Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-12-28


could not catch.
"Why, I asked him to come" said
the chiefs wife. She spoke easily and
naturally and made no change in tone.
"Jen has been ailing. She gets thin
ner and whittier every day. Duane
came here one day with Euchre, saw
Jen, and went looney over her pretty
face, same as all you men. So I let
him come"
Bland cursed low and deep under his
breath. The older man made violent
action of some kind and apparently
was quoted by restraining hand.
Then he led the way to the porch,
| his spurs clinking, the weapons he was
carrying rafting, and he Topped down
on bench.
How are you, boss?" asked Euchre.
Hello, old man. I'm well, but all
| I'M
AllOway slowly walked on to the
porch and leaned against the rail. He
ans wered Euchre's greeting with a
nod. Then he stood there a dark,
silent figure.
Mrs. BANDS full voice in ager
questioning had tendency to ease the
situation. Bland replied briefly to her,
| reporting a remarkably successful trip.
Duane thought it was time to show
himself. He had a feeling that Bland
and AllOway would let him go for the
moment. They were plainly non
plused, and Alloway seemed sullen,
brOoding.
Jennie" whispered Duane, that
was clever of Mrs. Bland. Wen keep
up the deception. Any day now be
readyr'
She pressed close to him, and
barely audible Hurry" came breath
ing into his ear.
Good night, Jennie" he said, aloud.
Hope you feel better tomorrow"
Then he stepped out into the moon
light and spoke. Bland returned the
greeting, and, though he was not
amiable, he did not show resentment.
Met Jasper as I rode in" said
| Bland. presently "He told me you
| made Bill Black mad, and there's liable
to be fight. What did you go off the
/ handle about?"
Duane explained the incident. "rm
sorry l happened to be there" he went
on. ut wasn't my business"
"Scurvy trick that d BEEN" NUT
| tered Bland. You did right. All the
same, Duane, I want you to stop
quarreling with my men. If you were
one of us-that d be different I can't
| fCrb+ pyI+
not called on to let an outsider hang
around my camp and plug my rus
| tiers"
Il guess I'll have to he hitting the
trail for somewhere" said Duane.
''Why not join my band? You've
got a bad start already Duane, and if
[ know this border you'll never be
born killer"
But I'm no gun-fghter," protested
Duane. circumstances made me"
''No doubt" interrupted Bland, with
a laugh. circumstances made me
rustler. You don't know yourself.
You're young; you've got a temper;
your father was one of the most
dangerous men Texas ever had. I
don't see any other career for you.
Instead of going it alone-a lone wolf,
as the Texans say-why not make
friends with other outlaws? You'll
| live longer
Euchre Squirmed in his seat.
BOSS, I've been givin' the boy eg-
zactly tibet same line of talk. An he'd
be a grand Teller fer the gang. I've
seen Wild Bill Hickok throw gun,
an Billy the Kid, an Hardin an
Chess here-all the fastest men on the
border. An with apologies to present
company, I'm here to say Duane has
them all skinned. His draw is differ
ent. You can't see how he does it."
Euchre's admiring praise served to
create an effective little silence. Allo-
way shifted uneasily on his feet, his
spurs jangling family, and did not lift
his head. Bland seemed thoughtful.
That's about the only qualification
I have to make me eligible for your
band" said Duane, easily.
''It's good enough" replied Bland,
shortly. "Will you consider the idea"
"Tll think it over. Good night"
He left the group, followed by
Euchre. When they reached the end
| of the lane, and before they had ex-
| changed a word, Bland called Euchre
! back. Duane proceeded slowly along
| the moonlit road to the cabin and sat
down under the costonwoods to wait
for Euchre. AS he sat there with
! fOrebOding of more and darker work
ahead of him there was vet strange
sweetness left to him, and it lay in
! thought of Jennie. The pressure of
her cold little hands fingered in his.
He did not think of her as a woman,
and he did not analyze his feelings.
He just had vague, dreamy thoughts
and imaginations that were inter-
Spersed in the constant and stern re-
yolving of plans to save her.
A shutting step reused him.. Euchre's
dark figure came crossing the moon
| light grass under the cottonwoods.
| The moment the outlaw reached him
Duane saw that he was labOring under
! great excitement. 1t scarcely affected
Duane. He seemed TO be acquiring
| patience, calmness, strength.
BLAND kept you pretty long," he
said.
"Wait till 1 git my breath" replied