as the railroad, and Marie and . You restored my faith, and hope," It would be selfish of Dupont went along to keep him com- - he Insisted. pany. He provided for the comfort me to ask anything more of you .aboard train of Redbear and the five now" It would be useless useless I" she solemn chiefs, and shipped them off with through tickets to. Washington cried. He was too little versed in feminine .and a careful set of instructions to help them in the conduct of their mis- nature to realize that her vehemence sion. might Indicate an effort to suppress My only wish Is that I might go an Inner doubt of the assertion. Had with them," hq remarked, as the he been a few years younger, youth"Iron horse" whlcled them away ful Impetuosity might have won him toward the land of the sunrise. "They that which his reverent respect shrank from urging. He had taken her will be like Babes In the Woods." You sure have done your level best gloved hand. ' He pressed It to his lips, for them, Cap," replied Dupont "You and freed her. I shall not annoy you. dear," he aint got no license to worry nohow. . Mr. Van Is there to boost em along." said. Yet I cannot take that as final. "Besides, you have your work here," I shall wait until he returns. Then I added Marie with a glance that com shall take my fighting chance. , "You wlllI" she whispered. .pletely diverted his thoughts. I shall not give up until you have They spent the night in the rough ishack misnamed a hotel, and at dawn pledged yourself to him. If I can, I started on their return to the agency. will prevent that He cannot posAs Duponts pony was continually lag- sibly love you as I love you. If It is ging behind. Hardy hud the pleasure possible to win you for my wife, I of Maries company virtually alone for will do it" Marie quivered, and shrank from the greater part of the ride. She You say,' when seemed to enjoy this quite as much blm as If startled. as he, and remained In gracious good-humeven through the blazing heat of midday. Nor did she allow herself to feel fatigue until, after their arrival mt the agency, she had cooked a savory supper, and then entertained Hardy for an hour or more In her ar' 9 d, 1 1 , ' ' or tistic little parlor. The.next day, fresh as ever, Marie was ready to ride up to the falls and help him run a line of levels with the Instruments that he had hired In town. Never hnd he known anyone ao abounding In life. Mentally as well as physically, she seemed ever tireless, buoyant, animated. Day after day they worked and planned for the good of the tribe; stay after duy her graciousness toward him Increased. And day after day his love for her deepened and strengthened until It could be seen In his every ' look and act, and heard in every Inflection of his voice when he spoke to her. Though her manner toward him showed uo trace of overt coquetry, she made no effort to repulse his silent devotion or to check the growth of fils passion. A week after the departure o the delegation found him fully looking the part of g gallant lover ardent, youthful, almost hundsotne. He hirtl lost much of his former look of penslvo severity, liven the silvery hairs over tys temples seemed to he regaining their original ruddy brown. A iew days later one of the lines of (levels happened to bring him and the .girl to the edge of the coulee, across from the butte. lie suggested that they go down and across to the spring rill for a drink. As they turned back, Marie recognized the exact spot where he had been shot, ' Womanlike, she shuddered and turned pale at the though at the tlmo of tho occurrence she hud been ao brave. Look I" she sutd la a "Here Is where you fell I thought recnl-loetlo- n, hulf-whispc- r. were jou"Tho killed 1" experience was well worth Washington except two notes from Vandervyn to Dupont, reporting favorable progress and Inclosing sealed letters to Marie. She told nothing of what these contained, even to her father. . Hardys first and last message in regard to the new treaty was an official notification that It had been duly approved and signed, after fifteen million dollars bad been decided upon as the compensation to the tribe for the mineral lands. Special commissioners had been named to proceed to the reservation and arrange for the Immediate opening of the mineral lands to entry, and the allotment of the remaining lands to the members of the tribe. Hardy was surprised when be saw that the time set for the departure of the commissioners bad already passed. The document bad been misdirected, had been returned to Washington, and then seemingly had been pigeonholed for several days by some careless clerk before being remalled to him. If he had not established a more frequent mall service, In place of the customary weekly trip to town by one of the police, the commlsslqners might have arrived before he received the notice. He was still more surprised when, the following day, be and Marie rode down Sioux creek to where it flowed Into Wolf river. The moment the view down the coulee opened before them, they perceived several tents pitched in the bottom, at the foot of the butte. They found twenty or twenty-fiv- e rough-lookin- g