The Benson signal., 1916-12-23
CHAPTER Xxx.

After supper Duane stole out for
his usual evenings spying at Long
streth's ranch-house. When he reach
ed the edge Of the shrubbery he saw
Longstreth's door open, flashing a
broad bar Of light in the darkness
Lawson crossed the threshold, the
door closed, and all was dark again
outside, Not ray Of light escaped
from the window. Duane tiptoed to
the door and listened, but could hear
only a murmer Of voices. Besides,
that position was too risky. He went
round the corner of the house.
This side Of the big adobe house
was of much older construction than
the back Of the larger part. There
was narrow passage between the
houses, leading from the outside
through to the patio.
This passage now afforded Duane
an opportunity, and he decided to
avail himself of it in spite of the
very great danger. Crawling on very
stealthily, he got under the shrubbery
to the entrance of the passage. In
the blackness a faint streak Of light
showed the location Of a crack in
the wall. He had to slip in sidewise.
1t was tight squeeze, but he entered
without the slightest noise. When he
was foot over his head. There was
nothing to do but find toe-holds in
the crumbling walls, and by bracing
knees on one side, back against the
other, hold himself up. Once with
his eye there he did not care what
risk he ran. Longstreth appeared dis
turbed; he sat stroking his mustache ;
his brow was clouded. Lawson's face
seemed darker, more sullen, yet light
ed by some indomitable resolve.
"We1l settle both deals tonight" !"
Lawson was saying. "That's what ]
came for"
"But suppose don't choose to talk
here?" protested Longstreth, impa-
tiently.
you've lost your nerve since that
ranger hit the town. First now, Will
you give Ray to me?"
"Floyd, you talk like a spoiled boy.
I tried to persuade her. But Ray
hasn't any use for you now. So what
can T doT'
"You can make her marry me-" re-
piled Lawson.
"Make that girl do what she doesn't
want to? 1t couldn't be done. But if
Ray loved you 1 would consent. We'd
all go away together before this mis-
cradle business is out. Then she'd
never know. And maybe you might
be more like you used to be before
the West ruined you"
+ "What d you want to let her come
out here for?" demanded Lawson,
hotly. "It was a dead mistake. I've
lost my head over her. I'll have her
or die. No, Longstreth, we've got to
settle things tonight"
"Well, we can settle what Rays
concerned in, right now," replied
Longstreth, rising. "Come on; We'll
ask her. See where you stand"
They went out leaving the door
open. Duane dropped down to rest
himself and to wait.
The men seemed to be absent a good
while, though that feeling might have
been occasioned by Duane's thrilling
interest and anxiety. Finally he
heard heavy steps. Lawson came in
alone. He was leaden-faced, humili-
ated. Then something abject in him
gave place to rage. He strode the
room; he cursed. Then Longstreth
returned, now appreciably calmer.
Duane could not but decide that he
felt relief at the evident rejection of
Lawson's proposal.
'Don't fuss about it, Floyd" he
said. "You see can't help it. We're
pretty wild out here, but 1 can't rope
my daughter and give her to you as
I would an unruly steer"
''Longstreth, can make her marry
me-" declared Lawson, thickly.
"How?"
"You know the hold I got on you
the deal that made you boss of this
rustler gang?"
at isn't likely I'd forget" replied
Longstreth, grimly.