The Oakes times., 1917-03-01
Posein nodded in s,ow-gatherin,

wrath.
"Well, Jim's new pard-this man
Dodge-he's not who he seems. But
know him. An when spring his
name on you, Poggin. you'll freeze,
an your hand will be stiff when II
ought to be lightnin'-all because
you'll realize you've been standIn'
there five minutes-five minutes alive
before him!"
II not hate, then assuredly great
passion toward Poggin manifested it.
self in Knell's scornful, fiery address,
In the shaking hand he thrust before
Poggfn's face. In the ensuing silent
pause Knell's painting could be plainly
heard. The other men were pale,
watchful. cautiously edging either way
to the wall, leaving the principals and
Duane in the corner of the room.
"spring his name, then, you" said
Poggin, violently with curse.
Strangely Knell did not even look
Mt the man he was about to denounce.
He leaned toward Poggin, his hands,
his body, his long head all somewhat
expressive Of what his face disguised.
"Buck Duane!" he yelled, suddenly.
The name did not make any differ.
ence in Poggin. But Knell's passionate
swift utterance carried the suggestion
that the name ought to bring Poggin
to quick action. It was possible, too,
that Knell's manner, the import of his
denunciation, the meaning back Of all
his passion held Poggin bound more
than the surprise. For the outlaw Ger.
tainly was surprised, perhaps stagger.
ed ut the idea that he. Poggin, had
been about to stand sponsor with
Fletcher for famous outlaw hated
and feared by all outlaws.
Knell waited long moment, and
then his face broke its cold immobility
in an extraordinary expression Of
devilish glee. He had bounded the
great Poggin into something that gave
him vicious. monstrous joy.
"Buck Duane! Yes" he broke out,
hotly. 1.-THE Nueces gunman! That
two-shot, ace-of-spades lone-wolfl I
You an I-we've heard thousand
times Of him-talked about him often.
An here he is in front of you! Poggin,
you were backin' Fletcher's new pard
Buck Duane. An he'd fooled you
both but for me. But I know him.
An I know why he drifted in here.
To flash gun on Cheseldine-on you
on me! Bah! Don't tell me he
wanted to Join the gang. You know a
gunman, for you're one yourself.
Don't you always want to meet real
man, not four-flush7 It's the mad.
ness Of the gunman, an I know 1t.
Well, Duane faced you-called you!
An when l. sprung his name, what
ought you have done1 What would
the boss-anybody-have expected Of
Poggln7 Did you throw your gun,
swift. like you have SO often? Nav;
you froze. An why? Because here's
q man with the kind Of nerve you'd
love to have. Because he's great
meetin' US here alone. Because you
know he's a wonder with gun an
you love life. Because you an I an
every damned man here has to take
his front, each to himself. If we all
drew we'd kill him. Sure! But who's
goin' to lead? Who was goin' to be
first1 Who was goin' to make him
draw1 Not you, Poggin! You leave
that for lesser man-me-who've
lived to see you a coward. It comes
once to every gunman. You've met
your match in Buck Duane. An, by
God, I'm glad! Here's once show
you up!"
The hoarse, haunting voice failed.
Knell stepped back from the comrade
he hated. He was wet, shaking, hag-
gard. but magnificent.
"Buck Duane, do you remember
Hardin?" he asked, in scarcely audible
voice.