The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-10-12

proved. An in some cases when they
talked-hinted little--they was
found dead. Apparently held up an
robbed. But dead. Dead men don't
talk! Thet's why we're close
mOuthed."
The ranger was about TO speak
again when the clatter of hoOfs in
terrupted him. Horses halted out
in front. and one rider got down.
Floyd Lawson entered. He called for
tobacco.
If his visit surprised Laramie he
did not show any evidence. But Law
son showed rage as he saw the ranger,
and then dark CLINT fitted from the
eyes that shifted from Duane TO
Laramie and back again. Duane
leaned easily against the counter.
Say, that was bad break of
yours" Lawson said. IF you come
foolng around the ranch again
therell be hell"
1t seemed strange that a man who
had lived west of the PecOs for ten
~
thing which forbade that kind of talk
1t certainly was not nerve Lawson
showed; men of courage were seldom
intOlerant. With the matchless nerve
that characterized the great gunner
of the day there was cool. unOD-
trusive manner, q speech brief, almost
gentle, certainly courteous. Lawson
was a hOt-headed LOuisianian OF
French extraction; man, evidently
who had never been crossed in any
thing, and who was strong, brutal,
passionate, which qualities in the face
of a situation like this made him
simply a fool.
you're right. But not the kind
YOU think" Duane retorted, his voice
sharp and cold.
cray Longstreth wouldn't stoop to
know a dirty blOod-tracker like you,
said Lawson holly. He did not seem
to nave a deliberate intention to rouse
Duane; the man was simply rancor-
Gus, Jealous. "Pll call you right.
You cheap buffer! You four-hush
You damned interfering, concelted
ranger!"
Lawson, I'll not take Offense, be-
cause you seem to be championlng
your beautiful COUSIN" replied Duane,
in slow speech. "But let me return
your compliment. You're fine South
erner! Why. you're only four-1ush-
a cheap bull-headed rustler"
Duane Kissed the last word. Then
for him there was the truth in Law
sons working passion-blackened face.
Lawson jerked, moved, meant to
draw. But how slow! Duane lunged
forward. His long arm swept up.
And Lawson staggered backward,
knocking table and chairs, to fall
hard, in @ half-sitting posture against
the wall.
"Don't draw!" warned Duane.
Lawson, git away from your gun y
yelled Laramie.
But Lawson was crazed with fury.
He tugged at his hip, his face corded
with purple welts, malignant, murder
GUS. Duane kicked the gun out OF
his hand. Lawson got up, raging, and
rushed out.
Laramie lifted his shaking hands.
"What ID you wing him for?" he
walled. "He was DRAWN on you.
Kickin' men like him won't do. out
here"
'That bull-headed fool will roar and
butt himself with all his gang right
into our hands. He's just the man
I've needed to meet"
eff Lawson's the man you think he
is he'll begin tibet secret underground
business. Why, Lawson won't sleep of
nights now. He an Longstreth have
always been after me-"
Laramie, what are your eyes for?'
demanded Duane. watch out. And
now here. See your friend Norton
Tell him this game grows hot. To
gether you approach four or five men
you know we'll and can absolutely
trust. / may need your help"
Then Duane went from place to
place, corner to corner, bar to bar,
watching, listening, recording. The
excitement had preceded him, and
speculation was rife. He thought
best to keep out of it. After dark
he stole up to Longstreth's ranch
The evening was warm; the doors
were open; and in the twilight the
only lamps that had been lit were in
LOngstreth's big sitting-rOom, at the
far end of the house. When buck
board drove up and Longstreth and
Lawson alighted, Duane was well
hidden in the bushes, so we'll screened
that he could get but a f1eeting
glimpse of Longstreth as he went in
For all Duane could see, he appeared
to be a calm and quiet man, intense
beneath the surface, with an air OF
dignity under insult. Duane's chance
to observe Lawson was lost. They
went into the house without speaking
and closed the door,
AT the other end Of the porch, close
under q window, was an offset be-
tween step and wall, and there In
| the shadow Duane hid. SO Duane
waited there in the darkness with
! patience born of many hours of hid
ing.
Presently a lamp was lit; and
Duane heard the swish of skirts.
Something's happened surely
Ruth" he heard Miss Longstreth say
anxiously. "Papa just met me In
the hall and didn't speak. He seemed
pale, worried"
Cousin Floyd looked like q