The Parma herald., 1916-10-26

laws crowded out Of the door, ana tne
one In the lead was a tall man OF
stalwart physique. His manner pro-
claimed him a leader. He had long
face. a flaming red beard, and clear.
cold blue eyes that fixed In close scru-
tiny upon Duane He was not Tex
an; in truth. Duane. did not recognize
one Of these outlaws as native to bis
state.
I'm Bland said the tall man. au-
thorirativeIy. Whore you. and what're
you doing hereT
Duane looked at Bland as he had |
at the others. This outlaw chief ap-
peared to be reasonable. II he was
not courteous Duane told his story
again. this time little more in detail |
Il believe you" replied Bland at
once Think know when a fellow Is
lying"
Il reckon you're on the right trail.T
put In Euchre 'Thet about Luke
wantin' his boots took off-thet salts
| fes me. Luke he'd a mortal dread Of
i dyin' with his boots on"
AT this sally the chief and his men
laughed
@You said Duane-Buck DuaneT
queried Bland. Are you a son Of that
Duane who was a gun-hghter some
years backs"
yes" replied Duane
"Never met him, and glad I didn't"
said Bland. with a grim humor. $50
you got In trouble and had to go on
the dodge7 What kind Of troubleF"
Had a fight"
Flight: Do you mean gun-playT
questioned Bland He seemed eager.
curious, speculative
yes. 1t ended in gun-play. I'm
sorry to say" answered Duane
Guess 1 needn't ask the son Of
Duane IL he killed his man." went on
Bland ironically. swell. 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 onf" asked Duane. quietly.
mot exactly that" said Bland. as If
irritated- IF this isn't a free place
there isn't one on earth Every man Is
equal here Do you want to join my
bandr-
sNo. don't"
~Well. even II you did. l imagine that
wouldn't stop Bosomer. He's an ugly
fellow. Merely for your own sake.
|, advise you to hit the trail
, Thanks. But If that's all. I'll stay
, returned Duane Even as he spoke he
, | felt that he did not know himself
Bosomer appeared at 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 quickl,
Z in him.
Duane saw all the swift action. fel
: intuitively the meaning OF II. and IL
: Bosomer's sudden change Of front Th'
outlaw was keen. and he had expected {
n shrinking. or at least frightened an
@ tagonist- Duane knew he was nei
ther. he felt like iron. and yet thrill
after thrill ran through him The out
+ law had come out to kill him An'
. now. though somewhat checked by tn,
stand of a stranger, he still meant q
- kill But he did not speak a word
he remained motionless for long mo
!. ment- his eyes pale and steady. hi
!. right hand like claw.
d That instant gave Duane a. power I
II read In his enemy's eyes the though
e that preceded action But Duane di
not want TO kill another man Still
e he would have to fight. and he decide'
L. TO cripple Bosomer. When BoSomer'
/" hand moved Duane's gun was spout
Z ing fire. Two shots only-both fror
Ie Duane's gun-and the outlaw fell wit
IS his right arm shattered BoSome
cursed harshly, and fioundered in III
dust, trying 10 reach the gun with hi
left hand. His comrades. however
lie seeing that Duane would not kill VI
e less forced. closed in upon BosOme
and prevented any further madness o
a his part
N OF the outlaws present Euchre az
h. peared 10 be the one most incline
le 70 lend friendliness 10 curiosity: an
le he led Duane and the horses away {
small adobe shack He tied N
horses in an open shed and remove
their saddles. Then. gathering up ST.
n vens' weapons. he invited his visitC
~ to enter the house.
Ia II had two rOoms-windows withOr
,e coverings-bare floors. One room col
n tained blankets. weapons. saddles an
"a rude table and bench. two hunks.
N box cupboard. and various blackens
" utensils.
,e Make yourself 10 home as long {
you want to stay" said Euchre.
amt rich in this worlds Goods. but
own what's here. an you're welcome
Thanks. I'll stay awhile and res
- I'm pretty well played OUT replis
Duane.
y Euchre gave him a keen glance.
81 go ahead an rest I'll take yol
~ horses 10 grass"
~ Euchre left Duane alone in Il
"a house. Duane relaxed then. and m
- chanically he wiped the sweat fro
- his face. He vas laboring under son
kind OF a spell or shock which did n
81 pass Off quickly. When II had wol
away he took of his coat and belt al
made himself comfortable on the bla
kets. And he had a thought that.
tn he rested or slept. what differen
- would II make on the morrow !
We rest. no sleep could change the grs