Tombstone epitaph., 1916-09-24

heard it then. It softer him. It was easy. even pleasanl, to kiss her !; but Duane resolved that. whatever her abandonment might become, he would not go further than the lie she made him act.
 | 'Buck, you love mel" she whispered. | "Yes-yes," he burst out, eager to get it over, and even as he spoke he caught the pale gleam of Jennie's face through the window. He felt shame he was glad she could not see.
 The moon had risen over the eastern bulge of dark mountain. and now the valley was flooded with mellow light, and shadows of cottonwoods wavered against the silver.
 Suddenly the clip-clop, clip-clOp of hoOfs caused Duane to raise his head and listen. Horses were coming down the road from the head of the valley. The hour was unusual for riders to come in. Presently the narrow, moon | lit lane was crossed at its far end by black moving objects. Two horses | Duane discerned.
 | Its Bland !' whispered the woman, grasping Duane with shaking hands. You must run, No. he'd see you. That d be worse. It's Bland, know his horses trot."
 Then she dragged Duane to the door. pushed him in-
 "Euchre. come out with me, Duane. you stay with the girl! I'll tell Bland you're In love with her. Jen, if you give us away I'll wiring your neck"
 The sTw:.:.: action and fierce whisper told Duane that Mrs. Bland was her self again. Duane stepped close to | Jennie. who stood near the window. | Neither spoke, but her hands were | outstretched to meet his own. They were small. trembling hands, cold as ice. He held them close, trying to | convey what ne felt-that he would protect her. She leaned against him, and they looked out of the window. 1 Duane saw the riders dismount down | the lane and wearily come forward. A | boy led away the horses. Euchre, the | old fox. was talking loud and with | remarkable ease, considering what he claimed his natural cvwaTdice. The approaching outlaws. hearing voices, halted a rod or so from the porch. Then Mrs. Bland uttered an exclamation, ostenslbly 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 Bland's com panion, but he believed 1t 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 winter every day. Duane ..ame 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 a violent action of some kind and apparently was Quieted by 2 restraining hand.
 Then he led the way to the porch, his spurs clinking. the weapons he was carrying rattliDg. and he flopped down on bench.
 -How are you, boss:" asked Euchre
 Hello, old man. I'm well, but all in."
 Alloway slowly walked or 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. Bland's 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 feeling that Bland and Alloway would let him go for the moment. They were plainly non plused, and Alloway seemed sullen, breeding.
 Jennie" whispered Duane. '.that was clever of Mrs Bland. We'll 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 amiabie, 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 a fight. What did you go of the handle about?"
 Duane explained the incident. "Tm sorry happened to be there," he went on. Tt wasn't my business"
 "Scurvy trick that d 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 d 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