The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-10-08

distance down the path.
Il have just learn. SIR" began Ana
tole. with 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"
"Whos thatT' asked Kirby. lighting
q cheroot.
II offer you congratulation," pur-
sued the young creole formally and
rather stiffly. 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
cessfully concealed all evidence of any
other feeling.
WELL" he said cOurteously, 81 al
ways hoped that nobody but myself
would kill that fellow. l suppose many
have wished TO. but they didn't have
my luck"
But most / congratulate you. NJ. lie
Colonel" finished Anatole. his voice
tremulous with emotion, "is that you
have earn so much gratitude-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 joined the group.
"Anatole has presented you to the
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 Moreaur' gasped Aaron,
aghast "Why-why-I met Colonel
MOreau-this morning"
Adele started and paled as, too late.
she fully realized the truth But Kir-
by remained the same courteous. ami
able and care free gentleman of the
carriage. while he eyed Aaron steadi-
ly. Does 1t seem to you that l have
changed since we last metz" he bland
ly inquired. Perhaps you would
hardly know me for the same man?
In fact, if Miss Adele hadn't told you
that l am Colonel Moreau you would
not have believed It? But you take
her word for it, don't your
After long, tense silence the bewil-
dered Aaron gravely Inclined his head
saving, "Yes. | take her word"
"Ah, l thought So" gently comment
ed Kirby, and, bowling. he joined Miss
Pleydell and the General in the gar
den.
"Cousin Aaron" said Adele earnest
ly, 81 did introduce that gentleman as
Colonel Moreau. l know just what
am doing. ask you to trust me until
Tom comes. because l ought to tell
him first. Will you do it," And.
again. Aaron. after momentary strug-
gle, assented.
When the girl had rejoined Kirby I'm
the garden, Nj. Veaudry, who had been
an interested spectator Of the little
tableau. exchanged with his compan-
ion significant glance of grave sus-
picion.
"He mus have changed quickly, this
colonel. since you saw him this morn
ing" he commented dryly. 81 think
But who is this gentleman?" turning
to confront Larkin Bunce, who. mop
ping his inflamed face with dusty
sleeve. had thrown himself from his
weary horse and boldly entered the
gate. In fact, he had ridden at q
breakneck pace all the way from New
Orleans.
"Your servant. sir" he greeted, bow
Ing to Aaron. I'm lookin' for the
gentleman who come here In the car
riage with the ladies'"
"Ah." exclaimed Mr.. Randall, close
~ scanning the other. "you're the gen.