The Huttig news., 1916-10-21
CHAPTER XIV.

When Duane reached the crossing of the roads the name Fairfield on the Sign-poSt seemed to be the thing that tipped the oscillating balance of decision in favor of that direction. If he had been driven to hunt up Jeff Aiken, now he was called to find this unknown ranger captain. In Duanes state of mind clear reasoning, com mon sense, or keenness were out of the question. He went because he felt he was compelled.
 Dusk had fallen when he rode into town which inquiry discovered to be Fairfield.
 There did not appear to be any camp on the outskirts of the town. But as Duane sat his horse, peering around and undecided what further move to make, he caught the glint of tlickering lights through the darkness. Pleading toward them he saw the nov ing forms of men and heard horses. He advanced naturally, expecting any moment to be halted.
 "Who goes there?" came the sharp call out of the gloom.
 Duane pulled his horse. The gloom was impenetrable.
 One man-alone," replied Duane.
 What do you want?'
 I'm trying to find the ranger camp" You've struck it. Whats your errand?"
 "I want to see Captain MacNelly."
 Get down and advance. Slow Don't move your hands. It's. dark, but I can see.'
 Duane dismounted, and, leading his horse, slowly advanced a few paces. He saw a duly bright object-a gun before he discovered the man who held it. A few more steps showed dark figure blocking the trail Here Duane halted.
 Here. ranger. understand this. My visit is peaceful-friendly if you'll let it be. Mind, I was asked to come here-after dark
 Duane's clear, penetrating voice carried fur. The listening rangers at the campfire heard what he said
 
 wait" replied an authoritative voice. Then slim figure detached itself from the dark. moving group at the campfire and hurried out.
 Better he foxy, Cap" shouted a ranger, in warning.
 shut up-all of you," was the re- ply.
 This officer obviously Captain Mac ] Nelly, soon joined the two rangers who were confronting Duane. He hat no fear. He strode straight up tt Duane.
 I'm MacNelly,n he said. sIf your my man, don't mention your name yet"
 All this seemed strange to Duane, 1T lately
 q met Jeff Aiken today" said Duane. He sent me"
 You've met Aiken,' exclaimed MacNelly. sharp, eager. low. By all that's bully!" Then he appeared to catch himself, to grow restrained.
 Men, fall back, leave us alone a moment"
 The rangers slowly withdrew.
 Buck Duanel It's you?" he whispered, eagerly.
 "Yes."
 If 1 give you my word you'll not be arrested-you'll be treated fairly will you come into camp and consult with me?"
 Certainly"
 Duane. I'm sure glad to meet you. .' went on MacNelly; and he extended his hand
 Amazed and touched. scarcely realiz- ing this actuality, Duane gave his hand and felt an unmistakable grip of warmth.
 ''It doesn't seem natural. Captain MacNellY. out 1 believe I'm glad to meet you." said Duane, soberly.
 You will be. Now we'll go back to camp. Keep your identity mum for the present'
 He led Duane in the direction of the campfire
 "Pickens, go back on duty" he ordered, "and, Beeson, you look after this horse"
 When Duane got beyond the line of mesquite, which had hid a good view of the camp site. he saw group of perhaps fifteen rangers sitting around the fires, near long. low shed where horses were feeding, and a 1 small adobe house at one side.
 "We've just had grub. but I'll see you l get some. Then we'll talk" said MacNclly. i've taken up temporary i quarters here. Have a ruStler job on hand. Now. when you've eaten, come right into the house."
 Duane was hungry, but he hurried through the ample supper that was set before him. urged on by curiosity 1 and astonishment. : While eating he 1 had bent keen eyes around him. After first quiet scrutiny the rangers ap- parently paid no more attention to l him. They were all veterans in serv- l ice--Duane saw that-and rugged, l powerful men of iron constitution. l Despite Eeperal conversation of i campfire nature, Duane was not de- ccivCd about the fact that his advent