The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-08-31

stop to consider. 1t seemed enough TO
know that fate had directed him to the
path Of this rancher Longstreth. Du-
ane entered the first open door or that;
side of the court. 1t opened into a cor
ridor which led into a plaza. 1t had
wide, smooth stone porches, and flow.
ers and shrubbery in h center. Duane
hurried through to burst tnts the pres
ence of Miss LongStreth n q number,
of young people. Evidently h was
giving a little party.
Lawson stood leaning against n
of the pillars that supported the
porch roof; at sight Of Duane
his face changed remarkably. express
ing amazement. CONSERVATION, then
fear. ,
In the quick ensuing silence Miss
Longstreth rose white as her dress,
The young ONE present stared In
establishment, If they were not equally
perturbed. There were cowboys pres
ent who suddenly grew intent and still.
But these things Duane gathered that
his appearance must be disconcertlng.
He was painting. He wore no hat or
coat. His big gun-sheath showed
plainly at his hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an un-
accountable effect upon Duane. He
vas plunged into confusion: For the
moment he saw no n but her. -
Miss Longstreth-I came-to searchY
your house." painted Duane.
He hardly knew what he vas say
ing, yet the instant he spoke he real
lied that that should have been the
lest thing for him to say. He had
Numbered. But he vas no used to
women, and this dark-eyed girl made
him thrill and his heart beat thickly
and his wits go scattering.
Search my housed" exclaimed Miss
Longstreth; and red succeeded the
white In her cheeks. She appeared as
tonished and angry. what for? Why
how dare you. This is unwarrantable.1
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted and
hurriedly. 81 chased Snecker here
saw him run into the house." q,
Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
taken. We have seen no one. In the
absence of my father I'm mistress here.
I'll not permit you to search
Lawson appeared to come out Of his
establishment. He stepped forward:
said, to his cousin. This fellows max
ing a bluff. T"l settle him See here.
Mister, o clear out"
II want Snecker. He's here, and I'm
going to get him." replied Duane3
quietly. :
Bah! That's all a bluff" sneered,
Lawson. I'm on to your game. You
just wanted an excuse to break in
hereto see my cousin again. When
you saw the company you invented
that excuse. Now, be off, or 1t IL be
the worse for you."
Duane felt his face burn with a tide,
Of hot blood. Almost he felt hat he.
was guilty of such motive. Had he not
been unable to put this Ray Longstreth
out of his mind? There seemed to be
scorn in her Eyes now. And somehow
that checked his embarrassment.
Miss Longstreth, will you let me
search the house?" he asked.
mo"
Them regret to say-ru do so
without your permission"
You'll not dare!" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-yes, I will"
who are your" she demanded, sui
denly.
Tn a Texas ranger" replied Duane.
"a Texas ranger!" she echoed.
Floyd Lawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth, 1 don't need war
rants to search houses" said Duane.
I'm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer
to have your permission. A ruffian has
taken refuge herein your fathers
house. He's hidden somewhere. May
I look for him."
IF you are indeed a ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
Miss Longstreth, Pve come to make
Fairdale a safer, cleaner. better place
for women n children. I don't won
der at your resentment. But to doubt
me. Some day you may be
sorry"
Floyd Lawson made a violent mo-
ton with his hands.
"AIl stuff! Cousin, so on with your
party. I'll take a couple Of cowboys
Thanks" said Duane, coolly, as he
eyed Lawson. Perhaps you'll be able
to find Snecker quicker than / could"
What do you mean?" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid. Evil
IDENTIFY he was a man Of fierce quick
passions.
"Don't quarrel said Miss Long
streth. Floyd, you go with him.
Please hurry. I'll be nervous till-the
mans found or you're sure there's not
one"
They started with several cowboys
to search the house. They went
through h rooms searching, calling
out, peering into dark places. 1t
struck Duan more than forcibly that
hurried. too, tried to keep In the lead.
Duane wondered If he knew his voice
would be recognized by the hiding
mar Be that as it might, 1t was
Duane who peered into q dark corner
and then, with a u leveled, said
Come out"
He came forth into the flare-a tall,
slim, dark-faced youth, wearing SOM
brero. blouse and trousers. Duane COL
Jared him before any Of the others
could move and held the gun close
enough to make him shrink. But he
did not impress Duane as being fright
ened just then; nevertheless, he had a
clammy face, the pallid look of a man
who had just gotten over q shock. He
peered into Duane's face, then into that
of the cowboy next to him, then into
Lawson's, and II ever in Duane's life
he beheld relief 1t was then. That was
all Duane needed to know, but he
meant to find out more IL he could.
who re your" asked Duane. quietly
"Bo Snecker," he said.
What d o hide here for?"
He appeared to grow sullen.
"Reckoned I'd be as safe in Long
streth's as anvwheres."
"RanPer. what IL you do with him ?"
Lawson queried, as IL uncertain, now
the capture was made.
I'll see to that replied Duane, and
hA nIJShoH CnAaxar In FrDrk - III -