The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1918-01-03

rush by him out Of the door. Inside
Laramie was lying on the floor, with
a bloody bruise on his face. He did
not appear to be dangerously hurt.
"Bo Sneckerl He hit me and went
after the c~ash-drawer," said Laramie,
laboring to his feet.
Are you hurt much7" queried
Duane.
IL guess not. But DO needn't to
have soaked me. I've been robbed
before without that"
well, I'll take a look after b."
replied Duane.
He went out and glanced down the
street toward the center of the town.
He did not see anyone he could take
for the ~innkeeper's assailant. Then
he looked up the street, and he saw
the young fellow about a block away,
hurrying along and gazing back.
Dune yelled for him to stop and
started to go after him. Snecker
broke into a run. Then Duane set
out to overhaul him. There were two
motives In Duane's action-one of
anger, and the other a desire to make
a friend of this man Laramie, who
Duane believed could tell him much.
Duane was light on his feet, and
he had a giant stride. He gained
rapidly, kept him in sight, in the
shade, on the paths, and up the road
into the courtyard, and he saw Sneck-
er go straight for Longstreth's house.
Duane was not to be turned back
by that, singular as 1t was. He en-
tered the first door and burst into the
presence of Miss Longstreth and a
number of young people. Evidently
h was giving a little party.
Lawson stood leaning against one
of the pillars; at sight of Duane his
face changed remarkably, expressing
-amazement, CONSERVATION, then fear.
Miss Longstreth rose white as her
dress. The young women present
stared in establishment, if they were
not equally perturbed. There were
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. His
big %gunsheath showed plainly at 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 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 for?
Why, how dare you'll This is IN
warrantable!
"A man-Bo Snecker-assaulted
and robbed Jim Laramie" replied
Duane, hurriedly. Il 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
AStoulSllihcuts nc clSppSu LOi WuAu.
RAY, don't be bothered now" he
said, to his cousin. '"This 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.
bah! That's all a bluff" sneered
Lawson. "Im on 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 off, or it IL be
the worse for you"
Duane felt his face burn with a
tide of hot blood. Almost he felt
that he was guilty of such motive.
Had he not been unable to put this
Ray Longstreth u 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 house?" he asked.
"No."
THEM regret to say-TH do S
without your permission"
You'll not dare!" she flashed. She
stood erect, her bosom swelling.
Pardon me-yes, / WILL"
who are your" she demanded, sud-
denly.
"Tm a Texas Ranger" replied
Duane.
"A Texas Ranger" she echoed.
Floyd Lawson's dark face turned
pale.
Miss Longstreth, l 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 | look for him?"
"If you are indeed a ranger"
Duane produced his papers. Miss
Longstreth haughtily refused to look
at them.
Miss Longstreth, I've come to
make Fairdale a safer. cleaner. better