The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1917-12-06

boy led away the horses. Euchre, the
old fox, was talking loud and with
remarkable ease, considering what he
claimed his natural cowardice.
The approaching outlaws, hearing
voices, halted a rod or so from the
porch. Then Mrs. Bland uttered an
exclamation, ostensibly meant to ex-
press surprise, and hurried out to meet
them. She greeted her husband warm
ly and gave welcome to the other man.
Duane could not see well enough in
the shadow to recognize BANDS COM
panion, but he believed 1t was Allo-
way.
"Dog-tired we are and starved" said
Bland, heavily. "Who's here with
your
That's Euchre on the porch. Duane
is inside at the window with Jen,"
replied Mrs. Bland.
'Duanel" he exclaimed. Then he
whispered low-something Duane
could not catch.
why, / asked him to come" said
the chiefs wife. She spoke easily and
naturally and made no change in tone.
zen has been ailing. She gets thin
ner and whittier every day. Duane
came here one day with Euchre, saw
Jen, and went looney over her pretty
face. same as all you men. So I let
him come"
Bland cursed low and deep under his
breath. The older man made a violent
action of some kind and apparently
was quieted by a restraining hand.
Then he led the way to the porch.
his spurs ~clinking, the weapons he was
carrying rafting, and he Topped down
on a bench.
How are you, boss?" asked Euchre.
Hello, old man. I'm well, but all
in"
Alloway slowly walked on to the
porch and leaned against the rail. He
answered Euchre's greeting with a
nod. Then he stood there a dark,
silent figure.
Mrs. BANDS full voice in eager
questioning had a tendency to ease the
situation. Bland replied briefly to her,
reporting a remarkably successful trip.
Duane thought it was time to show
himself. He had a feeling that Bland
and Alloway would let him go for the
moment. They were plainly nom
plused. and Alloway seemed sullen,
b%roodlng.
Jennie" whispered Duane, that
was clever of Mrs. Bland. Wen keep
up the deception Any day TO- be
ready |"
She pressed close to him, and a
barely audible Hurry came breath
ing into his ear.
Good night. Jennie" he said, aloud.
slope you feel better tomorrow"
Then he stepped out into the moon
light and spoke. Bland returned the
greeting, and, though he was not
amiable, he did not show resentment.
MET Jasper as l rode In" said
Bland. presently. "He told me you
made Bill Black mad, and there's liable
to be a fight. What did you go off the
handle about?"
Duane explained the incident. I'm
SOlIS Il lidBDCIC0 w bt AiNAts liz WNAA
or ut wasn't my business"
"Scurvy trick that d been," NUT
tered Bland. you did right. All the
same, Duane, I want you to stop
quarreling with my men. If you were
one of us-that d be different. / can't
keep my men from fighting. But I'm
not called on to let an outsider hang
around my camp and plug my rus
tiers"
II guess I'll have to be hitting the
| trail for somewhere" said Duane.
"Why not join my band? You've
| got a bad start already, Duane, and II
know this border you'll never be a
| respectable citizen again. You're a
| born killer"
"But I'm no gun-fighter," protested
, Duane. Circumstances made me"
mo doubt" interrupted Bland, with
a laugh. circumstances made me a
rustler. You don't know yourself.
| You're young; you've got a temper; ;
your father was of the most
| dangerous men Texas ever had. l
don't see any other career for you.
Instead of going 1t alone-a lone WOLF,
as the Texans say-why not make
friends with other outlaws7 You'll
live longer"
Euchre squirmed In his seat.
BOSS, I've been givin' the boy eg-
zactly tibet same line of talk. An he'd
be a grand Teller fer the gang. I've
seen Wild Bill Hickok 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 diner-
ent. You can't see how he does It"
Euchre's 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
7 have IN make me eligible for YOU