Tombstone epitaph., 1916-11-12
CHAPTER xviI-Continued.

Miss Longstreth rose white as her dress. The young women present stared in astoniShment, if they were not equally pertGrbcd. There were cowboys present who suddenly grew intent and still. By these things Duane gathered that his appearance must be dlsconcerting. He was pant iLc. He wore no hat or coat. His big gunSheath showed plainly at his hip.
 sight of Miss Longstreth had an unaccountable effect upon Duane. He was plunged into confusion. For the mo'arnt he saw no one but her.
 Miss Longstreth T came - 60 search-your house" panted Duane.
 Search my house." exclaimed Miss Jau-s-roth; and red succeeded the white in her cheeks She appeared as-"niShed and angry. What for? Why, how dare you, This iS un- wa-ranta5,e."
 "A man-Bo Suecker-asSaulte auI robbed Jim Laramie" replied Duane hurriedy. 'I chased Snecke: her"-Saw him run into this house"
 Here? Oh. sir. you must be mis- taken. We have seen no one. In the absence of my father I'm mistress here. I'll not permit you to search"
 Lawson appeared to come out of his as.onishment. He stepped forward.
 Ray. don't be bothered now" he sad. to his cousin. This fellows making a bluff. I'll settle him. See here, mister, you clear out. .''
 T want Sneaker. Hes here. and I'm going to get him." replied Duane. quietly.
 Bah. That's all a bluff." ,sneered Lawson. I'm on to your game. You just wanted an excuse to break in hereto see my cousin again. When you saw the company you invented that excuse. Now, be of. or it II be the worse for you"
 Duanc felt his face burn with 2 tide of hot blood. Almost he felt that he was guilty of such motive. Had he not been unable to put this Ray LonCStreth out of his mind: There seemed to be scorn in her eyes now. And somehow that checked his embarrassment.
 "iIisS Longsfrcth. will you let me search the hoUse?" he asked.
 "So."
 ''Thcn-I regret to say-I1l do so without your permission"
 "YCu'n not dare." she flashed. She stond erect. her bosom swelling.
 Pardon me-yes. I will"
 Who are you?" she demanded. sud denly.
 I'm a Texas Ranger" replied Duane.
 "A Texas Ranger,' she echoed.
 Floyd Lawson's dark face turned l ale.
 Miss LonGstreth. I don't need war rants to search houses" said Duane. I'm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer to have your permission. A rufIian has taken refuge herein your fathers house. He's hidden some where. May look for him?"
 If you are indeed a ranger"
 Duane produced his papers. Miss Lungstreth haughtlly refused to look at them.
 Miss LOngstreth. I've come to Ii:.iiss IaiTSsaie q safer. cleaner. better place for women and children. ] don't wonder at your resentment. But to doubt me-insult me. Some day you may be sorry
 Floyd Lawson made a violent mo tion with his hands.
 .'All stuff Cousin. 20 on with your party. I'll take a couple of cowboys and go with fhis--this Texas Ranger"
 -'TIraEks," said Duane cooIly. as he eyed Lawson. Perhaps you'll be able to find Sneaker quicker than I could"
 What do you meanf" demanded Lawson. and now he grew livid. Eyi- dently he was a man of quick pas si0ns.
 Don't duarrel.r said Miss Long s:reth. "Floyd you go with him. Please hurry. I'll be nervous till the mans found or you're sure there's not one"
 They started with several cowboys to search the house. It struck Duane more than forcibly that Lawson tried 70 keep in the lead. It was Duane who peered into a dark corner and then, with a gun Ieveied. said Come out !'
 He came forth into the fiare-a tall, slim, dark-faced youth, wearing son. b.ero, blouse and trousers. Duane coIlared him before any of the others could move and held the gun close enough to make him shrink. He srsersd into Duane's face, then into