The Tomahawk., 1916-08-10

"You said Duane-Buck Duane?"
| queried Bland. "Are you son Of that
Duane who was a gun-fghter some
years back?"
eyes," replied Duane.
"Never met him, and glad I didn't"
said Bland, with a grim humor. $50
you got in trouble and had to 60 on
the dodge? What kind Of trouble"
"Had fight"
slight? Do you mean gun-play?"
questioned Bland. He seemed eager,
curious, speculative.
Eyes. 1t ended in gun-play. I'm
sorry to say" answered Duane.
"Guess I needn't ask the son Of
Duane If he killed his man." went on
Bland, ironically. "Well, I'm sorry
you bucked against trouble in my
camp. But, as it is, guess you'd be
wise to make yourself scarce"
"Do you mean I'm politely told to
move on?" asked Duane, quietly.
"Not exactly that" said Bland, as If
irritated. 'If this isn't free place
there isn't one on earth. Every man Is
equal here. Do you want to Join my
band?"
"No, don't"
"Well, even If you did, imagine that
wouldn't stop Bosomer. He's an ugly
| fellow. Merely for your own sake, 1
advise you to hit the trail"
'"Hhanks. But if that's all, I'll stay"
returned Duane. Even as he spoke he
felt that he did not know himself.
| Bosomer appeared ut the door, push
| ing men who tried to detain him. and
as he jumped clear Of last reaching
hand, he uttered snarl like an angry
dog. Bland and the other outlaws
quickly moved aside, letting Duane
stand alone. When Bosomer saw
Duane standing motionless and watch
full, strange change passed quickly
in him.
Duane saw all the swift action, felt
intuitively the meaning Of 1t, and in
Bosomer's sudden change Of front. The
outlaw was keen, and he had expected
shrinking, or at least frightened an
tagonist. Duane knew he was nei-
Their. He felt like iron, and yet thrill
after thrill ran through him. The out
law had come out to kill him. And
now, though somewhat checked by the
stand of a stranger, he still meant to
kill. But he did not speak q word.
He remained motionless for long mo-
ment. his eyes pale and steady, his
right hand like claw.
That instant gave Duane power to
read in his enemy's eyes the thought
that preceded action. But Duane did
not want to kill another man. Still,
he would have to fight, and he decided
to cripple Bosomer. When Bosomer's
hand moved Duane's gun was spout
ing fire. Two shots only-both from
Duane's gun-nnd the outlaw fell with
his right arm shattered. Bosomer
cursed harshly, and foundered in the
dust, trying to reach the gun with his
| left hand. His comrades, however,
seeing that Duane would not kill I'M
less forced, closed in upon Bosomer
and prevented any further madness on
his part.
! OF the outlaws present Euchre ap-
| peared to be the one most inclined
| to lend friendliness to curiosity; and
he led Duane and the horses away to
| small adobe shack. He tied the
horses in an open shed and removed
their saddles. Then, gathering up Ste
| vens' weapons, he invited his visitor
to enter the house.
It had two rooms-windOws without
coverings-bare floors. One room con-
tanned blankets, weapons, saddles and
| brides; the other stone fireplace,
rude table and bench, two hunks, a
box cupboard, and various blacl1ened
| utensils.
snake yourself to home as long as
you want to stay" said Euchre. II
amt rich in this worlds goods, but
own what's here, an you're welcome"
'"Thanks. I'll stay awhile and rest.
I'm pretty we'll played out" replied
Duane.
Euchre gave him keen glance.
"Go ahead an rest. I'll take your
horses to grass"
Euchre left Duane alone in the
house. Duane relaxed then, and me-
chanically he wiped the sweat from
his face. He was laboring under some
kind of spell or shock which did not
pass off quickly. When it had worn
away he took off his coat and belt and
made himself comfortable on the blan-
kets. And he had q thought that, If
he rested or slept, what difference
would it make on the morrow? No
rest, no sleep could change the gray
outlook of the future. He felt glad
when Euchre came bustling In, and for
the first time he took notice Of the out
Law.
Euchre was old in years. What
little hair he had was gray, his face
clean shaver and full Of wrinkles; his
eyes were half shut from long gazing
through the sun and dust. He stopped.
But his thin face denoted strength
and endurance still unimpaired.