Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-08-31

side of the court. 1t opened INTO q COR
ridor which led into a plaza. 1t had
| wide. smooth stone porches, and flow.
| ers and s%hrubbery in the center. Duane
hurried through to burst into the pres
nee of Miss Longstreth and a number
Of young people. Evidently she was
giving a little party.
Lawson stood leaning against one
Of the pillars that supported The
porch roof; at sight Of Duane
ing a~mazement, CONSERVATION, then
fear.
In the quick ensuing silence Miss
Longstreth rose white as her dress.
The young women present stared i'll
establishment, if they were not equally
%perturbed. There were cowboys pres
ent who suddenly grew intent n still.
But these things Duane gathered that
his appearance must be ~disconcerting.
He was painting. He wore no hat or
coat. His big g~un-sheath showed
plainly at his hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an UNI
accountable effect upon Duane. He
was plunged into confusion. For he
moment he saw no one but her.
Miss Longstreth-I came-to search
you house." painted Duane.
He hardly kne[F what he was say
ing, yet the instant he spoke he real
lied that that SHOULD have been the
last thing for him to say. He had
blundered. But he was not used to
women, and this dark-eyed girl made
him thrill and his heart beat thickly
and his wits go scattering.
Search my house," exclaimed Miss
Longstreth; and red succeeded the,
white in her cheeks. She appeared as,
tonished and angry. What for? Why
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted and
robbed Jim Laramie" replied Duane,
hurriedly. 81 chased Snecker here
saw him run into the house" .
Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
taken. We have seen nc one. In the
absence of my father I'm mistress here.
I'll not permit you to search
Lawson appeared to come out OF his
establishment. He stepped forward.
Pay. don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. This fellows maxi
ing a bluff. mi settle him. See here,
Mister, o clear out"
Il want snecker. He's here, and I'm
going to get him." replied Duanel
Bah! That's all a bluff" sneered.
Lawson. Tn on to your game. You
Just wanted an excuse to break in
ere-to see my cousin again. When,
you saw the company you invented
that excuse. Now, be eff, or it IL be
the worse for YOU"
1SA ASAt liz ON Jun VII d LUG
Of hot blood. Almost he felt hat 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 now. And somehow
that checked his embarrassment.
Miss Longstreth, will you let me
search the house?" he asked.
Them regret to say-Ill do so
without your permission."
you'll not dare!" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me--yes, l will"
who are you?" she demanded, sui
denly.
I'm a Texas ranger replied Duane.
"a Texas ranger!" she echoed.
Floyd LaWSon'S dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstretk, / don't need war;
rants to search houses" said Duane.
I'm sorry to annoy yeu. I'd prefer
to have your permission. A ruffian has
taken refuge herein your fathers
house. He's hidden somewhere. May
l look for him?"
IF you are indeed a ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Misc
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
tairdale a safer, cleaner, better place
Tor women and children. l don't Won
Ger at your resentment. But to doubt
me-insult me. Some day you ma be
sorry"
Floyd Lawson made a violent mo-
ton with his hands.
All stuff! Cousin, 90 on with your
party. I'll take a couple of cowboys
and go with this-this Texas ranger.
Thanks" said Duane, coolly, as he
eyed Lawson. Perhaps you'll be able
to find Snecker quicker than l could"
What do you mean?" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid. Evil
IDENTITY he was a man of fierce quick
passions.
"Don't quarrel said Miss Long
streth. "Floyd, you go with him.
Please hurry. Tn be rvo till-the
mans found or you're sure there's not
one"
They started with several cowboys
to search the house. They went
through the rooms searching, calling
out. peering into dark places. It
struck Duane more than forcibly that
awson did all the calling. He was
hurried, too, tried to keep in the lead.
Duane wondered if he knew his voice
would be recognized by the hiding
Duane who peered into a dark corner
n then, with a gun leveled, said
Come out"
He came forth into the flare-a tall,
slim, dark-faced youth, wearing SOM
brero, blouse and trousers. Duane COL
Jared him before any Of the others
could move and held the gun close
enough to make him shrink. But he
did not impress Duane as being fright
ened just then; nevertheless, he had a
clammy face, the pallid look OF a man
who had just gotten over a shock. He
peered into Duane's face, then into that
OF the cowboy next to him, Their into
/ awson's, and if ever in Duane's life
he beheld relief it was then. That was
all Duane needed to know, but he
meant to find out more if he could.
Who re your" asked Duane, quietly.
30 Snecker," he said.
What d you hide here for?"
He appeared to grow sullen.
"Reckoned I'd be as safe in Long
streth's as anvwheres."
"Ran"er. what IL you dc with him?'
Lawson queried, as If uncertain, now
the capture was made.
TN see to tHat.' replied Duane. and
he pushed Snecker In front of him out
into the court.
Duane had suddenly conceived the
idea of taking Snecker before Mayor
izvr-stfetit III the court.
When Duane arrived at the hall
where court was held there were other
men there. a Dozen or more, and all
seemed excited: evidently, news of