Tombstone epitaph., 1916-10-22
CHAPTER xIv-continued.

CHAPTER xlv-continued.
 Duane av-rted his face a moment, hesitated till the swelling left his throat, and then said, "It's worth what went through to-day to hear that"
 "I can imagine how you feel about IT. When 1 was in tne war-but jets get down to the business of this meet ing"
 He pulled his chair close to Duane's. You've had word more than once In the last two years that wanted to see you, why Cidn't you hunt me upT 'I supposed you imagined me one of those gun-fchters who couldn't take dare and expected me to ride up to your camp and be arrested"
 That was natural. I suppose" went on MacNelly. You didn't know me, otherwise you would have come. I've been long time getting to you. But the nature of my job. as far as you're concerned. made me cautious. Duane, you're aware of the hard name you bear all over the Southwestf"
 "Once in a while I'm jared into realizing" replied Duane.
 Its the hardest. barring Murrell and Cheseldine, on the Texas border. But there's this difference. Murrell in his day was known to deserve his infamous name. CheSeldlne in his day also. But I've found hundreds of men in southwest Texas who're your friends, who swear you never com mitted Q crime. The farther south I get the clearer this becomes. What l want to know Is the truth. Have you ever done anything criminal? Tell me the truth, Duane. It won't make any difference in my plan. And when l say crime I mean what would call crime, or any reasonable Texan"
 That way my hands are clean" re- Elied Duane.
 You never held up a man. robbed store for grub, stole horse when you needed him bad-never anything like that?"
 Somehow l always kept out of that, just when pressed the hardest"
 Duane. I'm glad," MacNelly ex- claimed, gripping Duane's hand. "Glad
 
 same. in spite of this, you are a Texas outlaw accountable to the state. You're perfectly aware that under ex- isiing circumstances. If you fell into she hands of the law, you'd probably hang at least go to jaIi for long term
 That's what kept me on the dodge All these years" replied Duane.
 Certainly" MacNelly's eyes mar slong his brown cheeks set hard and Sense. He leaned close to Duane. laid sinewy. pressing fingers upon Ouane's knee.
 Listen to this" he whispered. sioarsely. "If place pardon in your nand-make you free, honest citizen once more. clear your name of infamy. make your mother, your sister proud of you-will you swear yourself to service, any service demand of you?" Duane sat stock still, stunned.
 Slowly, more persuasively, with show of earnest agitation, Captain MacNelly reiterated his startling query.
 My Godl" burst from Duane. ~What's this? MacNelly, you can't be in earnest!r
 -Nc-c- 2c-e 90 !n my life. I've g deep game. I'm playing it square. What do you sayf"
 He rose to his feet. Duane, as if inpelIed. rose with him. Ranger and outlaw then locked eyes that searched each others souls. In MacNelly's Duane read truth, strong, fiery pur- pose, hope, even gladness, and fugi- tive mounting assurance of victory.
 Twice Duane endeavored to speak. failed of ali save a hoarse, incoherent sound. until. forcing back flood of speech. he found a voice.
 J.ny service? Every service! Mac Ne.iy, I give my word" said Duane. 4 light played over MacNelly's face. warming out al. the grim darkness. He held out his band. Duane met It with his in a clasp that men uncon- sciously give in II oments of stress.
 When they 1n-lasped and Duane stepped back to drop into a chair sfacNeIy fumbled for a cigar and, lighting 1t, turned to his visitor. now calm and cool. He had the look of a man who had justly won some thing at considerable cost. His next move was to take a long leather case from his pocket nnd extract from It several folded Iapers.
 Here's your Iardon from the Cover nor" he said, quietly. You'll see, when you look 1t over. that it's condi- donai. When you sign this paper have here the condition will be met He smoothed out the paper, handed