The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-12-22

hundred 1ightning-swift evolutions. He
meant to take any risk rather than
kill Longstreth. Both Of the men we're
out on the porch. Duane wormed hts
way to the edge Of the shrubbery and
cronched low to watch for his oppor-
tunity.
Longstreth looked haggard and thin.
He was in his shirt-sleeves, and he
had come out with gun in his hand.
This he laid on table near the wall.
He wore no belt.
Lawson was red, bloated, thick
Tipped, all fiery and sweaty from drink,
| though sober on the moment, and he
had the expression of desperate man
in his last stand. It was his last
stand. though he was ignorant OF that.
aWhat's your news7 You needn't be
afraid of my feelings" said Lawson.
"Ray confessed to an interest in this
| ranger" replied Longstreth.
Duane thought Lawson would choke.
He was thick-necked anyway, and the
rush Of blood made him tear at the
soft collar Of his shirt. Duane awaited
his chance. patient. cold, all his feel
ings shut in wise.
But why should your daughter meet
this rangerY demanded Lawson,
harshly.
.sShe's in love with him, and he's In
love with her."
Duane reveled In Lawson's condi-
ton, The statement might have had
the force of juggernaut. Was Long
streth sincere? What was his game?
Lawson, finding his voice, cursed
Ray, cursed the ranger, then Long
streth.
"You damned selfish fool p cried
Longstreth In bitter scorn. "All you
think of is yourself-your loss OF the
girl. Think once Of me-my home
my life J"
Then the connection subtly put out
by Longstreth apparently dawned up
on the other. Somehow through this
girl her father and cousin were to be
betrayed. Duane got that impression.
though he could not tell how true 1t
was. Certainly Lawson's Jealousy was
his paramount emotion.
ITO hell with your burst out Law
son, incoherently. He was frenzfed.
'Tll have her. or nobody else will !"
"You never WILL" returned Long
streth, stridently. $50 help me God
I'd rather see her the rangers wife
than yours ~
While Lawson absorbed that shock
Longstreth leaned toward him, all OF
hate and menace in his mien.
Lawson, you made me what am"
continued Longstreth. IT backed you
shielded you. You're Cheseldine-f
the truth is told Now it's ended.
quit you. I'm done"
Their gray passion-corded faces
were still as stones.
Gentlemen Duane called in far
reaching voice as he stepped OUT.
you're both done! ~
They wheeled to confront Duane.
"Don't move! Not muscle! Not
finger !" he warned.
Longstreth read what Lawson had
not the mind to read. His face turned
from gray to ashen-
what dye mean?' yelled Lawson,
fiercely, shrilly. 1t was not In him to
obey a command, to see impending
death.
All quivering and strung, yet with
perfect control, Duane raised his ie1t
hand to turn back lapel Of his open
vest. The silver star flashed brightly.
Lawson howled like a dog. With
barbarous and insane fury. with sheer
impotent folly, he swept clawfng
hand for his gun. Duane's shot broke
his action.
Before Lawson even tottered, before
he loosed the gun, Longstreth leaped
behind him, clasped him with left arm,
quick as lightning jerked the gun
from both clutching fingers and sheath.
Longstreth protected himself with the
body OF the dead man. Duane saw
red flashes, puffs OF smoke he heard
quick reports. Something stung his
left arm Then blow like Wind, light
OF sound vet shocking In inpact.
struck him, staggered latm. The not
rend Of lead followed the blow.
lbU11e y heart SccIlcu u cAliOuS, -
his mind kept extraordinarily clear
and rapid.
Duane heard Longstreth work the
action OF LawsOn's gun. He heard the
hammer click, fall upon empty shell.
Longstreth had used up all the loads
in Lawson's gun. He cursed as a man
cursed at defeat. Duane waited, cool
and sure now. Longstreth tried to lift |
the dead man, to edge him closer to
ward the table where his own gun
lay. But, considering the peril OF ex-
posing himself, he found the task be-
vond him. He bent peering at Duane
under Lawson's arm, which topped
,ut from his side. Longstreth's eyes
we're the eyes Of man who meant
70 kill. There was never any mistak-
ng the strange and terrible Light Of
syes like tAeec More than once
Duane had I chance to aim 1T them
it the top Of I.ongstreth's bead. It
"trip Of his rtde.
Lonestreth lung LAwson's body on. |
But even ~ It dropped, before Long
lfrntA xs01ald lean ~ hA surely In