The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-14

a laugh. Circumstances made 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.
don't see any other career for you.
Instead OF going II alone--n lone wolf,
as the Texans say-why not make
friends with other outlawsp You'll
live longer"
Euchre squlrmed In his seat.
"Boss, I've been givin' the hoy eg-
zactly thet same line OF talk. An he'd
be n grand fcller fer the gang. I've
seen Wild Bill Illckok 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 can't see how he does IT,"
Euchres admiring praise served to
create an effective little silence. Allo-
way shifted uneasily on his feet, his
spurs jangling family, and did not lift
his head. Bland seemed thoughtful.
THAT'S about the only qualification
l have to make me eligible for your
band" said Duane, easily.
Its good enough" replied Bland,
shortly. "Will you consider the idea 2
"Tll think 1t over. Good night"
He left the group. followed by
Euchre. When they reached the end
OF the lane, and before they had ex-
changed n word, Bland called Euchre
| back. Duane proceeded slowly along
| the moonlit road to the cabin and sat
down under the cottonwoods TO wnit
| for Euchre. As he sat there with n
| forebodlng of more and darker work
ahead OF him there was yet II strange
sweetness left TO him, and II 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-
volving of plans to save her.
A shufling step reused him. Euchre's
|
light grass under the cottonwoods,
The moment the outlaw reached him
Duane saw that he was laboring under
great excitement. II scarcely affected
Duane. He seemed to be acquiring
patience. calmness, strength.
"Bland kept you pretty long" he
said.
"Wait till l git my breath" replied
Euchre. He sat silent a little while
tanning himself with sombrero
though. the night was cool. and ther
he went into the cabin to return
presently with lighted pipe.
"Fine night" he said; and his ton,
further acquainted Duane will
Euchre's quaint humor. "Fine nigh
for love-affalrs, by gum"
"rd noticed that" rejoined Duane
dryly.
"Buck, listen to this here yarn
When / got back to the porch ] seer
Bland. Asked me some questions righ
from the shoulder. was ready TO
them, an i swore the moon was greer
cheese. He was satisfied. Bland al
ways trusted me, an liked me, too,
reckon. / hated to lie black thet way
But he's a hard man with bad inten
tions toward Jennie, an I'd double
cross him any day.
"Then he went into the house. Jen
ME had gone to her little room, an
Bland called her To come out. Then
Rurk hiq npxt mova was some stif
prism He deliberately throwed grI
on Kate. Yes sir, he pointed his bi
blue Colt right at her, an he says:
"Tve n mind to blow out you
brains
4 "'Go ahead says Kate, cool as coul
be.
}. s'You lied to me- he roars.
| "Kate laughed In his face. Blan
slammed the gun down an made