Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-01-03

wise, too, fer it's likely he'll d w
same" b
How about the horsesf" IA
'IIl fetch them an come along 49,
two minnits behind you. Once III
them horses, we can ride out OF catti
before Alloway or anybody elsa It'll
into action. Jennie amt much heavletI
n a rabbit. Thet big black will carry
you BOTH
Buck, last word--look out ~
tibet Bland woman!"
Duane merely nodded, and then. sayss
ing that the horses were ready, nc
strobe away through the grove.
No outlaws were In sight. He saw
several Mexican herders with cattle.
Blue columns of smoke curled up over
some Of the cabins. The fragrant smell 7
of It reminded Duane OF his honnfI
and cutting wood for the stove. HNy
noted a cloud Of creamy mist riaint|
above the river. dissolvins in the suns
light. NJ !
Then he entered BANDS lane.
While yet some distance from the
cabin he heard loud. angry voices Of
man and woman. Bland and Kate
still quarrellng! He took a quick sur
vey of the surroundings. There was
not even a Mexican In sight. Then NJ
hurried little. Halfway down the
lane he turned his head to peer
through the cottonwoods. This time
he saw Euchre coming with the horses.
There was no Indication that the old
outlaw might lose his nerve at the emu.
Duane had feared this.
Duane now changed his walk to
leisurely saunter. He reached the
porch and then distinguished what was
said inside the cabin.
ar you do, Bland. by Heaven III
fix you and her." That was painted
out in Kate BANDS full voice.
LET me loose! I'm going in there.
tell you" replied Bland, hoarsely.
'No, no! I won't let you. You'll
choke the--truth out Of her--youll
kill her"
THE truth ~ Kissed Bland.
Yes. lied. But she lied 20 save
me. You needn't-murder her-for
that"
Bland cursed horribly. Then follow
ed wrestling sound of bodies in vio-
lent straining contact-the scrape OF
feet-the jangle of spurs--a crash OF
sliding table or chair, and then the
cry of woman in pain.
Duane stepped into the open door.
inside the room. Kate Bland lay
half across table where she had been
flung. and she was trying to get to
Her feet. Rlnnd's back was turned.
He had opened the door into Jennie's
room and had one foot across the
threshold. Duane caught the girls
low. shuddering cry. Then he called
out loud and clear.
With cat-like swiftness Bland wheel
ed. then froze on the threshold. His
sight, quick as his action, caught
Duane's menacing, unmistakable posi-
ton.
BANDS big frame filed the door.
He was in bad place to rench for
his gun. But he would not lave time
for n step. Duane read in his eyes the
desperate calculation Of chances For
Il hccting instant Bland shifted his.
glance to his wife. Then his whole
body seemed to vibrate with the swing
of his arm.
Duane shot him. He fell forward.
his gun exploding as 1t hit into the
floor, and dropped loose from stretch-1
ing fingers. Duane stood over him.
stopped to turn him on his back.
Bland looked up with clouded GAZE
then gasped his last.
duane, you've killed him." cried
Kate Bland, huskily. II knew you'd
have to-"
She staggered against the wall, her
eyes dilating. her strong hands clemens.
ing. her face slowly whitening. She
appeared shocked. half stunned. but
showed no grief.
Jennie" called Duane. sharply.
"Come out Hurry"
She came out with uneven steps,
seeing only him. and she stumbled over
BANDS body. Duane caught her arm.
swung her behind him. He feared the
woman when she realized how she had
been dupcd. His action was protec-
tive. and his movement toward the
door equally as significant.
Duane" cried Mrs. Bland.
It was no time to talk. Duane edged
on, keeping Jennie behind him. AT
that moment there was n pounding OF
iron-shod hoofs out In the lane. Kate
Bland bounded to the door. When she
turned back her nmazement was
changing to realization.
where re you taking jena" she
cried. her voice like n mans.
sect out Of my way" replied Duane.
His look perhaps, without speech. was
enough for her In an instant she was
transformed into n fury.
you hound. All the time you werel
fooing me! You made love to me Y
You'll never leave here alive. Give me-
that girl Let me-get at her! She'll
never win any more men In this camp.
(To BE Continued.)