The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-02-22

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.
"Longstrcth, listen" cried Duane,
swiftly. "The games up. You're
done. But think OF your daughter
I'll spare your llfe-rll try to get
Sou freedom on one condition. For
her sukel I've got you nnllod-nlI 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
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 savedl Hurry,
man Your answer"
suppose refuse2" he queried, with
dark and terrible carnestness.
"Then I'll kill you In your tracks |
You can't move n hand Your word
or DEATH Hurry, Longstrethl BE n
mani For her sakel Quick An
other second now-J'll kill your
"All right, Buck Duane, | give my
word" he said. and deliberately walk
ed to the chair and fell into II.
Longstreth looked strangely at the
bloody blot on Duane's shoulder.
There come the glrlsl" he sudden
ly exclaimed. "Cun you help me
drag Lawson inside? They mustn't see
him"
Duane was fncing down the porch
toward the court and corrals. Miss
Longstreth and Ruth had come in
sight, were swiftly approaching, evil
IDENTIFY alarmed. The two men sue
ceeded I'm drawing Lawson into the
house before the girls saw him.
duane, you're not hard hlt?' said
Longstreth.
Reckon not" replied Duane.
I'm sorry. If only you could have
told me sooner! Lawsonl Always
I've split over him ~
"But the last time Longstreth."
"Yes, and l came near driving you
to kill me, too. Duane, you talked me
out of 1t. For Rays sake! She'll be
in here in a minute. This II be hard
er than facing gun"
Hard now. But hope It II turn
out all right"
duane. will you do me n favorf
he asked, and he seemed shamefaced
"Sure."
LET Ray and Ruth think Lawson
shot you. He's dead. II can't matter
Duane, the old side of my life Is
coming back. It's been coming. And
I'd change places with Lawson II
couldm u
"Glad you--said that. Longstreth,'
replied Duane. "And sure-Lawson
plugged me. It's our secret"
Just then Ray and Ruth entered the
room. Duane heard two low cries, SC
different in tone, and he saw two
white faces. Ray came to his side
She lifted a shaking hand to point al
the blood upon his breast. White ant
mute, she gazed from that TO hel
father.
"Papaw cried Ray. wifnging heI
hands.
Don't give way" he replied. husk
lily. Both you girls will need YOU
nerve. Duane isn't badly hurt. Blu
Floyd isis dead. Listen. Let m'
tell 1t quick. There's been fight. j
1t was Lawson-it was Lawsoa'
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. lie says maybe he can get Mac
Nelly, the ranger captain. to let ms
go. For your sakew
She stood there, realizing her deliver
ance, with the dark and tragic glor!
Of her eyes passing from her father
TO Duane.
you must rise above this" sale
Duane TO her. ~ expected this t.
ruin you. But your father alive
/, lie will live It down. Tn sare / cal
: promise you he'll be free. Perhap
back there In Louisiana the dlshono
will never be known. This matter o
land, water, few stray head of stool
hud to be decided ont of court. II
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 beer
infinitely worse"