Part 15 (2/2)

The work was practically over for the day at four o'clock and the actors in their costumes--especially the Indians, including Wonota and her father--made a brilliant picture as they wandered about the lawns and in and out of the several bungalows on the island.

From the direction of Chippewa Bay appeared a chugging motor-launch that came directly to the dock. It was not one of the hired launches used by the picture company, nor were those in the launch men who had anything to do with Mr. Hammond's corporation.

But when Ruth idly looked into the launch from her seat with Helen and Miss Keith and Mrs. Paisley on the porch of their house, the girl of the Red Mill got up suddenly, uttering an astonished exclamation:

”That horrid man again!”

”Hoity-toity!” exclaimed Mrs. Paisley. ”What man deserves such a t.i.tle as that, Miss Fielding?”

”That Bilby!” exclaimed Ruth. ”I just felt it in my bones--like Aunt Alvirah--that that creature would annoy us again.”

”Then you are not disappointed,” said Helen drily. ”Is that the fellow--that big gawk in the blue suit?”

”No, no! I don't know him,” said Ruth. ”The little fat man tagging after the big fellow.”

For two men from the launch had now stepped ash.o.r.e. In accordance with orders from Mr. Hammond, the visitors were stopped at the head of the dock. n.o.body was allowed on the island without invitation or a permit.

”Let me tell you,” said the man in blue pompously, ”that I am a county officer. You'd better have a care, young fellow.”

”Say! I don't care if you are the King of the Yaps,” said Willie, the boatman. ”I have my orders. This is private property. Stay where you are--right where you are, mind!--till I send for the boss.”

”You send for them two Injuns--that is who our business is with,” put in Bilby. ”That Totantora and Wonota. I want to see them--not that Hammond.”

Ruth had run to another house to warn those very individuals to get out of the way and to keep out of sight until Bilby's visit was over. She did not know, of course, who the big man in blue was.

The latter was inclined to be pompous and commanding, even when Mr.

Hammond came down to the head of the dock to see him. It was evident that Bilby's money felt warm in the deputy sheriff's pocket, and he was determined to give the little fat man full weight for his cash.

”This here business is something that can be settled without any row, Mr.

Hammond--if that's your name,” said the officer, puffingly.

”It is my name, all right,” returned the president of the Alectrion Corporation. ”And I don't expect any row. What do you want--and that fellow behind you?”

Horatio Bilby grinned rather sheepishly. ”Well, you know, Mr. Hammond, all's fair in love and war.”

”This is certainly not love,” said the moving picture man. ”Now, what do you both want?”

”You are ordered to bring two people into court,” said the deputy sheriff, ”and show cause why they shouldn't be handed over to Mr. Bilby pending certain proceedings to break their contract with you.”

”Blunt enough,” admitted Mr. Hammond, but without excitement. ”Let's see: You have a paper of some kind, I suppose, to serve on me?”

”I've a summons for you,” said the officer, drawing forth some papers, ”and I propose to take the two Indians back to the Bay with me.”

”You can serve me, and I will arrange for my representative to appear for me in your court,” said Hammond. ”But Totantora, to whom I suppose you refer, is a citizen of the United States, and you will have to find him to serve him.”

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