The Huttig news., 1916-11-04

have rough-looking young fellow rush by him out of the door, Inside Laramie was lying on the floor, with d bloody bruiSe on his face. He dld not appear to be dangerously hurt.
 "Bo Sneckerl He hit ne and went after the cash-drawer,' said Laramie. laboring to his feet.
 Are you hurt much?' queried Duane.
 Il guess not. But Bo needn't to have soaked me. I've been robbed before without that"
 Well. I'll take q look after Eo,s replied Duane.
 He went out and glanced down the street toward the center of the town. He did not see anyone he could take for the innkeeper's assailant Then he looked up the street. and he s,w the young fellow about d block away, | hurrying along and gazing hack.
 Dune yelled for him to stop and started to go after him. Sneaker nrfAe into run. Then Duane set out to overhaul him. There were two motives fin Duane's action-one of anger, and the other a desire fo make friend of this man Laramie, who Duane believed could tell him much.
 Duane was light on his feet. aud he had a giant stride. He gained rapidly, kept him in sight. in the shade. on the paths. and mp the road into the courtyard, and he saw Snecb. CT go straight for Longstrctb's house.
 Duane was not to be turned back by that, singular as it was. He en- tered the first door and burst into the presence of Miss Longstreth aid a number of young people. Evidently she was giving a little party.
 Lawson stood leaning against one of the pillars; at sight of Duane his face changed remarkably, expressing amaZement, consternatiOn, then fear.
 Miss Longstreth rose white as her dress. The young women present stared in asronshment if they were not equally perturbed. There were cowboys present who suddenly grew intent and still. By these things
 
 must he disconeerting. He was pant ing. He wore no hat or coat. His big sunsheath showed plainly at his hip.
 Sight of Miss I4ongstreth had an unaceountable effect upon Duane. He was plunged into confusion. For the moment he saw no one but her.
 Miss Longstrcth Il came to scarch-your house." ranted Duane.
 Search my house." exclaimed Miss Ionss treth; and red succeeded the white in her cheeks. She appeared astonished and angry What for7 Why. how dare you This is un- warrantabe
 "A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted and robbed Jim Laramie" replied Duane, hurriedly. "I chased Sneaker 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 te search"
 Lawson appeared to come ont of his astonishment. 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 :"
 .I want Sneaker. He's here. and I'm going to get him,' replied Duane. quietly.
 Bah, That's all blutf." snccred. Lawson. I'm 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, ar il n he the worse for you.'
 Duane felt his face. burn with a 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 he scorn In her eyes now. And somehow that checked his embarrassment