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

That night Duane was not troubled
by ghosts haunting his walking and
sleeping hours. He awOke feeling
bright and eager, and grateful to
Huehre for having put something
worth while into his mind. During
breakfast, however, he was unusually
thoughtful, working over the idea OF
how much or how little he could con-
ssile in the outlaw He was aware OF
Encflre'S scrutiny.
'sWal," began the old man, at last,
how'd you make out with Jennie?
Want ID you an she talk about?"
~We had a little chat. You know
you wanted me to cheer her up"
Esuchre sat with coffee-cup poised
and narrow eyes studying Duane.
'Buck, I've seen some outlaws
whose word was good. Mine is. You
can trust me. / trusted you, takin'
you over there an putin you wise to
any tryin' to help tibet poor kid"
Thus enjoined by Euchre, Duane be-
gan TO tell the conversations with Jen-
Long before he. had reached an end
Enchre set down the coffee-cup and
began to stare, and at the conclusion
of the story his face lost some OF its
red color and beads of sweat stood
out thickly on his brow.
ssWal, if thet doesn't floor mel" he
calculated, blinking at Duane. Young
man, / figgered you was some swift
nm sure to make your mark on this
river; but I reckon | missed your real
ealiber Do you know what it ii take
To do all you promised Jen?
81 haven't any idea," replied Duane,
gravely.
You'll have to pull the wool over
Kate BANDS eyes, an even if she falls
in dove with you, which S shore likely.
tibet won't be easy. An she'd kill you
in a minnit, Buck, if she ever got
wise. You amt mistaken her none,
are your"
mot me, Euchre. She's a woman.
I'd fear her more than any man."
HWal, you'll have to kill Bland an
Chess AllOway an Rugg, an mebbe
some others, before you can ride off
into the hills with tibet girl"
"All right. Ell meet what comes"
4nid Duane, quietly. "The great point
Is to have horses ready and pick the
right moment, then rush the trick
through"
ssPhet's the only chance fer success.
"A M u,nrr ssnn'k do If alOnpo
ssPll have to. l wouldn't ask you to
help me-"
WAL, I'll take my chances" replied
Enc3are, gruffly. "Tm going to help
Jennie, you can gamble your last peso
ON tibet"
They talked and planned, though in
truth it was Euchre who planned,
Duane who listened and agreed. While
awaiting the return of Bland and his
EentenantS it would be well for Duane
To grow friendly with the other out
laws, 10 sit in few games of monte,
or show willingness to spend little
money. The two schemers were to
cali upon Mrs. Bland every day
Euehre to carry messages of cheer and
warning to Jennie. Duane to blind the
elder woman at any cost. These pre-
Hninaries decided upon, they proceed
ed to put them into action.
No hard task was it to win the friend
ship Of the most of those good-natured
outlaws. There were men among
them, however, that made Duane feel
that terrible inexplicable wrath rise
ga his breast. He could not bear to be
near them. Jackrabbit Benson was
one OF these men. Because of him and
Scarcely ever forget the reality of
things. This was a hidden valley, a
robbers den, a rendezvous for MUIR
derers, wild place stained red by
deeds of wild men. And because of
that there was always a changed at
moSphere. The merrieSt, idlest, most
careless moment might in the flash of
an eye end in ruthless and tragic ac-
ton. Duane felt rather than saw a
dark, brooding shadow over the valley.
Then, without any solicitation or en-
arrangement from Duane. the Bland
woman fell paSsionately in love with
him. She launched herself. And the
thing which evidently held her in check
was the newneSs, the Strangeness, and
fer the moment the all-SatiSfying fact
Of his respect for her. Duane exerted
himself to please, to amuse, TO inter-
est, to fascinate her. and always with
Difference. That was his strong point,
aal 1t had made his part easy so far.
He was playing a game of love
playing with life and death! What
little communication he had with Jen-
ME was through Euchre, who carried
short messages. But he caught
gsimpses of her every time he went
10 the Bland house. She contrived
somehow to pass door or window, to
give him a look when chance afforded.
Duane discovered with surprise that
these moments were more thrilling to
him than any with Mrs. Bland. Jennie
had been instructed by Euchre to
listen. to understand that this was