Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-02-03


Duane saw him calculating chances.
He was game. He had the courage
TINT forced Duane to respect him.
Duane Just saw him measure the dis
lance to that gun. Duane would have
to kill him. s2s
"Longstreth, listen" cried Duane.
swiftly. "The games up. You're
Tone. But think of your daughter I!
I'll spare your life-rlI try to get
sou freedom on one condition. For
her sake. I've got you nailed--all the
proofs. There lies Lawson. You're
alone. i've Morton and men to my aid.
Give up. Surrender. Consent to de-
mands, and I'll spare you. Maybe !
can persuade MacNelly to let you 20
free back to your old country. It's
for Rays sake! Her life, perhaps her
happiness. can be saved Hurry.
man! Your answer!"
Suppose refuse?' he queried, with
dark and terrible earnestness.
i "Then I'll kill you in your tracks
You can't move a hand Your word
or death! Hurry, Longstreth Be a
man! For her sake! Quick! An
other second now-I'll kill YOU"
"All right, Buck Duane, I give my
word" he said, and deliberately walk
ed to the chair and fell into 1t.
Longstreth looked strangely at the
bloody blot on Duane's shoulder.
"There come the girls !" he sudden.
Nv exclaimed. "Can you help me
drag Lawson inside? They mustn't see
him."
Duane was facing down the porch
toward the court and corrals. Miss
Longstreth and Ruth had come in
sight, were swiftly approaching, evil
IDENTIFY alarmed. The two men Sue
cecded in drawing Lawson into the
house before the girls saw him.
duane, you're not hard hit?" said
Longstreth.
"Reckon not" replied Duane.
"Pm sorry. If only you could have
told me sooner! Lawson! Always
I've split over him ~
"But the last time, Longstreth."
'Yes, and came near driving you
to kill me, too. Duane, you talked me
out Of it. For Rays sake! She'll he
in here in minute. This II be hard
err than facing gun"
lizard now. But hope it II turn
out all right"
'tDuane, will you do me favor?''
he asked, and he seemed shamefaced
"Sure."
'Let Ray and Ruth think Lawson
shot you. He's dead. 1t can't matter
Duane, the, old side of my life is
coming back. It's been coming. And,
I'd change places with Lawson if
could.''
"Glad you-said that, Longstreth,' =
replied Duane. "And sure-Lawson
plugged me. It's our secret"
Just then Ray and Ruth entered the
room. Duane heard two low cries, 50
different in tone, and he saw two
white faces. Ray came to his side
She\ lifted shaking hand to point at
the blood upon his breast. White and
mute, she gazed from that to hel
father. 4 e -
"Papa!" cried Ray, wringing hel
hands.
.'Don't give way he~replied. husk
lily. Both you girls will need your
nerve. Duane isn't badly hurt. But
Floyd isis dead Listen. Let me
tell it quick. There's been a fight. Il
lit was Lawson-it was -Lawson'
gun that shot Duane. Duane let me
off. In fact, Ray. he saved me. Tn
to divide my property -return SO. fa1
/, as possible WHAT Eve stolen--leavt
3 Texas Mt once with Duane, under ar
rest. He says maybe he can get Mac
Nelly. the ranger captain, to let me
so. For your sake!'
She stood there. realizing her deliver
ance. with the dark and tragic glor!
of her eyes passing from her father
to Duane.
"You must rise. above this" sale
Duane to her. 81 expected this C
ruin you. But your father is alive
He will live 1t down. Tn sure ! car
promise you he'll be, free. Perhaps
back there in Louisiana the dishonol
will never be known. This matter o
land. water, few stray head Of stocl
had to be decided out Of court. r
protect himself he bound men to him
I He could not. control them. He be
came involved With them, and so HI
grew into the leader because he was
the strongest. Whatever he is to bt
judged for. think he could have beer
Infinitely worst"
(To Be Continued.l