Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-01-18

to a private room. Without q word
the Captain complied. When they
were all inside Duane closed the door,
and, drawing a deep breath as if OF
relief, he faced them calmly.
Miss Longstreth, you and Miss
Ruth try 10 make yourselves coslfort-
able now" he said. And don't be dis
tressed." Then he turned to his cap
tain. ''MacNelIy, this girl is the
daughter of the man I've brought to
you, and this one is his niece"
Then Duane briefly related Long
streths story, and, though he did not
GUS
"When l went after Longstreth,"
concluded Duane sit was either to
ill him or offer him his freedom on
conditions. SO I chose the latter for
his daughters sake. He has already
disposed of all his property. [ believe
he'll live up to the conditions. He's
to leave Texas never to return. Ches-
eldine has been a mystery, and now it
IL fade"
A few moments later Duane follow
ed MacNeiIy to a large room, like a
hall, and here were men reading and
smoking. Duane knew them
rangers
MacNelly bechOned to his men. They
crowded close, eager, like hounds
ready to run. Whey all talked at
once, and the word most significant
and frequent in their speech was
outlaws"
MacNelly clapped his fist in his
hand.
'"This II make the adjutant sick
with joy Maybe he won't have it
on the Governor! Wen show them
about the ranger service. Duane
how'd you ever do it?"
Now, Captain, not the half nor
the quarter of this jobs done. The
gangs coming down the road. They'll
ride in to town on the dot-two-thirty.'
':EIow many?" asked MacNelly.
'Poggin, Blossom Kane, Panhandle
Smith, Boldt, jim Fletcher, and an
other man I don't know
"Poggin-that's the hard nut to
crack I've heard their record since
I've been in Val Verde. Where
Knel?"
"KneU's dead"
"Ahr' exclaimed MacNelly, softly
Then he grew businesslike, cool, and
Of harder aspect. Duane, it's your
game to-day. We're all under your
orders"
You understand there's no sense in
trying to arrest Poggin, Kane and that
lot?" Queried Duane.
mo, I don't understand that" re,
piled MacNelly, bluntly.
ut can't be done. The drop can't
| be got on such men. Poggin, That
outlaw has no equal with a gun-un,
less He's got to be killed quick
They'll all have to be killed. They're
all bad, desperate, know no fear, are
lightning in action"
every well, Duane; then it's a fight
That II be easier, perhaps. The boys
are spelling for a fight. Out with your
plan. now"
Put one man at each end of this
street, just at the edge of town. Put
| four men ND in that room over the
banl-two at each open window. Let
| them hide till the game begins. The
rest of your men put inside behind
the counters, where they'll hide. Now
| 20 over to the bank, spring the thing
| on the bank officials, send your mer
over ones by one. No hurry, no eN
! 70 oa-
| notice in the bank"
"All right That's great Tell me
where do you intend to waltz"
Duane heard MacNelly's question
and il struck him peculiarly. He haC
seemed to be planning and speaking
mechanically. AS he was confronted
by the fact it nOnplused him some
what, and he became thoughtful
with lowered head.
"Where II you wait, Duane" in
sisted MacNelly, with keen eye
! specializing.
I'll wait in front-juSt inside thu
door," replied Duane, with an effort
But will you hide?" asked Mac
Nelly.
Duane was silent.
MacNeLly stared, and then strange
comprehending light seemed to I'll
over his face.
Duane, I can give you no order
to-day he said, distinctly. I'm onl.
offering advice. Need you take an,
more risks? You've redeemed your
self. The governor, the adjutant-gen
eral-the whole state will rise up an
honor you. l say, as ranger, nee
you take more risk than your cap
tain?"
Still Duane remained silent. FL
was locked between two forces. An
one, a tide that was bursting at II
bounds, seemed about to overWheiI
him. Finally that side of him. th
retreating self, the weaker,
voice.
Captain, just what I'll do or wher
I'll be l can't say yet. In meeting
like this the moment decides. Bu