Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-07-06

ANS AAAO N
the hour had arrived, and he was
ready. He understood perfectly the
desperate chances he must take. HIS
thoughts became confined to Euchre
and the surprisingly loyalty and good
ness in the hardened old outlaw. Time
passed slowly. Duane kept glancing at
his watch. He hoped to start the thing
and get away before the outlaws were
out of their beds. Finally he heard the
shuttle Of Euchre's boots on the hard
path. The sound was quicker than
usual.
When Euchre came around the cor
ner Of the cabin Duane was not so
astounded as he was concerned to see
the outlaw white and shaking. Sweat
dripped from him. He had a wild look.
"Luck's ours-so-fur, Buck!" he
painted.
You don't look it," replied Duane.
I'm turrible sick. Jest killed a man.
Fust one 1 ever killed."
"Who?" asked Duane, startled.
"~Jackrabbit Benson. An sick as ]
am, Pm gloryin' in it. I went nosin'
round up the road. Saw Alloway goin'
into Deger's. He's thick with the
Degers. ecSon he's askin' questions.
away from BANDS. An he didn't see
me. When I dropped into Benson's
there wasn't nobody there but Jackrab-
bit an some greasers he was startin'
to work. Benson never a no use fer
me. An he up an said he wouldn't
give a two-bit piece fer my life. 1
asked him why.
YOU'RE double crossfn' the boss an
Chess he said.
Jack, what'd o give fer your
own life? l asked him.
H Strengthened up surprised an
mean lookin'. An 1 let him have it,
plumb center! He wilted, an the
greasers run. I reckon I'll never sleep
again. But l had to do it,"
Duane asked if the sho had at
tracted any attention outside.
Il didn't see anybody but the greas-
ers. an I sure looked sharp. Comm
back I cut across through the cotton
woods past BANDS cabin. I meant to
keep out of sight, but somehow l had
an idee 1 might find out If Bland was
awake yet. Sure enough, 1 run plumb
into Beppo, the boy who tends BANDS
bosses. Beppo likes me. An when i
inquired Of his boss he said Bland had
been up all night fghtin' with the
sonora. An, Buck, here's how 1 figger.
Bland couldn't let up last night. He
was sore, an he went after Kate again,
he might have went after Jennie, with
wuss intentions. Anyway, he an Kate
must have had it hot an heavy. We're
pretty lucky"
1t seems so. Well, I'm going" said
Duane, tersely.
Lucky! I should smile! BANDS
been UP all night after a most sraggin'
mornin', sleepy, sore, an he won't be
expectin' hell before breakfast. Now
you walk over to his house. Meet him
how you like. Thet's your game. But
Pm suggestin', If he out a n you
want to parley. you can jest say you'd
thought over his proposition an was
ready to join his band, or you amt.
You'll have to kill him. ar it'd save
time to go fer your gun on sight. Might
be wise, too, fer it's likely he'll do tibet
same"
"How about the horses?"
III fetch them an come along about
two minutes behind you. Pears to me
Jennie outside by the time I git
there. Once on them bosses, we
can ride out of camp before Allo-
way or anybody else gifts into
action. Jennie amt much heavier'n a
rabbit. Thet big black will carry you
both"
All right. But once more let me per-
suade you to stay-not to mix any more
In this" said Duane, earnestly.
Nope. I'm goin'. You heard what
Benson told me. Alloway wouldn't give
mo the benefit Of any doubts. Buck. a
last word-look out fer tibet Bland Wo-
mani"
Duane merely nodded, and then, say
ing that the horses were ready, he
strobe away through the grove. Ac-
counting for the short cut across grove
and field. it was about five minutes
walk up to BANDS house. To Duane it
seemed long in time and distance, and
he had difficulty in restraining his pace.
AS he walked there came gradual and
i sal 0to 700 Sn ls~. -. -
was go1ng out to meet a nan in conflict.
He could nave avoided this meeting. But
despite the fact Of his counting the
encounter he had not as yet felt that
hot, inexplicable rush of blood. The
motive Of this deadly action was not
personal, and somehow that made a
difference.
No outlaws were in sight. He saw
several Mexican Gerders with cattle.
Blue columns of smoke curled up over
some Of the cabins. The fragrant smell
of 1t reminded Duane Of his home and
cutting wood for the stove. He noted a
cloud Of creamy mist rising above the
river, d~issolving in the sunlight.
Then he entered BANDS lane.
While yet some distance from the
cabin he heard loud, angry voices of
man and m Bland and Kate still
quarreling! He took a quick survey of
the surroundings. There was now not
even a Mexican In sight Then he hur-
ried a little. Hallway down the lane he
turned his head to peer through the
cottonwoods. This time he saw Eucher
coming with the horses. There was no
Indication that the old outlaw might
lose his nerve at h end. Duane had
feared this.
Duane now changed his walk to q
leisurely saunter. He reached the porch
and hen distinguished what was said
inside the cabin.
"If you do. Bland. by heaven I'll
fix you n her!!" That was painted out
i'll Kate BANDS full voice.
Let me loose! I'm going in there,
tell you!" replied Bland, hoarsely.
what for?"
81 want to make a little love to her,
Ha! ha! It II be fun to have the laugh
on her new lover"
you lie!" cried Kate Bland.
I'm not saying what I'll do to her
afterwards" His voice grew hoarser
with passion. 'Let me go now!"
No! no! I won't let you go. You'll
choke the-the truth out of her-you'll
kill her"