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

tired, quiet, even melancholy. A
finely chiseled oval face, that had
something nervous and delicate about
it which made Duane think of a
thoroughbred, a mouth by no means
small, but perfectly curved, and hair
like jet proclaimed her beauty to
Duane. When she looked at him,
drawn by his rather persistent gaze,
there was pride, fire, and passion in
her eyes. Duane felt himself blush
ing in confusion.
After supper the guests assembled
in big SittingrOOm where an open
fireplace with blazing mesquite sticks
gave out warm and CHEEKY glow.
Duane took a seat by a table in the
corner, and, finding a paper, began
to read. Presently when he glanced
up he saw two dark-faced men.
strangers who had not appeared be-
fore. They were peering in from a
doorway. When they saw Duane had
observed them they stepped back out
of sight.
1t flashed over Duane that the
strangers acted SuSpiciOuSly. In Texas
in the seventies it was always bad
policy to let strangers go unheeded
Then he went out into a patio, and
across it to a little dingy, dim-Hghted
barrOOm. Here he found the inn
keeper dispensing drinks to the two
strangers
"Hev something" one of them ask
ed ieering. Both looked Duane up
and down.
''No thanks, l don't drink" Duane
replied, and returned their scrutiny
with interest. "How's tricks in the
Big Bend?"
Both men stared. 1t had only taken
close glance for Duane to recognize
a type of ruffian most frequently met
along the river. These strangers had
that stamp, and their surprise proved
he was right. Here the innkeeper
showed signs of uneasiness, and
seconded the surprise of his custom
ers. No more was SAID at the instant,
and the two rather hurriedly went
out.
Say, boss, do you know these fell
lOws?" Duane asked the innkeeper.
Nope. They nOOned heah, comm
from Bradford they said, an trailed
in after the stage"
When Duane returned to the sitting
room Colonel LOngStreth was absent,
also several of the other passengers,
Miss Ruth sat in the chair he had
vacated and across the table from
her sat Miss LOngstreth. Duane went
directly to them.
Excuse me-" said Duane, address
ing them. Il want to tell you there
are couple of rOugh-looking men
here. I've just seen them. They
mean evil. Tell your father to be
careful. Lock your doors-bar your
windows tonight"
ooh" cried Ruth, very low. "Ray,
do you hear?"
''Thank you; We'll be careful" said
Miss Longstreth, gracefully. The rich
color had faded in her cheek. Il saw
those men watching you from that
door. They had such bright black
eyes. Is there really danger-hereY'
81 think So" was Duane's reply.
Soft swift steps behind him pre-
ceded a harsh voice: Hands up!'
No man was quicker than Duane to
recognize the intent in those words
His hands shot up. Miss Ruth utter
ed a little frightened cry and sank
into her chair. Miss Longstreth
turned white, her eyes dilated. Both
girls were staring at someone behind
Duane.
Turn around ~ ordered the harsh
voice.
The big. dark stranger, the bearded
one who had whispered to his com
rade in the bar-rOom and asked
Duane to drink, had him covered with
a cooked gun. He strobe forward,
his eyes cleaning, pressed the gun
against him, and with his other hand
dived into his inside pocket and tore
out his roll of bills. Then he reached
low at Duane's hip, felt his gun, and
took it. His comrade stood in the
door with a gun leveIed at two other
men, who stood there frightened,
speechleSS.
"Git a move on, Bill" called this
fellow; and he took hasty glance
backward. A stamp of hoOfs came
from outside. OF course the robbers
had horses waiting. The one called
Bill strobe across the room. and with
brutal, careless haste began to prod
| the two men with his weapon and to
search them. The robber in the door
way called Rustic !" and disappeared.
Duane wondered where the inn
keeper was, and Colonel Longstreth
| and the other two passengers. The
| bearded robber had wheeled once
more. Duane had not moved a muscle
! but stood perfectly calm with lis arms
high. The robber strobe back with
| his bloodshot eyes fastened upon the
| girls. Miss Longstreth never flinched
but the little girl appeared about to
| faint.
Don't zap, therel" he said, low
and hard. He thrust the gun close to
Ruth. Duane had little gun in his
! pocket The robber had missed it.
And he began to calculate chances
'Any money, jewelry, diamonds y
| ordered the ruffian. fercely.