The L'Anse sentinel., 1916-10-21
CHAPTER III-continued.

"Buck, as we're lookin' fer grub, an
hot trouble, reckon you'd better hang
up out here" Stevens was saying, as
be mounted. "You see, towns an sher-
IFS an rangers are always lookin' fer
new fellers gone bad. They sort of
forget most Of the old boys, except
those ns 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
walt here an be ready to ride hard.
Mebbe my besettin' sin will so ope-
ratin' In spite of my good intentions.
In which case therell be-"
His pause was significant. He
grinned, and his brown eyes danced
with a kind of wild humor.
Stevens, have you got any money!"
asked Duane.
Money!" exclaimed Luke blankly.
"Say, I haven't owned two-bit piece
3lnce-wal, fer some time"
'Tn furnish money for grub" re-
providing you hurry back herewith
put making trouble"
ashore you're downright good
bnrd," declared Stevens, in admiration,
as 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 mesquites toward the
town. At that distance, about quar-
ter OF a mile, Mercer appeared to be
O cluster of low adobe houses set ir
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
elnpsed when Duane heard the clear
reports of a Winchester rifle, the clat-
ter of rapid hoofbeats, and yells un-
mistnkably the kind to mean danger
for q man like Stevens. Duane
mounted and rode to the edge Of the
mosquitoes. ~
He saw q cloud Of dust down the
,oad and bay horse running fast
stevens apparently had not been
wounded by any Of the shots. for he
Ind a steady seat In his saddle, and
his riding, even Mt that moment
struck Duane as admirable. He car
yied 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
their arms. Then he spurrcd his horse
and got into swift stride, so Stevens
would not pass him. Presently the
outlaw caught up with him. Stevens
was grinning, but there was now nc
fun in the dancing eyes. 1t was devil
that danced In them. His face seemed
shade paler.
"Was Jest comm out of the store,
yelled Stevens. "Run plumb into Q
rancher-who knowed ne. He opened
up with q rifle. Think they'll chase
us."
They covered several miles before
there 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 hosses in that bunch to worry
u.s." called out Stevens.
Duane had the same conviction, and
he did not look back again. He rode
somewhat to the fore, and was con
stnntly aware of the rapid thuddinl
of hoofs behind. as Stevens kept close
to him. At sunset they reached the
willow brakes and the river. Duane's
horse was winded and lashed with
sweat and lather. 1t was not until
the crossing had been accomplished
that Duane halted to rest his animal
Stevens WIS riding up the low, sandy
bank. He reeled in tho saddle. With
an exclamation Of surprise, Duane
lenped or and ran to the outlaws side
Stevens was pale, and his fnce bore
beads OF sweat. The whole front ol
hls shirt was soaked with blood.
sYou're shot r. cried Diane.
swal, who snid I wasn'tf Would 20,
mind givin' me . lift--on this herr
paekr
Diane lifted the heavy pack dowr
~ ~ Aslps6 stsvsns to dimeunt