The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-01-04

EuCnre nnu hCQuhinteo neF VI MS "
ton with Black.
HE might have killed you'll" she
whispered. more clearly; and II Duane
had ever heard love In a voice he
heard II then. II softened him. 1t
was easy. even pleasant, to kiss her;
but Duane resolved that, whatever her
abandonment might become. he would
not 90 further than the lie she made
him act.
"Buck, you love mel" she whispered.
"Yes-yes." he burst out, eager to
get It over. and eve as he spoke he
caught the pale CLEAN Of Jennle's face
through the window. lie felt a shame
he wal glad she could not see.
The moon had risen ver the eastern
bulge Of dark mountain, and now the
valley was flooded with mellow light,
and shadows Of c~ottonwoods wavered
against the silver.
Suddenly the cllp-clop. clip-clop Of
hoofs caused Duane to raise his head
and listen. Horses were coming down
the road from the head Of the valley.
The hour was unusual for riders to
come In. Presently the narrow, Don
lit lane was crossed Mt its far end by
black moving objects. Two horses
Duane dlscerned.
"lt's Bland !" whispered the woman,
grasping Duane with shaking hands.
"You must runi No, he'd see you.
That d be worse. It's Bland! l know
his horses trot."
Then she dragged Duane to the door.
pushed him In.
"Euchrc, come out with me! Duane,
you stay with the grill I'll tell Bland
you're In love with her. Jen, II you
give us away III wiring your neck
The swift action and fierce whisper
told Duane that Mrs. Bland vas her.
self again. Duane stepped close to
Jennie, who stood near the window.
Neither spoke, but her hands were
outstretched to meet his own. They
were small, trembling hands, cold as
Ice. He held them close, trying to
convey what he falt-that he would
protect her. She leaned against him,
and they looked out of the window.
Duane saw the riders dismOunt down
the lane and YEARLY come forward. A
boy led away the horses. Euchre, the
old fox. was talking loud and with
remarkable ease, considering what he
claimed his natural cowardice.
The approaching outlaws, hearing
voices, halted q rod or so from the
porch. Then Mrs. Bland uttered an
exclamation. ostensibly meant to ex.
press surprise, and hurried out to meet
them. She greeted her husband warm
ly and gave welcome to the other man.
Duane could not see well enough In
the shadow to recognize BANDS com
panion. but he believed II was Allo-
way.
"Dog.tired we are and starved" said
Bland, heavily. "Who's here with
your
"That's Euchre on the porch. Duane
Is inside at the window with Jen."
replied Mrs. Bland.
"Duanei" he exclaimed. Then he
whispered low-something Duane
could not catch.
"Why, I asked him to come" said
the chiefs wife. She spoke easily and
naturally and made no change in tone.
"Jen has been ailing. She gets thin
ner and whittier every day. Duane
came here n day with Euchre, saw
Jen. and went looney over her pretty
face, same as oil you men. So I let
him come"
Bland cursed low and deep under his
breath. The older man made a violent
action of some kind and apparently
was quieted by a restraining hand.
Then he led the way to the porch.
his spurs blinking, the weapons he was
carrying rattllng, and he Topped down
on a bench.
How are you, boss? asked Euchre.
Hello, old man. I'm we'll. but all
In"
Alloway slowly walked IN to the
porch and leaned against the rail. He
answered Euchre's greeting with a
nod. Then he stood there a dark.
silent figure.
Mrs. BANDS full voice In 0ger
questioning had n tendency to ease the
situation. Bland replied briefly TO her,
reporting a remarkably successful trip,
Duane thought It was time to show
himself. He had a feeling that Bland
and Alloway would let him so for the
moment. They were plainly non
plused, and Alloway seemed sullen,
broodlng.
Jennie" whispered Duane, "tha,
was clever Of Mrs. Bland. Wen keeE
up the deception. Any day now b.
ready"
She pressed close to him, and
barely audible Hurry" came breath
ing into his ear.
Good night, Jennie" he said, aloud
slope you feel better tomorrow"
Then he stepped out into the moon
light and spoke. Bland returned the
greeting, and, though he was no
amiable. he did not show resentment
MET Jasper as l rode In" sale
Bland, presently. "He told me 20,
made Bill Black mad. and there's liabl'
to be n fight. What did you 60 or thu