The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-10-19

Nobody"
"Then how do you know?"
II found Moreau's body. and am
the chief witness against you." snap
ped the boy. splitting out the words
with distilled venom.
Aaron Randall's expression changed.
and with sudden agitation he grasped
II. Veaudry's arm. To both men some
idea of the boys despicable action had
occurred.
Kirby waited coolly, surveying his
accuser. while he carefully chose his
next words. $50 YOU are the man |
had to find" he said measuredly, with
a sardonic. contemptuous smile. Did
you throw that pistol away, or did you
keep it?'
"That's your defense. is itY' cried
Tom. laughing wildly. iii show you
how much water that'll hold. You
want to accuse me Of taking it-ac-
cuse me Of taking that poor dead mans
pistol? You'll find that accusation is
going to fasten the rope just a little
tighter around your neck. Moreau left
his pistol in that portmanteau this
morning while at my aunt's house, and
II speak the truth it's there yet"
He pointed dramatically to the green
leather article his cousin still guarded,
and, Aaron making no move to open
1t, but remaining preoccupied and ST.
lent, Judge Pleydell stepped briskly
forward and performed the service,
holding significantly aloft the Derrin.
ger which had almost ended Kirby's
life.
"Ha! That looks as II took it,
doesn't it," cried Tom. turning in saw
age triumph upon his fancied enemy.
THE only pistol carried in my life
was my fathers. There it Is" produc-
ing from his pocket the silver mount
ed single shot weapon. You ought
to know that pistol" he finished men,
acingly. IF you don't. these people
here know It."
"You seem to have made your case"
admitted Kirby. with cool brevity and
Indifference. II believe I'd prefer to
60 out"
He glanced at Adele. but she had
turned away with bowed head. look
Ing utterly crushed. After a moments
hesitation he turned to go. when M.
Veaudry sprang forward and barred
his way.
"Keep out Of this, Anatole.." warned
young Randall. you've done your
share"
Eyes. have done my share. but I
have not forgotten my honor" replied
the young creole, pale with but i'll re-
pressed excitement. II would kill him,
but not by lies. 1t was a fair meet.
Ing. Colonel Moreau was armed this
morning. He carried that very pistol
you show us here" pointing to the
weapon that Judge Pleydell still held.
'"The proof is there" he finished SIM
ply. "Your cousin. he told me-
"YOu foolw cried young Randall.
completely outraged at this unexpected
action. which he considered base
treachery. What do you mean? 4?
Aaron" he added violently. turning to
his cousin. tell him that's a lie."
But Tom Randall's second witness
proved as disappointing. and his hasty,
despicable and we'll executed method
Of vengeance fell to pieces before his
enraged eyes. He. who had not thought
twice Of fastening murder upon his
enemy. had never for a moment doubt
ed that. the necessity arising. this i'm
portant witness. this blood relation
who shared his hatred. would readily
swear away the life Of their mutual
enemy. He had acted without princi-
pie. He had reckoned without his cOus-
ms inherent love for common decen-
cy and justice. Aaron Randall posi-
lively refused to corrOborate the false
hood. "No. sir" he said sternly. I'VE
have better way"
Tom, abandoning himself to rage and
chagrin. turned upon NJ. Veaudry and
Aaron. You cowardly sneaksw he
cried. you go back on me now when
1 had this man where could pay him
what ! owed him. There are twenty
men around this house who would
stdulp ulS IIle out like TattIeSIiake.
Give me that pistol"
"Give him the pistol. Give him for
ty! added Kirby hotly as Judge Pley-
dell hesitated. III teach you to skulk
behind trees and rob a dead man. to
swear a murder on me-" he added
passonately. turning upon his accuser.
81 am clear Of your lies. am within
the law now. and you are outside it.
Take your pistol. call in your friends
to help you. and I'll make
"No! No." cried Adele piteously.
He turned. mastering by an effort
his bitter passion. And" he finished
courteously. with formal bow, 81 will
make them welcome. 1t shall never
be said Of me that was inhospitable
In my own house"
ObliviOus to the others. his declara-
ton had been aimed at Adele, and. de-
spite the suave courtesy with which it
was delivered. she was acutely con-
n$ tos, "a