Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-10-11

slaven. Without mustache he APP.
peared different, younger.
When MacNelly saw that Duane in.
tended to greet him, to meet him, ht
hurried forward. a keen light flashed
from his eyes. He was glad, eager, ye'
suppressing himself, and the glances he
sent back and forth from Duane to
Longstreth We're questioning. doubtful
Certainly Longstreth did not look the
part of an outlaw.
Duane! Lord, I'm glad to see you,'
was the captains greeting. Then al
closer look into Duane's face his
warmth fied-something he saw there
u%tterance.
"MacNelly. shake hands with Ches-
eldine," said Duane. low voiced.
INC ranger captain stood dumb, mo-
tionless. But he saw Longstreth's in
slant action, and awkwardly he reached
for the outstretched hand.
ANY of your men down here?"
queried Duane. sharply.
mo. They're up town."
Come. MacNelly, you walk with
him. We've ladies in the party. I'll
come behind with them"
They set off up town. Longstreth
walked as if he were with friends on
the way to dinner. The girls were
mute. MacNelly walked like a man in
a. IAtiALSc. 4uGEC was IOI d WOTO SDOke
en- in four blocks.
Presently Duane espied a stone
building on q corner of the broad
street. There vas q big sign. Ranch
er's Bank"
There's the hotel" said MacNelly.
Some of my men are there. We've
scattered around"
They crossed the street, went through
office and lobby. and then Duane asked
MacNelly to take them to a private
room. Without a word, the captain
complied. When they were all inside.
Duane closed the door, and, drawing a
deep breath as If of relief, he faced
them calmly.
Miss Longstreth, you and Miss Ruth
Try to make yourselves comfortable
now" he said. And don't be dis
tressed." Then he turned to his CAP
tain. "MacNelly. this girl is the daugh-
ter OF the man I've brought to you.a and
this n is his niece"
Then Duane briefly related Long
streth's story and, though he did not
spare the rustler chief, he was gener-
GUS.
When l went after Longstreth." con-
GUIDED Duane. lit vas either to kill him
or offer him freedom on conditions. So
l chose the latter. for his daughters
AXE He has already disposed of all
his property. l believe he'll live up to
the conditions. He's to leave Texas
never to return. The name C%heseldine
a been a mystery. and now it'll fade"
A few moments later Duane followed
MacNelly to Il large room, like a hall,
ana mere were men reading and smOK-
ing. Duane knew them-rangers!
MacNelly beckoned to his men.
Boys, here he is"
How many men have you?" asked
Duane.
Fifteen
NacNelly almost embraced Duane.
would probably have done so but for
the dark grimness that seemed to be
coming over the Instead he
glowed. he sputtered. he tried to talk,
to wave his hands. He was beside him
self. And his rangers crowded closer,
Eager, like hounds ready to u They
all talked at once, and the word most
significant and frequent in their speech
was Outlaws -.
MacNelly clapped his fist in his hand,
"ThisW make the adjutant sick with
JOY. Maybe we won't have 1t on the
governor! Well show them about the
do it?"
Now. captain. not the half nor the
quarter of this jobs DONE. The gangs
coming down the road. I saw them
from the train. They'll ride into town
on the dot-2:30."
How many?" asked MacNelly.
"Poggin, Blossom Kane, Panhandle
smith. Boldt. Jim Fletcher, and another
men Of Cheseldine's gang. I'll bet they
will be the fastest. hardest bunch you
rangers v g faced"
"Poggin-that's the hard nut to
crack! I've heard their records since
Y been in Val Verde. Where's Knell?
They say he's a boy, but hell and
"Knells dead"
"Ah!" exclaimed MacNelly. softly.
Then he grew business like. cool, and
of harder aspect. Duane, it's your
game today. I'm only a ranger under
orders. We're all under your orders.
We've absolute faith in you. Make your
the boys who are not here"
You understand there's no sense in
trying to arrest Poggin. Kane. and
that lot ?" queried Duane.
mo. l don't understand that" replied
MacNelly, bluntly.
1T can't be done. The drop can't
be got on such men. II. you meet them
straight. Poggin! That. outlaw has no
equal with q gun-unless- He's got
to be killed quick. They'll all have 20
be killed. They're all bad, desperate,
know no fear. are lightning in action
Very we'll. Duane; then it's q fight.
Thatll be easier. perhaps. The boys
are spelling for q fight Out with your
PUT one man at each end Of this
street, just at the edge Of town. Let
him hide there with q rifle to block the
escape OF any outlaw that we might
fail to get. I had q good look at the
bank building. Its well situated FOR