The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-08-24

Surely, if l can. There! l sec
Euchre coming with woman"
That's her. Oh, she mustn't see
me with you.'
"Wait-a moment" whispered
Duane, as Jennie slipped indoors.
We've settled it. Don't forget. I'll
find some way to get word to you, per-
haps through Euchre. Meanwhile keep
up your courage. Remember I'll save
you somehow. Well try strategy first.
Whatever you see or hear me do,
don't think less of me-"
Jennie checked him with a gesture
and a wonderful gray flash of eyes.
"Pll bless you with every drop OF
blood in my heart" she whispered,
paSSionately.
1t was only as she turned away into
the room that Duane saw she was
lame and that she wore Mexican
sandals over bare feet.
He sat down upon a bench on the
porch and directed his attention to
the approaching couple. The trees of
the grove were thick enough for him
to make reasonably sure that Mrs.
Bland had not seen him talking to
Jennie. When the outlaws wife drew
near, the situation took on singular
Zest.
Euchre came up on the porch and
awkwardly introduced Duane to Mrs.
Bland. She was young, probably not
over twenty-five, and not quite so pre-
possessing at close range. Her eyes
were large, rather prominent, and
brown in color. Her mouth, too, was
large, with the lips full, and she had
white teeth.
Duane took her proffered hand and
remarked frankly that he was glad to
meet her.
Mrs. Bland appeared pleased; and
her laugh, which followed, was loud
and rather musical.
"Mr. Duane-Buck Duane, Euchre
said, didn't he?" she asked.
Buckley" corrected Duane. "The
nickname's not my choosing"
"Tm certainly glad to meet you,
Buckley Duane" she said, as she took
the seat Duane offered her. Sorry to
have been out. Kid Fuller's lying over
at Deger's. You know he was shot
last night. He's got fever to-day.
When BANDS away have to nurse all
these shot-up boys, and it sure takes
my time. Have you been waiting here
alone? Didn't see that slattern girl
of mine?"
She gave him a sharp glance. The
woman had an extraordinary play OF
feature, Duane thought, and unless
she was smiling was not pretty at all.
1--WE been alone" replied Duane.
Haven't seen anybody but u sick
looking girl with bucket. And she
ran when she saw me-"
'That was Jen," said Mrs. Bland.
"She's the kid we keep here, and she
sure hardly pays her keep. Did Euchre
tell you about herr"
'Now that I think of it, he did say
something or other"
"What did he tell you about me?''
bluntly asked Mrs. Bland.
"Wal, Kate" replied Euchre, speak
ing for himself, "you needn't worry
nine, for 1 told Buck nothin' but COM
pliments."
Evidently the outlaws wife liked
Euchre, for her keen glance rested
with amusement upon him.
"As for Jen, I'll tell you her story
some day." went on the woman. 'It's
a common enough story along this
river. Euchre here is tender-hearted
old fool, and Jen has taken him in"
"Wal, SEEM as you've got me fig
gered correct" replied Euchre, dryly,
''I'll go in an talk to Jennie, if may"
Certainly. Go ahead. Jen calls
you her best FRIEND" said Mrs. Bland,
amiably. you're always fetching
some Mexican stuff, and that's why,
guess"
When Euchre had shuffled into the
house Mrs. Bland turned to Duane
with curiosity and interest in her gaze.
"Bland told me about you"
"What did he say?" Queried Duane,
in pretended alarm.
"Oh, you needn't think he's done you
dirt. BANDS not that kind of a man.
He said: Kate, there's a young fell
low in camp-rode in here on the
dodge. Slickest hand with gun I've
seen for many a day! Magnificent
chap. Bigger than any man in the
valley. Just a great blue-eyed, sun
burned boy!"
"Humph!" exclaimed Duane. "I'm
sorry he led you to expect somebody
worth seeing"
but I'm not disappointed" she re-
COUNTY NEVER GOT ITS BELL