The Ozark spectator., 1916-10-18
The Lone Star Ranger A Fine 7ale ot the Open Country By ZANE GREY

send out a vOiceless cry no less poignant because 1t was silent: "Poor fool! No, I shall never see mother again-never go home--never have home. I am Duane, the Lone Wolfw
 A group of specters trooped out of the shadows of dusk and, gathering round him. escorted him to his bed. Every one of his victims, singly and | collectively, returned to him for ever, it seemed, in cold, passionless, accus- | ing domination. They did not accuse him of dishonor or cowardice or brutal ity or murder; they only accused him of death. It was as if they knew more than when they were alive, had learn ed that life was divine mysterious gift not to be taken. They thronged about him with their voiceless clamor- ing, drifted around him with their fading eyes.
 
 After nearly six months in the Nueces gorge the loneliness and inac- | tiOn VI HIS lhIS uioNC AIuihC Oat upO'A the trails seeking anything rather than to hide longer alone, prey to the scourge of his thoughts. The mo- ment he rode into sight of men re- mnrkable transformation occurred in him. A strange warmth stirred In him "a longing to see the faces of people, to hear their voices--a pleasurable emotion sad and strange. But 1t was only q precursor of his old bitter, sleepless, and eternal vigilance.
 Mercer was the first village he rode into. He had many friends there. Mercer claimed to owe Duane debt. On the outskirts of the village there was grave overgrown by brush so that the rude-lettered post which marked 1t was scarcely visible to Duane as he rode by. He had never read the inscription. But he thought now of Hardin. For many years Hard- in had harassed the stockmen and ranchers in and around Mercer. On an evil day for him he or his outlaws had beaten and robbed a man who once succored Duane when sore in need. Duane met Hardin in the little plaza of the village, called him every name known to border men, taunted him to draw, and killed him in the act. l Duane went to the house of one Jones, Texan who had known his father, and there he was warmly re- ceiyed. The feel of an honest hand, the voice of a friend, the prattle of children who were not afraid of him or his gun. good wholesome food, and change of clothes-these things for the time being made changed man l of Duane. To be sure, he did not often speak. The price of his head and the weight of his burden made him silent But eagerly he drank in all the news that was told him. In the years of his absence from home he had never heard a word about his mother or uncle. Those who were his real friends on to make inquiries, to write or receive letters that might give clue to Duane's whereabouts.
 Duane remained all day with this 1 hospitable Jones, and as twilight fell was loath to go and yielded to a press ing invitation to remain overnight. It was seldom indeed that Duane slept under a roof. Early In the evening" while Duane sat on the porch with two | awed and hero-worshiping sons of the house, Jones returned from quick visit down to the postoftice. Summar- fly he sent the boys off. He labored under intense excitement.
 "Duane. there's rangers in town," he whispered. '1r's all over town, too. that you're here. You rode in long after sunup. Lots of people saw you. don't believe there's man or boy that 'd sQueal on you. But the women might. They gossip, and these rangers are handsome fellows-deyils with the women"
 What company of rangers?" asked Duane. quietly.
 Company A, under Captain Mac Nelly. that new ranger. He made big name in the war. And since hes been in the range service he's done wonders. He's cleaned up some bad places south. and he's working north
 "MacNelly. I've heard of him. De scribe him to me-"
 "Slight-built chap, but wiry and tough. Clean face, black mustache and hair. Sharp black eyes. He's got look of authority. MacNelly's fine man, Duane. Belongs to good Southern family. I'd hate to have him look you up."
 Duane did not speak.
 "MacNelly's got nerve. and his rang CTS are all experienced men. If they find out you're here they'll come after you. MacNelly's no gun-fighter, but he wouldn't hesitate to do his duty. even If he faced sure death. Which he would In this case. Duane. you mustn't meet Captain MacNelly. Your record Is clean, If 1t Is terrible. You never met q ranger or any officer ex- cept q rotten sheriff now and then. like Rod Brown"
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