Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-05-26

garden seat, proceeded to pick his
teeth. while he fastened plaintive
and expectant eye on the distant
house.
The partners sat in moody silence
for some timo until at length their
reveries were interrupted by the ad.
vent of Judge Pleydell. Mr.. Randall
ard NJ. Veaudry. The judge had but
returned from the steamboat landing,
and us he approached the occupants
Of the garden seat his expression was
of so serious character that Bunce,
ever on the lookout for trouble. now
scented danger and. nndging his com
pnnion jumped TO his feet. But Kir-
By, though wary eyed. remained out
wardly cool and entirely self possess
ed and. embracing this heaven sent
opportunity of further aggravating his
partner. promptly introduced the lat
ter as my secretary"
Colonel Moreau. SIR" began the
Judge, somewhat astonished at the fe-
rocity Of Mr. Bunce's bow. 81 have the
most astonishing piece OF news for
you. What would you say IL told
you that you had no right to he here
at all, sir:"
As P!eydcll, preserving his stern de-
meanor laid Il hand OH Kirby's Shout
der his companions exchanged startled
and significant glances, while Mr..
Bunce grew apologize and edged
nearer his partner. All eyes were now
on Kirby, but his expression Of mild
surprise and courteous interest never
changed.
"Well. reckon I'd have to say that
the joke was on me, Judge" he calmly
replied.
Pleydell began to laugh.
"Wcl1, sir, according to rumor. you
amt anywhere, because you're dead"
To him it was Il huge joke, and he
roarcd until the tears mingled with
his snowy mustache, all ignorant Of
the fact that he had prorounded a
literal truth; ignorant Of the fact that
his companions were still Significantly
eying each other and that Mr.. Bunce
was having exceeding difficulty with
his collar. In fact, Kirby was the
sole member of the Interested audi
encc who appeared to appreciate the
full humor of the situation.
when is my funeral?'' he asked,
with a smile II don't want to miss
that"
His composure somewhat recOvered:
but. still chucklins and occasionally 60
ing off into another spasm Of laughter.
the judge proceeded to explain the
manner in which he had gained the
interesting Information.
'"Thc afternoon steamer does not
stop, sir, and l am obliged to row out
in boat to get my letters. The news
was shouted to us from the deck as
she moved away. All l could catch
was the words. Colonel MOreau dead
and I think they added, This morn
ing The distance was too great for
me to secure any further items from
that interesting liar. sir"
And. still laughing, Pleydell clapped
Kirby on the shoulder. while Mr..
Bunce, drawing his first long breath,
mutely thanked the Almighty that all
guilelessness and innocence had not
entirely deserted mankind when the
serpent entered Eden.
But it was apparent that Mr.. Ran
dali and NJ. Veaudry owned more dis
cernment and that their quick suspi-
cions, previously aroused, had now be-
come active, pregnant with danger. 1t
so happened that they We're now aug
mented by none other than the Cen
eral, who would have died rather than
Willingly betray his trust. During the
judges discourse the boy had joined
the group, seeking out Kirby us his
natural companion. Looking ut the
others hand and again at his breast,
the General suddenly exclaimed: II
know what all those things are that
you wear They're canoes"
Canoes" exclaimed Aaron under
his breath. his eyes returning to those
of NJ. Veaudry.
Meanwhile Adele had been busily
preparing for her last mute appeal to !
Kirby to remain. For the first time
since her fathers death she discarded
mourning and in its place arraycd
herself in a treasured evening gown Of
white satin purchased in Paris before
the long shadow had descended upon