Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-12-28
CHAPTER VIII.

What a contrast, Duane thought, the
calm evening of that day presented to
the state of his soul This third fac
ing Of a desperate man had thrown
him off his balance. 1t had not been
fatal, but it threatened so much.
Despair had seized upon him and was
driving him into a reckless mood when
he thought of Jennie.
He had forgotten her. He had for
gotten that he had promised to save
her. He had forgotten that he meant
TO snuff out as many lives as might
stand between her and freedom. The
very remembrance Sheered off his
morbid intrOSpectiOn. She maze
difference. How strange for him to
realize that He felt grateful to her.
He had been forced into outlawry she
had been stolen from her people and
carried into captivity. They had met
in the river fastness, he to instill hope
into her despairing life, she to be the
means, perhaps, of keeping him from
sinking to the level of her CaptOrs. He
became conscious of a strong and beat
ing desire to see her, talk with her.
These thoughts had run through his
mind while on his way to Mrs BANDS
house. He had let Euchre go on ahead
because he wanted more time to COM
pose himself. Darkness had about set
In when he reached his destination.
There was 10 light in the house. Mrs.
Bland was waiting for him on the
porch
She embraced him, and the sudden,
violent, unfamiliar contact sent such a
shock through him that he all but
forgot the deep game he was playing
She, however, in her agitation did not
notice his shrinking. From her en-
brace and the tender, incOherent words
that flowed with it he gathered that
Euchre had acquainted her of his &C.
ton with Black.
He might have killed YOU" she
whispered, more clearly; and if Duane
had ever heard love in a voice he
heard it then. 1t sOftancd him. 1t
was easy, even pleasant, to kiss her;
but Duane resolved that, whatever her
abandonment might become, he would
not go further than the lie she made
him act
Buck, you love me?' she whispered.
"Yes-yeS," he burst out, eager to
get it over, and even as he spoke he
lcaught the pale CLEAN of Jennies face
through the window. He felt a shame
he was glad she could not see.
The moon had risen over the eastern
bulge of dark mountain, and now the
valley was flooded with mellow light,
and shadows of cottOnwoods wavered
against the silver.
Suddenly the clip-clop, clip-clop of
hoofS caused Duane to raise his head
and listen. Horses were coming down
the road from the head of the valley.
The hour was unusual for riders to
come in. Presently the narrow moon
lit lane was crossed at its far end by
black moving objects. Two horses
Duane discerned.
It's Blandr whispered the woman,
grasping Duane with shaking hands.
''You must run! No. he'd see you.
That d be worse. It's Bland l know
his horses trot"
Then she dragged Duane to the door,
pushed him In.
''Euchre, come out with me! Duane.
you stay with the girl I'll toll Bland
you're in love with her. Jen, if you
give US away I'll wiring your neck"
The swift action and fierce whisper
told Duane that Mrs. Bland was her.
self again. Duane stepped close to
Jennie, who stood near the window.
Neither spoke, but her hands were
outstretched to meet his own. They
were small, trembling hands, cold as
Ice. He held them close. trying to
convey what he felt-that he would
protect her. She leaned against him,
and they looked out of the window.
Duane saw the riders dismOunt down
boy led away the horses. Euchre, the
old fox, was talking loud and with
remarkable ease, considering what he
claimed his natural cowardice.
The approaching outlaws, hearing
voices, halted a rod or so from the
porch. TheA Mrs. Bland uttered an
exclamation, ostensibly meant to ex-
press surprise, and hurried out to meet
them. She greeted her husband warm
~ and gave welcome to the other man.
Duane could not see we'll enough in
the shadow 10 recognize BANDS COM
panion, but he believed it was Allo-
way.
"Dog-tired we are and starved" said
Bland, heavily. who's here with
you?"
That's Euchre on the porch. Duane
is inside at the window with Jen."
replied Mrs. Bland.