The Ozark spectator., 1916-09-16

fieS me. Luke he'd mortal uread oI dyin' with his boots on."
 At this sally the chief and his men laughed.
 You said Duane-Buck Duane?' queried Bland. Are you a son of that Duane who was gun-fighter some years back?"
 "Yes," replied Duane. "Never met him, and glad I didn't" said Bland, with a grim humor. "So you got in trouble and had to go on the dodge? What kind of trouble?"
 Had fight" questioned Bland. He seemed eager, curious, speculative.
 "Yes It ended in gun-play. I'm sorry to say" answered Duane.
 "Guess I needn't ask the son of Duane if he killed his man." went on | Bland, ironically. "Well, I'm sorry you bucked against trouble in my camp. But, as it is. I guess you'd be wise to make yourself scarce" Do you mean I'm politely toll to move on?" asked Duane, quietly.
 "Not exactly that" said Bland, as if | irritated ''If this isn't free place there isn't one on earth. Every man is equal here. Do you want to join my ! band?"
 "NO, I don't"
 "Well, even if you did, imagine that wouldn't stop Bosomer. He's an ugly fellow. Merely for your own sake, I 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 1 ing men who tried to detain him, and as he jumped clear of last reaching hand, he uttered a 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, a strange change passed quickly in him.
 Duane saw all the swift action. felt intuitively the meaning of it, and in BosOmer's sudden change of front. The l outlaw was keen, and he had expected a l 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 l law had come out to kill him. And now, though somewhat checked by the stand of stranger, he still meant to kill. But he did not speak a word. He remained motionless for long mo- ment. his eyes pale and steady, his right hand like a claw. That instant gave Duane power to read in his enemy's eyes the thought that preceded action. But Duane did not want to kill another man. Still. he would have to fight, and he decided to cripple BoSomer. When Bosomer's hand moved Duane's gun was spout ing fire. Two shots only-both from Duane's gun-and the outlaw fell with his right arm shattered. Bosomer cursed harshly, and fioundered in the dust, trying to reach the gun with his left hand. His comrades, however, seeing that Duane would not kill un- less forced, closed in upon Bosomer and prevented any further madness on his part.
 Of the outlaws present Euchre ap- peared to be the one most inclined to lend frieldliness to curiosity; and he led Duane and the horses away to a small adobe shack. He tied tie horses in an open shed and removed their saddles. Then. gathering up Ste vens' weapons, he invited his visitor to enter the house.
 It had two roOms-windows without coverings-bare floors One room con tained blankets, weapons. saddles and brides; the other n stone fireplace, rude table and bench, two hunks, q box cupboard, and various blackened utensils.
 Make yourself to home as long as you want to stay" said Euchre. 'I ain't rich in this worlds goods, but I own what's here, an you're welcome"
 "Thanlls. I'll stay awhile and rest. I'm pretty well played out" replied Duane.
 Euchre gave him a keen glance. "Go ahead an rest. I'll take your horses to grass"
 Euchre left Duane alone in the house. Duane relaxed then, and me- chanically he wiped the sweat from his face. He was labonng under some kind of a spell or shock which did not pass off quickly When it had worn away he took off his coat and belt and made himself comfortable on the blan- kets. And he had a thought that, if he rested or slept, what difference would it make on the morrow? No rest, no sleep could change the gray outlook of the future. He felt glad when Euchre came bustling in, and for the first time he took notice of the out law
 Euchre was old in years. What little hair he had was gray, his face clean shayen and full of wrinkles; his eyes were half shut from long gazing