The Huttig news., 1916-11-18

fsfled with my explanations In regard to certain property" Lawson halted in his restless walk and leaned against the stone mantel- piece. He had his hands In his pock- cts. He squared himself as if this was his last stand. He looked desper- ate, but on the moment showed an absence of his usual nervous excite l ment.
 "Longstreth, that may we'll be true" he said. No doubt all you say is true. But it doesn't help me- I want the girl. If don't get her-I reckon we'll all go to he'll"
 Longstreth gave slight start, barely perceptible, like the switch of an awakening tiger. He sat there head down, stroking his mustache. Duane's conviction was that Longstreth right then and there decided that the thing to do was to kill Lawson.
 Lawson no more caught the fateful significance of a line crossed, limit reached, a decree decided than Il |. had not been present. He was obsessed with himself How, Duane wondered, had man of his mind ever lived so long and gone so far among the eXacting conditions of the South west? The answer was. perhaps, that Longstreth had guided him. up- held him, protected him. The com ing of Ray Lorgstreth had been the entering wedge of dissension.
 You're too inpatient" said Long, streth. Ray might be won. She might marry you to save me. but she'd hate you. That isn't the way. Wait. Play for time. Let's plan to sell out here-stock, ranch, property-and leave the country Then you'd have show with her."
 'T told you we've got to stick" growled Lawson. "The gang won't stand for our going It can't be done unless you want to sacrifice every thing"
 You mean douhle-cross the men? Go without their knowing? Leave them here to face whatever comes?"
 II mean just that"
 "I'm bad enough. but not that bad" returned Longstreth, 'If I can't get the gang to let me off, I'll stay and face the music. All the same, Law son, did 1t ever strike you that most of the deals the last few years have been yours?"
 "Yes. If I hadn't rung them in there wouldn't have been any. You've had cold feet, and especially since this ranger has been here."
 "Well, call 1t cold feet if you like. But I call it sense. We reached our limit long ago. Then we bad to go on. Too late to turn back '"
 ''I reckon we've all said that. None of the gang wants to quit. They aii think, and I think, we can't be topch- ed. We may be blamed. but nothing can be proved. We're too ssrons.n
 "There's where you're dead wrong." rejoined Longstreth, emphaticaliy. 1T imagined that once, not long ago. I was bull-headed. Who would ever connect Granger Longstreth with q rustler gang? I've changed my mind. I've begun to think. I've reasoned out things. We're crooked. and we can't last. It's the nature of life. even here, for conditions to grow better. | divide equally and leave the country, all of us."
 But you and have all the stock all the gain," protested Lawson.
 "Tll split nfine." "I wont--tbat settles that" added Lawson. instantly.
 Longstreth spread wide hIs hnnds as if it was useless to try to convince this man. Talk had not increased bis calmness, and he now showed more than impatience. A dull glint gleamed deep in his eyes.
 "Your stock and property will last long time-do lots of good when this ranger"
 "Bah!" hoarsely crooked Lawson. The rangers name was a match ap- piled to powder. Haven't I told you he'd be dead soon-any time-same as Laramie is?"
 "Yes, you mentioned the-the SUD- position" replied Longstreth sarcasti- cally. "I inquired, too, just how that very desired event was to be brought about"
 '"rhe gang will lay him out.''
 "Bah." retorted Longstreth, in turn. He laughed contemptuously.
 Floyd, don't be fool. You've been on the border for ten years bur you never in all that time saw man like this ranger. The only way to get rid of him is for the gang to draw on him. all at once. Then he's going to drop some of them. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't care much. I'm pretty sick of this mess."
 Lawson cursed in amazement His emotions were all out of proportion to his intelligence. He was not at all quick-witted. Duane had never seen vainer or more arrogant man.
 "Longstreth, don't like your talk. ' he said.