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


mon sense, or keenness were out OF
the question. He went because he felt
he was compelled,
Dusk had fallen when he rode into
town which inquiry discovered to
be Fairfield.
There did not appear to be any
camp on the outskirts Of the town.
But as Duane sat his horse, peering
around and undecided what further
move to make, he caught the CLINT Of
Pickering lights through the darkness.
Heading toward them he saw the NOV
ing forms Of men and heard horses.
He advanced naturally, expecting any
moment to be halted.
"Who goes there?" came the sharp
call out Of the gloom.
Duane pulled his horse. The gloom
was impenetrable.
"One man-alone," replied Duane.
what do you want?"
''Im trying to find the ranger camp"
you've struck it. What's your
errand?"
II want to See Captain MacNelly."
"Get down and advance. Slow.
Don't move your hands. It's dark,
but | can see,"
Duane dfsmounted, and, leading his
horse, slowly advanced a few PAGES.
He saw DULY bright object-a gun
before he discovered the man who
eEo
dark figure blocking the trail. Here
Duane halted.
Here, ranger, understand this. My
visit is peaceful-friendly if you'll let
it be. Mind, / was asked to come
hereafter dark"
Duane's clear, penetrating voice
carried far. The listening rangers at
the campfire heard what he said.
"Ho, Pickens! Tell that fellow to
watt replied an authoritative voice.
Then slim figure detached itself
from the dark, moving group at the
campfire and hurried out.
Better be foxy Cap" shouted a
ranger, In warning.
Shut up-an of you," was the re-
ply.
This officer, obviously Captain Mac
Nelly, soon joined the two rangers
who were confronting Duane. He had
no fear. He strobe straight up to
Duane.
I'm MacNe1ly," he said. eff you're
my man, don't mention your name
yet"
All this seemed strange to Duane, in
keeping with much that had happened
lately.
81 met JEFF Aiken to-day" said
Duane. "He sent me-"
you've met Aiken" exclaimed
MacNelly, sharp, eager, low by all
that's bu1lyr' Then he appeared to
catch himself, to grow restrained.
"Men, fall back, leave US alone a
moment"
The rangers slowly withdrew.
"Buck Duane! It's you?" he
whispered, eagerly.
eyes"
IF I give you my word you'll not
be arrested-you'u be treated fairly
will you come into camp and consult
with me?"
Certainly"
went on MacNelly; and he extended
his hand.
Amazed and touched, scarcely realiZ-
ing this actually, Duane gave his hand
and felt an unmistakable grip of
warmth.
"It doesn't seem natural, Captain
MacNelly, but believe I'm glad to
meet you" said Duane, soberly.
''You will be. Now We'll go back to
camp. Keep your identity mum for the
present"
He led Duane in the direction Of the
campfire.
"Pickens, go back on duty" he
ordered, "and, Beeson, you look after
this horse"
When Duane got beyond the line
of mesquite, which had hid a good
view Of the camp site, he saw a group
of perhaps fifteen rangers sitting
around the fires, near a long, low shed
where horses We're feeding, and
small adobe house at one side.
"We've just had grub. but I'll see you
get some. Then We'll talk" said
MacNelly. "I've taken up temporary
quarters here. Have a rustler job on
hand. Now, when you've eaten, come
right into the house.
Duane was hungry, but he hurried
through the ample supper that was
set before him, urged on by curiosity
and establishment. While eating he
: had bent keen eyes around him. After
q first quiet scrutiny the rangers ap-
parently paid 10 more attention to
him. They were all veterans in serv-
ice-Duane saw that-and rugged,
powerful men of iron constitution.
Despite a general conversation of
campfire nature. Duane was not de-
ceived about the fact that his advent
had been an unusual and striking one,
which had caused an undercurrent of
conjecture and even CONSERVATION
among them. These rangers were too
well trained to appear openly curious
about their captains guest AS it
was, Duane felt a suspense that must
have been due to q hint Of his
identity.