The Huttig news., 1916-09-23


 and wonderful gray fash of eyes.
 "fll bless you with every drop of blood in my heart" she whispered passionately.
 It was only as she turned away into { the room that Duane saw she was la:ne and that she wore Mexican sandals over bare feet.
 He sat down upon bench on the porch and directed his attention to the approaching couple. The trees of the grove were thick enough for him to make reasonably sure that Mrs. Bland had not seen him talking to Jennie. When the outlaws wife drew near, the situation took on singular ZeSt
 EuHhre came up on the porch and awkwardly introduced Duane to Mrs. Bland. She was young, probably not over twenty-five. and not quite so pre- possessing at close range. Her eyes were large, rather prominent, and brown in color. Her mouth. too, WAS large, with the lips full, and she had white teeth.
 Duane took her proffered hand and remarked frankly that he was glad to meet her.
 Mrs. Bland appeared pleased; and her laugh, which followed, was loud and rather musical.
 MT. Duane-Buck Duane, Euchre said, didn't he?" she asked.
 Buckley" corrected Duane. "The niekname's not my choosing"
 I'm certainly glad to meet you, Buckley Duane," she said, as she took the seat Duane offered her Sorry to have been cut. Kid Fuller's lying over at Deger's. You know he was shot last night. He's got fever to-day. When Bland's away have to nurse all these shot-up boys, and 1t sure takes my time. Have you been waiting here alone? Didn't see that slattern girl of miner"
 She gave him a sharp glance. The woman had an extraordinary play of feature, Duane thought, and unless she was smiling was not pretty at all. I've been alone," replied Duane. "Haver't seen anybody but sick looking girl with a bucket. And she ran when she saw me-"
 "That was Jen," said Mrs. Bland. "Shes the kid we keep here. and she sure hardly pays her keep. Did Euchre tell you about herr"
 "Now that I thinf, of it, he did say something or other"
 What did he tell you about me?' bluntly asked Mrs. Bland.
 Wal, Kate" replied Euehre, speak ing for himself, you needn't worry nine, for I told Buck nothin' but com pliments."
 Evidently the outlaws wife liked Euchre, for her keen glance rested with amusement upon him.
 AS for Jen, I'll tell you her story some day" went on the woman. "Its common enough story along this river. Euchre here is tender-hearted old fool, and Jen has taken him in
 "Wal, seein' as you've got me fig eered correct" replied Euchre, dryly, "FIl go in an talk to Jennie, if may" Certainly. Go ahead. Jen calls you her best friend' said Mrs. Bland. amiably. You're always fetching some Mexican stuff, and that's why, l guess"
 When Euchre had shuffled into the house Mrs. Bland turned to Duane with curiosity and interest in her gaze. "Bland told me about you"
 "What did he say?" queried Duane, in pretended alarm.
 "Oh, you needn't think he's done you dirt. Bland's not that kind of man. He said: Kate, there's young fel- low in camp-rode in here on the dodge Slickest hand with gun I've seen for many dayi Magnificent chap. Bigger than any man in the valley. Just a great blue-eyed. sun burned boy"
 "Humph," '" exclaimed Duane. I'm worth seeing"
 But I'm not disappointed" she re- turned, archly. e"Duane, are you go- ing to stay long here in camp"
 "Yes. till I run out of money and have to move. Why?'
 Mrs. Bland's face underwent one of the singular changes. The smiles and fiushes and glances, all that had been coquettish about her, had lent her certain attractiveness, almost beauty and youth. But with some powerful emotion she changed and instantly be- came a woman of discontent, Duane imagined, of deep, violent nature.
 "Ill tell you, Duane," she said, earn estly, I'm sure glad if you mean to bide here awhile. I'm a miserable woman. Duane. I'm an outlaws wife. and l hate him and the life I have to lead. I'm sick for somebody to talk to. l have no children, thank God If I lad I'd not stay here. I'm sick of this hole. I'm lonely"
 Genuine emotion checked. then halt ed the hurried speech. She broke down and cried. Duane believed and pitied her.
 ''Fm sorry for you" he said.
 Don't be sorry for me" she said.