The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-08-31
that, singular as it was. He did not

know that fate had directed him to the
path of this rancher Longstreth. Du-
ane entered the first open door on that
side of the court. 1t opened into a cor
ridor which led into plaza. 1t had
wide, smooth stone porches, and flow
ers and shrubbery in the center. Duane
hurried through to burst into the pres
ence Of Miss Longstreth and a number
of young people. Evidently she was
giving little party.
Lawson stood leaning against one
of the pillars that supported the
porch roof; at sight of Duane
his face changed remarkably, express
ing amazement, CONSERVATION, then
fear.
In the quick ensuing silence Miss
LongStreth rose white as her dress.
The young women present stared in
aStonlshment, If they We're not equally,
perturbed. There We're cowboys pres
ent who suddenly grew intent and still.
But these things Duane gathered that
his appearance must be diSconcerting.
He was painting. He wore no hat or:
coat. His big gunsheath showed
plainly at his hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an I'M
accountable effect upon Duane He
was plunged into confusion. For the
moment he saw no one but her.
Miss Longstreth-I came-to search
your house." painted Duane.
He hardly knew 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
Numbered. But he was not used to
women, and this dark-eyed girl made
him thrill and his heart beat thiclly'
and his wits go scattering.
Search my housed" exclaimed Miss
Longstreth: and red succeeded the
white in her cheeks. She appeared as
hnI
how dare you. This is understandable"
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted and
robbed Jim Laramie" replied Duane,
hurriedly. 81 chased snecler here
saw him run into the house"
Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
taken We have seen no 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.
Ray don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. This fellows maxi
ing a bluff. III settle him. See here,
Mister. you clear out"
Il want Snecker. He's here and I'm.
going to get him. replied Duane,
Bah! That's all bluff" sneered
Lawson. I'm on to your game You.
Just wanted an excuse to break in
hereto see my cousin again. When,
you saw the company you invented
that excuse Now, be off, or it II be
the worse for YOU
Duane felt his face burn with a tide
of hot blood. Almost he felt that 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 2n "a scla1
mo"
THEM regret to say-Tll do so
without your permission"
You'll not dare" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-y-s, l will"
who are you?" she demanded. sui
denly.
I'm Texas ranger" replied Duane.
"A Texas ranger!" she echoed.
Floyd Iawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth, I don't need war
rants rants to search houses" said Duane
I'm sorry to annoy you. 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. Miss
Lonsstreth haughtily refused to lool,
at them.
Miss Longstreth I've come to make
+ alrdale safer, cleaner, better place
for women and children. | DOM Won
Ger at your resentment. But to doubt
me-insult me. Some day you may be
sorry"
Floyd Lawson made a violent mo-
ton with his hands
''All stuff! Cousin, go on with your
party III take a couple of cowboys
and go with this-this Texas ranger
Ihanks, said Duane, coolly, as he
eyed Lawson. Perhaps you'n be able
to find Snecker quicker than 1 could"
What do you mean? demanded
IDENTIFY he was man of fierce quick
passions.
Don't quarrel said Miss Long
streth. "Floyd, you go with him.
Please hurry. I'll be nervous 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
Lawson did all the calling. He was
hurried. too, tried to keep in the lead.
Duane wondered If he knew his voice
man. Be that as it might, it was
Duane who peered into a dark corner
and then, with 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 thai
of the cowboy next to him, then into
Iawson'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 you?" asked Duane. quietly.
DO Snecker," he said
What d you hide here for?"
He appeared to grow sullen.
"Reckoned I'd be as safe in Long,
streths as anywheres"
"Raneer. what II you do with him ?"
Lawson queried, as if uncertain. now
the capture was made.
I'll 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 Sneaker before Mayor
Longstreth in the court
r. HE