Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-12-13
CHAPTER <.

In three days Duane was able with
great difficulty to mount his horse.
During daylight, by short relays, he
and Jennie rode back to the main
trail, where they hid again. till he had
rested Then in the dark they rode
out of the canyons and gullies of the
Rim Rock, and early in the morning
halted at the first water to camp.
From that point they travelled after
nigbtfall and went into hiding during
the day. Once across the Nueces
River, Duane was assured of safety
for her and great danger for himself.
At last far ahead over q barren mes
quite dotted stretch Of dusty ground.
he espied patch of green and little
fiat, red ranch-house. He headed his
horse for 1t and turned a face he tried
to make cheerful for Jennie's sake.
She seemed both happy and sorry.
When near at hand he saw that the
rancher was thrifty farmer. And
thrift spoke for honesty. There were
fields of alfalfa, fruit-trees, c0rrals.
windmill pumps. irrigation-ditches, all
surrounding a neat little adobe house.
Some children were playing In the
yard. The way they ran at the sight
Of Duane limited to both the loneliness
and, the fear of their isolated lives.
Duane saw woman come to the door,
then man. The latter looked keenly.
then stepped outside. He was sandy
haired, freckled Texan.
"Howdy, stranger" he called, as
Duane halted. Get down, you an
your woman. Say, now, air you sick
or shot or what? Let me"
Duane, Keeling in his saddle, bent
searching eyes upon the rancher. He
thought he saw good will, kindness.
honesty. He risked all on that one
sharp glance. Then he almost plunged
from the saddle.
The rancher caught him. helped him
to q bench.
Martha. come out here!" he called.
"This mans sick. No; he's shot, or !
don't know bloOd-stains."
Jennie had slipped off her horse and
to Duane's side. Duane appeared
about to faint.
"Air you his wife7' asked the
rancher.
mo. I'm only girl he saved from
outlaws. Oh, he's so pale! Duane,
Duahel'
"Buck Duane!' exclaimed the ranch
er, excitedly. 1.-THE man who killed
Bland an Alloway? Say, / owe him
q good turn, an I'll pay 1t, young
woman.
The rancher's wife came out, and
with a manner at once kind and prac-
teal essayed to make Duane drink
from flask. He was not SO far gone
that he could not recognize its con-
tents, which he refused, and weakly
asked for water. When that was given
him he found his voice.
Eyes, I'm Duane. I've only over
done myself-just all In. The wounds
I got at BANDS are healing. WIN you
take this girl in-hide her awhile till
the excitement's over among the out
laws?"
II shore WILL" replied the Texan.
"Young man you amt In any shape
to travel. I'll take you In along with
the girl, AN hide both Of you till you
get we'll"
Duane's last fading sensations Of
that hard day were the strange feel
Of bed, relief at the removal Of his
heavy boots, and Of Jennie's soft, cool
hands on his hot face.
He lay i'll for three weeks before he
began to mend, and 1t was another
week then before he could walk out
n little in the dusk of the, evenings.
After that his strength returned rapid
~. And it was only at the end Of this
long siege that he recovered his spirits.
During most of his Illness he had been