Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-05-16

PAGES, and a sudden throb of fame
ieaped from Moreau's pistol, followed
by whirIing wreath of smoke and a
reverberating crash. He reelcd from
the heavy charge. At the same mo-
ment Kirby's Iisliess hand swept up.
and without breaking step he fired.
The drifting smoke parted in shreds
and streamed away. The startled
crows had ceased cawing. and of
somewhere a bluejay ventered to tim
idly call its mate. Once more the cool
serenity had descended upon the duel
ing oaks. Kirby was still advancing.
but Colonel Aioreau. giving little
cough, hesitated Il moment. then fell
prone. small blue indentution disfig-
uring the purity Of his lofty forehead.
Cameo Kirby looked gravely down
upon the body of his late enemy; then
rs gravely he parted the trees and.
with bowed head. slowly threaded his
way toward the distant town.
Kirby had not long left the scene Of
conflict before Tom Randall. coming
from an almost Numerically opposite
direction. burst into the grove and
tripped headlong over the lifeless form
of Colonel Moreau. Recovering him
self. the boy stared in Mortified amaze
ment ut what he had never expected
to see. That God should have thus
defended the impious seemed impossi-
ble. Astonishment quickly gave place
to 4 sense of burning outrage. bitter
ness, adherence and vindictiveness
which UNNECESSARILY overswept all
previous feelings Of treasured animosi-
ty and hatred. Now. Kirby must
atone not only for the suicide Of John
Randall. but for the death Of that
fancied protector and
cha mpion.
Swayed by his present emotions,
baked Of revenge and thirsting for
some means of expressing 1t. young
Randall now stopped to an action
which dishonored his name. race and
country. In cooler moments he would
feited the respect of all decent men.
But be was hostage to a tempestuOus
and violent passion which counted not
the means to an end. Single handed
he might not hope TO hunt down Kir-
by. but If he could enlist the assist
nnce Of the authorities. make every
man the gamblers enemy. the latter's
would be assured.
With difficulty loosening Moreau's
fast stiffeninG fingers from their death
grip upon the pistol. young Randall
hastily concealed the weapon upon his
person and thus by single movement
what had been an honor
able and fair encounter into SEEM
ingly deliberate and cold blOoded muir
der. The fact that Moreau had used
he late John Randall's weapon. leav-
ing his own at Nine. Davezac's, would
be but additional proof that Cameo
Kirby had shot down an unarmed
man. But one living witness other
han Tom Randall had been present Mt
this exchange of weapons. and he.
Aaron. would be expected to keep ST.
ent. Revenge. may it ever be honor
able. but. honorable or dishonorable.
revenge at all costs--such was the
boys slogan.
He had hardly resumed possession
II his fathers weapon and thus cast
the stigma of murder upon Kirby
when several men, attracted by the
shots and whose rapid approach had
spurred the boy to instant action. came
into the grove. 10 them young
Randall breathlessly recounted his YER
sion Of the tragedy. You see, the gen.
:leman has no weapon" he concluded.
to Moreau's barren hands.
This. therefore. is deliberate and
planned murder. Like your
selves. was attracted by the shot"
But there was two Of 'em. for I
put in one Of the newcomers
1.-The murderer evidently missed ut
lis first fire." said Tom. MY name is
Randall of Plaquemine. so you may
lccept by word that found the gen.
leman as | have stated. This Is a
,reat and villainous outrage. happen
O know the victim, most estimable
md honorable gentleman. who had
he misfortune to incur the enmity Of
he notorious river gambler Cameo
Kirby. The latter Swore to get even,
nd there Is no doubt he has fulfilled
lis murderous and cowardly inten-
ion."