Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-01-11
CHAPTER XVIII.

down the street. He was certain that
on the faces Of some men he had seen
ill-cOncealed wonder and satisfaction.
He had struck some kind of a hot
trail, and he meant to see where it
led. It was by no means unlikely
that Cheseldine might be at the other
end. Duane controlled a mounting
eagerness. But ever and anon 1t was
shot through with a remembrance of
Ray Longstreth. He suspected her
father of being not what he pretended.
He was troubled.
Upon returning to the inn he found
Laramie there, apparently none the
worse for his injury.
How are you, Laramie?" he asked.
you"
4 amt accusin' b." demonstrated
Laramie, with eyes that made Duane
thoughtful
'Well, I accuse him. I caught him
took him to Longstreth's court. But
they let him go"
Laramie appeared to be agtated by
this intimation of friendship.
"See here, Laramie" went on
Duane, Gin some parts of Texas it's
policy to be clOse-mouthed Policy
and health-preserving. Between our
selves, I want You to know l lean
on your side of the fence"
Laramie gave a quick start Pre-
sently Duane turned and frankly met
his gaze. He had startled Laramie
out of his habitual set taciturnity;
but even as he looked the light that
might have been amaze and JOY faded
out of his face, leaving it the same
old mask. Still Duane had seen
enough. Like a bloodhound lie had
q scent.
Talking about work. Laramie,
who'd you say Snecker worked for?"
'When he works at all, which sure
amt often, he rides for Longstreth."
"Humph! Seems to me that Long
streth's the whole circus round Fair
dale. [ was surprised to hear some
one say LOngstreth owned the Hope
SO joint"
''He owns considerable property
hereabouts," replied Laramie, con-
STRANGELY.
'Humph again! Laramie, like every
other fellow I met in this town,
you're afraid to open your trap about
Longstreth. Get me straight. Lara
ME. For cause I'd throw a gun on
him Just as quick as on any rustler
in PecOs"
Talks cheap" replied Laramie,
making light of his buster, but the
red was deeper i'll his face
Sure. know that" Duane said.
"And usually I don't talk. Then it's
mot well known that Longstreth
owns the Hope So?"
Reckon it's known in Pecos. all
right. But Longstreth's name isn't
connected with the Hope So. Blandy
runs the place"
''That Blandy. His faro games
crooked, or I'm a locoed bronch. That
Hope SO place ought to be run by
good fellow like you, Laramie"
Thanks" replied he; and Duane
imagined his voice a little husky.
Didn't you hear I used to-run it3
I built the place, owned it for eleven
years"
''Well, I'll be doggoned." 1t was
indeed Duane's turn to be surprised.
and with the surprise came a glim-
mering. I'm sorry you're not there
now. Did you sell out?"
mo. Just lost the place"
Laramie was bursting for relief
now-to talk, to tell Sympathy had
made him soft. 1T was two years
ago-two years last March," he went
oG, Il was in a big cattle deal with
Longstreth. We got the stock-an'
my share, eighteen hundred head,
was rustIed off. l owed Longstreth
He pressed me. 1t came to law
sultan WAS ruined"
1t hurt Duane to look at Laramie.
He was white, and tears rolled down
his cheeks. Duane saw the bitterness,
the defeat, the agony of the man.
But the reason he did not openly ac-
cuSe LOngstreth, the secret of his
reticence and fear-these Duane
thought best to try to learn at some
later time.
Hard luck! 1t certainly was
tough" Duane said. But you're 8
good loser. And the wheel turns !!
Now, Laramie, here's what. l need
your advice. I've got a little money.
But before l lose it l want to invest
some. Buy some stock, or buy an
interest in some rancher's herd.
| Sure you must know a couple of men
above suspicion"
Thank God I do" he replied,
feelingly. Frank Morton an 81
! thinner, my friends an neighbors all
my prosperous days, an friends still.
You can gamble on Frank an ST.
But if you want advice from me
don't invest money il stock now"
'Why?"
Because any new feller buyin'
stock these days will be vUstled quick
I er n he can say Jack E2Einson. The
old ranchers are wise an sore.
They'd fight if they"
"What?" Duane put in as he
paused. What d make them fghtW