Tombstone epitaph., 1916-10-29

that flowed with 1t he gathered that Euchre had acquainted her of his ac- ton with Black.
 He might have killed youw she whispered. more clearly; and If Duane had ever heard love in voice he heard 1t then. It soft ened him. It was easy. even pleasan,, to kiss her !; but Duane resolved that, whatever her abandonment might become. he would not go further than the lie she made | him act.
 Buck, you love me?" she whispered. "Yes-yes," he burst out, eager to get it over, and even as he spoke he | caught the pale gleam of Jennie's face | through the window. He felt shame 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 wavered 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 the valley. | The hour was unusual for riders to come in. Presently the narrow, moon lit lane was crossed at its far end by black moving objects. Two horses Duane discerned.
 "lt's Blandl" whispered the woman. grasping Duane with shaking hands. You must run! No. he'd see you. That d be worse. It's Bland! know his horses trot"
 Then she dragged Duane to the door. pushed hi,n in.
 -Euchre, come out with me! 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 l 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 ne felt-that he would protect her. She leaned against him, ! and they looked out of the window. | Duane saw the riders disnount down ! the lane and wearily 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 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. i Duane could not see well enough in | the shadow to recognize Biand's com | paniOn, but he believed It was Allo- | way.
 "DoS-tired we are and starved" said Bland, heavily. "Who's here with your"
 .'Thats Euchre on the porch. Duane replied Mrs. Bland.
 "Duane," he exclaimed. Then he whispered low-something Duane ! 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 aer and whiter every day. Duane 1 ..ame 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 a violent action of some kind and apparently was quieted by a restraining hand.
 Then he led the way to the porch, his spurs clinking, the weapons he was carrying rattling. and he flopped down on bench.
 -How are you, boss?" asked Euchre. Hello, old man. I'm well, but all | in."
 ! Alloway slowly walked on to the porch and leaned against the rail. He answered Euchre's greeting with a nod. Then he stood there a dark, silent figure.
 Mrs. Bland's full voice in eager questioning had tendency to ease the situation. Bland replied briefly to her, reporting a remarkably successful trip. Duane thought 1t was time to show himself. He had feeling that Bland and Alloway would let him go for the moment. They were plainly non- plused, and Alloway seemed sullen, breeding.
 Jennie" whispered Duane, that was clever of Mrs. Bland. We'll keep up the deception. Any day now be rcadyw
 She pressed close to him, and 8 barely audible Hurry ]" came breath ing into his ear.
 Good night, Jennie," he said, aloud. Hope you feel better tomorrow" E Then he stepped out into the moon light and spoke. Bland returned the greeting. and, though he was not amiabie, 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 of the handle about7"
 Duane explained the incident. "Tm sorry I happened to be there," he went on. "It wasn't my business"
 "Scurvy trick that d been," nut tered Bland. You did right. All the |