Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-09-28
CHAPTER XXI.

Again inaction n suspense dragged
at Duane's spirit. Like a leashed hound
with a keen scent in his face Duane
wanted to leap forth when he was
bound. He almost fretted. Something
called to him over the bold, wild brow
stayed in Ord waiting for Knell and
Poggin, or for orders, Duane knew his
game was again a waiting one.
But one day there We're signs Of the
long quiet of Ord being broken. A mes
senger strange to Duane rode in on q
secret mission that had to do with
Fletcher. When he went away Fletcher
became addicted to thoughtful moods
and lonely walks He seldom drank,
and this in itself was a striking con-
trast to former behavior. The messen-
ger came again. Whatever communica-
ton he brought, it had a remarkable
effect upon the outlaw. Duane was
present IN the tavern when the fellow
arrived, saw the few words whispered,
but did not hear them. Fletcher turned
white with anger or fear, perhaps both,
and he cursed like a mailman. The
messenger, a lean, dark-faced, hard
riding fellow reminding Duane of the
cowboy Guthrie, left h tavern with
out ever a drink and rode away off to
the west. This west mystified and
fascinated Duane as much as the
south beyond Mount Ord. Where were
Knell and Poggin? Apparently they
were. not at present with the leader on
the mountain. After the messenger left
Fletcher grew silent and surly. He had
presented a variety of moods to Duane's
observation, ana this latest n was
provocative of thought. Fletcher was
dangerous. 1t became clear now that
the other outlaws OF the camp feared
him. kept out Of his way. Quar- let
him alone, yet closely watched him.
E Too,t,,r ~, n ~ hN,,. off or Tho poacSanyrnf
had left, not longer, Fletcher manifest
ly arrived at some decision, and he
called for his horse. Then he went to his
shack and returned, To Duane the OUT
law looked In shape both to ride and
to fight. He gave orders for the men
In camp to keep close until ne returned.
Then he mounted.
Come here, Dodge he called.
Duane went up and laid a hand on
the pommel OF the saddle. Fletcher
walked his horse, with Duane beside
him, till they reached h log bridge.
when he halted.
"Dodgc, I'm In bad with Knell," he
said. "An' it pears I'm the cause Of
friction between Knell an Peggy. Knell
never had any use for me, but Poggy's
been square, If not friendly. The boss
has a big deal on, an here it's been held
up because of this scrap. He's waitin'
over there In the mountain to give
OGdSTS To IAIlel1t OF EO5SSp VI
ones shown up. I've got to stand in
the breach. an / amt enjoyin' h pros
pecis.'
whats the trouble abou.. Jim?"
asked Duane.
"Reckon it's a little about you,
Dodge" said Fletcher, dryly. "Knell
hadn't any use fer you tibet lay. He
amt got no use fer a man onless he can
rule him. Some of the boys here hev
blabbed before I edged in with my say,
an there's hell to pay. Knell claims to
know somethin' about you that IL make
both the boss an Peggy sick when he
| springs 1t. But he's keepin' quiet. Hard
ma to figger. theteKnelL Reckon you'd
better go back 10 Bradford fer q day or
SO, then camp out near here till I come
back
why ~
"Wal. because there amt n use fer
! youAtoS cit In bad, too. The gang will
ride over here any day. II they're
friendly I'll light q fire on the hill here.
say three nights from tonight. II you
don't see 1t tibet night you hit the trail.
I'll do what I can. Jim Fletcher sticks
to his pals So long. Dodge.
TheEShe rode away.
He s1eft Duane In quandry. This
news was black. Things had been work.
Ing out 80 well. Here was assetback.A At
M mc<sent Duane did not know which