Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-08-13
CHAPTER XII
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eapeT' smiled Kirby. Not any. Group.
For one thing l don't wish TO. and for
another think IL would be wasted ef-
fort. The moon is very unaccommo-
eating, - he added cheerfully. peering
out into the darkness. but still IL
seems 10 me that there are shadows
out there not formed by trees At
least they appear somewhat agitated
] shouldn't wonder" he flushed I'M the
same pleasant conversational tone. III
Mr. Runce has realized by this time
that he would have been considered bly,
more comfortable had he remained
here. The night air doesn't appear
overhealthfuL"
"NO' ugan. Marse Gene. dat de house
am surrounded vif men," quavered
Group. seeking to peer over the others
shoulder.
$50 I should imagine" agreed Kirby
ITS dye our interesting friends ON
horseback should be here Aren't they
drawing rein out thereY'
"oh. Lawd, Oh. Lawdr' gasped
Group. abandoning himself to despair.
"Dey's gwiue 90 have yo' life, Marse
Gene
"S-h-hr' warned Kirby. Here come
the ladies' No more agony. n you
please. assure you your sympathies
are entirely wasted. The good die
young. you know" And be turned.
with a pleasant smile. a Mime. Da-
vezac and Miss Pleydeu erred
Both appeared thoroughly righteu-
ed, although endeavoriug 90 cloak 90
under .mask OF well bred composure.
and Hiby. purposely ignoring their
condition. launched himself upon
soothing curreut OF small talk which
was remarkable for its lack OF rele-
vance.
Just dlscoursing with Group on the
beauties OF the night" he prevaricated
cheerfully. You see. have been
quite deserted. My secretary. feeling
the heat. stepped into the garden FOR
breath Of air, while Miss Randall
evidently had duties elsewhere. Shall
we continue our gamef or perhaps
Miss Adele will sing Tor as again"
II am a little frightened. Colonel
Moreau," interrupted Nine. Davezuc.
her emotion mastering all repressive
measuf>Nr while she glanced apprehen-
sively at the window. There are
strange shadows moving I'm the garden
We saw them from the parlor."
"Ah. undoubtedly my secretary" re
piled Kirby. "a most active being FOR
one OF his excessive displacement.
assure YOU he is entirely capable OF
creating more than one legitimate
shadow
1T was more than one man." inter
rupted Ann Pleydell in a frightened
voice OF conviction. Please do not
jest with us. Colonel Moreau. We are
convinced that some men are watch
ing this house both front and rear"
in that case" said Kirby. instantly
serious. II beg OF you. ladies. TO retire
TO your rooms and permit me 20 In
vestigate this matter There IS no
cause FOR alarm
A shrill, frightened scream cut him
short. and the neSt moment POulette
came flying into She room. moaning
and wringing her hands.
"Oh-h-hr' she cried. shrinking away
from the window. Men all round de
house. Dey have gun muskets. Dey
hide in de bush. Oh-h-h"'
Instinctively Kirby placed a hand
in his breast pocket and strobe toward
the balcony. AS he gained the window
a hand suddenly pulled him back. and
be turned 10 confront Adele.
you think they have tracked you. q"
she whispered. biting the culver from
shant." passiOnately. vehemently.
stand back from the window" he
commanded quietly. throwing an arm
before her. Ladies'" he added. turn
ing TO the others. who. with Pouiette.
had defensively bulwarked themselves
behind the card table there is no
cause for alarm. Ii is possibly only a
posse OF our neighbors hunting q run
away niger"
quite so. sir" agreed a drawing
voice And. turning. Kirby discerned
Judge Pleydell standing in the door
way, complacently and resolutely
blocking the one avenue OF escape.
Kirby felt quite assured that at last
some one OF his late friends had dis
covered the true identity OF Colonel
MOTeau"
Il have found out who these tres
passers are" continued the judge. sig
nihcantly eying the masquerader. and,
ladies'. It Is my earnest request that
you retire TO yoUr rooms"
"RetireT" furiOusly stormed Adele.
her eyes swapping. Il tell you I'll
have them whipped or the place."
you can't do it: he's right" cut In
Kirby. nOdding toward the Judge
A heavy step in full retreat now
sounded on the balcony. and as Nine
Dsvezac gave birrh TO a frightened
little scream Larkin Bunce. looking
considerably overheated and embar.
rassed. pushed through the window
and beamed rather foolishly upon the
assembled company.
You changed your mind about TAX.
ing that stroll. did you. Larkin?'
greeted Kirby pleasantly.
We'll. ! didn't stroll fur" acknowi
edged the other fastening an innocent
eye upon the ceiling. There was
some men out there. strangers 10 me
so fur. Yet they Kind o. seemed &,
show some interest IN me when | RAJ