The Huttig news., 1916-12-16

| Duane became suddenly weak and when he did take her into his arms again he scarcely had strength to lift l her to n seat beside him. She seemed more than a dead weight. Her ealm- ness had fled. She was throbbing pal pitating, quivering. with hot, wet | cheeks and arms that clung to him like vines. She lifted her mouth to him, whispering. Kiss meI' She meant to change him, hold him. Duane bent down, and her arms went round his neck and drew him close. With his lips on hers he seemed to float away. That kiss closed his eyes. and he could not lift his head. He sat motonless holding her, blind ! and helpless, wrapped in a sweet, dark glory. She kissed him-one long, end- less kiss-or else thousand times Her lips, her wet checks her hair, the softncss the fragrance of her. the ten der clasp of her arms, the swell of her breast-all these seemed to inclOse him.
 1 Duane could not put her from him. He yielded to her lips and arms, watching her, inyoIuntariiy returning her caresses, sure now of her intent, fascinated by the sweetness of her, bewildered, almost lost. That was i what it was to be loved by woman. His years Of outlawry had plotted crt any boyish love he might have known. l This was what he had to give up all this wonder of her sweet person, this strange fire he feared yet i loved, this mate his deep and tortured soul recognized. Never until that moment had he divined the meaning i of woman to man. That meaning was spiritual in that he saw there might have been for him, under hap pier circumstances, life of noble deeds lived for such a woman.
 Don't go! Don't go!" she cried, as he started violently.
 .sI must. Dear, good-by. Remember I loved you!'
 He pulled her hands loose from his, stepped back.
 Ray, dearest-I believe-Tll come back!' he whispered.
 These last words were falsehood.
 He reached the door, gave one last piercing glance to fix forever in mem- ;. ory that white face with it's dark, staring, tragic eyes.
 "Duanel"
 He fled with that moan like thunder, death, hell in his ears. To forget her, to get back his nerve, he forced into mind fh.A inn oa of pauo~ip-pauU;p bod sent the cold sickness of fear to his marrow. There was horrible thrill in his sudden remembrance that Poggin likewise had been taunted with i fear of him. The dark tide over whelmed Duane, and when he left the room he was fierce, implaeable, steeled to any outcome, quick like a panther, somber as death, in the thrall of this strange passion.
 There was no excitement in the street. He crossed to the bank corner clock inside pointed the hour of two. He went through the door into the vestibule, looked around, passed up the steps into the bank. The clerks were at their desks, apparently busy But they showed nervousness. The cashier paled at sight of Duane. There were men-the rangers-crouching down behind the low partition. All the windows had been removed from i the iron grating before the desks. The safe was closed. There was no money in sight A customer came in, spoke to the cashier, and was told to l come tomorrow.
 1 Duane returned to the door. He could see far down the street out into the country. There he waited, and minutes were eternities. He saw no person near him; he heard no sound. He was insulated in his un- natural strain.
 At a few minutes before half past two dark, compact body of horsemen ! appeared far down, turning into the road. They came at sharp trOt- group that would have attracted attention anywhere at any time They came a little faster as they entered ] town; then faster still now they were l four blocks away, now three now two. Duane backed down the middle of the i vestibule, up the steps, and halted in the center of the wide doorway
 There seemed to be rustling in his ears through which pierced sharp, ringing clip-clop of iron hoofs. He could see only the corner of. the street. But suddenly into that shot lean- limbed dusty bay horses. There was clattering of nervous hoofs pulled to a halt.
 ] Duane saw the tawny Peggin speak to his companions. He dismounted quickly. They followed suit. They had the man. her of ranchers about to conduct some business. No guns showed. Poggin started leisurely for the bank door, quickening step a little. The others, close together, came behind him. Blossom Kane had bag in his left hand. Jim Fletcher was left at the curb, and he had already gathered up the brides.
 Poggin entered the vestibule first, with Kane on one side, Boldt on the