The news=record. [volume] (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon) 1907-1910, 1910-09-10

Aaron Randalls expression changed.
and with sudden agitation he grasped
NJ. veaudry's arm. TO both men some
idea of the boys despicable action had
occurred.
Kirby waited coolly. surveying his
accuser. while be carefully chose his
next words. $50 you are the man |
had to find" he said measuredly, with
a sardonic, contemptuous smile. Did
keep it"
That's your defense. is it?' cried
Tom, laughing wildly. I'm show you
how much water thatll 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 little
tighter around your neck. Moreau left
his pistol in that portmanteau this
morning while at my aunts house. and
if 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
~. Dut lGuIdlDlHS 81
lent. Judge Pleydel stepped hriskly
forward and performed the service.
holding Significantly aloft the Derrin-
ger which had almost ended Kirby's
life.
"Ha. That looks as If 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 II 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 Id prefer to
go out"
He glanced at Adele. but she had
ing utterly crushed. After a moment's
hesitation he turned TO go. when NJ
veaudry sprang forward and barred
his way.
Keep out of this. Anatole." warned
young Randall. You've done your
| share"
Yes. have done my share. but
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 he'd
'The proof is there" he finished sim
ply. "Your cousin. he told me-"
You fool" cried young Randall.
completely outraged at this unexpected
action. which he considered base
treachery. What do you mean!
Aaron" he added violently. turning to
his cousin, tell him thar's a lie.'
But Tom Randalls second witness
proved as disappointing, aud his hasty,
despicable and well 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 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
Pile. 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. mo. sir" he said sternly. 1--WE
have better way"
Tom. abandoning himself to rage anG
chagrin. turned upon NJ. Veaudry anC
Aaron. "You cowardly sneaksr' ht
cried. "You go back Oh me now wher
had this man where could pay hin
what | owed him. There are twenty
men around this house who woult
stamp his life out like rattleshake
Give me that pistol"
"Give him the pistol. Give him for
tyr added Kirby hotly as Judge Pley
dell hesitated. "rll teach you to skull
behind trees and rob dead man. 4
swear murder on me-" he addet
passionately. turning upon his accuser
81 am clear of your lies. ! am within
the law now. and you are outside IL
Take your pistol. call in your friend
to help you. and I'll make
mo. Nor cried Adele piteously.
He turned. mastering by an effor
his bitter passion. And" he finished
/ courteously. with formal bow, Il viii
make them welcome. 1t shall neve
be said of me that was inhospitabl
In my own house."
Oblivious to the Others his declara
ton had been aimed ut Adele, and. dc
spite the suave courtesy with which
, was delivered. she was acutely cor
scious of certain bitter undercurren
Of irony In the words. re-enforced b
the sardonic challenge of his eyes.
"Your own house." she echoed slow
ly. did you say that
"It Is mine tonight"
She stared at him. wide eyed an
tremulous with sudden fear and hol
ror. as II the phantasmagoria OF som
hideous dream. being whom she ha
NJ H.. .A oh m m