The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-10-13

4
| HE might have Killed you ~ sh
whispered, more clearly; and If Duan
had ever heard love in a voice h
heard it then. 1t softaned him. ]
was easy, even pleasant, to kiss her
but Duane resolved that, whatever he
abandonment might become, he woul,
not go further than the lie she mad
him act.
"Buck, you love me?" she whispered
| "Yes-yes," he burst out, eager t,
get it over, and even as he spoke h,
caught the pale CLEAN of Jennies fac,
/ through the window. He felt a sham,
he was glad she could not see.
The moon had risen over the eastern
bulge of dark mountain, and now the
valley was flooded with mellow light
and shadows of cottonwOods waveret
against the silver.
Suddenly the clip-clop, clip-clop OF
| hoOfs caused Duane to raise his head
and listen. Horses were coming down
| the road from the head of thesvaliey
The hour was unusual for riders to
lit lane was crossed at its far end by
black moving objects. Two horses
Duane discerned.
"It's Bland !" whispered the woman,
grasping Duane with shaking hands.
"YOu must rum No, he'd see you.
That d be worse. It's Blandi I know
his horses trot."
Then she dragged Duane to the door,
pushed him in.
"Euchre, come out with mel Duane,
you stay with the girl I'll tell Bland
you're in love with her. Jen, if you
give us away I'll wiring your neck"
The swift action and fierce whisper
told Duane that Mrs. Bland was her
self again. Duane stepped close to
Jennie, who stood near the window.
Neither spoke, but her hands were
outstretched to meet his own. They
were small, trembling hands, cold as
ice. He held them close, trying to
convey what he felt-that he would
protect her. She leaned against him,
and they looked out of the window.
the lane and YEARLY come forward. A
boy led away the horses. Euchre, the
old fox, was talking loud and with
remarkable ease, considering what he
claimed his natural cowardice.
The approaching outlaws, hearing
voices, halted a rod or so from the
porch. Then Mrs. Bland uttered an
exclamation, ostensibly meant to ex-
press surprise, and hurried out to meet
them. She greeted her husband warm
ly and gave welcome to the other man.
Duane could not see well enough in
the shadow to recognize BANDS COM
panion, but he believed it was Allo-
way.
"Dog-tired we are and starved" said
Bland, heavily. "Whos here with
youf"
"That's Euchre on the porch. Duane
is inside at the window with Jen,"
replied Mrs. Bland
duane" he exclaimed. Then he
low-something Duane
could not catch.
he chiefs wife. She spoke easily and |
and made no change in tone. |
'Jen has been ailing. She gets thin
her and whittier every day. Duane |
zane here one day with Euchre, saw
len, and went looney over her pretty
ACE, same as all you men. So let
him come"
Bland cursed low and deep under his
breath. The older man made violent
lction of some kind and apparently |
vas quoted by restraining hand.
Then he led, the way to the porch,
lis spurs clinking, the weapons he was
arrying rafting, and he Topped down
n bench.
allow are you, boss?" asked Euchre
Hello, old man. I'm well, but all
A."
Allov'ay slowly walked on to the
orch and leaned against the rail. He
Euchre's greeting with a
cd. Then he stood there a. dark,
lent figure.
Mrs. BANDS full voice in eager
had tendency to ease the
tuation. Bland replied briefly to her,
sporting a remarkably successful trip.
Duane thought it was time to show
imself. He had feeling that Bland
nd Alloway would let him go for the
oment. They were plainly nom
used, and Alloway seemed sullen,
-oodirg.
"Jennie," whispered Duane, "that
as clever of Mrs. Bland. Well keep
} the deception. Any day now be
ady" n
She pressed close to him, and q /
rely audible 'Hurry!" came breath +
e into his ear.
"Gsod night, Jennie" he said, aloud.
Iope you feel better tomorrow"
Then he stepped out into the moon
int and spoke. Bland returned the
Getting, and, though he was not
1iable, he did not show resentment.
MET Jasper as / rode in," said
and, presently. "He told me you
,de Bill Black mad, and there's liable /
be a fight. What did you go eff the
ndle about?"
Duane explained the incident. I'm
Try l happened to be there" he went =