The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-09-28
CHAPTER XXI.

Again inaction and suspense dragged
at Duane's spirit. Like a leashed hound
with a keen scent in his face Duane
wanted to leap forth when he was
bound. He almost fretted. Something
called to him over the bold, wild brow
of Mount Ord. But while Fletcher
stayed in Ord waiting for Knell and
Poggin, or for orders, Duane knew his
game was again a waiting one.
But one day there were signs OF the
long quiet of Ord being broken. A mes
senger strange to Duane rode in on a
secret mission that had to do with
Fletcher. When he went away Fletcher
became addicted to thoughtful moods
and lonely walks. He seldom drank,
and this in itself was a striking con-
trast to former behavior. The messen-
ger came again. Whatever communion
ton he brought, it had a remarkable
effect upon the outlaw. Duane was
present IN the tavern when the relloW
arrived, saw the few words whispered,
but did not hear them. Fletcher turned
white with anger or fear, perhaps both,
and he cursed like q mailman. The
messenger, a lean, dark-faced, hard
riding fellow reminding Duane Of the
cowboy Guthrie, left the tavern with
out even a drink and rode away Off TO
the west. This west mystified and
fascinated Duane as much as the
south beyond Mount Ord. Where were
Knell and Poggin2 Apparently they
were not at present with n leader on
the mountain. After the messenger left
Fletcher grew silent and suriy. he mad
presented a variety of moods to Duane's
observation, and this latest n was
provocative of thought. Fletcher was
dangerous. 1t became clear now that
the other outlaws Of the camp feared
him, kept out of his a Duane let
him alone, yet closely watched him.
Perhaps an hour after the messenger
had left, not longer, Fletcher manifest
ly arrived at some decision, and ne
called for his horse. Then he went to his
shack and returned. To Duane the out
law looked in shape both to ride ana
TO fight. He gave orders for the men
In camp to keep close until he returned.
Then he mounted. ~
"Come here, Dodge" he called.
Duane went up and laid a hand on
walked his horse, with Duane beside
him. till they reached the log bridge,
when he halted.
Dodge I'm in bad with Knell," he
said. AN 1t pears I'm the u OF
friction between Knell an Poggy. kneli
never had any use for me, but Poggys
been square, If not friendly. The boss
has a big deal on. an here it's been held
uD because of this scrap. He's waittn'
nver there in the mountain to give
nrders to Knell or Peggy, an neither
ones shown up. I've got to stand In
the breach, an l amt enjoyin' the pros
poets" =,
whats the trouble about, Jim?"
asked Duane.
"Reckon it's a little about you,
Dodge" said Fletcher. dryly. "Knell
hadn't any use fer you tibet day. He
aint got no use fer a man onless he car
.ule him. Some of the boys here hev
rlabbed before l edged in with my say,
m there's hell to pay. Knell claims to
NOV somethin' about you that ii make
10Th the boss an Peggy sick when he
,prings IL. But he's keepin' quiet. Hard
nan to figger, tibet Knell. Reckon you'd
letter go back to Bradford fer a day OF
o, then camp out near here till come
pack"
WHY"
wal, because there amt any use fel
'ou to git in bad, too. The gang viii
| lde over here any day. If they're
| riendly I'll light a fire on the hill here
| ny three nights from tonight. II yot
/ ont see 1t tibet night you hit h trail
/ II do what / can. Jim Fletcher sticks
O his pals. So long, Dodge"
Then he rode away.
He left Duane in a quandry. This
Jews was black. Things a been work
ng out SO well. Here was a setback. Al
he moEcAnt Duane did not know which