Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-10-12

"MacNelly, shake hands with Ches-
eidlne," said Duane. low voiced.
h range captain stood dumb, mo-
tlonless. But he saw Longstreth's in
slant action, and awkwardly he reached
for the outstretched hand
Any of your men down here?"
quoried Duane, sharply.
No. They're up town"
Come. MacNelly, you walk with
him. We've ladies in the party. I'll
come behind with them"
They set off up town. Longstreth
walked as il he were with friends on
the way to dinner. The girls were
mute. MacNelly walked like a man in
a trance. There was not a word spok-
en- in four blocks.
Presently Quar- espied a stone
building on a corner of the broad
street. There was a big sign, Ranch
er's Bank"
There's the hotel" said MacNelly.
Some OF my men are there. We've
scattered around"
they crossed the street, went through
office and lobby, n then Duane asked
MacNelly to take them to a private
room. Without a word, the captain
complied. When they We're all inside,
Duane closed the door, and, drawing a
deep breath as il of relief, he faced
them calmly.
Miss Longstreth, you and Miss Ruth
try to make yourselves comfortable
now" he said. "And don't be dis
tressed." Then he turned to his cap
tain. "MacNelly, his girl is the daugh-
ter of the man I've brought to you. and
this one is his niece"
Then Duane briefly related Long
streth's story and, though he did not
spare the rustler chief, he was gener-
Gus.
When l went after Longstreth," con
cluded Duane. lit was either to kill him
or offer him freedom on conditions, So
L chose the latter, for his daughters
sake. He has already disposed of all
his property. l believe he'll live I'D to
the conditions. He's to leave Texas
mas been a mystery, and now it'll fade"
A few moments later Duane followed
MacNelly to a large room, like a hall.
and here We're men reading and smok-
ing. Duane knew them-rangers!
MacNelly beckoned to his men.
Boys, here he is."
How many men have YOU ~ asked
Duane.
Fifteen"
MacNelly almost embraced Duane,
would probably have done so but for
the dark grimness that seemed to be
coming over the man Instead he
glowed, he sputtered, he tried to talk,
to wave his hands. He was beside him
self. And his rangers crowded closer.
g k ounds ready to run. They
all talked at once. and the word most
significant and frequent in their speech
was outlaws"
MacNelly claDped his fist in his hand.
"Thisll make the adjutant sick with
JOY. Maybe We won't have it on the
governor! Well show them about the
ranger service. Duane! how'd you aver
do it?"
Now, captain, not the half nor the
quarter of this jobs DONE. The gangs
coming down the road. l saw them
from the train. They'll ride into town
on h dot-2:30."
How many?" asked MacNelly.
"Poggin, Blossom Kane, Panhandle
Smith, Boldt. Jim Fletcher, and another
mar l don't knew. These are the picked
men of Cheseldine's gang. I'll bet they
will be the fastest, hardest bunch you
rangers ever faced"
"Poggin-thats the hard nut to
crack! I've heard their records since
They say he's a boy, but hell and
blazes!"
"Knell's dead"
"Ah!" exclaimed MacNelly, softly.
Then he grew business like, cool, and
of harder aspect. Duane, it's your
game today. I'm only a ranger under
orders. We're all under your orders.
We've absolute faith in you. Make your
plan quick, SO I can go around and post
the boys who are not here"
You understand there's no sense in
trying to arrest Poggin, Kane. and
that lot?" queried Duane.
mo. | don't understand that" replied
MacNelly. bluntly.
1T can't be lone. The drop can't
he got on SllNh man Tf va, n %lo->
they shoot. and mighty quick and
straight. Poggin! That outlaw has no
equal with a gun-unlesS- He's got
to be killed quick. They'll all have TO
be killed. They're all bad. desperate,
know no fear. are lightning in action"
Very well, Duane; then it's a fight.
Thatll be easier, perhaps. The boys
are spelling for a fight. Out with your
plan, now"
Put one man at each end OF this
street, just at the edge Of town. Let
him hide there with a rifle to block the
escape Of any outlaw that we might
fail to get. I had a good look at the
our purpose. Put four men up in that
room over the bank-four men, two at
each open window. Let them hide till
the game begins. They want to be there
so In case these foxy outlaws get wise
before they're down on the ground or
INSIDE the Dank. Inc rest or your men
put inside behind the counters, where
they'll hide. Now go over to the bank,
spring the thing on the bank officials,
and don't let them shut up the bank.
You wan their aid. Let them make
sure of their gold. But the clerks and
cashier ought to be at their desks or
window when Poggin rides up. He'll
glance in before he gets down. They
make no mistakes. these fellows. You
must be slicker thar they are, or lose.
When you get the bank people wise,
send your men yer one by one. No
hurry. no excitement, no unusual thing
to attract notice in the bank"
All right. That's great. Tell me.
where do you intend to waltz"
Duane heard MacNelly's question and
It struck him peculiarly, He had seemed
to be planning and speaking meohan-
ically. AS he was confronted by the
fact it n~onplussed him somewhat, and
he became thoughtful. with lowered
head.
s.WheresH you waltz" insisted Mac
with keen eyes specializing.
IN wait in front-just inside the
door, replied Duane. with an effort.
.sNVhy2" demanded the captain. "a
Well" began Duane, slowly. 'rPog-
gin will get down first and start In.
But the others won't be far behind.
THEY'LL mo- get swift till inside. The