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

S0 anu promptly Idlnteu, Wnlle
her brother attempted another ineffec
tual assault upon his enemy. With
difficulty he was bundled out Of the
room by Aaron and NJ. Veaudry before
blood was shed. Kirby being in no
humor to stand further insults from
his accuser. Then Adele was escorted
from the room by old Nanny Lena,
Groups wife. while Judge Pleydell re-
paired to the balcony and dismissed
the patiently waiting posse.
Unwillingly the posse dispersed, some
even returning to New Orleans, while
the interchangeable old judge retired in
doors and sought his three friends.
leaving Kirby and Bunce in undisput-
ed possession Of the ground floor.
swell. gentlemen" began Pleydell
In buSineSSlike voice, there Is only
one thing to be done. and that IS to
adhere to our original plan. 1t Is no
time now to deplore our mutual blind
ness. The fact remains that that
ID low gambler has claimed the
plantation. as we expected, though
admit he took an unlocked for and
devilish roundabout method Of doing
so."
"If I had had any help he wouldn't
be here now" interrupted Tom RAN
dali sullenly. glowering at Aaron and
NJ. Veaudry. "I'll fix him yetw
mot you alone. but the four Of u.s."
corrected Pleydell. "ani we'll give him
fairer chance than he deserves. In
the meantime. Tom. you must control
yourself and keep out Of his way until
the ladies' have left the house. for no
violence must be INDUCED in In their
presence. Your poor sister has stood
about all she can bear. | reckon. though
I'm glad she discovered in time the
true character of that designing vii
JAIN
You mean to insinuate that he dared
to pay his addresses to Adele?" cried
Tom. springing to his feet In a fresh
access of fury.
M. Veaudry laid restraining hand
upon his arm. 1T is that l do not
think Mr.. Kirby has acted as other
than gentleman to lady," he said
pacifcally. glancing significantly at
Pleydell.
"Gentleman!" sneered young Ran.
dali. "As If he knew the meaning of
the word. But if he had dared to ad-
dress Adele l would go down now
and
You must learn 20 control yourself.
SIR" interposed the judge, somewhat
testify. irritated at the boys mad out.
bursts. Il think you can safely leave
the honor Of the family in the mature
and capable hands of your cousin. You
have misinterpreted my words" he
added. ignoring the others shrug at
the mention of Aarons supposed abil-
tiles. for AnatOle Is quite right. Mr.
Kirby evidently has one virtue-he
knows his limits-and your sister is
not one to be impressed by such a
character even If masQuerading under
such an honorable name as Colonel
Moreau. To return to the real theme
IL IT agreed, then, that we adhere to
our original plan?"
AS Tom sulkily refused to speak
Aaron asked gravely: 'You mean that
the ladies go to your plantation, Judge
Pleydell. while we remain for the Os-
tensible purpose Of formally handing
over the estate toto that man? The
ladies are to be kept in ignorance Of
our real purpose?''
I'D shoot him and be done with it,"
shifted young Randall He'll slip
through your fingers again-see IL he
doesn't
Yes. the ladies are to be kept in
entire ignorance" agreed Pleydell, ig-
nOring the boys observation, like
wise Mr.. Kirby and that fat scoundrel
who accompanies him-no warning,
mind. for they are desperate charac-
ters who hesitate at nothing. Miss
Adele will naturally abhor the idea Of
remaining under this roof one minute
longer than is absolutely necessary.
TO complete our ostensible purpose in
form the servants we are leaving, new
er to return. and let Miss Adele pack
up and take with her such things as
belonged to her mother and upon
which this scoundrel can have no legal
claim. BY the way, we must assume
charge Of Colonel Moreau's portman-
teau. with such effects as it may con-
tain. 1t is our duty to inquire if he
left any next Of kin and to return his
belongings TO them. Poor gentleman
so honorable. chivalrous and coura-
geous. | regret that had not the ex-
IRENE honor OF meeting him while he
was yet living"
AS, in quest Of the portmanteau.
Aaron entered the deserted drawing
room Kirby. pacing the balcony. hail
ed him from the window.
mir. Randall. if you think that ex-
citable young cousin of yours is ready
to listen to me there's something I've
got to tell him." he said quietly, mas
tering his irritation.
! 1T Is our intention that you shall see
/ him, sir as soon as the ladies have