Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-12-06

nosin round. It's pretty early, which
s all the better"
Euchre put on his sombrero, and as
he went out Duane saw that he wore
gun-and-cartridge belt. 1t was the
first time Duane had ever seen the
outlaw armed.
| Duane packed his few belongings
into his saddle-bags, and then carried
the saddles out of the corral. The
hour had arrived, and he was ready.
Time passed slowly. Finally he
heard the shuttle of Euchre's boots
on the hard path. The sound was
quicker than usual.
When Euchre came around the
corner of the cabin Duane was not so
astounded as he was concerned to see
! the outlaw white and shaking Sweat
dripped from him. He had wild look.
Luck ours-so fur, Buck!' he
painted.
"You don't look It," replied Duane.
''I'm turrible sick. Jest killed man.
Fust one ever killed."
"Who?" asked Duane, startled.
"Jackrabbit Benson. An sick as
am, I'm gloryin' in 1t. I went nosin'
round up the. road. Saw Alloway goin'
into Deger's. He's thick with the
Degers. Reckon he's askin' questions.
Anyway, was sure glad to see him
away from BANDS. An he didn't see
me. When dropped into Benson's
there wasn't nobody there but Jack
rabbit an some greasers he was start
in to work. Benson never had no use
fer me. An he up an said he wouldn't
give two-bit piece fer my life. !
asked him why.
you're double-crossin' the boss an
Chess he said.
Jack, what d you give fer your
own life?' ! asked him.
Gle Strengthened up surprised an
mean-lookin'. An let him have 1t,
plumb center! He wilted, an the
greasers run. reckon I'll never sleep
again. But / had to do it."
Duane asked if the shot had attract
ed any attention outside.
II didn't see anybody but the greas-
ers, an sure looked sharp. Comm
back I cut across through the cotton
woods past Bland's cabin plumb into
Beppo, an when I inquired Of his boss
he said Bland had been up all night
fghtin' with the Sonora. We're pretty
lucky"
"It seems SO. Well, I'm going" said
Duane tersely.
Lucky! should, smile! BANDS
been up all night after most draggin'
ride home. He'll be tagged out this
mornin', sleepy, sore, an he won't be
expectin' hell before breakfast. You'll
have to kill him, an it ID save time
to go fer your gun on sight. Might be
wise, too, fer it's likely he'll do tibet
same"
''How about the horses?"
'I'll fetch them an come along about
two minnits Behind you. Once on
them horses, we can ride out of camp
before Alloway or anybody else gifts
into action. Jennie amt much heavier
n a rabbit. Tibet big black will carry
you BOTH"
"Buck, a last word-look out fer
tibet Bland womanv'
Duane merely nodded, and then, say
ing that the horses were ready, he
strobe away through the grove.
No outlaws We're in sight. He saw
several Mexican herders with cattle.
Blue columns of smoke curled up over
some of the cabins. The fragrant smell
of it reminded Duane Of his home
and cutting wood for the stove. He
noted a cloud of creamy mist rising
above the river, dissolving in the sun
light.
Then he entered BANDS lane.
While yet some distance from the
eabin he heard loud, angry voices, Of
man and woman. Bland and Kate
still quarreling! He took quick sur
vey Of the surroundings. There was
not even a Mexican in sight. Then he
hurried a little. Halfway down the
lane he turned his head to peer
through the cottonwOods. This time
he saw Euchre coming with the horses.
There was no Indication that the old
outlaw might lose his nerve at the end.
Duane had feared this.
Duane now changed his walk to a
leisurely saunter. He reached the
porch and then distinguished what was
said inside the cabin.
IF you do, Bland, by Heaven I'll
tx you and her!" That was painted
out in Kate BANDS full voice.
Let me loose I'm going in there,
I tell you'll" replied Bland, hoarsely.
mo! no.! won't let you. You'll
choke the-truth out of her-you'l
Kill her"
"The truth!" Kissed Bland.
"Yes. lied. But she lied to save
me. You neednt-murder her-for
that"
Bland cursed horribly. Then follow
ed wrestling sound Of bodies in VIC
lent straining contact-the .scrape OF
ceet-the jangle of spurs-a crash OF
sliding table or chair, and then the
cry of a woman in pain.
Duane stepped into the open door,
Inside the room. Kate Bland lay
half across table where she had been
flung, and she was trying to get to
her feet. BANDS back was turned.
He had opened the door into Jennie's
room and had one foot across the
Duane caught the girls