men encamped along the question of accommodations commissioners. The arrival of the commissioners early In the afternoon of the following day would have taken the agency by surprise if Hardy hod not posted a lookout on the signal mountain. T&e gave warning prearranged smoke-sig- n of the approach of the party while it was yet many miles away over the plains. Even at that, Hardy and Marie and Dupont were not quite ready to greet the visitors when they came Into view down the valley. The explanation of thqir quick trip from the railroad at dace became evident Commissioners,' Indian delegates and all were stowed in two targe touring cars. Vandervyn was driving the foremost car. He brought It up the slope of the agency terrace with a rush, and spun It around In a curve that ended before the porch of the Dupont house. The second car rolled straight on across the terrace to the tepee of Ttaw konza. Hardy, who was about to start across to the office, paused In the porch to welcome the commissioners. Dupont hurried out of the rear doorway of his store. Marie, after a slight bow in acknowledgment of Vandei vyna respectful salute, quietly drew back Into her parlor. In the front seat beside Vandervyn d was a big, man, whose bleared eyes Immediately began to scrutinize Hardy, and as quickly turned away when they met his clear gaze. The five men in the tonneaa all had the loot of a certain kind of politician, and all met Hardya cordial greeting with a cold formality that would have chilled even a place-hunte- r. Put upon his dignity by this unexpected rebuff, the captain drew back Into the porch. Dupont received a more pleasant response to his bluff welcome. He jerked open the door of the tonneau, and offered his hand to each of the commissioners in turn as they stepped stiffly out Into the porch. "My friend Jake Dupont, gentlemen," said Vandervyn. Every member of the party at once smiled upon the trader, and shook hunds with him. Most cordial of all was the big man who bad sat In the Friend, Jake Dupont, Gentlemen. he comes back But until then you will you 'not" , "Until then we shall continue to be the same good comrades that we have been." , The girl drew In a deep breath. "Then let us go back to work." Hardy accepted the suggestion with a tltat was as remarkable as It was misplaced. self-contr- ol CHAPTER XVII. word hml been received way. She stood beside a chair, somewhat pale, but outwardly very calm. She did not advance a single step. Yet ' out after the first few hun,iM. sands. Im In on another jT stands to pet a cool minion. , get that In bank, I can hay, I choose to go after." "If I had ten times a afta could buy you a character would gladly pay It all allr ' The slash of a whip in his face, have stung him far less, her a long moment, while & Waning of the words cut of his Mortfr) anger, furious chngrin flumed face. He raised his hand j strike her, and Instead, whirled and rushed out. through thepJ The girl sank on her knee, pressed her hands to her lips t, the cry thnt would have back. When she looked up, tvas white and drawn with tj But she had conquered. "He shall not shall not ksn weakness 1" she whispered witj, determination, ."If only it haid ed him beyond forgiveness! he may go away forever! I, be able to forget him in time J iw self-estee- called K s. on CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ' Pleasant Little Surprises Too furious to heed what ht about, Vandervyn struck off apt ged gulley behind the Dupont l An hour passed before he cans Bt down the mountain-side- . y 5 tm at xsltl 1 self-respe- full-bloo- d from bo th e h ha S o i rs, des of li si SUt ti h all-fire- Red-bea- r, 8! isiv ip 1 ld Is I changing his clothes whea ft brought him an Impatient sta from the office : Hurry up, Vi They want you.' Where yon be this time?" Went for a stroll," drawled h vyn. They can wait" Ills to came harsh and Incisive. "I r. speak to you about something. been letting Marie get In thick him." Who? Yon mean Cap? You didnt say yon t Dupont me to keep em from running er. You've Been Letting Marla Get Thick Yon should have seen the With Him." I take It she has been alone wl: blinded by his own ardor, be came on most of the time." Well, what of It?" muttered without heeding the look In her face until within arms-reacof her. Then pont What of Itr echoed Vaid at last he perceived her lack of reDont yon know enough about sponse, and stopped. I say he exclaimed. Whats the officers to realize that he wxUa matter? Is this the way to welcome marry a quarterbreed?" Duponts crafty eyes narrowed, me back, sweetheart?" d sure of that Ti The term of endearment brought a not so em lots of has married even quick blush Into the girls cheeks. But seen breeds. em." Ive she Replied in cold, even tones: Are Years ago, when the frontle yon now at liberty to address me as months away from civilization. your fiancee?" Mebbe, and mebbe them breed His eyes shifted before her level a tenth as good looke Wasnt Don't be foolish, Maries You gaze. know youre the only woman. Yon Marie. Shes a lady." Vandervyns lip curled. "If yot know that engagement must stand unhave the gaff, Jake how about we are sure