The Ozark spectator., 1916-11-22
CHAPTER xxx.

After supper Duane stole out for his usual evenings spying at Long streth's ranch>house. When he reach cd the edge of the shrubbery he saw Longstreth's door open, flashing Il 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 n 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 m opportunity, and he decided to avail himself of it in spite of the very great danger. Crawling on very StealthllY. he got under the Shrubbcry to the entrance of the passage. In the hlackpcss q faint streak of light showed the location of crack in the wall. He had to slip in sideYise. It was q tight squeeze. but he entered without the slightest noise. When he got there the crack he had marked was q foot over his head. There was nothing to do but find toe-holdS in the crumhling 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. LonCStreth appeared dis turbed; he sat stroking his mustache; his brow was cloudcd. Lawson's face seemed darker, more sullen, yet light ed by some indomitable resolve.
 "We'll settle both deals tonight" Lawson was sayin.. That's what came for"
 But suppose I don't choose to talk here?" protested Longstreth, impa- tiently.
 You've lost your nerve since that ranger hit the town. First now, will you give Ray to me?"
 "Floyd, you talk Ike spoiled boy. 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 want to? It couldn't be done. But if ! . all go away together before this mis- erahle 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 forY" demanded Lawson, hotly. Tt was dead mistake. I've lost my head over her. I'll have her or die. No, Longstreth, we've got to settle things tonight"
 "Wcll, we can settle what Rays concerned in. right now," replied Longstreth, rising. Come on; we'll ask her. See where you stand"
 They 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 accustomed by Duane's thrilling interest and anxiety. Finally he heard heavy steps. Lawson cacce in alone. He was leaden-faced, humli- 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 it. Floyd" he said. You see I can't help 1t. We're pretty wild out here, but can't rope my daughter and give her to you as l would an unruiy steer"
 "Longstreth, I can make her marry me" declared Lawson, thickly.
 How"
 You know the hold I got on you the deal that made you boss of this rustler gang?"
 Tt isn't likely I'd forget" replied l Longstreth, grimly.