Tombstone epitaph., 1916-10-29
a laugn. Circumstances made me .

idugn. SlrCumStnuceS mdue me rustler. You don't know yourself. You're young; you've got temper; your father was one of the most dangerous men Texas ever had. l don't see any other career for you. Instead of going it alone-a lone wolf, as the Texans say-why not make friends with other outlaws? You'll live longer"
 Euchre squirmed in his seat.
 Boss, I've been givin' the boy eg- zactly thet same line of talk. An he'd be grand feller fer the gang. I've seen Wild Bill Hickok throw a gun, an Billy the Kid, an Hardin,' an Chess here-all the fastest men on the border. An with apologies to present company, I'm here to say Duane has them all skinned. His draw is differ ent. You cant see how he does it."
 Euchre's admiring praise served to create an effective little silence. AllO- way shifted uneasily on his feet, his spurs dangling faintly, and did not lift his head. Bland seemed thoughtful.
 That's about the only qualification have to make me eligible for your band" said Duane, easily.
 Its good enough" replied Bland. shortly. "Will you consider the ideal?
 "rll think it over. Good night" He left the group. followed by Euchre. When they reached the; end of the lane, and before they had ex- .L, lnl Errhr back. Duane proceeded slowly along the moonlit road to the cabin and sat down under the cottonwoods to wait for Euchre. As he sat there with q foreboding of more and darker work ahead of him there was yet strange sweetness left to him, and it lay in thought of Jennie. The pressure of her cold little hands fingered in his. He did not think of her as woman. and he did not analyze his feelings. He just had vague, dreamy thoughts and imaginations that were inter- spersed In the constant and stern re- volvins of plans to save her.
 A shufiling step reused him. Euchre's dark figure came crossing the moon light grass under the cottOnwOods. The moment the outlaw reached him Duane saw that he was laboring under great excitement. It scarcely affected Duane. He seemed to be acquiring patience. calmness, strength.
 Bland kept you pretty long," he said.
 Wait till I git my breath" replied Euchre. He sat silent a little while, flaming himself with q sombrero, though the night was cool, and then he went into the cabin to return presently with lighted pipe.
 Fine night" he said; and his tone further acquainted Duane with Euchre's quaint humor. Fine night for love-affairs, by gum"
 "rd noticed that" rejoined Duane, dryly.
 Buck, listen to this here yarn. When I got back to the porch l seen Bland Asked me some questions right from the shoulder. l was ready for them, an I swore the moon was green cheese. He was satisfied. Bland al.
 
 reckon. l hated to lie black thet way. But he's a hard man with bad irten- tions toward Jennie, an I'd double cross him any day.
 ''Then he went into the house. Jen- nie had gone to her little room, an Bland called her to come out. Then, Buck. his next move was some sur prism. He deliberately throwed gun on Kate. Yes sir, he pointed his big blue Colt right at her, an he says: "Tve a mind to blow out your brains.'
 "'Go ahead says Kate, cool as could be.
 "'You lied to me- he roars.
 Kate laughed In his face. Bland | slammed the gun down an made a