of the mine. There la til self?. Do yon think an office something else, as well w This Is quite enough for the pres- law would care to have yon him at an army post?" ent, she broke in. I promised to Well, then Dupont scowled. wait for you until yon should come back free from your cousin. You have been no harm done, and yon's returned, but you are not free from now." Quite true. But his attention her. Is It honorable for yon to speak Marie on her high horse. put to me now?" , How can I help It?" he urged, seek- yon to take a stand against L: ing to melt her with bis ardent gaze. back me up with her. Yon sure can count me In "You are the only woman the only one In all the world to me. There is Mr. Van," eagerly assented Dnp All right Ive got him fixed not another half as beautiful, a tenth I wanted to make sure of yoorltf as charming 1" She quivered In response to the deep, If he comes to dinner tonight fi golden notes of his voice, yet held her- a gay little surprise or two 5 self firm with all the strength of her sleeve for him." resolute will. 1 been waiting to ask yon aho "You speak of love," she rejoined. mine. Uowre we going to woit "Yon say nothing of marriage." deal?" How can I?" he asked in an agWeve got to make a You know that until real contest Its to be run on ft grieved tone, we get the min But that wont be style rush plan." long now. These commissioners are "Suppose one of them there Jumping-Jack- s In the hands of my un- the butte has the best horsef cle. They will hustle matters through Vandervyn thrust out W for ns short order. Once I we get "Dont fash yourself. To the mine, Ill be a free man, and then, haye that mine. This Is my sweetheart' the way well fix It" He leaned But the girl drew back from bis and murmured In Duponts etf pleading arms. The trader shook his head. No," she said. If I must wait, so Im not saying that might0' must you. If you mean what you say, Just the same, though, itd dm1 you should be satisfied that I still feel the only one what could do the I may have to wait." ing. Td be a sooner." "You mean what?" he stammered. The mine would be entered d She clenched her hands convulsively. hut of course we would have F1 "Why did you come first? could deratandlng that yon were to I not have known him first?"Why half," replied Vandervyn. He1' "I see," he muttered. to the door. "Come. Its that briskly that tin soldier." the bunch has had time enough f heels." , T0!! ktbat gentleman 1" she their Unshed hack. Aguln the slender Still frowning dubiously. DPj finger nails cut Into her pulms. lowed him over to the office. ' Nice fatherly old fogy I" sneered Ilurdy and the commissioner constrain, "Youre far too much alive, lag for them, stiff and )tooundervyn. much of a real womnn, to mistake your feeling toward him for love Lovel thats the word, sweetheurt-yo- uth What sort of conspiracy 5 and love and happiness think that Vandervy" you You and I, sweetheart 1" these crooked commlM'n Kite blushed and trembled. have formed agalnit Cap But sho Hardyf When the lndlanM U? dny of hl ftb8t,nco n j Antlmut0 comradeship with they have been tricked Hardy. At the moment when Vnnder-vy- u hed white bloodf thought to take her Into A the spring rill in light few were cowboys, but the greater number had the appearance and outfits of prospecting miners. They stared at Marie with the respectful admiration front seat Marie now stepped out to greet the of typical Westerners for an honest" woman, and readily answered Hardy's visitors, and was formally Introduced by Vandervyn. With a gracious comcivil questions. Notice of the prospective opening of posure that would. have done credit the mineral lands of the reservation to the most exclusive of drawing had been published In a few very ob- rooms,- - She welcomed the visitors, and scure weekly papers. One of the men Invited them to luncheon. gave nardy a blurred sheet of s little 'The most portly member of the comcountry Journal, and pointed out the mission promptly accepted the Invitagovernment notice. It was printed In tion on behalf of himself and his comthe midst of several uninteresting legal panions, and the party followed their notices. The old fellow winked know- hostess Into her parlor. Vandervyn ingly, and remarked that, as long a lingered a moment to favor Hardy with he was in on the game, he didnt care a smile of Ironical condolence, Chesty lot, these lame ducks!" he how quiet It was played. said. But they stand In with the big What could that man have meant about being In on a quiet game!" Ma- fellows. They had the cars shipped rie asked Ilardy, as they rode down out from Chicago to accommodate the coulee to take the road back to them. Better snuggle up on their warm side What, not going, surely? the agency. must come In to lunch and show I believe I understand, and I do Yon us how tactful a tactician can be." not altogether like It," replied Hardy. Thanks, no," replied nardy, Til "The fellow probably Is right In thinkask yon kindly to excuse me to Miss ing that undue Influence Is being exerted to give as little publicity as pos- Dupont. The commissioners may find sible to the opening of the mineral me at the office