Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-06-13


difficulty he was bundled out Of tn
room by Aaron and NJ. Veaudry befor
blood was shed. Kirby being in n,
humor to stand further insults from
his accuser. Then Adele was escorted
from the room by old Nanny Lena
Groups wife. while Judge PleydelI re
paired to the balcony and dismissed
the patiently waiting posse.
UnwillingIy the posse dispersed. som,
even returning to New Orleans. while
the indefatigable old Judge retired in
doors and sought his three friends
leaving Kirby and Bunce In undisput
ed possession Of the ground door.
well. gentlemen" began PIeyde
in businesslike voice. there Is only
one thing to be done. and that Is to
adhere to our original plan. 1t is nc
time now to 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 aud
devilish rounda bout method Of doing
So"
IF had had any help he wouldn't
be here now" interrupted Tom Ran
dali sullenly. glowering at Aaron and
NJ. veaudry. "I'll 6x him YETI
mot you alone. but the four Of u.s. -
corrected Pleydell. land we'll give him
a fairer chance than he deserves. In
the meantime. Tom. you must control
yourself and keep out Of his way until
the ladies have left the house. for 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 in time the
true character of that designing vii
LAIN
You mean to jnsinuate that he dared
to pay his addresses to Adele?" cried
Tom. springing to his feet In a fresh
access Of fury.
NJ. Vcaudry laid restraining hand
upon his arm. 1T is that do not
think Mr.. Kirby has acted as other
than gentleman to lady," he said
Practically. glancing significantly at
Pleydell.
Gentleman sneered young Ran
DALI "As II he knew the meaning Of
the word! But If he had dared to ad-
dress Adele would 60 down now
and
You must learn to control yourself,
SIR interposed the Judge, somewhat
testify. irritated at 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 ut
the mention of Aaron's supposed abil-
tiles. "for Anatole Is quite right. Mr..
Kirby evidently has one virtue-he
knows bis limits-and your sister is
not one to be impressed by such a
character even II masquerading under
such an honorable name rs Colonel
Moreau. To return to the real theme.
is it agreed. then. that we adhere to
our original plan?'
Az Tom sulkily refused to speak.
Aaron asked gravely: You mean that
the ladies go to your plantation. Judge
Pleydell. while we remain for the os-
tensible purpose Of formally handing
over the estate toto that man? The
ladies are to be kept in ignorance Of
our real purpose?''
I'D shoot him and be done with It,"
smiled young Randall. He'll slip
through your fingers agaln-see If no
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 will 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 to 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 1t may con-
tain. 1t IL our duty to inquire II he
left any next Of kin and to return his
belongings to 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 rendy
to listen to me there's something I've
got to tell him." he said quietly. mas
tering bis irritation.
1T Is our intention that you shall sec
him. sir, as soon as the ladies have
gone" replied Aaron. with a signii-
canoe lost on the other.
when the ladies' have gomez? 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 to the dead man who
lost this place to you his children do
not oppose your possession. But you
can scarcely imagine they would be
willing to pass the night under this
roof once you had claimed It."
Without comment Kirby returned to
the balcony. He looked old and care