Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-08-09
tipped the o%scillating balance of de-

{ ma this unknown anger captain. III
uane's state of mind clear reasoning.
common sense, or We're out
of the question. He went because he
/. felt he was compelled.
!. Dusk had fallen when he rode into a
town which inquiry discovered to be
Fairfield. Captain MacNelly's camp
was stationed just out of the village
limits on the other side.
No one eXcept the boy Duane ques-
toned appeared to notice his arrival.
Like Shirley. the town of Fairfield was
large and prosperous. compared TO the
i~nnunerable lsamlets dotting the vast
extent of southwestern Texas. AS Du
ane rode through. being careful to get
off tho main street. he heard the toll
ing of n church bell that was a melan-
choly reminder of his old home.
There did not appear to be any camp
on the outskirts of the town. But, as
Duane sat his horse, peering. around
and undecided what further move to
make. ne caught the CLINT of Pickering
lights through he darkness. Heading
towards them, he rode perhaps a quar-
ter of Il mile to come upon q grove of
mesquite. The brightness of several
fires made the surrounding darkness
all the blaclcr. Duane saw the moving
forms of men and heard horses. He
advanced naturally, expecting any mo-
ment to be halted.
who goes there?" came the sharn
SoAA oAS VI lItS SIOOIIl.
Duane pulled his horse. The gloom
was ~impenetrable.
"One man-alone," replied Duane.
"A stranger"
Yes"
What do you want?'
I'm trying to find the ranger camn"
you've struck it. What's your err
randi"
81 want to see Captain MacNelly.'
Get down and advance. Slow. Don't
move your hands. It's dark, but l can
see"
Duane ~dismounted md, leading his
horse, slowly advanced a few PAGES.
He saw a DULY bright object-a gun
before he discovered the man who held
IT. a few more steps showed a dark
figure blocking the trail. Here Duane
halted.
Come closer, stranger. Let's have
a look at you" the guard ordered,
| CURLY.
Duane advanced again until he stood
pefore the man. Here the rays of light
face.
Reckon you're a stranger, all right.
What's your name and your business
with the %captain?"
Duane hesitated, bordering what best
to say say;
he's been asking to ride into his camp
after dark" finally said Duane.
The ranger bent forward to peer hard
at this night visitor. His manner had
been alert. and now it became tense.
Come here, one of you men, quick"
he called. without turning in the least
toward he camp fire.
Hello! What's up. Pickenso" came
the swift reply. 1t was followed by a
rapid thu of boots IN soft ground. A
dark form crossed the CLEANS from the
nrell,sht; e a ranger doomed up to
reach the side of the guard. Duane
heard whispering, the purport of which
he could not catch. The second ranger
swore under his breath. Then he
turned away and started back.
Here, ranger, before you go, under
stand his: Ny visit is peaceful
asked to come hereafter dark"
Duane's clear penetrating Ole car
ried far. The listening angers at the
camp fire heard what he said.
"Ho. Pickens! Tell that fellow to
wait" replied an authoritative voice,
Then a slim figure detached itself from
the dark, moving group at the camp
fire n hurried out.
Better be foxy, Cap" shouted a
anger in warning.
Shut up-all of .you," was the reply.
This officer, obviously Captain Mac
Nelly, soon Joined the two rangers who
We're confronting Duane. He had no
fear. He STROBE straight up to Duane.
I'm MacNelly." he said. If you're
my man, don't mention your anne
yeti
All his seemed so strange to Duane.
in keeping with much that had nap
pened lately.
Il met Jeff Aiken today" said Duane.
He SEM me-
you've met Aiken!" exclaimed Mac
Nelly sharp, eager, low. by all that's
bully! Then he appeared to catch him.
self, to grow restrained.
Men. fall back, leave us alone a
moment
The anger slowly withdrew.
u Duane! It's you?' he whis-
pered. eagerly.
yes"
IF l give my word you'll not be ar
rested-youll be treated fairly-will
you come into camp and consult with
me?"
Certainly
Duane. I'm sure glad to meet you,"
went on MacNelly; and he extended his
hand.
Amazed and touched, scarcely realiz-
ing this actually, uan gave his hand
and felt no unmistakable grip Of
of warmth.
MacNelly, but 1 believe I'm glad to
meet you,'' aid Duane, soberly.
You will be. Now we'll go back to
camp. Keep your identity mum for the
He led Duane in the direction of the
camp fire.
'Pickens. go back on duty" he or
dered. land. Beeson. you look after
this horse"
When Duane got beyond the line of
mesquite, which had hid a good view
Of the camp site. he saw a group Of
perhaps Is rangers sitting around the
fires. near a long low she'd where horses
were feeding. and a small adobe house
at one side.
get some. Then we'll talk - coid Moo-t