The Tomahawk., 1916-10-05
CHAPTER XVII-Continued.

Miss Longstreth rose white as her
dress. The young women present
stared in establishment, if they were
not equally perturbed. There were
cowboys present who suddenly grew
Intent and still. BY these things
Duane gathered that his appearance
must be disconcerting. He was pant
big gunsheath showed plainly at his
hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an
unaccountable effect upon Duane. He
was plunged into confusion. For the
moment he saw no one but her.
"Miss Longstreth- came to
search-your house." painted Duane.
SEARCH my house - exclaimed Miss
Longstreth; and red succeeded the
white in her cheeks. She appeared
astonished and angry. "What for?
Why, how dare you! This is I'M
warrantable!
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted
and robbed Jim Laramie" replied
Duane, hurriedly. 81 chased Snecker
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 to search"
Lawson appeared to come out of his
establishment. He stepped forward.
"Ray, don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. "This fellows
making bluff. I'll settle him., See
here, mister, you clear out!"
II want Snecker. He's here, and
Tn going to get him." replied Duane,
quietly.
"Bah! That's all bluff" sneered
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, or it III be
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 be scorn in her eyes
now. And somehow that checked his
embarrassment.
Miss Longstreth, will you let me
search the houseY he asked.
mo"
"Then-I regret to say-Il do so
without your permission"
you'll not dare!" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
pardon me-yes, will"
"Who are you?" she demanded, sud-
denly.
I'm a Texas Ranger" replied
Duane.
"A Texas Ranger!'' she echoed.
Floyd Lawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth, don't need war
rants to search houses" said Duane.
"I'm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer
10 have your permission. A ruffian
has taken refuge herein your
fathers house. He's hidden some
where. May I look for him?"
IF you are indeed a ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
Miss Longstreth, I've come to
make Fairdale safer, cleaner, better
place for women and children. don't
wonder at your resentment. But to
doubt me-insult me. Some day you
may be sorry"
Floyd Lawson made violent mo-
hon with his hands.
"All stuff! Cousin, go on with your
party. I'll take a couple of cowboys
and go with this-this Texas Ranger"
"Thanks," said Duane coolly, as he
eyed Lawson. perhaps you'll be able
to find Snecker quicker than l could"
"What do you mean" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid. Evil
IDENTIFY he was a man of quick pas
sions.
Don't quarrel" said Hiss Long
streth. Floyd you go with him
Please hurry. I'll be nervous till
the mans found or you're sure there's
not one
They started with several cowboys to
search the house. It struck Duane
more than forcibly that Lawson tried
to keep in the lead. It was Duane who
pcered into dark corner and then
witt, gun leveled, said "Come out!'
He came forth into the f1are-a tall
slim. dark-faced youth, wearing som
b-ero. blouse and trousers. Duane
collare,l him before any of the others
cor,id move and held the gun close
enough to make him shrink. HI
nxnr.,d int Cn1nne'S face then int