Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-08-20
CHAPTER XIII


tual assault upon his enemy. With
difficulty be was bundled out OF the
room by Aaron and NJ. Veaudry before
blood was shed. Kirby being ia no
humor % stand further insults from
HIS accuser. Then Adele was escorted
from the room by old Nanny Lena.
Groups wife. while Judge Pleydeu re-
paired 20 the balcony and dismissed
the patiently waiting posse.
Unwilingly the posse dispersed. some
even returning 90 New Orleans. while
the interchangeable old Judge retired in
doors and sought his three friends.
leaving Kirby and Bunce ia uudisput-
ed possession Of the ground floor.
"Wel. gentlemen" began PIevdeIl
IN a businesslikc voice. there is only
one thing 20 be done. and that is 20
adhere 20 our original plan. 10 is no
time now 20 deplore our mutual blind
ness The fact remains that that
ID low gambler has claimed the
plantation. as we expected. though ]
admit he took an unlocked FOR and
devilish roundabout method OF doing
So"
IF 1 had had any help he wouldn't
be here now" interrupted Tom Ran
dali sullenly. glowerinE at Aaron and
n. Veaudry. "TU fix him vetr'
"Not you alone. but the four Of u.s.
corrected Pleydell. "and we1l give him
fairer chance than be deserves. In
the meanuu-.er Tom. YOU must control
yourself andSeep out or his way until
the ladies have left the house. Cor no
violence must be INDUCED In IN their
presence. Your poor sister has stood
about all she can bear. reckon. though
I'm glad she discovered I'm time the
true character OF that designing VIZ
lain
you mean 20 insinuate that be dared
90 pay his addresses 20 AdeleT' cried
Tom, springing 90 hts feet In a fresh
access OF fury.
NJ. Ncaudry laid n restraining hand
upon his arm. 1T IS that / do not
think Mr.. Kirby has acted as other
than a gentleman 20 a lady" he said
pacihcally, glancing significantly at
Pleydell.
Gentleman sneercd young Ran
dali "As II be knew the meaning OF
N-AN WIN nut A nc AAM MaNtA 10 al
dress Adele / would SO down now
and
you must learn 20 control yourself.
sir" interposcd the judge. somewhat
testify, irritated az 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-
sites. 'for Anatole is quite right. Mr.
Kirby evidently has one virtue-he
knows his hmits-and your sister is
not one 20 be impressed by such a
character even II masQuerading under
such an honorable name as Colonel
Moreau. To return to the real theme.
is IL agreed, then. that we adhere 20
our original planY'
As Tom sulkily refused 70 speak.
Aaron asked gravely: you mean that
the ladies go 10 your plantation. Judge
Pleydell. while we remain for the Os-
tensible purpose or formally handing
over the estate toto that man2 The
ladies are to be kept In ignorance of
our real purposeT"
I'D shoot him and be done with Il"
smiled young Randall. He'll slip
through your fingers again-see II he
doesn't"
Yes, the ladies are TO be kept IN
entire Ignorance" agreed Pleydell, ig-
nOring the boys observation, like
wise Mr.. Kirby and that fat scoundrel
who accompanies him-no warning,
mind. for they are desperate charac-
tiers who hesitate at nothing. Miss
Adele viii naturally abhor the idea OF
remaining under this roof one minute
longer than is absolutely necessary
To complete our Ostensible purpose In
form the servants we are leaving, new
er to return, and let Miss Adele pack
up and take with her such things as
belonged 10 her mother and upon
which this scOundrel can have no legal
claim By the way. we must assume
charge OF Colonel Moreau's pOrtman-
teau, with such effects as it may con
tain. IL is our duty TO inquire If be
left any next OF kin and TO return his
belongings 10 them. Poor gentleman
so honorable, chivalrous and cOura-
geous. regret that had not the ex-
IRENE honor OF meeting him while he
was yet living"
AS. in quest OF the portmanteau,
Aaron entered the deserted drawing
room Kirby. pacing the balcony, hail
ed him from the window.
"Mr- Randall. II you think that ex-
citable young cousin OF yours is ready
90 listen 10 me there's something I've
got to tell him." he said quietly, mas
tering his irritation
1T Is our intention that you shall see
him, sir, as soon as the ladies have
gone" replied Aaron, with a signifi-
canoe lost on the other.
When the ladies have goneT' echoed
Kirby, entirely without comprehension.
for he had never contemplated such a
move.
Mr.. Randall nodded
"Mr. Kirby" he said coldly, 'in their
sense Of honor 10 the dead man who
lost this place TO you his children do
not oppose your possession But you
can scarcely imagine they would he