The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1917-01-11

/ from the tracks, tied his horse, anC
then crossed over to the station. Ht
heard the clicking of the telegraph
instrument, and 1t thrilled him. All
operator sat inside reading. When
Duane tapped on the window he look.
ed up with startled glance, then went
swiftly to unlock the door.
Hello Give me paper and pencil.
Quick" whispered Duane.
With trembling hands the operator
complied. Duane wrote out the mes
sage he had carefully composed.
"Send this-repeat it to make sure
then keep mum. I'll see you again,
! Good-by."
The operator stared. but did not
| speak "A word.
Duane left as stealthily and swiftly
as he had come. He walked his horse
couple of miles back on the road
and then rested him till break of day.
When Duane swung into the wide,
grassy square on the outskirts of Ord
he saw a bunch of saddled horses
hitched In front of the tavern. He
knew what that meant. Luck still
favored him. If it would only Hold
But he could ask no more. The rest
was n matter of how greatly he could
make his power felt. An open conflict
against odds lay in the balance. That
would be fatal to him, and to avoid
1t he had to trust to his name and a
ha a DO 10
knew outlaws. He knew what quail
ties held them. He knew what to eX-
aggerate.
There was not an outlaw in sight.
The dusty horses had covered distance
that morning. AS Duane dismounted
he heard loud, angry voices inside the
tavern. He removed coat and vest,
hung them over the pommel, He pack
ed two guns, one belted high on the
left hip, the other one swinging low on
the right side. He neither looked nor
listened, but boldly pushed the door
and stepped inside.
The big room was full of men, and
every face pivoted toward him,
Knell's pale face flashed into Duane's
Kane's then Panhandle Smiths, then |
Fletcher's, then others that were fami-
liar, and last that of Poggin. Though |
Duane had never seen Poggin or heard |
him described, he knew him. For he |
saw a face that was a record of great |
and evil deeds.
There was absolute silence. The |
hnn np |
table upon which were papers, stacks
of silver coin, bundle of bills, and
huge gold-mounted gun.
Are you gents lOokin' for meT
asked Duane. He gave his voice all
the ringing force and power of which
he was capable. And he stepped back,
free of anything, with the outlaws all
before him.
Knell stood Quivering, but his face
might have been a mask. The other
outlaws looked from him to Duane.
Tim Fletcher flung up his hands.
my Gawd, Dodge, what d you bust
n here fer?" he said, plaintively, and
slowly stepped forward. His action
vas that of a man true to himself.
'AS AithiiL hS iul DGSn SpOuSOT lOE |
Duane and now he would stand by
him.
Back, Fletcher" called Duane, and
his voice made the outlaw jump.
Hold on, Dodge, an you-an, every
Dody," said Fletcher. Let me talk,
eein' I'm in the wrong here"
His persuasIons did not ease the
train.
"GO ahead. Talk" said Poggin.
Fletcher turned to Duane. "Pard.
I'm takin' 1t on myself tibet you meet
here when I swore you'd meet
riends. It's my fault. I'll stand by
'ou If you let me-"
mo, jim" replied Duane.
"But what d you come fer without
he signal?" burst out Fletcher in
istress. He saw nothing but catas- /
rophe in this meeting.
'Jim, l amt pressin' my company
one. But when I'm wanted bad"
Fletcher stopped him with raised :.
and. Then he turned to POggin with :,
rude dignity. -
Peggy, he's my pard, an he's riled.
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