Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-08-06

uan in whose honor the dinner had
been planned. But Aaron alone bad
found a sinister significance i'm the
( Generals observation to the effect that
! Kirby wore a quantity OF canoes. and
although he lacked authentic evidence
( upon which TO erect his suspicious
while likewise granting that II vas an
amazing and unbelievable action for
one 10 deliberately walk into the house
OF his enemies. be vaguely sensed that
the pseudo Colonel Moreau was none
other than the notorious Eugene Kir-
by.
Still. Aaron Randall was a strictly
| just and upright man. who was fully
aware OF the many crimes committed
In the name OF circumstantial evil
denee. Slow 20 pronounce Judgment.
be was quick 20 act when once assur-
ed that in no sense would justice be
violated. Moreover. Adele. In whose
integrity and force OF character be
had the hrmest belief and for whom
be had the highest regard and proof
OF whose acumen he bad had ample
testimony. vcuched for the impOsture
1
actual initiative IN the same. In he
absence OF Tom Randall she was alb
solute mistress. with the right TO act
IS she deemed ct. and had. moreover.
enacted bis word OF honor that be
would trust her until the arrival OF
her brother. Even had be been salts
fed with the truth OF his conjectures
regarding Kirby's identity this prom
Use TO Adele would have pledged
Aaron 10 secrecy, and NJ. Veaudry. be-
ing subsequently, acquainted with the
compact. likewise agreed that II could
not be violated.
For the young creole this passive
role was extremely difficult. and Il
was eloquent proof OF his self com
mand and personal integrity. coupled
with those refined instincts bestowed
by gentle birth and breeding. that be
considered Aaron's promise equally
binding upon himself and, REFRESHING
ali promptiuss OF jealousy. RETAINED
from dcnouncing Kirby as an impos-
tor. The successful suit Of an honora-
BILE rival would have been difficult
enough 70 recognize. but this encroach-
ment OF a stranger who at the best
was masquerade n not a character
more sinister and disreputable was I'm.
tolerable. Tor NJ. Veaudry had gath
cred from Mr.. RandalTs manner that
he suspected their guest OF being
guilty Of something more criminal
than assuming n name 20 which he
had no right
Thus, even while the young creole
and Aaron prayed that Tom RandalTs
arrival would be FASTENED and coinci-
dent With II free vent could be given
20 their suspicions, Larkln Bunce ear
nestly hoped 20 the contrary-hopcd
that Kirby would suddenly realize his
danger. growing the more deadly and
certain as every minute passed, and
would ride FOR the river before the
coming OF Nemesis.
But evidently nothing was more re-
mote from that reckless young gentle
mans attention. Tor. uumindful OF his
partners increasing uneasiness aud
that both were the object OF watchrQl.
hostile eyes. he continued 90 act AZ *
time and opportunity had been created
solely for Adele aud himself Dinner
finally At an eD1. he and hts young
hostess, entirely absorbed tn each 9th
er's society. so0ght the drawing room
balcony. while the others. with the ex-
/ ceptiOn OF BuDce. INDUCED in n game
OF piQuet. NJ. Veaudry proving a
wretched partner. his enrire attention
being occupied with the couple on the
balcony.
NJ. Neaudry. owing 90 his preoccu-
patton. proving such a thnukless part
ner. Nine. Davezac at last turned to
Bunce and suggested that he and Kir-
by join the game IN lieu OF the young
creole and the judge.
! ''Eh. truly. Anatole." she added. with
some asperity. tapping the others arm
with her ian. you cannot keep your
mind ON the game. and 50 we are un-
able 10 play. Wili you surrender your
place 10 Colonel MoreauT'
| 1T seems TO me that have already
done that" he responded gloomily.
With as good grace as possible yield
ing to the dictates OF courtesy. Kirby
unwillingly terminated his tete-a-tete
with Adele and as he approached the
| card table his place was promptly pre-
empted by the young Creole. who fol
lowed Miss Randall TO the balcony. IL
was the hrst time he had been alone
with Adele. and his long repreSSed
emotion and bitterness found vent.
| 'Ah. mamzeile. Ia is true" ne said
reproachfully. You are changed
| quickly. Yes. you Will say / wanted 10
see you happier. but also had wished
10 be the one TO make you so. Adele
he added earnestly. striving 10 take
her hand. IF this difference In you
comes only from the gratitude you
feel toto Colonel Moreau because he
tried 10 protect your father I shall be
| happy. But how have this man be-
| witched you that
II don't understand you. AnasOIe."
she said quietly. drawing away.
"'Tis ] that do not understand y0u.
Adele. think you know from the
first he is not Colonel Moreau. I have
| some very strange suspicion of him
Instantly the woman I'm her was up
In arms. seeking 10 defend. eager TO
do battle for the object II sought TO
Il shield. 1T Is enough that | know he