The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-08-31

and they looked out or the WlndoW.
Duane saw the riders dismount down
the lane and YEARLY come forward.
boy led away the horses. Euchre, the
old fox, was talking loud and with
remarkable ease, considering what ne
claimed his natural c0wardlce.
The approaching outlaws, hearing
voices, halted a rod or so from the
porch. Then Mrs. Bland uttered an
exclamation, ostensibly meant to ex-
press surprise and hurried out to meet
them. She greeted her husband warm
ly and gave welcome to the other man.
Duane could not see well enough in
the shadow to recognize BANDS COM
panion, but he believed it was Allo-
way.
"Dog-tired we are and starved" said
Bland, heavily. "Who's here with
you?
''That's Euchre on the porch. Duane
is inside at the window with Jen,"
replied Mrs. Bland.
'Duane!" he exclaimed. Then he
whispered low-something Duane
could not catch.
"Why, I asked him to come" said
the chiefs wife. She spoke easily and
naturally and made no change in tone.
"Jen has been ailing. She gets thin
ner and whittier every day. Duane
came here one day with Euchre, saw
Jen, and went looney over her pretty
face, same as all you men. So let
him come"
Bland cursed low and deep under his
breath. The older man made violent
action of some kind and apparently
was quoted by a restraining hand.
Then he led the way to the porch,
his spurs clinking, the weapons he was
carrying rafting, and he Topped down
| on bench.
GLOW are you, boss?" asked Euchre.
Hello, old man. I'm well, but all
in"
Alloway slowly walked on to the
porch and leaned against the rail. He
answered Euchre's greeting with a
nod. Then he stood there a dark,
silent figure.
Mrs. BANDS full voice in eager
questioning had a tendency to ease the
situation. Bland replied briefly to her,
reporting a remarkably successful trip.
Duane thought it was time to show
himself. He had a feeling that Bland
and Alloway would let him go for the
moment. They were plainly nom
plused, and Alloway seemed sullen,
brooding.
Jennie" whispered Duane, shat
was clever of Mrs. Bland. Wen keep
up the deception. Any day now be
ready"
She pressed close to him, and
barely audible "Hurry!" came breath
ing into his ear.
"Good night, Jennie" he said, aloud.
"Hope you feel better tomorrow"
Then he stepped out into the moon
light and spoke. Bland returned the
greeting, and though he was not
amiable, he did not show resentment.
'Met Jasper as I rode in," said
Bland, presently. "He told me you
made Bill Black mad, and there's liable
to be fight. What did you go off the
handle about?"
Duane explained the incident. "Tm
sorry happened to be there" he went
on. 1T wasn't my business"
'Scurvy trick that ID been," NUT
tered Bland. "You did right. All the
same, Duane, I want you to stop
quarreling with my men. If you were
one of us-that ID be different. can't
keep my men from fighting. But I'm
not called on to let an outsider hang
around my camp and plug my rus
tiers"
81 guess I'll have to be hitting the
trail for somewhere" said Duane.
"Why not join my band? You've
got bad start already, Duane, and if
I know this border you'll never be
respectable citizen again. You're
| born killer"
"But I'm no gun-fghter," protested
Duane. circumstances made me"
mo doubt" interrupted Bland, with
a laugh. circumstances made me
rustler. You don't know yourself.
You're young; you've got temper;
your father was one OF the most
dangerous men Texas ever had. L
don't see any other career for you.
Instead of going it alone-a lone wolf,
as the Texans say-why not make
friends with other outlaws? You'll
live longer"
Euchre squirmed in his seat.
'Boss, I've been givin' the boy eg-
zactly thet same line of talk. An he'd
be a grand Teller fer the gang. I've
seen Wild Bill Hickok throw a gun,
an Billy the Kid, an Hardin an
| Chess here-all the fastest men on the
border. An with apologies to present
company, I'm here to say Duane has
| them all skinned. His draw is differ
ent. You can't see how he does it."
Euchre's admiring praise served to
create an oective little silence. Allo-
way shifted uneasily on his feet, his
spurs jangling family, and did not lift
his head. Bland seemed thoughtful.
"That's about the only qualification
1 have to make me eligible for your
| band" said Duane, easily.
Its good enough" replied Bland,
shortly. "Will you consider the ideaT
It'll think it over. Good night"
He left the group, followed by
Euchre When they reached the END