The Huttig news., 1916-10-14

the border would have been the last to make inquiries. to write or receive letters that might give clue to Duaae's whereabouts.
 Duane remained all day with this hospitabie Jones. and as twilight fell was loath to go and yielded to press iug invitation 10 remain overnight. It Nas seldom indeed that Duane slept under roof. Early in the evening" while Duane sat on the porch with two awed and hero-wershiping sons of the house, Jones returned from quick visit down to the postoflice. SUmmar- fly he sent the boys off. He labored under intense excitement
 "Duane. there's rangers in town" he whispered. It's all over town too that you're here. You rode in long after sunup. Lots of people saw you. don't believe there's man or boy that 'd squeal on you. But the women might. They gossip, and these rangers are handsome fellows--devils with the women."
 'What company of fangerSf' a.,ket Duane. quietly.
 Company A, under Captain Mac Nelly. that new ranger. He made a big name in the war. And since he's been in the range service he's done wonders. He's cleaned up some bad piaces south. and he's working north. v
 "MacNelly. I've heard of him. De scribe him to me"
 'SfiSht-built chap. but wiry and tough. Clean face, black mustache and halr. Sharp black eyes. He's got a look of authority. MacNelly's d fine man. Buaue Belongs to good Southern fanlily. I'd hate to have him look you up.
 Duane did not speak.
 "MacNelly's got nerve, and his rang CTS are all experienced men. If they find out you're here they'll come after you. MacNelly's no gun-fghter, but lie wouldn't hesitate to de his duty, even if he faced sure death. Which he would in this case. Duane, you mustn't meet Captain MacNelly. Your record is clean, if 1t is terrible. You never met q ranger or any officer eX- eePt rotten sheriff now and then, like Rod Brown
 still Duane kept silence. He was not thinking of danger, but of the fact of how ncetjug must be his stay among friends.
 I've already fixed up a pack of grub went on Jones' I'll slip out to saddle your horse. You watch here."
 He had scarcely uttered the last words when soft, swift footsteps sounded on inc hard path. A man turned in the gate. The light was dim, yet clear enough to disclose an unusually tall figure. When it ap- neared nearer he was seen to be walk ing with both arms raised, hands high. He slowed his stride.
 Does Burt Jones live here?" he asked, in q low, hurried voice.
 'l reckon. I'm Burt. What can I do for you?" replied Jones.
 The stranger peered around. stealthl fly came closer, still with his hands up.
 Tt is known that Buck Duane is
  the river just out of town. He sends word to Duane to come out there after dark.
 The stranger wheeled and departed as swiftly and strangely as he had come
 'Bust me! Duane, whatever do you make of that?" exclaimed Jones.
 "A new one on ne" replied Duane, thoughtfully.
 First fool thing I ever heard of MacNelly doing. Can't make head nor tails of it. I'd have said of'-hand that MacNelly wouldn't doubIe-cross anybody. He struck nie square man, sand all through. But hell he must mean treaehery. I can't see anything else in that deal"
 "Maybe the Captain wants to give me q fair chance to surrender without bIoodshcd,' observed Duane. Pretty decent of him, if he meant that"
 "He invites you to come to his camp after dark. Something strange about this, Duane. But MacNelly's new man out here. He does some queer things. Perhaps he's getting q swelled head. Well, whatever his intentions, his presence around Mercer is enough for us. Duane, you hit the road and put some miles between you and the amiable Captain before daylight. To morrow I'll go out there and ask him what in the devil he meant"
 That messenger he sent-he was ranger" said Duane.
 Sure he was, and nervy one, It must have taken sand to come brncing you that way. Duane, the fellow didn't pack a gun. I'll swear to that. Pretty odd, this trick. But you can't trust it. Hit the road, Duane"
 A little later black horse with mulilcd hoofs, bearing d tall dark rider who peered keenly into every shadow, trotted down a pasture lane back of Jones house, turned into the road, and then, breaking into swiftcr gait, rapidly left Mercer behind.
 CHAPTER XII.