The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1910-08-25

proach as full realization OF his many
wrongs overcame him. 'You know /
never had nothin' to say to no ladies,
and as soon as ever see one / choke
up. and my neck gets hot and my ears
git red. introduced me as his secre-
tary." again appealing to the invisible
audience. Waugh. Secretary! I'd
make h of secretary. wouldn't
/? Come on. Gene. Pry yourself
loose from all this darn foolishness
before it's too late"-
Eve already given you my deci-
sion" interrupted Kirby. with some
asperity. But. Larkin. don't let my
affairs detain you,
Bunce. after farewell Invocation of
the heavens. resigned himself to the
inevitable and. seating himself on the
garden seat, proceeded to pick his
teeth. while he fastened a plaintive
and expectant eye on the distant
house.
The partners sat in moody silence
for some time until at length their
reveries were interrupted by the adj
vent Of Judge Pleydell, Mr. Randall
and NJ. Veaudry. The judge had but
returned from the steamboat landing,
and as he approached the occupants
OF the garden seat his expression was
OF so serious a character that Bunce,
ever on the lookout for trouble. now
scented danger and. nudging his COM
panion, jumped to his feet. But Kir-
BY, though wary eyed, remained out
wardly cool and entirely self possess
ed and, embracing this heaven sent
opportunity OF further aggravating his
partner. promptly introduced the lat
ter as 'my secretary"
colonel Moreau. sir" began the
Sudge, somewhat astonished at the fe-
rocity Of Mr.. Bunce's bow, 81 have the
most astonishing piece of news for
you. What would you say IL i told
you that you had no right to be here
at all, sir?" ,fsea
AS Pleydell preserving his stern de-
meanor. laid hand on Kirby's Shout
der his companions exchanged startled
and significant chances. while Mr..
Bunce grew apologize and edged
nearer his partner. All eyes were now
on Kirby, but his expression of mild
surprise and courteous interest never
changed. -:
'fWeI, rec on I'd have to say that
the joke was on me, judge" he calmly
replied.
Pleydell began to laugh.
''Well, sir, according to rumor, you
amt here. According to rumor, you
amt anywhere, because you're dead"
To him it was huge joke, and he
roared until the tears mingled with
his snowy mtstache. all ignorant of
the fact that he had propounded
literal truth; ignorant Of the fact that
his companions were still significantly
eying each other and that Mr.. Bunce
mas having exceeding difficulty with
his collar. In fact, Kirby was the
sole member Of the interested audi
ence who appeared to appreciate the
full humor OF the situation.
when is my funeral?" he asked,
with a smile. 81 don't want to miss
that"
His composure somewhat recovered;
but, still chuckling and occasionally go
ing OF into another spasm Of laughter,
the judge proceeded to explain the
manner in which he had gained the
interesting Information.
1.-The afternoon steamer does not
stop, sir, and am obliged to row out
in a boat to get ing letters. The news
was shouted to US from the deck as
she moved away. All i could catch
was the words, Colonel MoEeau dead
and think they added, This morn
ing The distance vase too great for
me to secure any further items from
that. interesting liar, SIR"
And, still laughing, Pleydell clapped
Kirby on the shoulder, while Mr..
Bunce, drawing his first long breath,
mutely thanked the Almighty that all
guilelessness and innocence had not
entirely deserted mankind when the
serpent entered Eden.
But it was apparent that Mr.. Ran
dali and NJ. Veaudry owned more dis
cernment and that their quick suspi-
cions, previously aroused, had now be-
come active, pregnant with danger. It
so happened that they were now aug
mented by none other than the Gen.
eral, who would have died rather than
Willingly betray his trust During the
judges discourse the boy had Joined
the group, seeking out Kirby as his
natural companion. Looking at the
others hand and again at his breast,
the General suddenly exclaimed: II
know what all those things are that
you wear. They're canoes"
Canoes" exclaimed Aaron under
his breath, his eyes returning to those
OF NJ. Veaudry.
Meanwhile Adele had been busily
preparing for her last mute appeal to
Kirby to remain. For the first time
since her fathers death she discarded
mourning and in its place arrayed
herself In a treasured evening gown Of
white satin purchased in Paris before