The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-12-01
CHAPTER Xxx.

/ After supper Duane stole out for
his usual evenings spying at Long
streth's ranch-house. When he reach
ed the edge of the shrubbery he saw
Longstreth's door open, flashing a
broad bar of light in the darkness.
Lawson crossed the threshold, the
door closed, and all was dark again
outside. Not ray Of light escaped
from the window. Duane tiptoed to
only murmer Of voices. Besides.
that position was too risky. He went
round the corner of the house.
This side Of the big adobe house
was of much older construction than
the back of the larger part. There
was narrow passage between the
houses, leading from the outside
through to the patio.
This passage now afforded Duane
an opportunity, and he decided to
very great danger. Crawling on very
stealthily, he got under the shrubbery
to the entrance of the passage. In
the blacBness faint streak Of light
showed the location of crack in
the wall. He had to slip in sidewise.
1t was tight squeeze, but he entered
without the slightest noise. When he
got there the crack he had marked
was foot over his head. There was
nothing to do but find toe-holds in
the crumbling walls, and by bracing
knees on one side, back against the
other, hold himself up. Once with
his eye there he did not care what
risk he ran. Longstreth appeared dis
turbed; he sat stroking his mustache;
his brow was clouded. Lawson's face
seemed darker, more sullen, yet light
ed by some indomitable resolve.
We'll settle both deals tonight"
Lawson was saying. THAT'S what l
came for"
'But suppose I don't choose to talk
here?" protested Longstreth, impa-
tientiy.
you've lost your nerve since that
ranger hit the town. First now, will
you give Ray to me?"
"Floyd, you talk like spoiled boy.
tried to persuade her. But Ray
hasn't any use for you now. So what |
can I do?"
you can make her marry me-" re-
3lied Lawson.
MAKE that girl do what she doesn't |
want to? 1t couldn't be done. But If |
Ray loved you would consent. We'd
Ill go away together before this mis-
'rable business is out. Then she'd
lever know. And maybe you might
'e more like you used to be before
he West ruined you"
"What d you want to let her come
ut here for?' demanded Lawson,
oily. 1T was a dead mistake. I've
ost my head over her. I'll have her
r die. No. Longstreth, we've got to
ettle things tonight"
swell, we can settle what Rays
in, right now replied
ongstreth, rising. "Come on; we'll
SIX her. See where you stand"
They went out leaving the door
pen. Duane dropped down to rest
mself and to wait.
The men seemed to be absent good
lille, though that feeling might have
zen occasioned by Duane's thrilling
terest and anxiety. Finally he =
sard heavy steps. Lawson came in
one. He was leaden-faced, humili- | U
ed. Then something AFFECT In him Z
We place to rage. He strobe the
ON; he cursed. Then Longstreth Y
turned, now appreciably calmer.
lane could not but decide that he
It relief at the evident rejection Of
wson's proposal. n
Don't fuss about 1t, Floyd" he II
ID. "You see can't help it. We're Il
city Wild out here, but can't rope s.
: daughter and give her to you as o.
would an unruly steer" b.
'Longstreth, can make her marry /,
!" declared Lawson, thickly. tt
How p hs
You know the hold got on you th
deal that made you boss Of this
tier gang7" b
II i~n't nkel5 I'd forget" replied Y.
1Rstreth. Krimlv. ! q