Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-06-09

admitted Kirby, with cool brevity and
indifference. 81 believe Id prefer to
60 out"
He glanced at Adele. but she had
turned away with bowed head. look
ing utterly crushed. After a moments
hesitation he turned to go, when NJ
Veaudry sprang forward and barred
his way.
Keep out of this. Anatola" warned
young Randall. You've done your
share"
Eyes. 1 have done my share. but !
have not forgotten my honor" replied
the young creole. pale with but III re-
pressed excitement. u would kill him.
but not by lies. 1t was fair meet.
ing. Colonel Moreau was armed this
morning. He carried that very pistol
you show us here, pointing to the
weapon that Judge Pleydell still he'd
''The proof Is there" he finished sim
ply. "Your cousin. he told me-"
"You fool! cried young Randall.
completely outraged at this unexpected
action which he considered base
treachery. What do you mean
Aaron" he added violently, turning to
his cousin. tell him that's lie."
But Tom Randalrs second witness
proved as disappointing. and his hasty.
despicable and well executed method
Of vengeance fell to pieces before his
enraged eyes. He. who had not thought
twice Of fastening a murder upon his
enemy. had never for moment doubt
ed that. the necessity arising. this i'm
portant witness. this blood relation
who shared his hatred. would readily
swear away the life Of their mutual
enemy. He had acted without princi-
pie He had reckoned without his cous-
ms inherent love for common decen-
cy and justice. Aaron Randall posi-
lively refused to corroborate the false
hood. mo. sir" he said sternly. I'VE
have better way"
Tom. abandoning himself to rage and
chagrin. turned upon NJ. Veaudry and
Aaron. "You cowardly sneaks" he
l had this man where could pay him
what l owed him. There are twenty
men around this house who would
stamp his life out like rattlesnake.
Give me that pistol"
"Give him the pistol. Give him for
typ added Kirby holly as Judge PIey-
dell hesitated. "I'll teach you to skuIk
behind trees and rob dead mau. to
swear murder on me-" he added
passionately, turning upon his accuser.
II am clear Of your lies. ] am within
the law now. and you are outside it.
Take your pistol. call in your friends
to help you. and I'll make
mo! MOI" cried Adele piteously.
He turned. mastering by an effort
his bitter passion. And" he finished
courteously. with formal bow. II will
make them welcome. 1t shall never
be said of me that l was inhospitable
in my own house."
Oblivious to the others. his declara-
ton had been aimed at Adele. and. de-
spite the suave courtesy with which 1t
was delivered. she was acutely con-
scious of a certain bitter undercurrent
Of irony in the words. REINFORCED by
the sardonic challenge of his eyes.
Your own house," she echoed slow
~. did you say that
ut Is mine tonight"
She stared at him. wide eyed and
tremulous with sudden fear and hor-
ror, as If the phantasmagoria OF some
hideOus dream. a being whom she had
swiftly learned to cherish, had in
breath turned into venomOus reptile.
it's wicked head drawn back to strike.
There is only one man in the world
who could make that claim" she whis-
pered. choking over each word while
she still stared with Mortified fascina-
tion-"only one man In the world who
could make that claim"
Don't you see who the scoundrel
is?" cried Tom. with brutal contempt.
Kirby bowed gravely to Adele Ran
dali.
Cameo Kirby-at your service. mad
am. l told you the bad prince always
stayed too long," he added sadly. bit
terly.
age triumph upon his fancied enemy.
THE only pistol carried in my life
was my fathers. There 1t Is" produc-
ing from his pocket the silver mount
ed single shot weapon. You ought
to know that pistol" he finished men,
acingly. IF you don't. these people
here know it."
You seem to have made your CASE