Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1917-01-31


"Gimme time, an could. Thet
takes time. An heah you 60 hell-bent
for election! But It's a wrong lead
out this way. If you're right, this
road-agent, after he killed his pals,
would hev rid back right through town.
An with them mailbags! Supposin'
they was greasers? Some greasers
has sense, an when 1t comes to thiev-
in they're shore cute"
"But we amt got any reason to be-
lieve this robber who murdered the
greasers is a greaser himself. I tell
you it was slick job, done by no
ordinary sneak. Didn't you hear the
facts? One greaser hoped the engine
an covered the engineer an fireman.
Another greaser kept flashin' his gun
outside the train. The big man who
showed back the car door an did the
killin'-he was the real gent, an don't
you forget it."
Some Of the posse sided with the
cowboy leader and some with the old
cattleman. Finally the young leader
disgustedly gathered up his bride.
"Aw, hell! Thet sheriff showed You
of this trail. Mebbe he he'd reason!
Savvy tibet? If / he'd bunch of cow
boys with mel tell you what, I'd take
q chance and clean up this hole! !"
All the while Jim Fletcher stood
quietly with his hands in his pockets.
Guthrie, I'm shore treasurin' up
your friendly talk" he said. The
menace was in the tone, not the con
tent of his speech.
"Yout can-an' be damned to you,
Fletcher !" called Guthrie, as the
horses started.
Fletcher, standing out alone before
the others Of his clan, watched the
posse out Of sight.
Luck fer you-all tibet Peggy wasn't
here" he said, as they disappeared.
Then with a thoughtful mien he
strobe up on the porch and led Duane
away from the others into the bar
room. When he looked into Duane's
face 1t was somehow an entirely
changed scrutiny.
Dodge, wher'd you hide the stuff?
I reckon I git in on this deal, seem
I STAYED of Guthrie"
Duane played his part. Here was
his opportunity, and like tiger after
prey he seized 1t. First he coolly
eyed the outlaw and then disclaimed
any knowledge whatever Of the train
robbery other than Fletcher had heard
himself. Then at Fletcher's persist
ence and admiration and increasing
show Of friendliness he laughed &C,
casionally and allowed himself to-
swell with pride, though still denying.
Later, when Duane started up an
nouncing his intention to get his horse
and make for camp out In the brush.
Fletcher seemed grievously offended.
"Why don't you stay with me? I've
got a comfortable 'dobe over here.
Didn't I stick by you when Guthrie
an his bunch come up7 Supposin'
hedn't showed down a cool hand 70
hint You'd be swingin' somewheres
now. I tell you, Dodge. 1t amt
square"
"rll square it. ] pay my debts"
replied Duane. "But can't put up
here all night. II belonged to the
gang It d be different"
"What gangF asked Fletcher, blunt
~.
'Why. Cheseldine's."
F1etcher's beard nodded % his jaw
dropped.
Duane laughed. II run Into him
the other day. Knowed him on sight.
Sure, he's the king-pin rustler. When
he seen me an asked me what reason
I had for bein' on earth or some such
hke-why, up an told him."
Fletcher appeared staggered.
"Who In ALTERED hell air you talkin
about?''
Didn't l tell you once? Cheseldine.
he calls himself Longstreth over
there"
All of Fletcher's face not covered
by hair turned dirty white.
Cheseldine Longstreth ]" he
whispered, hoarsely. God Almighty !
You braced the" Then remarkable
transformation came over the Outlaw.
He gulped; he Strengthened his face;
he controlled his agitation. But ne
could not send the healthy brown
back to his face. Duane, watching this
rude man, marveled at the change IN
him, the sudden checking movement,
the proof Of wonderful fear and
loyalty. 1t all meant Cheseldine,
master Of men!
"Who air your queried Fletcher, in
q queer, strained voice.
"You gave me handle, didn't you?
Dodge. Thet's as good as any. Shore
1t hits me hard. Jim, I've been pretty
lonely for years, an I'm gettin' In
need of pals. Think it over, will your
See you manana."
The outlaw watched Duane 60 on
after his horse, watched him as he re-
turned to the tavern, watched him
ride out in the darkness all without
a word.