Tombstone epitaph., 1916-11-19
CHAPTER xxx.

After supper Duane stole out for his usual evenings spying at Long streth's ranch-house. When he reach ed the edge of the shrubbery he saw Longstreth's door open, flashing a broad bar of light in the darkness Lawson crossed the threshold, the door closed, and all was dark again ! outside. Not a ray of light escaped from the window. Duane tiptoed to the door and listened. but could hear only a murmer of voices. Besides, that position was too risky. He went round the corner of the house.
 This side of the big adobe house was of much older construction than the back of the larger part. There was narrow passage between the houses, leading from the outside through to the patio.
 This passage now afforded Duane an opportunity, and he decided to avail himself of it in spite of the very great danger. Crawling on very stealthily, he got under the shrubbery to the entrance of the passage. In the blackneSs a faint streak of light showed the location of a crack in the wall. He had to slip in sidewise. T. was 2 tight squeeze, but he entered without the slightest noise. When he got there the crack he had marked was a foot over his head. There was nothing to do but find toe-holds in the crumbling walls, and by bracing knees on one side. back against the other, hold himself up. Once with his eye there he did not care what risk he ran. Longstreth appeared dis turhed; he sat strOking his mustache {; his brow was clouded. LawsOn's face seemed darker. more sullen, yet light ed by some indomitable resolve.
 "WeIl settle both deals tonight" Lawson was saying. That's what l came for"
 But suppose I don't choose to talk here:" protested Longstreth, impa- tientiy.
 You've lost your nerve since that ranger hit the town. First now, will you give Ray to me:''
 sOh Ad4h lAht i SltcAAtu bcs I tried to persuade her. But Ray hasn't any use for you now. So what can I do?" You can make her marry me;- re- piled Lawson.
 Make that girl do what she doesn't Ray loved you I would consent. Wed all go away together before this mis- erable business is out. Then she'd never know. And maybe you might be more like you used to be before the West ruined you"
 "What d you want to let her come out here for?" demanded Lawson, hotly. Tt was q dead mistake. I've lest fly head over her. iii have her or die. No. Lcngstreth, we've got to settle things tonight"
 "Well, we can settle what Rays concerned in, right now" replied Longstreth, rising. Come on; we'll ask her. See where you stand"
 sThey went out leaving the door open. Duane dropped down to rest himself and to wait
 The men seemed to be absent good while, though that feeling might have been occasioned by Duane's thrilling interest and anxiety. Finally he heard heavy steps. Lawson came in alone. He was leaden-faced, humili- ated. Then something abject in him gave place to rage. He strode the room; he cursed. Then Longstreth returned, now appreciably calmer. Duane could not but decide that he felt relief at the evident rejection of Lawson's proposal.
 Don't fuss about 1t, Floyd" he said. You see I can't help it. We're pretty wild out here, but I can't rope my daughter and give her to you as I would an unruly steer" "Longstreth. I can make her marry me" declared Lawson, thickly. How"
 You know the hold got on yot-- the deal that made you boss of this rustler gang?"
 Tt isn't likely I'd forget" replied Longstreth, grimly.