The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-09-29
CHAPTER III-Continued.


"Buck, as we're lookin' fer grub, an
not trouble, reckon you'd better hans
up out here" Stevens was saying, a:
he mounted. "You see, towns an sher
ifs an rangers are always lookin' fel
new fellers gone bad. They sort Of
forget most of the old boys, except
those as are plumb bad. Now, nobody
In Mercer will take notice of me
Reckon there's been a thousand men
run into the river country to become
outlaws since yours truly. You jest
wait here an be ready to ride hard
Mebbe my besettin' sin will go ope-
ratin' in spite of my coed Intentions
In which case the"ell be"
His pause was significant. He
grinned, and his brown eyes danced
with kind of wild humor.
"Stevens, have you got any money!
asked Dr7ae.
''Mon.,.' exclaimed Luke blankly.
"Say, haven't owned a two-bit piece
since--wal, fer some time"
'IIl furnish money for grub" re-
turned Duane "And for whisky, too,
providing ynI hurry back herewith
out making trouble"
"Sfore you're a downright good
pard," declared Stevens, in admiration,
MS he took the money. II give my
word, Buck, an I'm here to say never
broke it yet. Lay low, an look fer
me back quick"
With that he spurred his horse and
rode out of the mosquitoes toward the
town. At that distance, about a quar-
ter of mile. Mercer appeared to be
a cluster of low adobe houses set in
a grove of cottonwoods. Pastures of
alfalfa were dotted by horses and
cattle. Duane saw a sheep herder
driving In a meager flock.
Presently Stevens rode out of sight
into the town. Duane waited, hoping
the outlaw would make good his word.
Probably not quarter of an hour had
elapsed when Duane heard the clear
reports Of Winchester rifle, the clat-
fer of rnpid hoofDeats, and gels I'M
mistakably the kind to mean danger
for a man like Stevens. Duane
mounted and rode to the edge of the
mesquites.
He saw cloud of dust down the
road and a bay horse running fast.
Stevens apparently had not been
wounded by any of the shots, for he
had steady sseet in his saddle, and
his riding, even at that moment,
struck Duane as admirable. He car
ried large pack over the pommel, and
he kept looking back. The shots had
ceased, but the yells increased. Duane
saw several men running and waving
sheir arms. Then he spurred his horse
and got into a swift stride, so Stevens
would not pass him. Presently the
outlaw caught up with him. Stevens
was grinning, but there was now no
Pun in the dancing eyes. 1t was devil
tIsat danced in them. His face seemed
a shade paler.
WAS Jest comm out of the store"
yrlied Stevens. "Run plumb into a
.nncher-who knowed me. He opened
up with rifle. Think they'll chase
u.s.
They covered several miles before |
shere were any signs of pursuit, and |
when horsemen did move into sight |
out of the cottonwoods Duane and his |
companion steadily drew farther away.
mo hosess in that bunch to worry
us," callet out Stevens.
Duane lad the same conviction, and
he did ,,ot look back again. lie rode
somewhat to the fore, and was con-
st;mtl} aware of the rapid thudding
of boots behind, as Stevens kept close
to him. At sunset they reached the
willow brakes and the river. Duane's
horse was winded and dashed with
sweat and lather. 1t was not until
the crossing had been accomplished
thar Duane halted to rest his animal.
St ,vens WIS riding up the low, sandy
bank. He -eeled in the saddle. With
I'M exclamation of surprise, Duane
ieaped of nd ran to the outlaws side.
Stevens was pale, and his face bore
beads 81 sweat The whole front of
Ills shirt was soaked with blood.
You're shot r. cried Diane.
"Wal. who said wasn't? Would you
mind grim me lift--on this here
raeki"
r,,lane lifted TIE heavy pack down
api .hcn lIelp"' stevens to dIsinonnt