The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-06-13
(Continued.)

Kirby had not long left the scene of conflict before Tom Randall, coming from an almost diametrically opposite direction. burst into the grove and tripped headiong over the .Iifeless form of Colonel Moreau- Recovering him. self, the boy stared in mortified amaze ment at what he had never expected to see. That God should have thus defended the impious seemed impossi- ble. Astonishment quickly gave place to sense of burning outrage. bitter ness, abhorrence and vindictiveness which immeasurably overswept all previous feelings of treasured animosi- ty and hatred. Now, Kirby must atone not only for the suicide of John Randall. but for the death of that gentleman's fancied protector and champion.
 Swayed by his present emotions. baked of revenge and thirsting for some means of expressing 1t, young Randall now stopped to an action which dighonored his name, race and country. In cooler moments he would have repudiated an action which for feited the respect of all decent men. But he was hostage to tempestuous and violent passion which counted not the means to an end. Single handed he might not hope to hunt down Kir- by. but if he could enlist the assist ance of the authorities, make every man the gamblers enemy. the latter's capture would be assured.
 With difficulty loosening Moreau's fast stiffening fingers from their death hastily concealed the weapon upon his person and thus by a single movement transformed what had been an honor able and fair encounter into a seem- ingly deliberate and cold blooded mur- der. The fact that Moreau had used the late John Randalls weapon, leav- ing his own at Mime. Davezac's, would be but additional proof that Cameo Kirby had shot down an unarmed man. Bur one living witness other than Tom Randall had been present at this exchange of weapons, and he, Aaron, would be expected to keep si- lent. Revenge, may it ever be honor able. but. honorable or dishonorable. revenge at all costs-such was the boys slogan.
 He had hardly resumed possession of his fathers weapon and thus cast the stigma of murder upon Kirby when several men, attracted by the shots and whose rapid approach had spurred the boy to instant action. came running into the grove. To them young Randall breathlessly recounted his yer sion of the tragedy. You see, the gen. tleman has no weapon," he concluded, pointing uo Moreau's barren hands.
 This, therefore, is a deliberate and carefully planned murder. Like your selves. I was attracted by the shot"
 "But there was two of lem, for counted" put in one of the newcomers.
 ''The murderer evidently missed at his first fire," said Tom. My name is Randall of Plaquemine, so you may accept by word that I found the gen. tleman as I have stated. This is a great and villainous outrage. I happen to know the victim, a most estimable and honorable gentleman, who had the misfortune to incur the enmity of the notorious river gambler Cameo Kirby. The latter swore to get even, and there is no doubt he has fulfilled his murderous and cowardly inten- tion."
 ~I seen this Kifoy in town yester- day. commented one of the men, ex- amining with morbid curiosity Mo reau's death wound Hes a bad egg from all accounts. Done his job neat Shot from ambush. reckon"
 we passed him on the road as we come into the grove," added second sT know him by sight-a youngish looking, gray eyed blade with q sort of