Tombstone epitaph., 1916-09-10

Al this sally the chief and his men laughed.
 You said Duane-Buck Duane?1 querled Bland. Are you son of that Duane who was a gun-fghter some years back?"
 "Yes," replied Duane.
 Never met him. and glad didn't" said Bland, with grim humor. "So you got in trouble and had to go on the dodge? What kind of troubleT'
 Had fight"
 "Ficht? Do you mean gun-play?" questioned Bland. He seemed eager, curious. speculative.
 'YcS. IL ended in Cun-play. I'm sorry to say" answered Duane.
 Guess I needn't ask the son of Duane if he killed his man." went on Bland. ironically. Well. I'm sorry -ru hnctad arninSt trouble in my camp. But, as it is, guess you'd be wise to make yourself scarce
 "Do you mean I'm politely told to move 2n:" asked Duane, quietly.
 "Not exactly that" said Bland, as if irritated. If this isn't free place there isn't one Hn earth. Every man Is equal here. Do yor want to join my band?"
 No. I don't"
 ''WeIl. even if you did, I imagine that wouldn't stop BoSOmer. He's an ugly fellow. Merely for your own sakap advise you tn hit the trail"
 "Thanks But If that's all, I'll stay" returned Duane. Even as he spoke he felt that he did not know himself.
 Bosomer appeared at the door. push ing men who tried tO detain him. and as he jumped clear of last reaching hand, he uttered snarl like an angry dog. Bland and the other outlaws quickly moved aside, letting Duane stand alone When Bosomer saw Duane standing motionleSs and watch ful, a strange change passed quickly in him.
 Duane saw all the swift action. felt intultively the meaning of 1t. and in BOsOmer's sudden change of front. The outlaw was keen, and he had expected a shrinking, or at least frightened an- tagonist. Duane knew he was nei- ther. He felt like iron. and yet thrill after thrill ran through him. The out law had come out to kill him. And now. though somewhat checked by the stand of a stranger, ne stIii ineuut iv kill. But he did not speak n word. He remained motionless for long mo- ment. his eyes pale and steady. his right hand like a claw.
 That instant gave Duane power to read in his enemy's eyes the thought that preceded action. But Duane did not want to kill another man. Still, he would have to fight. and he decided 10 cripple Bosomer. When Bosomer's hand moved Duane's gun was spout ing fire. Two shots only-both from Duane's gun-and the outlaw fell with his right arm shattered. BOSomer cursed harshly, and floundered in the dust. trying to reach the gun with his left hand. His comrades. however. seeing that Duane would not kill un- less forced. closed in upon BOsOmer and prevented any further madness on his part.
 Of the outlaws present Euchre ap- peared to be the one most inclined to lend friendliness to curiosity; and he led Duane and the horses away to q small adobe shack. He tied the horses in an open shed and removed their saddles. Then, gathering up Ste vens' weapons. he invited his visitor to enter the house
 Ii had two rooms-windowS without coverin=s-bare floors. One room con tained blankets, weapons, saddles and bridles: the other a stone fireplace, rude table and bench, two hunks, n box cupboard, and various blackened utensils.
 Make yourself to home as long as you want to stay" said Euchre. q ain't rich in this worlds goods. but own whats here. an you're welcome"
 Thanks. I'll stay awhile and rest. I'm pretty well played out" replied Duane.
 Euchre gave him q keen glance.
 "GO ahead an rest. I'll take yoir horses to grass"
 l'Il ulDIlt III I1e house. Duane relaxed then, and me- chanically he wiped the sweat from his face. He was laboring under some kind of a spell or shock which did not pass off quickly. When 1t had worn away he took of his coat and belt and made himself comfortable on the bIan- kets. And he had a thought that. If he rested or slept, what difference would 1t make on the morrow? No rest, no sleep could change the gray outlook of the future. He felt glad when Euchre came bustling in. and for the first time he took notice of the out law.
 Euchre was old in years. What little hair he had was gray. his face clean shaven and full of wrinkles his eyes were half shut from long gazing through the sun and dust. He stopped. But his thin face denoted strength and endurance still unimpaired.
 "Hev a drink or smoker he asked.
 Duane shook his head. He had not been unfamiliar with whisky, and he had used tobacco moderately since he was sixteen. But now, strangely; he felt disgust at the idea of stimulants. He did not understand clearly what he felt. There was that vague Idea of