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

What a contrast, Duane thought, the
calm evening of that day presented to
the state of his soul This third fac
ing of a desperate man had thrown
him of his balance. 1t had not been
fatal, but 1t threatened so much.
Despair had seized upon him and was
driving him into a reckless mood when
he thought of Jennie.
He had forgotten her. He had for
gotten that he had promised to save
her. He had forgotten that he meant
to SNUFF out as many lives as might
stand between her and freedom. The
very remembrance sheered OF his
morbid introspection. She made a
difference. How strange for him to
realize that He felt grateful to her.
He had been forced into outlawry /; she
had been stolen from her people and
carried into captivity. They had met
in the river ~fastness, he to instill hope
into her despairing life, she to be the
means, perhaps, of keeping him from
sinking to the level Of her captors. He
became conscious of a strong and beat
ing desire to see her. talk with her.
These thoughts had run through his
mind while on his way to Mrs. BANDS
house. He had let Euchre go IN ahead
because he wanted more time to COM
pose himself. Darkness had about set
in when he reached his destination.
There was no light In the house. Mrs.
Bland was waiting for him on the
porch.
She embraced him, and the sudden,
violent, unfamiliar contact sent such a
shock through him that he all but
forgot the deep game he was playing.
She, however, in her agitation did not
notice his shrinking. From her m
brace and the tender, incoherent words
that flowed with 1t he gathered that
Euchre had acquainted her OF his ac-
ton with Black.
"He might have killed your she
whispered, more clearly; and If Duane
had ever heard love In a voice he
heard 1t then. 1t softened him. Ii
was easy, even pleasant, TO kiss her ;
but Duane resolved that, whatever her
abandonment might become, he would
not go further than the lie she made
him act.
Buck, you love mef' she whispered.
"Yes-yes," he burst out, eager to
get It over, and even as he spoke he
caught the pale CLEAN of Jennie's face
through the window. He felt a shame
he was glad she could not see.
The moon had risen over he eastern
bulge of dark mountain, n now me
valley was flooded with mellow light.
and shadows of cottonwoods wavered
against the silver.
Suddenly the clip-clop, clip-clop OF
hoofs caused Duane to raise his head
and listen. Horses were coming down
the road from the head Of the valley.
The hour was unusual for riders to
come In. Presently the narrow. moon
lit lane was crossed at its far end by
black moving objects. Two horses
Duane discerned.
Its Bland 7" whispered the woman,
grasping Duane with shaking hands
eYou must runi No. he'd see you.
That d be worse. It's Blandi know
his horses trot."
Then she dragged Duane to the door,
pushed him In.
"Euchre, come out with mel Duane,
o stay with the grill I'll tell Bland
you're In love with her. Jen, II you
give us away I'll wiring your neck"
The swift action and fierce whisper
told Duane that Mrs. Bland was her.
self again. Duane stepped close to
Jennie, who stood near the window
Neither spoke. but her hands were
outstretched to meet his W They
were small. trembling hands. cold as
ice. He held them close, trying TO
convey what he felt-that he would
protect her. She leaned against him.
and they looked out OF the window
Duane saw the riders dismount down
II a