The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-10-12
CHAPTER XVlI-Continued.


cowboys present who suddenly grew
intent and still. By these things
Duane gathered that his appearance
must be disconcerting. He was pant
ing He wore no hat or coat. lis
big gunsheath showed plainly at his
hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an
unaccountable effect upon Duane. lie
was plunged into confusion. For the
moment he saw no one but her.
Miss Longstreth Il came - to
search-your house." painted Duane.
Search my housed" exclaimed Miss
LOngStreth; and red succeeded the
white in her cheeks. She appeared
astOnished and angry. What for!
Why, how dare you! This is I'M
warrantable!
"a man-Bo Snecker-assaulted
and robbed Jim Laramie" replied
Duane, hurriedly. 81 chased Snecker
here-saw him run into this house."
"Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
taken. We have seen no one. In the
absence of my father I'm mistress
here. I'll not permit you to search. ;"
Lawson appeared to come out of his
establishment. He stepped forward.
"Ray, don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. "This fellows
making a bluff I'll settle him. See
here, mister, you clear Out!"
II want Snecker. He's here, and
Tn going to get him." replied Duane,
quietly.
Bah! That's all bluff" sneered
Lawson. "Pm on to your game. You
Just wanted an excuse to break in
hereto see my cousin again. When
you saw the company you invented
that excuse. Now, be off. or it III be
the worse for YOU"
Duane felt his face burn with
tide of hot blood. Almost he felt
that he was guilty of such motive.
Had he not been unable to put this
Ray Longstreth out of his mind?
There seemed to be scOrn in her eyes
now. And somehow that checked his
embarrassment.
"Miss Lorgstreth, will you let me
search the house?" he asked.
"NO."
"Then-I regret 20 say-Pll do so
without your permission"
You'll not dare!" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-yes, l will"
"Who are your" she demanded, sud
denly.
I'm a Texas Ranger" replied
Duane.
"a Texas Ranger" she echoed.
FLOYD Lawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth. 1 don't need war
rants to search houses" said Duane.
"Tm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer
to have your permission. A ruffian
has taken refuge herein your
fathers house. He's hidden some
where. May | look for him?'
IF you are indeed n ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
LOngstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
Miss Longstreth, I've come to
make Fairdale a safer. cleaner, better
place for women and children. ] don't
wonder at your resentment. But tC
doubt me-insult me. Some day you
may be sorry"
Floyd Lawson made a violent mo
lion with his hands.
"All stuff! Cousin. go on with YOU
party I'll take a couple of cowboy:
and go with this-this Texas Ranger.
Thanks" said Duane coolly. as h.
eyed Lawson. perhaps you'll be able
% find Snecker quicker than could
what do you mean?" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid. Evi
iently he was man Of quick pas
yonS.
Don't quarrel" said Miss Long
streth. Floyd you go with him
Please hurry. I'll be nervous till
the mans found or you're sure there
not one"
They started with several cowboys t
search the house. 1t struck Duan
more than forcibly that Lawson trie
10 keep in the lead. 1t was Duane VIII
peered into dark corner and ther
with n gun leNeleu, Sdlu Cuule oul
He came forth into the flare-a tai
slim. dark-faced youth. wearing son
brero. blouse and trousers. Duan
cOllared him before any of the other
could move and held the gun clos
enough 70 make him shrink. n
peered into Duane's face, then int
that of the cowboy next to him. the
into Lawson's and if ever in Duane
life he beheld relief it was then. TIL,
was oil Duane needed TO know, bl
he meant to find out more If he coul
"Who re your" asked Duane. quie
y.
''Bo Snecker," he said.
Ranger. what III you do with him
Lawson queried, as if uncertain. no
the capture was made.
"I'lI see to that" replied Dua1
AMI he pushed Snecker in front
HIN out into the court. .vss.
naae had suddenly concei sed z
idtst az taking Snecker before May
Longsireth in the court.