Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-08-24

w saw w polh 4oSSN ~
who had not appeared before, and were
peering in from a doorway. When they
saw Duane had observed them, theS
stepped back out Of sight. .
1t flashed over Duane that the stran-.
gers acted suspiciously. In Texas IN
the '7Os it was always bad policy TO,
let strangers go UNDECIDED. Duane pom,
dered a moment. Then he went out to-
look over these two men. The doorway.
opened into a patio, and across that
was a little dingy, dim lighted bar
room. Here Duane found the lnnkeep-
er dispensing drinks to the two stfan-
gers. They glanced up when he en-
tered and one of them whispered. He
imagined he had seen one OF them be-
fore. In Texas, where outdoor men
were so rough. bronzed, bold, and,
sometimes grim of aspect, 1T was no
easy task to pick out the crooked ones.
But Duane's years on the border had
augmented q natural instinct or gift to
read character, or at least to sense the
evil in men; and he knew at once that
these strangers We're dishonest.
Hey somethin' 2" one Of them asked.
leering. Both looked Duane UP and
down.
No, thanks; I don't drink" Duane
replied, and returned taeir scrutiny
with interest. "How's tricks in the Big
Bend?"
Both men stared. 1t had taken only
a close glance for Duane to recognize
a type of ruffian most frequently met
along the river. These strangers had
that stamp, and their surprise proved
he was right. Here the innkeeper
showed signs of uneasiness and seconds
ed the surprise of his customers. No
more was said at the instant, and the
two rather hurriedly went out.
Say, boss, do you know those fel7
lows" Duane asked the innkeeper.
Nope"
(Which way did they Gomez"
Now 1 think of it, them fellers rid
in from both corners today he rei
piled, and he put both hands on the
bar II looked at Duane. They nooned
heah, comm from Bradford, they said.
an trailed in after the stage"
When Duane returned to the sitting
room, Colonel Longstreth was absent,
also several of the other passengers,
Miss Ruth sat in the chair he had va
Gated, and across the table from her
sat Miss Longstreth. Duane went d.
rectly to them.
Excuse me- said Duane, addressing
them. Il want to tell you there are a
couple of rough looking men here. I've
just seen them. They mean evil. Tell
your father to be careful. Lock your
doors-bar your windows tonight"
Obi" cried Ruth, very low. Ray.
do you hear?"
THANK you; we'll be careful" said
Miss Longstreth, gracefully. The rich
color had faded in her cheek, Il saw
those men watching you from that door
They had such bright black eyes. Is
there really danger-here?"
Il think So" was Duane's reply.
Soft, swift steps behind him preced-
ed a harsh voice: Hands up!"
No man quicker h Duane to rec
ognize the intent in those worlds! His
hands shot up. Miss Ruth uttered q
little frightened cry n sank into hel
chair. Miss Longstreth turned white
her eyes dilated. Both girls were star
ing at some one behind Duane.
Turn around!" ordered the harsh
voice.
The big, dark stranger, the bearded
one who had whispered to his com.
rade in the bar room and asked Duane
to drink, had him covered with q
cooked gun. He strobe forward, his
yes cleaning, pressed the gun against
him, and with his other hand dove int
his inside coat pocket and tore oul
his role Of bills. Then he reached low
at Duane's hip, felt his gun and tool
1t. Then he slapped the other hip, evil,
IDENTIFY in search of another weapon
That done, he backed away, wearing
an expression Of fiendish satisfaction
that made a think he was only {
common thief, a novice at this kind O.
game.
His comrade stood in the door will
a gun leNeled at two other men, who
stood there frightened, speeches..
Git a move on, Bill" called this
fellow; and he took a hasty glance
backward. A stamp of hoofs cam
from outside. OF course the robbers
had horses waiting. The one called
Bill strobe across the room, AM
with brutal, careless haste began tt
prod the two men with his weapon ant
to search them. The robber in the
doorway called "Rustle!" and disap.
peared.
Duane wondered where the innkeepe1
was, and Colonel Longstreth and tht
other two passengers. The bearded rob.
Der quickly got through with his
searching and from his growls Duane
gathered he had not been well remu
nerated. Then he wheeled once more
Duane had not moved a missile, stand.
ing perfectly calm, with his arms high
The robber strobe back with his blood
shot eyes fastened Upon the girls. Miss
Longstreth flinched, but the littl,
girl appeared about to faint.
Don't zap, there!" he said, low ant
hard: He thrust the gun close to Ruth
Then Duane knew for sure that he wa.
no knight Of the road, but a plain, cut
throat robber. Danger always mad,
Duane exult in a kind Of cold glow. Blu
now something hot worked within him
He had a little gun in his pocked. TIL
robber had missed it. And he began t.
calculate chances.
Any money, jewelry, diamends!" or
dered the %ruffian, fiercely.
Miss Ruth collapsed. Then he mad
at Miss Longstreth. She stood with he
hands at her breast. Evidently the rob
Der took this position to mean that sh
had valuables concealed there. But Du
ane fancied she had instinctivel,
pressed her hands against a throbbinj
heart.
"Come out with it," he said, harshly
reaching for her.
Don't dare touch mel" she cried. he
eyes ablaZe. She did not move; she ha,
nerve.
1t made Duane thrill. He saw he wa
going to get a chance. Waiting ha,
been a science with him. But here i
was hard. Miss Ruth had tainted, an,
that was well. Miss Longstreth ha,
fight in her, which fact helped Duane
yet made injury possible to her. Sh
eluded two lunges the man made a
her. Then his rough hand caught he
> waist, ana with one pull ripped 1t asun
der, exposing her beautiful shoulde,
white as snow.
She cried out. The prospect of bein,
robbed or even killed had not Shake
l | Misc r n q rofI,.L ,,a., -.