The Oakes times., 1917-01-04

She cried out. The prospect Of be-
ing robbed or even killed had not
shaken Miss Longstreth's nerve as
had this brutal tearing off of half
her waist.
The ruffian was only turned par
TALLY away from Duane. The gun was
still held dangerously upward close
10 her. Duane watched only that.
Then below made him Jerk his head.
Colonel Longstreth stood in the door
way in magnificent rage. He had
no weapon. Strange how he showed
no fear! He beloved something
again.
Duane's shifting glance caught the
robbers sudden movement. He seem,
ed stricken. The hand that clutcheL
Miss Longstreth's torn waist loosened
Its hold. The other hand with its
cooked weapon slowly dropped till It
pointed to the floor. That waa
Duane's chance.
Swift as flash he drew his gut
and fired. Then the robbers GUT
doomed harmlessly. He fell will
blood squirting over his face. Duane
rushed out of the room, across the
patio, through the bar to the yard
In the gloom stood saddled horse
probably the one belonging to the
fellow he had shot. His comrade hae
escaped. Returning to the sitting
room. Duane found a condition ap
preaching pandemonium.
The innkeeper was shouting to find
out what had happened. Joel, the
stage-tlriver. was trying to quiet the
men who had been robbed. The wo
man, wife of one Of the men, had
come in, and size had Mysteries. The
girls were still and white. The rob
ber Bill lay where he had fallen. Like
a Gagged lion Longstreth stalked ant
roared. There came quieter mo
ment in which the innkeeper shrill.
protested:
'A1an, what're you ravin' abootl
Nobody's hurt, an thet's lucky. ]
swear to God I hadn't nothin' to do
with them fellers"
II ought to kill you anyhow!" re-
piled LOngstreth. And his voice now
astounded Duane, 1t was so full of
power.
Upon examination Duane found
that his bullet had furrowed the rob-
ber's temple and had glanced. He was
not seriously injured, and already
showed signs of returning conscious
ness.
"Drag him out of here!'' ordered
LOngstreth; and he turned to his
daughter.
BEFORE the innkeeper reached the
robber Duane had secured the money
and gun taken from him and presently
recovered the property of the other
men. Joel helped the innkeeper carry
the injured man somewhere outside.
Miss Longstreth was sitting white
but composed upon the couch, where
lay Miss Ruth, who evidently had
been carried there by the Colonel.
The Colonel. now that he finally re-
his womenfolk, seemed to
be gentle and kind. He talked sOoth-
ingly to Miss Ruth. made light Of the
said she must learn to
have nerve out here where things
happened.
"Can ! he Of any service?" asked
Duane. sOlicitously.
THANKS; guess there's nothing
you can do. Talk to these frightened
girls while 60 see what's to be done
with that thick-skulled robber." lie
replied. and. telling the girls that
there was no more danger, he went
put.
Miss Longstrcth sat with one hand
holding her torn waist in place: the
other she extended to Duane. He
took it awkwardly, and he felt e
strange thrill.
"You saved my life." she said. in
grave, sweet seriousness.
"NO, no" Duane exclaimed. HE
might have struck you. hurt you, but
no more"
"Did you kill him?" asked Miss
Ruth. who lay listening.
"Oh, no. He's not buddy hurt
"Tm very glad he's alive" said
Miss Longstreth. shuddering.
"TeR me all about it?" asked Miss
Ruth, who was fast recovering.
Rather embarrassed, Duane briefly
told the incident from his point of
view.
"Cousln," said Miss Longstreth,
ut was fortunate for us
that this gentleman happened to be
here. Papa scouts-laughs at dang
er. He seems to think there was no
danger. Yet he raved after 1t came"
"Go with us all the way to Fair
asked Miss Ruth,
sweetly offering her hand. II am
Ruth Herbert. And this is my cousin
Ray Longstreth."
"Tm travelling that way" replied
Duane, in great confusion. He did
not know how to meet the situation.
Colonel Longstreth returned then.
and after bidding Duane good night,
which seemed rather curt by contrast
to the graciousness of the girls. he led