The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-09-28
CHAPTER XXI.

Again inaction and suspense dragged
at Duane's spirit. Like leashed hound
with a keen scent in his face Duane
wanted TO leap forth when he was
bound. He almost fretted. Something
called to him over the bold wild brow
stayed in Ord waiting for Knen and
Poggin, or for orders, Duane knew his
game was again a waiting one.
But one day there We're signs of the
long quiet of Ord being broken. A mes
senger strange to Duane rode in on a
secret mission that had to do with
Fletcher. When he went away Fletcher
became addicted to thoughtful moods
and lonely walks. He seldom drank
and this in itself was a striking con-
trast to former behavior. The messen-
ger came again. Whatever communica-
ton he brought, it had a remarkable
effect upon the outlaw. Duane was
present in the tavern when the fellow
arrived, saw the few words whispered,
but did not hear them. Fletcher turned
white with anger or fear perhaps both,
and he cursed like madmaE. The
messenger, a lean, rk-faced, hard
riding fellow reminding Duane of the
cowboy Guthrie, left the tavern with
out even a drink and rode away off to
the west. This west mystified and
fascinated Duane as much as the
south beyond Mount Ord. Where We're
Knell and g'oggin? Apparently they
We're not at present with the leader on
the mountain. After the messenger left
Fletcher grew silent and surly. He had
presented Ia variety Of moods to Duane's
observation and this latest one was
provocative of thought. Fletcher was
dangerous. 1t became clear now that
the other outlaws Of the camp feared
him, lSepg out of his way. Duane let
him alone. yet closely watched him.
Perhaps an hour after the messenger
had left not longer, Fletcher manifest
ly arrived at some decision, and he
called for his horse. Then he went to his
shack and returned. To Duane the out
law looked in shape both TO ride and
to fight. He gave orders for the men
in camp to keep close until he returned.
Then he mounted.
"Come here, Dodge" he called
Duane went up and laid a hand on
the pommel OF the saddle. Fletcher
walked his horse, with Duane beside
him. till they reached the log bridge,
when he halted.
ls Dodge, I'm in bad with knell," he
said. ..An'3 it pears I'm the cause Of
friction between Knel an Peggy. knell
never had any use for me, but Poggy's
heen square, If not friendly The boss
z has a big deal on. an here it's been held
|up because Of this scrap. Hes waittn'
over there IN the mountain to give
orders to Knell or Peggy. an neither
ones shown up. I've got to stand in
the breach, an amt enjoyin' the pros
poets
What's the trouble about. Jim?''
asked Duane.
Reckon its little about you,
Dodge" said Fletcher, dryls. "Knell
hadn't any use fer you thee day. He
aint got no use fer man onless he can
rule him. Some of the boys here hev
biabbed before edged in with my say,
mn there's hell to pay. Knell claims to
lSnow sosnerhin' about you tllat II make
both the boss an Peggy sick when he
springs it. !sut he's keepin' quiet Hard
man to figger, tibet knell Reckon you'd
better go back to Bradford fer day or
SO, then camp out near here till come
back
Why p,
Wal, because there ain,t any use fer
| you to git in bad, too. The gang will
ride over here any day. If they're
friendly Til light a fire on the hill here,
say three nights from tonight. IL you
don't see It tibet night you hit the trail.
MS II do what can. Jim Fletcher sticks
| 10 his pals. So long, Dodge
Then he rode away s3l @
He left sDuane In q quandry. This
| neWsswas black. Things had been work
Ing out SO well. Here was setback. AK
tho moment Duane did NOT know which