The Ozark spectator., 1916-12-13
CHAPTER XxIV-Continued.

 passion toward Poggin manifested it. self in Knell's scornful. fiery address, in the shaking hand he thrust before Poggin's face. In the ensuing silent pause KnelPs panting could be plainly heard. The other men were pale, watchful, cautiously edging either way to the wall, leaving the principals and Duane in the corner of the room.
 Spring his name, then, you" said POggin, violently with curse.
 Strangely Knell did not even look at the man he was about to denounce. He leaned toward Poggin, his hands, his body, his long head all somewhat expressive of what his face disguised. Buck Duane!" he yelled, suddenly. The name did not make any differ ence in Poggin. But Knells passionate. swift utterance carried the suggestion that the name ought to bring Poggin to quick action. It was possible, too, that Knell's manner, the import of his denunciation. the meaning back of all his passion held Poggin bound more than the surprise. For the outlaw cer- tainly was surprised, perhaps stagger- ed at the idea that he, Poggin. had been about to stand sponsor with Fletcher for famous outlaw hated and feared by all outlaws.
 Knell waited a long moment, and then his face broke its cold immobility In an extraordinary expression of devilish glee. He had bounded the ;,xN, t,cy hot him vicious, monstrous joy.
 'Buck Duane! Yes" broke out. hotly "The Nueces Cunman! That two-shot, ace-of-spades lone-wolf! You an I-we've heard thousand times of him--talked about him often. An here he Is in front of you Poggfn. you were backin' Fletcher's new pard. Buck Duane. An he'd fooled you both but for me. But I know him. An I know why he drifted in here. To flash a gun on Cheseldine-on you --on me! Bah! Don't tell me he wanted to join the gang. You know gunman, for you're one yourself. Don't you always want to meet real man, not four-fush? It's the mad ueSS Ol tut Euulidai, uh hho" Ae' Well, Duane faced you--called you! An when I sprung his name, what ought you have done? What would the boss-anybody-have expected of Poggin? Did you throw your gun, swift. like you have so often? Nav; you froze. An why? Because here's . man with the kind of nerve you'd love to have. Because he's great meetin' us here alone. Because you know he's wonder with n gun an you love life. Because you an l an every damned man here has to take his front, each to himself. If we all drew we'd kill him. Sure! But who's goin' to lead? Who was goin' to be Hrst? Who was goin' to make him draw? Not you. Poggin! You leave that for a lesser man-me-who've lived to see you coward. It comes once to every gunman. You've met your match in Buck Duane. An, by God, I'm glad! Here's once l show you up!"
 The hoarse, taunting voice failed. Knell stepped back from the comrade It tluttu. IIc WuS WCt, SiahAhe, ho6 gard. but magnificent.
 "Buck Duane. do you remember Hardin?" he asked, in scarcely audible voice.
 "Yes," replied Duane, and flash of Insight made clear Knells attitude.
 You met him-forced him to draw killed him?"
 "Yes."
 "Hardin was the best pard I ever had"
 His teeth clicked together tight, md his lips set in thin line.
 The room grew still. Even breathing ceased. The time for words had pass cd. In that long moment of suspense Knell's body gradually stiffened. and at last the Quivering ceased. He srouched. His eyes had soul-pierc- hg fire.
 Duane watched him. He waited. 7ae caught the thought-the breaking of Knells muscle-bound rigidity. Then Ae drew.
 Through the smoke of his gun he saw two red spurts of flame. Knelfs bullets thudded into the ceiling. He fefl with scream like wild thing In agony.
 Duane did not see Knell die. He watched Pocgin. And Poggin, like stricken and astounded man. looked down upon his prostrate comrade.
 Fletcher ran 0t Duane with hands aloft.
 Hit the trail. you liar. or you'll hcv to kill mel" he yelled.
 With hands still UT, he shouldered and bodied Duane out of the room.
 Duane leaped on his horse, spurred, and plunged away.
 CHAPTER XIV.