at any time that suits them." lands to entry." Vandervyn shrugged and went InDo yon really think so? Of course his smile a trifle forced. He at doors, Is It Yet where Is the not right hnrro? These men have been enter- once Joined his party In their eager acceptance of Duponts most cordial prising enough to seize the opportuof hospitality, his nity, and they deserve the chances of expression Marie had excused whisky, good fortune." to The transaction has rather too herself the guests. By the time she much the appearance of a prearranged reappeared every member of the party was aglow with good feeling. The girl scheme," replied Ilardy. Ills thought- at once became the target for a shower ful face darkened with the shadow of all in doubtful taRte, pf compliments, If I could be sure that it anxlefy. some decidedly too free and easy. and 1" would bring only good fortune to you She looked to Vandervyn, and met The profound tenderness and conwith an uneasy smile. Seeing only cern In his voice seemed to startle he would say nothing, she replied Marie. She leaned forward, and put that to the offenders with a wit and digher pony Into a gallop. that soon, altered their bearing nity The duy before, Immediately upon towrfrd her. They were puzzled to find receipt of the official statement from a garden rose In this rough wilderness, Washington, Hardy had sent a messen- but she soon them to the realiTwo days zation that brought ger to notify were not at liberty they came head with all his to later the chief splash mud on her The large family, Including Olnna. Mario luncheon completed her petals. conquest. Insisted that the fclrl should coino to Vandervyn came ,to the tuble with stay with her until the return of all the uneasiness and Immediately fitted out the smile. He took his gone from his sent, and proceed-e- d girl with good dresses from her own to extol Maries skill as a chef. wardrobe. When Hardy spoke of her Olnna, hearing a tray, came In. and generosity,' she smiled and shrugged. began to serve luncheon. Though exto do for anyIt Is little enough tremely shy, she started with a deftone, cuptuln. I was tired of those old ness thut showed careful training. gowns. Anyway, as a Quarterbreed, I Several moments passed before Vanowe It to my own to keep dervyn looked up and perceived her. a halfbreed girl from going around like The was too sharp even for surprise woman." a his assurance. He short In Her brother will be greatly his talk, and stared stopped at her, disconplensed." certed. I had no thought of him. He is At sight of his frown the girl rather a worthless fellow. It Is strunge dropped her tray, now fortunately to me how proud Olnna Is of him. She empty, and with n little, gasping says nothing, hut one can see that fled from the room. She did not cry reshe Is In a fever of Joyous excitement appear. Murle off the passed over the prospct of his return." Incident with a smile and a tactHardy frowned, parted his Ups to ful explanation of Olnnaa excessive kor " r,m,1 htt apeak, and thought better of It shyness The Indlun hoy finished the with resolution. ITO 13 U CUNTINU "You were going to any ob- serving. 1 served Mnrle. Safe Bet Vandervyn hnd delivered Hardys u!ih"Vv You thnt will wait That enough. also shall wait" "Something that must be left unsaid. messages. A woman In PottsvlUe. r They hnd been received ms eyes narrowed. "Hus It If you will pardon me," he replied, and alike .. by Marie and by the commissionherself to death, but wo of occurred to you thnt you he shifted tho coovcrsuUou to tho ers without comment. be a may tilt to wager thnt It wasn't After luncheon too Bur, .! B her hUHbauds Jokes. Detroit dog-tent- mo ihlp sul inn the r ri a r raf ver iw mr ge thl ed the Df Is111 Ing th wa e I ie i d I to s. foi X) 1 j t not r. X) of th t 1 on ure 8 I ay i Hu Is d o urn he I slai th ma lu fit ed, wt I K I Of I 1 Ths Only Woman. During the plensunt busy days that followed, to alt appearances Marie enjoyed the work and planning and the long hours of companionship fully as inurh as Hardy, Dupont, now ever bluff and genlul, kept close to hta store, But during tho long evening discussions his eyes often twinkled cunningly under their gray ' tlmtch. No a full understanding of the affairs of the agency. At this the party lingered only for a parting nip at Duponts liquid hospitality. Assuring Marie that they would return In time for dinner, they left under the escort of thelf host With the excuse that he had mislaid his hat Vandervyn returned to the dining room. When be came out bo shut the door. Marie was alone In the parlor. All the suppressed fire of his passion flamed in his face, as he turned and came swiftly back to the waiting glrL There could be no doubt that he expected her to meet him half- red-face- eight-year-o- My one of the commissioners brusquely proposed that Ilardy be summoned to attend upon them. Vandervyn Interposed with the suave suggestion thut the acting agent might leave In the safe some of the papers necessary to tl 'hi l ai d hei n a 01 I em W tov lie h tri Cti opi a! sp( a dn ill nd lie d r , II he w111 awk-wur- d tt'X r it, i tlv thl fte IlO inn Ini nV n lie |