The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-06-22

k61Ro( Adele had given a little cry
 G2&&J and promptly tainted, while
 her brother attempted another inefec-
 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 Pleydeu re-
 paired to the balcony and dismissed
 the patiently waiting posse.
 Unwillingly the posse dispersed, some
 even returning to New Orleans, while
 the indefatigable old judge retired in-
 doors and sought his three friends,
 leaving Kirby and Bunce in undisput-
 ed possession of the ground floor. "Well, gentlemen" began Pleydell in businesslike voice, "there is only
 one thing to be done, and that is to adhere to our original plan. It is no time now to deplore our mutual blind ness. The fact remains that that d-d low gambler has claimed the
 plantation, as we expected, though
 admit he took an unlocked for and
 devilish roundabout method of doing
 so."
 'eIf had had any help he wouldn't be here now" interrupted Tom Ran-
 dall sullenly, glowering at Aaron and
 M. Veaudry. "I'n fix him yetw "Not you alone, but the four of us," corrected Pleydell, "and we'll give him a fa1rer 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 indulged in in their presence. Your poor sister has stood about all she can bear, reckon though Pm glad she discovered in time the true character of that designing viI- lain''-
 "You mean to insinuate that he dared to pay his addresses to AdeleT" cried Tom, springing to his feet in fresh access of fury.
 M. Veaudry laid restraining hand upon his arm. Tt is that I do not think MT. Kirby has acted as other than gentleman to lady," he said
 pacifically, glancing significantly at PleydeI.
 "Gentleman" sneered young Ran- dall. "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 to control yourself, sir," interposed the judge, somewhat testify, 1rritated 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 Aaron's supposed abil-
 ities. for Anatole is quite right MT. Kirby evidently has one virtue-he knows bis 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. is it agreed, then, that we adhere to our original planT'
 As Tom sulkily refused to speak Aaron asked gravely: .I ou 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?"
 "Pd shoot him and be done with it.
 sniffed young Randall. Hell slip
 through your fingers again-see if he doesn't"
 "Yes, the ladies are to be kept in