The Benson signal., 1916-10-21
CHAPTER III-Continued.

''Buck, as we're lookin' fer grub, an
not trouble, reckon you'd better hang
up out here" Stevens was saying, as
he mounted. "YOu see, towns an sher-
ifs an rangers are always loOkin' fer
new fellers gone bad. They sort of
forget most of the old boys, except
those as are plumb bad. Now, nobody
in Mercer will take notice Of me.
Reckon there's been a thousand men
run into the river country to become
outlaws since yours truly. You jest
wait here an be ready to ride hard.
Mebbe my besettin' sin will go ope-
ratin' in spite of my good intentions.
In which case there'n be"
His pause was significant. He
grinned, and his brown eyes danced
with a kind of wild humOr.
"Stevens, have you got any money!"
asked Duane.
Money" exclaimed Luke blankly.
"Say, / haven't owned a two-bit piece
since-wal, fer some time"
"Pll furnish money for grub" re-
turned Duane "And for whisky, too,
providing you hurry back herewith
out making trouble"
Shore you're a downright good
pard," declared Stevens, in admiration,
as he took the money. II give my
word, Buck, an I'm here to say never
broke it yet. Lay low, an look fer
me back quick"
With that he spurred his horse and
rode out of the mesquites toward the
town. At that distance, about quar-
ter of mile, Mercer appeared to be
. cluster of low adobe houses set in
a grove of cottonwoods. Pastures Of
alfalfa were dotted by horses and
cattle. Duane saw a sheep herder
driving in a meager flock.
Presently Stevens rode out of sight
into the town. Duane waited, hoping
the outlaw would make good his word.
Probably not quarter Of an hour had
elapsed when Duane heard the clear
reports of a Winchester rifle, the clat-
ter of rapid hoofbeats, and yells un-
mistakably the kind to mean danger
for man like Stevens. Duane
mounted and rode to the edge Of the
mesquites.
He saw a cloud Of dust down the
road and a bay horse running fast.
Stevens apparently had not been
wounded by any of the shots, for he
had steady seat in his saddle, and
his riding, even at that moment,
struck Duane as admirable. He car
ried large pack over the pommel and
he kept looking back. The shots had
ceased, but the yells increased. Duane
saw several men running and waving
their arms. Then he spurred his horse
and got into a swift stride, so Stevens
would not pass him. Presently the
outlaw caught up with him. Stevens
was grinning, but there was now no
fun in the dancing eyes. 1t was devil
that danced in them. His face seemed
a shade paler..
ssWas jest comm out Of the store, y
yelled Stevens. "Run plumb into a
rancher-who knowed me. He opened
up with a rifle. Think they'll chase
u.s."
They covered several miles before
there were any signs of pursuit, and
when horsemen did move into sight
out of the cottonwOods Duane and his
companion steadily drew farther away
"No hosses in that bunch to worry
u.s." called out Stevens.
Duane had the same conviction, and
he did not look back again. He rode
somewhat to the fore, and was con.
stantly aware of the rapid thuddine
of hOofs behind, as Stevens kept close
to him. At sunset they reached the
willow brakes and the river. Duane's
horse was winded and lashed with
sweat and lather. 1t was not until
the crossing had been accomplished
that Duane halted to rest his animal
Stevens was riding up the low, sandy
bank. He reeled in the saddle. With
an exclamation of surprise, Duane
leaped off and ran to the outlaws side
Stevens was pale, and his face bore
beads of sweat. The whole front o1
his shirt was soaked with blood.
"You're shot !" cried Diane.
sWal, who said wasn't? Would yOl
mind givin' me a lift-on this here
packw
Duane lifted the heavy pack dowr
and then helped Stevens to dismount