Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-01-04


| sndue, on the paths, and ~ RIO r==@..
into the courtyard, and he saw Sneck-
er so straight for Longstreth's house.
Duane was not to be turned back
by that singular as it was. He en-
tered The first door and burst into the
presence of Miss Longstreth and
number Of young people. Evidently
she was g:TtTr little party.
Lawson stood leaning against one
| Of the pillars; at sight of Duane his
face changed remarkably, expressing
| amaZement, CONSERVATION, then fear
Miss Longstreth rose white as her
/ dress. The young women present
stared in establishment if they were
not equally perturbed. There were
cowboys present who suddenly grew
intent and still. By these things
Duane gathered that his appearance
! must be diScOncerting. He was pant
| ing. He wore no hat or coat. His
big gunsheath showed plainly at his
| hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an
unaccountable effect upon Duane. He
/ was plunged into confusion. For the
moment he saw no one but her.
Miss Longstreth i came TO
search-your house." painted Duane.
Search my housew exclaimed Miss
Longstreth; and red succeeded the
| white in her cheeks. She appeared
astontshed and angry. "What for?
| Why, how dare you. This is un-
warrantabler
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted
| and robbed Jim Laramie" replied
| Duane, hurriedly. 'I chased Snecker
here-saw him run into this house"
Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
| taken. We have seen no one. In the
| absence of my father Tn mistress
| here. I'll not permit you to search"
Lawson appeared to come out of his
establishment. He stepped forward.
RAY, don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. This fellows
making a bluff. I'll settle him. See
! here, mister, you clear Out!'
81 want Snecker. He's here, and
I'm going to get him. replied Duane,
| quietly.
bah! That's all a bluff" sneered
Lawson. I'm on to your game You
just wanted an excuse to break in
! hereto see my cousin again. When
you saw the company you invented
| that excuse. Now, be off, or it II be
the worse for you"
Duane felt his face burn with
| tide of hot blood. Almost he felt
that he was guilty of such motive.
Had he not been unable to put this
Ray LOngstreth out of his mind?
There seemed to be scOrn in her eyes
now. And somehow that checked his
| embarrassment.
''Miss Longstreth, will you let me
search the hOuseF' he asked.
mo"
"Then-T regret to say-TIl do so
without your permission"
you'll not darer she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-yes I will"
''Who are your" she demanded, sud-
denly.
I'm a Texas Ranger" replied
Duane
"a Texas RangerT she echoed.
Floyd LawsOn's dark face turned
pale.
"Miss LOngstreth, [ don't need war
rants to search houses" said Duane.
I'm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer
| to have your permission. A ruffian
| has taken refuge herein your
| fathers house. He's hidden some
where. May l look for him?'
eff you are indeed a ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
| at them.
Miss Longstreth, I've come to
make Fairdale safer, cleaner, better
| place for women and children. I don't
| wonder at your resentment But TO
doubt me-insult me. Some day you
may be sorry"
Floyd Lawson made a violent mo-
ton with his hands.
GAIL stuff Cousin, go on with your
party. III take a couple of cowboys
and go with this-this Texas Ranger"
Thanks" said Duane cOOIly, as he
eyed Lawson. perhaps yOu'u be able
to find Snecker quicker than I could"
"What do you mean?" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid Evil
IDENTIFY he was man of quick pas
siOnS.
Don't quarrel" said Miss Long
streth. 'Floyd you go with him.
Please hurry. I'll be nervous till
the mans found or you're sure there's
not one"
They started with several cowboys ID
search the house. 1t struck Duane
more than forcibly that Lawson tried
to keep in the lead. It was Duane who
peered into a dark corner and then,
with a gun leveled, said Come out %
He came forth into the fare-a tall,
slim, dark-faced youth, wearing SOM
brero, blouse and trousers. Duane
colIared him before any of the others
could move and held the gun close
enough to make him shrink He
peered into Duane's face, then into
that Of the cowboy next to him. then
into Lawson's and if ever in Duane's
life he beheId relief it was then. That
was ali Duane needed to know, but
he meant to find out more if he could.
"Who re you?" asked Duane, quiet
~.
f'Bo Snecker," he said.
Ranger, what IL you do with him %