The Ozark spectator., 1916-12-13

He was game. He had the courage that forced Duane to respect him. Duane just saw him measure the dis tance to that gun. Duane would have to kill him.
 "Longstreth, listen," cried Duane, swiftly. "The games up. You're done. But think of your daughter I'll spare your life-Tll try to get Sou freedom on one condition. For her sake! I've got you nailed-all the proofs. There lies Lawson. You're alone. I've Morton and men to my aid. Give up. Surrender. Consent to de- mands, and I'll spare you. Maybe I can persuade MacNelly to let you go free back to your old country. It's for Rays sake! Her life, perhaps her happiness, can be saved! Hurry, man! Your answer"
 Suppose refuse?" he queried, with a dark and terrible earnestness.
 ''Then I'll kill you in your tracks You can't move hand! Your word or death Hurry, Longstreth Be a man! For her sake! Quick! An other second now-I'n kill you!"
 "All right. Buck Duane, I give my word" he said, and deliberately walk ed to the chair and fell into 1t. Longstretf. looked strangely at the bloody blot on Duane's shoulder.
 "There come the !" he sudden ly exclaimed. Gan you help mt drag Lawson inside? They musn't see him."
 Duane was facing down the porch l toward the court and corrals. Miss Longstreth and Ruth had come 1T sight, were swiftly approaching, evil dently alarmed. The two men sue ceeded in drawing Lawson into the house before the girls saw him.
 "Duane, you're not hard hit?' saic I.ongstreth.
 Reckon not" replied Duane.
 I'm sorry. If only you could have told me sooner, Lawson! Always Eve split over himv'
 "But the last time, Longstreth."
 "Yes. and I came near driving vol to kill me, too. Duane, you talked m' out of 1t. For Rays sake! She'll b' in here in a minute. This II be hard CT than facing gun"
 Hard now. But l hope it Il turi out all right"
 Duane, will you do me favor?' he asked. and he seemed shamefaced
 Sure"
 Let Ray and Ruth think Lawson l shot you. He's dead. It can't matter 1 Duane. the old side of my life Il l coming back. It's been coming. And I'd change places with Lawson if could!'
 Glad you-said that, Longstreth, replied Duane. And sure-LawsoI plugged me. It's our secret"
 Just then Ray and Ruth entered th' room. Duane heard two low cries, s' | different in tone. and he saw tw' white faces. Ray came to his side She lifted a shaking hand to point q the blood upon his breast. White an' mute, she gazed from that to he | father.
 "Papa!" cried Ray, wringing he | hands.
 Don't give way" he replied, husk I fly. Both you girls will need you nerve. Duane isn't badly hurt. Bu Floyd isis dead. Listen. Let mt | tell 1t quick There's been a fight. l it was Lawson-it was Lawson ! gun that shot Duane. Duane let m' off. In fact, Ray, he saved me. Tn to divide my property-return so fal as possible what I've stolen-leav' Texas at once with Duane, under ar rest. He says maybe he can get Mac Nelly. the ranger captain, to let m' go. For your sake"
 She stood there, realizing her deliver l ance. with the dark and tragic glor. of her eyes passing from her fathel to Duane.
 You must rise above this" sai' Duane to her. "I expected this t' ruin you. But your father is alive He will live it down. I'm sure l caI promise you he'll be free. Perhaps back there in Louisiana the dishono will never be known. This matter O land, water, few stray head of stocl had to be decided out of court. T' protect himself he bound men to him He could not control them. He be came involved with them, and so h. grew into the leader because he wa the strongest. Whatever he is to b, judged for. think he could have beeI infinitely worse"