The Ozark spectator., 1916-09-16
CHAPTER Ill-Continued.

"Buck. as we're lookin fer grub, an not trouble, reckon you'd better hang up out here" Stevens was saying, as he mounted. You see, towns an sher ifs an rangers are always lookin' fer new fellers gone bad. They sort of forget most of the old boys, except in Mercer will take notice of me. Reckon there's been a thousand men run into the river country to become outlaws since yours truly. You jest wait here an be ready to ride hard Mebbe my besettin' sin will go ope- ratin' in spite of my good intentions. In which ease thereIl be-"
 His pause was significant. He grinned, and his brown eyes danced with a kind of wild humor.
 ~Stevens, have you got any money?" asked Duane.
 Money" exclaimed Luke blankly. sSay, ! haven't owned a two-bit piece since-wal, fer some time."
 "Tn furnish money for grub" re- turned Duane. And for whisky, too, providing you hurry back herewith out making trouble"
 "Shore you're downright good pard," declared Stevens, in admiration as he took the money. "I give my word, Buck. an I'm here to say I never broke it yet. Lay low, an look fer the back quick"
 With that he spurred his horse and rode out of the mesQuites toward the town. At that distance, about quar- ter of mile. Mercer appeared to be n cluster of low adobe houses set in a grove of cottonwoods. Pastures of cattle Duane saw a sheep herder driving in a meager flock.
 Presently Stevens rode out of sight into the town. Duane waited, hoping the outlaw would make good his word, Probably not a quarter of an hour had elapsed when Duane heard the clear reports of Winchester rife, the clat- ter of rapid hoofbeats, and yells un- nistakably the kind to mean danger for a man like Stevens. Duane mounted and rode to the edge of the mesquites.
 road and a bay horse running fast. Stevens apparently had not been wounded by any of the shots, for he had steady seat in his saddle, and his riding, even at that moment, struck Duane as admirable. He car ried large pack over the pommel, and he kept looking back. The shots had ceased, but the yells increased. Duane saw several men running and waving their arms. Then he spurred his horse and got into a swift stride, so Stevens would not pass him. Presently the outlaw caught up with him. Stevens was grinning, but there was now no fun in the dancing eyes. It was devil that danced in them. His face seemed n shade paler.
 aWas jest comin' out of the store," yelled Stevens. Run plumb into a rancher-who knowed me. He opened up with rifle. Think they'll chase us"
 They covered several miles before there were any signs of pursuit, and when horsemen did move into sight out of the cottonwoods Duane and his companion steadily drew farther away.
 -No hosses In that bunch to worry us" called out Stevens.
 Duane had the same conviction, and he did not look back again. He rode somewhat to the fore, and was con- stantly aware of the rapid thudding of hoofs behind, as Stevens kept close to him. At sunset they reached the willow brakes and the river. Duane's horse was Winded and dashed with sweat and iather. It was not until the crossing had been accomplished fhnt Duane halted to rest his animal. Stevens was riding up the low, sandy bank. He reeled in the saddle With an exclamation of surprise, Duane leapcd off and ran to the outlaws side.
 Stevens was pale, and his face bore beads of sweat. The whole front of his shirt was soaked with blood.
 "You're shotl' cried Diane.
 "Wal, who said I wasn't? Would you mind givin' me lift--on this here pack?'
 Duane lifted the heavy pack down and then helped Stevens to dismount.