Tombstone epitaph., 1916-12-10
MacNe,ly beckoned in b,. men qn.,

NOW, Captnln, not the shalf nor the quarter of this jobs done. The gangs coming down the road. They'll ride in to town on the dot-two-thirty."
 How many?" asked MacNelly.
 "Poggin, Blossom Kane. Panhandle Smith. Boldt, Jim Fletcher, and an- other man I don't know"
 "Poggin-that's the hard nut to crack! I've heard their record since I've been in Val Verde. Where's Knell?"
 'Knell's dead"
 "Ahw exclaimed MacNelly, softly. Then he grew businesslike. cool. and of harder aspect. Duane, it's your game to-day. We're all under yow orders"
 You understand there's no sense in trying to arrest Poggin. Kane and that lot?" queried Duane.
 "No. l don't understand that" re piled MacNelly. bluntly.
 Tt can't be done. The drop cant he got on such men. Poggin. That outlaw has no equal with gun-un less He's got to be killed quick They'll all have to be killed. They're all bad. desperate, know no fear. ar lightning in action"
 "Very well. Duane: then it's a fight That Il be easier. perhaps. The boys are spelling for fight. Out with youi plan. now"
 Put one man at each end of this street, just at the edge of town. Pr four men up in that room over th, bank-two at each open window. Lei them hide till the game begins. Int rest of your men put inside behind the counters, where they'll hide. Now go over to the bank, spring the thini on the bank officials, send your mel over one by one. No hurry, no ex citement, no rn.-ual thing to attraC notice in the bank"
 "All right. That's great. Tell me where do you intend to waltz"
 Duane heard MacNelly's question and 1t struck him peculiarly. He hat seemed to be planning and speaking mechanically. As he was confronted by the fact II nonplused him some what, and he became thoughtful with lowered head.
 Where Il you wait. Duane?" in sisted MacNelly, with keen eyei speculating.
 I'll wait in front-iust inside the door" replied Duane. with an effort
 But will you hide?" asked Mac Nelly.
 Duane was silent.
 MacNelly stared. and then a strange over his face.
 Duane. can give you 10 order today" he said. distinctly. I'm Onl, offering advice. Need you take an. more risks? You've redeemed your self. The governor. the adjutant-gen eraI-the whole state will rise up ant honor you. I say. as ranger, neet you take more risk than your cap tlin?"
 Still Duane remained silent. H, was locked between two forces. Ant one. q tide that was bursting at it bounds. seemed about to overwheln him. Finally that side of him, th' retreating self. the weaker, found | voice.
 Captain. just what I'll do or wher' I'll be I can't say yet. In meeting like this the moment decides. Bu I'll be there."
 MacNelly spread wide his hands looked heiplessly at his curious ant sympathetic rangers, and shook hii head.
 Now you've done your work-lait the trap-is this strange move of youri going to be fair to Miss LonGstrethr asked MacNelly. in significant lov voice.
 Like Ii great tree chopped at the roots Duane vibrated to that. H looked up as if he had seen a ghost
 Mercilessly the ranger captain weni on: You can win her, Duane! Oh you can't fool me. was wise in [ minute. Fight with us from cover | You'll be free. honored. happy. That girl loves you! l saw 1t in her eyes l She's"
 But Duane cut him short with fierce gesture. He lunged up to hii | feet, and the rangers fell back Dark | silent, grim as he had been, still there | was a transformation singularly mort | stranger.
 Enough. I'm done" he said. som berly. I've planned Do we agree or shall meet Poggin and his gang aloneY
 MacNelly cursed and again threw up his hands, this time in baffied chagrin. There was deep regret in his dark eyes as they rested upon Duane.
 Duane was left alone.
 Never had his mind been so quick, so clear, SO wonderful In its understanding | of what had heretofore been intricate and elusive impulses of his strange nature. His determination was to meet | meet him before anyone else had a chance-Poggin first-and then the others! He was as unalterable in that decision as if on the instant ,f its acceptance he had become stone.
 TO BE CONTINUEDJ