The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-10-13

Adele to Kirby.
"The ride" echoed Nine. Davezac.
"Mais-non. 1t was that charming
Colonel Moreau. l think he brings the
sunshine we have been waiting for so
long"
While the others. with the exception
Of the moody and respondent NJ. Neau-
dry, entered the house, Adele, Offering
the excuse that she wished to see her
roses again, sought flower basket and
scissors and, accompanied by the in
domitable Kirby, repaired to the gar
den, Anato!e watching them with
broody, longing eyes.
Presently he became aware that an
other was as interested as himself,
and, turning, he found Group at his
elbow. The old serving man contin-
ued for some time to silently scan
Kirby's retreating figure.
"Who you say were dat genaman's
name. Marse Anatole?" he at length
inquired.
Colonel Moreau," abstractedly re-
piled NJ. Veaudry.
"Yes. sch. Yes. seh," acknowledged
Group. Oats de name what he done
give. Yes, Sch" But he was far from
satisfied and. still shaking his head
and mumbling to himself, returned in
doors. Certainly neither Kirby nor
C-oup-quondam servant and youthful
master-had the remotest idea that.
after a separation Of so many years,
they had finally met.
Meanwhile Aaron Randall had re-
turned from bis abortive mission only
to learn that the elusive Judge Pley-
dell had again left, this time to ride
over to the steamboat landing for e1-
pected letters. But Adele's elderly cous-
in was too excited to longer trouble
himself concerning the judges erratic
movements. for he had learned that
Colonel Moreau had. after sll, accom-
panied the ladies' and was at that very
moment with Adele in the garden.
"Why. then" he exclaimed to n.
veaudry. who had been bis informant.
this can mean only one thing-Cameo
Kirby is dead!" And he tersely relat-
ed the meeting at the oaks even down
to the detail Of Moreau t.kiSg the late
John Randalrs pistol. TON secretly
followed the colonel" be finished. "aDd
it's devilish strange be didn't return
with him. don't understand It"
But M. veaudry was only thinking
Of this added advantage which bis
rival had gained In the eyes OF Adele.
"Ah, be has one more pryiieee--l
have to envy him" be exclaimed. Il
see be Is a gentleman and does not
boast. Also II is that hs woulG not
wish the ladies TO know. shall seek
opportunity to congratulate him when
he Is not In their presence. ! should
not think It honor Of me to be slow
with my felicitations- Ah. shall do
1t now"
He turned as Kirby emerged from
tse garden. Adele having halted some
distance down the path.
Il have just learn. SIR" began Ana
tole. with a bow. 'of the great privi-
lege you have had today. We know
by the pleasure to see you alive that
there is one great scoundrel which Is
not"
who's that" asked Kirby. lighting
q cheroot.
II offer you congratulation," pur-
sued the young creole formally and
rather stif1y. that you have earn the
gratitude Of all good people"
"What for?"
Because you have the honor to kill
that Cameo Kirby"
The other with perfect composure
gravely eyed his cheroot, while he sue
cessfuIly concealed all evidence Of any
other feeling.
WELL" he said courteously, Il al
ways hoped that nobody but myself
would kill that fellow. suppose many
have wished to. but they didn't have
my luck"
But most / congratulate you. NJ. le
Colonel" finished Anatole. his voice
tremulous with emotion. rs that you
have earn so much gra.itude-here.
making an eloquent gesture toward the
house.
This time Kirby could not conceal
his astonishment And why should
that have earned me so much gratitude
-here?" he asked bluntly, initiating
the others gesture.
Before NJ. Veaudry could reply Adele
had ioined the group.
"Anatole has presented you to thr
colonel:" she inquired. turning to her
cousin. Then. needless Of his evident
amazement. she gayly continued. turn
ing to Kirby: This is our good cousin
Aaron. Aaron, you will be glad to
know that this gentleman is Colonel
Moreau. l have the honor to present
you"
Colonel NIoreau" gasped Aaron.
aghast. "Why-why-l met Colonel
Nforeau-this morning"