The Ozark spectator., 1916-11-15
CHAPTER xVII-Continued.

CHAPTER xvII-continued.
 Miss Longstreth rose white as her dress The young women present stared in astonishment, if they were not equally perturbed. There were cowboys present who suddenly grew intent and still, By these things Duane gathered that his appearance must he disconcerting. He was pant ing. He wore no hat or coat. His big gunsheath showed plainly at his hip.
 Sight of Miss Longstreth had an unaccountable effect upon Duane. He was plunged into confusion. For the moment he saw no one but her.
 Miss Longstreth -I came to search-your house." panted Duane.A Search my house!" exclaimed Miss Longstreth; and red succeeded the white in her cheeks. She appeared astonished and angry. What for? Why, how dare you! This is un- warrantable!"
 "A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted .hh ibhbtd illli iNAfiiN' Duane. hurriedly. "I chased Sneaker here-saw him run into this house."
 ''lIerc? Oh, sir, you must be mis- taken. We have seen no one. Tn the absence of my father I'm mistress here. I'll not permit you to search" Lawson appeared to come out of his astoniShment. He stepped forward.
 "Ray. don't be bothered now" he said, to his cousin. This fellows making bluff. I'll settle him. See here. mister, you clear out"
 .I want Sneaker. He's here. and I'm going to get him." replied Duane. quietly. e Ns %
 Bah, That's all blur," sneered Lawson. I'm on to your game. You just wanted an excuse to break in hereto see my cousin again. When you saw the company you invented that excuse. Now. be off. or it I'll be the worse for you."
 Duane felt his face burn with a tide of hot blood. Almost he felt that he was guilty of such motive. Had he not been unable to put this Ray LongStreth out of his mind? There seemed to be scorn in her eyes low. And somehow that checked his embarrassment.
 Miss Longstreth. will you let me search the house?" he asked.
 No"
 'Then-I regret to say-rll do so without your permission" e& @s You'll not dare" she flashed. She stood erect, her bosom swelling. FR g Pardon me-yes, I will" e1 "Who are you?" she demanded sud- denly. ~ 'a '''4h ~e at lsT
 I'm Texas Ranger" replied Duane. .........r ..-.... Et.H "A Texas Rangerw she echoed.
 Floyd Lawson's dark face turned pale. ...-.f
 Miss Longstreth, don't need war rants to search houses," said Duane. "Tm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer to have your permission. A ruffian has taken refuge herein your fathers house. He's hidden seme- where. May look for him?", 5-. I-. If you are indeed ranger" Duane produced his papers, Miss Longstreth haughtily refused to look at them. ntH f.i4,.lff ...l
 Miss Longstreth, I've come to make Fairdale safer, cleaner. better place for women and children. don't wonder at your resentment. But to doubt me-insult me. Some. day you may be sorry" E & E
 Floyd Lawson made violent mo ton with his hands. M " N All stuff! Cousin. go on with your party. I'll take q couple of cowboys and go with this--this Texas Ranger" "Thanks," said Duane coolly, as he eyed Lawson. "Perhaps you'll he able to find Sneaker quicker than I could" g"What do you mean" demanded Lawson. and now he grew Ilvid. Xvi dently he was man of quick pas sions. fN3 #
 Don't quarrel" said Miss Long streth. "Floyd you go with him, Please hurrs. I'll be nervous till--- the Dmn's found or you're sure there's not oiie." ,eegS
 They started with several cowboys to search the house. It struck Duane more than forcibly that Lawson tried to keep in the lead. It was Duane who peered into q dark corner and then, with a gun leveled, said .'Come out l"
 He came forth into the fiare-a tall, siim.S dark-faceds youth, wearing soms brero, blouse and trosssss. Du6ne coliared hun before any 0f the others could move. ana held the gun close enough to make him shrink. He