Tombstone epitaph., 1916-12-10
The Lone Sfar Ranger A Fine Tale ot te Open Country By ZANE GREY

He was game. He had the courage that forced Duane to respect him. Duane just saw him measure the dis. tance to that gun. Duane would have to kill him.
 "Longstreth, listen" cried Duane. swiftly. "The games up. You're done. But think of your daughter I'll spare your life-rll try to get !ou freedom on one condition. For her sake! I've got you nalled-ali the proofs. There lies Lawson. You're alone. I've Morton and men to my aid. Give up. Surrender. Consent to de- mands. and I'll spare you. Maybe l can persuade MacNelly to let you go free back to your old country. It's for Rays sake! Her life, perhaps her happiness, can be saved! Hurry, man! Your answer!"
 Suppose refuse?" he queried, with a dark and terrible eaTnesiness.
 "Then I'll kill you in your tracks You can't move a hand! Your word or death! Hurry, Longstreth! Be a man! For her sake! Quick! An other second now-I'll kill you.'
 "Ali right. Buck Duane, I give my word" he said. and deliberately walk ed to the chair and fell into 1t.
 Longstreth looked strangely at the bloody blot on Duane's shoulder.
 There come the girls!" he sudden " exclaimed. "Can you help me drag Lawson insidef They musn't see him."
 Duane was facing down the porch toward the court and cOrrals. Mss Longstreth and Ruth had come In sight, were swiftly approaching. evi- dently alarmed. The two men sue cecded in drawing Lawson into the house before the girls saw him.
 "Duane, you're not hard hit?" said Longstreth.
 Reckon not" replied Duane.
 I'm sorry. If only you could have told me sooner! Lawsoni Always I've split over hImI"
 "But the last time. Longstreth."
 "Yes, and I came near driving you to Kill me, too. Duane, you talked me out of 1t. For Rays sake! She'll be In here in minute. This Il be hard CT than facing a gun"
 Hard now. But I hope 1t II turn out all right"
 "Duane. will you do me a favorr' he asked, and he seemed shamefaced.
 Sure"
 Let Ray and Ruth think Lawson shot you. He's dead. It can't matter. Duane. the old side of my life is coming back. It'S been coming. And. I'd change places with Lawson if l could!"
 "Glad you-said that. Longstreth." replied Duane. And sure-Lawson plugged me. It's our secret"
 Just then Ray and Ruth entered the room. Duane heard two low cries. so different in tone, and he saw two white faces. Ray came to his side. She lifted a shaking hand to point nt the blood upon his breast. White and mute. she gazed from that to her father.
 Papa" cried Ray. wringing her hands.
 Don't give way" he replied husk- fly. Both you girls will need your nerve. Duane isn't badly hurt. But Floyd isis dead. Listen. Let me tell it quick. There's been fight. It it was Lawson-it was Lawson's gun that shot Duane. Duane let me off. Tn fact, Ray. he saved me. I'm to divide my prOperty-return so far as possible what I've stolen-leave Texas at once with Duane, under ar rest. He says maybe he can get Mae Nelly. the ranger captain, to let me go. For your sake!''
 She stood there. realizing her deliver ance. with the dark and tragic glory of her eyes passing from her father to Duane.
 You must rise above this" said Duane to her. 'T expected this to ruin you. But your father Is alive. He will live 1t down. I'm sure can promise you he'll be free. Perhaps back there in Louisiana the dishonor will never be known. This matter of land. water. few stray head of stock had to Dc decided out of court. To protect himself he bound men to him. He could not control them. He be- came involved with them. and so he grew into the leader because he was the strongest Whatever he Is to be Judged for, think he could have been infinitely worse."