Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1917-01-10

cowboys present who suddenly grew
intent and still. BY these things
Duane gathered that his appearance
must be disconcerting. He was pant
Ing. He wore no hat or coat. Ills
big gunsheath showed plainly ut his
hip.
Sight of Miss Longstreth had an
unaccountable effect upon Duane. He
was plunged into confusion. For the
moment he saw no one but her.
Miss Longstreth II came - to
search--your house." painted Duane.
Search my house!' exclaimed Miss
Longstreth; and red succeeded the
white in her cheeks. She appeared
astonished and angry. "What f0r2
Why, how dare you! This Is un-
warrantable!"
"a man-Bo Snecker-assaulted
and robbed Jim Laramie" replied
Duane, hurriedly. 81 chased Snecker
here-saw him run into this house."
"Here? Oh, sir, you must be mis-
taken. We have seen no one. In the
absence of my father I'm mistress
here. I'll not permit you to search"
Lawson appeared to come out Of his
establishment. He stepped forward.
"Ray, don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. ''Thls fellows
making a bluff. I'll settle him. See
here, mister, you clear out |"
II want Snecker. He's here, and
I'm going to get him." replied Duane,
quietly.
"Bahl That's all bluff" sneered
lawson. I'm % to your game. You
just wanted an excuse to break in
hereto see my cousin again. When
you saw the company you invented
that excuse. Now, be OF, or 1t II be
the worse for YOU"
Duane felt. his face burn with .
tide Of hot blood. Almost he felt
that he was guilty OF such motive.
Had he not been unable to put this
Ray Longstreth out of his mind?
There seemed to be scorn In her eyes
now. And somehow that checked his
embarrassment.
Miss Longstreth, will you let me
search the houseY' he asked.
mo"
Them regret to say-I'll do so
without your permission"
"You'll not dare!' she flashed. She
stood erect. her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-yes, I WILL"
''Who are your" she demanded, sud-
denly.
"rm Texas Ranger" replied
Duane.
"a Texas Ranger!' she echoed.
Floyd Lawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth, don't need war
rants to search houses" said Duane.
"I'm sorry to annoy you. I'd prefer
to have YOUR permission. A ruffian
has taken refuge herein your
fathers house. He's hidden some
where. May l look for him?"
IF you are indeed ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
Miss Longstreth, I've come to
make Fairdale safer, cleaner, better
place for women and children. don't
wonder at your resentment. But to
doubt me-insult me. Some day you
may be sorry"
Floyd Lawson made violent mo-
ton with his hands.
"All stuff! Cousin. go on with your
party. I'll take a couple of cowboys
and go with this-this Texas Ranger"
Thanks" said Duane coolly. as he
eyed lawson. Perhaps you'll be able I
to find Snecker quicker than could"
''What do you mean?" demanded
Lawson, and now he grew livid. Evil
IDENTIFY he was a man Of quick pas
siOns.
Don't quarrel" said Miss Long
streth. Floyd you go with him.
Please hurry. I'll be nervous till
the mans found or you're sure there's
not one"
They started with several cowboys to
search the house. 1t struck Duane
more than forcibly that Lawson tried
to keep in the lead. 1T was Duane who
peered into dark corner and then.
with gun leveled, said "Come out I"
J, He came forth into the flare-a tall,
slim, dark-faced youth. wearing SOM
brero. blouse and trousers. Duane
collared' him before any Of the others
could move and held the gun close
enough to make him shrink. He
peered into Duane's face, then into
that of the cowboy next to him, then
into Lawson's and if ever in Duane's
life he beheld relief it was then. That
was all Duane needed to know, but
be meant to find out more If he could.
"Who re you?" asked Duane, quiet
".
''Bo Snecker," he said.
Ranger, what II you do with himr' i
Lawson queried. as If uncertain, now
The capture was made.
''I'll see to that" replied Duane,
and he pushed Snecker in front Of
him out into the court.
Duane had suddenly conceived the
dea Of taking Snecker before Mayor
Longstreth In the court.
When Duane arrived at the hall
where court was held there were
other men there, a dozen or more. and
Ill seemed excited; evidently. news OF